Our Luxury Travel Guide:

Dubai has two world-class airports that provide thousands of international flights each week. Dubai International Airport (DXB) has been the gateway to the emirate since the first airstrip was developed in the 1960s – it is now one of the busiest airports on the planet. The newer Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is a part of the expansive Dubai South development, which will eventually span 6.7 million square kilometres, including real estate, leisure facilities and retail.

The vast majority of visitors will arrive in Dubai by plane, but you can arrive via neighbouring countries easily by road. The UAE shares land borders with Saudi Arabia and Oman, and Gulf (GCC) residents can drive easily between each. Some of the busiest borders include Hatta and Al Ain, where adventure-seekers can get quick access to the Hajar Mountains, or take quick road trips on the outskirts of Dubai. Visitors from outside the region may have some visa restrictions so please plan accordingly.

Cruise tourism in Dubai has thrived thanks to the Dubai Cruise Terminal located at Mina Rashid. The luxurious port typically welcomes around half a million visitors each year. The terminal is a great vantage point from where you can explore the emirate, equipped with plenty of facilities, including a café, restaurant and minimart, with free WiFi, seating and tour company outlets. There’s even a complimentary shuttle service to selected shopping destinations and a paid shuttle service to The Dubai Mall and Dubai International Airport.

Book your private jet 🙂

When you book your jet charter through ONEflight International, they will set you up with the choice of helicopter or luxurious aircraft to whisk your guests off to whatever location you choose.
The choice is yours when it comes to the perfect aircraft to use for your business or private guests. With just a few questions regarding the number of guests and the type of trip you are planning, we can help you select the right travel arrangements.

Related 5 New Beachfront Luxury Villas on Palm Jumeirah Dubai

The Marina & Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)

It is considered one of the newest neighborhood of Dubai Marina, and JBR is the most Westernized area in the city. A nice walkable location in Dubai, probably one of the best ones.

JBR refers to the beach, the promenade and all the buildings which are in the first line. The Marina is everything behind there, including the tallest skyscrapers and the canal.

Most European expats choose to live here, as it is the easiest place to live in, with plenty of bar options and no strict restrictions, like the way women dress at the beach, for example.

Al-Barsha

Not an appealing place where to stay during your your vacation in Dubai, since it is the functional neighborhood of Dubai.

Besides wandering around the Mall of the Emirates (the second most famous mall) to see the Ski Resort, tourists don’t have much to do here.

On the other hand, however, there are quite a few expats living here, basically, because it is very well-connected to the metro, is close to both Marina and Downtown and you can save a few hundred of dollars rent per month.

Moreover, it has everything you may need, from a Carrefour to many types of shops and some really good local restaurants, from Arabic to great Indian and Pakistanis, so Al-Barsha is actually a great place to stay.

From noodles to shawarma, sushi to steak, Dubai’s dining scene is outstanding – in both quality and variety.

Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara

The restaurant is not underwater, nor is the ‘submarine’ that takes you there real. Nonetheless, it is an extraordinary and unique experience dining within the vast aquarium that sets the scene for Nathan Outlaw Al Mahara. The Michelin-starred British chef’s dishes emphasize the power of simplicity while the flavors of the finest ingredients speak for themselves. Guests can enjoy signature cocktails in one of the open-air, waterfront patio tables.

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Eauzone

Casual atmosphere at Eauzone, reflecting the slow pace of the One&Only Royal Mirage and the lazy sea beyond. After sunset, however, this venue smartens up into a sleek, refined restaurant. The design is beautifully positioned around the pool, giving the impression that it is floating on the translucent water. A winding walkway over the pool shows the way into the restaurant where there is a stylish bar and a glamorous, striped poolside marquee deck.

oneandonlyresorts.com

La Petite Maison

Magnificently located in Dubai International Financial Centre, this restaurant’s cooking style belongs to ‘old Genoese,’ serving Mediterranean dishes. Local produce — notably artichokes, courgettes, lemons, olives, tomatoes, peppers and girolles — is used generously with seafood, meat and fresh pasta to produce a style that’s light and healthy.

lpmlondon.co.uk/dubai

Al Hadheerah

The Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa signature restaurant is a 60-minute drive from Dubai airport. The resort is hidden among sand dunes, giving the image of an isolated oasis perfect for a fine-dining experience under the stars. Fourteen live cooking stations provide authentic cuisine from the Middle East while guests enjoy live entertainment. The Emirati Heritage Museum is also located nearby for an extra dose of culture.

meydanhotels.com

Zheng He’s

Award-winning chefs at Zheng He’s pride themselves on creating dishes that blend modern Western presentation with old Chinese flavors. The setting adds to this fusion — on the ‘dockside’ of a canal that weaves itself into the Madinet Jumeirah resort, it has an atmosphere of ancient simplicity while retaining views of the Burj Al Arab and the Gulf beyond. Try the signature Fortune Beggar Chicken among the exquisite Chinese fare on offer.

jumeirah.com

Nobu Dubai

Based at the Atlantis Hotel, Nobu fuses cutting–edge Japanese style with Arabian influences, while retaining Nobu classics such as its legendary seared black cod served with sweet miso sauce, and yellowtail topped with thin slices of jalapeño. The menu is complemented by a sushi bar and stylish surroundings, including private areas for more intimate gatherings. Cooking classes are available, allowing guests to learn the secrets behind this world-famous restaurant chain, created by globally renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa to redefine Japanese cuisine.

noburestaurants.com/dubai

Al Barsha

Mall of the Emirates

The only place in the UAE where you’ll find a ski slope, Mall of the Emirates is a magnet for Middle Eastern travellers who’ve never seen snow. The mall’s Fashion District looks like the pages of Vogue brought to life, with Bulgari, Dior and Gucci stopping shoppers in their tracks with attention-grabbing window displays. High-street offerings include Next, Topshop and the popular Turkish equivalent, Koton, while Harvey Nichols and Debenhams go head to head as the flagship department stores. The ‘Hands Free’ service means shoppers can have their bags collected and delivered later anywhere in the mall, car parks or connecting hotels (a Kempinski and a Sheraton).

THINGS NOT TO MISS:

1. Burj Khalifa

The world’s tallest building is at the top of most Dubai tourists’ must-see list. Standing 163 floors – almost 830 meters tall – Burj Khalifa is perfect for a family trip including the beautifully landscaped gardens beneath and the 124th/125th and 148th-floor observation decks.

From above, the birds-eye view of Dubai and most importantly the panoramic skyline is unmatched. The world’s largest choreographed fountain show – Dubai Fountain – lies beneath for those who prefer their action on the ground or perhaps do not have time to join the queues

2. Burj Al-Arab

The world’s tallest, one and only “seven-star” hotel is a sail-shaped building standing 321 meters high on its own artificial island off the coast at Jumeirah.

3. Dubai Desert Safari

One of the major highlights of any Dubai tour is exploring the Dubai deserts. And going for a Dubai desert safari is the best way to experience a taster of the Dubai desert. A typical desert safari includes dune bashing, camel riding, sand boarding and many end in traditional Bedouin-style camps for dinner, henna and musical entertainment, a not to be missed experience.

4. Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque, a replica of the Egyptian Al-Azhar Mosque but eight times larger in actual size, is considered among the most beautiful mosques in Dubai, a great show-off of the traditional Islamic architecture.

5.Dubai Museum

Housed in the 230 years old Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai Museum serves as a showcase of the history and culture of the city and beyond. There is a great exhibit, at the entrance, displaying old maps of the region lining up as dots to the gigantic boom in modern development and expansion.

Traditional boats and palm-leaf house with wind-tower decorate the courtyard. Traditional weaponry, musical instruments, presentation of the local way of life along with artefacts from the several thousand years old Al Qusais archaeological site forms the core of the museum interior.

Visit our selection of Luxury Villas in Dubai please click here Villas in Dubai

Contact Haute Retreats to plan a trip to the Dubai, our team of expert travel designers can recommend the best villas, luxury resorts, restaurants and activities for your interests.