We recently spent a week in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Below is a photo-rich recap of our time in this striking city, highlighting key sights, experiences, and food stops that made the trip memorable.
Dubai is a city of contrasts: built on sand yet immaculately clean, home to ultra-modern skyscrapers, lavish shopping centers, and nearby desert landscapes. The Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, dominates the skyline and can be seen from most parts of the city. The scale and ambition of Dubai’s architecture felt both wondrous and surreal.
We flew with Emirates Airlines and found the journey comfortable: roomy seats, solid in-flight entertainment, and satisfying meal service. I also enjoyed the subtle ceiling lights that looked like twinkling stars during part of the flight.
We visited the Burj Khalifa observation deck—an essential stop for first-time visitors. The views over the city are spectacular. The deck is enclosed, which makes it accessible even if you’re slightly uneasy about heights.
Dubai’s malls are attractions in their own right—immense, clean, and luxurious. We explored The Dubai Mall and The Mall of the Emirates. Both offer high-end shopping alongside unique entertainment options: The Mall of the Emirates houses Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort, while The Dubai Mall features an Olympic-sized ice rink and a large aquarium.
The Dubai Mall also offers many family-friendly attractions, including a virtual reality park. We tried a King-Kong style VR game and had a blast. We also set aside time for LEGOLAND Dubai, which deserves its own write-up.
On the coast we dipped our feet into the Persian Gulf. One of the most memorable nightly experiences was the Dubai Fountain show at the base of the Burj Khalifa, where choreographed water jets, lights, and projections combine into an impressive spectacle. The area around the fountain buzzes with crowds, and the nearby mall and bridge provide excellent viewing spots.
Luxury cars are common sights in Dubai—everywhere from pristine showrooms to vehicles left behind and seemingly abandoned. The city’s wealth and opulence are visible in many corners.
To experience Dubai’s traditional side we visited the souks in Old Dubai. The Spice Souk is aromatic and atmospheric, while a short abra (boat) ride takes you across the water to the Gold Souk, a bustling market of jewelry shops and long-standing gold traders.
After the souks we toured the Dubai Museum to learn more about the city’s heritage and how rapidly it transformed over recent decades.
Food was a major highlight. We enjoyed traditional mandi served on the floor in a private room, flavorful Iranian barbecue in a lively setting, tiny cups of strong tea, and fresh seafood—shrimp at a beloved local Indian seafood spot stood out. For less adventurous eaters, the city also offers familiar international chains.
We visited the Jumeirah Mosque; although we missed the official tour, we were able to explore parts of the interior. Another must-see is City Walk—popular with locals and visitors alike for its shops, art, and lively atmosphere. There we discovered a favorite treat: Sweet Salvation ice cream topped with lotus cookie crumbs.
On our final day we were treated to a luxury desert safari—an unforgettable outing among rolling sand dunes that included beautiful desert scenery and activities we’ll soon share in a dedicated post. We also attended a service at Redeemer Church of Dubai, which rounded out a varied and enriching visit.
Huge thanks to our gracious hosts and friends who planned most of the itinerary and drove us around—without them we would not have seen nearly as much. Dubai is a city of spectacle, culture, and contrasts; for anyone curious about modern urban extremes paired with traditional customs, it’s worth experiencing firsthand.