Dubai, one of the most popular cities in the United Arab Emirates, welcomes people from dozens of different nationalities for work and tourism. While autumn begins to cool Turkey, Dubai instantly transforms into summer heat. The city, an oasis in the middle of the desert, immediately catches your eye with tropical palm trees. You can start exploring Dubai from the marina area. Walking along the canal where luxury yachts are moored and observing the high-rise surroundings is one of the most enjoyable activities in the marina. The restaurants and Dubai Marina Mall along the canal give a glimpse of the city’s popular area.
The Persian Gulf, the part of the Indian Ocean bordering the Arabian Peninsula, surrounds Dubai like a mother’s embrace. Among the city’s many beautiful beaches, JBR The Beach is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. On Bluewaters Island, you can enjoy swimming with the world’s largest Ferris wheel, Ain Dubai, and take a stroll along the beach at sunset. After enjoying the marina and JBR, you can head towards the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. Easily accessible by metro, this skyscraper is located right next to The Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in the world. With thousands of stores, the world’s largest aquarium, the millions-of-years-old dinosaur fossil known as Dubai Dino, and the massive fountain in front of the world’s tallest building, The Dubai Mall leaves every visitor in awe.
After exploring The Dubai Mall, you can access Burj Khalifa from inside the mall. Passing through the ticket queue, you can take the world’s fastest elevator, ascending ten meters per second to reach the 124th floor in about a minute. Standing 828 meters tall, Burj Khalifa is officially the tallest building in the world. Visitors can access the observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors, or enjoy refreshments at the Sky Lounge on the 148th floor or the cafes on the 152nd, 153rd, and 154th floors. Burj Khalifa offers an unforgettable experience, letting you gaze at all of Dubai from above.
No Dubai adventure is complete without a desert experience. You can choose a desert safari tour from your hotel. Tour vehicles, usually 4×4, pick you up and take you to the desert about an hour from the city. While tours usually accommodate up to six people, private tours are also available. Brace yourself for adrenaline-pumping moments on sand dunes, driving vehicles with deflated tires. Climbing dunes of varying heights in the endless desert provides an unusual and thrilling experience. Witnessing the sunset as orange hues dance on the red sands makes the desert adventure even more magical. As darkness falls, live music and dance shows begin. Food served on traditional desert tables, along with fire performances and dance, make this experience truly unique. Returning to your hotel, the desert’s energy stays with you.
To understand that Dubai is not just about skyscrapers and beaches, visit the old city of Deira, which retains traces of traditional Arab life. Particularly notable is the Old Souk, a gold market where gold is more than jewelry—it’s a way of life. You can see human-sized gold accessories and even the world’s largest gold ring listed in the Guinness Book of Records. A little further, the Spice Souk, similar to Istanbul’s Egyptian Bazaar, sells a wide variety of spices and draws crowds of tourists.
Flights from Istanbul to Dubai take about 4.5–5 hours. Dubai International Airport is conveniently located near the city, though you can also fly to Sharjah, a nearby city with more affordable options. It takes about 40–45 minutes to reach central Dubai from Sharjah Airport.
In the Deira port area, traditional wooden boats called Abra ferry passengers across the water, similar to ferries in Istanbul. Originally used by fishermen, Abras are still used for transportation today. You can experience a short ride and enjoy the water.
Next, visit Souk Madinat, one of Dubai’s favorite areas. With its sail-shaped architecture and views of the iconic Burj Al Arab, Souk Madinat offers shops, restaurants, bars, and a festival atmosphere. Arab-inspired architecture and canal-side restaurants make this a delightful stop. For some beach time, Kite Beach, overlooking Burj Al Arab, is popular with clear waters and street food trucks offering global cuisine. You can swim and sample the local culinary delights.
Plan to spend at least four days in Dubai to explore the city leisurely and enjoy both desert and beach experiences. Dubai’s public transport relies on metro and tram systems, with taxis also widely used. Accommodation ranges from three-star to five-star hotels, with options near the marina or JBR The Beach.
Dedicate your last day to Miracle Garden, home to about 150 million flowers. Open from November to late April, the garden features Smurfs Village, floral sculptures, towers, seating areas, and a flower-adorned Emirates airplane. Walking among millions of flowers and enjoying the scents is a magical experience.
Dubai Cuisine
Dubai’s traditional Emirati cuisine features Arab coffee and dates. Arab coffee, listed in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, has a unique flavor with cardamom. Emirati dishes are often meat- and grain-based, including saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon-flavored rice. Seafood is also widely consumed along the coast, and chicken wraps similar to Turkish doner are popular.
For a unique dining experience, try Dinner in the Sky or Flying Cup, where you dine 40–50 meters above ground while enjoying sunset views—a truly unforgettable adventure.
Dubai is also famous for international cuisine. You can find TGI Friday’s, Cheesecake Factory, Five Guys, Italian and Georgian restaurants, and celebrity chef restaurants such as Jamie Oliver, Günaydın, CZN Burak. For cocktails, Jetty Lounge at One&Only Resorts or the popular Pier 7 Restaurant & Lounge are excellent options.
The desert’s dreamlike atmosphere combined with the sunset’s positive energy makes Dubai unforgettable. The clear waters of the sea contrast beautifully with the towering buildings, and all that remains is to live the moment in this city of superlatives.
Be First to Comment