Flights to United Arab Emirates |What to do in Dubai |Where to eat in Dubai and more

The United Arab Emirates federation of seven emirates was established in 1971 and holds massive oil and natural gas reserves, and the leadership spent much of the revenue from these ventures on improving infrastructure and offerings for visitors. As a result, the United Arab Emirates is one of the easiest and most pleasant places to travel around and there are flights to UAE from all over the world.

The climate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is hot and dry, and the national language is Arabic, although many people speak English or other languages. The population is a mix of Emirati citizens and expats from all over the world. As a result, the Emirates – especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi – have a diverse array of influences, with Arabian culture ever-present but strongly affected by other parts of the globe.

Visiting the UAE is easy. Some visitors will require visas, although most coming from Gulf States do not. The list of the best hotels is long and impressive, on par with any country in the world. In Dubai alone, options include five-star gems like Atlantis The Palm, Burj Al Arab (sometimes referred to as the only seven-star hotel in the world), Marine Beach Resort & Spa, and many, many others. Every major international chain has a presence as well.

The attractions don’t disappoint, either. The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, is impossible to miss and even more impressive up close. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Al-Bidyah Mosque, the Sharjah Arts Museum, and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation are must-visits too, while travellers with a bit more time should take a day trip to the Hajar Mountains or Jebel Hafeet.

When it comes to restaurants, you’ll be seriously spoilt for choice. Try Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire or Pierchic or for more traditional dishes try Al Harees or Al Machboos.

Flights to the United Arab Emirates |What to do in Dubai |Where to eat in Dubai and more

Flights to Dubai

Try and get a seat by the window for your flights to Dubai – as the plane descends, you’ll want to see the sheer scale of its dramatic sprawl along the coastline, which is just as impressive as its skyline. In little more than 40 years, this city has transformed itself from a tiny settlement to a glittering metropolis and world-class destination.

While Dubai’s startling feats of engineering such as the Burj Khalifa, the Palm islands, Burj Al Arab and The Dubai Mall are jewels in its crown, the city’s multi-faceted appeal extends to more than just its architecture. Some people are attracted to the buzz of the place – the frenetic pace and energy of a global business city and tourism hub. However, you might prefer the tranquillity of its desert retreats, golf courses, calm seas and beaches.

Beyond clusters of gleaming five-star hotels, with their luxury suites and infinity pools, there’s a historic side to the city too. Visit Al Fahidi Historical District (formerly known as Bastakiya) to see traditional Arabic architecture, then tour the Heritage and Diving Villages of Shindagha.

Visiting Dubai is largely about consumption and one of the most popular activities here is shopping. As well as record-breaking malls packed with designer names, there are traditional souks and vibrant markets. And while Michelin-starred celebrity chefs have embraced Dubai’s high-end culinary credentials, there are still scores of independent restaurants with authentic flavours to explore.

It all adds up to a city of contrasts, and there’s nowhere better to witness Dubai’s diversity than the Dubai Creek. Here, traditional abras cross the waters, and dhows unload their cargo beneath shimmering skyscrapers.

The latter will have air-conditioned shopping streets, a theme park and a healthcare district. It almost sounds too good to be true, but given Dubai’s already incredible rise, you wouldn’t want to bet against it.

What to do in Dubai

Shop at the Ripe Food and Craft Market
Held every Friday from 9am – 3pm (during the cooler months) in leafy Zabeel Park, you can pick up everything from arts and crafts to organic fruit and veg at the Ripe Food and Craft Market. It also runs at Al Barsha Pond Park on Saturday nights.
Go on a desert safari
You could be forgiven for thinking nothing but sand and the occasional cactus lie beyond the shadows of the city. But with Arabian Adventures tours, visitors can get up close with a wealth of wildlife, including Arabian oryx and gazelles. The Nature Trails trip is just one of many operated by the company.
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Flights to the United Arab Emirates |What to do in Dubai |Where to eat in Dubai and more
Where to eat in Dubai
Where to eat in Dubai
- Yuan (Chinese)
  This classy Chinese restaurant serves Szechuan cuisine in the heart of one of the most famous hotels in the world. The main room is open and showy – definitely a place to be seen – with tall throne-like chairs and stunningly ornate ceiling sculptures. Don’t miss the deep-fried tiger prawns.
- Salt (Burgers)
  Salt founded Dubai’s food truck scene. Serving sumptuous wagyu sliders out the back of their retro Airstream trailer, the team initially used Instagram to inform hungry punters an hour in advance where they would be selling a limited number of burgers. But success has seen them take up permanent residence on Kite Beach.
- Bubbalicious (Brunch)
  Friday brunch is an event in Dubai, and this energetic affair at The Westin Mina Seyahi is one of the liveliest. Spread across three restaurants – Blue Orange, Hunters Room & Grill and Spice Emporium – and with live cooking stations, it offers everything from Asian noodle dishes and Arabian mezze to pasta and yorkshire puddings
  Places to stay in Dubai
  Vida Downtown Dubai
  In its modern Arabian style and with the comfortable rooms it boasts, this is an excellent boutique option in an area that is also home to The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. While you’ll never be short of restaurant options nearby, Vida’s Sydney-born Toko eatery is well regarded for its contemporary Japanese food.
  XVA Art Hotel
  This tiny gem is a boutique hotel in Dubai’s historic quarter, and it’s just the thing for art lovers. Aside from minimalist rooms designed by local artists, there’s a popular vegetarian cafe and a contemporary art gallery.
  Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa
  Heading out to The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai’s manmade palm tree-shaped archipelago – is an experience in itself, but staying at this luxurious hotel on the eastern section is the icing on the cake. Expect white sandy beaches, a huge infinity pool and three lagoon pools, superb restaurants and the only over-water villas in the UAE.