Dubai and Abu Dhabi: The Over-the-Top Trip That Is Actually Worth It
We were skeptical about Dubai. Everything we had heard made it sound like a theme park for billionaires — artificial islands, indoor ski slopes, the world’s tallest building. And honestly, all of that is accurate. But what surprised us is that beyond the spectacle, there is genuinely interesting food, culture, and desert landscape that most visitors miss because they never leave the Marina.
Dubai: Beyond the Skyscrapers
The Burj Khalifa observation deck is worth doing once. Book the At the Top ticket (not the premium SKY level — the regular 124th floor is the same view for half the price). Go at sunset for the best light. The ticket includes timed entry, so you skip the line if you book online.
The Dubai Mall is absurd — over 1,200 stores, an aquarium, an ice rink, and a waterfall. We spent about two hours walking through it and that was plenty. The real draw is the Dubai Fountain show outside, which happens every 30 minutes after 6 PM. Free to watch from the promenade, and it is genuinely spectacular — 500 feet of choreographed water and light set to Arabic and Western music.
Old Dubai: Al Fahidi and the Souks
This is where Dubai gets interesting. The Al Fahidi Historical District is the oldest part of the city — narrow lanes, wind-tower architecture, and small galleries and cafes tucked into restored merchant houses. The Dubai Museum inside Al Fahidi Fort costs almost nothing and gives context for how this city went from a fishing village to a global hub in 50 years.
The Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira are a sensory overload. The Gold Souk has more gold per square meter than anywhere else on earth. Prices are based on the daily gold rate plus a making charge — negotiating the making charge is expected. The Spice Souk next door sells saffron, frankincense, and oud at prices that would be five times higher in the West.
Abu Dhabi: One Day, Three Highlights
Abu Dhabi is 90 minutes from Dubai by car and worth a day trip for three things. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the most beautiful mosque we have ever seen — 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. It is free to enter and open to all visitors. Dress modestly or borrow an abaya at the entrance.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a masterpiece of architecture by Jean Nouvel. The dome creates a “rain of light” effect that changes throughout the day. The collection spans all civilizations and time periods. Budget two to three hours minimum.
Yas Island has Ferrari World (the world’s fastest roller coaster) and the Yas Marina Circuit where the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is held. Even outside race season, you can drive the circuit in a passenger experience.
Desert Safari
Do this. A sunset desert safari with dune bashing, camel rides, and a BBQ dinner under the stars is one of the most fun evenings we have had on any trip. Book through your hotel or a reputable operator — the cheap ones on the street cut corners on vehicle maintenance. The overnight options that include sleeping in a desert camp are even better if you have the time.
Food
Al Ustad Special Kabab in Bur Dubai has been open since 1978 and serves Iranian kebabs that are worth crossing the city for. Ravi Restaurant in Satwa is a no-frills Pakistani spot where a massive meal costs under $10. For fine dining, Zuma in DIFC serves Japanese izakaya-style food that is consistently rated among the best restaurants in the Middle East.
Gear and Guides We Recommend
These are things we actually use and recommend. Some links below are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
- Osprey Farpoint 40L Travel Backpack — the only bag you need for two weeks anywhere
- Anker Nano Power Bank — saved us dozens of times when phones died mid-navigation
- eSIM International Data — skip the SIM card hunt at the airport
- Peak Design Packing Cubes — actually worth the hype for organizing