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The Inside Scoop of Dubai from Our Travel Agent Michelle

Dubai is a known for it’s luxurious hotels and buildings, as well as being a wealthy city, yet it’s home to a sweeping panorama of golden deserts, stretches of beach and Dubai’s old town. With such a contrast between the two, these elements make Dubai stand out for good reason; it’s opportunity of being a destination for all to visit.

Our Senior Travel Advisor Michelle travelled to Dubai last month to learn more about the hotels we sell and the life surrounding them. Michelle has revealed some inside tips and tricks to help you decide where is good to stay, what a holiday in Dubai is really like and her favourite hotspots you should consider stopping by on your Dubai holiday.

Read on to discover the inside scoop of Dubai…

Atlantis The Palm Dubai

The first hotel Michelle stayed in was the Atlantis The Palm. Which is located on the Palm Jumeriah, Dubai’s artificial islands that consist of many luxury resorts, beaches and amenities.

Michelle’s Tip: “This hotel is beyond anything I could imagine; it’s really great for a luxury holiday, a romantic honeymoon, families & couples holiday. The Atlantis The Palm is an all-round holiday resort”

Burj Al Arab Dubai

This 6 star hotel has impressive service that deserves the stars it’s given. Michelle explains that the service was impeccable and the staff really considers any special requirements you may need, like dietary restrictions at dinner. This resort is perfect for those who love to relax and with their butler service, there’s really no need to do anything.

Michelle’s Tip: “Don’t hesitate to ask about any dietary needs, the hotel staff will be more than happy to help you out.”

Zabeel Saray Dubai

Dubai’s laid-back approach means that weekends start early, (yes, that’s right) on a Friday to be exact. Find yourself indulging in Friday brunch unlike anything you’ve ever known before. It starts around 12:30 pm and you receive a welcome drink on arrival, the brunch lasts throughout late afternoon. Tuck into a La Carte buffet with different stations for fish, bread, desserts, chocolate fountains and Sushi. A live band plays in the background, offering a relaxing and chilled atmosphere. After the brunch is over, the night life begins!

Michelle’s Tip: “If you have any requirements, request a meal from the waiter and they will cook something up for you. The brunch is a weekly occurrence, not to miss”

One&Only The Palm

The One&Only resort is also located on the Palm, it’s located between the city life of Dubai and the residential Old Town. The One and Only is furnished in Arabian style, giving this an authentic feeling which adds character to the holiday.

Before heading out to Dubai, Michelle sold a honeymoon for a couple to the One and Only, they loved it that much so they decided to re-book the same hotel for their anniversary – we can truly understand why!

Michelle’s Tip: “Jump on a Monorail (Dubai Train) taking you from The Palm to Dubai’s Old Town where you can discover more of Dubai.”

Things to do in Dubai

Desert Jeep Safari

If you want to spend a day out of Dubai’s Palm, a great place to experience the opposite would be to go on a Desert Jeep Safari. Enjoy a fun ride through the sandy desert, with impeccable views of the golden horizon. The Desert Jeep Safari is a wonderful experience where you can ride on a camel, go sand boarding or try out a henna design on your hand or feet. The safari ends with a campfire and belly dancing show.

Michelle’s Tip: “This is an adventure you can’t turn down, dinner is included and it’s a wonderful day out in the desert.”

Climb The Burj Khalifa

 “The tallest man-made structure in the word is a fantastic building to go and see when you’re in Dubai,” says Michelle. You can buy tickets to go up and see the beautiful views of Dubai in one of the world’s most iconic structures. As well as being a beautiful building, you can watch the Fountain show which takes places daily except on Friday. The show is set on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake and the fountain shoots water jets as high as 500 ft which equivalent to about a 50 story building (impressive).

Michelle’s Tip: “Stay for the entire show, it is a wonderful experience to watch and compliments any day/night out in Dubai.”

 Afternoon shows:

Daily except Friday: 1pm & 1:33 pm

Evening Shows:

Daily 6pm – 11pm

(Every 30 mins)

Go for a Morning Jog at Al Ittihad Park, Palm Jumeriah

The bouncy running track, lined with palm trees is a 3.2 km track, aimed at enthusiasts, is the perfect start or end to your day. The track is a great route with beautiful scenery and features, including a play area for children.

Visit Dubai’s Old Town

The old town of Dubai is a great place to visit, as you will find golden treasures & great restaurants. Dubai’s land of gold, formerly known as Gold Souks is a breath-taking place full of shops offering various necklaces, bracelets and accessories – in all styles and colours.

To taste great food and drinks you should head to the Creek, loaded with great places to eat and many bars.

Michelle’s Tip: “After trying out the fine cuisine, take a stroll through the Creek as this provides some truly outstanding views of Dubai.”

Go on a Dhow Cruise with Dinner

The Dhow Cruise goes along the Creek where you can enjoy spectacular views of the nightlife scenery in Dubai while the cool breeze touches your face. The cruise is a fun way to discover Dubai; dinner included makes it a fun evening activity. If you have any dietary requirements let the chef know as they can cater for you.

Michelle’s Tip: “Do not forget your camera, it’s a must-do to snap up the incredible scenery”

Rock Out at the Blended Festival

Those who love music from genres such as blues, jazz, soul, folk and rock will love the Blended Festival. The festival is held in Dubai at the end of April to the beginning of May, you can enjoy music from the likes of Craig David and Robin Thicke.

Michelle’s Tip: “Bring your dancing shoes as the line-ups are really great!”

Aquaventure- Atlantis The Palm Waterpark

If you love the thrill of rides or simply love to slide down a not-so scary ride, the Aquaventure Waterpark at the Atlantis The Palm is the perfect combination of fun for everyone. To learn more about this waterpark, visit our blog on Awesome waterparks to visit for family-filled fun.

Michelle’s Tip: “You’ll need to make time for the entire day here as it’s a huge park & has plenty to do”

Go skiing indoors at Ski Dubai

 Experience the amazing indoor snow resort at Ski Dubai, the first ever-indoor ski resort in the Middle East. Enjoy fun activities such as skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing or just simply play in the snow! We can’t think of a more fun way to spend your afternoon.

You can find the Ski resort in the Mall of Emirates.

 Michelle’s Dubai Travel Tips

• You don’t need a Visa when travelling if you’re a UK passport holder

• You don’t need injections, as it’s completely safe in Dubai

• Take money with you, but there’s not much need as cards are accepted everywhere

• When it’s Ramadan you can’t drink out, if you want to enjoy a drink you can do this at meal times (or in your hotel room).

• Women must cover their shoulders when out in public and men must not wear shorts in public. However, in the hotel you are allowed to wear bathing suites.

• Dubai use the same plug sockets as the UK so there’s no need to stress about buying an alternative plug socket.

Michelle’s Favorite Hotel: The One&Only The Palm, it’s great for a top luxury holiday accommodation. The atmosphere is friendly and when we stayed there the hotel was completely sold out, yet we wouldn’t know as we felt like the had the place to ourselves. If you’re looking for somewhere that has top luxury service and exclusivity, the One and Only is your choice.

Dubai is a great choice for any type of holiday or occasion, to learn more about our Dubai holidays please call our Travel agents on 0121 446 4932.