Dubai has been at the top of my travel wish list for as long as I can remember, the beautiful beaches, amazing shopping, wonderful culture and stunning architecture. It’s one of those countries that would suit any holiday goer.
The countless times I’ve planned my trip there only to remember it’s way out of our budget the first and definitely (for me) the best thing to do is see dolphins. (Obviously you can see them other places but this place looks incredible) they have so many packages from just watching to getting into the water and scuba diving with them!
The dolphin bay.
The prices range from around 100 to up to 400gbp so it’s pretty pricey! (This does give you access to the water park too if that helps?
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Dubai has so many waterparks and if youre an adrenaline junkie you’ll be in your own little heaven. MM usually watches water slide videos online and so many amazing (scary) ones are there. Those trust fall drop ones… (eeek) the cost varies for different water parks but from mooching around online I’ve found out that Aquaventure let you in for free if it’s your birthday week!! Amazing. (Maybe double check it hasn’t changed if you’re going)
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You can’t think about dubai and not think about the amazing markets you see so often on films (sex and the city for example) these are called souks and there’s so many different ones! They’re free to go have a look round but I’m sure you’ll end up buying something beautiful so maybe set yourself a budget before you head there.
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If you want to see all that dubai has to offer you can go up the Burj Khalifa (think the shard of dubai) it has an observation deck which you can buy tickets to go view
After looking online I found out a place that is higher than the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa and totally FREE! The Jebel Hafeet, it’s the highest peak in the United Arab Emirates and you have to take a road trip to get to it but it sounds amazing. The views are pretty different though so you could do both.
(Image is of the Burj Khalifa)
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Last on my list but certainly not least is the breathtaking desert. (Literally?) There’s so much to do there; camel rides, red dune bashing, sandboarding and 4×4 desert safaris. I’ve seen these around £30-£60 but it’s worth looking around for a deal.
There’s actually so many more incredible things to see and do in dubai this is just the tip of the ice burg.
Have you been to dubai or is it on your wish list?
We’d love to know what you would do there so let us know below.
This post was written for a competition with TOTS100 dubai dreams blogger competition but all opinions and activities are what I’d love to do there.
The best reader comment from all blogger entries will win a holiday to dubai so make it good!
Until the next post,
Are and Pops.
arepops 
Oh my days!! A dream of mine to visit Dubai! Definitely skydiving!! Imagine the sights you would see?? Absolutely breathtaking… I should imagine 😍 x x
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They do helicopter flights too and the pictures look amazing! 🚁
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I went to Dubai years and years ago with my hubby and stayed with friends. We all decided to go Water-Skiing something which I had never done before but sounded exciting. So off we trot, get ourselves ready. My hubby had already had his turn and so had one of our friends. I put my feet the boots and strapped them on. The boat speeds off hundred miles an hour, that’s what it felt like. I am holding onto the rope and my feet came out of the boots. Oh I did water ski but I literally skimmed through the water going up and down without any skis on. Very eventful experience. I would love to go again and see my friends and this time maybe I can keep my skis on.
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Haha that’s amazing! Please tell me it was caught on camera?? X
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Have always wanted to go Dubai… So many things to see and do including The Lost Chambers at the Atlantis and quad biking through the desert. Having a little boy to take care of , Ive always been put off going Dubai because of the price and have tended to go to the cheaper all inclusive destinations instead. Im hoping that I will be able to go in the future as a treat for a big birthday/anniversary etc. Great blog post by the way… Good luck in the competition 🙂 x
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I am actually struggling with where to start. Your pictures have left me with a case of the green eyed monster. My all time dream is to swim with dolphins (being an aquarius this is my birth rite). Sticking with my water loving theme, I would love to visit http://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/wild-wadi/ which is a gorgeous and fun looking water park. Again (I am one for routine) sticking with my water theme, I would love to stay at the Atlantis Palm hotel 🙂 The only thing stopping me booking a holiday this very minute is the cost – I am doing teacher training in September so every penny is precious ( unless I can throw them in a wishing well (water ref – sorry) and make a wish. Thankyou for filling me with envy and for the chance to win the waterful (sorry) trip of a lifetime
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Haha what a splashingly (cringe- i shouldnt have) good comment! If it makes you feel any better they are 100% not my images (free stock photots) man I wish they were mine 😢
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eye WATERINGLY good response 🙂 I will stop now haha
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Dubai has been a dream destination of mine, ever since I clapped eyes on the ‘millionaires playground’ on tv when I was younger! My ambition of becoming a millionaire in life has never quite materialised, so I don’t think I’ll be living the life of the rich and famous. But, the possibility of visiting this vibrant city and having a taste of this lifestyle would be ridiculously amazing.
I haven’t had the opportunity to go to Dubai, yet! I’ve been busy having babies over the past 3 years. But being able to share my passion with them and forging memories of visiting such a spectacular city would mean the world to me.
There are too many adventures I want to experience to write about here. But my top 2 would have to be:
The Dubai Aquarium and underwater zoo which makes me so excited to even think about! You would hear my sons squeal with excitement, and possibly me too! I dont think I’d be brave enough to come face to face with the sharks, but the glass bottom boat would be a safe enough distance to observe these amazing creatures. Oh, and of course the fact that this Aquarium is located in the shopping mall is a small (ahem) bonus for me.
Mamzer beach sounds so idilic. I can just imagine the golden sand beneath my feet or trying to build a large sandcastle with my excitable boys. But thinking about the practicalities of the hot climate, I love the fact there is a swimming pool to cool off in also!
As I sit here reading your great post and planning my family’s trip (fingers crossed!), I have found myself becoming so excited about the possibility of making my dream come true! Sharing this with my family would be truly indescribable!
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Your dubai sounds incredible, if you do become a millionaire don’t forget about me 😚
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Oh Dolphin Bay sounds amazing doesn’t it. When we were in Florida a couple of years ago my eldest swam with dolphins and she was so overwhelmed, she still talks about it now. it would be wonderful to offer the other children the chance to get up close and personal with the amazing creatures too.
Good luck with your entry x
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You can even dive with sharks… I’m not sure I have the guts too but it’s nice knowing I could if I wanted to haha
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Dubai sounds like a great place to visit, rich with culture, cuisine and lots to do. I would have to spend some time on the glorious beaches as well as get up close and personal with the Dolphins. I think that would be just magical. The kids would love the water parks and KidZania. I think I would love KidZania by all accounts. I would save a visit to the Burj Khalifa observation desk until the last day so I knew what I was looking at while taking in the stunning views. What a great prize. Best of luck with your entry!
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There’s certainly plenty in Dubai to take your breath away. It’s so visually stunning but fascinating as you peel off the layers of culture. It’s one of those unique places that all the family can enjoy together without separating to ‘do their own thing’. You can enjoy Dubai with all of your senses as you make special family memories that last long after your plane lands back at home. Good luck with your entry 🙂
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I went to Dubai several years ago when I was pregnant with my son. It was amazing, and would love to go back and take my son. He has looked at the photos of my daughter up the Burj Khalifa, and at the Lost chambers at Atlantis and would love to see it. The gold souk is interesting, we went there and got hassled so much we were too scared to look at anything or catch anyone’s eye. My parents are visiting in October and I have told them the malls are a must see and so is Atlantis. Would love to go back.
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Well…if I was with my lovely dad I’d take him on a helicopter tour to get a birdseye view of somewhere so amazing, we’ve never been anywhere like it, he’d be speechless! If I was with my little girl we’d go up the Burj Khalifa (so I could say we’d done it as it’s what a lot of people think of when they think of Dubai) AND we’d do the Jebel Hafeet too – my daughter is only four and a half but she has a great head for heights and the sights wouldn’t be wasted on her beady little eyes! As for me… what would I like to do? I would LOVE to try out the amazing beaches – look at the colour of the water – stunning – it definitely beats Bognor! Seeing the dolphins at Dolphin Bay would be an added bonus. To me, this place looks like paradise… and so much more.
#WIN #TOTS100 #PBLOGGERS #MUMLIFE #TODDLER #DUBAI #HOLIDAY #DREAMHOLIDAY
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Dubai is my dream destination and I have longed to visit since I was a teenager. It’s has so much beauty, things to see and do. I dream about Dubai alot, so much so I wrote this poem a few months back whilst gazing up to the sky hoping one day to be on one of the passing planes to take me there! It describes what I would like to do if I ever did get to visit.
Skirt in awe of the rebuilt Atlantis, wondering of the sunken relics and streets!
A traditional Pashmina banishes the rays, whilst I visit Zuma for sweet treats!
Pose near Wadi Wurrayah listen to the natural flow splashing.
Next off to the scenic sands for some exhausting dune bashing!
So many things to experience day to nigh, we will be one one day, me and you Dubai!
Thank you for such an amazing opportunity! Leoni 🙂
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The sky is the only limit in Dubai, as they said. It gives you all your dreams and cravings! Can’t wait to visit this emirate and try skydiving maybe. .)
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The culture, the heat, the souks…….what an amazing adventure it’d be! Life is one big adventure and I want to grab it with both hands and fit as much in as possible.
Swimming with sharks, quad biking in the desert, I’m up for it all – imagine the photos and memories x
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If I were lucky enough to visit Dubai, I’d love to glide up, up and away in a hot air balloon over the Dubai Desert Conservation Revservation! Gliding over the tranquil desert as the sun starts to rise.
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Always dreamed of going to Dubai and experiencing the culture as well as the heat of the desert. The people there are friendly and I find it a fascinating world with the blend of east and west. The huge shopping mall, the opulence and the beautiful buildings were built in the middle of a desert. Its the perfect example of how humans can transform a barred, unused landscape into a bit of paradise. I would love to see that paradise and soak up the mesmerizing sunsets of Dubai.
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Dubai really is a city for everyone. I’ve been twice now with another trip in the planning. You can do the glitz and glam of the city – and then do the history and older side of the city. There is so much to do and the culture is amazing – let me tell you – if you haven’t been you really must go!!!!
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Dubai is one of those places on my bucket list to take the children before they’re too grown up and no longer want to travel with us, as you say its not really a destination that a lot of people think of but our next door Neighbours daughter lives there with her two young daughters and when she visits her mum its great to hear of her adventures, it always sounds so exciting! My two boys would LOVE to see the dolphins… i made the ‘mistake’ of telling my eldest (5, almost 6) that i swam with them in Florida when I was 13 and now he always asks when he can go see them. I wouldn’t mind spending the money on a ‘once in a lifetime’ event… I wouldn’t want any regrets as you never know if you will ever have the chance to go again.
I would love to take the kids up the Barj Khalifa too… Playing eye spy with our 5 year old at the top would be some what simple but an amazing memory to make. The kids would love a Camel ride, i can already here their little giggles as they mount it! I think an action Cam would need to be purchased for such a trip with amazing adventures and fabulous water rides.
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We would just love to go to Dubai and make some AMAZING family memories to treasure forever… memories are made from these amazing experiences and those experiences are something i intend to give my children for as long as possible.
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I have not been yet but dying to go, spent so long on the website researching my entry – kept getting distracted. Best of luck with your entry I love the idea of camel rides in the dessert!
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I would love to visit Dubai. It is an international hub of culture, adventure and a little bit of luxury.
I would most look forward to dining al fresco, swimming in warm seas and having adventures. Some of the top activities for me and my family would be the beach, the waterparks, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Miracle Garden and the Aquarium. And I couldn’t leave without taking a safari. I’m not sure how you would choose actually, I love all your ideas too – I guess you would just have to come back another time!
The world is becoming a smaller place and I love that it means places like Dubai are becoming a much more practical family holiday destination. I have been doing my own research on the Visit Dubai website and they really have listed everything and made it so easy to work out an itinerary before you go, so you don’t miss anything on your ‘must do list.’
Good luck with your competition entry. Whoever wins really is going to have the opportunity to make dreams come true for their whole family.
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It’s top of my wish list – I will get there one day x #ThinksPositive
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Sounds like you have the trip all planned, and can see so many fun things that my family would also enjoy, from the water parks and swimming with dolphins to the 4×4 jeep ride through the desert. I think taking in the culture and the markets of Dubai would be a highlight of my dream trip. Finishing a dream trip to Dubai from the top of the tallest building would be a great way to spend a family holiday and certainly leave me with lots of great family memories.
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Love the idea of the Camel Rides in the Desert. If you want to see the untouched, and natural beauty of Dubai, there would be no other better way than on a camel. Sounds amazing!
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It is on my wishlist! A few of my friends have been and had amazing times! I’ve had lots of recommendations, but reading your post definitely seeing dolphins is what I’d love to do there first!!
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Dubai is such a fantastic place with something to suit everyone. Dolphin Bay would be fantastic. We went to Atlantis when we went and the boys loved it. You can spend literally hours on the lazy river – it is huge! The only downside is that you can’t do everything you want and then want to go back! I would love to go back and do a dessert safari. The scenery itself would just be stunning.
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I would love to take my grandsons on a Dream Trip to Dubai – a clean, safe, family-friendly holiday destination, with plenty of activities to choose from for any age range. As well as relaxing on the beautiful golden sand of JBR Beach with its warm, calm and shallow waters we would all enjoy a dune-bashing safari followed by a camel ride and BBQ dinner in a Bedouin desert camp.
We would visit the Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi Fort to learn about life from a bygone era as a contrast to the amazing architecture of the modern city which we could view from the front or rear carriages of the driverless Dubai Metro system and then take it all in from the At The Top observation deck of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
The free and impressive Dubai Fountain water, light and music show can be watched from one of many waterfront cafes just outside the Dubai Mall. The malls in Dubai have many family attractions to choose from. The boys could try ice-skating, helped by the ‘penguin pals’, visit the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and also see the giant 155 million year old dinosaur skeleton (DubaiDino), all in the Dubai Mall.
The boys love theme parks and this summer Dubai will open the world’s largest indoor theme park – IMG Worlds of Adventure with four themed zones inside including Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure and IMG Boulevard. This will be completely enclosed and temperature-controlled with 1.5 million square feet of entertainment space!
Our only problem will be going home with so much more left for us to see and do in beautiful Dubai.
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I think if I went to Dubai the first thing I would do would be the sky dive. I mean, if you’re EVER going to do a sky dive it should be in Dubai, right? Great post – good luck with your entry! x
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Dubai looks simply amazing. So much to do, so many different worlds all wrapped up in one gorgeous place. Looking at what Dubai has to offer, I’ve been really impressed by the range of family-friendly options – theme parks, indoor fun sessions, skate parks – as well as sports, stunning beaches, and entertainment.
What I hadn’t realised was how much variety there is in Dubai in terms of food and culture. Our son is a huge foodie, despite being only 10, and would love visiting some of the restaurants and tasting the new flavours.
As a family we would love to be able to visit Dubai, and experience just a taste of what is on offer. Our elder son loves nature, so would enjoy the different wildlife on show. And dad… well, quad-biking in the sand dunes would suit him perfectly. As for mum… of course Dubai is a shopper’s paradise! And I’m sure we would all enjoy a tour of historic Dubai, as well as the many museums. There truly is something for everyone.
The hardest part will be choosing what to do. It really does seem that Dubai has it all, a wealth of opportunities to explore and experience.
Dubai really is the city of possibilities and I want to ‘Discover All That’s Possible In Dubai’.
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Dubai has been at the top of my bucket list for many years now and reading you post has made me want to visit so much more!
Souks, skyscrapers, sand and sea, Dubai really has something for all the family and the possibility of visiting this incredible city is making me super excited.
I’d love the opportunity to win our perfect family holiday in Dubai; a holiday for the four of us, that combines unlimited opportunities for fun and adventure. We’d be able to
escape the ‘day to day’, making memories and recharging our batteries. And it would give us the chance to simply spend our days together as a family, enjoying each other’s company before Jack starts school in September.
There are so many amazing adventures we’d like to experience, but our top 3 would have to be:
1// A day of aquatic fun at Atlantis’ Aquaventure Waterpark to cool off in the Dubai heat. Aquaventure caters for all the family with its record-breaking rides and slides for thrill seekers and the Splashers’ Children’s Play Area, which is a haven for little ones with water cannons, slides and climbing frames.
2 // A once-in-a-lifetime experience at Dolphin Bay. As there’s no age limit, we could enjoy this amazing experience as a family and I can only imagine the joy on the children’s faces when they get up close to these amazing creatures!
3 // Experience the heady heights of Burj Khalifa. We couldn’t visit Dubai without venturing up the tallest building in the World, and although I’m afraid of heights, I’d still feel compelled to visit the observation deck on the 144th floor. As long as I don’t stand too close to the edge, nor look vertically down, I think I’d actually enjoy it.
I’m now off to spend the day daydreaming about Dubai and all it has to offer…
Best of luck with your entry!
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Definitely with you on it being the top of the travel list! We would love to experience the waterparks and the desert as well – it would be fantastic! Good luck with your entry 🙂 x
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Wow the Dubai fountain looks absolutely amazing! I would love to go to Dubai just to see that yet there is so much more all in one place – it is almost too hard to imagine so I will have to go there to find out for myself 🙂 The beautiful beach beckons me, incredible concerts and entertainment, retail heaven and then relax and unwind by trying out traditional spa therapies at the hammam! The food in Dubai looks divine and I bet it is delicious. My husband would love the adventure sports, golf courses and falconry. There is something here for everyone. Dubai is my dream destination.
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The souks would definitely be on our list too; I imagine they are just so different from anything we have in the UK and I would love to not only take in the sights and sounds but have a go at bargaining as well (something I suspect I might really be quite hopeless at!) …. your choices all sound fantastic; the dolphin experience does seem expensive but is definitely a ‘once in a lifetime’ kind of opportunity. Great sneaky tip with the Jebel Hafeet too! Worth remembering if you are lucky enough to win. Good luck with your entry 🙂
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I love your ideas and the tip about the Jebel Hafeet. A desert safari would be one of my dreams. We had a jeep safari on our honeymoon a lot closer to home many many years ago (it’s our 17th wedding anniversary this year) and it was the best bit of our honeymoon so to recreate that memory in an uttterly beautiful and amazing place as Dubai would be awesome.
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The Burj Khalifa is breathtaking (just from looking at photos). I would love to see it in real life and see the view from high up there. But most of all my dream is for me and my family to swim with Dolphins in Dubai (it makes me tear up at the thought!). I would love to do it in a much more natural setting than in a swimming pool and I have heard there are some amazing places to swim with them! I would love to visit Atlantis too as it would be a brilliant day for everyone (and I am a big kid). I also wouldn’t mind chilling on the beach with my boys, building sandcastles too. Just heaven!
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Your itinerary looks great!
There is just so much to see and do though, I think I would need to plan a family holiday, a girls holiday, a holiday with my partner and then a trip by myself!
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