Dubai Delivers a Superlative Vacation Experience

A suite at the Lana, Dubai – Photo Credit: Claudette Covey

Dubai’s tourism numbers continue to climb year over year and having experienced the destination firsthand, I can see why. While living up to its reputation as an over-the-top destination with its glittering skyline and jaw-dropping hotels and attractions, Dubai also provides visitors with a considerable number of experiences showcasing its history and culture.

A Taste of Old Dubai

A visit to Old Dubai – which is by the Dubai Creek, a saltwater inlet that played a pivotal role in Dubai’s growth – is another excellent way in which travelers can soak up the destination’s cultural offerings.

A must here is a visit to Old Dubai’s souk markets is a must. They include the textile souk for raw silks, cottons and embroidered goods; the gold souk for gold, gemstones and more; and the spice souk for spices and teas.

The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood offers a glimpse into 19th-century Dubai, with its narrow circuitous streets, which are filled with a slate of interesting restaurants, teahouses and galleries.

The 163-Story Burj Khalifa

Dubai’s skyline includes the tallest building in the world, the 163-story Burj Khalifa – and the view from 124th and 125th floors are nothing short of spectacular. It is adjacent to the Dubai Mall, with 1,200 stores, seemingly countless food-and-beverage outlets, an aquarium, an Olympic-sized ice-skating rink and movie complex. Even non-shoppers would be well-served to take a look inside.

Exploring the Desert Landscape

Hands down, my recommendation for clients interested in a desert safari is Platinum Heritage, which is believed to be the most sustainable safari company in Dubai – and its excursions to the protected Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve reflect its commitment to the environment. The excursion I experienced included roundtrip transfers from the hotel to the conservation reserve; an hour-long drive through the desert in vintage Land Rovers; a presentation on falconry, with the sun setting in the background; an Emirati buffet-style meal; and traditional performances.

Dining in Dubai

Orfali Bros, which just received its first Michelin star, is the brainchild of three Syrian brothers whose cuisine puts a multicultural spin on Syrian dishes. The unpretentious restaurant, which is open for lunch and dinner, is ideally suited for diners who enjoy sharing dishes. The cuisine is highly inventive and super tasty. Note that the restaurant does not have a liquor license. 

The Lana, Dubai’s Riviera by Jean Imbert showcases dishes created by celebrity chef Jean Imbert, whose French menus are inspired by dishes from the French and Italian Rivieras. Highly recommended is the green risotto with herb and seasonal mushrooms, tuna tartar made at the table and côte de boeuf with chimichurri. 

For a taste of authentic Emirate cuisine, recommend the Arabian Fish House at the Arabian Boutique Hotel. As its name implies, the restaurant serves a host of fresh seafood dishes along with a generous number of Arabic dishes. I sampled a lavish breakfast spread there, which included the best falafels I’ve ever had. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Where to Stay in Dubai

Your fashionista clients will invariably be drawn to Palazzo Versace Dubai, where every element of the property reflects the designs of the house of Versace. Its 150 guestrooms and 65 suites feature Versace Home Collection furniture, bedding and glassware. In all, the hotel has two bars and eight restaurants.

The 178-room Banyan Tree Dubai at Bluewaters, which made its debut in December 2023, overlooks the Arabian Gulf and boasts a private beach in addition to three pools. The property features five eclectic dining venues, including Demon Duck by celebrity Chef Alvin Leung. It also houses a gorgeous spa where holistic treatments are offered.

The 30-story The Lana, Dubai, which is part of the Dorchester Collection, opened its doors in February 2024, and is equipped with some of the prettiest guestrooms (104), suites (121) and public areas that I’ve even seen. The hotel’s eight food-and-beverage offerings are equally impressive, with two restaurants headed by celebrity chefs.

For clients looking for something more culturally immersive, consider the Arabian Boutique Hotel, which debuted in January in Old Dubai’s Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. It houses 10 charming guestrooms and suites, with another 10 coming soon in an adjoining house, and the Arabian Fish House.

Budget-Friendly Hotel Options

Dubai has earned a reputation as a luxury destination – and with good reason. It is, after all, home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels. But tourism officials are quick to point out that the Emirate also features a number of properties for less affluent travelers.

“While Dubai is famous for high-end luxury, unfortunately for a lot of people they think it is unattainable,” said His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing during the Arabian Travel Market.

“What they don’t realize is that Dubai has a lot to offer for every budget,” he added. “Three- and four-star hotels have seen massive growth. I encourage anyone to stay in a three-star hotel in Dubai, and they will see that they actually compete with a lot of five-star hotels around the world.”

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.