Six Ways To Spend A Day In Dubai
Dubai is at the top of many people’s lists for a weekend getaway, or a longer break in the sun, and the seemingly unstoppable city is forever producing new and exciting ways to entertain the crowds who flock there for experiences and adventure.
Here are some of our top picks from this fabulous destination…
Sky Views Glass Slide
There is plenty to do in Dubai for thrillseekers, but this addition is a great one for the list.
The glass slide travels from the 53rd floor to the 52nd – on the outside of the building. You read that correctly – look down, and there is just the ground, a very long way below you…
While the experience is over in seconds, there is plenty more fun to be had walking around the glass observatory afterwards, and having a little more time to psych yourself out.
For anyone after an even higher adrenalin rush, it is possible to take on the Edge Walk challenge – walking around the outside of the Address building, with just a harness on.
Best bit: Realising you made it down the slide, and miraculously are still alive!
Tip: Keep your elbows clear of the glass to avoid friction burns!
Aura Skypool
This stunning 360°infinity pool is on the 50th floor of a tower at the trunk of the famous Palm Jumeirah, with loungers where you can soak up the mind blowing views to your heart’s content. Visitors can walk / swim the whole way around the outside of the building, before recovering from the ‘exertion’ by collapsing back on loungers and ordering from one of the hovering waiters.
Best bit: There is no denying that this is a posers’ paradise. Call us shallow, but the instagramable pictures are out of this world – I mean, take a look for yourselves!
Tip: If you want sun, book a Palm view lounger during the morning session and a Marina view lounger in the afternoon.
Expo City Dubai
Expo 2020 Dubai was a great triumph for the country, hitting nearly 25 million visits in the six months it was open, and pulling together mindblowing entertainment and education from across the globe. Thankfully, the end of the expo didn’t mean the end of all of this – the country has kept much of the entertainment and educational sections and added plenty more new surprises.
Best bit: Make sure you include time to go up the Garden in the Sky – a rotating platform that rises to 55 metres to give excellent panoramic views of the city.
Tip: Don’t bother packing a picnic – there is a whole host of food on offer, from modern Levantine and Italian, to fast food and pastries, although PXB Cafe is our favourite!
Ain Dubai
This large ferris-style wheel is the largest and tallest observation wheel in the world at 250m high, and blinged out with enough lights to spot from miles off. Opened with fanfare in 2021, it has 48 carriages and takes 38 minutes to complete one circuit, with eye-catching views the whole way around, both day and night. Right now it is closed for maintenance but fingers crossed it is back up and running soon!
Best bit: Move the experience up a level, by booking a premium ticket for a pod with a bar and two free drinks.
Tip: Do check online before you go that it is running, as even once it reopens, adverse weather can lead to last minute cancellations.
Museum of the Future
Worth a visit for the outside alone, this ambitious, futuristic museum is housed in an impressive stainless steel structure, decorated with Arabic calligraphy. As the name suggests, instead of showcasing items and information from the country’s past, the museum is all about looking to the possibilities of the future.
Best bit: The fact the museum looks at the future of the obvious areas such as tech, innovation and space, but also takes time to look at the direction mental health could take.
Tip: Don’t miss the Vault of Life exhibit, housing a glowing library of glass cylinders, each containing the genetic code of extinct species.
Tan Cha
When it’s time to eat, head to hip Chinese restaurant Tan Cha, located in the Business Bay area. Expect stunning decor, impressive food, and a very cool crowd. Brainchild of Alberto Barbieri, who was responsible for several great London venues that Belle has enjoyed over the years, this is a not-to-be-missed night out.
Best bit: The chef’s ability to give traditional Chinese dishes a contemporary and unexpected twist.
Tip: Make sure you follow dinner with cocktails in the late night lounge, where the party continues into the night.
