Jumeirah Mosque

A once sleepy port on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is now a world-famous holiday destination, not to mention, one of my all time favourite cities. There is such a variety of things to do here, but the many tourist traps ensure that it is not the easiest place to navigate (without some guidance). Despite being voted Tripadvisor's "Top Destination" for the third year in a row, I still meet people who tell me that they have only seen the inside of the malls and their resort. But don't worry! I'm here to save you from that limited experience. Especially because you've probably travelled quite far to get there. I grew up in the UAE as a child and I moved back there in my twenties, so I feel I know Dubai like the back of my hand. I love bringing people to this part of the Middle East and showing them that there is so much more than shopping, luxury hotels and private beaches. And even better, it's not really an expensive destination...! Below you'll find an introduction to this ever-evolving city as I walk you through the areas you are going to want to see and the activities you just cannot miss! Here is my honest guide to Dubai.

As an anthropologist, I love to go into deep dives about places that I know and love - especially in the Middle East. However, I appreciate that not everyone has the time, or patience, to read long passionate travel posts. So for those who want to skim through the highlights, I have created a quick summary of my tips and tricks for your holiday in Dubai to be as awesome as possible!

Explore the hidden gems of the United Arab Emirates beyond the popular metropolises of Dubai and Abu Dhabi with this comprehensive 10-day itinerary. Crafted by a girl who has experienced the beauty of this country firsthand, this journey ensures a perfect balance between urban delights, natural wonders, and cultural treasures across all seven emirates. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!