A Day in Dubai was originally published on Renee Rayles
Dubai, a city known for its opulence, luxurious shopping malls, and the tallest structure in the world. Nicknamed “The City of Gold,” Dubai is a perfect stopover city for a long layover. A layover of eight or more hours is the ideal amount of time to get acquainted with the largest city in the United Arab Emirates. With an easy to access train located inside the airport, getting to some of the biggest tourist sites in this city is a breeze.
After exiting customs at the airport, you can access the metro train in terminals one and three. Hop on board the red metro line in the Dubai airport, and you will notice a theme of the biggest, best, or largest in Dubai. The red metro line is the longest, single driverless metro line in the world.
Take the metro to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. A quick, train ride of around 25 minutes, and you are in the heart of downtown Dubai. Stepping out of the train, your senses may do a double-take. Dubai is a city in the desert with extreme variances of temperatures.
Dubai is a subtropical desert with very mild or pleasantly warm winters and scorchingly hot summers when the combination of temperature and humidity makes the heat really oppressive. The average temperature ranges from 67.5 degrees in January to 98 degrees in August. Climates to Travel
View from the top of the Berj Kahlifa!
The haze in the sky, when we visited, makes seeing a bit different than normal. A sandstorm had previously taken place and the sky looks as if it has a layer of dust in it. The heat is overwhelming and we look up and everything is massive in size. A short, ten-minute walk and we are to the Berj Khalifa. The Berj Kahlifa is 2,716.5 feet tall with more than 160 stories and is the tallest building in the world, tallest freestanding structure in the world, and highest occupied floor in the world.
Looking out from the top of the Berj Khalifa, you can see the ultra-modern architecture Dubai is known for from high above.
Next, it’s time to explore the world’s largest shopping mall, the Dubai Mall. The Dubai Mall is 12 million square feet, 1200 retail stores, 200 food and beverage outlets, an Aquarium and Underwater Zoo (one of the largest aquariums in the world), 22 movie screens, indoor adrenaline park, and an Olympic size ice rink. It is not just big, it is massive!
High-end retailers of fashion and jewelry align this mall with extravagance. Looking for the perfect souvenir or a gift?
The Dubai Mall has anything and everything, including traditional Arab clothing and souvenir shops. With a plethora of options to choose from, it’s a great place to beat the heat and relax indoors.
That’s not all this mall has to offer. Step outside of the Dubai Mall for the Dubai Fountains. The world’s largest choreographed fountain system. With a tab costing 218 million dollars, these fountains do not disappoint and are free to enjoy. Check times on their website as the fountain shows begin in the afternoon.
Image by Get Your Guide
All aboard the Hop on Hop Off Bus that picks up at the Dubai Mall! The bus offers an easy way to see the sights and sounds of Dubai and select which ones you want to get off at the stop and see more of while visiting. This is the perfect combination when you are on a short trip. The Hop on Hop Off Bus stops at the Burj Al Arab, the iconic sail-shaped silhouette hotel. Also known as the “Tower of the Arabs.” Located on Jumeriah beach, an artificial island and “The world’s only 7-star Hotel” is one of the best photo or selfie spots.
Photo by Booking
Repeatedly voted the world’s most luxurious hotel, this stunning destination offers you the finest service and experiences throughout – right down to an optional chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce, private beach access, a breathtaking terrace with pools and cabanas as well as some of the world’s best dining venues, including the highly acclaimed Al Mahara. Burj Al Arab
Photo by Dubai Travel Guide
Enjoy high tea high above the world in the Burj Al Arab. Afternoon tea includes savory and sweet tastings as you sit overlooking the sensational view at 27 floors high. Panoramic views with a stunning setting, make this tea time a top destination. Advanced reservations are requested.
Bugatti Veyron, the fastest police car in the world.
You might notice the police in Dubai drive some very expensive cars. The police department has acquired luxury cars for their super fleet from Ashton Martins to Lamborghini’s. It also holds the Guinness World Records for having the world’s fastest police car in service—a Bugatti Veyron. Not a bad work car!
Dubai makes it easy to do a quick visit and see some of the top tourist destinations. Now, it is time to head to the airport to catch the flight. Don’t worry, the airport wins a title as well. It is is the world’s busiest airport by international passenger traffic. Safe travels!
Our trip to Dubai was cut short due to my son getting food poisoning from our previous destination. The Dubai airport had a clinic where he saw a doctor, they gave him IV fluids and prescribed medication we were able to get at the airport. We spent over four hours in their care and were not charged a penny. He was feeling better and able to fly home. I never knew airports had any type of clinic like this and recommend asking if you ever get sick while at the airport.
NOTE: When visiting Dubai, please note that customs are different in the UAE, and it is customary for women to wear long sleeves and long pants. The Dubai Code of Contact which aims at setting the standards for social ethics and mutual respect and states the following: Shorts and skirts shall be an appropriate length. Clothing shall not indecently expose parts of the body, be transparent, or display obscene or offensive pictures and slogans. Conservative swimwear that is acceptable by Dubai’s standards. Display of affection: Holding hands for a married couple is tolerated, but kissing and petting are considered an offense to public decency. Swearing, profanities, insults and all kinds of vulgar language are strictly prohibited.
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