Dubai, a sprawling desert city that’s constantly evolving, offers a mix of ultra-modern attractions and rich cultural experiences. Known for its flashy hotels and gigantic malls, it’s also a city with a surprising variety of activities. My recent five-day trip to Dubai was all about reconnecting with family and friends, but we also explored some incredible sights and experiences.

We made the Dubai Marina our base, staying at the Habtoor Grand Hotel. It was a perfect choice—conveniently located near major attractions while also offering beachfront relaxation and a lovely pool to unwind.

Dining and Drinks in Dubai

With family reunions and catching up with old friends being the focus, much of our time was spent eating, drinking, and socializing. A few dining highlights include:

• Ce La Vi: A rooftop venue with stunning city views, perfect for a memorable family reunion lunch.
• Shimmers: Nestled on the beach, this spot was ideal for a leisurely lunch with two of my business school classmates.

But Dubai isn’t just about indulgent meals; it’s also packed with adrenaline-filled activities and cultural gems.

Aura Skypool

The Aura Skypool, the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool perched 200 meters above The Palm Tower, exceeded my expectations. My friend Samrin and I spent a memorable morning there, lounging on edge-side beds while sipping cocktails and taking in unparalleled views of The Palm, Burj Al Arab, and the Gulf. We waded through all corners of the pool, capturing moments for Instagram and simply enjoying the atmosphere. Highly recommended for an unforgettable pool day experience.

Deep Dive Dubai

One of the most unique experiences was diving into the world’s deepest pool at Deep Dive Dubai. With a depth of 60 meters and a sunken city below, it’s a diver’s dream.

After gearing up, my dive guide and I descended to 30 meters, exploring fascinating underwater scenes like a music room with a piano and guitar, sunken cars, motorcycles, and even a pool table. While advanced divers will get the most out of it, the facility also offers snorkeling and shallower dives for beginners.

Burj Khalifa

Dubai’s iconic 160-story skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, is visible from nearly everywhere in the city. We avoided the long queues by booking sunrise tickets and rode the high-speed elevators to the observation deck early in the morning. Watching the city awaken from such heights was an unforgettable experience, and the lack of crowds made it even better.

Dubai Mall

To access the Burj Khalifa’s viewing deck, you pass through the Dubai Mall, an attraction in itself. With over 1,200 shops and a massive aquarium, it’s a hub of activity. While we didn’t spend much time shopping, walking through part of the mall and glimpsing the aquarium’s outdoor section was a fun detour.

Old Dubai

Amid all the glitz and glam, Old Dubai offers a glimpse into the city’s roots. We dedicated an afternoon to exploring this historic area, visiting the Gold Souk, the Spice Market, and experiencing an abra crossing.

Gold Souk: A dazzling market filled with intricate gold jewelry. With over 20% of the world’s gold passing through here, it’s the ultimate place to shop for gold. The government’s tight regulations ensure authenticity, and you can claim a tax refund at the airport. I couldn’t resist buying a pair of earrings during our visit.

Spice Market: The vibrant spice souk is a feast for the senses, with vendors selling everything from saffron to dried limes and Middle Eastern spices. Restaurants scattered throughout the area add to the charm.

Abra Crossing: For just a few dirhams, we hopped onto a traditional wooden abra to cross the creek. Sharing the ride with locals and tourists, it’s an inexpensive yet culturally rich experience that connects the old and new parts of Dubai.

Final Thoughts

Dubai is a city of contrasts. From the modern marvels of the Burj Khalifa and Aura Skypool to the timeless charm of the souks and abras, there’s something for everyone. Staying in Dubai Marina allowed us to enjoy the best of both worlds: the city’s contemporary attractions and its laid-back beach vibes. Whether you’re here for adventure, culture, or simply good food and company, Dubai never disappoints.