1. Guided tour of the Jumeirah Mosque
The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the few mosques in the UAE that is
open to non-Muslims. The guided tour is organized by the Sheikh
Mohammed Center For Cultural Understanding, within the Open Doors, Open
Minds program and is a great chance to learn a little about such a
fascinating culture.
During the visit, they explain Islamic practices tintin by tintin, in a
relaxed and super open way. The visit is worth it!
Jumeirah Road
Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am.
2. Visit Bur Dubai and the Dubai Museum
Bur Dubai is the oldest and most traditional part of the city. It
is the place where the first settlements of the city were formed. The
super charming district of Al Fahidi is a great option for a
delicious tour/travel back in time.
You can also visit the Dubai Museum, in the Al Fahidi Fort ,
the oldest building in the city, where the old city protection wall also
passed.
The museum tour is fun, and good to get a general idea of the evolution of
the city since its creation. What's more, admission costs only 3 AED.
Monday to Thursday, from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm | Friday, from 2:30 pm to 8:30
pm | Saturday and Sunday, from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm.
3. Crossing the Creek on traditional abras
The Creek is an arm of the sea that cuts through the city, and
separates Bur Dubai and Deira . The look is
impressive, very different from the Dubai we are used to seeing
around. Worth the visit.
It's a real trip back in time. Be sure to board an abra, an
old-fashioned vessel that crosses between the two regions of the city. The
fare is AED 1 per person per crossing.
Abras work practically 24 hours a day.
4. Stroll around Deira
The neighborhood of Deira, is super commercial, and houses
the souks of gold and spices. A short walk will bring you face
to face with a Dubai you never dreamed existed!
5. See Dubai from the 'top' of the Burj Khalifa
Dubai and capitalism on steroids … Dubai Is capitalism on
steroids …
And one of the greatest representatives of this is the immense Burj Khalifa. With
status as the tallest building in the world, from the top of its 828 meters
high, I would say that a visit to the At the Top observation deck, on the
124th floor of the building is almost a must!
The experience to climb the 452 meters (124th floor) is full of lights and
sounds, and immediately gets you into the mood. When you finally look
down, the feeling is indescribable.
I recommend buying your ticket online and in advance, to ensure a
good time, and not queue.
The entrance to At The Top is at the Dubai Mall and opening hours
are: Monday to Wednesday, 8:30 am to 00:00 am, Thursday, 7:30 am to 00:00 am,
Friday and Saturday, 4:30 am to 00:00 am, and Sunday, 8:30 am to 00:00 am.
6. Stroll around the Dubai Mall and watch the Dubai Fountain show
Never thought I'd say this, but: I almost fell in love with a
mall. The Dubai Mall is simply surreal and not to buy or spend,
but to look at it, see the people…
The incredible works of art scattered throughout the different sectors of
the mall, and also to eat at Eataly !
You also can't miss the presentation of the Dubai fountains, outside the
mall... Or you can, if you don't care at all...
Presentations every 20 minutes, Monday through Wednesday, from 7am to
10am | Thursday to Saturday, from 19:00 to 23:00 | Sunday, from 7 am to
10 am.
7. Visit the Dubai Aquarium
Another popular attraction at the Dubai Mall is the Dubai Aquarium,
open daily from 10am to midnight. Photographing this tunnel was an old
wish, which I fulfilled on this trip!
8. Visit the Madinat Jumeirah
I found Madinat Jumeirah, a mini shopping-souk very friendly
and fun. Totally artificial, of course, but that's where we finally got to
have a choppinho! It's good now, isn't it?! ;)
9. Photographing the Burj Al Arab
Photographing the Burj Al Arab from many different angles becomes an
obsession, you'll see.
10. Stroll along Walk JBR
The “Walk JBR” boardwalk of the Jumeirah Beach Residence condominium is a
great outdoor walk, and by the sea, with many restaurants, shops and cafes.
The entire Marina Dubai region reminded me of Miami. Very funny.