Roamantics Guide to Dubai by Inna Yasinska

DUBAI GUIDE TO

A note from us...

We are Inna and Evan. We have many titles: photographers, videographers, dog parents, but most importantly husband and wife. We’ve travelled to 18 countries and counting, and we’ve fallen more in love with discovering the world with every trip. We want to help other couples do the same.

Traveling to Dubai from Toronto is not for the faint of heart. After 24 hours, a Heathrow layover delay, and a two sleepless economy flights, we had finally made it. And boy was it worth it. We arrived at our hotel in the old Dubai district at 3 in the morning, only getting a small glimpse of the city lit up at night. The 5am call to prayer woke us up to views of mosques and the tallest skyscrapers we had ever seen. If you’ve never been to an Islamic country you might not know what call to prayer is. Five times a day you’ll hear a distinctive singing echoing across the entire city. It’s haunting and peaceful at the same time. We woke up to this beautiful soundscape and knew we had a lot to explore and learn about this region of the world.

Going into this trip, we also knew Dubai’s reputation; glitz, excess, ostentatiousness. But we were surprised to find something much deeper: a rich culture, diverse food scene, cutting edge architecture, and exceptional hospitality.

From the desert to downtown, there are so many ways to experience this place. You can have an eccentric trip full of luxuries, or a peaceful vacation in a vast landscape of emptiness. Whatever your style of travel, you can find it here. While our trip wasn’t very long this time around, we wanted to create this mini guide to share what we found and learned. One day, we plan to go back to the UAE and discover more so we can update this guide with further recommendations. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy our Dubai chapter and feel inspired to plan your own trip out to this beautiful place.

Happy Travels!

Inna and Evan

Pictured: Inna (left), Evan (right), photo by Emily at www.elmshoots.com

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

HELPFUL ARABIC PHRASES

While everyone we interacted with in Dubai spoke English, we always try our best to know some of the local language as a sign of respect. In this case, there are a few Arabic phrases we found incredibly helpful (and appreciated by the locals!)

marhaba is “hello”, but a more formal greeting is salaam alaikum (peace be with you) and the response to that is wa’alaikum salaam (and also with you.)

kaif halak means “how are you?” and is a good way to start a conversation.

To say “thank you” the word is shukran, and to say “excuse me” you say aftan, which is very helpful when you are moving through a busy Souq (Market.)

One word you will hear often is yallah which translates to something along the lines of “let’s go” or “hurry”.

Yes and no are na’am and la respectively.

English speakers will have little trouble communicating in Dubai, but locals appreciate hearing their language, so these phrases should help you have an even better experience!

CULTURAL CODES

When heading to Dubai there are a few cultural differences that are important to make note of. Dubai is a more liberal region if compared to some others in the UAE and Middle East; but there are some practices that you should be aware of.

In regards to clothing, people dress modestly, not wearing revealing shorts or crop tops, and it is best to wear pants or long skirts, and tops that cover your shoulders. These rules largely apply to public and religious places. If you are at your hotel, beach, or in the desert you don’t need to worry.

When entering a mosque, women must wear a head covering, and all people must wear pants that cover their ankles as well as shirts that cover their shoulders. Public displays of affection are best to avoid, and homosexuality is legally not accepted. We have read many stories of LGBTQ+ travelers going to Dubai with no issues, but this is definitely something to be aware of.

E-SIMS

If you’re looking to get some phone service as soon you arrive, Airalo is a great option. They offer e-sim services which are compatible with most phones, even if you are on a plan and your phone is not unlocked. We have used them on all of our travels and it makes life so much easier. You can purchase/add more service and data right on your phone whenever you run out. Check them out here for more information.

THE PALM

When Dubai started becoming a popular destination for international travelers looking to get away from colder climates, they were faced with a problem; they needed more beaches. The answer was The Palm Islands, a land reclamation project that added 520 kilometers to Dubai’s shoreline. The Palm Jumeirah is the peninsula most travelers will stay on, as it is dotted with hotels, beaches, plenty of entertainment, and a monorail to connect you to all of it. If you are looking to relax, hit the beach, enjoy some nightlife, play some padel, the Palm is for you.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE PALM

THE LUXURY PICK

Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai

Jaw-dropping modern architecture, a private beach, and some of the most luxurious rooms on the Palm, FIVE is for those looking to splurge. If you’re coming on a honeymoon then the 6 outdoor pools and spa will be a nice place to relax together.

THE MODEST PICK

Raffles The Palm

As with many resorts in Dubai, they really feel over the top. This one is no exception, with marble staircases and palace-like amenities. Raffles has a classic old world luxury style and a relaxing atmosphere, with all the luxury you would expect from a hotel on the palm. With all the beautiful gardens, pools, and balconies this would be an ideal resort for those looking to get hitched overseas.

THE BUDGET PICK

NH Collection The Palm

While there really are no true “budget picks” on the Palm, we found this one to be the most affordable option with free access to the beach. This hotel is the perfect location near the entrance to The Palm, and NH Collection always offers great service, and lots of amenities. We played tennis at the beautiful hard courts next door, lounged at the pool, and enjoyed the beach on comfortable chairs, all within a quick walk from our room. This might be the most affordable hotel with free beach access on the Palm.

WHERE TO EAT IN THE PALM

A NICE NIGHT OUT

Little Miss India

This one was Evan’s find and it did not disappoint! These were some of the best cocktails (and food) we had on our entire trip. We recommend trying the Pina Colada and the Portugese classic duck sausage rice bake.

OUT TO LUNCH

Vietnamese Foodies

A family-run restaurant bringing Vietnamese classics to the Middle East, we went to Vietnamese Foodies several times during our trip, and really enjoyed everything we tried. The Pho Ga Xe (shredded chicken soup) is a must try!

ON THE GO

Habib Beirut

Lebanese food is some of the best cuisine to come out of the middle east, and at Habib they do it right. A great menu with lots of vegetarian options, dips, wraps and plates, this is a good spot to grab a healthy lunch or a quick dinner before you head off to your next activity.

CAFFEINE FIX

Arabica

Unlike most places around the world, in Dubai some of the best places are found in the mall. Arabica (located in Nakheel Mall) is becoming one of the “it” coffee shops around the world. Known for its eye-catching interiors, all white espresso machines, and world class coffee, Arabica will impress even the most discerning connoisseurs.

SIX UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES

AURA SKY POOL

Of course we’re not suprised Dubai has the world’s highest 360 degrees infinity pool. You can book chairs or cabanas in the sky, enjoy brunch, or a night out. We highly recommend reserving a sunrise spot on the loungers (these are the most beautiful views of the day, and you’ll be able to grab dreamy photos at the pool without the crowds). The price of admission starts at 225 AED.

ATLANTIS AQUAVENTURE

Normally, we aren’t big theme park people, but Atlantis is absolutely worth the trip. It is the world’s largest waterpark, with 105 water slides, a massive aquarium, and tons of other attractions. We especially loved the lazy river, which connects you to many of the more adrenaline-induced rides so you never have to get out of the water.

PADEL PARK

Ever tried Padel? It’s a mix of tennis and squash that you play in a plastic cube where you can bounce the ball off the back wall. It’s easy to pick up and much easier than tennis. Padel Park has courts right at the end of the Palm so you can get some exercise while trying a new sport. The cost is 85 AED/per player.

LUXURY YACHT TOUR

Dubai benefits immensely from being on the Persian Gulf, and it’s great to see the city from the water. This tour leaves from the Dubai Marina, and takes you around the different islands and landmarks, all on a modern yacht.

AWAKEN

SPA

If all this adventure has made you exhausted then maybe a spa day is what you need. Awaken Spa is located in Atlantis and offers luxurious treatments in a peaceful setting. In addition to the many massages, facials, and body treatments, they also have a steam, sauna and jacuzzi you can book.

THE VIEW AT THE PALM

If you want to see The Palm from above then The View is as good as it gets. 360 degree panoramic views of the Palm and the city are worth the price of admission ($26 CAD per/person).

BONUS TIP

If you’re visiting The Palm while staying somewhere else in Dubai, you can access a beautiful private beach with your ticket to the Atlantis Water Park. There are complimentary sun loungers as well, so you can enjoy luxury relaxation without paying luxury hotel costs.

THE DESERT

A DAY TRIP YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS OUT ON

Sand, Sun, Repeat

HOW TO SPEND A DAY (OR MORE) ON DUBAI’S BEAUTIFUL DUNES

Going to the desert was the highlight of our trip. The endless sand where Bedouin tribes lived for millennia is full of history, beauty and pure relaxation. Only an hour from central Dubai, you’ll easily be able to drive out yourself or take one of the many tours offering excursions. This really is the Arabia of the movies; a stunning sight that goes on for as far as the eye can see.

If you decide to join one of the guided tours we recommend with Platinum Heritage, be prepared to be welcomed with open arms! You’ll be greeted with one of our favourite Bedouin traditions: serving you half a cup of tea which means they would like you to stay as long as you’d like, as you’ll be sure to refill it. That’s just one sign of the incredible hospitality of this region, something you’ll be sure to feel when you head out to the desert.

FIVE UNFORGETTABLE (AND ECO-FRIENDLY) EXPERIENCES

•START YOUR MORNING WITH COFFEE IN THE DESERT

Being in the desert doesn’t mean being deserted! While it’s a nice escape from the city, you can still find amazing coffee shops like One Degree with brilliant architecture and delicious lattes.

•GO FOR A MORNING WILDLIFE DRIVE

Al Maha provides excellent experiences for its guests, and a wildlife drive is one of the most worthwhile ones to choose. With it you will be driven around the desert spotting Arabian Oryx and gazelles while learning about the conservation taking place in the region.

•EXPLORE THE DESERT ON A FAT BIKE SAFARI

Need to get some exercise in? This Bab Al Shams Fat Bike safari is a fun way to get around the dunes, and these bikes are built to deal with all the sand, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery.

•TRY YOUR HAND AT ARCHERY

If you’re keen on trying something more physical, Bab Al Shams offers an archery experience, connecting to the practice and its history in the Middle East. High end bows are provided, and if you’re never tried the sport before it is a lot of fun.

•ENJOY AN EVENING FALCONRY SHOW

Falcons are an essential part of Emirati culture, with the practice of training them dating back millenia. On this excursion you will learn about the history of Falconry, and even be able to interact with falcons, owls, and other birds of prey.

The best hospitality you’ll find...