Dubai is truly amazing, blending old and new with its futuristic architecture and constant modernization, all within just a 3-hour flight.
A few highlights:
Flight - Wizz air flight to Abu Dhabi - simple, cheap and effective
Car – Car rental in Abu Dhabi – an hour and a quarter drive and you are in Dubai.
Cleanliness – Dubai is the cleanest city I have visited in the world, there are maintenance people everywhere!
Cost – Dubai is not cheap, prices are quite similar to the country
The weather – at the end of May the temperatures climbed to 40 degrees – completely passive! With proper planning of the day, you will not suffer from the heat. The only thing missing was the Global Village, which closed in mid-May for six months – but we accomplished so much else.
The Dubai Frame (Arabic: ุจุฑูุงุฒ ุฏุจู) is an iconic architectural landmark located in Zabeel Park. Described by *The Guardian* as "the largest picture frame on the planet," it offers a stunning visual experience.
Constructed from glass, steel, aluminum, and reinforced concrete, the frame is strategically positioned to provide views of both modern Dubai on one side and the older parts of the city on the other.
The frame stands 48 stories high, with an observation deck at the top that offers panoramic views of the city. One of its highlights is the glass floor, which allows visitors to walk above the cityscape. Despite its golden appearance, the building is not coated in real gold, but rather decorated with steel.
Opening hours:24 hours a day, seven days a week Website: Dubai Frame
2. The Shining Garden in Dubai
The Shining Garden in Dubai is a unique and visually stunning garden that showcases vibrant flowers and plants, often illuminated in dazzling colors to create a mesmerizing, glowing effect at night. This garden is typically part of larger seasonal events, such as the Dubai Garden Glow, which features immersive light installations and artistic displays throughout the park. The Shining Garden, with its glowing flora and creatively designed light sculptures, adds to the magical atmosphere of these events, making it a favorite among tourists and photographers. It's an enchanting place to visit, offering a captivating experience, especially after sunset when the garden truly comes to life with vibrant colors and shimmering lights.
The Museum of the Future in Dubai is a groundbreaking and futuristic museum that explores the possibilities of science, technology, and innovation. Located in the heart of Dubai, it is often referred to as one of the most iconic buildings in the world due to its unique design — a torus-shaped structure with a large elliptical void at its center, symbolizing the unknown future. The museum is an architectural marvel, featuring a blend of Arabic calligraphy and modern design.
Opened in 2022, the Museum of the Future offers immersive exhibits that showcase the future of various fields such as space exploration, artificial intelligence, sustainable living, and healthcare. Visitors can experience interactive displays, cutting-edge technologies, and thought-provoking installations that challenge conventional thinking and inspire curiosity about what the future holds.
Not just a museum, but a symbol of Dubai's ambition to be at the forefront of technological advancement, the Museum of the Future is a must-visit for anyone interested in the intersection of innovation, design, and the future of humanity.
Pro tip: Be sure to ask your guide to take a photo of you — don't miss out on capturing the moment! Check out the video below for a glimpse of the adventure.
๐Watch the Video๐
5. Sky Views Dubai
Sky Views Dubai is an exhilarating experience that offers stunning panoramic views of the city. Located in the heart of Dubai, it provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to enjoy the city's skyline from an observation deck, high above the ground. The attraction features a glass slide that lets you slide from one tower to another, offering an adrenaline-pumping descent with breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Creek, and the Dubai skyline. It's an unforgettable experience for those looking to take in the beauty of the city from above.
The experience also includes a glass-floored observation deck and a thrilling walk along the edge of the building for those seeking extra excitement. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking for stunning views and a little adventure.
Pro tip: there is an air-conditioned walkway from the Dubai Mall to the entrance
The Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in the world and a must-visit destination in Dubai. Located next to the iconic Burj Khalifa, this sprawling shopping and entertainment complex offers more than just shopping. With over 1,200 retail stores, it features luxury brands, popular high-street fashion, and a wide range of dining options, from fast food to fine dining.
Pro tip: the mall is simply huge - it's easy to get lost in it, you can download a special application to find your way around
The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, located inside The Dubai Mall, is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world and an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
The aquarium features a massive tank, holding 10 million liters of water, and is home to over 33,000 marine animals, including sharks, rays, and various fish species. The tank is visible from several areas in the mall, but visitors can also experience it up close with a variety of immersive activities.
The aquarium extends up to the third floor of the mall, and inside it is a 48 meter long tunnel which the aquarium rotates from all directions and allows viewing of animals from all angles. Another of the possibilities in the aquarium are sailing in a boat with a glass bottom, becoming a mermaid and even swimming with sharks (with the help of an oxygen tank of course)
Please note - there is no need to go inside, I think you can get an impression from watching from the outside as you will see in the next video (unless you want to dive with sharks)
Burj Khalifa (Arabic: ุจุฑุฌ ุฎูููุฉ - Khalifa Tower, is a tower and skyscraper, the tallest building and structure in the world. Prepare your neck, the building rises to a height of 828 meters (2,717 feet), and is the structure with the largest number of floors ever , with 163 floors.
The Burj Khalifa is one of the most iconic landmarks in Dubai and the tallest building in the world, standing at a staggering 828 meters (2,717 feet). Located in the heart of downtown Dubai, it’s a symbol of the city’s rapid growth, architectural innovation, and ambition.
Key Highlights:
At The Top Observation Deck: The observation deck, located on the 124th floor, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline, the surrounding desert, and the Persian Gulf. For an even more elevated experience, you can visit the 148th floor, which is the world’s highest observation deck. The views from here are absolutely stunning, especially at sunset.
Architecture and Design: Designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the Burj Khalifa was inspired by the shape of the Hymenocallis flower and is a marvel of modern engineering. The building features a unique Y-shaped plan for structural efficiency and is covered in reflective glass and steel.
The World’s Highest Restaurant and Lounge: The Atmosphere restaurant on the 122nd floor offers diners a luxurious experience with views to match. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a meal or cocktail while gazing at the sprawling city below.
Fountains and Surroundings: At the base of the Burj Khalifa, you’ll find the Dubai Fountain, which features daily shows with water dancing in time to music. The fountain’s performances are some of the world’s largest, and the surrounding area also has a beautiful park, lakes, and luxury shopping in the Dubai Mall.
Lighting and Night Views: The Burj Khalifa lights up spectacularly at night, with changing light displays that often coincide with holidays, celebrations, or special events. It’s an unforgettable sight when viewed from various points in the city.
The Burj Khalifa is not just a skyscraper; it’s an entire experience, offering everything from unparalleled views and dining to fascinating design and engineering feats. Whether you visit for the panoramic views or just to marvel at its sheer size, a trip to the Burj Khalifa is a must when in Dubai.
The Dubai Fountain is one of the world’s most impressive, choreographed fountain systems, located at the base of the Burj Khalifa and in front of the Dubai Mall. This spectacular water show features a combination of water, music, and lights, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Size and Scope: The Dubai Fountain stretches over 275 meters (902 feet) in length and shoots water as high as 150 meters (492 feet) into the air – that’s equivalent to the height of a 50-story building! It's the largest choreographed fountain in the world.
Choreography and Music: The fountain’s performances are synchronized to various music tracks, from classical to contemporary, as well as Arabic and international songs. The water dances to the rhythm of the music, creating a dynamic and visually stunning display. Popular tracks include "Time to Say Goodbye" and "I Will Always Love You".
Shows: The fountain offers performances every 30 minutes in the evenings, with additional shows during the day on weekends. The shows typically last about 3 to 5 minutes, with water jets soaring and moving in sync to the beat of the music.
Lighting: The Dubai Fountain is illuminated by 6,600 lights and 50 color projectors, adding to the spectacle as the water glistens and changes colors, enhancing the experience after dark. The combination of water, light, and music creates a magical atmosphere, making it a must-see attraction in Dubai.
Surroundings: Visitors can view the fountain from various spots around the Dubai Mall, including the Lake Ride (a traditional boat ride around the fountain), the Burj Khalifa's observation decks, and from numerous cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating along the promenade.
Special Events: The Dubai Fountain often hosts special performances for holidays and events, such as New Year’s Eve, National Day, and other major celebrations, making it a dynamic attraction that changes throughout the year.
Tips for Visiting:
Best Viewing Spot: The best views are from the Dubai Mall lake promenade, where you can get a close-up view of the fountains. For an elevated view, the At The Top observation deck in the Burj Khalifa offers an incredible vantage point.
Timing: The shows are frequent, but try to visit just before sunset for an amazing transition from daylight to the vibrant night show. It can get busy during peak times, so plan accordingly.
The Dubai Fountain is a true marvel, combining nature, technology, and art to create an experience that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who sees it. Whether you're standing by the lake or watching from a nearby restaurant, it’s a spectacular sight that perfectly complements the grandeur of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall.
The Wings of Mexico statue in Dubai is a large-scale, eye-catching artwork located in the city’s Zabeel Park area. It is one of Dubai’s notable public art installations and has quickly become a popular spot for visitors to take photos and admire the grand design.
The Wings of Mexico statue is especially popular for photography due to its striking design and unique symbolism. Visitors are often encouraged to take photos standing between the wings, creating a memorable experience and Instagram-worthy moments.
11. Meydan Bridge
The Meydan Bridge in Dubai is a striking piece of architecture located near the Meydan Racecourse, a prominent area known for hosting the prestigious Dubai World Cup. The bridge is one of the city’s architectural landmarks, offering both functional and aesthetic value.
12. Burj el arab
Burj Al-Arab (Arabic: ุจุฑุฌ ุงูุนุฑุจ, meaning "Tower of the Arabs") is a luxurious hotel in Dubai, standing at 321 meters tall, making it the fourth tallest hotel in the world. Located on an artificial island 280 meters off the coast of the Persian Gulf, it is connected to the mainland by a private bridge. When it opened in 1999, it was the tallest hotel in the world until 2009.
The hotel was built at a cost of approximately one billion dollars and is designed to resemble the sail of a dhow, a traditional Arab vessel. This iconic design, combined with its opulence and exclusivity, makes the Burj Al-Arab one of Dubai’s most recognized landmarks.
In recent years, infinity pools have become a favorite and popular attraction, especially when it comes to pools located in attractive and unique destinations. But in Dubai as in Dubai, they took the idea of the infinity pool to the extreme.
When they say an infinity pool, they mean a pool with invisible edges, creating an illusion as if the water flows from it to infinity. This type of pool is considered a center of attraction wherever it is, but when you take an infinity pool like this up to the top of a 50-story tower and give it a 360° panoramic view, you get the most amazing infinity pool in the world.
Aura Skypool is an infinity pool that has been crowned the highest panoramic infinity pool in the world.
The pool is at a height of no less than 200 meters(!), on the 50th floor of the Palm Tower, located at the end of the grandiose Palm Island project (Palm Jumeirah) and known as one of Dubai's spectacular observation points.
The pool, which has an area of about 750 square meters, extends around the floor and provides a comprehensive view of the Dubai skyline, the views of the city, its famous restaurants, its special buildings (including the Burj Khalifa tower and the Burj Al Arab hotel) and, of course, the Palm project, The beach strip and the blue bay water.
You will reach the unique pool in a dedicated elevator leading straight to the 50th floor
Pro Tip:
you need to order tickets in advance, if you don't have one, arrive at a quarter to ten in the morning and they will probably let you in (that's what we did)
the pool is round, you can see everything, it really doesn't matter where you sit, even if you take the cheaper seats, you will have the same experience
**Dubai Marina** (Arabic: ู ุฑุณู ุฏุจู) is a key marina in **Dubai**, United Arab Emirates. In addition to serving as a transportation and tourist hub, it features an artificial canal neighborhood that stretches about 3 kilometers to the shores of the **Persian Gulf**. The marina is home to **Marina Mall**, which, although similar in size to malls found in Israel, is much smaller than its counterparts like the enormous mall near the **Burj Khalifa**. The **Ferris wheel** at the marina was not in operation during my visit due to ongoing renovations.
Dubai Miracle Garden (Arabic: ุญุฏููุฉ ุฒููุฑ ุฏุจู) is the largest flower garden in the world. Opened in 2013, it spans 780,000 square meters and features over 50 million flowers and around 250 million plants. The garden showcases stunning displays, including flower beds, heart-shaped arches, and decorated castles. Exhibits change with each season, making it a dynamic attraction. While it's primarily geared toward children, adults will also enjoy the beauty and creativity on display.
Please note: The garden is closed during the summer months due to the intense heat.
Opening Hours: The garden is open from the beginning of November until the middle of May (this year they estimate until the end of May)
Sunday - Thursday between the hours of 21:00 and 09:00
Global Village Dubai is a vibrant cultural festival that brings together dozens of countries from around the world, offering a perfect mix of fair, food, and amusement park. It's one of Dubai's most popular entertainment destinations.
Each pavilion represents a different country, featuring cultural performances, street food stalls, and unique attractions. In addition to the cultural exhibits, visitors can enjoy parades, a museum, and various other activities.
Global Village is a must-visit for families with children and young people looking for fun and excitement in Dubai.
