Dubai Experience

We started off our exciting trip to Dubai in style. It is a seven and a half hour flight from Dublin and we were lucky to experience business class with Emirates. It truly was a 5* flying experience, with flat beds, ala carte menu, personal mini-bar, and stylish kit bags from Bvlgari. It was my first trip to Dubai but certainly not my last. We only had a couple of days here so to make the most of our time, we decided to hire a private guide to see all the hot spots.

We visited the Dubai Mall, which is the largest in the world! You could spend weeks here never mind spend a fortune. This is a spectacular venue and more than just your average Mall. There is so much entertainment here: Kidzania, Dubai Ice Rink, Dubai Aquarium and underwater Zoo, Dubai Dino, The water fountain with musical and light show (a bit like the Bellagio in Vegas). Beside the Dubai Mall, you have the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. At soaring heights on levels 148 & 125 you can experience the breath-taking 360-degree views of Dubai on the observation deck.

Our next stop was to the most iconic building in Dubai, the Burj Al Arab. Repeatedly voted the world’s most luxurious hotel. Unfortunately you cannot enter the Hotel without a booking of some kind. Bear in mind that afternoon tea is approx. €250. It was still great to see it and get some pictures.

We also visited the Madinat Jumeirah Resort. This is a luxurious 5* resort in Dubai and is also the largest resort in the emirate, spreading across over 40 hectares of landscapes and gardens. It is designed to resemble a traditional Arabian Town. It is comprised of 2 Boutique hotels, over 40 restaurants and bars and a traditional souk.

We stayed in the 4* Sheraton Jumeirah beach hotel. The location was fantastic, right on the beach and close to The Walk in Dubai Marina, a prime beachfront shopping and entertainment promenade which extends over 1.7km filled with coffee shops, designer boutique stores and entertainment. We also viewed the JA Ocean view hotel and thought this was fabulous, very fresh airy hotel, with all rooms’ sea facing.

On first glance, Dubai is huge and they are still expanding. Dubai is a cosmopolitan, vibrant city and would suit both families and couples. There is really something for everyone.