Would you perhaps like to travel to Dubai for some special activities? That question came to me just after the Holiday Fair by Wereldreizigers.nl stated. I didn't have to think about that for long. Of course I would like to go to Dubai. I have never been there before and it seems like a fascinating destination.
When you think of Dubai, you quickly think of the tall skyscrapers, the glitz & glamor and the luxurious resorts. The Burj Khalifa, Burj al Arab and the Dubai Mall are hotspots that everyone knows. Of course, that is also Dubai, but this trip has a completely different theme. Nature and outdoors. Not exactly the themes you would associate with this destination.
Since I'm with my own travel blog If I am mainly looking for destinations off the beaten track, this is a trip that suits me perfectly. Thanks to these special activities inside and outside the big city, I became acquainted with Dubai.
You can arrange your own airline tickets, hotels and transfers to and in Dubai, but you can also opt for comfort and convenience. Do you want everything in one package and not pay too much for your trip? Then take a look at the Dubai offer D-Travel en Corendon, the two absolute price fighters for this unique destination.
- Great offer
- Low prices
- Also very luxurious options
1. Discover Dubai's historic districts
Our discovery tour in Dubai starts in the old part of the city. Dubai is best known worldwide for its modern skyline with unique architecture. Of course, Dubai didn't always look like this. A century ago, Dubai was still a small fishing village. Only in a small part of the gigantic metropolis can you still experience the authentic atmosphere of old Dubai. The historic districts are located around the Dubai Creek, also known as the Khor Dubai. On the water, Dubai developed into a lively port city and trading post. Dubai was mainly dependent on fishing, trade and pearl diving. When oil was discovered in the 60s, Dubai grew into a world city. But oil revenues were not infinite. That is why they mainly focused on trade and tourism. This is how Dubai eventually became the major tourist destination that it is today.
Al Seef
The Al Seef district is our base to discover the historic part. Here we will spend the night at the Al Seef Heritage Hotel. A beautiful hotel in a traditional Arabic atmosphere. Al Seef was the place where pearl diving used to start. Although the district looks very authentic, this district is quite new. Al Seef was opened in 2017. An area has been built up with traditional architecture in the old Arabic styles. They have done this very well, because it really seems as if you are walking in one of the oldest neighborhoods here. But in Al Seef there is also an area with modern architecture.
Al Fahidi
Do you want to see the real authentic Dubai? Then visit the Al Fahidi district. In the 19th century, this district was built up by wealthy textile and pearl traders. What is special is that the houses are built with coral stones. The houses were equipped with traditional wind towers that provided natural ventilation. Nowadays, no people live in Al Fahidi anymore. There were even plans to bulldoze the district, but King Charles of the United Kingdom put a stop to that. He believed that Dubai should preserve this important heritage site. Fortunately, the neighborhood was preserved and renovated again. It is now a kind of open-air museum of Dubai.
Together with a guide we walk through the neighborhood and visit the narrow streets. Now you will find museums, art galleries, shops, boutique hotels and restaurants. For example, we had a delicious lunch at Arabian Tea House. The place where you can discover Middle Eastern cuisine.
Deira
The Dubai Creek played an important role in Dubai's history. This saltwater creek ensured that trade with the rest of the world started. The harbor was later used for pearl diving. The Dubai Creek is still a busy waterway. For example, you will see traditional Abras sailing there. The abras are used as a water taxi and we sail along for a while. From the water you have a different view of the historic part of Dubai. We sail to the other side of the water and explore the Deira district. Here we visit a number of souks, which can best be compared to a covered market. We visit the Spice Souk. Almost all herbs in the world are sold here. Not only is this souk very photogenic, it also smells very nice. We even get some explanation about the different herbs and are allowed to taste some here and there. The people here are all hospitable. We also visit the Gold Souk. Here you will really be amazed. There is an abundance of shiny ornaments and jewelry.
2. Go for the ultimate desert experience
Dubai emerged from the desert not so long ago. The desert covers a large part of the United Arab Emirates. In the past, the Bedouins lived here in tents and led a nomadic life. If you really want to discover Dubai, a visit to the desert is definitely worthwhile. An hour's drive from the city takes you to the desert. This is the perfect location for special activities outside the big city. For example, choose a desert safari. With a driver you cross the desert dunes and you can stop for all kinds of activities. We do not do a desert safari, but we discover that you can also dine and spend the night in a very luxurious way in the desert.
Sonara Camp
The Sonara Camp is located in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, a protected nature reserve where the flora and fauna of the desert are protected. You can undertake all kinds of activities here without disturbing the habitat. Here you can undertake a desert safari, camel riding, attend a bird of prey show, sandboarding and archery. We enjoy a small snack and a beautiful sunset here. In the evening we have dinner in the middle of the desert. An award-winning chef has put together a 3-course menu and during the meal there is an exciting dinner show with belly dancers and fire eaters.
Spend the night at The Nest
Sleeping in the desert is already a special experience, but staying overnight at The Nest by Sonara Camp exceeded all my expectations. There are 14 luxurious rooms in the middle of the desert that they call 'nests' here. They were designed by the architect Gianni Ranaulo. The wavy roofs of the nests blend completely into the desert landscape. Each nest has a bedroom with a spacious bed, a private bathroom and lovely seating areas to sit outside. The front is completely made of glass, allowing you to optimally enjoy the landscape. Immediately upon arrival, a team is ready for us, we receive one
welcome drink and we are taken to our own nest. What a great place to spend the night here. Before you go to sleep you can explore the starry sky with an astronomer. Sleeping in is not an option. We are given the tip to set our alarm clock on time. We have a beautiful sunrise from the sand dunes. We even see dune gazelles and the special Arabian oryx. Before we leave the desert again, we are pampered with a fantastic breakfast.
3. The mountain landscape around Hatta
The Hajar Mountains are about a 2-hour drive from the bustling city of Dubai. A rocky landscape with valleys known here as wadis. A beautiful area to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Hatta is located in the middle of the mountains. This mountain village used to belong to Oman and was known for its historic fortress and small desert farms. Nowadays, adventure lovers come to Hatta. About ten years ago, the current sheikh announced his intention to turn Hatta into a tourist attraction. You can go here for numerous activities. From hiking to mountain biking and from kayaking to paragliding. You can book this at Hatta Wadi Hub.
Hiking in the mountains
Few people will take their walking shoes to Dubai. Yet you can certainly take walks in nature. There are not many hiking trails yet. Currently, about 40 kilometers of hiking trails have been constructed. The trails are divided into green (flat), blue (easy), red (average) and black (difficult). We will walk a combination of green, blue and red. Together with a guide we are taken from Hatta Wadi Hub to the starting point of the trail. We soon go up and have a beautiful panorama over Hatta and the border of Oman. We continue walking to the top of the mountain. Here are the Hatta letters, just as you know them from Hollywood. Dubai would not be Dubai, because these letters are the largest in the world at 19 meters high. The walk is a nice introduction to the mountainous landscape around Hatta.
Kayaking at the Hatta dam
After the walk it is wonderful to cool down in the water. For this we go to the Hatta Dam. The dam was built in the 90s to provide the city of Hatta with water and electricity. Today it is a popular place for various outdoor activities. It is a fantastic place for kayaking. Because the turquoise water is quite calm, you can kayak on the water quite relaxed and enjoy the surroundings at the same time.
Paragliding
There was actually another activity planned in Hatta. We were going to paraglide over the Hajar Mountains. For me this would be the first time I would do this. Of course I found that quite exciting, but I also wanted to see the landscape from a different perspective. Unfortunately, there was a strong wind in the morning, so we had to cancel this activity. That is of course a great shame.
Spend the night in Hatta
Hatta Resort is a great place to stay in Hatta. You can sleep here in deluxe lodges, campers or a dome. We slept in a deluxe lodge in the middle of the mountain landscape. The lodges are spread across the hilly landscape, have a modern bathroom, a spacious bed and all have a view over the mountain landscape. Breakfast is delivered to your doorstep using golf carts. Rarely have I had such a gigantic extensive breakfast. If you want to discover the Hajar Mountains, Hatta Resort is the perfect place to spend the night.
4. Don't miss modern Dubai
The theme of our trip is outdoor and nature. With the authentic part of Dubai, the desert and the mountain landscape, this was a complete success. Still, I am curious about the better-known highlights of Dubai. When you are in Dubai for the first time, you naturally want to see those famous buildings and experience the special experiences of the big city. Fortunately, during our last day we still have time for a small taste of modern Dubai.
Relax at Kyma Beach
Time to relax for a while. For this we go to the palm island Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island in the shape of a palm tree. Due to the growing popularity of Dubai as a beach destination, the beaches became increasingly crowded. Then the idea arose to build an island around the coast. By building this island in the shape of a palm tree, there was more space for the beach. With the construction of this palm island, the coastline has increased by 72 kilometers. Two other palm islands are currently being constructed. Not all parts of Palm Jumeirah are accessible. There are about 2000 apartments and 1500 villas with their own private beach. Fortunately, there are also hotels and beach clubs where you as a tourist can chill on the beach. We visit Kyma Beach, inspired by Greek life. The perfect place to chill by the pool or on the beach. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant here.
SUP at Palm Beach
After a quiet morning it is nice to do something active again. So we go to the edge of the palm island and go paddle boarding on the water. To be honest, I have no talent for SUPing. Although I always try, I simply cannot keep balance on the board. Only when I look at the point of the board can I hold my ground. But that is of course a shame. You also want to look around you from the water. For the photos I stood on my board for a while, but otherwise I moved across the water on my knees.
Sunset at The View at the Palm
After SUP we still have some time left. A great opportunity to visit The View. This is the tallest building on Palm Jumeirah at 240 meters. The View at the Palm viewpoint is located on top of the tower. From the viewing platform we have a great panorama over the palm island and the unique skyline of Dubai. And we are just in time to admire the sunset. We toast to a successful day with a glass of champagne.
Have breakfast at At.mosphere in the Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is one of Dubai's top attractions. At 828 meters this is the tallest building in the world and this spectacular structure dominates the skyline of Dubai. Many people come here to enjoy the stunning views of the city. On the 124th and 148th floors you have a stunning view of Dubai.
We visit the At.mosphere restaurant, the highest restaurant in the world. Not only to enjoy the view, but also a delicious breakfast. You can eat here à la carte or order from the menu. Make sure you are hungry enough, because you will get an extensive breakfast here. We say goodbye to Dubai with a well-filled stomach. It was a great first introduction that definitely leaves you wanting more.
You can arrange your own airline tickets, hotels and transfers to and in Dubai, but you can also opt for comfort and convenience. Do you want everything in one package and not pay too much for your trip? Then take a look at the Dubai offer D-Travel en Corendon, the two absolute price fighters for this unique destination.
- Great offer
- Low prices
- Also very luxurious options
