At the end of January, I noticed that there were particularly good flight deals to the Emirates for early March. I managed to book a trip from Thursday to Sunday, flying to Abu Dhabi in the morning and returning from Dubai in the evening. It was a perfect combination, a rare good deal for non-hot weather. (There might have been even cheaper deals towards the end of March, but that was during Ramadan, so not as ideal.)

This time, I didn’t travel alone; a friend’s 13 and 16-year-old sons came along with me. Dubai is suitable for all ages, they just had to endure walking around the city from morning till night. 🙂

Hungarian citizens do not need a visa, so we could enter the country at Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports with our passports. One thing to be careful about is to make sure the border officer stamps the correct date in the passport.

Luckily, we caught good weather. Friday was a bit cloudy and humid but not very hot. Saturday and Sunday had brilliant sunshine, especially on Sunday, you could really feel the power of the Sun. Those sensitive to sunlight should definitely be prepared, as I also felt the beneficial influx of vitamin D on my skin after just a few minutes.

Abu Dhabi

We departed from Liszt Ferenc Airport at 8.10 with Wizz Air and landed at 16.50 local time (+3 hours time difference).

We used taxis twice. In both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the official taxi brand is Toyota Camry, that’s what you should look for. The starting fare from the airport to the city is 25 dirhams, and in the city, it’s 5 dirhams. Our ride from the airport to the hotel, about 24 km away, cost 67 dirhams, so it’s very cheap for several people.

Since we also used public transport, we needed to buy a Hafilat card. There’s a machine at the airport (in the middle of the arrivals hall), where you can pay with cash or a bank card. Confusingly, you have to buy it in the „recharge” menu. The card costs 10 dirhams, and any amount above that is for travel. You need to tap the card to the sensor on the bus when getting on and off, and the display will show the remaining balance. There are top-up machines at several bus stops.

That same evening, we visited the famous Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Entry is free, but you need to register on the official website. You can book in ten-minute intervals, and the QR code is sent by email. The entrance is in the small shopping center in front of the mosque, on the -1 level. They weren’t very strict about the time, we got in 15 minutes before our booked time.

The mosque is marvelous both inside and out! If you spend more time in Abu Dhabi, see it both during the day and at night, each has its charm. I specifically booked for the evening to see it illuminated. I was not disappointed! There is no time limit for the visit, you can stay as long as you want. You can only take photos in designated areas, clearly indicated by signs.

It’s essential to cover knees and shoulders, so you can’t enter in shorts! Women need to wear an abaya, which can be bought at several stores at the entrance.

The next day, we took a taxi to the city center. Being Friday, there were hardly any people on the streets. Compared to Dubai, there are not many sights, but it’s definitely not to be missed!

The Emirates Palace building and its gardens are particularly noteworthy! It opens its gates at 10 am, and shorts are not allowed. Nowadays, it functions as a hotel.

Across from it is the Emirates Tower, which has an observatory at the top. We didn’t go up, as it was quite hazy, and we wouldn’t have seen much.

It’s worth walking along the road leading to Al Marina Island, from where you can get a good view of the city’s skyscrapers. On this island is the Emirates Heritage Village, which brings to life the past of Abu Dhabi.

Travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai

There is a regular bus service between the two cities, marked E101. It runs from dawn to evening, every 20 minutes during the day. The journey takes about 100 minutes.

You can buy tickets at the bus station building, clearly marked as Dubai. You can only pay in cash! They give you a NOL Card, on which the ticket is loaded, costing 25 dirhams. The card fee is 6 dirhams and is valid for five years.

In Dubai, the final stop is at Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall, from where the metro takes you into the city.

Dubai

Useful tips

Dubai covers a large area, so for a short stay, it’s wise to divide which parts to explore. For example, traveling between Dubai Marina and the old town takes nearly an hour by metro, so a lot of time is spent in transit. Try to plan visits to attractions that are close to each other.

Book a hotel close to a metro station for easy access within a few minutes’ walk. The red metro line runs through the city along Sheikh Zayed Road, and most attractions are easily accessible with at most one transfer. Since it mostly runs above ground, the view itself is an experience. We stayed at the 4-star Atana Hotel, a few minutes from the Dubai Internet City metro station. (At 50 euro per person per night with breakfast, it was good value for money.)

Nine years ago, I also took a long-sleeved sweater to the city, as they sometimes cool the interiors quite a lot. Of course, it’s nice to enter the cool from the heat, but it’s easy to catch a cold. If you’re prone to colds, be sure to bring one!

Public transportation

We arrived at Ibn Battuta at 13:45 on Friday, where we topped up our NOL Card with a weekly pass at the metro station. It costs 110 dirhams and allows unlimited use on the metro, tram, and buses for seven calendar days. Except for the 105 (Miracle Garden) and 106 (Global Village) buses, these require an additional 5 dirhams per direction to be on the card.

If you don’t want to buy a weekly pass, load a certain amount onto the card. Dubai’s transportation is divided into zones. The system deducts the fare based on one, two, or more than two zones traveled. Always tap the card upon exiting, where the display shows the available amount.

Buying the card and topping it up is simple and available in English. Here you can also pay by card.

For the metro, note that the last train’s timing is uncertain. Supposedly it runs until midnight on Saturdays, but the Dubai Mall station was already closed at 11:30 PM. So, we had to take a taxi. Don’t be surprised if you get stranded. 🙂

Boat to Dubai Marina

Several boat routes are available. We chose the FR1 from the boat station near Al Ghubaiba metro station to Dubai Marina. I recommend this route for its many sights and the panoramic view. It departs at 13:00 and 18:00, and tickets can be bought at a booth near the boat station. The journey takes about 2 hours and costs 50 dirhams (about 13 euro), payable with NOL Card or cash. Considering the experience, it’s a bargain!

We took the 18:00 boat, just in time to catch the dusk on the sea, so we could see the city’s skyscrapers starting to light up. It passes right by Palm Island and arrives at Dubai Marina near the giant Ferris wheel.

Make sure your camera and/or phone is charged, as we couldn’t stop taking pictures and videos. This is a must-do activity!

Dubai Marina in the evening

The boat docked near Dubai Marina Mall. This area is an artificial bay, filled with skyscrapers and a popular nearby beach.

A promenade runs around the bay, and you can walk for hours among the differently lit buildings.

A few hundred meters away, Marina Beach is a real central spot. It’s crowded with people, even late at night with many swimmers. This is the best spot for a view of the giant Ferris wheel.

Miracle Garden

After breakfast on Saturday, we took the metro to the Mall of Emirates, from where bus 105 goes to the garden. As mentioned earlier, this (and bus 106) is a private bus, so the weekly pass doesn’t apply. The ticket costs 5 dirhams, ensure you have enough money on the NOL Card (10 dirhams for a round trip).

Entry tickets can be bought on-site for 75 dirhams per person (about 18 euro).

Many have probably seen the picture of an Emirates plane adorned with flowers. Well, that’s here. The entire garden is a huge floral empire, with numerous buildings and fairy tale figures decorated with flowers.

Mall of Emirates

We returned on bus 105 and went into the shopping center. It’s famous for its indoor ski slope.

Ski Dubai is unique, not found anywhere else, especially not in a desert setting. It’s quite extraordinary. 😊

Madinat Jumeirah and Burj Al-Arab

From the Mall, we took bus 81 to one of the world’s most famous hotels. You can take close-up photos of the hotel on foot, but there’s an iconic spot in the adjacent bazaar for an even better view.

Madinat Jumeirah is a bazaar surrounded by lakes and walkways. It’s a pleasant place, but I wouldn’t call it a must-see. Perhaps visit for the view of Burj Al-Arab.

Burj Khalifa, Observation Deck

We also took bus 81, which drops you off right next to Dubai Mall, from where the towering Burj Khalifa is accessible.

We had booked tickets online for the observation deck on the 124th and 125th floors at 5:30 PM. It’s advisable to buy tickets in advance, as they sell out days ahead for the most popular times. Tickets for sunset times are more expensive, costing us 244 dirhams.

Since sunset was at 6:25 PM, we reached the top in daylight and watched as the city gradually lit up. It’s a magnificent sight, and I recommend watching the sunset from here!

The entrance to Burj Khalifa is on the lower level of Dubai Mall, near the exit to the Fountain. The elevator takes less than a minute to reach the 124th floor. There’s an open section here, but not all around. The 360-degree view is on the 125th floor. You almost have to fight for a spot to take photos, as everyone wants to get their picture taken first. However, if you are patient, there will always be a free spot for a selfie.

You can stay on the observation deck as long as you like; there’s no time limit. Expect to wait a long time for the elevator down during popular times. We queued for about 45 minutes around 7 PM.

The Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa show

The fountain show in front of Burj Khalifa starts at 6 PM and occurs every half hour. The last show starts at 11 PM. Additionally, at 15 and 45 minutes past every hour, different „shows” are projected onto the side of the tower with LED lights.

My advice is not to stay in one spot! It’s worth watching the few-minute shows from different locations. The popular spots get very crowded, but for example, on the west side of the lake, at Green Roof, you can enjoy the show lying on artificial turf.

Dubai Marina in the daytime

After breakfast on Sunday, we packed up and set off for our last day. Although we had been to the Marina on Friday evening, it’s a must-see during the day too!

It’s less crowded in the morning and has a pleasant atmosphere. We took a short walk and then moved on.

The View at the Palm

To get to the observatory at Nakheel Mall on the Palm, we first took the tram from the Marina, then transferred to the Monorail at the Palm Gateway stop. A separate ticket is required for this, available at every station.

The observatory is on the 52nd floor and offers a fantastic view of the „palm tree”. We bought tickets online for the 11 AM slot for 100 dirhams per person (about 25 euro).

The Pointe

This is a beachfront, bazaar-like area at the „tip” of the palm trunk. It offers a great view of the Atlantis Hotel.

There are bean bags on the beach, and we rested for a few minutes under the umbrellas, enjoying the view. (No payment is required.)

There is a fountain show here in the evenings, but unfortunately, we didn’t have time for it.

After the rest, we traveled back to the starting point by Monorail.

Old town, Bazaars

We took the metro to Burjuman station, where the old town begins. This is the „old” Dubai, where everyday life is tangible. The locals stared as we walked down the main street, wondering what tourists were doing there. In one store, there was a huge crowd, but we were the only tourists! I like visiting such places.

Reaching the Creek, many local boats, abras, ferry people across to the other side. The journey takes a few minutes, and it’s a must-try! The boatman collects the fare during the trip.

On the other side, in the Deira district, are the spice, gold, and perfume markets side by side. You can get everything here, but the vendors can be quite insistent. Sometimes they push too hard, and you need to bargain hard. We just walked through the entire bazaar, as we were in a hurry to get to the airport.

And what we missed

One major attraction we didn’t have time for was the Dubai Frame. This window frame-shaped observatory was built a few years ago, an interesting sight even from afar.

Of course, there are still several attractions to visit, but I think we saw most of the city. What we missed, we’ll do next time.

Burj Khalfia in TikTok video

Dubai in TikTok video

A Abu Dhabi and Dubai – an early summer trip in March bejegyzés először Tips for journey-én jelent meg.

It is the most populous and the second-largest city in the United Arab Emirates. It is located on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf, on the Arabian Peninsula.

The capital of the emirate is Abu Dhabi, the country’s largest city by area.

I spent 4 days in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which you can read a detailed travelgue here!

Attractions in Dubai

Burj Khalifa

The 160-floor tower, tapering upwards in steps, stands at a height of 828 meters and is the tallest building in the world. Located on the 124th floor is an enclosed observation deck, offering a fantastic view of the city and the sea.

Burj Khalifa holds several world records, such as the highest observation deck, swimming pool, entertainment venue, and the world’s fastest elevator.

Tickets for the observation deck must be purchased for a specific time, but once at the top, you can stay as long as you like. It’s advisable to reach the top just before sunset to witness the sun disappearing over the sea horizon.

Next to the building is the Dubai Mall, the world’s second-largest shopping center by total land area!

Buy tickets and find all information here!

To get there, take the red metro line to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station.

Dubai Fountain

The famous „dancing” fountain in front of Burj Khalifa is the world’s largest of its kind, with only Las Vegas having a similar type.

Especially in the dark, sit on a bench along the lakeside promenade and admire the performance (e.g., to Michael Jackson, Bocelli).

Its unique design features five concentric circles. The water jets shoot up to impressive heights, and the show is visible from more than 30 kilometers away. Thanks to the thousands of WET super-shooters and over 20 colored projectors, the spectacle has become a true visual masterpiece.

There are two performances after 12 noon, but from sunset until 11 PM, the water show can be seen every half hour.

Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis Hotel

The artificially created island known as Palm Jumeirah is fully developed, which becomes evident when traveling through it.

However, what attracts tourists to the „tip” of the palm is the Atlantis Hotel. It can be accessed by car through an underwater tunnel.

Along the palm’s „fronds,” thousands of luxury hotels and apartments have been built, frequented by celebrities.

The site is not just a hotel but also features a water theme park with an aquarium, slide park, dolphinarium, and many pools. It’s open to outsiders for a fee, allowing visitors to enjoy all these amenities.

To reach it, take the Monorail, whose starting station is accessible by the T1 tram to the Palm Jumeirah 1 stop.

The View at the Palm

As well as the Burj Khalifa, this is another place to visit.

Located in the middle of the Palm Island, in the Nakheel Mall area, this 240-metre-high lookout offers a magnificent view of the surrounding area.

An elevator takes you to the top level, but before you go, a short video gives you an insight into the design and construction process of the island.

All information here!

Getting there: take the Monorail to Nakheel Mall.

Dubai Marina

An artificial bay near Palm Jumeirah, you can stroll around it on a developed walkway, shaded by tall skyscrapers.

You’ll see numerous beautiful yachts and the large Dubai Marina Mall is also located here. The T1 tram circles the most picturesque part of the marina, allowing for a scenic ride.

Access: By the red metro line to Dubai Marina Mall stop; or by the T1 tram (with a metro connection at Marina Mall stop).

Burj al-Arab

The iconic sail-shaped hotel, Burj al-Arab, stands on an artificial island. It’s Dubai’s hallmark of luxury, often referred to as the world’s first seven-star hotel.

The suites, fashioned in modern Arabic style, are exclusive to guests, but parts of the hotel, including its restaurants, are open to the public.

The Al Muntaha restaurant, situated 200 meters high, offers a spectacular view of the bay. For information on reservations and restaurant visits here.

Access: By bus 8, 81, or 88 to the Burj Al Arab Hotel stop.

Dubai Frame

One of the newest attractions, resembling a giant picture frame, has quickly become one of Dubai’s most popular sites!

Its upper part features a glass floor, offering a view of the city beneath. The external elevator has glass sides, providing stunning views on the way up and down.

Often overlooked in favor of the Burj Khalifa, it’s considerably cheaper and, according to many, equally impressive.

Access: From Al Jafiliya metro station (red line) take bus F09 to the Dubai Frame stop.

Dubai Miracle Garden

A garden showcasing an array of flowers in various designs, often recommended as a must-visit.

The garden’s highlight is an Emirates airplane entirely adorned with flowers. Additionally, numerous fairytale figures are displayed, making it an excellent outing for children.

It’s closed during summer due to the heat.

Ticket prices, opening hours and all information here!

Access: By bus 105 to the Miracle Garden stop. (Note: Daily and weekly tickets are not valid on this bus; ensure you have sufficient funds on your NOL card!)

Shopping Malls

Dubai offers a multitude of malls, not just for shopping but also for experiencing unique attractions. Here are three notable ones.

The most striking feature of the Mall of the Emirates is Ski Dubai, a ski resort behind a glass wall! It has five slopes, with the longest being 400 meters. Equipment can be rented on-site. There’s also a children’s entertainment center, Magic Planet. It’s accessible via the red metro line.

Dubai Mall is situated next to the Burj Khalifa, this mall is the world’s largest shopping, entertainment, and leisure destination. It houses The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, an Olympic-sized ice rink, the educational and entertaining Kidzania, and a vast cinema complex. Several entrances lead to the musical fountain, making it an ideal afternoon outing.

Dubai Festival City Mall is located along the banks of the Dubai Creek, near the international airport. Its unique appeal lies in the evening views from the waterside promenade towards the Burj Khalifa amidst skyscrapers. To get there, take the green metro line to Creek terminal, then cross over by abra from Al Jaddaf Marine station (CR 6 line). The fare is just 2 dirhams.

Bluewaters Island

The latest sensation near Dubai Marina, this small island is accessible by car and on foot.

Home to hotels, shops, and restaurants, its major attraction will be the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel. It operates day and night, completing a rotation in about 38 minutes.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

The world’s largest indoor theme park.

Spanning 1.5 million square meters, the park is divided into four themed areas: Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley, IMG Boulvard. It also features a 12-screen cinema and 28 restaurants.

Find all information here!

Museum of the Future

One of Dubai’s newest museums already signals the future with its exterior.

The building is a massive, undistorted toroid-shaped structure, with its outer surface adorned with Arabic inscriptions that speak of hope and optimism for the future. It can safely be said that it is one of the most futuristic buildings in the world.

The exhibitions cover many topics, including education, healthcare, environmental protection, urban planning, and space exploration. Virtual reality, augmented reality, and other advanced technologies are often used to engage visitors more deeply in the world of the future.

All information here!

Access: Red metro line to Emirates Towers station.

Museums

Once the Al-Fahidi Fort, now operates as Dubai Museum. It showcases the city’s past, depicting its transformation from a small town. The nearest metro station on the green line is Al Fahidi.

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, located on the banks of Dubai Creek, was the palace of the current ruling family and now functions as a museum. It represents the pre-boom era. Near Al Ghubaiba metro station (green line).

Find all museum information here!

Bazaars

Exploring the bazaars is a must-do in Dubai. Feel free to bargain!

The Gold, Spice, and Perfume Souks are located side by side along the Creek in Deira. Combine these three locations for hours of exploration. The nearest metro station is Al Ras (green line).

The Textile Souk is on the opposite bank in Bur Dubai Souk. Famous for textiles, a wide variety is available. The nearest metro station is Al Ghubaiba (green line).

Wild Wadi Waterpark

This popular waterpark, located next to the Burj al-Arab, is unique for its medieval Arabian architectural style.

It’s a great place to spend an afternoon with kids, though be prepared that it’s not a cheap outing!

Prices, opening hours, and all information can be found here.

Jumeirah Mosque

Mosques are quintessential structures in the Arab world, and Dubai has many, with the Jumeirah Mosque being particularly noteworthy.

Built in 1998, it’s a blend of traditional and modern Islamic architecture.

Tourists are allowed to enter, but be mindful of the rules! Long trousers are mandatory, and women must wear long tops and cover their hair.

Access: By bus numbers 8, 9, C10, X28, and 88 to the Palm Strip Center / Jumeirah, Grand Masjid stop.

Boating

A popular activity is traveling by boat, offering great views along the way.

There are several routes, and I would highlight the one marked FR1. This route operates between Dubai Marina and Al Ghubaiba (the old town area). I recommend taking the boat heading to Marina, as sailing into the bay at the end provides a wonderful experience of the city’s skyline.

All information here!

Beaches

Due to the climate, the sea water is warm in summer, but can feel somewhat cool for us during winter months. Bikinis are allowed, but avoid wearing „skimpy” swimwear!

One of the most famous is JBR Beach (Marina Beach), located behind the Dubai Marina. This is a long stretch of beach where I personally sunbathed, offering a great view of the Atlantis Hotel.

Another is Jumeirah Public Beach, also known as Sunset Beach. Its unique feature is its proximity to the Burj al-Arab, making it popular for its views.

Religion

Being in an Arab country where Islam is the predominant religion, there are a few things to be mindful of. Even though Dubai is one of the most Westernized cities, it’s important to respect the main cultural norms.

Men should avoid walking around in loose tank tops, and women should steer clear of provocative attire. While there are no sanctions for this, it might attract disapproving glances.

On the beach, bikinis are fine, but again, avoid wearing „skimpy” swimwear.

Particularly during Ramadan (which falls at different times each year for us), the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Muslims do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. During this period, do not eat or drink in public!

A Dubai attractions bejegyzés először Tips for journey-én jelent meg.