Hello there! Welcome to the first post of 2023 (sorry I have been so slack) and we’re coming in hot with a special blog post of me convincing you to either book your flights right this instant, or at least add Dubai to your bucket list. I visited Dubai for the first time last year (minus all the airport stop-overs to other destinations throughout the years) and I will be the first to admit that Dubai was never really on my radar. I guess you could say that I had a perception of Dubai before visiting, which isn’t a good thing, but one of my new year’s resolutions is to stop judging places before I have been there myself.
My first trip last year was back in September, which was a work trip through my company. It was more of your typical tourist vacation hosted by the Dubai Tourism Board and let’s just say that we got to see soooo much in 3 days! Within that time, I had already planned a trip back with my husband to visit our family and friends that live out in Dubai. If I am being completely honest, I was sold as soon as we left the airport.
There are so many things that you can get up to in Dubai and it’s perfect for all ages, families, solo travellers, and couples. I shall be including some of the activities we got up to on our first trip below but also from our latest trip in January. This is the first time that I have been away for my birthday in 9 years and I question why it has taken me so long. Winter sun is the answer I tell you! Why not escape the miserable winter weather in the UK and get our butts out to somewhere warm because you know what, we deserve it!
Ok, less rambling and more action! Let’s get to the 5 reasons why I think you should add Dubai to your bucket list.
Explore Dubai Beaches
Dubai really has some beautiful beaches. One that we visited that I really enjoyed was Kite Beach, the sand was so soft and although the weather is a little nippier at this time of year, we still went for a swim in the ocean and it wasn’t too cold. They also had many food trucks on offer and this was my first time experiencing a coconut latte, let’s just say that I have now bought coconut milk and I am definitely going to be making this a thing from now on. You can even enjoy the views of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah on the horizon. Although I am not a runner, they have a 14km track where you can go for a jog, plus many water sports on offer including kitesurfing, wakeboarding and paddle boarding. Kite Beach so far is one of my favourites but I would love to explore the other beaches a bit more when I go back.
Visit the Museum of the Future
One of Dubai’s most famous landmarks is the Museum of the Future and I feel very fortunate that I got to experience this back in September. You really can’t miss this building from the outside as it is very striking and according to Dubai Tourism Board, it has been recognised by National Geographic as one of the 14 most beautiful museums in the world. Each floor offers a different experience and if this is something up your street, I would recommend booking way ahead of your trip as it gets booked up pretty quickly.
Take a trip to Al Fahidi and go for lunch at the Arabian Tea House
Discover what life in Old Dubai was like during the mid-19th century and explore Al Fahidi. Once you have built up an appetite, head to my Sister-In-Law’s favourite restaurant, the Arabian Tea House for a taste of genuine Emirati hospitality. The food, the smoothies and the whole place was so Instagrammable and everything was so delicious.
Head on out to the desert
I can honestly say that this was my favourite evening from my first trip, what an awesome little adventure hosted by Arabian Adventures. They picked us up from the hotel late afternoon, so we could experience the sunset in the desert. We started off with a drive over the dunes, which was just another level, followed by a quick prosecco stop and photo opportunities of course. We then headed further into the desert for dinner whilst we watched fire eaters and belly dancers perform. This time around, I knew I needed to head out into the desert again and Gareth needed to experience this for the first time. My Brother-In-Law actually does this for a hobby (can you imagine? I am so jelly).
Brunch Time
Welcome to the Garden of Dreams – aka brunch heaven! Dubai has really ruined brunches for me as this was hands down one of the best brunches that I have ever had in my life. They had 3 different packages to choose from and we went for the medium one. This included a certain selection of cocktails and a three course lunch to share. Safe to say that I was super full on all the food and mojitos when it came to an end.
I am sure there are so many other reasons to visit Dubai however these were my top 5 🙂 Let me know in the comments below if you have ever been to Dubai before and if after reading, if you will add it to your bucket list.
Dubai has never been on my travel list, only because I don’t think I could cope in the heat! But these photos are so beautiful and I’m glad you had the best time! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Author
Dubai was never really on my list either to be honest but I sure did fall in love with this city. It actually was in the early 20’s when I visited last month so the heat was fine but when I went a few months before that, it was nearly in the 50’s and that was a little too hot for me xxx