Dubai is the Middle East at its most cutting edge. Offering a wealth of hotels and spas dedicated to each guest’s well-being, Dubai’s sky-high ambitions have made it one of the world’s most exciting—and luxurious—destinations.
Dubai has long been a Middle Eastern gateway to Europe, Africa, and Asia, offering flight connections on its lauded flagship carrier, Emirates. A few days in Dubai can be the perfect way to end an African safari, or an exciting journey through Asia. It can even add some big city excitement to your romantic Maldives getaway.
Of course, you may just want to visit Dubai on its own, and there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Dubai’s rising status as an international hub draws major entertainers, sporting events, and other events year-round. Weave these into local festivals celebrating some of Dubai’s favourite obsessions, and you have a packed calendar with an event to celebrate every passion.
The Dubai Shopping Festival (December to January) offers seven amazing weeks of retail therapy with fantastic deals offered on some of the world’s top brands.
Dubai Fitness Challenge (October to November) invites you to join the locals for 30 minutes of physical activity every day. A walk absolutely counts, but you can also join free classes, sports events, and group workouts to suit your fitness level.
Foodies, you’re up! The Dubai Food Festival (April to May) offers 23 days of delicious discovery from fine dining to healthy treats to beach canteen cuisine.
Level up at the Dubai E-Sports and Games Festival (April to May) which puts gamers at the heart of the action, celebrating the global video and computer game industry.
If you need to recharge after all that activity, Dubai’s top wellness hotels and spas offer treatments from around the world, all delivered in the finest Arab style. You can opt for a traditional Berber hammam experience, embrace your inner decadence with a gold-infused facial, or just about any treatment in between, all finished off with a delicious cup of local tea. Some resorts offer wellness and yoga packages too, while some even invite you to disconnect with a digital detox, Dubai style.
When you need to escape the big city, natural adventures are never far away. Go kayaking or paddle-boarding, or take a 4x4 safari into the dunes, perhaps exploring one of the region’s most ancient cultures by sharing a meal with the local Bedouins. You can also leave the glitzy malls behind for a stroll through Dubai’s traditional souks. In particular, the Gold Souk is a must-visit, even if you just want to let your eyes go wide at all that bling. If something special catches your eye, remember to bargain, ask the seller if they offer a discount for paying in cash, and be sure to keep your receipt for a tax refund at the airport.
Christian’s first globetrotting adventure saw him get lost exploring the streets of Saigon. Following his nose to Asia’s best coffee, two lifelong addictions were born. A freelance writer and novelist, Christian’s travels have since taken him around his native Australia, Asia, Europe, and much of North America. His favourite trips have been through Japan, Spain, and Brazil, though with a love of off-beat, artsy cities, he’ll seize any opportunity to return to Paris, New York, or Berlin.
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