Why Add Dubai to Your Travel Bucket List  

With stunning architecture, fancy hotels, glittering skylines, and giant shopping malls, Dubai is a great choice for both first-time visitors and returning tourists. Known to be one of the modern and progressive emirates in the UAE, Dubai has come a long way from being a fishing village.

Humble Beginnings

Once a small fishing and pearl diving community, Dubai’s discovery of oil in the 1970s fueled its economic diversification. However, visionary leaders focused on diversifying the economy beyond oil, making Dubai a hub for tourism, trade, and business. Dubai used the funds from oil to pursue various infrastructure projects that paved the way for Dubai’s impressive transformation. 

A City of Innovation

One of the impressive things about Dubai is its reputation for being brave in its approach to innovation. Dubai is not afraid to tackle ambitious projects that push the boundaries of engineering and design such as creating artificial islands like the Palm Jumeirah and building the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. These projects required cutting-edge technologies and a willingness to venture into uncharted territory. Whether it’s your first time or making a return visit, Dubai never fails to impress travelers with its incredible innovations.

A Cultural Melting Pot

Dubai’s transformation has attracted people from all over the world. This influx has created a vibrant and multicultural society, where tradition and modernity coexist. The people bring their unique customs, languages, and cuisines to the city, creating a vibrant tapestry of heritage. This is why Dubai is known for celebrating a variety of cultural festivals throughout the year. The city thrives on the exchange of ideas and traditions, offering a truly unique and ever-evolving cultural experience.

Evolving City

Dubai is constantly evolving, with new attractions and experiences emerging all the time. Returning visitors will always find something new to discover like the World’s Deepest Pool. Deep Dive Dubai holds the record for being the deepest pool across the globe, reaching a staggering depth of 60 meters (196 feet). Deep Dive Dubai isn’t just a giant pool, it’s a sunken city themed after an abandoned underwater civilization.  As you descend, you’ll encounter various structures, abandoned apartments, and even a sunken game room, all adding to the immersive experience. 

Year-Round Scuba Diving

Thanks to its warm climate, scuba diving in Dubai is possible year-round. Water temperatures hover around a comfortable 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F) during summer, making it easy to explore the marine world without a wetsuit. Whereas, water temperatures may range from 19°C to 24°C (66°F to 75°F) in winter. Dubai features interesting sites that appeal to beginners such as Palm Jumeirah. Advanced divers can explore wrecks such as Zainab, Mariam Express, Cement Barge, and Sheik Mohammed’s Barge. Check out scuba diving Dubai deals to make the most of your holiday.   

Culinary Delights

The city’s food scene is another reflection of its multicultural influences. You can enjoy anything from Michelin-starred restaurants to authentic street food stalls serving dishes from all corners of the globe. If you’re new in Dubai, don’t forget to try local delicacies such as luqaimat (sweet fried dumplings soaked in date syrup), margoogat (tomato-based stew), knafeh (pastry dish with sour cheese and sugar syrup), khubz (Arabic bread), chebab (Emirati-style pancakes), Arabic coffee, dates, and more.

Cultural Experiences

Discover Dubai’s rich history by visiting some of its cultural sites on your next trip. You can explore Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and wander through the narrow alleys lined with coral and wind tower houses, which were once common dwellings for Emirati families. Several museums are located here, including the Dubai Museum and the Sheikh Mohammed Centre. Another must visit is the Dubai Museum, located in the Al Fahidi Fort. The Dubai Museum showcases the emirate’s journey from a humble fishing village to a global metropolis. You’ll see traditional Emirati artifacts, dioramas depicting life in old Dubai, and archaeological finds. There are also iconic mosques worth visiting such as the Jumeirah Mosque where visitors can learn about Islamic art, architecture, and culture. 

Marketplace

Explore the vibrant Textile Souq, located in the Deira district. This traditional marketplace is a great place to find fabrics, clothes, spices, and souvenirs. Make sure you practice your bargaining skills so you can get the best prices. Another interesting stop is the Spice Souq. Immerse yourself in the sights and smells of this colorful traditional marketplace located in Deira. This colorful souq is packed with vendors selling spices, herbs, teas, dried fruits, and other goodies. It’s also a good place to pick up unique souvenirs and experience the hustle and bustle of a traditional market.

These are just a few of the reasons why Dubai is an amazing place worth adding to your travel bucket list. With its rich cultural heritage and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Dubai is a city that offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience.