DUBAI THE BLING: Unforgettable trip with Holiday Swap

Today, Dubai stands as one of the most luxurious and sought-after destinations for an extraordinary vacation experience. The city offers a myriad of captivating possibilities, inviting travellers to immerse themselves in its unique blend of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a host of enjoyable activities rooted in its distinctive natural surroundings. Originally a small fishing village on the coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai has undergone phenomenal growth, transforming into a cosmopolitan metropolis that attracts not only a diverse range of travellers but also investors from around the globe.

 

 

Established in June 1833, it wasn’t until the 1970s that Dubai embarked on its remarkable journey toward becoming the modern desert city we see today. With its strategic location and visionary development, Dubai has become the fourth most visited city globally, following in the footsteps of iconic destinations like London, Paris, and Bangkok.

In the midst of this vibrant cityscape, Holiday Swap adds a new dimension to your Dubai adventure. With Holiday Swap, not only do you get to explore the enchanting facets of Dubai, but your trip becomes even more enjoyable. Swap the ordinary for the extraordinary and make your Dubai experience truly memorable with Holiday Swap.

So let’s dive in and see what you may find in your travels through this architectural marvel.

 

Where to Go and Visit in Dubai?

 

Dubai offers different kinds of opportunities for extreme sports lovers, adventurers, honeymooners and travellers all over the world. We would like to provide you with some interesting facts about Dubai and its hidden treasures, which need to be seen while you are travelling.

 

• The world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa is located in Dubai. This skyscraper is 828-metre tall (2,717 ft) and was designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. While you are travelling you can enter the building and go up to 124. and 148. floors, and eat dinner or lunch with the magnificent city view. Before planning your visit we recommend you to book your tickets online for entering the building. You must bear in mind that without reservation it is not possible to enter 148. Floor. Online reservation is also beneficial for cost savings.

 

 

• One of the world’s biggest malls Dubai Mall is nearby the Burj Khalifa. This place is the largest destination for shopping, entertainment and leisure, Dubai Mall is the ultimate family entertainment destination with The Dubai Aquarium, Underwater Zoo, Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink, children’s ‘edutainment’ concept Kidzania and a huge cinema complex. You can also find the 155-year-old “Dubai Dino” fossil on a permanent exhibit in the Dubai Mall.

 

• Dubai Aquarium Tank is located on the ground level of Dubai Mall. This tank hosts thousands of aquatic animals, consisting of more than 140 species. Over 300 Sharks and Rays live in this tank, including one of the largest collections of Sand Tiger Sharks. You may also book your ticket online to visit this fantastic place.

 

• IMG Worlds of Adventure is Dubai’s first indoor mega theme park. It has adrenaline-pumping rides and attractions based on popular Cartoon Network characters, iconic 4 major fictional world themes of Marvel Superheroes and hair-raising dinosaurs. This place offers Unlimited fun and excitement for both adults and kids. Park is open Sunday to Friday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Saturday 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM and once again we highly recommend you buy your tickets online while planning your travel.

 

 

• Even though you may find skyscrapers and all the luxuries in downtown Dubai, you can also visit and experience the history of the Bastakiya Quarter. Bastakiya Quarter is a historical distinct. You may find charming little neighbourhood houses, popular outdoor cafés, the Arabian Tea House, and several art galleries that feature the work of local and international artists on this side of the city. Despite the glam and bling of downtown, Bastakiya offers you time travel and you can experience before-than developments of the city. Another fact that we would like to highlight is you can explore the Bastakiya Quarter at any time of day, free of charge.

 

• The Miracle Garden is the largest natural flower garden in the world.  This place is designed to be a verdant treasure trove of experiences that capture the imagination of travellers. Every season they hold different entertaining activities and special events. You can find Smurf village, a floral clock, a lake park, a hilltop, 3D Floral designs and many more attractions.

 

• The largest man-made island Palm Jumeirah Island is stretching Dubai’s coastline by a substantial 520 kilometres. This island was created by land reclamation. With Covid 19 Pandemic, the reduction of human activities in this area leads to an increase in wildlife. The New York Times reported in 2009 that many people had bought houses before they were built on the Island. This might be a great experience for you to book a house or swap houses in this area. Within this area, you may find luxury resorts and fine dining options. Access and transportation to the area are also easy. You may use roads, tunnels, and public transportation as well as yachts and speedboats. Another fun fact about Palm Jumeirah is, it is visible from space as well.

 

 

• The Lost Chambers Aquarium in Atlantis is one of the largest aquariums in the Middle East. You can experience an Atlantean adventure and explore more than 65,000 marine animals. You may book your tickets online by choosing the activities you would like to experience.

 

• The largest choreographed fountain system in the world, The Dubai Fountain is located at the centre of downtown Dubai in between the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. It is illuminated by 6,600 lights and 50 coloured projectors; it is 275 meters long and shoots water up to 152.4 meters into the air with great music.

 

• Museum of The Future welcomes everyone to a magnificent sensation and imagination. This place, which opened in February 2022, holds “futuristic” elements inside. It combines the past and the future, applying advanced technology to traditional art forms. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Book your Museum Of The Future tickets online and plan your visit accordingly.

 

These are only the salient examples of where you can visit while you travel and our recommendations for you to see and experience. There are many more places that you can see such as Dubai Global Village, Burj Al Arab, Mall of the World, Shree Krishna Haveli, and Shiva Temple as such.

 

Recommendations For Adventure Seekers

 

Dubai offers different kinds of experiences for adventurers. Below we are listing some of the best opportunities.

• Desert Safari: When we think about Dubai, what pops into our mind is the desert safari! You can enjoy the Arabian sand and amazing views. Part of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, it is located in the Saih Al Salam area and is one of the most popular deserts and places to see wildlife as well. We recommend you do research about the tours and what they offer in the safari experience. 

 

 

• Take a Speed Boat: Speed Boat hiring is not just pulsing racing but also gives you a chance to enjoy spectacular views from the coastal side.

 

• Scuba Diving: The unreal turquoise water in Dubai attracts many tourists from all over the world. There are many trained professionals who can help you explore the underwater world safely in Dubai.

 

• Aquaventure Waterpark: There are many waterslides that you can enjoy.

 

• Watersports: There are many beaches where you can enjoy sunbathing and watersports in Dubai. Some of the beaches are free of charge but for some, you have to pay a fee to enter the area.

 

• Skydiving: If you are not afraid of heights, there is no doubt that you can try skydiving in Dubai and experience an amazing view of the city. You are guaranteed the biggest adrenaline rush of a lifetime.

 

 

Facts You Need To Know Before Planning Your Visit to Dubai

 

Dubai was a complete desert, originally covering an area of 3,900 square kilometres but today with the land reclamation and creation of artificial islands it has reached the size of 4,114 square kilometres. Since Dubai is evaluated as the 4th most visited city today, we also need to highlight the facts that you need to know before planning your trip.

• Citizenship to foreigners is not available.
• Arabic is the official language of the UAE.
• The constitution designates Islam as the official religion in the UAE.
• Alcohol and pork can only be purchased and consumed by non-Muslims.
• The temperature in the summer can reach up to 50-55 degrees. Because of this reason we highly recommend you to choose the timing for your trip carefully.
• The crime rate in the city is %0.
• Dubai implemented a tax-free system
• There are almost 9.89 million residents in Dubai from 12 different nationalities. So we can say that almost 85% of its citizens are foreigners.
• Fridays and Saturdays are the weekends in Dubai.
• There are restrictions on free expression. You are not allowed to express any criticism of the government, police or royal families.
• If someone can’t pay off their obligations on time, they are considered criminals and could face prison for life.
• Water in Dubai is more expensive than fuel.
• Public demonstrations of affection are taken very seriously in Dubai. Such as kissing in public can risk you getting fined or being deported.
• Some of the ATMs only dispense gold.
• Dubai has received more than 130 Guinness World Records.
• Pet ownership is seen as a status or a fashion statement in Dubai. So please be aware that you can see tigers, lions and other wild cats in the city with their caregivers. These are common pets?
• UAE established a Minister for Happiness. This ministry is responsible for encouraging happiness among the residents.

 

 

Before You Fly – Visa Guide To Visit Dubai

 

Whether you need a visa or not is dependent on your country of citizenship. Most passport holders are eligible for a visa on arrival at no cost. However, others may need to apply for a visa. All visitors visiting the United Arab Emirates must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months. At least 44 nations don’t need a visa to enter the UAE. Nationals of the following countries and territories may either enter the United Arab Emirates without a visa or are eligible to obtain a free UAE visa on arrival:

Freedom of movement: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia

180 days: Mexico

90 days: Georgia

90 days within any 180 days: European Union countries (except Ireland), Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Liechtenstein,  Maldives, Montenegro, Nauru, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, South Korea, Serbia, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Switzerland and Uruguay

90 days within any 12 months: Brazil

30 days; Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Macao, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, Singapore, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States and Vatican City.

 

 

Accommodation in Dubai

 

In Dubai, whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or a luxury traveller, planning a family vacation or an individual getaway offers a plethora of choices. Holiday Swap provides a range of accommodation options tailored to your needs. You can opt for a luxurious stay or find a rental home that suits your preferences. Dubai boasts one of the lowest crime rates, granting you the freedom to choose your location with ease.

Explore our Holiday Swap website to discover your ideal location and curate a unique Dubai experience, be it a luxurious retreat or a family holiday. Check out our curated list, Holiday Swap‘s Top 100, where each area offers diverse pricing for accommodation. Whether you’re seeking natural activities and adventures in nearby areas or indulging in a luxurious lifestyle near landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah Island, the options are plentiful.

Downtown Dubai invites you to relish skyscrapers with stunning city views, while Palm Jumeirah Island offers the opportunity to stay in villas alongside other residents, immersing yourself in their lifestyle. With numerous options for accommodations through Holiday Swap, finding the perfect home for your vacation is a breeze. Start booking now, choose your preferred location, and discover a suitable and varied range of homes for a memorable Dubai stay!