If there is one city to visit on vacation, it’s the sparkling jewel that is Dubai. This wonderous place is full of incredible sights. From the tallest skyscrapers to the luxurious attractions. You can find anything to dazzle you in this city. So much so that it can be hard to pick where to go and what to do next. We have a helpful guide here to show you all the fabulous sights to visit in 48 hours or less. Give yourself an entire weekend to visit and see what Dubai has in store for you.
To get the most out of your journey, be sure to rent a car from one of the many rental services available. You can pick up some of the hottest wheels as you traverse the open highways of Dubai. Many sites will choose a car based on your preferences. Select a rent a Mercedes Dubai deal to find the latest on this model, as an example. Below are some recommendations to rent a car when you leave the airport:
- Kayak
- Rent A Car Dubai
- X Car Rental
- Dolphin Rent A Car
- OneClickDrive
- Superior Luxury Car Rental Dubai
Things to Expect
Before you start your magical weekend, here are some things to keep in mind when travelling:
- The main language is Arabic, but English is spoken often in many businesses.
- Dirham is the main currency, also known as Dhs. A lot of the places will still accept debit/credit cards.
- The best time to visit is between November and April. This is when the weather is most agreeable, and you can expect lots of events aimed for tourists.
- Regardless of climate, the average weather is extremely hot. Be sure to dress appropriately and bring plenty of water.
- A weekend actually counts as three days in UAE. This starts on Friday and ends on Sunday.
- Be sure to not be drunk in public, as this is a criminal offence. You must also keep public displays of affection to a minimum. Holding hands is still allowed.
Ramadan
If you plan on visiting a weekend where it is Ramadan (which falls on the 9th of the Islamic Calendar), this has both pros and cons. On one hand, it is a great way for you to visit the city during a holy time. Here will be reduced traffic, unique services, and plenty of chances to see real Islamic culture. On the other hand, there will be strict rules you will need to follow. You cannot eat or drink out in public as many people will be fasting during this time. Alcohol is still served but many night clubs will be quiet as listening to music is forbidden. Dress code will require you to be more modestly dressed as well.
If a Car Isn’t Available?
If you can’t get around by car, there are other means of transportation you can use. The bus system and railways can go through the major part you will be wanting to see. What makes it better is the use of a Nol Card. This lets you repurchase tickets at a much cheaper price and is valid for numerous days. Having this card for the weekend can help you save money when traversing the city. You can even use boats to get around through the districts. The canals separate a few of the regions, making it a stylish way to explore the streets and market centers.
Frankly speaking, renting a car remains the best solution when visiting a large city like Dubai. With its growing traffic, there are a lot of car rental companies with a vast fleet of vehicles. For instance, Renty offers SUVs, electric vehicles, or luxury cars for rent, depending on your requirements and budget.
The Dubai Mall
A place where you can spend most of your time is at the Dubai Mall. This is a massive complex of stores, restaurants, activities, and more. It is popularly known as the largest mall in the entire world. Exploring the whole facility will take a day in itself. As well as shopping at the top brands found across the globe, you can even pop over the aquarium. Watch a whole range of marine life that are found right in the Persian Gulf. There is also an ice-skating rink, available even in the heat of summer thanks to indoor freezing. Try out the new VR park to experience entertainment in virtual reality.
Burj Khalifa
You can’t visit Dubai without taking a wonder through the most iconic landscape there. The Burj Khalifa is recorded as the world’s tallest skyscraper. It stands at over 20,000 ft tall and up to 163 floors. If you plan to visit, you will only be allowed as high as floor 148. The floors located in that area are for tourists and have viewing decks available to visit. From there you can see the most breathtaking view of the city in its entirety. You can even see out into the open sea from way up high. Just be careful not to look down if vertigo hits.