7 unforgettable experiences to enjoy in Dubai
WITH travel bans being lifted worldwide, many are eager to start planning their next trip abroad – and it looks like we’ll soon be able to do just that. This is confirmed by travel experts who believe the 2022 international travel outlook is positive as Covid-19 vaccination rates increase and countries ease restrictions.
For South Africans who love to travel, the resumption of Emirates flights outside of SA couldn’t have come soon enough. On February 1, 2022, Emirates took to our country’s skies once again – offering flights out of Johannesburg, including flights to and from Cape Town and Durban. This means that many locals now have the opportunity to once again experience the wonders Dubai has to offer.
From incredible attractions that keep bringing tourists back to Dubai every year to brand-new exciting experiences that will wow you, here are some must-dos and must-sees to add to your itinerary for your next trip.
MOST LOVED EXPERIENCES 1. A camel-back adventure
Get ready for an unforgettable experience exploring the vastness of the red sands and dunes, often with optional entertainment after the camel ride. For example, the Bedouin-inspired Al Khayma Camp offers visitors a BBQ dinner feast and traditional desert activities including henna painting, belly dancing and shisha pipe smoking.
Camel rides are most accessible at
The Beach, JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residences), for AED 50 per person, plus AED 25 to have your photo taken. This experience requires no prior booking, and the brightly decorated staff members are always eager to take you on a trip of a lifetime.
2. Tallest building
Add the Burj Khalifa to your bucket list and ascend the 828-metre building via high-speed elevators to experience downtown Dubai in all its glory from the observation deck. With more than 160 stepped floors that narrow as it climbs, this building is designed to mirror
the complex geometry of Islamic art.
Be sure to book your tickets online to secure a specific time slot.
3. Aquaventure Waterpark
Experience the thrill of the rides and slides at the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark. The park is home to the world’s first dual waterslide within a waterslide. There are also 30 other attractions for you to enjoy, including Dubai’s longest Lazy River, the Tower of Poseidon, twisting Aquaconda, and 500m of private beach to relax on.
After all the water sport fun, visit the Lost Chambers Aquarium in Palm Jumeirah to see more than 65 000 marine species up close.
4. Global Village
Open from November to early May, the Global Village offers visitors of all ages a full theme park experience with kid-friendly rides, concerts and attractions from around the world. After experiencing all the fun activities, indulge in a global shopping experience like no other.
Although it’s on the outskirts of the city, the Global Village is perfect for those who want to experience more of what Dubai has to offer.
5. Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system, located on the 12ha Burj Khalifa Lake. With multiple fountain shows running throughout the day, you may even catch the water-shooting spectacle while shopping at the Dubai Mall. Plus, a new floating viewing platform means you can get even closer to the action – and even better, the shows are completely free.
NEW ATTRACTIONS 6. Take a spin on the Ain Dubai
Translated to Dubai Eye, the Ain Dubai is the latest world record-breaking structure to be added to Dubai’s ever-growing list of attractions. Coming in at a breathtaking height of 250m, this giant wheel is located on Bluewaters Island and is surrounded by the ultra-glam Caesar’s Palace Dubai, shoreside shopping spots, and the world-famous Madame Tussauds Dubai. 7. Museum of the future From artificial intelligence to augmented reality, these types of technologies have the potential to contribute to a better society and stronger global economy. Unlike other museums, this brand-new exhibition explores how science and technology can impact life as we know it in the coming decades.
Dubbed a “living museum”, visitors can engage with the exhibitions designed to resemble an interactive movie set, along with expert storytellers, technologists, visionary artists, and special workshops and talks from the world’s greatest minds.
So, if ground-breaking innovations, space travel and elements of traditional exhibitions are your thing, take a trip to one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and uncover the limitless possibilities of technology and science for yourself.