Dubai, the jewel of the United Arab Emirates, is renowned for its opulence, grandeur, and striking skyline. This vibrant city harmoniously merges modernity and tradition, offering an array of exhilarating activities for visitors seeking a memorable experience. From iconic landmarks to thrilling adventures, Dubai caters to diverse interests. Discover the top ten must-do activities for an unforgettable vacation. Experience the majesty of Burj Khalifa, explore the enchanting Dubai Mall, enjoy a desert safari, immerse in cultural treasures at Jumeirah Mosque, indulge in retail therapy at Gold Souk, and savour a Dhow Cruise along Dubai Creek. Dubai guarantees an extraordinary and gratifying sojourn.

1. Visit the Burj Khalifa

Dubai is an amazing city. A cultural mix of incredibly new and reassuringly traditional, it's a paradise for those that like a taste of luxury. The memories I have from my visit to Dubai are never to be forgotten. Here are my top 5 incredible experiences, you must have in Dubai. 

Afternoon Tea in a luxurious hotel
Dubai has many beautiful and iconic hotels, such as the Atlantis Palm hotel and Jumeirah Beach hotel and one thing you must do in Dubai is have afternoon tea in one of these hotels.

We had afternoon tea in the most iconic of them all - The Burj Al Arab. Known as the only '7-star' hotel in the world, it stands on an artificial island in the middle of the sea. The shape of the hotel is designed to mimic the sails of a ship and with butler service, 24 carat gold pillars and dancing fountains it is a stunning hotel.


Dainty pastries, tiny sandwiches, warm scones, and champagne poured 'just so' that the bubbles go up the centre of the glass make this one luxurious experience you will never forget. I still remember my son saying "Mum you didn't tell me they were going to treat us like kings!" and treat us like kings they did. 

Watching the world from the top of the Burj Khalifa




For a true luxury experience, watch the sun go down in the Atmosphere lounge 442 meters up whilst sipping a fruity cocktail creation. Foodies can eat at Jerome Lagarde's restaurant, a well-known chef with Michelin' stars under his belt in his illustrious career. 

Shopping in the old souks or the amazing shopping malls
Dubai is a shopping mecca, having two of the largest shopping centres in the World - The Mall Of The Emirates and Dubai Mall, as well as the souks or traditional markets where traders and shoppers haggle for the best price.

The Mall Of The Emirates is a shopper's paradise with luxury brand names as well as high street stores and with over 700 retail brands it has something for everyone. If you are peckish there are also over 90 places to eat, as well as a multi-screen cinema and entertainment complex. You can also go skiing! Yes, you can in the indoor ski centre. Another great shopping centre is the Dubai Mall with the Dubai Aquarium, an ice rink, shops, Sega republic and a myriad of dining options.

Dubai is one of those places that is a rich mix of modern and traditional culture. A playground for the rich and famous, it's streets are defined by extravagance. From supercars to skyscrapers, it's definitely a place to visit if you like the finer things in life.

There are certain fashion rules that you may need to watch out for when visiting Dubai so here designer footwear retailer, Daniel Footwear, and The Diary Of A Jewellery Lover has produced a guide to show you what to wear in Dubai.

A fashion divide



Dubai has a distinct fashion divide. On one hand, Emirati women can be seen wearing traditional dress, including an abaya (long black robe), sheyla (scarf) and sometimes the niqab (face covering). However, expats and tourists tend to adopt more Westernised styles. Although it is not expected to adopt traditional dress it expected that you will remain respectful of the traditional dress code

Dress codes can vary depending on where you’re visiting. The following is intended as a guide only and you should always double-check the specifics of the dress code beforehand.

At the pool or beach

With temperatures in the 90s in Summer, you will undoubtedly want to take a dip in your hotel pool or the beautiful Persian Gulf during your time in Dubai.

At hotel pools, there are generally few rules regarding swimwear, although you shouldn’t go topless. Likewise, you may be asked to cover up if you wear thong or revealing bikinis. To complement Dubai’s thriving, colourful culture, choose a bikini or swimsuit in a bold print or colour — rich jewel tones are a great choice.

To the mall

Dubai is the destination for all you lovers of luxury shopping out there. As well as the Mall of The Emirates, with Prada, Rolex and Bvlgari, you also have The Dubai Mall, home to the likes of Christian Louboutin, Chanel and Tiffany & Co. Both malls have plenty of things to do besides shopping, including ice skating, cinemas and aquariums, and you can even go skiing indoors!

So how do you dress for Dubai’s elegant shopping malls? Most will have clear signs to inform you of their dress codes near their entrances, although there are some general rules to follow.

Although some of the malls may be located near the beach it’s not acceptable to stroll off the sand and into the mall while still wearing your swimwear or short-shorts. Avoid wearing bikini tops, sleeveless tops, short skirts and sheer or revealing clothing to the mall.

Dress codes will vary from mall-to-mall, but covering your knees and shoulders is generally a sign that you’re dressed appropriately. Chic maxi dresses are a great option — wear yours with a thin cardigan cover-up. In the shopping malls, air conditioning is often fierce so you will be thankful of that cardi. In terms of footwear, flats are a great choice. The malls are huge, so leave the heels behind and wear some comfy but elegant sandals instead.

Partying til dawn

You've caught the sun rays and shopped ‘til you dropped, now it's time to prepare for a big night out. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to city centre hotspots in Dubai, with a huge range of fine dining establishments, cocktail bars and popular nightclubs to choose from. As these are normally located in hotels, the dress code offers a little more freedom.

In hotel bars, restaurants and nightclubs, you can flash a little more flesh — with short skirts, sheer detailing or sleeveless dresses all acceptable. Pack your cocktail dress and go all out with glitzy accessories and party-ready heels. If you’re venturing outside of your hotel, you should always check what the dress code is.

If you’re jetting off to Dubai this year, make sure you pack the following in your suitcase:

If you have never been to Dubai, I urge you to go. It a melting pot of cultures and traditions, with incredible architectural styles both old and new, amazing shopping from the designer malls to bargains in the souks and many fun activities for both young and old. 


I was asked recently by Travelbag to come up with an itinerary of what to do if I only had 24 hours in Dubai. This is my post.

10.00am - Visit Atlantis The Palm Waterpark, Aquaventure



2pm - Afternoon tea in the Burj Al Arab hotel


This incredible iconic hotel is a feat of engineering, being built on an artificial island and designed to mimic the sails of a ship. This is Dubai's self-proclaimed '7-star hotel'.  On the roof, there is even a helipad for the millionaires that stay here. 

Dubai is one of those countries that is a fascinating mix of the old and the very new. Being one of the seven Emirates that makes up the U.A.E. the city has really grown in the last 50 years. 

When you drive into the city all you see are skyscrapers and tall buildings littering the skyline. This city is home to the tallest building in the world, The Burj Khalifa and one of the most, if not THE most luxurious hotels in the word, The Burj Al Arab. 

It is a city of contrasts and a city you will never forget. I visited Dubai a few years ago and would love to go back one day. Here is my guide to the top things to do in Dubai.

Afternoon Tea In The Burj Al Arab

This beautiful hotel's claim to fame is that it is the only '7-star' hotel in the world. Standing on an artificial island, it is known for its shape, which is designed to mimic the sails of a ship. Inside the luxurious hotel has butler service, dancing fountains and 24-carat gold pillars, whilst every whim is catered for. There is even a helipad on the roof for the millionaires that stay here. 


However, if you would like a little insight into how the rich live, an afternoon tea where you can sip champagne is highly recommended. The food is delicate but keeps coming so you will leave satisfied. 




Tiny sandwiches, little pastries, scrumptious cakes and warm delicious scones, with a glass of bubbly, is served up with smiles and a touch of class. 

The attention to detail is amazing, the champagne is even poured in a certain way so the bubbles come up the centre of the glass.

Go To The Top Of The Burj Khalifa


The Burj Khalifa is World's tallest hotel at over 829m or 2722 ft.  No other building compares in size and it is three times as tall as The Eiffel Tower.  You may recognise it from the Mission Impossible films where Tom Cruise famously filmed his own stunts on the top of this skyscraper. Recommended is a trip to the top, to see the views from the safe enclosure. It has the longest single elevator in the world and you are whisked to the top at speeds of up to 600m a minute. 



To be at the top of the World's tallest building is an amazing but surreal experience, with other buildings almost minuscule in the distance. 

Shopping In A World Of Contrasts


Dubai is known for shopping, having both one of the largest shopping centres in the World, The Mall Of The Emirates and the old town souks where traders and shoppers haggle for the best price. 

The Mall Of The Emirates is a shopper's paradise with over 700 stores from luxury brands such as Burberry to high street stores such as Top Shop, it is all here.  As well as shops, it also caters for hungry shoppers with over 90 food outlets and cafes, as well as a multi-screen cinema and entertainment centre and an indoor ski centre. Yes, you heard me correctly, in this country where temperatures can reach 45 degrees C in the summer, you can go skiing indoors. A slightly surreal experience I can tell you!

If you want something more traditional head to the city's souks for a vibrant and interesting experience.  The sites that meet your eyes in the Gold Souk are jaw-dropping. Every store has shelves and shelves of beautiful gold chains, and every precious stone imaginable can be found here. Then further on, there are the colourful sites of The Textile Souk and the wonderful smells of the Perfume and Spice Souks. Haggling is acceptable in the souks although in the Gold Souk the cost is based on the market rate of gold so savings are small. 

Family Fun In The Water And In The Sand 


You may feel a little trepidation taking your kids to Dubai as the culture may be different to what you are used to but don't! Dubai is very family friendly. Here are some important facts, that may help you in visiting the UAE with kids.

For family fun head to Aquaventure water park at the Atlantis Palm hotel. This attraction has river rapids, waves, waterfalls, and slides. If you love animals it also has an aquarium, with dolphins and sea lions, and you can even learn to dive at the 5-star PADI dive centre.  If you want to relax and take it easy there is also a lovely beach area.  A great place to spend a day, Aquaventure has something for all the family.  

Jumeirah Beach has beautiful sand and warm water. Take a boat trip on the water or ride on an inflatable with beautiful views of the iconic Arabic hotels in the distance. 

While you are here why no go 'dune bashing'. Slap on the sunscreen and don't forget the water then strap yourself into a twin seater buggy. These vehicles have a full roll cage, and safety harnesses to take you at speeds up and down the dunes for an exhilarating activity. 

As you can see Dubai has something for all the family and as there are so many things to do in Dubai it is a holiday destination for everyone. A true shopping destination in the middle of the desert, with the highest building in the world, the most luxurious hotel in the world, and even a ski centre in the middle of the desert I think you can see Dubai is surreal, surreal but so much fun! 

Tell me, have you ever been to Dubai?