I personally never dreamt of going to Dubai, because I always thought it was a bit cliché. But I can proudly say Dubai now holds a very special place in my heart right now. I knew I was in for an amazing Dubai travel experience when Emirates reached out. Preparing for my trip, I surfed the internet for every bit of information from what to wear, things to do in Dubai, currency change etc. If you are like me guessing what my Dubai travel experience was like, allow me to indulge you. Bags packed, I ensured I had my e-ticket, visa, hotel reservation and international passport ready to head out to an amazing Dubai travel experience.
Arriving at Dubai
I had an amazing time watching movies in business class, enjoying some white wine. Got chauffeured from the airport to my hotel.
Day 1
I was checked into V Hotel in Al Habtoor City, great in – style rooms & suites in a sleek property featuring an outdoor pool, dining & city views. Even though I was exhausted and hungry at that time I checked in so I hurriedly rushed in to go have breakfast.
Had a quick nap for an hour and showered for my adventure in Dubai. I woke up and got chauffeured to the desert dunes for exhilarating adventure driving across the dunes in the latest, fully automatic, four-seater, off- road dune buggies. Dune Buggy is an electrifying desert adventure that everyone visiting Dubai should try .Drive to the top of the high dunes and try your feet in a sand boarding adventure. Before ending my day, my driver took me to watch the sunset & also rode on a camel at the dune. I later enjoyed the falcon show and Bedouin style dinner in the desert.
Day 2
I was so fully energized the next day. Had a drive to the Dubai Marina for a boat ride. Dubai Marina is a district in the City of Dubai, sometimes called ‘New Dubai’ due to the fact it is a man-made concept; an artificial canal city, built by water along a two-mile stretch of the Persian Gulf, located close to Jebel Ali Port, and the American University in Dubai. Had a 20 mines tour with The Yellow Boat Crew. Took a drive to The Palm Jumeirah and a photo stop at Burj Al Arab & also passed by Dubai Frame for a scenic photo stop also. I left there and continue to The Dubai Mall to have lunch and finally went to see the famous The Top, Bur Khalifa this icon is the Burj Khalifa.Standing at 829.8 m tall, this is the world’s tallest structure – dwarfing the surrounding ultra modern skyscrapers. Not only that, it holds myriad other accolades; tallest free standing structure in the world, highest number of stories in the world, highest occupied floor in the world, highest outdoor observation deck in the world and the elevator with the longest travel distance in the world. In short, this is one impressive building I have ever seen.
I strolled through Al Fahidi Cultural Neighbourhood known for its wind-tower architecture. Took a traditional abra (water taxi) ride crossing over Dubai Creek, my guide took me through the Spice and Gold Souks in Deira. I came back to V Hotel to get rest and get for La Perle by Dragon later that evening. At Night I was set to experience the region’s first permanent show housed in a 1,300 seat, state of the art aqua-theatre. La Perle features a cast of 65 world-class artists performing breath-taking aqua and aerial feats and daredevil performers will dived into the water-filled stage from a height of 35 metres and fly around the auditorium on high-powered winches at a speed of four metres per second Visually stunning spectacle in, on and above water. Had an amazing night experience at La Perle !
What to wear in Dubai
It seemed not be a problem as you would only see few people (tourist) dressed in outfits above the knee. Just as you dress into exposing parts of your body, you dress in Dubai. Other than that respect yourself, locals, and dress decently.
Day 3
It was a breath-taking going to the Dubai Parks & Resorts having to see the LEGOLAND and MOTIONGATE . Dubai Parks and Resorts is the first integrated theme park resort in the Middle East. From MOTIONGATE™ Dubai, BOLLYWOOD PARKS™ Dubai to LEGOLAND® Dubai and LEGOLAND® Water Park, experience the wonders of three world-class theme parks and one water park with over 100 attractions in all. Miniland was what he had come for! My tour guide took me to the first of its type in the world. Fully air conditioned, it’s hard not to be impressed by what’s on offer in this indoor Middle East focused cityscape. The number of man hours and bricks used to complete these structures is utterly insurmountable. The attention to detail, was pretty spot on. All the younger kids we saw were in awe at anything that moved on the models – lots of busy trucks at the airport, boats on the water and of course some Dubai Metro trains!
Some of the models like the Pyramids and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It was a delight to watch and capture these moments later moved to MOTIONGATE. Such a fantastic theme park! I would highly recommend . The rides are very new and interesting. The dreamwork session is especially fantastic as all the four themes are nicely decorated with full air conditioning. The best part is that for most of the rides, it is not necessary to queue so you can play as many times as you like. Better go early though the park only opens at 12noon as many people come in late afternoon.
I enjoyed a sailing and dining experience with a 360-degree view of Dubai Creek from the sleek, all-glass, Seine-designed Bateaux Dubai boat. A relaxed way to see the Old Dubai area by night ,and a delicious four-course, à-la-carte menu freshly prepared on board. Cruise in the luxurious enclosed, air-conditioned Bateaux with a live music on board. But to really enjoy this you need go with your love one you can enjoy the whole dinner experience.
Jour 4
And my final day tour was such a fantastic experience which comprised a full hour soaring in the skies over Dubai, giving m a comprehensive overview of the city, its outskirts, world-famous attractions and manmade islands. Destinations include: The Palm Jumeirah, The World Island, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa – The World’s Tallest Tower, Dubai’s Famous Beach Corniche, Dubai Creek ,Heritage Village, The Trade Souks and Dubai’s Wind Towers & Mosques. Got back to the hotel at 1pm to get freshen up and rest for my last tour at Ski Dubai to experience the park and the snow bullet, I discovered the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East! An amazing mountain-themed wintery set-ting where I enjoy skiing, snowboarding. I enjoyed this artificial snow experience. Go skiing in the indoor ski park when you in Dubai !
All too soon, my adventure tour was coming to an end , I got back to V hotel and had a great dinner , and went straight to my room and packed my things. I decided to rest for 3hours and head out later that night , but I woke up the next dawn and checked out of the hotel by 4;30am to catch my flight back to Ghana.
Leaving Dubai
Going back to Ghana was easier. All I needed was to know the terminal point I was departing from. Make sure to listen and read everything on the information screen. I went straight to chill at the Emirates Lounge ,treated myself with all kinds of foods that was available for breakfast.
Dubai’s ultimate luxury experiences and savours the best of Dubai with these over-the-top adventures. Get ready to live unforgettable experiences when you are in Dubai, you can catch more of my experience on my insta stories “DXB 19” @EkowBarnes_ !
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