A City Guide to Dubai

A towering oasis where the desert meets the turquoise ripples of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is one of the world’s most contemporary cities. Yet, among its stretching skyscrapers and superlative attractions, an amalgamation of old and new cultures has come to define this city, rooted in Bedouin beginnings. From world-class fine-dining to desert safaris, this Middle Eastern metropolis takes you on a journey

The Icons

Burj Khalifa

Tapering towards the clouds like a sci-fi-era stalagmite, the world’s tallest building reaches 828 metres tall and 163 storeys. Height protagonists can take the one-minute elevator ride to observation deck At The Top on level 145, which offers dizzying panoramas of the cityscape.

Burj Al Arab

Arguably Dubai’s most recognisable landmark, this sail-shaped ultra-luxury stay sports a helipad fascinator and is oft touted as the only seven-star hotel in the world. Its ostentatious interiors have mythical status: the only way for outside guests to get a glance is to book afternoon tea at the Skyview Lounge on the 27^th floor.

Museum of the Future

Completed in 2022, Dubai’s next-gen icon was designed by local firm Killa Design. Crafted in stainless steel, its asymmetric oblong facade is rendered in oversized Arabic calligraphy by Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej. Inside, exhibits on science, technology and innovation contemplate the future of humanity.

Getting Around

Dubai is many things, but a walking city it is not, especially during the sweltering summer. The city’s metro travels along main highway Sheikh Zayed Road, with stops at attractions, such as The Dubai Mall. But taxis and local rideshare, Kareem, are more convenient and generally inexpensive.

Must Do

Desert Safari

Few things are as thrilling as a dune drive in Dubai’s red desert. Hold tight as an experienced driver manoeuvres a 4WD like he stole it, down staggeringly high drops and over tumbling sand dunes. Orient Tours offers early morning drives, with Arabic coffee and dates served at a Bedouin-style camp afterwards.

Old Dubai

The emirate’s pearl fishing past comes to life in the area surrounding Dubai Creek. The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is a heritage site with winding streets, original architecture and wind towers. Dubai Museum, the city’s oldest building, is closed for renovation, but the perfume at nearby Al Shindagha Museum is worth sniffing out. Ride a dhow over to the Spice Souk and Gold Souk, but if you’re buying gold, you’ll get better deals and contemporary designs at the Gold & Diamond Park in Al Quoz. To explore Old Dubai with your tastebuds, Frying Pan Adventures offers food tours in little known cultural pockets, with cuisines spanning Iranian to Indian.

The Dubai Mall

No other city in the world does shopping like Dubai. You’ll find almost every imaginable luxury retailer under one roof, but there’s plenty of family-friendly action, too. Marvel at the choreography of The Dubai Fountain, go ice-skating or see one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums.

Art & Culture

Alserkal Art District

A hub for creatives, hidden among the dusty warehouses of industrial area Al Quoz, this 500,000 square-foot gallery, art and cultural district is a platform for the region’s silenced voices. Don’t miss Ayyam Gallery, which focuses on Syrian artists, and Green Art Gallery’s contemporary artworks from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and beyond.

Wine & Dine

Jumeirah Al Qasr brunch

Brunch in Dubai should come with a disclaimer, because nothing will ever top it. Of the city’s many Saturday all-you-can-eat-and-drink packages, The Vintage brunch at Jumeirah Al Qasr is one of the most opulent, spread across three restaurants with unlimited oysters and seafood, boozy drinks stations and a cheese room.

Tresind Studio

Boasting two Michelin stars and ranked 11^th at the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in Valencia in 2023, modern Indian restaurant Tresind Studio is defying stereotypes with every bite. Chef Himanshu Saini uses French techniques to elevate regional Indian dishes, combining liquid cooking, colour, textures and a little theatre. It’s epic.  

Orfali Bros

Cook with the heart, they say. And at Orfali Bros they do. A wagyu version of a traditional kebab dish from Aleppo is a defining moment at this fresh, unlicenced neighbourhood eatery, owned by three young Syrian brothers who are putting a modern spin on Middle Eastern cuisine.

Natural Beauty

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Spot white Arabian oryx and leaping gazelles in this protected national park that’s home to more than 50 plant species, 120 birds and 43 mammals and reptiles. Explore with luxe tour operators Platinum Heritage or stay overnight at glampsite The Nest or Sonara Camp, which includes dinner and an impressive fire show.

Stay Here

Atlantis the Royal Dubai

Palm Jumeirah’s newest stay lives up to the hype. The 790-room hotel is luxuriously appointed with water-themed sculptures and Italian marble (the pink bathroom and all-glass pool in the Penthouse Suite are stand-outs). Celebrity chef restaurants, including Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, cement its star status. 

Jumeirah Al Qasr

Home to the award-winning Talise Spa, one Dubai’s most tranquil pampering spots, this 294-room stay is inspired by the summer palaces of the sheikhs, and sits along Jumeirah Beach within the Madinat complex. The spa now offers multi-day wellness programs for in-house and outside guests.

For more information, visit visitdubai.com/en/