There are five ways to scour the city and enjoy various experiences. So, let us break it down:

Entertainment: Take a break at any of the theme parks in Dubai - Motiongate, Legoland, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Bollywood Park, Legoland Water Park, Laguna Water Park, Wild Wadi Waterpark, and Aquaventure. The entertainment also extends to Ski Dubai, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Museum of Illusions, The Green Planet, VR Park, escape room, bowling, laser tag, ice rink, and lots more. There is something for all ages, so find your thrill. 

Sport: Besides being an entertainment hub, Dubai is growing in popularity for golfing. Hit the tee during the day or night and ace your swing. As the city rests on the coast, tap your adventurous side and enjoy the exciting water sports options too.

Heritage: Dubai was once a forgettable fishing village that offered rest to passing travellers. To honour the past and live it, visit Saruq Al-Hadid Museum, Al Fahini Historical Neighbourhood, Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, Abra Creek, Deira Creekside, Jumeirah Mosque, Al Ahmadiya School & Heritage House, Al Boom, Al Shindagha Museum, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, and Union House. These places takes you away from the glitz of Dubai, but shows you the glorious history and heritage of this important city. 

Shopping: Malls are integral to the city so is the souk. Shop for local items at the souk or find what you are looking for at the malls. If you really love to shop, visit one of the many shopping festivals. They are on a massive scale, offering high-end, top quality products. Everyone will find something to take back home.

On the Tourist Map: The other places to visit in Dubai are Palm Jumeirah – it has stylish clubs or simply stroll along the boardwalk. Join the locals and watch the Dubai Fountain dance to the tune. Go to Palm Islands or relax at Dubai Marina. Stop over at the Dubai Frame to click pictures of this iconic structure and stroll through the Dubai Miracle Garden. Stand in awe when you marvel at the Grand Mosque or Al Noor Mosque. Lastly, scale to the Burj Khalifa to see the spectacular view of the city.

Make your Dubai trip an extraordinary one. So, do things you have never done before and you can only do it in this UAE city. Jump in on the activities that makes this city special.

Wildlife Desert Safari: Sandboarding, dune bashing, camel riding and feasting on a barbeque in the desert are the most common things to do in Dubai. Stir up the excitement with a wildlife desert safari. Enter into the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to spot the rare Arabian oryx (national animal), gazelle and various species in their natural habitat. It is a safari unlike another in the world.

Falcon Feats: A pirate may sail with a parrot on his shoulder, but in Dubai have the majestic falcon sitting on your hand. Sign up for an evening of unbelievable falconry show and topped with commanding a falcon. Learn the tricks to fly a falcon and appreciate the capabilities of this bird of prey.

Bedouin Life: The original inhabitants of the desert are the semi-nomadic tribe called the Bedouins or Bedawi. They have made the arid sands their home for centuries. Find out their way of life, their resourcefulness, and their dexterity in leading a fabulous, yet simple life. Understand the culture, practices, and traditions of the Bedouin people as it seeps into urban life of Dubai. The best place to admire the past is at Al Marmoom.

Steepest Zipline: The city pushes the limits of imagination, which also takes you to new heights. This time go down the steepest and fastest zipline with an incline of 16 degrees. You are zooming at an average of 80 km/hour. At this speed, you are travelling past skyscrapers and over the fabulous marina.

Dizzying Heights: Many cities have a vantage point, where you can stand in amazement at the colours, features, and vibrancy of the city. Similarly, Dubai has a vantage point, but it is at a dizzying height. Head to the At The Top – world’s highest observation deck, which in the majestic Burj Khalifa. Book your tickets for Level 124 and 125 to see a modern city growing in front of your eyes. The experience is surreal – you travel in high-speed lift that scales 456 metres quickly. At the deck, as you peer through the high-powered telescope, you are enveloped with Arabic décor. If you head higher up the floors to level 154, you can book a seat at the highest lounge in the world. The Burj Khalifa is indeed a marvelous place that oozes with opulence and ingenuity. 

Dubai Aquarium: Most cities have an aquarium, but Dubai being Dubai, takes it up several levels. The Dubai Aquarium has an amazing display of sea creatures that runs into thousands. The experience is such that you enter a tunnel and the fishes are swimming around you. However, the prized sea creature in this aquarium is the sand tiger shark, which is the largest collection in the world.

The city is a major transit hub and business centre. If you are have a day to spend in Dubai, these are some of the key places to visit:

• Head to the Burj Khalifa

• Shop at the Dubai Mall

• See the Dubai Fountain

• Eat at the Arabian Tea House

• Relax on a traditional boat that crosses Abra Creek

1. Dubai is one of the 7 “Emirates” of UAE and it has its own king, His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. 15 percent of Dubai's population is Emirati.

2. Maintain a conservative dress code that includes long flowing garments or clothes that cover you up. Dress and follow the mannerisms of the local to have an enjoyable trip. 

3. This progressive city is one of the safest in the world. The strict law and harsh penalties even for the smallest offence ensure the crime rate is low.

4. Unlike the police forces in any other countries, the police in Dubai drive luxury sports cars. 

5. Only in UAE will you find the Minister for Happiness. The UAE government has a department that caters to the well-being of individuals.

6. The Palms Jumeirah Island is visible from space. What is remarkable is that it is the world’s largest man-made island. 

7. The Dubai Mall is the world’s biggest shopping mall that spreads across 5.9 million square feet.

8. All ATMs across the globe gives you money, but in Dubai, there are select ATMs where you can withdraw gold bars. On this note, you can also order gold infused coffee in this city.

9. If you are travelling to Dubai during the holy month of Ramadan, strictly follow the laws, customs, and practices. 

10. Be mindful of clicking pictures, especially of government building, officials, and locals. Consent is important.

• Drunkenness is inacceptable in public and there are strict penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol.

• PDA will land you trouble. Also, shake the hand of an Emirati woman only if she offers her hand first.

• Swearing, cussing, and inappropriate gestures in public are offensive.

• Always use your right hand for eating and drinking.

Abu Dhabi: It is the capital of UAE that is home to the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The architecture in the largest mosque in the country is stunning and attracts thousands of worshipers. Ferrari World – a motorsport theme park offers unbelievable experiences. Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros World are other amusement parks in the city. The Emirates Palace, now a five-star hotel is a fabulous place that shines with glamour. For a slice of history, visit the Heritage village and find the finest dates at the Abu Dhabi Dates Market. At the Louvre Abu Dhabi, admire the masterpieces from artists across the globe. In the midst of development, relax in the natural spaces such as Saadiyat Island, Corniche Beach, Mangrove National Park, Umm Al Emarat Park, and the beach.

Hatta: It is a striking area located up in the Hajar Mountains. Hatta boast of blue water reservoir with mountains towering all around the dam. Go hiking or cycling or mountain biking along the trails, go kayaking on the lake, or explore the adventurous activities that are available here. At Hatta, relive the history and tradition of the land at the Hatta Heritage Village. This place is truly an oasis in a brown, dusty, harsh environment.

Sharjah: A short distance from Dubai is the vibrant city of Sharjah. Some of the iconic places to visit are Ottoman-style Al Noor Mosque, Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Al Majaz Waterfront & Park, Wasit Wetland Centre, Sharjah National Park, and Al Qasba. To shop locally, head to Souk Al Arsah. Admire 100s of vintage cars at the Sharjah Classic Cars Museum.

When you decide on a Dubai tour package, widen your experience to the neighbouring cities too.

Get a NOL card to travel cashless on the metro, tram, bus, and taxi. There are seven types of NOL card with various perks and price points. Find the card that suits your travel needs.

• Metro is the best way to get around Dubai. There are two lines – red and green, which takes you to different parts of the cities and it is an affordable way to travel.

• Buses is another cost effective option to get around. The buses are air-conditioned and stops at the main tourists spots.

• There are various operators for call a taxi service. You can call a taxi at +971 4 208 0808 or download an app for Uber or Careem.

• The Dubai waterway is another mode of transport to see the city. The options include Dhow boats, Abras, water taxi, and yacht rentals. 

• If you prefer to zoom around with your own set of wheels, hire a car. All you need is an international driver’s licence, passport, credit card and third-party insurance. Riya Travel will take care of the process; all you have to do is pick the car.

Climate: The best time to travel to travel is between October to April. The weather is dry; the days are warm and the nights are cold. The hottest months are between June to September. 

Airlines: There are various flights that go to Dubai, but book a flight that meets your budget.

Visa: For a smooth Dubai trip, get your visa from the travel expert like Riya Travel. With 40 years of experience in the travel industry, let the representatives handle this stressful process.

Insurance: It is important for travellers to Dubai to buy an insurance especially a medical one. You can also buy insurance to safeguard your baggage.

Hotel Accommodation: Dubai is an ultra-urban city, but you can find accommodation to meet your budget and requirements. From budget to five star stay, find the perfect hotel in Dubai.

Forex: The currency in UAE is UAE Dirhams and this is the ideal place to get the best money exchange rate. Get a forex card, which is the trendiest way to travel and carry currency for local purchases.

Dubai is one of the top tourist places in the world. It is ideal for families, couples, and business travellers to discover the luxuries of this Emirati. Throughout the year, Dubai is buzzing with activities – shopping, festivals, concerts, expos, celebrations, and more. So, step into the future and enjoy the riches of the land. 

To book your vacation to Dubai, contact us at 022 2574 4840 | happiness@riya.travel