Heading to Dubai / Abu Dhabi for your coming vacation or business trip? Tearing your hair out trying to figure out the best itinerary for your trip? Well, I’ve been there twice – once solo, and the second time with family. Below’s my tried and true formula on the MUST SEE SIGHTS for both Abu Dhabi and Dubai!

And if you’re a first time tourist, you may have questions regarding visas, how to get around these two city states, where to stay and so on. If so, you might be interested in my logistics and travel guide to Dubai blog

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What to do in Abu Dhabi?

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Spend at least one day in Abu Dhabi! Amazing sites you should NOT miss are the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the Emirates Palace. To find out more (including how to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai), check out my blog: Abu Dhabi – a five step guide on how to make your trip worthwhile

IMG_2810[1] — THE BEAUTIFUL SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE AT SUNSET

Emirates Palace and Etihad Tower

What’s so special about these two? Nothing much – just that they’re DAMN beautiful! Plus, Etihad Tower was where the iconic Fast & Furious scene was shot (in case you’re an F&F fan). Not convinced? Here’s some photos to make you drool

In case you’re wondering why I’ve lumped them into one category – it’s because they’re right in front of each other 😉 See? Put in the effort, and you get not one, but TWO attractions out of it!

Ferrari World

Are you a Ferrari enthusiast? Or maybe you’re an adrenaline junkie like me? Then Ferrari World is the place for you! I was initially unsure if Ferrari World was worth going – but I’ll say this: the Ferrari World rides may not be as many and varied as the ones that can be found in Disney World and Universal Studios, but they are damn unique and steeped two things that can’t be found anywhere else in the world – speed & Ferrari history! To read more about my wild experience, check out my blog: Ferrari World Review: Unique rides and attractions for all ages

What to do in Dubai?

Dubai Desert Safari

Are you looking for a desert adventure?

Do you want to experience dune bashing?

Or maybe you want to beautify your Instagram feed with artistic shots of the desert?

Now’s your chance!! Definitely try the Dubai Desert Safari tour – it was one of the highlights of my Dubai trip (I heard the Abu Dhabi one is even better though!!). To find out what to expect from this tour and how to book it, check out my blog: Dubai Desert Safari – the best adventure you could ask for

IMG_2686[1] — TRAVELING SOLO THROUGH THE DESERTS OF TIME

Yellow Boat Tour

If desert adventures aren’t your thing, or maybe you’re seeking yet another adrenaline rush – why not check out the Yellow Boat Tour?

This tour helped me gain a whole new perspective of Dubai – as the skipper expertly shared interesting tidbits about the city and its fascinating architecture as the boat sped through the open waters! As a bonus, I now have beautiful photos of me and Dubai’s iconic structures without other tourists cluttering the photo. If you’re interested to check out this tour, or want to learn how to book the tour, do check out my blog: Yellow Boat Tour – See Dubai from another perspective

IMG_4106[1] — ME, THE WATER, AND THE BURJ AL ARAB

Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

I used to think that waterparks were super lame – or at least better suited for kids. After all, there are no adrenaline-inducing rides in a waterpark. Well, I’m happy to say Aquaventure Waterpark has proven me wrong! This was the BEST waterpark I’ve ever been to (the bar isn’t high, but damn it, Aquaventure just set a new record!). I love love love the rides here – just incredible. To read more about my Aquaventure adventure, and to determine if you should check it out (one word: yes!), check out my blog here: Atlantis Aquaventure Review – best waterpark in the world

Deira (Old Town)

I always enjoy getting to know the culture and history of the place I’m going to. In this case, I found that in the Old Town of Dubai (otherwise known as Deira). Check out the Dubai Museum, ride in an abra (boat), and explore the Spice and Gold Souks. Read about the Old Town more in my blog: Deira – exploring Dubai culture and history as a tourist

IMG_2671[1] — QUAINT ABRAS – ONLY COST 1 DIRHAM

Jumeirah Beach

Check out the Jumeirah Mosque, then grab a cab to the beach (where you can chill / stroll along the beach, or go kite surfing if you’re so inclined)! If you’re lucky, you can get a beautiful shot of the Burj Al Arab from the beach as well. Afterwards, end your day with a sumptuous meal at SALT (famed for their burgers and their sweet sundae)

IMG_2907[1].JPG — KITE SURFING AT (THE APTLY NAMED) KITE BEACH

IMG_2908[1].JPG — CHOW TIME AT SALT: BURGER SLIDERS AND INTENSE FERRERO SUNDAE

Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain

Would this post be complete without the famous Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain? Drop by the Dubai Mall (reachable via the MRT) and stroll around (the mall is HUGE – I felt quite lost, and ended up spending most of my time eating hahaha! It was just so overwhelming)

While here, make sure to check the Dubai Fountain show times (see website as timings may change). To say the fountain show is amazing would be an understatement! Now I typically feel underwhelmed by fountain shows as you get a few spurts of water, some music – and then it’s done…

But the Dubai Fountain was beautiful! I ended up watching it thrice (with different background music each time – Skyfall, Arabian music, and classical) in order to fully appreciate the extravaganza! For a glimpse of this wonderful extravaganza, check out my IG video

If you really want a good shot though, make sure you’re standing on the bridge ~20 minutes before the fountain show starts (basically the fountain show occurs every 30 mins… once a show ends and people start dispersing, you need to jockey to the right position ASAP)

After the show, wander around to get a nice nighttime shot of Burj Khalifa as well <3

Dubai Mall

I know – you must be wondering… Why am I placing a mall of all things in this list? Well, it’s because Dubai Mall isn’t just a mall – it’s an experience in and of itself. I happily spent half a day wandering around this behemoth! From the educational Dubai Dino, to the watery Dubai Aquarium, followed by the VR Park – there’s something for everyone here!

Others (to be visited when / if I go back again!)

Wadi Wadi Waterpark
Skydive Diving: Skydiving over the Palm

For other Dubai related posts

For other Abu Dhabi related posts

For first time travelers to Dubai – here’s a quick and easy logistics and travel guide to Dubai to ease your worries and make your travel experience seamless!

Goldie Goes Global

10 sights you MUST check out when visiting Abu Dhabi and Dubai