D – Discover Dazzling Dubai

Dazzling Dubai

Dazzling Dubai enchants you the moment you step out of the Airport to take your cab to the hotel. My first visit made me behave like a little kid, eagerly sticking my neck out to view those bejeweled tall, twisted buildings that seem to touch the sky. Dubai is famous for the world’s tallest building, the most gigantic malls, and the largest indoor ski slope.

Today I wish to redisover my previous trip to Dubai and also share some important tips for first-time travelers to Dubai.

 Get a visa/ travel to Dubai

Hop, skip and jump and you can reach Dubai in just two hours. Various air carriers operate daily and offer good fares on air tickets. You have airlines from 260 destinations flying to Dubai. That is a really wide range of options to choose from when flying to Dubai. It’s easy to find a carrier to fit any budget or itinerary.

If you are traveling to Dubai as a tourist, you will need a single entry short term tourist visa valid for 30 days. Before you apply for a Dubai visa, it is important to know your visa type as requirements for business, work and study visa may vary.

Best time to visit Dubai

I still remember the time I visited was in the month of May, the scorching heat makes it unbearable to step out during the day. The best time to in Dubai is between mid-November and early December, and again during the first half of March. While you’re likely to enjoy comfortable temperatures throughout these months. January each year marks the beginning of the Dubai Shopping Festival. In the year 2019 more than 700 brands at 3,200 outlets across Dubai participated in the 24th edition of Dubai Shopping Fest.

 Interesting Facts of Dubai

1. Mall Hopping

You can actually spend a whole day in a Mall and not complain about seeing the sun. Dubai Malls are epic, each Mall has a special layout or theme and they are great fun. From Candyland displays to free samples, Aquariums, ski slopes, ice rinks, cinemas, it has it all. Here is my post on how to do the best Malls in Dubai.

2. Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is Dubai’s most iconic monument and tourist attraction. At 829.8 meters (2,722 feet) it is the tallest building in the world. But you better hurry and see it before the Jeddah Tower takes over in 2019 which will be towering at 1,008 meters (3,307 feet)! Pre-book tickets to the top, if you visiting during peak season. Also, see this magnificent structure by day and night. Dazzling Dubai personified.

3. Bling city or city of Skyscrapers

The skyscrapers look so tall, most common ones are over 100 stories high. Their glimmering aluminum and glass exteriors make them glitter and gleam, hence the heading of my post- Dazzling Dubai.

4. Not Conservative

You don’t need a burkini to enter the beaches of Dubai. You will be surprised to see bikini-clad women too. While the UAE is a Muslim country, it’s not as conservative as you might expect. Dress as you like here but not provocatively.

5. Be careful where you consume alcohol

Alcohol is legal in Dubai; however, you cannot get drunk in public places. The government is very strict on “drink and drive” law.

6. Dubai Metro

Dubai’s metro system is cheap and excellent, linking the airport with many of the city’s important locations. Dubai’s Metro system opened in 2009 and is perfect for those who don’t want to use taxis to get around the city or get stuck in traffic. You’ll need to buy a Nol pre-paid smartcard that is available at all metro stations. They are the quickest way to get around, except during rush-hour traffic. Some stations open directly into Malls, eg Dubai Mall.

7. Locals of Dubai

Almost 80% of the main population in Dubai are expats from countries all around the globe in search of work and a better standard of living. ‘Emiratis’ or locals total up to 15-20% of the population. The government provides them plenty of benefits such as free health care and education.

8. No Casinos here

However modern the city is, you will not find gambling dens or casinos in Dubai. However lots of activities and fun for the entire family. Sand dune surfing, desert safari, cruise and dinner on Dhow river are some of the activities that are drawing tourists from the world over.

9. All that Glitters is Gold

A Trip to Gold Souk in Dubai will dazzle you beyond Compare. Rows and Rows of Gold and Diamond shops here which specializes in Middle Eastern and Indian jewellery.

Get to the heart of Dubai and begin your journey now!

This post is a part of the Blogchatter  A-Z Challenge – Letter “D”. #BlogchatterA2Z 2019. Here is my post for letter C – Captivating Cambodia