6 Reasons to Visit Dubai

I first got the chance to visit Dubai last year. My absolutely gorgeous cousin Joanne moved there two years ago with her husband after they were offered a once in a lifetime opportunity. I mention that she’s gorgeous because 1. It’s a fact and 2. She’s my mums’ twin sister’s daughter, so you’d think some of those genes would have come my way but they most certainly have not. Anyway, let’s put my self-esteem aside for a moment and focus on Dubai, shall we?

When I first booked my flights to visit Dubai in April last year, I was so nervous. Ah, scary middle eastern country. Won’t I have to cover myself from head to toe and be super conservative? I had an actual teenage girl meltdown whilst packing. Dubai was not what I expected at all – in a good way. Toby likes it there too, so we decided to pay another visit in September on our way from Vietnam to Amsterdam.

When you mention Dubai, it is often met with the phrase ‘oh no, I don’t think that’s my cup of tea’. I used to say that too. So, I’m here to change that perception and tell you why you should visit Dubai at least once in your life.

If you’re more of a beach or poolside dweller than an explorer, Dubai is somewhere you can book with 99% assurance that it won’t rain whilst your there. Yes, it is HOT but if you pick the right time of year it is bearable. Plus, you’re never far from air-conditioning if it does get a bit too much. Visit between November and April for a pleasant (but still in your face desert hot) experience. Flights from London are cheaper than you might think and the flight is only around 6 hours.

The beaches in Dubai are beautiful. Nice sand, clear water and the sea is a temperature you can just stroll into without having to hoist your boobs up to avoid the inevitable contact with water for as long as possible. Yes, you can wear a bikini. Yes, it is OK to do so. Like any holiday destination, there are people walking on the beach in next to nothing.

Huh? Pool parties? Yup. Awesome ones. When I went last April Jo took me to Zero Gravity for ladies’ day. Pay for your entry, grab a sun lounger (by the pool or on the beach) all you can eat & drink between 12 and 5 pm. There are a plethora of drink bars serving margaritas, Pimms, beers, daiquiris… There’s a DJ and the fun continues on after 5 pm, you just have to start paying for it.

I haven’t been anywhere in the world quite like Dubai. It’s like driving into the future. The skyscrapers are just incredible. It looks amazing during the day and mind-blowing by night. Everything is lit up, glowing and just unreal. There are beach bars open late into the night so you can dance your butt off on the sand and every now and again gaze up and have your mind blown all over again at the skyscrapers surrounding you.

If you’re that way inclined, the Dubai mall is the world’s second largest shopping mall. If you’re not into shopping, enjoy the aquarium, ice skating rink, waterfall or some of the many restaurants. Did someone say Cheesecake Factory? Whilst your there, step outside and watch the fountain show and the Burj Khalifa, the world’s (current) tallest building. I say current because they’re planning on building an even taller skyscraper, so I guess they’ll have the world’s tallest buildings.

If you do like getting out and about or the idea of sunbathing and shopping is a nightmare, fear not! How about a desert safari on a camel? I have yet to do this myself, but it’s on the list. Or, how about jumping out of a plane? Sky Dive Dubai (situated close to zero gravity) gives you the chance to shit your pants whilst looking at some unbelievable scenery. You’ll still be higher than the world’s tallest building when your parachute opens. You get a bird’s eye view of The Palm and that weird ‘world’ thing they started to build and never finished.

I’m sure there is a lot more to Dubai, like seriously loads more but both of my trips have only been for 3 or 4 days and I’ve viewed my trips as a time to relax. Other than that time we jumped out of a plane.

I’m afraid that, as with every country, there are some things to consider before you book your flights. First of all, Dubai is not cheap. But you probably already knew that. Yes, it is OK to drink there but there are strict drinking laws in place. You can’t be drunk in public and you can only drink inside premises that sell it, like hotel bars. Be sensible and err on the side of caution when it comes to booze. Finally, I mentioned previously that I was panicking about what to pack. Well, you can wear what you want but be considerate. Bikinis and coverups are for the beach. Be respectful. You will see people wearing shorts and dresses with skin on show but nothing that would make you gawp.

All in all, Dubai has something for everyone and is close enough for say, a 4-day trip from the UK. The food and drink options are vast and high quality, the weather is good, the scenery is different from anything I’ve ever seen and it is fun! It’s also a super convenient place for a layover so if you’re planning a trip further East, why not spend a night or two in Dubai before continuing onto your destination?