My first solo trip was to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It was THE place to travel. Others had traveled and returned with incredible stories, posting lovely pictures on social media. Thorough research revealed it was safe for a female solo traveler. Below you will find 14 things to do in Dubai. I enjoyed some of these on my first solo trip and others while living in the UAE.
1/Natureland Spa @ Rixos JBR Hotel – Turkish Hammam
The travel journey can take a toll on your mental and physical health. To rejuvenate your mind and body after a long flight, schedule a spa service at the Natureland Spa in the Rixos JBR hotel. After your spa treatment, you’ll feel like a new person. Personally, I recommend the Turkish Hammam. It’ll scrub all the travel away.
2/The Dubai Miracle Garden
If you’re searching for Instagram-worthy shots, don’t pass on the Miracle Garden. It’s an art exhibit of flowers. Flowers are beautifully arranged to create all sorts of things. Personally, I did not want to leave the garden. Restaurants were available for lunch, tea, coffee, ice cream, and snacks. It’s worth the drive from the city.
Taxis are available to and from the attraction. Make sure to check out the Vlog below.
3/Ski Dubai
You’re in Dubai, where sand and sun rule the day, and suddenly you’re zipping down snowy slopes. At Ski Dubai, that’s considered a bucket-list item. If you’re craving an unforgettable travel story, skiing in the desert is it. When else can you say you went shopping and skiing under the same roof?
You can choose from several snow park packages. Imagine spending the day meeting penguins, riding the chairlift, taking a 60-minute ski lesson, and jumping into snow rides that make you forget you’re inside a mall. Yes—a mall. Ski Dubai is located right in the Mall of the Emirates, making it one of the most unique things you’ll ever do in the UAE.
4/Abra to Gold Souk
An abra is a water taxi. The ride will cost 1 dirham ($0.27) to get across Dubai Creek to the Gold Souk. The Gold Souk is impressive with all its gold. Gold is sold per gram, and the price can change per day. The daily price will be listed for 18K, 21K, 22K, & 24K. The price of the gold will be multiplied by the weight. There is a 20% charge for making (I’m not sure what that’s for) and a 5% Value Added Tax (VAT).
The VAT will be refunded at the airport, so make sure you get a receipt. Make sure you have your calculators ready on your phones, and don’t be afraid to ask them to explain the charges to you. In addition, shop around to make sure you’re getting a good deal. To determine the price in dollars, divide dirhams (AED) by $3.67. For example, 24K gold per gram is (225.75 AED/$3.67) $61.51 in dollars.
5/High Tea at Atmosphere Lounge in Burj Khalifa
The atmosphere is pure elegance. From the moment you sit down, the service is impeccable, and the view—overlooking the Dubai Fountain and skyline—is nothing short of breathtaking. Tea poured into delicate cups, little sandwiches and desserts that look as good as they taste, and champagne to top it all off, while a violinist plays softly in the background. This isn’t just tea; it’s an afternoon of indulgence that makes you feel like royalty. If you’re looking for a truly memorable experience in the UAE, you can’t skip afternoon tea in Dubai.
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6/ The Dubai Mall/Fountains/Aquarium/Burj Park
After taking in the breathtaking views from the Burj Khalifa (or before heading up), you’ll want to step into the Dubai Mall—because this isn’t just a shopping trip, it’s an experience you can’t get anywhere else.
Here, you can check off multiple must-sees in one stop. Outside, the Dubai Fountain show dazzles every 30 minutes for 15 minutes at a time, best viewed from Burj Park. Inside, you can catch glimpses of the massive Dubai Aquarium while strolling between world-famous shops and global restaurants.
This isn’t a quick stop. The Dubai Mall is so big, so full of attractions, that most people easily spend an entire day exploring—and you’ll probably want to as well. It’s more than shopping; it’s the heart of Dubai’s luxury, entertainment, and culture, all under one roof.
7/The Sheikh Center for Cultural Understanding
When you travel, you don’t just want to see the sights—you want to truly understand the culture. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is such a valuable stop. It’s an excellent resource for learning about the Emirati culture.
Here, you’re free to wander the grounds and get an authentic glimpse into traditional Emirati life. You’ll encounter live falcons, vivid wax figurines, and colorful majlis-style seating that invite you to pause and imagine daily life in the Emirates. It’s more than a tour—it’s an opportunity to connect with the heart of Emirati culture in a way that feels real and personal.
8/The Dubai Museum
If you want to understand the UAE beyond the skyscrapers and luxury, the Dubai Museum is the place to start. Here, you’ll step into Emirati history before the discovery of oil—when daily life meant trade, food, traditions, culture, and sheer survival.
This museum doesn’t just show artifacts—it tells the story of how an entire nation rose from desert hardships to global riches. You’ll walk through exhibits that capture what life was really like, from the struggles of existence to the pride of heritage.
By the time you leave, you won’t just have taken notes—you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the resilience and transformation that built today’s UAE.
9/The Textile Souk
If you love fabric, the Textile Souk is a must. Imagine walking through rows of shops filled with colorful textiles of every texture and pattern. Bargaining isn’t just accepted here—it’s part of the fun. And yes, the price often reflects the quality, so you can choose according to your budget and taste.
The fabric you bring home won’t just sit in a bag—it becomes part of your story. A scarf, a dress, or a piece of décor crafted from fabric you chose in Dubai is a memory you can wear or showcase again and again.
10/The Global Village
The Global Village gives you a chance to experience the world without ever leaving Dubai.
One moment you’re sampling shea butter from Africa, the next you’re getting intricate henna art from a Middle Eastern stall. It’s a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and tastes so immersive that it’s easy to forget which country you’re in. Think of it as a cultural theme park, where you can wander from country to country, exploring shops, restaurants, and rides that showcase the flavors and traditions of each place.
There is a small entry fee, and yes, food, services, and merchandise cost extra. But the memories, the photos, and the cultural treasures you’ll bring back make it one of the most unique experiences you can add to your Dubai itinerary.
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11/Desert Safari
A desert safari isn’t just an excursion—it’s an experience. From adrenaline-pumping dune rides to sipping tea under the stars, it’s a memory that blends adventure, culture, and celebration into one unforgettable evening.
Here’s what you can expect: You’ll get picked up at a central meeting point (ours was near the Mall of the Emirates), then transferred to SUVs that race and swerve across the sand in true dune-bashing style. Your ticket usually includes round-trip transfers, henna, a short camel ride, snacks, beverages, a barbecue dinner, and a live cultural show. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, you can add an ATV ride for an extra fee. If you’re looking for a unique way to mark a special occasion or just want to step into the desert lifestyle for a day, this is it.
12/The Dubai Frame
If you’re looking for one of Dubai’s most creative landmarks, the Dubai Frame is worth adding to your list. Think of it as more than just an architectural marvel—it’s a storybook you can step inside.
Before you ride up, exhibitions on the ground level walk you through Dubai’s history, much like what you’d see at the Dubai Museum. Then you’ll take a scenic elevator ride (smooth and easy on the ears) up to the top.
Here’s where it gets magical: stand on one side and you’ll see old Dubai with its roots and traditions; look the other way and you’ll see new Dubai, full of skyscrapers and innovation. It’s like viewing the city’s past and future all at once.
And yes, you’ll want your camera ready. From selfies at the top to a digital photo that gets displayed on the big screen at the bottom, it’s an experience that blends history, technology, and jaw-dropping views into one memorable stop.
13/Sunset or Umm Suqeim Beach (Burj Al Arab backdrop)
If you’ve been dreaming of that iconic photo with the Burj Al Arab (the sail-shaped building) as your backdrop, Umm Suqeim Beach—also known as Sunset Beach—is where you’ll find it.
The beach stays busy day and night with both tourists and locals, which makes it an excellent spot for people-watching and soaking up the city’s vibe. You can pack your own food for a beach picnic or grab something from the food vendors nearby. Either way, you’ll walk away with more than just a photo—you’ll have a story to match the view.
14/Al Ghubaiba Souk
If you’re planning to shop for souvenirs in Dubai, get ready—it’s a bit of a tourist trap. Most vendors sell almost the same things, and no price is set in stone. That means your negotiation skills are going to be your best friend.
Souvenirs can quickly add up if you pay full price. Bargaining isn’t just acceptable here—it’s expected. Words of advice from a long-time resident on souvenir bargaining: Offer them half of the asking price, and try to get close to half of the asking price or under. If you don’t get near your number, walk away and check with other stores. If a shopkeeper stops you before you leave, that’s your cue—you still have room to negotiate.
With a bit of patience, you’ll score meaningful gifts for family and friends without overspending. Think of it as part of the experience—because in Dubai, haggling isn’t just about price, it’s about the story you take home with your souvenirs.
Fun Facts About Me
- Lived in the UAE since 2019.
- lived in 3 different emirates (Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai).
- Traveled to all seven of the Emirates.
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