Come on a Photo Tour of Dubai with me
What better way to share our Dubai trip than through a series of photos. It occurred to me that I take a lot of photos when I’m travelling because I love looking back at them. Every photo holds so many memories and although talking about a place is great fun, it’s photos that really take you back.
Our Dubai trip started with an Emirates flight
Firstly, we flew into Dubai from London Gatwick on the overnight flight with Emirates. It was a comfortable flight and I did manage some sleep although I had to watch the new Mama Mia film first.
Arriving at Dubai Airport
It’s a wonderful feeling when you arrive in a country for the first time. Not sure what to expect. Simultaneously, feeling mixed emotions of excitement and apprehension. Indeed, Dubai airport is a good introduction to the city. It’s modern, clean and efficient. All the things you find in Dubai. Consequently, we immediately felt welcome and comfortable here.
We didn’t really stay overnight but as our connecting flight was at 2 am and we had an 18-hour stopover we decided to book a hotel for the night anyway. The Millennium Airport Hotel is conveniently located within minutes of Dubai Airport and they also have a free shuttle to pick you up. Although I took this photo of the hotel pool, we didn’t actually go for a swim in it. I always look for hotels with a pool but we don’t always get around to using them. It’s nice to know it’s there if you want it though.
We chose to travel around Dubai by metro during our stay. Even the metro stations are equally modern and clean in Dubai. This one was within walking distance of our hotel so it was very easy to get around.
There’s a lot of Shopping on our Dubai Trip
Dubai is just full of huge shopping malls. If you love shopping then this is definitely the place for you. I do love to browse but I’m not a great holiday shopper and Paul’s emphatically not a fan. Still, we saw quite a few malls in Dubai. However, to be honest, they’re more sightseeing attraction than shopping malls. Surprisingly, they’re all different and there’s something visually striking in all of them.
Deira City Mall
Our first mall stop was the Deira City Mall. Although we arrived around 9 am, most of the shops didn’t open until 10 am, that’s why it looks so empty.
Dubai Mall
I suppose this is what I think of when someone says Dubai Mall. In fact, I think it’s one of the biggest in the world. Certainly, it seemed enormous to us. Moreover, it’s a great viewing point for the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Also, there’s a fabulous fountain show several times a day.
I love a good musical fountain show and we came across this one during our visit, just outside the Dubai Mall. Of course, lots of other people love them too so it was quite crowded around the lake. Despite this, we had no problem getting a good viewing spot.
Here are some photos of inside the Dubai Mall. As you can see, it’s so much more than just a shopping centre. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth a wander around just to admire the architecture.
Don’t forget to look out for these fabulous waterfalls as you walk around the Dubai Mall. Just stunning, isn’t it?
These long moving walkways take you along overhead walkways to the metro. We seemed to be travelling for miles in it but you also get some great views of the city as you go.
Dubai is so modern and has so many tall buildings. Consequently, you don’t know where to look next and my head was constantly craning upwards to try to get a better view.
Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina stretches over quite an area but we found this little corner of it by using the metro. You can wander around this area and admire the boats and more of the super-tall buildings. It’s also a nice area to eat as there are lots of restaurants with pleasant outdoor seating areas.
A Trip on the Dubai Monorail
The monorail is quite cool as an experience but it costs extra from the metro ticket. It only goes along one line, back and for across the Palms artificial island. During our Dubai trip, we took the monorail across to see the Atlantis Hotel and take a walk along the pink boardwalk.
Jumeira Beach Hotel
Surprisingly, even the hotels in Dubai are part of the sightseeing trail. This is the Jumeira Beach Hotel. I think it’s a sail shape. I like it anyway.
Dubai on the water
Dubai has loads of waterways and I find them fascinating to observe. You can see a lot of people using boats to get around and the traditional appearance of some of these boats is quite a contrast to the modern city. It looks like fun doesn’t it?
Dubai Markets
You can’t beat the sights, sounds and smells of a traditional market. Dubai has lots of different markets to wander around. I love the spice markets. They always smell so good. A visit to at least one of the markets is a must on any Dubai trip. Sometimes, I really wish I had more space in my luggage to buy souvenirs. These decorated shoes are amazing.
Burj Al Arab
We didn’t get very close to the Burj Al Arab. Apparently, they’re choosy who they let in and it’s not a hotel you can just walk up to and take a look around. Shame as it sounds really impressive. We had to make do with a view from the distance.
