From iconic skyscrapers and decadent hotels to endless desert adventure and ultra-chic cosmopolitan treats, Dubai is a country like no other. Managing to seamlessly blend a rich Arabian heritage with a seriously modern and fashionable scene, it’s hard to believe that some 50 years ago it was just a traditional fishing village known for its pearl diving.
This is the place to come when you want to snorkel, dive, ski and dune bash all in one day. Where you can shop tax-free for goodies and sleep under the stars in Bedouin-style tents. This UAE destination glitters with adventures of every kind and 48 hours can be filled with nearly every activity under the sun. Here are some of the best ways to spend two days in Dubai.
Day One
Morning
The Decadent Dubai Mall
The megawatt Dubai Mall is where Fashion Avenue meets a huge suspended aquarium, and an enormous ice-skating rink meets a surreal virtual reality playground. It’s the perfect place to start your trip. Spend a couple of hours here tax-free shopping for designer treats before gliding over ice, tunnelling through an epic water world of sharks and marine life and exploring prehistoric skeletons at the much-celebrated Dubai Dino.
Afternoon
Barefoot Luxury at La Mer Beachfront
Dubai is also all about the beach and one of the most beautiful places to while away an afternoon is at the exclusive La Mer beachfront. From palm tree-lined boulevards to luxury cabanas and pristine sands to fine dining restaurants, La Mer is an elegant yet family-friendly spot that’s a little slice of paradise.
A huge waterpark is on hand to keep the kids occupied whilst you choose to either try out paddleboarding or simply sip Champagne overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
Evening
On Top of The World at Burj Khalifa
Dubai’s most extravagant skyscraper also happens to be the tallest building in the world and a ride up to the top observation deck on the 148th floor is a dazzling experience. Time your trip just before sunset and make sure to dine on the 122nd floor at At. Mosphere for spectacular panoramic views as night falls over the city.
Cruise by Abra to The Dubai Fountain
No trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to the mesmerising and all-dancing Dubai Fountain after your dinner. A great way to see its spectacular show is to hop on a traditional ‘abra’ motorised boat and watch the 6,000 lights, 50 colour projectors and 1.5 million lumens deliver a breathtaking performance that rivals that of the Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas.
At over 900 feet in length, this is no regular fountain and its impressive five-minute displays take place daily from 6 pm – 11 pm.
Camp Under The Stars Bedouin Style
Alternatively, if you fancy spending your first night in the city in extra special surroundings, why not treat yourself to a night under the stars, Bedouin-style? A magical overnight safari gives you a chance to experience an exotic and vibrant camp night in luxury tented accommodation.
The Bedouins were the first nomads in the Arabian desert and their sustainable culture is a large part of Dubai’s rich heritage. An overnight tour takes you on an adventure that traces their steps through the golden desert where you’ll learn to ride camels, enjoy traditional storytelling and dance and dine Arabic style under a moonlit sky.
Day Two
Morning
Haggle for Jewels at Dubai’s Gold Souks
From a cup of 24-carat gold coffee at Emirate Palace to the 22,000 square feet of gold leaf interior covering the Burj Al Arab, Dubai is gilded in so many ways. One of the best ways to experience all that glitters is on a whistle-stop visit to Old Dubai’s famous Gold Souk in the district of Deira at the start of your second day in the city.
Barter your way through a dazzling collection of jewellery and precious gemstones that are all regulated by the government to ensure quality and authenticity. Dubai’s Gold Souk is the best destination in the United Emirates to buy gold and is open from 10 am until 10 pm, it’s a fantastic place to visit on a 48-hour trip.
One of The Best Cultural Experiences at Jumeirah Mosque
Carved from white stone in ancient Fatimid style and with stunning minarets and a fortress-like design, Jumeriah Mosque is one of only two in Dubai where non-Muslims are allowed to visit. The guided tours here are both fascinating and comprehensive and the mosque has an ‘open doors open minds’ policy.
A visit is certainly recommended if you have time, and tours take place at 10 am and 2 pm every day except for Friday. The ariose call of prayer reverberates throughout the country five times daily and the Islamic influences across the city are a beautiful reminder of Dubai’s deep spirituality.
Afternoon
Island Life at Palm Jumeriah
Dubai isn’t only legendary for its cloud touching skyscrapers but also its engineering masterpieces on the ground. Palm Jumeriah (so humungous it can be seen from space) is a must-visit on a 48-hour stopover. This man-made palm-shaped island stretches 5 kilometres out into the Arabian Gulf and is protected by 11 kilometres of the breakwater. The aerial views are phenomenal but there’s nothing quite like being a part of it on the ground too.
Here you’ll find luxury hotels and opulent restaurants as well as the chance to swim with dolphins and sharks, take paddle boarding or yoga classes or jump in a helicopter for a 25-minute tour over the city. If you fancy an energetic afternoon on your second day, this is the place to head to!
Opulent Afternoon Tea at Burj Al Arab
Sitting on a man-made island 280 metres off the shore of Jumeirah beach, the Burj Al Arab is one of the most luxurious and tallest hotels in the world. Its sailing boat design, which seemingly emerges from the sea, is an iconic symbol of Dubai. Stay the night and you’ll find yourself amongst the super-rich in a lavish suite overlooking the sea complete with private beach access and the most irresistible infinity pool.
Even if you’re not sleeping here and fancy treating yourself this afternoon instead, you can still enjoy an extravagant afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar. Take the panoramic elevator at the back of the hotel up to the 27th floor and you’ll get the most incredible views of the city.
Evening
Dune Bashing in The Desert
With just 48 hours to see the sights, it’s still perfectly possible to get out of the city and drive into the sunburnt desert. Emirati culture comes alive through desert safari tours where you can spend an adrenalin-filled day quad biking, dune bashing, camel riding or even taking an early morning sunrise hot air balloon ride.
Expect wildlife tours, Arabic dining, falconry and belly dancing. An early evening safari is a fantastic way to experience the ethereal beauty of the desert when you have limited time. Both Jeep and Hummer tours will take you on thrilling adventures that can easily be done in just four hours, allowing you to really make the most of your visit!
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