What is there to do around the Burj Al Arab?
Shopping, the beach, and luxury: that’s what awaits you in Umm Suqeim. Here, you won’t see towering skyscrapers, but rather luxury resorts and villas. Unless you have an unlimited budget, you probably won’t be staying in this part of Dubai, but you’re sure to stop by to admire the panoramic views and relax by the turquoise waters!
Explore the Umm Suqeim neighborhood on foot
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1Burj Al Arab
This sail-shaped hotel is one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks. Its futuristic design has been carefully crafted down to the smallest detail and perfectly embodies Dubai’s extravagance. The Burj Al Arab is an ultra-luxurious hotel that requires a reservation to enter. But if you can’t afford to stay or dine there, be sure to take the time to admire it from a distance! For the best view, take a stroll through the Madinat Jumeirah complex—your photos will be stunning.
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2Madinat Jumeirah
Discover the gem of this neighborhood: the Madinat Jumeirah resort. This modern take on an Arab village naturally features luxury accommodations—but that’s not all! What we really loved was the modern souk. It captures the atmosphere of a traditional souk. You’ll find handicrafts, souvenirs, local specialties… In fact, we found that the prices here were much better than those in the old souks!
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Sunset Beach
Also known as Umm Suqeim Beach or Public Beach, this beach used to be one of the most beautiful in Dubai. However, several construction projects are currently underway, preventing visitors from fully enjoying the scenery.
In the past, we would have told you that this was one of the best vantage points for viewing the Burj Al Arab. Unfortunately, with the construction of a new hotel right in front of it, the sail-shaped building is now partially hidden…
We’ll have to wait a few years to admire the sunset from this beach. -
4Kite Beach
Kite Beach is a beautiful beach in Dubai. It’s a popular spot for sports enthusiasts, including kitesurfers, kayakers, and paddleboarders. When all the kites take to the sky at the same time, it’s an amazing sight!
The atmosphere here is really laid-back! There are even food trucks all along the beach where you can grab a bite to eat at affordable prices while enjoying the view.
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© Flickr - davecobb
5Wild Wadi Waterpark
Dubai is known for its water parks, and Wild Wadi Waterpark is one of the best. Set in a traditional Middle Eastern setting, this water park is the second-largest in Dubai. It’s perfect for the whole family, with thrilling rides as well as slides for younger children.
Take the opportunity to snap a few photos of the Burj Al Arab, which you can also see clearly in the distance. -
6Ski Dubai
Is it possible to ski in the middle of the desert? Yes! Anything is possible in Dubai! Located at the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai is the world’s largest indoor ski resort! There are slopes for different skill levels, winter play areas, chairlifts… It’s a real change of scenery right in the heart of a city where temperatures rarely drop below 25°C.
Eating
Salt Food Truck
If you’re looking for a break from Dubai’s typical fare, check out this food truck by the water. Located along Kite Beach, Salt offers three types of burgers that you can enjoy while taking in the ocean view. Admittedly, this isn’t typical food from the United Arab Emirates, but if there’s one place to eat a burger in Dubai, it’s here! The prices are also very reasonable.
Address: Kite Beach Street 2 C
Have a drink
Bahri Bar
The Madinat Jumeirah complex is dotted with restaurants and bars along its man-made canal. Here’s one of the best spots to enjoy the atmosphere and the view. Be warned, prices are on the high side. But the setting more than justifies the cost. In fact, if you’re lucky enough to be seated along the canal, the Burj Al Arab will be right in front of you!
Address: Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Madinat Jumeirah
Shopping
Mall of the Emirates
Shopping in Dubai is practically a must-do activity! The Mall of the Emirates is one of those famous, massive shopping malls. In fact, it’s the second-largest in Dubai. You’ll find over 500 stores there—ranging from luxury brands to mid-range options. It’s so huge that you can easily spend the whole day there. Especially since it’s not just about shopping. In fact, this is where you’ll find Ski Dubai, as well as a movie theater, a trampoline park, a bowling alley, and more… You definitely won’t get bored!
Madinat Jumeirah
The Madinat Jumeirah Souk
The souk features more than 70 shops and restaurants in a setting that blends the traditional with the modern. You’ll find reconstructed wind towers and structures made of gypsum (a material typical of Arab homes)… Although this is a reconstruction of these Arab bazaars, you can still find handcrafted souvenirs typical of the Middle East.
Tip: We actually found that prices in this souk were much more reasonable than in the souks of Deira or Bur Dubai. In fact, even after haggling, prices in the old bazaars were still very high. But here, we found exactly what we were looking for at a lower price!
An abra ride at Madinat Jumeirah
The entire resort complex has been beautifully designed: it’s like a small town right in the heart of Dubai. To enjoy it, you can stroll along the wooden boardwalks. Alternatively, hop aboard an abra, those traditional boats most commonly found between Bur Dubai and Deira.
The ride lasts about 20 minutes and costs 100 AED per adult (50 for children). The price is quite high, but it’s justified by the very luxurious setting! There are never many people on the boat, so it’s a rather intimate and memorable experience.