Dubai: Katrina
Where am I - Dubai
Where I stayed - JW Marriott Marquis (5*)
Duration - 5 days
This was my first trip to Dubai, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. This incredible man-made city has something for every kind of traveller - from soaring skyscrapers and endless activities to unforgettable desert adventures. Boredom simply isn’t an option.
Overview - My itinerary was organised by Emirates and Dubai Tourism, who curated a fantastic blend of experiences to showcase as much of the city as possible. We stayed at the JW Marriott, which offered stunning views of the city, the ocean, and the lake. The rooms were beautifully maintained with no issues at all. The only downside (??) The hotel is a little out of the way, so traffic could be a bit of a nightmare.
Trip Highlights -
One of our first stops was the Museum of the Future - Dubai’s newest architectural icon. Spanning seven immersive floors, the museum explores possible futures and how Dubai might look 50 years from now. We spent about two hours wandering through the exhibits, completely drawn in by the storytelling. It’s also the perfect place to escape the Dubai heat and enjoy something truly unique.
Another highlight was the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Located in the old town, it’s a refreshing change of scenery from the endless high-rises. Two local Emirati hosts shared insights into their religion and culture, answering every question we threw their way - even the ones you’d normally hesitate to ask. Whether you’re in Dubai for a long stay or just a quick visit, the old town is absolutely worth exploring.
And of course, no trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa. The mall itself is enormous - you could easily spend an entire day discovering all its different zones, including a marketplace and a charming little Chinatown. We missed the water show this time, so that’s on the list for next visit! The ride up to the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa takes just 60 seconds, and stepping out into the sunlight at the top is surreal. The views of the city stretching endlessly in every direction are unforgettable.
Major Highlight - Desert Experience!
But the true highlight of the trip was our desert experience. We split into groups and hopped into vintage Land Rovers for a safari around the conservation area. We spotted several Arabian oryx, and one even wandered up close to our Land Rover - a moment I’ll never forget. As the sun set, we enjoyed a falcon demonstration with a falcon named Yui. The trainer shared fascinating insights into the birds training and their cultural importance in the UAE.
Dinner was served at a desert camp, where fresh local dishes were accompanied by live music. There were plenty of activities - henna, camel rides, and stargazing to round out the evening. The operator, Platinum Heritage, is committed to animal welfare and conservation. They avoid dune bashing, which causes significant desertification, and ensure their camels and falcons are exceptionally well cared for. Travelling through the desert with dedicated conservationists makes the experience even more meaningful.
More than a stopover…
All in all, Dubai is far more than a quick stopover en route to Europe. The city has transformed dramatically over the past few decades, and it’s clear how much dedication and vision the local and non-local people have poured into creating what it is today. With so much to experience, I can easily see myself returning to Dubai again and again!