Is there more to do in Dubai than Shopping & Beach?
Now as a traveller with a pale complexion and not a fan of sunbathing or shopping, I had always thought “what’s the point of visiting Dubai?”. After many hours of research, I discovered that there is quite a lot, it’s just that a lot of people visiting do like the beach and shopping and never get much further. I would like to point out at this juncture that there is nothing wrong with either activity as there is plenty to keep you amused, it’s just not my thing.
To ease myself in gently, I decided to book myself onto a hop on hop off bus tour of the city and surrounding area. Now before you click on another link and think, what is this guy going on about, I found it rather fascinating. I learned about the history of Dubai from its humble beginnings as a fishing village, to its depleting oil reserves, and its plans of being a global player not only in tourism but also as an economic powerhouse mid-way point between Asia, Africa, and Europe. I learnt a lot more besides, but I came away feeling like my newfound information had put the city into context a little.
I stopped on route at the usual shopping centres of course and took a Dhow Cruise along Dubai Creek, went tobogganing at Ski Dubai and saw the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab & the Dubai Fountain. I even found time to visit Wild Wadi Waterpark.
With Dubai Parks, Dubai Aquarium, Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark & Legoland also available in Dubai, there are plenty of activities for the family as well, so if the places I visited aren’t your thing there is plenty more choice available.
Another important thing for me is to find amazing places to eat. Hotel food can be just that but finding a hidden gem down off the beaten track is always part of the experience for me. I asked a few people if they could recommend somewhere to eat and after checking the reviews online, I settled on a restaurant not too far from the Creek area. It had chosen a very unassuming Pakistani Restaurant, nothing special to look at but of course the moment I walked in it became apparent I was not on the main tourist trail. A really friendly waiter greeted me, recommended some food based on my likes and dislikes and I waited for my order. I had of course got overly excited in my ordering process and enough food turned up for what felt like about ten people. The flavours were amazing, each dish lovingly prepared but without the finesse of a luxury hotel. I consumed as much as I could and thanked the waiter for his recommendations. I walked back to my hotel feeling like I didn’t need to eat for another week but was definitely worth the detour.
Dubai has a vast range of restaurants to suit any tastes and if familiar brands are your thing, then they have plenty of those from. The malls can be great for lunchtime snacks as well, but I always like to try somewhere a little different even if its only once during my stay plus it also puts money back into the local community.
Reflecting on my visit to Dubai, I should probably have visited before but had assumed it was all about families, shopping, and sunbathing. I have newfound respect for the destination and would not hesitate in recommending it to someone to visit especially if you are prepared to get under the skin of a very polished surface.