text Ginevra Beretta
10 things you absolutely must do in Dubai
The most beautiful experiences in the city and places you absolutely must visit
Amid glittering skyscrapers, spectacular water features, glittering luxury and an endless supply of entertainment, Dubai has become one of the world's most desirable and popular destinations. Here, then, are ten must-do experiences in this extraordinary city.
Climb the world's tallest skyscrapers
Walking through the streets of the city, it is easy to feel tiny, surrounded by the imposing skyscrapers towering between the buildings. Not surprisingly, it is here that the world's tallest skyscraper stands: the Burj Khalifa. Inaugurated in 2010, the Burj Khalifa is a visionary work by the American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill and reaches a dizzying height of 829.80 metres. From the glazed outdoor terrace, which embraces the building, it is possible to extend one's gaze far beyond the shores of the Persian Gulf, enjoying a unique view that only the Burj Khalifa can offer. Although the skyscraper houses mainly offices and not every floor is accessible, it is possible to visit the 125th and 148th floors thanks to special tickets for tourists. Also iconic is the Burj Al Arab (currently closed for extensive renovations that will last 18 months), with its 321 metre height and characteristic sail shape, born from the genius of Tom Wright. Located on the Arabian Gulf, the Burj Al Arab offers a breathtaking view of the sea and the picturesque artificial island of Palm Jumeirah. Here you can enjoy an unforgettable experience while sipping an aperitif at Sal, the iconic restaurant with a pool, overlooking the sea. Another architectural masterpiece in Dubai is the Cayan Tower, whose 307-metre-high tower winds towards the sky in an elegant rotation: each floor is slightly offset by 1.2 degrees, giving the building a spiral appearance. Dubai is, without a doubt, the ideal city to admire views from breathtaking perspectives: explore them all by clicking here.
Burj Khalifa from The Highest View at Gevora Hotel Relax at the most exclusive beach clubs
The Persian Gulf boasts some of the most crystal-clear and fascinating waters in the world, blending harmoniously with the heat of the desert, making Dubai the ideal destination for an escape from the winter chill. Its beaches, with fine sand and turquoise waters, are the perfect place to relax or have fun. Among the most beautiful are JBR Beach, where you can shop and enjoy delicacies while strolling along the sea, the beautiful Jumeirah Public Beach, and Kite Beach, particularly popular with foreigners residing in Dubai. For those who want to spend a totally relaxing day in luxury, Dubai's numerous beach clubs are a perfect choice. Not to be missed is Nammos, located next to the Four Seasons Resort, where an elegant Dior shop has been opened. Another exclusive location is Drift, which offers a breathtaking view of the city skyline and allows guests to savour the innovative cuisine of chef Maxime Le Van by the pool. Another landmark is Twiggy by La Cantine, with its 100-metre beach overlooking the iconic Dubai Creek. To discover the best beach clubs in town, click here.
NammosStaying in the world's most elegant and luxurious hotels
Dubai is the city par excellence of luxury and elegance, a characteristic that is beautifully reflected in its resorts and hotels. Among its most iconic structures is the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, one of the city's tallest buildings, an architectural masterpiece built with precious materials such as statuary marble, 24-carat gold and the world's largest Swarovski crystal ceiling. This luxury hotel offers elegant suites for unforgettable stays, as well as numerous attractions, including spectacular aquariums and starred restaurants. Not to be missed is the Sal restaurant, which serves top-quality dishes that can be enjoyed poolside with a breathtaking view of the city. No less prestigious is the Four Seasons Resort Dubai, located on the splendid Jumeirah Beach. Its Arabic style blends with Hispanic influences, transporting guests to a regal atmosphere of the distant past. Inside is the splendid The Pearl Spa, a luxury retreat where you can be pampered by expert massage therapists, enveloped in the scent of Arabian incense. Finally, the Atlantis Resort, one of the most famous in the city, houses the Aquaventure Waterpark, the largest and most spectacular water park in Dubai. With over a hundred slides, including the Shockwave, the world's tallest water slide, it offers a unique experience for the whole family. To discover all the best resorts in Dubai, click here.
Four Seasons Resort DubaiShopping (and more) at the Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates
The Dubai Malls are the perfect retreat for those seeking relief from the sun, offering a full day of shopping, dining and unique activities. The Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping centre, is home to more than 1,200 shops, ranging from big names like Gucci and Armani to international brands. Inside the Dubai Mall, European fashion blends with Arabian charm thanks to the Souk Al Bahar, a repurposed and modernised old fish market, where Arabian delicacies can be enjoyed in elegant restaurants and cafes. Dubai is also famous for its spectacular fountains, and the Dubai Mall is home to the Fountain of the Plungers, a majestic and powerful spectacle. But the Malls are not just a place for shopping. The Dubai Mall also houses a cinema and the famous Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, the world's largest tank with no less than 33,000 marine species. In addition to guided tours to discover the marine fauna, it is possible to have a unique experience by diving into the tank for an epic underwater session alongside sharks. Next to the Dubai Mall, another retail giant is the Mall of the Emirates, one of the most visited shopping malls in the world. Its four floors contain over 500 shops of luxury and international brands, not to mention more than a hundred restaurants and bars. The big surprise in this mall is Ski Dubai, a snow paradise in the heart of the desert. If your dream is to ski among the sand dunes, Ski Dubai is the answer: here you can ski and snowboard, but also have fun on the tubing run with inflatables. And for a truly unique experience, you can spend time with penguins, feed them and cuddle them, making your visit even more unforgettable.
Dubai MallTaking a desert tour
The desert, with its timeless allure, has always been a symbol of adventure and mystery, and the majestic red dunes of Dubai never disappoint. The most authentic way to explore this breathtaking landscape is on camelback, an experience that will allow you to experience a true adventure, immersing yourself in a fundamental element of Arabian culture. If, on the other hand, you prefer a more dynamic challenge, you can venture into the dunes on a quad bike or experience the thrill of snowboarding, sliding across the sand as if you were on snowy slopes.The desert experiences do not end there. Each day in the heart of the desert ends with a traditional Arabian dinner under the starry sky, where you can enjoy a rich buffet of typical dishes, accompanied by refreshing drinks. To make the evening even more special, traditional music and dance performances will bring you into the magical and enchanted atmosphere of the desert, creating unforgettable memories
Incredible safaris on a vintage Land Rover like those first cars to cross the dunes of the Dubai desert in the 1950sVisiting the most beautiful museums and art galleries
Dubai is often recognised as the city of luxury and fashion, and there is a tendency to forget its rich, centuries-old culture. If you are a history buff and want to immerse yourself in Dubai's traditions and culture, the Dubai Museum and Etihad Museum are must-see stops. The Dubai Museum, located in Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in the city, offers a comprehensive overview of the history of the Emirates. Through interactive exhibits and realistically reproduced everyday scenes, the museum allows visitors to dive into the past and discover the cultural roots of the Emirates. The Etihad Museum, on the other hand, recounts the birth of the UAE and the building of its extraordinary wealth through the discovery of oil fields, a crucial point in the country's development. Another place that celebrates tradition is the Museum of Islamic Art, which houses collections of Islamic art and artefacts dating from the 7th to the 19th century, offering a fascinating insight into Islamic visual culture. However, Dubai is also a city that looks to the future, and this is precisely the spirit of the Museum of the Future. This museum offers an immersive experience that explores the ideas and technologies that could shape the destiny of humanity in the coming decades, presenting innovative and inspiring visions. Not exactly a museum, but definitely a must-see attraction, is the Dubai Frame, the world's largest frame. This extraordinary structure provides a breathtaking view of the city, with the possibility of admiring Dubai both from below and from a height of 150 metres, offering a unique perspective. Finally, for fans of contemporary art, Art Dubai is an event not to be missed. Held every spring, this fair hosts over 100 galleries from more than forty countries and is an extraordinary opportunity to immerse oneself in the global art scene. To find out more about Art Dubai, click here.
Museo del futuro, LobbyTrying Mediterranean cuisine
Italian flavours and culinary tradition blend beautifully with Arabian luxury in Dubai, creating a harmony of elegant locations where one can enjoy signature dishes by star Italian chefs. We have already mentioned the Sal restaurant, located in the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, a place where the seaside atmosphere recalls the iconic Isle of Capri, while guests can enjoy breathtaking views from its rooftop pool. Another gem of the Italian gastronomic scene in Dubai is Carna, the restaurant created by renowned butcher Dario Cecchini, who has been able to transform traditional Tuscan recipes into true culinary experiences, a dream for any lover of meat and authentic cuisine. For fish lovers, the restaurant L'Olivo at Al Mahara is a must. Here, chef Andrea Migliaccio offers extraordinary dishes in a unique location, characterised by a huge aquarium that recalls the sea in every detail, creating an ambience that envelops diners in a complete sensory experience. To discover all the best Italian cuisine restaurants in Dubai, click here.
L’Olivo at Al MaharaVisiting the city's most beautiful districts
Dubai is a city that offers endless opportunities for discovery, and the best way to experience it to the full is to explore its neighbourhoods, in search of evocative views and unforgettable panoramas. Among the city's most fascinating districts, Dubai Marina is undoubtedly one of the most iconic, symbolising the luxury and extravagance that characterise this metropolis. It is home to the spectacular Cayan Tower, as well as countless designer shops, dream yachts and an atmosphere that exudes wealth and modernity. Not far away is Downtown Dubai, one of the city's busiest districts, thanks to the presence of extraordinary attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall and the famous Dubai Fountain. These places are the beating heart of the city, where culture, shopping and entertainment come together. For lovers of the sea, the districts of Jumeirah and Palm Jumeirah offer spectacular views of the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf. Jumeirah stretches over three distinct areas, ideal for shopping in luxury boutiques or simply relaxing on the beach. The Palm Jumeirah, on the other hand, is an artificial island that represents one of Dubai's greatest architectural masterpieces, and is home to some of the city's most luxurious resorts, including the iconic Atlantis Resort. But Dubai is not only modernity and luxury: in the districts of Deira and Bur Dubai, it is like taking a dip into the past, where colours, scents and traditions tell a fascinating story. In Deira, a walk along the banks of the Dubai Creek offers a unique opportunity to explore the most authentic Dubai. In Bur Dubai, the historic Al Fahidi district is an unmissable stop for those who want to discover the history and culture of the Emirates, walking among old traditional-style houses and museums that tell the story of the city's past. Finally, don't miss the Design District, the perfect place for the creative.
Deira, the old Dubai (ph. Mod Omar Elsharawy)Having fun in the most famous nightclubs of the movida
Dubai is a paradise of glitz, and this is also reflected in the nightlife, catapulting the city into the world's top ten destinations for lively entertainment. The choice of the most beautiful and modern clubs is vast and never easy, so we take you to those that are definitely worth a visit. We recommend Zuma for wonderful evenings reminiscent of distant worlds; Socialista for a private experience for members and guests only; and Amazónico which boasts a number of exciting venues, including the vibrant and energetic Lounge. To discover all the must-see nightlife venues, click here!
AmazonicoStrolling among the flowers at Miracle Garden
In the heart of Dubai lies the Miracle Garden, the world's largest flower garden. Ideal for a stroll or a bike ride, the garden is home to more than 150 million flowers intertwined in heart-shaped tunnels or representing characters, animals, cars and even an Emirates A380 aircraft. The park is equipped with outdoor dining areas, but there are also restaurants of all kinds. A short distance away is the Dubai Butterfly Garden, an unmissable place consisting of four halls where you can admire an extraordinary variety of butterflies dancing among the flowers, providing a fascinating and unique show of colours.
Miracle Garden
