Dubai has been a hot topic for travelers around the world! And it does not surprise me at all – trust me Dubai is a city that promises to deliver! Over the last 10 years, I had a chance to see how Dubai changes – it’s overwhelming what they have achieved within this stunning metropilis. Here you’ll find the most interesting financial and economic information along with best travel advise to live your unforgettable holiday adventure in Dubai. Due to the city’s popularity a frequent question asked: Is Dubai a country? And how different is Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Is Dubai a country or a city?
Located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai is not a country in itself, but rather a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that has gained global recognition for its opulence, innovation and breathtaking attractions. Some view it as a playground for the wealthy, while others see it as a city of contrasts, where tradition meets modernity.
For me Dubai is a stunning modern city, hosting prominent international cultural events and phenomenal cuisine. It remains the biggest city in the UAE, with over 3.5 million residents, magnificent architecture, endless wonders to see and well-developed public transport (including a luxury subway).
7 emirates of Dubai.
DUBAI is not a country. It is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is a federal constitutional monarchy located in the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula.
The UAE was formed in 1971 after gaining independence from Great Britain.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are two of the most popular destinations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While they are both located in the UAE, they are two separate cities with their own unique attractions, culture and vibe.
Abu Dhabi - the capital of UAE.
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE located about 90 minutes away from Dubai by car. While it may not be as flashy as Dubai, it has its own charm and plenty of things to see and do (including one of the most amazing Formula 1 tracksuits).
Some of its most popular attractions include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques in the world and the Emirates Palace – a luxury hotel that is known for its opulence and grandeur.
What is Dubai famous for?
Dubai is the most populous city in the UAE and is known for its luxurious shopping malls, towering skyscrapers and nightlife. A lot of people say it’s a blinky diamond city built from sand, which only inspires to be The..The..The. But the truth is, Dubai is so much more than this and it has so much to offer even for most demanding tourists.
Dubai is home to some of the world’s most iconic attractions:
- Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building (say whatever you want but the building is magnificent!),
- Dubai Fontaine Show – The tallest fontaine in the world,
- Palm Jumeirah – a man-made island shaped like a palm tree.
Dubai public transport.
TAXI – all taxis are marked, have taximeter and are pretty cheap. Sometimes using public transport might be a little more expensive than shared taxi. Taxis are probably the most convenient way of traveling around Dubai, although public transport offers lots of different options.
UBER – available in Dubai – but is more expensive than Taxis ;))) surprise!!
Public transport – you will need to buy a card and charge with credits. Cards are easily accessible in every metro station or in Dubai airport (transportation office). The card works in the underground and busses – you need to scan the card twice – while entering and leaving the bus.
BUS and METRO – bus network works really good in Dubai and it’s high standard. Brand new trains and busses, amazing bus stops and train stations. Metro might be the faster way of traveling through the city because of heavy traffic jams, but you won’t be able to admire the city view. Road quality is incredible but even the highways are crowded for most of the time.
Best things to see in Dubai!
Dubai continues to push the boundaries of innovation. Attractions and architectural marvels such as the Dubai Fountain, Burj Khalifa or Museum of the Future will capture your imagination for a long.
Despite its reputation for luxury and extravagance, Dubai is also a paradise for outdoor adventures from skydiving over the iconic Palm Jumeirah, dune bashing, desert safaris, and even camping under the star-lit sky, to kite surfing along the overwhelming coastline.
Burj Khalifa - the tallest building in the world.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Dubai is the Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall – the most magnificent and tallest building in the world comes first!
You can visit the observation deck on the 148th floor – the panoramic views of the city from this vantage point are simply breathtaking and offer a unique perspective of Dubai’s stunning skyline.
Burj Khalifa is stunning from the outside and inside! This can be combined with a visit to Dubai Mall – luxury shopping mall with plenty of food outlets. You can access Burj Khalifa from the mall.
With its 125 floors and 828 metres high Burj Khalifa offers number of life-time attractions including:
- Burj Khalifa – for best entry ticket prices check HERE.
- Aquarium and Burj Khalifa levels 124th and 125th combo ticket – HERE.
- Fabulous restaurants at the 124th and 125th floor – Burj Khalifa 124 & Lunch or Dinner at Rooftop – for best packages check HERE.
- Burj Khalifa visiting tours – CHECK here.
- world’s biggest observation desk at the top floor
- fastest elevator in the world and 360-degrees views from the top
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.
Palm Jumeirah – incredible place but wasn’t impressed at night-time! There is a separate train going along the Palm Island. Apart of the sparkling hotels I couldn’t see much.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is probably one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve seen. There is a private beach next to the hotel, which is available for tourists, but you must pay an entry fee /online/. On the other side of the hotel there is a public beach – equally nice, offering an incredible view of the hotel.
DEIRA – the cheap district in Dubai. My leading destination. I was really eager to see the ordinary side of the city and local life. This is what fascinates me the most. The streets are full of small craft shops, where you can purchase some nice souvenirs and clothes. There is also a Gold Souk (market). You will find plenty of cheaper hotels in this area, while the average price of the 4-5 stars hotels is 250 Euro.
Islands of Dubai.
One of the most iconic destinations in Dubai is the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago in the shape of a palm tree, easily accessible by road from the mainland.
The island is home to top luxury hotels and beach clubs.
Hatta Island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Adventurous travelers can partake in mountain biking, hiking, and off-road adventures, exploring the rocky terrain.
Abu Dhabi an authentic Emirati experience.
One of the biggest differences between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is their approach to tourism. While Dubai has embraced tourism with open arms and has built its economy around it, Abu Dhabi is more focused on preserving its culture and heritage while also attracting tourists.
READ: Affordable 3 day Duai itinerary for holidays of a lifetime!
Saudi Arabia to Dubai.
UAE shares a long border with Saudi Arabia. It takes 1050 kilometers to drive from Riyadh (the capital of Saudi Arabia) to Dubai but it’s a high-quality road and the drive takes about 10-11 hours.
But what’s more interesting there are more than 30 flights a day between Riyadh and Dubai. The flight takes 1.40 minutes, available to book on SkyScanner.com.
Travel requirements from Oman to Dubai by road.
A few years ago, my friend Lia and I were looking for some adventurous traveling and came up with the idea of traveling from Dubai to Muscat (Oman) by land border. It was my first time crossing any land border in the Arabian Peninsula, but it was a truly great and comfortable trip.
Oman – Dubai distance: 450 kilometers. It takes 4.3h to drive by car.
Here is everything you need to know about crossing a land border between UEA and Oman by a local bus.
How to get from Dubai to Muscat by bus or car via land border?
Traveling from Dubai to Muscat by bus. Getting from Dubai to Muscat by bus is adventurous and very easy to organize. It’s my travel style
The nearest European country from Dubai.
Turkey and Greece are the nearest European countries from Dubai. Dubai to Turkey or Grece is approximately 5 hours by direct flight.
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