An epitome of luxury, affluence, and extravagance, Dubai, exudes an aura that makes you feel like royalty. The grandiose airport with its lavish décor lending a sense of glitz and glamour is the first thing you notice as you exit your flight. Of course, there is also a cutting-edge system that streamlines all the procedures.

This was my second trip as a tourist, and I stayed for a week. Otherwise, this Middle eastern city is usually a stop-over — a transit point to take flights to Europe and America.

One of the seven Emirates that constitute the UAE, Dubai is known for its incredible transformation from a small fishing village, and a trading port into a global city and a major international hub for business, tourism, and luxury. The deserts of Arabia have always attracted me — from the picture-perfect golden sand dunes to culture, food, the famous Arabian dance, and mind-blowing architecture.

I got an opportunity to learn more and delve into the lifestyle of the people of the UAE on this trip; described here in my dubai travel diaries. The rapidly evolving culture is a blend of traditional customs and values, alongside a significant influence of modernization. People in the Emirati community are strongly devout, dress traditionally, and adhere to conventions.

Despite its modernity, Dubai has maintained its cultural heritage. This is apparent in a number of ways :

Traditional markets called the souks give tourists a glimpse into the past and the kind of markets that once existed. Spice, gold, colognes, incense, fabrics, dates, and artifacts are among the things tourists can purchase at these shops.

Experience the distinct heritage of Dubai in the neighborhood of Al Seef. Steeped in history, the vibrant colors of Old Dubai come alive, giving you a chance to discover more about this Arabian city.

You can go shopping, explore the maze-like lanes between the beige-colored buildings, or take a ride on the traditional abra boat at Dubai Creek.

Dubai has morphed into a multicultural society and is home to a diverse population consisting of people from all over the world who come to live and work in the city. A place where you weave a dream and it turns out to be true. This diversity contributes to its cosmopolitan atmosphere.

My Dubai Travel Diary encompasses top tourist destinations, I wouldn’t be listing according to the top-rated attractions, but rather the recently opened ones that are intriguing:

Museum of the Future — I was told, that this fairly new attraction in Dubai is a must-visit and I was absolutely not mistaken. There is a lot of interesting stuff inside in addition to the exteriors, which is eye-catching owing to its distinctive shape and design. Get ready to journey to the year 2071 at the Future Museum. Your journey begins by being escorted in a lift that resembles a spacecraft, taking you to an Orbital space station. This is on the top floor, and from there you can tour the floors below. Tickets priced at 186 dirhams are not very reasonable, but it’s worth it.

Having a photograph clicked with this unique structure in the background is aesthetically pleasing. The highlight of the Future Museum is the viewing deck on the outside, where you get a chance to take photos.

Dubai Frame — Embellishing the skyline is the golden-hued Dubai Frame. This 150-meter-tall rectangular frame-like structure offers breathtaking panoramic views of both old and new Dubai.

It has its two towers connected by a 93-meter-long glass-floored bridge at the top. Walking on this Skydeck is a thrilling experience, as you can see the ground directly below your feet. For me, it was an uncanny feeling, hence people with acrophobia should be cautious.

As you enter you’ll come across an interactive exhibit and gallery portraying the history of Dubai and before exiting a 3-D show on the future vision of this Arabian metropolis. Tickets priced at 52 dirhams are quite affordable.

A time-saving tip — visit the Dubai Frame after seeing the future museum. As these two are located close by, both can be covered within 4 hours.

Dubai Travel Diaries

Burj Khalifa — the tallest skyscraper in the world knows no introduction. Guests can go up to the 124th & 125th floors or 148th and 154th floors. Then there are prime hours and non-prime hours, for which ticket costs are different.

A host of activities revolve around this iconic landmark that shimmers and sparkles in the night. There is the fountain show happening several times a day, just outside the building. The entire area is exquisitely lit up in the night and dazzles with a light show. Having a room with a view of this towering structure from our hotel (Taj Dubai) was like a feather in the cap and was the most fulfilling experience.

Dubai Mall — This enormous mall serves as the entrance to Burj Khalifa and is a symbol of luxury and entertainment. You’ll find every high-end luxury brand outlet under its roof. There’s always a lingering fragrance emanating as you walk around, uplifting your spirits.

There’s a wide choice of restaurants and food as well. Finding your way around may not be easy, digital map screens on every floor help tourists navigate. It is not just a shopping center but also features attractions like an ice skating rink, an aquarium, and a waterfall.

Other famous malls in Dubai are the Mall of Emirates and Ibn Batuta.

A string of theme parks, namely, Legoland, Motion Gate, and Aquaventure Water Park are some other attractions to enthrall tourists.

Helpful Tips :

The currency of Dubai is the Dirham (1 Dirham is equivalent to 0.27 dollars and 23 Indian Rupees)

Taxis are a convenient mode of transportation, though a cheaper option would be the metro. Otherwise, Uber and Careem apps are also popular.

To prevent yourself from the scorching heat always carry water, sunscreen, and an umbrella.

RATNA SINGH

Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss

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The fastest growing megapolis of the United Arab Emirates – Dubai, is best explored in the night, when this opulent, hi-tech city  sparkles . Also, this is the time when the scorching sunlight dims and it is fairly cooler. Plan a trip to this world class hub in the Middle East  in the winter months between December to March, the weather in this season is pleasant.  

There are so many options for fun filled times in this glittering city. Here are my top picks for the places to visit in Dubai in night :- 

BURJ KHALIFA

Burj Khalifa, the towering structure stretching into the skies  is situated in the heart of Dubai. There are loads of activities in and around it. The interiors of this enigmatic landmark is as impressive as the exteriors,  The 124, 125 and 148 levels  has visitors viewing decks accessible by the world’s fastest escalators, whizzing at a speed of  10 mts/sec.  It is open till 11 pm in the night.  Burj Khalifa as also Dubai are a reflection of a luxurious lifestyle. 

You can choose from different combinations of entrance tickets, details are given below : 

 Levels 124 & 125 priced at 149 dirhams , are at a height of 456 meters. A spacious deck, with virtual reality experiences at level 125, while floor 124 has a high-powered telescope for getting sweeping city views.   

You are guided by a guest ambassador to the highest observation deck and outdoor terrace on the 148 floor. This is at a dizzying height of 555 meters. Enjoy the enamoring sights, the misty clouds floating by, along with refreshments provided. 

A combination of all three levels would be AED 379 for 12+ years . Though there are different rates for prime and non-prime hours. 

FOUNTAIN SHOW 

Within the precincts of Burj Khalifa are the famous Dubai fountains, which is best visited in the night. The fountains come to life with the electrifying sound, light and musical show  against the background of traditional and contemporary music and multi-hued lights. There are two shows in the after-noon, at 1 pm and in the evenings every half an hour, when it is absolutely resplendent. 11 pm is the last show.`  

You also have the option of getting close views of the spectacular  fountains by taking the traditional boat ride on the Dubai Fountain lake. Charges at AED 68 are quite reasonable.

AQUARIUM

Also worth visiting along with Burj Khalifa is the Dubai Aquarium inside the Dubai mall.  There are more than a thousand aquatic animals, of 140 species here including sharks. The walkthrough tunnel seems as though you’re strolling underwater, with the diverse variety of colorful sea beings flitting here and there. Moreover, the glass bottomed boat ride is a wonderous experience. A package of the aquarium and levels 124 & 125 entrance tickets costs AED 225. 

Underwater zoo – is located on level 2 of the mall, and is open till 10 in the night.  Tourists will find themselves walking through three ecological habitats – rainforest, rocky shore and living ocean which are quite realistically made. 

DESERT SAFARI

The desert safari is an adventure that is best appreciated before sundown, when the sun casts an orangish hue over the skies and the vast desert. There are different packages available – just desert safari, or with dinner and live entertainment programs of traditional Arabic dance, or even overnight stay and camping . Guests can also enjoy camel rides in the desert. 

Sunset photography with the backdrop of the golden desert, the thrilling experience of sand dune bashing, and great sights is the takeaway. 

YATCH EXPERIENCE

For more luxurious getaways, yatch tours at the Dubai Marina is what you should indulge in. These super comfortable yatchs provide great views of the Dubai skyline, the world recognized star hotel Burj-al-Arab, Atlantis hotel, JBR beach and the newly opened Dubai eye. And even have air-conditioned bed-rooms and wash-room at the lower deck where guests can take rest.  

The minimum duration that you can choose from is 3 hours, for 10 participants. This cost around INR 1 lakh. Hence it is ideal for larger families, friends and  groups. For sunset yatch cruise the timings are between 5.30 to 7.30 pm. 

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN DUBAI IN NIGHT

MIRACLE GARDEN

Miracle Gardens are beautifully landscaped gardens full of countless multi-colored flowers.

A full sized Emirates aircraft and giant sized figures made completely out of fresh flowers are the striking elements in these gardens. These blooming gardens are  open up to 9 pm, hence are one of the places in Dubai that can be visited in the night. The Miracle Gardens are specially a favorite with ladies and children .

Another way to take in the charms of Dubai in the night is to opt for the dhow dinner cruise on the Dubai creek. This three hour cruise is aboard the traditional wooden boat known as the dhow. Relax on the dhow, while relishing a well laid out meal consisting of local and international cuisine. Absorb the sights of the illuminated souks and high rises, as the balmy wind blows. Live traditional Arabic dance performances and musical shows entertain guests later.

BEACHES OF DUBAI 

For beach lovers,  the main beaches lining the Persian gulf are Jumeirah, JBR and Kite beach. Perfect views of the Dubai skyline, a bunch of water sport activity and calm waters is what brings people here. The ideal time to be on the beach is in the evenings, just before the sunsets. Best views of the glittering seven star hotel Burj Al Arab is from Jumeirah beach, so don’t miss that. 

A string of activities have been added in recent years in Dubai. The most outstanding ones that will enhance your experience in the night is the Dubai eye, located on the Bluewater island. It is probably the highest ferrous wheel in the world at a height of 250 meters. The `Ain Dubai’ as it is popularly known as is open between noon to 10 pm. Here too there are different categories, starting from AED 130. 

DUBAI FRAME

Similar to Burj Khalifa this too has fantastic aerial views, mostly of Old Dubai and Deira areas. Lit up in multi colored lights in the night, the Dubai Frame looks fascinating from outside too. Though Dubai Frame is not as impressive as Burj, the entry fees is cheaper too at INR 2000. 

SHOPPING IN DUBAI

The luxurious shopping malls of Dubai are a pleasure to spend time in. The top-most being the Dubai mall that offers a wide range of international brands. Not many people would be knowing about another luxury shopping destination – the  Medina-Jumeirah souk which is also worth exploring. Things to shop for and bring back home, that are a specialty of Dubai, would be perfumes, spices and gold jewelry. 

As far as Arabian cuisine is concerned the variety of food is immense, though my personal favorites  are  tandoori kebabs, biriyani, shawarma and falafel. 

FOR TRAVEL FROM INDIA

As the travel time from India is merely 3 hours, it is quite convenient to travel to Dubai even for a quick, short holiday, you don’t need to plan for days. In the present scenario, for all international travels, covid test is mandatory, so please check all the details. The currency of Dubai is dirham and the value of 1 dirham is equivalent to 20 rupees (INR). Stay on Sheikh Zayed road, which is the prime location. Major tourists spots are close by and easily accessible from here. 

From being a barren desert and fishing village to a modern powerhouse, Dubai has  transformed  into one of the most diverse, progressive cities of the world. A number of expats and people of different ethnicity making it their home. Equally grand in the day-time as it is in night, though the appeal of Dubai in the night time is mind blowing. In this blog  `PLACES TO VISIT IN DUBAI IN NIGHT’ I have covered almost all the major tourist sights. 

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RATNA SINGH

Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss

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Social media is constantly abuzz with pictures posted by actors from the Indian film industry on their exotic vacations. Updating curious fans about their latest getaways, the stars keep posting vibrant photos on platforms like Instagram, twitter and Facebook. What better way to keep themselves and their admirers entertained!! Let’s take a sneak peak at the favorite holiday spots of the Bollywood stars.

Maldives – in the recent past, a host of film stars, have been flocking to this island

in the Indian ocean, for a change from the mundane life in Mumbai. The prime reason, apart from Maldives having the most stunning, unpolluted beaches, is that it is supposed to be one of the safest countries for a quiet holiday in these tough times.

Surrounded by the refreshing turquoise waters, Tiger Shroff and Disha Patni were photographed vacationing in Maldives in November 2020.

While January 2021 onwards saw a bevy of Bollywood stars relaxing and spending quality time with family and friends in the tropical nation. From Shraddha Kapoor attending a wedding to Jhanvi Kapoor with her bunch of friends, having a rollicking time.

Kiara Advani taking in the picturesque ocean views from her breezy water-front villa.

Sara Khan put up some inspiring pictures, practicing yoga amidst lush greenery.

Madhuri Dixit recently posted pictures on Instagram with her family enjoying and indulging in water sports .

For the knowledge of those who wish to make Maldives their next holiday spot. The picturesque haven’s `one island one resort policy’ implies that an air bubble arrangement is in place here that ensures complete safety and seclusion for guests, far away from the madding crowds.

The USP of Maldives is that it is composed of a group of islands or atolls , and each resort-hotels occupying an individual islands are complete in themselves…..almost like a mini town. As such guests need not worry about covid and its safety protocols and spend a relaxing time.

Another favorite holiday destination of Bollywood celebrities is none other than Dubai in the UAE.

The opulence, hi-tech vibe, and glitz of this desert hub attracts top notch film stars not just from the Indian sub-continent but around the world.

Bollywood movies are quite popular in UAE, owing to a high percentage of Indian expats residing there. A huge`fan’ following of super stars like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Shilpa Shetty is a plus. They frequent the Emirates to promote their movies and brands and are accorded a warm welcome.

As a holiday destination Dubai is a city of futuristic, jaw dropping architecture, upscale malls, star hotels, fancy cars and a luxurious lifestyle. Let’s see which are the favorites spots of our Bollywood actors.

Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world is the major attraction of Dubai.

Not just sweeping views from its top deck.  A dazzling musical fountain show in its precincts in the evenings is equally enchanting.

Believe it or not, some of the actors own an apartment in this premier high-rise.

Anil Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty and Shah Rukh Khan have dubbed the palm fringed metropolis their second home. SRK has said in an interview “ it’s a city that I truly relate to on many levels – driven, passionate and spirited”. It comes as no surprise that he is the brand ambassador for Dubai Tourism.

The `Palm Jumeirah’, an artificial archipelago, is another grand location where actors like Akshay Kumar, Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan have properties.

This glitzy metropolis of the Emirates , though devoid of much natural beauty has lots of entertaining activities and experiences for tourists. From thrilling sky diving to the plethora of adventure parks and gardens. There’s something for everyone.

Shopping is high on the bucket-list of every visitor to Dubai and why shouldn’t it be? It’s mega malls and shopping arcades are a dream come true !! The grand Dubai mall tops the list with its over 1200 shops and 160 restaurants. An aquarium is amongst the best the city has to offer.

You’ll be spoilt for choice at another great place for retail therapy – the Mall of Emirates.

What better way to combine their vacation whilst shopping to their hearts content at these luxurious malls. A place where the Bollywood celebrities get their fill of a wide range of international brands under one roof.

PLACES TO VISIT IN DUBAI IN NIGHT

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RATNA SINGH

Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss

travelsimplygo.com

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