Dubai: Where Luxury Meets the Desert

Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and truly one of the most jaw-dropping cities in the world. From a humble fishing village, it rose to fame thanks to oil and trade—and today, it’s a global hub for luxury, innovation, and adventure.

Home to the world’s tallest building (Burj Khalifa), the biggest shopping mall, extravagant hotels, and even man-made islands shaped like palm trees, Dubai is where modern dreams and Arabian traditions collide. Whether you want to splurge on luxury, ride camels through the desert, or soak in Middle Eastern culture, Dubai has it all.

What surprised me the most was that Dubai isn’t just about wealth—it’s also about design, architecture, city planning, and international vibes. Yes, summers are brutally hot, but with sunshine year-round, it’s perfect for a winter escape.

This was my first time in the Middle East, and right from landing, everything felt fresh and new. The modern airport, fancy cars on the streets, futuristic buildings… this place is something else.

Here are some of the must-visit spots and cool moments from my trip to this dazzling desert city:

Grand Souk – Bur Dubai

If you’re exploring Old Dubai, don’t miss the Grand Souk (also called Bur Dubai Souk). It’s a traditional market packed with character and charm—one of the oldest and most vibrant trade areas in the city.

You won’t find high-end brands here, but you will find loads of Middle Eastern flavor. Picture narrow alleys lined with stalls selling:

Colorful scarves and traditional outfits
Spices, perfumes, and frankincense
Handcrafted lamps, jewelry, carpets
Camel statues, keychains, and quirky souvenirs

It’s like wandering through an Arabian maze, filled with “Hello, my friend!” greetings and playful bargaining. And yes—haggling is 100% part of the culture here!

Tips:

Never accept the first price—bargaining can get you 50% off or more
If you say no, some vendors might give you small gifts to tempt you
Don’t be shy—smile, have fun with it, and enjoy the experience

After exploring, head to the waterfront and take a traditional wooden boat (abra) across the creek to the Gold and Spice Souks for more old-school Dubai vibes.

Dubai Frame

If you ask me which Dubai landmark is the most creative, hands down—it’s the Dubai Frame.

This isn’t your average skyscraper. It’s a giant golden picture frame (150 meters tall!) that literally frames Old and New Dubai in one shot.

From the top observation deck:

Look one way: futuristic skyscrapers and Burj Khalifa in the distance
Look the other way: the low-rise charm of Old Dubai and winding Dubai Creek
Walk across the see-through glass floor: it’s terrifying and awesome at the same time!

Inside the building, there’s a cool exhibit showing Dubai’s journey from desert village to futuristic megacity. There’s even a sneak peek of what Dubai might look like in the future—very sci-fi!

Good to know:

Entry costs around AED 50 (~40+ MYR)
Come in the morning or around sunset for the best lighting and photos
Don’t forget to take a shot from below—the frame looks huge and dramatic!

Museum of the Future

Think museums are all about old stuff? Not this one! Dubai’s Museum of the Future is a mind-blowing ride into what’s coming next.

The building itself? A giant silver torus (like a futuristic donut) covered in Arabic calligraphy. It glows by day, shines at night, and looks like something out of a sci-fi movie.

Inside:

Space missions – Feel like an astronaut heading to a new space station
Future medicine – Explore AI-powered healthcare and DNA scans
Robots & AI – Interact with futuristic tech and intelligent systems
Climate innovation – Immersive exhibits on sustainability and saving the planet
The Oasis – A calming sensory space with lights, sounds, and scents of the future

Pro tips:

Tickets cost AED 145 (~180 MYR), book early online—it sells out fast
Don’t skip the photography! Shoot the building from a distance, and inside, shoot the vertical atrium from below—it’s epic!

This place isn’t just a museum—it’s a full-on time-travel experience. Tech geeks, families, and curious travelers will all love it.

Dubai Mall

Calling this a “mall” feels like an understatement—it’s more like a city! One of the largest malls in the world, Dubai Mall has over 1,200 stores, an aquarium, an Olympic-size ice rink, a cinema, VR games, a waterfall, and even a dinosaur fossil!

Shopping:

Luxury: Chanel, Gucci, LV—you name it
High street: Zara, H&M, Uniqlo, and more
Electronics, cosmetics, souvenirs—you’ll find everything

Top attractions inside:

Dubai Aquarium – A massive tank filled with 30,000+ marine creatures, including sharks and rays
Ice Rink & VR Park – Ice skating and virtual reality fun for all ages
Dining – Over 200 restaurants covering every cuisine imaginable. Grab a bite at The Cheesecake Factory with fountain views

And outside…

The Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa are right next door. Come in the evening for the best show—lights, music, and dancing water every 30 minutes!

Tips:

You’ll need at least half a day to explore
The mall is massive—remember where you parked or took photos of the map
AC is super cold—bring a light jacket

Burj Khalifa

You haven’t truly seen Dubai until you’ve stood under Burj Khalifa. At 828 meters tall (163 floors!), it’s the tallest building on Earth and an absolute icon.

Yes, you can go up!

124th & 125th floors (At the Top): High-speed elevators take you to insane panoramic views
148th floor (At the Top SKY): A VIP experience with fewer crowds and fancy drinks

Photo tips:

From the lakeside at Dubai Mall—great reflection shot
Come at sunset for golden hour and nighttime lights
Or book a table at a rooftop bar for a full view

Tips:

Buy tickets online in advance
Sunset slots are most popular (and a bit pricier—but worth it)

Standing here, you’ll truly feel like you’re touching the sky. This place is more than just a tall building—it’s a symbol of ambition and innovation. Definitely a must-do in Dubai.

Final Thoughts

My Dubai trip lasted just a few days, but it blew me away. Everything here—from the old markets to the futuristic architecture—left a deep impression.

Next stop? Thailand!

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Real Traveler, Real Experiences, Real Results.