Dubai is located in United Arab Emirates, the second largest emirate and the most populous. It has recently attracted world attention through many innovative large construction projects and sports events. The city has become symbolic for its skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, in particular the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. But wait, is that all?
Well definitely NO! Dubai has so many things to do and one week is actually not enough for you to enjoy all the adventures they can offer. I recently went there last October 29 til November 4, 2014 for a one week millionaire challenge vacation and guess what, I survived!
Here are my activities when I went there last November 2014.. I provided some information about the attractions as well as contact details. Enjoy reading!
Day 1: Ski Dubai Snowpark and Penguin Experience
Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort with 22,500 square meters of indoor ski area. It is a part of the Mall of the Emirates, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was developed by Majid Al Futtaim Properties, which also operates the Mall of the Emirates. I stayed in Ibis mall of the emirates so this was the first place I went when I got to dubai. There are varieties of packages they offer, the first thing I tried was The Penguin Experience.
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| Meet Wally the King Penguin(Left) and Shella the Gentoo Penguin, 3rd largest Penguin species in the world(Right). |
Next thing we do was playing with the snow at Snowpark. Package was sold separately so don't expect that you can go straight away to Snowpark after you Penguin Experience or vice versa.
Tip: Wear jacket when going there, it was freakin' cold inside. I was wearing one when we went but I was still shivering inside.
Price Range:
Penguin encounter(Atleast 2 Penguins): 150AED
Snowpark Entrance: 150AED
For more info please Click Here!
Day 2. Helicopter Tour by Alpha Tours
Helicopter tour is the best way to see how beautiful Dubai is from the sky. You will have the 360 degree view of the beautiful man made islands like The Palm and The World, Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab which will make you realized how the could they built such a diamond like that.
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| Before Flying up above! |
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| After the Fun Ride |
15 Minutes Fun Ride tour: 795AED Per Person
Inclusive of Hotel Pick up and Drop off
For more information about their agency, please visit their website at www.alphatoursdubai.com
For more information about the Helicopter tour,
Please check on my post at Helicopter Tour Dubai: Sightseeing from the Sky
Day 2: Atmosphere Lounge High Tea
At.mosphere Burj Khalifa
P.O. Box 888333, Burj Khalifa
1 Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
Dubai - UAE
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| Table Set Up |
- High Tea is served in Atmosphere Lounge from 14:30- till 17:00
- Last reservation is at 15:30
- Minimum age is 10 years old and above
- Dress code: Smart/Elegant
- Luxurious Package at AED 1000 per person.
- Premium Package at AED 380 per person
- Traditional Package at AED 320 per person
Contact Details:
Tel: +971 4 888 3444
Fax: +971 4 449 1427
Email: reservations@atmosphereburjkhalifa.com
Email: reservations@atmosphereburjkhalifa.com
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| Mocktail |
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| Traditional Package at 320AED |
Tip: If you wanna get a window seat table, you have to come atleast 30 minutes before your booking time. It is also better to note that to the reservation staff you are making your booking with.
Check out my post about Luxurious High Tea Experience in Dubai for more details.
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| View from our Table(Dubai Mall And The Address Dubai Downtown) |
Day 3: Tandem Skydiving at Skydive Dubai The Palm Drop Zone
Skydive Dubai is one of the most popular drop zone in the world especially for tourists who just want to do skydiving for fun or for their bucket list thing because they have the most stunning view of the city most especially the man made island The Palm Jumierah.
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| Free Falling |
1999AED per Person per jump
Including still images and videos saved in a usb card
Contact Details:
Email: info@skydivedubai.ae
Contact no.: +97143778888
Visit their website for more information at www.skydivedubai.ae
Check out my post about Skydive Dubai at Tandem Skydive Dubai: Adrenaline Rush for a Lifetime
Tip: Always plan and book your jump atleast one month before. Skydive Dubai is always fully booked like what I said because they are most popular with tourists around the globe.
Day 3: Jet Ski Ride around Dubai Marina
Yes, right after my Tandem Skydiving, I straight away went for my next adventure which was Jetski Riding around Dubai Marina. I was still feeling a little dizzy that time so my friend and I went to a pharmacy to buy some medicine for me.
Dubai Marina was the best location if you wanna go for a try it in Dubai due to it's location near Atlantis the Palm, Burj Al Arab where you can get a closer look with these stunning structures.
Price Range:
600-700AED per hour
I personally recommended Day and Night Yachts & Boat Rental agency. They provided excellent service to me, from booking an appointment until the day of my ride. The staff who assisted me was very helpful and friendly, I really enjoyed it. They also offers various numbers of water sports and I can say a good deal because to be honest, I found it difficult to look for a cheaper jet ski rental in Dubai Marina, and I feel to lucky that I have found them.
Location:
Jumeirah 5 Beach Marina, Umm Squim Road near Burj Al Arab
Contact Details:
Tel No: +971 44483332
Fax No: +971 44542432
Mobile No: +971 556188686
Tip: Bring extra clothes and towels! Do not wear sunglasses/shades while jet skiing. Also do not forget to wear sunscreen!
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| Jet Skiing around Dubai Marina |
Day 3: Yacht Cruise around Dubai Marina
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| Big Waves approached us while we cruise around Dubai Marina |
Okay Day 3 is not yet done, Yacht Cruising was also on my list. Not only very common in Dubai but also can consider a great experience to try. Of course, location wise was still at Dubai Marina like what I mentioned in my Jet ski ride journal.
Yacht cruising in Dubai has so many categories and sizes. You can choose to sail around the sea or just stay at the port. Sizes varies from how many persons will be.
But for what I did, I took a 42 feet yacht with a capacity of 12 people on board including the captain and the crew. We sailed around Dubai Marina, near Burj Al Arab and Atlantis the Palm for 2 hours. Great experience indeed.
Price Range:
1,600 AED for 2 hours cruise with 42 feet yacht maximum of 10 passengers.
Note: Prices are depending on the size of the yacht and number of person.
Agency I booked my cruise with: Royal Blue Ship Charter Dubai
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| Burj Al Arab captured while cruising |
Contact details:
Phone: +971 4 4562428
Fax: +971 4 4562430
Email: info@royalbluecharter.com
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| Sunset Cruise |
Tip no. 1: Bring food and drinks on board!
You can also check some deals with
Groupon or Cobone if you want to get a really cheap yacht cruise experience, But make sure to book it one month before your planned date.
Tip no. 2: If you want to go on a sunset cruise, 4-6pm is the best timing.
Day 3: Dodge Limousine Ride
This is not a "must try" but I still suggests to everyone to try it. Dubai is knows for being home of exotic cars and believe it or not limousine is becoming popular from tourists. Limousines are commonly used only by VIP or rich people, and if you wanna feel like a royal stepping out of these cars, then you should try it.
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| Green Dodge Limousine |
Day 3: Dinner at Trattoria Toscana Italian Restaurant, Souk Madinat Jumeirah
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| Souk Madinat Jumeirah |
Souk Madinat is located inside Madinat Jumeirah and Arabian Resort a luxurious and the largest in the emirate spreading 40 hectares of landscape and garden. It is one of the most successful souk in Dubai and most visit by rich people. Not only home of 75 boutique shops, there were 20 over enormously restaurants, bars, and cafes inside as well.
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| Boutique inside Souk Madina |
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| Trattoria Toscana Italian Restaurant |
Price Range:
200AED for 4 people Dining
Contact details:
Tel no: +971 4 366 5866
Email: MJrestaurants@jumeirah.com
Serving from 12:00 to 24:00
Day 4: High Tea at Skyview Bar, Burj Al Arab
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| Burj Al Arab Interior |
This was the second time I tried Burj Al Arab High Tea and I don't know why I keep coming back. Burj Al Arab is not accessible by public unless you have a reservation in one of their restaurants. And I think visiting Dubai without Burj Al Arab is rather incomplete so I always tend to come back to get close and see the amazing hotel.
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| Skyview Bar, Burj Al Arab |
620AED per person
Contact details:
Telephone number: +971 4 301 7600
Fax number: +971 4 301 6076
email: BAArestaurants@jumeirah.com
Dress Code:
Elegant/Smart Casual
Fore more information, please check out my post at Luxurious Hight Tea Experience in Dubai
Day 5: Check in at Sofitel Dubai Downtown
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| Classic Room at Sofitel Dubai Downtown |
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| Just Checked In! |
Aside from being new(they just did their grand opening when I went there), this hotel has a very good location when it comes to shopping and transportation. It is near the metro station as well as the Dubai Mall (10-15minutes walk from the hotel to the mall) through air conditioned over pass. They has an extremely impressive view of Burj Khalifa and Sheikh Zayed Road.
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| View from my room(2508) |
Price Range:
From 1200AED per night
Room Amenities:
- courtesy low bandwidth WiFi,
- BOSE wave,
- LED HD TV's
- high level of comfort: MyBed
- spacious bathroom with separate shower and tub
- working space
Day 5: Dinner at Zeta Restaurant and Lounge, The Address Downtown
It's good to have some friends
and acquaintances to a country you are traveling. Why? Aside from someone can accompany you for a coffee or tea, well maybe they can treat you for a casual dinner too? How was that? That's very Cooool...
Zeta Restaurant and Lounge is located at The Address Dubai Downtown. They are an exquisite outdoor dining with the spectacular view of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. The food they offers are for sharing concept with an Asian fusion cuisine.
Day 6: Swimming at Sofitel Dubai Downtown
Since it was a relaxed day and our next appointment was around 3pm, my friend and I went for a swim first after brunch at the hotel.
The Pool is located at the 5th floor of the building.
The staff were very helpful and kind.
The pool has a very nice view of the magnificent tower Burj Khalifa. They have bar/restaurants at this area too, The Mosaic Pool and Lounge Bar that offers an Arabic ambience and serves Lebanese delicacies.
Opening hours: 9:00 til 20:00
Monday to Sunday
Tip: Don't forget to wear sunscreen! Really hot outside.
Day 6: At The Top SKY Experience, Burj Khalifa
Currently holds the title of Highest Observation deck in the World, At The Top SKY Experience is one of the top lists when visiting Dubai. This attraction just recently opened last October 2014.
Price Range:
400AED per Person if you will book it in advance
500AED per Person for the same day booking.
First we were ushered inside the waiting area most especially for for SKY pass holders only. Arabian Coffee and dates were served inside. After a 10-minute of introduction, they gave us a Sky pass which was per group/couple/person. We went up with a group of almost 15 people, and was guided by a guest ambassador. A separate lift was also designated only for our pass only.
At The Top Sky is located at the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa. with 555 meters high. Sky experience has an exclusive lounge that serves snacks and desserts as well as refreshments. When we reached there, we were allowed to stay up to 30 minutes only, after that, we went down to At the Top Observation Deck at 125th floor where you can stay as long as you want.
Tip: 4 to 5pm is the best timing to witness the breathtaking sunset of Dubai.
Day 6: Dinner at Carluccio's Dubai Mall
From Burj Khalifa we headed back to Dubai mall to get some dinner. Before I ever went to Dubai, I already researched some restaurants with great location. One of it was the Carluccio's.
Carlucio's is an Italian restaurant centrally situated at the lower grand floor of the Dubai Mall with fantastic view of the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa perfect for indoor or outdoor dining. They are open through out the day from breakfast, lunch and dinner.
We din not made any reservations so when we came up to their door, we were asked to sit inside the restaurant first while waiting for other guests to leave the outdoor dining. We noticed that there were very less people inside the restaurant, well of course most of them would like to watch the Dancing Dubai Fountain outside instead.
Price Range:
150AED for 2 persons dinner with mocktails and Acqua Panna Mineral water
Contact Details:
+971 (0) 4 4341320
Please visit their website for more information http://www.carluccios.com
Day 6: VIP Limousine Ride, Again!
Oh yah, this was the only problem I encountered before going to Dubai, I booked 2 Limousine ride! Yes because this was bought from Groupon at least 2 months before but when I tried booking it with the agency(2weeks before), there was no available Hummer Limo or any other on my planned date. My friends and I were meeting only once in that week I went so I have no choice but to find another Limousine to ride with them on the first planned date. That is why I say to always remember to book things ahead of time.
So for the sake of not wasting the ride, my friend and I still used up the voucher on my last night.
We have requested to be toured around Jumeirah beach as I wanted to see the Burj Al Arab Hotel before I leave the next day.
Day 7: Lunch at Baker&Spice, Souk Al Bahar
I had run out of things to do. This day was my check out time too so I decided to just look around at Dubai Mall to buy some stuff. I was given a late check out by Sofitel so I just relaxed first and drank some coffee before I leave the hotel. After 2 pm, I head up to the mall to and had a walked around. I wasn't taken my lunch first so I decide to look for a restaurant to eat.
I love Al fresco dining, so that was the first thing I tried to find out and luckily, I found this restaurant at Souk Al Bahar that has a great view of Khalifa Tower next to me, the Baker & Spice.
Day 7: The Lake Ride
I took my lunch a little late. So I ended up just walking around and enjoy the view of the Downtown.
At 5:45 pm, I boarded the traditional Abra boat around Burj Lake because I do not want to just let this day passed by without doing anything. It's called Lake Ride.
Here, we cruise around the Burj lake for 15 minutes. We were also able to get closer and watch the Largest Dancing Fountain in the world, The Dubai Fountain.
Price Range:
65AED per Person
Hours of Operation:
5:45pm til 11:30pm
Tickets are available at the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride Kiosk located at the fountain promenade outside Dubai Mall and at the At The Top Ticket counter.
For more informations, please visit their website at www.burjkhalifa.ae
There are so many things to do in Dubai but you do not have to try all those activities I did. What you can do is to check out the main attractions first before going there and always try to book them ahead of time. There are lot's of websites that provide discounted vouchers like Groupon and Cobone, so I strongly suggest to check what they can offer first. Since this was my second time in Dubai, some of the most popular attractions and activities are not listed in my Bucket lists. So I will write down below what are the most common tourists go and try when they are in Dubai.
Dubai's Popular Attractions:
At The Top Burj Khalifa Experience
Dessert Safari
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Dinner Dhow Cruise
The Lost Chamber, Atlantis The Palm
Dubai Aquarium
Ski Dubai
Skydive Dubai*
Jumeirah Beach(Burj Al Arab)
Enjoy Dubai! :)
and acquaintances to a country you are traveling. Why? Aside from someone can accompany you for a coffee or tea, well maybe they can treat you for a casual dinner too? How was that? That's very Cooool...
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| Food! |
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| Singapore Sling Cocktail |
Zeta Restaurant and Lounge is located at The Address Dubai Downtown. They are an exquisite outdoor dining with the spectacular view of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. The food they offers are for sharing concept with an Asian fusion cuisine.
Day 6: Swimming at Sofitel Dubai Downtown
Since it was a relaxed day and our next appointment was around 3pm, my friend and I went for a swim first after brunch at the hotel.
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| Swimming Pool |
The Pool is located at the 5th floor of the building.
The staff were very helpful and kind.
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| Burj Khalifa view from the Pool area |
The pool has a very nice view of the magnificent tower Burj Khalifa. They have bar/restaurants at this area too, The Mosaic Pool and Lounge Bar that offers an Arabic ambience and serves Lebanese delicacies.
Opening hours: 9:00 til 20:00
Monday to Sunday
Tip: Don't forget to wear sunscreen! Really hot outside.
Day 6: At The Top SKY Experience, Burj Khalifa
Currently holds the title of Highest Observation deck in the World, At The Top SKY Experience is one of the top lists when visiting Dubai. This attraction just recently opened last October 2014.
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| At the Top Sky Ticket |
Price Range:
400AED per Person if you will book it in advance
500AED per Person for the same day booking.
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| Arabian Coffee served with Fresh Dates |
First we were ushered inside the waiting area most especially for for SKY pass holders only. Arabian Coffee and dates were served inside. After a 10-minute of introduction, they gave us a Sky pass which was per group/couple/person. We went up with a group of almost 15 people, and was guided by a guest ambassador. A separate lift was also designated only for our pass only.
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| Sheikh Zayed Road from Sky Lounge |
At The Top Sky is located at the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa. with 555 meters high. Sky experience has an exclusive lounge that serves snacks and desserts as well as refreshments. When we reached there, we were allowed to stay up to 30 minutes only, after that, we went down to At the Top Observation Deck at 125th floor where you can stay as long as you want.
Tip: 4 to 5pm is the best timing to witness the breathtaking sunset of Dubai.
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| Sunset |
Day 6: Dinner at Carluccio's Dubai Mall
From Burj Khalifa we headed back to Dubai mall to get some dinner. Before I ever went to Dubai, I already researched some restaurants with great location. One of it was the Carluccio's.
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| Carluccio's Outdoor Dininig with view of the Dancing Dubai Fountain |
Carlucio's is an Italian restaurant centrally situated at the lower grand floor of the Dubai Mall with fantastic view of the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa perfect for indoor or outdoor dining. They are open through out the day from breakfast, lunch and dinner.
We din not made any reservations so when we came up to their door, we were asked to sit inside the restaurant first while waiting for other guests to leave the outdoor dining. We noticed that there were very less people inside the restaurant, well of course most of them would like to watch the Dancing Dubai Fountain outside instead.
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| Steaks |
150AED for 2 persons dinner with mocktails and Acqua Panna Mineral water
Contact Details:
+971 (0) 4 4341320
Please visit their website for more information http://www.carluccios.com
Day 6: VIP Limousine Ride, Again!
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| VIP Hummer Limousine |
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| Stopover at Jumeirah |
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| Inside the Hummer Limousine |
So for the sake of not wasting the ride, my friend and I still used up the voucher on my last night.
We have requested to be toured around Jumeirah beach as I wanted to see the Burj Al Arab Hotel before I leave the next day.
Day 7: Lunch at Baker&Spice, Souk Al Bahar
I had run out of things to do. This day was my check out time too so I decided to just look around at Dubai Mall to buy some stuff. I was given a late check out by Sofitel so I just relaxed first and drank some coffee before I leave the hotel. After 2 pm, I head up to the mall to and had a walked around. I wasn't taken my lunch first so I decide to look for a restaurant to eat.
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| Al fresco Dining Baker&Spice |
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| Fresh Orange Juice |
I love Al fresco dining, so that was the first thing I tried to find out and luckily, I found this restaurant at Souk Al Bahar that has a great view of Khalifa Tower next to me, the Baker & Spice.
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| Burj Khalifa next to me! :) |
Day 7: The Lake Ride
I took my lunch a little late. So I ended up just walking around and enjoy the view of the Downtown.
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| The Address Dubai Downtown |
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| Burj Khalifa |
At 5:45 pm, I boarded the traditional Abra boat around Burj Lake because I do not want to just let this day passed by without doing anything. It's called Lake Ride.
Here, we cruise around the Burj lake for 15 minutes. We were also able to get closer and watch the Largest Dancing Fountain in the world, The Dubai Fountain.
Price Range:
65AED per Person
Hours of Operation:
5:45pm til 11:30pm
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| Sunset at Downtown Dubai |
Tickets are available at the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride Kiosk located at the fountain promenade outside Dubai Mall and at the At The Top Ticket counter.
For more informations, please visit their website at www.burjkhalifa.ae
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| The Dubai Fountain Show |
Dubai's Popular Attractions:
At The Top Burj Khalifa Experience
Dessert Safari
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Dinner Dhow Cruise
The Lost Chamber, Atlantis The Palm
Dubai Aquarium
Ski Dubai
Skydive Dubai*
Jumeirah Beach(Burj Al Arab)
Enjoy Dubai! :)
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