Dubai, UAE

Dune Bashing (Evening Desert Safari)

This is probably one of the most memorable things that I’ve done in my life. It’s a must-do, I reckon. The safari tour is best to be arranged before your arrival in Dubai as it’s so popular that it’s sold out really quickly. You’ll be picked up from your hotel or any point in Dubai to Sharjah, where the desert is. Experience about 20-25 minutes of dune bashing, followed by the camel ride (just a short ride on the camel) before you make your way to the BBQ dinner and enjoy the belly dancing.

There are many tour operators that offer a half-day, one-day or even 3-4 hours tour. For instance, Desert Safari Dubai, Net Tours…etc

Big Bus – Open Top Bus Tour
What could be better than hop-on and off at any of the stops that you like Big Bus Tour would be your choice. Nothing could be more flexible than this. It’s a bonus to be driven and get your camera ready to snap away. Make sure you check out Burj Dubai – the tallest building in the world, which is still under construction.

Ski Dubai
Can’t get enough of skiing? Ski Dubai offers you indoor ski 365 days no matter how hot it is there. It’s located in the Mall of Emirates and connected to Kempinski Hotel.

Gold Souk
This is the place if you are after the best quality of gold at a reasonable price. There are lots to choose from: 18k & 22K jewellery to 24k gold coins. However, some of the designs are not to my liking. Also, the gold price has increased recently, I don’t think it’s cheap anyway.

Mall of Emirates
Never give shopping a miss! You can get almost everything under one roof. There are other shopping malls to go if your objective is to shop till you drop in Dubai. Ibn Battuta Mall, Burjuman, Mercato Shopping Mall.. this website could be useful.

Madinat Jumeirah
Also known as the Venice of the Gulf. There are some breathtaking shots to be taken here. It’s just right next door to Burj Al-Arab. Do visit the souk.

Burj Al- Arab
You will not be allowed to go in unless you stay at this self-proclaimed 7-star hotel Burj Al-Arab. The Skyview Bar is probably the best spot to get bird-eyes view of the Jumeirah Beach, “The Palm” and “The World“. Sadly, we didn’t get to see both from the skyview bar as it’s fully booked and it has to be booked at least 1 month in advance just for drinks?!

Wild Wadi
Cool down at this water park if you are in Jumeirah as it’s near to both Madinah Jumeirah and Burj Al-Arab.

Ice bar

Located at the Time Square Mal. This is one of the stops of Big Bus. If the weather is too hot for you out there, chill out in this bar where everything is made of ice.

Dinner at a nice restaurant

There are many choices in Dubai. From Western to Eastern food. We visited Verre by Gordon Ramsay at Hilton Creek but was truly disappointed. (Will post about this with more details). I contemplated between Verre and Café Chic. I leave any of you to tell me about Café Chic at Le Meridien Hotel in Dubai if you have been there or plan to go.