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Making the most of your Dubai journey 

Written by Fiona

April 24 2024

Dubai is a city with a rich history, which has been experiencing a construction and investment boom in last two decades. If you plan your vacation in advance, you will have an opportunity to see all main attractions of Dubai and enjoy it.

Must-see places in Dubai

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa skyscraper is the tallest building in the world. Its height is 828 m. There are two viewing platforms in the tower: AT THE TOP and AT THE TOP SKY. Interactive binoculars are installed on the covered area. They display brief information about the interesting objects of the city.

Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab is the most expensive hotel in Dubai, better known to Russian travellers as the “Sail”. The owners of the hotel call it a seven-star hotel, and a night in the cheapest room will cost 8000 AED. About 8000 m2 of 22-carat gold leaf was used in the interior of the Burj Al Arab.

Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is the world’s largest artificially created island. A man-made miracle is an appropriate name for an artificial island created near the coast of the Emirate of Dubai. So many stones and sand were used for its construction that would be enough to build a 2.5m high wall that would encircle the Earth along the equator.

Al Bastakiya Quarter

Bastakia is a real Arab medina on the coast of the Dubai Gulf. Most of the surviving buildings are houses of wealthy Persian merchants who lived here in the early 20th century. Now Bastakia is an open—air historical museum, and it is free. All the houses and sidewalks have been restored, and many buildings have cafes in the classical Arabic style.

Dubai Museum

Dubai Museum is located in the oldest building in the city ― in the Al Fahidi Fort. This fortress, built in 1787, served as the residence of local rulers and was the main defensive structure of the emirate. There were also weapons arsenals and a prison. There is an exhibition dedicated to pearl fishing.

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Guests of the city will be able to learn more about the culture and traditions of Dubai by visiting the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Since its opening in 1998, the center has been introducing visitors to the culture and traditions of the UAE. It hosts a variety of activities, including Arabic lessons, guided tours of the historical part of the city and guided visits to mosques.

Desert Safari

Jeep safari in the Dubai Desert is one of the most popular excursions in the UAE. This tour allows you to combine a jeep safari in Dubai with an exciting trip on a yacht. An extreme car race along the high dunes of the Rub Al Khali desert, a photo shoot in the sands and a cruise along the Dubai Marina Bay with access to the Persian Gulf awaits you.

Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai is a huge ski complex, which offers all the entertainment possible in a snow resort, such as tobogganing, snowboarding, slalom, skiing, using the necessary equipment, a lift and even a date with penguins.

There is a lift running throughout the descent, which is definitely worth a ride, even if you are not going to ski or board in order to enjoy the magnificent panorama of this man-made miracle.

Wild Wadi Waterpark

Wild Wadi Waterpark is located just 400m from the “Sail”. The water park has 30 slides up to 33 meters high. Some slides are so steep that the descent speed reaches 80 km/h. The attractions are decorated in the style of the well-known fairy tale about Sinbad the sailor.

How to visit other Emirates on budget

If you have a limited budget, this is not a reason to deny yourself a vacation. Plan your trip in advance, so you can buy tickets and book a hotel at the lowest prices. Depending on the location of the hotel, the price may be much lower. Although travel meals are a significant source of expense, Dubai is not just about gourmet restaurants with high prices. You can have a delicious lunch in budget cafes. And for entertainment, there is a Dubai Pass, which allows you to save up to 60% when visiting popular attractions, including Dubai Parks and Resorts theme park, desert safari, Wild Wadi Waterpark.

Why you should consider renting a car

If you want to see as many sights as possible in one trip and not to get tired of sightseeing buses, then rent a car. At Octane luxury car rental you can choose a car for every taste and budget. Make sure to take into account our tips before making the final decision. 

  • Researching Reputation and Reviews: Carefully study information about the company and read independent reviews from real people.
  • Comparing Prices and Inclusions: Before choosing a company, compare prices and terms of different offers.
  • Understanding Insurance Coverage: Find out the availability of car insurance, and what exactly it covers in case of an accident or other troubles.
  • Considering Car Type and Size Based on Needs: Choose a car based on your needs and rental goals, not only appearance.
  • Fuel efficiency and budget: Determine the amount of money you are willing to allocate for a car, and calculate the exact amount of your expenses for the entire vacation period, taking into account gasoline.
  • Passenger and luggage: Determine how many passengers will be in the car and whether you need a place for luggage.

Experience Emirati culture

Get an unforgettable experience not only with your eyes, but also with your taste buds. There are restaurants in Dubai for every budget, but local food is available in almost every one.

Traditional souks and marketplaces

Life and trade in Dubai cannot be imagined without traditional bazaars. Visiting these bustling city markets will give you an incredible experience. But the bazaars of Dubai are not only the exoticism of the East. These are real storerooms where you will find luxurious gold jewellry, homespun fabrics and traditional Arabic perfumes based on oud.

Cultural events and festivals

In 2024-2025, the international Speciality Food Festival  of food products is expected, as well as the international Bonds, Loans & Sukuk Middle East  Finance and Investment conference. Festivals and events dedicated to various fields of activity are held in Dubai every year.

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