People keep talking about the property bust in Dubai but it was easy for casual visitors like us to overlook. After all, the home of the world’s tallest building, tallest hotel and largest shopping mall has so many amazing attractions.
Atlantis, The Palm has over 1,500 rooms, a water park and a place for visitors to interact with dolphins.
Dubai is still a shopper’s paradise. Here’s a peek inside Dubai Mall, the world’s largest with 1,200 shops.
Our visit coincided with the 40th anniversary of the United Arab Emirates.
Family attractions, like the Wild Wadi Water Park, abound.
Ski Dubai, an indoor winter wonderland is one of a kind.
The super-luxurious Burj Al Arab hotel, with its incredible design, stands proudly on a man-made island.
Back in the “old town,” a view across the Dubai Creek.
While its population is mostly Arabic, Dubai is home to many different people and cultures.
Madinat Jumeirah Arabian Resort
An opulent ceiling in Dubai Mall
Plenty of hard workers keep Dubai going.
Visitors check out the huge indoor aquarium inside Dubai Mall.
The world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
Have you ever been to Dubai? What did you think of it?
This is not just a blog for travellers. We hope to inspire our readers, whether they’ve visited dozens of countries or barely make it to the next town once a year. We're John and Andrea, a couple of thirty-something travellers and expats. Our travel style is laid-back luxe and we are constantly seeking out the best experiences each destination has to offer. 
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We were in Dubai in 2009 and LOVED it! It gets mixed reviews for its “western” feel, but we had just come from India so it was a welcomed change. Make sure you check out SkiDubai and do some indoor skiiing/snowbaording!
Nevermind, just saw the Ski Dubai photo… must have missed my first time around (duh!) ;-)
Haha – no worries. We don’t ski so didn’t go in but it did make for a nice backdrop during our dinner – fun to watch everyone inside =)
This type of development is unsustainable and frankly ugly
I definitely wouldn’t call the new areas beautiful…
Seems like there is a lot to see in Dubai, quite a lot of it luxurious from the look of it.
I’m not sure if there are enough people to afford all that luxury (who would want to live there I should add), but there definitely is a lot to see and do.
Dubai strikes me as someplace so over-the-top and wild that I’d love to see it in person someday. Love these photos! And SkiDubai has snow zorbing?? That. Is. Awesome.
Just what I think, Amanda. I thought of you when I saw the zorbing, haha =)
Consumerism at its worst.
It’s pretty over the top, I agree. John wasn’t into it – nothing to do there but shop, he said. I look at it more like I do Vegas – ok for a break once in awhile but I wouldn’t want to live there.
How funny, we were just talking about Dubai last night! My nephew hated it and thinks it’s just horrible fake-ness that’s not sustainable, but I wouldn’t say no to seeing the over the top madness for myself someday. Just probably don’t have either the desire or the budget to spend a whole lot of time there.
John wasn’t keen on it. I don’t think one can stay there too long without blowing a lot of money. But I think it must be seen at least once, for architecture alone.
It really is over the top! But I want to visit sooooo badly!!!
I’m sure you’ll get there sometime – just do a stopover next time you head to Asia. Emirates is a fantastic airline! =)
Dubai looks amazing! What a mix of modern and regal.
I found Abu Dhabi to be more regal – you should see the mosque there!!
Lovely photos but it’s crazy to think that the UAE is only 40 years old! I’m going in February so thanks for these pics! I’m excited to go now!
Fun! Don’t miss some of the attractions like the water parks and dolphin experience (if it’s warm enough) =)
Amazing photos! Dubai seems to be beautiful..
Some parts are, though it felt overdeveloped and a bit cold to us…
Dubai looks so pretty with all the new buildings and attractions. What $$ can do nowadays is crazy. (Still want to see it sometime though with my own eyes ^^)
It’s certainly a fascinating place to explore…I love architecture so just seeing all the incredible buildings was enjoyable for me!
Property bust that tourists don’t see: sounds like Vegas! I’d love to see Dubai one day — the indoor ski slope kills me.
Vegas is the place it reminded me of, actually! Is that still going on there?
Dubai is fake in the way Las Vegas is…but fun in the way Las Vegas is. It’s definitely not going to give you a taste for the real middle east but you don’t have to go far from Dubai to experience that! It’s a great introduction to the Middle East for people nervous of travelling to this area but don’t be fooled by the hype. Whilst you must exercise caution in this area it is a truly fabulous, unique and amazingly cultural region!! I find it truly fascinating
Thanks so much for your comments, Anne – I wish we had more time in UAE to get out of the cities and see a bit more off the beaten track. Will have to return one day! =)
Fantastic photos! We’re headed to Dubai in November and can’t wait to see it in person.
Thanks, Jennifer! It’s certainly an interesting city. I recommend the hop on – hop off bus tour because you can see the whole city in one day like this for an overview (the distances can be quite far otherwise…unless you have your own car).