I continue my column on the reviews of various cities or countries that I visited this year. I will talk to you about Dubai where I went after my trip to Bali in May 2013.
📋 My opinion on Dubai: Dubai is a polarizing destination. Worth seeing once for the spectacle: Burj Khalifa (828 m), Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, desert. To avoid if you are looking for authenticity or nature. Plan 3-4 days. Budget: 100-200 €/day (expensive hotels, restaurants and activities). Ideal season: November-March (around twenty degrees). Avoid June-August (45-50°C).
My opinion on Dubai.
Country visited: Dubai
Length of stay: 6 full days in May 2013.
Safety in Dubai:
The country is very safe, there is no problem going out whether at night or during the day. I did not really notice any theft problems or notable issues in Dubai. You generally feel as safe as in Asian countries. I remember arriving at one in the morning in Dubai and a Turkish expatriate came to help us with my travel companion.
Budget in Dubai:
The budget in Dubai is significant whether for accommodation or for eating out somewhere other than fast food. Taxi is not super expensive though. Count from 10 to 20 euros to eat in a restaurant. For a drink, it will cost you just under 10 euros per cocktail. It’s cheaper than Paris, but it’s better to eat quickly or drink at home before going out if you don’t want to spend too much. By the way, alcohol is only served in hotel bars or nightclubs. You need a permit to buy alcohol or go to the neighboring emirates of Dubai to get some.
Accommodation in Dubai:
🌍 Did you know?
The Burj Khalifa (828 m) holds 7 world records including: tallest structure in the world, tallest inhabited building, highest observation deck (Sky Lounge 555 m, 148th floor), largest elevator (504 people per trip). Construction: 2004-2010, cost 1.5 billion $. At The Top visit: 50-90 € depending on time slot.
I slept at a friend’s place and I thank him for that, but I was quite tempted by some hotels, for example those in Palm Beach that you can find on the Booking site for hotels in Dubai, it’s the palm-shaped place that you see in all the photos of Dubai. There really aren’t any youth hostels in Dubai and you can understand why, as it’s not really the type of clientele for this emirate.
The living environment in Dubai:
It is often very hot in Dubai, the living environment is pleasant except when it is too hot. You often go from air-conditioned places to outside, so be careful not to get sick. There are also a huge number of shopping malls in Dubai. The population is mainly made up of expatriates from all over the world, so there are plenty of activities to do for everyone. We mostly got around by car and it is almost essential to have one if you don’t want to wait too long. There are currently a few metro lines in Dubai, but I didn’t take any of them.
🗣️ My experience: The sunset desert safari remains my best memory of Dubai. Dune bashing in a 4×4 (roller coaster on the dunes), camel riding, sandboarding, and a Bedouin dinner under the stars with tanoura dances. Cost: €65 for 6 hours all included. Booking via GetYourGuide. Essential to escape the overwhelming shopping mall side of the city.
My favorite thing in Dubai:
Reuniting with my friend after 4 years. He seems well where he is.
The places to party but it’s very different there, because it’s a Muslim country. People have fun but remain a bit reserved. In any case, that’s the impression I got. We are more there to have a good time with friends than to go flirting, for example.
The beaches are pretty and well maintained and not too crowded. Swimming in another part of the world was really nice and there aren’t many waves.
What I didn’t like in Dubai:
The overly artificial feel, you get the impression that without money, you can’t do anything. Here, it’s: “I have money and I show it.”
🍀 Dubai
- Maximum security
- Perfect air hub (international stopover)
- Direct Emirates flights 6h30 from Paris
- Beaches and desert 30 min from the city
🔻 Limits
- No authenticity (everything is artificial)
- High cost on all fronts
- Stifling climate 4-5 months/year
- Highly regulated society (alcohol, dress code)
Possibility of living in Dubai:
I see myself working and living in Dubai with my wife for a few years, but not going there as a single person. The advantage of working in Dubai would be for the gain in quality of life or to gain skills and responsibilities that one wouldn’t have had in France or a significant salary increase; otherwise, I don’t see myself living there long-term or building a family there.
What to do in Dubai:
| Place | To do | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Burj Khalifa | Observation 124th or 148th floor | 50-90 € |
| Dubai Mall | Shopping, aquarium, ice rink | Free (except attractions) |
| Burj Al Arab | Iconic sail (interior only if guest or afternoon tea) | 110 € afternoon tea |
| Palm Jumeirah | Artificial island, Atlantis | Free / Aquaventure 80 € |
| Desert safari | Quad biking, dunes, bivouac | 50-90 € |
| Al Fahidi district | Authentic Old Dubai | Free |
| Gold and spice souk | Traditional markets | Free (negotiate) |
- Go to the beach, I have never seen such a well-maintained and clean beach. You have to pay to enter but it is really very clean.
- Visit the shopping malls and see one of the largest aquariums in the world. There is also a beautiful fountain to watch.
- You can go to the zoo and the Dubai aquarium.
- Go up the Burj Khalifa or admire the city’s architecture.
- Go eat oriental food and go smoke a shisha.
- Go on a desert safari.
- Go skiing on an artificial slope.
- Take a helicopter flight.
- Enjoy a cruise around Dubai.
- Enjoy and stroll in the desert.
- Go skiing in an artificial station in Dubai:
There are a lot of things to do and one of the ways to visit calmly is to buy tickets in advance for places, they are skip-the-line.
⚠️ Classic trap
Underestimating the dress codes. Covered shoulders and knees are required in shopping centers and public places. Drinking alcohol in public, visible signs of affection, Muslim prayer respected. Fines or imprisonment possible for violations. In tourist areas (hotel beaches), it’s more relaxed but respect the codes.
Dubai Trip Review
If you want to spend a weekend or a week in a hot or even too hot country, Dubai is made for you but don’t worry, you can always visit shopping centers, go to the beach to cool off. Moreover, you can always take a 4×4 tour in the Dubai desert. You got it, if you want to experience luxury, this is the place to come! However, it’s alcohol-free except in tourist hotels.
To expand to other Middle Eastern destinations, other travel reviews offer a different perspective. Travel insurance remains useful given the medical costs in Dubai. And the most beautiful places in the world put Dubai into perspective.
My conclusion on my stay in DubaiI enjoyed these days in Dubai but it feels like everything is artificial and that you need money to entertain and have fun. I recommend this destination for 2 or 3 days but no more unless you are visiting a friend.
