Day 1: Hello Dubai — Modern Marvels & First Impressions
Landed at Dubai International Airport on an early morning Emirates flight from Mumbai. Immigration was efficient. Grabbed a local SIM card from Du counter at the airport — worth every dirham for Google Maps and taxis.
Checked into a hotel in Downtown Dubai near Burj Khalifa. Took a quick nap, then headed straight to Dubai Mall — the world’s largest shopping mall. Watched the Dubai Fountain show in the evening — dancing water jets against the glittering Burj.
Small moment: Sipped on hot Karak chai from a street stall outside the mall — strong, sweet, and so local.
Day 2: Old Dubai — Souks & Creek Ride
Started the day exploring Old Dubai. Rode an Abra (wooden boat) across Dubai Creek for just one dirham — a classic experience.
Wandered through the Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira. Bargained for saffron and dates — way cheaper than malls!
Lunch was biryani and sweet lassi at a local Indian cafeteria in Bur Dubai.
Small moment: Bought a small bottle of oud perfume oil from a local shopkeeper who shared stories of Dubai’s trading past.
Day 3: Desert Safari — Dunes & Dance
Morning was leisure time at Jumeirah Beach — clean white sand and a perfect view of Burj Al Arab in the distance.
In the afternoon, joined a Desert Safari tour. The dune bashing in a 4×4 was a pure adrenaline rush. Watched the sun set over endless sand dunes and enjoyed a BBQ dinner with belly dancing and Tanoura dance performances.
Small moment: Tried henna on my hand at the camp — the local artist was so talented.
Day 4: Modern Icons — Burj Khalifa & Dubai Frame
Visited Burj Khalifa At The Top observation deck early morning to beat the crowds. The 360-degree view is mind-blowing — desert on one side, futuristic skyscrapers on the other.
Next, headed to the Dubai Frame, the world’s largest photo frame, connecting old and new Dubai. Walked on the glass bridge — thrilling and Instagram-worthy.
Dinner was at a local Lebanese restaurant — tried hummus, falafel, and fresh pita bread.
Small moment: Bought a tiny replica of Burj Khalifa for my travel shelf back home.
Day 5: Day Trip to Abu Dhabi — Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Took a day trip to Abu Dhabi. The highlight was the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — the white marble, giant chandeliers, and intricate carvings were breathtaking.
Stopped at a date market on the way back — stuffed my bag with chocolate-dipped dates and almond dates.
Small moment: Sat quietly in the mosque courtyard just watching the sun go down — peaceful despite the grandeur.
Day 6: Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
Spent the morning walking along the Dubai Marina Walk — lined with fancy yachts, cafés, and some good photo spots.
Took the monorail to Palm Jumeirah and visited Atlantis The Palm. Watched the stingrays and sharks at The Lost Chambers Aquarium.
Dinner at The Pointe with a stunning view of Atlantis lit up at night.
Small moment: Grabbed Turkish ice cream — the vendor did his classic trick moves!
Day 7: Souvenir Shopping & Local Eats
Final day. Hopped into the Global Village for some last-minute souvenirs — got pashmina shawls, Arabic coffee sets, and magnets.
Lunch was at Ravi’s — an iconic Pakistani-Indian restaurant in Satwa. Chicken curry, naan, and lassi hit the spot.
Ended the evening at Al Seef by the Creek — a perfect blend of heritage architecture and modern cafés.
Small moment: Picked up a small hand-painted ceramic plate from an Emirati artisan stall.
What to Pack for Dubai
Light cotton clothes for daytime, plus a shawl/light jacket for evenings in winter.
Modest outfits for mosques — shoulders and knees covered.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
Comfortable walking shoes for souks and malls.
Swimwear for beaches and pools.
Universal adapter plug.
Small backpack for day trips.
Health & Altitude Tips
Dubai is at sea level — no altitude issues.
Stay hydrated — the desert heat can be intense.
Use high SPF sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
Avoid street food from unhygienic stalls — stick to clean cafés.
Respect local dress codes, especially at religious sites.
Unique Experiences in Dubai
Watch the Dubai Fountain show from a boat.
Take a helicopter tour over The Palm.
Stay overnight at a desert camp.
Dine at Atmosphere, the world’s highest restaurant in Burj Khalifa.
Visit an Emirati cultural center for a local meal.
Best Ways to Travel to Dubai from India
From Maharashtra (Mumbai/Pune): Multiple direct flights daily with Emirates, Air India, or IndiGo.
From Kerala (Kochi/Trivandrum): Good direct connections on Emirates, Air Arabia, and Air India Express.
From Karnataka (Bangalore): Direct flights with Emirates, IndiGo, or Air India.
From Delhi: Several daily non-stop flights to Dubai on Emirates, Vistara, and Air India.
Indian Food & Local Cuisine
Plenty of Indian restaurants — from fine dining to budget cafeterias.
Must-try local eats: shawarma, falafel, Emirati machboos (spiced rice with meat).
Karak chai is a street staple — strong tea with milk and spices.
Vegetarian options are widely available in Indian and Middle Eastern joints.
Currency & Budget Tips
Currency: UAE Dirham (AED).
ATMs are everywhere — use cards for bigger spends.
Budget travelers can eat well at local cafeterias.
Daily budget: ₹5,000–₹12,000 per person depending on activities and stay.
Connectivity & SIM Cards
Buy a local SIM at the airport — Du and Etisalat are popular providers.
Prepaid packages with calls and data are cheap.
Free Wi-Fi is common in malls, cafés, and hotels.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Dates and date chocolates.
Perfume oils and oud.
Arabic coffee pots and cups.
Handcrafted ceramic plates.
Gold jewelry and pashmina shawls.
Camel milk chocolate.
Instagram Spots in Dubai
Burj Khalifa At The Top.
Dubai Frame with skyline views.
Desert safari sand dunes at sunset.
Atlantis The Palm.
Wings of Mexico sculpture near Burj Khalifa.
Al Fahidi Historical District.
Final Thoughts
Dubai surprised me — a blend of ultramodern marvels and authentic old-world charm. From sipping Karak chai by the Creek to seeing the city glitter from the world’s tallest tower, every moment felt rich and effortless, thanks to Mauzee Holiday’s local planning.
If you’re dreaming of Dubai, pack light, bargain hard at the souks, and always look up — the skyline will amaze you every single time.
Ready to plan your Dubai adventure?
Phone: 91-8655110202
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mauzeeholiday.com