We spend 5 full days in Dubai in early March 2021. We were celebrating a momentous occasion (somebody’s 30th birthday) and escaping the monotony of what feels like, a never ending lockdown in Germany. Here are my thoughts on the city, that feels like it has an endless skyline. Please note, these opinions are mine and are based on visiting with heightened pandemic restrictions.
Covid-19 Precautions
PCR test required 72 hours before flight.
Upon arrival in Dubai, we were ushered to a free PCR test in the airport, prior to going through customs.
We were required to wait in our hotel room until our negative PCR test was received. Our results took about 13 hours, most of the time was spent sleeping, since we arrived at 2am.
Masks are required to be worn at all times. There’s a hefty ~$816 fine to those caught un-masked except when eating, driving in a car alone, in your lodgings, on beaches or brief poses for the tourist traps.
Dubai was shamed by the international community for opening up to tourism in late 2020/early 2021, so they were a bit more restricted while we were there. No music with beats, no clubs and museums/other indoor attractions were closed.
More than 60% of their population was vaccinated, so they are getting eager to begin welcoming more of the international community as safely as they can.
Our Arabian Adventures:
We visited the Burj Khalifa and I loved the elevator ride to the 124th floor, I felt like I was in Jumanji. The Emirate pride in this engineering feat is one to admire at sunset. Be sure to bring a camera to soak in the tourist bait while you observe the sunset.
We spent the day walking through the old city. Not much was open except for a few shops and Souks, so tourists are targeted heavily.
Every city has one, and since we were in search of an adult beverage, we visited the Irish Village. I can imagine how lively the pub can be during normal times but the quiet ambiance gave us a unique opportunity to talk to the waiters and learn more about Dubai. Music with a beat was not allowed because people might congregate, dance and spread covid-19.
Explored Kite Beach. I loved the clash of cultures; hearing the call to prayer while swimming in the ocean observing the massive skylines in every direction.
I saw quite a view Pinterest/Instagram reviews stating the Miracle Garden was something you couldn’t miss. Though gorgeous, to me, I would rather have spent my time on the beach.
Ate at Restaurants. This was a special treat for us because Germany is strictly operating on takeout. My favorites included; Tulum, HUQQA and the Arabian Tea House.
Even for two adults, the Dubai Mall Underwater Zoo was fascinating. I loved the baby sharks (of course), the tunnel and that the exhibits felts interactive.
I highly recommend an overnight Desert Excursion with Platinum Heritage. I enjoyed the desert vintage Land Rover ride more than I expected, the people were so kind and informative of Arabian and Emirate culture, and the food was outstanding. We ended our tour with a hot-air balloon ride above the desert clouds, it was surreal.
Rode the Palm Jumeirah Monorail to spend the afternoon at the Atlantis Water Park. Try to sit in the very front of the monorail for the iconic views.
Finally, we had the opportunity to get a pre-flight covid-19 test to return home.
What we loved:
Very safe and clean!
Emirate culture has a lot of respect for women (i.e. women have their own cars on the metro).
Dogs, camels and falcons are highly valued in Arabian culture. This is because the Bedouins relied on those creatures when they lived in the desert and had nothing. Because Dubai is such a wealthy country, they pay their respects to their ancestry by treating dogs, camels and falcons very well.
Almost no lines at the attractions that were open. We visited the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Underwater Zoo and Atlantis (the Palm). I have a feeling a fast pass is often recommended for Atlantis but we were able to slide right through the park, no pun intended.
Smaller groups on the desert tour allowed for a more personal experience with our guide.
Less ideal realities:
Less tourists meant that when we walked through the Souks, we received a lot of unwanted soliciting.
The city is so spread out, taking public transportation wasn’t always the best way to get places. We often called taxis because it was faster that hopping on the metro and walking long distances between sites.
The museums were closed, which is one of my favorite activities when traveling.
Didn’t get to fully experience the culture of a city known for the lively night scene.
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