DUBAI TRAVEL GUIDE: A CITY OF LUXURY, LIGHT & LIMITLESS EXPERIENCES
I recently took another trip to the UAE — my second time properly exploring the country beyond the usual Emirates layovers. After visiting Abu Dhabi last year, I finally made my way to Dubai, a city defined by its futuristic skyline, the Burj Khalifa, sprawling luxury malls and an endless list of experiences waiting to be checked off.
We flew with Emirates Business Class again, which I usually love for the home-to-airport chauffeur service, lounge access and overall comfort. I was excited to finally fly on the A380, especially for the iconic onboard bar. But this flight wasn’t their strongest — the champagne ran out early, and the main meal wasn’t memorable. I spent most of the flight at the bar instead, where the snacks were surprisingly better. It wasn’t quite the business-class experience I’ve come to know, but thankfully, Dubai itself more than made up for it.
Where We Stayed: W Dubai – The Palm
Our base for the trip was W Dubai – The Palm, a five-star playground on the iconic Palm Jumeirah. Bold, modern and full of personality, the hotel captures the signature W brand energy. Our room was spacious with stunning views, but the pool area stole the show: DJs on rotation, a jacuzzi, huge pools and private beach access.
Dubai’s heat and humidity were intense, but relaxing by the water made it manageable. Still, I’d love to return during the cooler winter months for a different experience.
The city offers accommodation for every budget — from super-luxurious escapes to more affordable but stylish options that don’t compromise on quality. A few to consider: Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Seef, Studio One Hotel, and Jannah Place Dubai Marina. Airbnb is also an option, but the most reliable platforms remain Booking.com and Agoda.
Beach Clubs Worth Visiting
Beach clubs are practically part of the culture in Dubai, and each one offers its own version of escapism. We visited Zenzi Beach for lunch, and it instantly became a favourite — incredible seafood, refreshing cocktails and a gorgeous beachfront view.
Other great picks include:
- Azure Beach
- Cloud 22 (Atlantis The Royal)
- DRIFT Beach Club
All perfect for a slow, sun-soaked day.
Where to Eat
Dubai is a dream for food lovers. From Michelin-star dining to comfort food classics, the city does not disappoint.
For dinner, we tried Sucre, a Michelin-star, fire-cooking restaurant serving phenomenal steak — and yes, they even have South African wine on the menu.
More places to add to your list:
- Nobu
- Zuma
- Caña
- Dior Café
- Shake Shack
- Five Guys
Arrive hungry — Dubai’s food scene is in a league of its own.
Shopping in Dubai
A trip to Dubai isn’t complete without visiting the Dubai Mall. Even if you’re not planning on buying anything, it’s worth exploring for the architecture and sheer scale alone. You’ll find everything from luxury brands like Dior, Chanel and Fendi to everyday staples like Zara and H&M — it’s an experience more than a mall.
Other noteworthy shopping spots:
- Mall of the Emirates
- Dubai Marina Mall
- Wafi Mall
Top Attractions
One of the simplest but most magical experiences is the Dubai Fountain Show, right outside the Burj Khalifa. It’s free, spectacular and takes place beneath the tallest building in the world. If you want a panoramic view of the city, book a ticket to the Burj Khalifa’s viewing deck.
Nightlife
Dubai’s nightlife is vibrant, polished and easily among the best in the region. Top spots include:
- Blu
- Sky 2.0
- Bling
Uber is essential here — Dubai’s drink-and-drive laws are extremely strict.
Desert Safari (If You Have Time)
We didn’t manage to do it on this trip, but a desert safari is one of Dubai’s must-do experiences — think sand dunes, camel rides, traditional cuisine and cinematic sunset views. Just be sure to book with a reputable operator.
One thing to keep in mind: Dubai isn’t exactly the most budget-friendly destination — the city didn’t earn its “billionaire’s playground” nickname by accident. But with a bit of research and smart planning, you can still enjoy plenty of experiences that won’t drain your wallet. Just be prepared: alcohol is noticeably expensive, so it’s worth mixing in some alcohol-free activities to keep costs balanced.
Before travelling, always check the latest entry requirements for your country. For South Africans, the process is generally straightforward — you’ll need to apply for a digital visa online, provided you meet the necessary criteria. https://www.visitdubai.com/
And if you’ve visited Dubai before, I’d love to hear about your experience — what surprised you, what you loved, and what you’d skip next time.
