THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI
JAKE'S RECOMMENDATIONS
Hi family and friends! This is by no means an exhaustive list, but I've been to Dubai three times now and, thanks to Surabhi's family, have had an amazing time exploring the UAE, doing fun activities, and eating incredible food. Here are some of the highlights I'd recommend you try to squeeze in during your stay in Dubai. I'll keep adding to this list so stay tuned.
Desert Safari
Enjoy Dune Bashing, Quad Biking, Camel riding and a whole lot more on Dubai Desert Safari. We booked OceanAir Travels Desert Safari on GetYourGuide.
We did the 7-hour tour - Desert Safari, Camel Ride, and BBQ Dinner at Al Khayma Camp - It was great fun and delicious food.
How to get there: Pick up is available from all major hotels. You can inform them when booking. They pick you up around 2pm and drop you back at around 10pm.
Cost: from 200 AED pp (Get your Guide)
Or contact them directly on whatsapp - +971 4 584 0404
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Dubai Mall is the world’s largest destination for shopping, entertainment and leisure, located next to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Featuring over 1,200 retail stores, two major department stores and hundreds of food and beverage
outlets, as well as an Aquarium and Ice Rink, Dubai Mall covers more than 1 million sqm – an area equivalent to 200 football pitches.
How to get there: Dedicated stop on Dubai Metro Red line. Uber from Hilton Al Habtoor 20 – 50 AED
Cost: Mall and fountains are free – a trip up the Burj Khalifa starts from 169 AED. (If I'm honest with you, the trip up the Khalifa is underwhelming but it IS a once in a lifetime opportunity.)
Dubai Mall / Burj Khalifa
Aura Skypool Dubai
The World’s Highest 360° Infinity Pool. Perched 210 meters above the iconic Jumeirah Palm, AURA offers an extraordinary experience with breathtaking views of the world famous Dubai skyline, Palm Jumeirah, and the glistening Arabian Gulf horizon. It really is quite a unique view - there's nothing else in the world like this.
How to get there: Uber from Hilton Al Habtoor 100 – 130 AED
Cost: from 250 AED pp for 4 hours access (tip - book at least a month in advance and why not pair up
with a meal at SushiSamba - details below)
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is home to several popular theme parks, including Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, and SeaWorld Yas Island.
These parks offer a variety of experiences, from adrenaline pumping rides and water adventures to immersive worlds inspired by popular brands and characters.
This photo is Surabhi and I on the Manta Ray Rollercoaster at Sea World - worth visiting!
Cost: From 345 AED pp (Tip – getting a 2/3/4 park ticket over multiple days will save you lots of money on the per day rate)
Sheikh Zayed Mosque,
Abu Dhabi
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a majestic architectural marvel, featuring 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet. It's a prominent cultural landmark and a place of worship, known for its stunning white marble, gold-glass mosaics, and intricate designs.
Cost: Free but you might need to get a QR code from their website to enter. (please note dress code applies – you can't show any skin. For women, you'll need a scarf to cover your head)
Other Recommendations in Dubai
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Dubai Miracle Garden - World renowned flower garden featuring over 50 million flowers and 250 million
plants. Cost: 100 AED pp. How to get there: Uber from Hilton Al Habtoor 100 – 130 AED. -
Global Village - Global Village in Dubai is a large theme park that celebrates global cultures through themed pavilions representing over 90 countries. It offers a wide array of experiences, including shopping, dining, live entertainment, cultural shows, and amusement rides. How to get there: Uber from Hilton Al Habtoor 100 – 130 AED
Cost: From 25 AED pp (rides etc. individually priced inside). -
Aquaventure Waterpark - Part of Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, Aquaventure is a massive water park boasting over 105 slides and attractions, making it the world's largest. It is known for its thrilling rides, including record-breaking slides like Odyssey of Terror (The world's tallest waterslide) and the Medusa’s Lair (the longest family rafting water coaster). Beyond slides, Aquaventure offers marine experiences, private beaches, and dedicated children's play areas. How to get there: Uber from Hilton Al Habtoor 110 – 140 AED
Cost: From 345 AED pp.
Places to Eat in Dubai
One of the great things about Dubai is that they do a lot of "business lunch" deals at some of their best restaurants. I haven't been to too many but here are my top 3 recommendations:
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C'est La Vie - Enjoy Contempary Asian cusine on the 53rd floor overlooking the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai
Cost: 2 Course Business Lunch (Monday - Friday 12 -3) from 140 AED pp -
Sushi Samba - Brazilian/Japanese Fusion located on the 51st floor of St Regis tower on the Palm - it offers panoramic views across both Palm Jumeirah and the city scape.
Cost: 2 Course Business Lunch (Monday - Friday 12-3) 169 AED pp -
Carnival by Tresind - Trendy restaurant featuring global fare that changes with the seasons, plus a chef's tasting menu.
Cost: 135 AED pp for 4 courses
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*Personal Favourite*
Hashmi Barbeque - renowned for its Kenyan-Indian BBQ cuisine, originating in Nairobi, Kenya, and now with a location in Dubai. It's known for its spicy, char-grilled meats and chicken, particularly the & "Chooza Chicken", along with a family-friendly atmosphere.
Cost: From 75 AED pp (menu is A la Carte)
How to travel around Dubai?
Getting a taxi from the airport is very easy. As you exit, there should be a taxi stand from where you should be able to take a taxi to any location. Their local taxis operate on a meter and you can pay with cash or card. Dubai Airport to Hilton Hotel, Al Habtoor City is approx 50 AED - 70 AED.
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You can also take an Uber from the airport. There is a dedicated pick-up area in the airport car park for Ubers.
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To travel around the city, you can use the apps - Uber or Careem. Using Careem you can also call for a local taxi - this tends to be slightly cheaper.
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Stay tuned if you'd like to hire a car for the day. We're in the process of locking in some vendors for car hire and tour groups that you could have access to, so keep an eye out and we'll update this page soon.
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Let us know if you'd like any advice or have any questions for us. We'd be happy to assist!