Travel Report Dubai
Dubai: the perfect itinerary for a week
Dubai Airport and entry
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the most modern airports in the world. Entry is usually smooth, especially for travelers from Europe, who often receive a visa on arrival. Those who opt for the premium service can benefit from faster passport controls and exclusive lounges.
Safety and cleanliness in Dubai
Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. The crime rate is extremely low and cleanliness is a top priority. Strict laws ensure a safe environment so that travelers can feel comfortable at all times.
Where is Dubai?
What you should definitely think about:
National currencies: Dubai’s official currency is the dirham (AED), which was introduced in 1973. It is often abbreviated to AED and is the official currency in the United Arab Emirates and therefore also in Dubai. Credit cards are accepted everywhere without any problems, as are other online payment methods (e.g. Apple Pay). There are plenty of ATMs and banks and you should at least have some cash ready for tips, e.g. in the hotel.
Ramadan: The U.A.E., including Dubai, is a Muslim country and Ramadan is observed here. During this time, the locals fast from sunrise to sunset. In some neighborhoods, restaurants are also closed for this reason. In the tourist districts, however, you don’t notice anything of this compared to 10 years ago. Restaurants are open here and some also serve alcohol, but only in closed rooms.
Vaccinations: No vaccinations are required if you are coming from Germany. However, the standard vaccinations are recommended, see Foreign Office suggestions.
Fast & comfortable in the city
Uber or cab
Uber is a convenient and safe way to get around Dubai. Prices are often slightly higher than regular cabs, but the service offers more modern vehicles, more professional drivers and the option to book rides in advance. Uber Black is particularly convenient for luxury rides or UberXL for larger groups. The app is easy to use and allows cashless payments, which makes it particularly attractive for tourists. Overall, taking a cab or Uber in Dubai is certainly the easiest and most stress-free way to get from A to B and it is certainly cheaper than in Germany.
The choice of hotels in Dubai is almost endless, from simple to luxury
In Dubai, you really are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a hotel. The main thing to consider is whether you want to be on the beach or in a hotel in the city. Both clearly have their attractions. For longer stays in Dubai, a beach hotel is recommended, but this is usually more expensive. For a short stopover, you can easily switch to one of the hotels in or near the city.
Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah & West Beach
The Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah is located directly on West Beach and offers luxurious amenities with stunning skyline views. West Beach is a trendy hotspot with beach clubs, restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere. Guests enjoy modern rooms, private beach access and an excellent selection of restaurants with views of Dubai’s skyline. We highly recommend booking the MClub package with your room. Marriott Bonvoy members at Platinum level and above get free breakfast in the restaurant, but the lounge can only be used for a fee. So it’s better to book it, it’s worth it.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
Located directly on the JBR Walk, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai offers an elegant blend of Arabian hospitality and modern luxury. With direct access to the sandy beach, spacious pools, an award-winning spa and first-class restaurants, it is the perfect choice for those seeking relaxation and indulgence. Its design means that it hardly stands out against the skyscrapers in the background. Solid luxury. Still one of the top beach hotels in Dubai for many years if you want to escape the crowds.
Atlantis, The Palm
Atlantis, The Palm is one of Dubai’s most famous hotels and is located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah. With its impressive Aquaventure water park, the Lost Chambers Aquarium and numerous top restaurants, it offers luxury and entertainment for the whole family.
Atlantis The Royal
The new Atlantis The Royal sets new standards in luxury. The ultra-modern design, Michelin-starred restaurants and the spectacular Cloud 22 infinity pool make it one of the most exclusive hotels in the world. You don’t have to live there to visit it (even if security is strict). The Club Clous 22, by Dolce & Gabbana, for example, can also be booked as it is chargeable even for hotel guests. Prices start at AED 300 minimum per person and can quickly rise to several thousand AED if you want to reserve a pool bed or a cabana, for example. Looking at the menu, you quickly realize that you can easily reach the minimum consumption. However, the food is of top quality and the view from the pool will quickly make you forget the cost. If you come for the experience, we recommend the time between 4 pm and 8 pm, when the club closes.
Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection
Located directly on the JBR Walk, Habtoor Grand Resort offers a blend of relaxation and entertainment. With multiple pools, world-class restaurants and direct beach access, it is an ideal choice for beach lovers. Located just a few meters away from the luxurious Ritz Carlton, it is a budget-friendly alternative for those looking to spend a little less. Marriott Bonvoy members can use the lounge, which is especially convenient in high season when all the restaurants are crowded.
Sheraton Mall of the Emirates
Perfect for shopping fans: the Sheraton Mall of the Emirates is directly connected to the famous shopping center. In addition to luxurious rooms, it offers a rooftop pool with breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline.
Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf
The Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf combines modern luxury with a central location. Ideal for business travelers and tourists, it offers spacious rooms, excellent service and easy access to Dubai’s main attractions. From the lounge you have a spectacular view of Dubai’s city.
Places of interest in Dubai
Visit to the Museum of the Future
This architectural masterpiece offers fascinating insights into the technologies of tomorrow. An interactive experience that not only inspires technology fans.
Visit Burj Khalifa
A visit to Dubai is not complete without the Burj Khalifa. The viewing platform “At the Top” at over 828 meters offers a breathtaking view over the city. We recommend booking tickets that include at least a visit to the 148th floor and definitely VIP tickets so you don’t have to queue forever. The entrance to the Burj is via the Dubai Mall, where tickets can also be purchased. However, we recommend buying them online in good time before your trip (you still have to pick up the physical tickets), as you have to decide on a day and time. Officially, you have 1.5 hours for the visit. This is not checked.
If you include the 148th floor, the lounge there is included as well as a snack and drinks. From our point of view, the best time to visit is at sunset, so book tickets around 5 pm to get to the top in time (it takes at least 45 minutes to get up, as there is a briefing and a longer walk.
The water and light show
The water and light shows take place all year round directly at the Burj Khlaifa and the Dubai Mall. The impressive shows start at around 7 p.m. every 15 minutes. Either the Burj lights up in different colors, or the water fountains in the marina dance to accompanying music. An experience in any case.
When you look at the city of Dubai and the area around the Burj Khalifa today, with its hotels, luxury malls, skyscrapers and stores, it’s hard to imagine that it looked anything like this in 2010:
Visit and tea time at the Burj Al Arab
The legendary 7-star hotel offers an exclusive teatime with breathtaking views and a luxurious ambience. An absolute highlight for connoisseurs. The “high tea” must be booked in advance, otherwise you will not be allowed into the hotel at all. Security is rather strict here. On the way, you can take your time to look around the hotel, which is pure luxury. A lot of gold and glitter has been used here, very Arabian. Once you reach the restaurant upstairs, you can expect much more than “tea”. It is more of a sumptuous meal and when the tray is empty it is refilled. The view from the window is spectacular. Apart from a helicopter flight, this is certainly one of the few opportunities to see Dubai City from above.
Helicopter sightseeing flight with Falcon Air
A unique experience: fly over the Dubai skyline with Falcon Air and experience landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah from a bird’s eye view. You should always make your reservation online and be aware that places are limited and you must therefore book in good time. The helicopters can take off with a maximum of 7 guests and everyone realizes that “sitting at the back” is the worst of all options. For an extra charge, you can book front row and as the sightseeing flight is not cheap anyway, you should definitely do this to have a unique experience.
Dubai Frame – The large picture frame
The Dubai Frame is one of the city’s most impressive sights. The gigantic, 150-metre-high structure offers a spectacular view of Dubai’s old town on one side and the modern skyline on the other. The glass viewing platform at the top provides an adrenaline rush and unforgettable photo moments. This picture was taken in 2015. Today it is unfortunately a little more built-up around the frame, but still worth a visit.
Shopping in Dubai
Dubai Mall & Mall of the Emirates
The Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in the world with countless stores and attractions such as the Dubai Aquarium. The Mall of the Emirates offers luxury shopping and the famous indoor ski hall.
Gold Souk – Dubai’s famous gold market
The Gold Souk in Deira is a paradise for jewelry lovers. It is lined with numerous stores offering an impressive selection of gold, diamonds and gemstones at competitive prices. The market is not only a place to shop, but also a cultural experience that reflects Dubai’s traditional trade.
Restauranttips in Dubai
Restaurants in Dubai
From the famous dumplings at Din Tai Fung to the American-Asian specialties at P.F. Chang’s (both at the Dubai Mall) to the Italian elegance at Arrogante (in the Hotel Address, with excellent cocktails) and the French patisserie Maison Angelina, right in the Dubai Mall – Dubai’s restaurant scene is a paradise for gourmets. The Zuma restaurant, which we have not yet visited ourselves, is also highly praised.
Fazit
We have been to Dubai many times and it is an adventure every time as the city changes so quickly. The construction boom continues unabated and the skyline of 10 years ago no longer exists. New attractions and buildings are springing up everywhere.
Dubai offers a perfect blend of luxury, culture and adventure. Whether first-class hotels, futuristic sights or culinary highlights – the city inspires in every respect. One week is enough to experience the highlights, but even then there is still plenty to discover. Once you’ve been to Dubai, you’re guaranteed to come back!
Want to order a calendar from our photo tour?
as of 18,90€, Sizes A2-A5
What photo equipment for Dubai?
We actually only took an iPhone 14 Pro with us for Dubai, which in hindsight was a mistake, especially for the night shots. You can find the photo equipment we could have taken with us in our Photo-Shop. There are also lots of extras there.