Arabian City

The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is a heritage site with mid-19th century buildings, houses and wind towers preserved in their original state. Through the winding alleys, there are many museums, cafes and art galleries you can visit to learn more about Emirati culture and Dubai’s rich history.

The Burj Al Arab, which translates to “Building of the Arabs”, is the iconic sail-shaped hotel of Dubai. Officially, it’s a five-star deluxe hotel, but people thought it was better because it’s just so incredibly luxurious.

A one-night stay costs ~S$2,000, and for that price, you bet there’s a private butler. There’s also more than two tons of gold furniture inside — taps, shower heads… even the dustbin is made of gold. You’re not allowed to enter the hotel without a prior reservation, but you can always enjoy the view from the nearby Jumeirah Beach.

It’s easy to be daunted by the sheer size of the Dubai Mall. It’s even easier to get lost, with over 1,200 stores and 200 eateries catering to every budget and taste. Entertainment options include a VR Park, haunted house, and even a 155-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton!

It looks like the iconic National Geographic rectangle, but it’s not. The Dubai Frame is a relatively new landmark that acts as a golden gateway between Old and Modern Dubai. At 48 floors high, the Sky Bridge provides beautiful views of Dubai’s skyline. It also has smart glass panels that reveal the ground below as you walk across, which is pretty nerve-wrecking even for the daredevils.

An architectural marvel, the Burj Khalifa towers at 828m (about the height of 400 adult camels stacked atop one another). It’s easy to spot this shiny, steel giant from all over the city, including your airplane window if you’re lucky. The building has over 160 floors, comprising hotels and offices, and is surrounded by the Dubai Mall and Dancing Fountain.

4G SIM Card: Stay connected by pre-booking a local SIM card and collect it upon arrival at Dubai International Airport. There are four packages to choose from to suit your travel needs, from 500MB – 3GB. Global calls are also included so you can keep in touch with family and friends wherever.