A Dubai Short Break: Things to Do
Dubai offers plenty of options to choose from. Below are a few short break options out of many. It is up to you to choose them based on your preferences, likings, and availability.
Dubai Museum is truly a meeting of history and today, located in Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787. Al Fahidi is an old desert fort still sporting cannons and battlements. Featured are archaeological exhibits from desert excavations, exhibits of the pearl fishers who were the first settlers of the area, desert Bedouins and date farmers as well. A representation of traditional life before oil was found in the Emirates is also presented.
A true marvel of modern engineering, the Palm Islands are an excellent place for a Dubai day trip. It is a mix of residential, leisure, marina and commercial interests constructed in the waters along the Persian Gulf coast. Two Palm developments are nearing completion, with a third currently under development. In the Palm Jumeirah development, you will find the Atlantis resort, which opened in 2008. In addition, there are shopping malls, hotel resorts and theme parks. Helicopter rides are available to give you a bird’s eye view of the Palm Islands and Dubai.
The Burj Al-Arab, Dubai’s signature landmark, is a sail-shaped hotel, facing the Arabian Gulf and is the world’s renowned seven-star hotel. Every luxury service imaginable is provided in each guest suite within this iconic hotel complex. Entry is only allowed after paying a small fee. You can, however, reserve at one of the hotels from numerous restaurants or bars. Good choices for this are the Al Mutaha restaurant and the Skyview Bar. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf and surrounding area.
A fun destination for the entire family is Children’s City, which is centered on learning and engaging children from ages 2 through 15 to explore and learn about everything from science and nature to the expanse of space, featuring a planetarium, workshops, exhibits and entertainment programs daily. Another family favorite is Wild Wadi water park. This is a water theme park with 30 exciting rides ranging from freefall water slides, roller coasters, disco rides, rapids and activity pools, go-karts and more. Wild Wadi is the largest water park in the United Arab Emirates.
If shopping is more to your liking, spending half of one day in Dubai at the malls and the Bur Dubai Street electronics and textile market is a fun place to shop where you can haggle on the price of your finds. Another worthwhile place to shop for clothing and souvenirs is Karama. Dubai’s Gold Market and Gold Souk are must sees. These are two gold markets conveniently located near each other, where you can find gold in every imaginable form: jewelry, coins, gold bars and many other forms hanging up or displayed in many shops for you to admire or try on. Gold in Dubai is the cheapest in the world.
Dubai Desert Safari - A must do activity even during a short break. It takes half a day, but it’s worth it. Have a dinner at Dubai floating restaurant if you are staying in Dubai. An amazing experience while cruising on Dubai Creek. Whatever your interests, Dubai has something to suit every taste.
