Nature, culture, history, beaches, delicious food and plenty of fun are all waiting for you and your friends in Dubai. This cosmopolitan and vibrant city is a great destination for having fun with friends. So, get ready to discover the city everyone wants to see, a place where it’s important to remember that not all the locals are rich and live in mansions. Contradictory and diverse, Dubai captives with its light and sense of magic.
Seven hours by plane from Spain, it’s home to a multitude of treasures and surprises that you can discover by simply strolling around the old Deira and Bur Dubai neighbourhoods, admiring the most ground-breaking and cutting-edge buildings on earth, enjoying the monuments, or sampling the wonderful food. And if you like going out at night, there’s a huge variety of leisure activities that will guarantee a fun holiday in Dubai with your friends.
If you’ve already booked a short break in Dubai with friends, it’s time to start getting ready – we’ll help you choose the essential activities that you simply can’t miss to ensure you make the most of your adventure. Any season is a good moment to visit this unique, prosperous and modern city of over three million inhabitants, a place that forever evokes stories of love and luxury.
Here are some options that you cannot miss on your break with friends:
- Recorrer en “abra” el Canal de Dubái
- Ruta por los zocos de Deira
- Entrar en la Mezquita Jumeirah
- Visitar el Burj Al-Arab
- Subir al edificio más alto del mundo
- Ir de compras por el Dubai Mall
- Entrar al Museo de Dubái
- Dubái Frame
- Contemplar la fuente de Dubái
- Hacer una excursión al desierto
Sailing along the Dubai Canal in an ‘abra’
You’ll have a great time travelling along the Dubai Canal in an ‘abra’, a traditional boat. The trip gives you the chance to admire the constant traffic of cargo ships, tourist cruises and abras as you pass historic neighbourhoods and the majestic buildings of new Dubai. Hiring one of these ‘water taxis’ is inexpensive and the experience is a wonderful way to get a sense of this city of contrasts.
Tour of the Deira souks
Deira district is the oldest part of Dubai and is great for visiting the Gold Souk and its displays of jewellery set with precious stones, and the neighbouring Spice Souk for its unique and authentic vibe. You’ll also find a Textile Souk and a Perfume Souk.
Visit the Jumeirah Mosque
This is the only mosque in Dubai that non-Muslims can enter and a visit to this pink building gives you the chance to discover the fascinating rituals of Islam. Please remember, you have to remove your shoes before entering and you must be suitably dressed. Women should also cover their heads and arms.
Visit the Burj Al-Arab
The Arab Tower or Burj Al-Arab is probably Dubai’s most emblematic building. This sail-shaped building was constructed on an artificial island that sits 300 m from Jumeirah Beach and it stands 321 m tall. The Skyview Bar on the 27th floor can be visited from 6.30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Ascend the tallest building in the world
The Burj Khalifa opened in 2010 as a new icon of Dubai. It’s 828 m tall, has 160 floors and 57 lifts. You can ascend to the viewpoint on the 124th floor, which is reached via the Dubai Mall. Book in advance for cheaper tickets.
Go shopping in Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall has over 1,200 stores and is the largest, most-visited shopping centre in the world. There are shops for every interest and budget; and if any members of your group aren’t keen on shopping, they might enjoy going to the cinema, ice-skating, go-karting or trying a flight simulator. You’ll find all this and more in Dubai Mall.
Visit Dubai Museum
It’s well worth discovering the history of the emirate of Dubai in this museum housed in Al Fahidi fort, which was built in 1778 and is the oldest building in the city. You’ll see a traditional fishing boat, cannons, ancient weapons, a typical house with a mill and a 3,000-year-old tomb.
Dubai Frame
Don’t miss the newest and most modern urban creations in Dubai, such as the Dubai Frame, a 150 m high structure that looks like a giant photo frame that offers visitors different views of the city. You’ll see old Dubai from one side, and new Dubai from the other. Part of the ceiling is glass and it’s one of the city’s biggest attractions. What’s more, it’s open all year round.
Watch the Dubai Fountain
Everything in Dubai is oversized so it comes as no surprise to learn that this fountain with dancing lights is the biggest in the world. Shows are held every day and take place every half an hour between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. It’s definitely worth sharing this experience with your friends; just head to the Burj Khalifa area, find a comfortable spot and enjoy the show!
Take a trip to the desert
Your break with friends to Dubai should definitely include visiting the desert and fortunately it’s really close to the city. It’s best to book a trip with a guide with lunch included because independent excursions are tricky to organise. You’re usually collected from your hotel and driven to the desert in a jeep to explore the sand dunes. And if you’re up for it, you can also go for a camel ride, go sandboarding (like snowboarding but on the sand) or try your hand at falconry.
Where to stay in Dubai
The best places to stay in Dubai have a Spanish flavour: Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, in iconic Palm Jumeirah opposite Nakheel shopping centre, is excellent value for money; Barceló Residences Dubai Marina has spacious apartments in Dubai Marina; Occidental Dubai Production City is close to the Expo; and Occidental Al Jaddaf has large rooms and possibly the biggest suites in the city.
