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Top 10 Things to Do on a Girls Holiday in Dubai

10/11/15 ᛫ 15 Comments

Dubai is like marmite, you either love it or hate it. It sparks debates and leaves the world divided, but whatever your opinion on it, you can’t deny that Dubai is the perfect destination for year-round guaranteed sunshine. No, it doesn’t have any culture or history and is often described as ‘soulless’, but Dubai can also be a lot of fun. If you’re planning a girls holiday in Dubai, you’re in the right place.

In my popular post ‘7 Things to Know Before Visiting Dubai’, I talked about how Dubai is not a place where you can go and be spontaneous. You need to make plans, book restaurants and know exactly where you’re going. But don’t let that put you off. If you’re willing to do a bit of research (such as reading this blog post), you can have the time of your life in Dubai. Here are my Top 10 things to do on a girls holiday in Dubai…

the-travelista-dubai-yacht-jess-gibson-atlantis

In order to help you plan your girls holiday in Dubai, I have put together my Top 10 things to do. Everything in this list is based on my own experiences, many of which were introduced to my best friend Fi who now lives in Dubai – local recommendations right there! I am going to be as specific as possible so this post can help you plan your trip. Here they are;

  1. Experience a Desert Safari

For an exhilarating experience with a difference, book yourself on to a desert safari. The tour starts with dune bashing through the desert in 4×4 jeeps which is both terrifying and hilarious in equal measure. After the dune bashing, the convoy of jeeps pull up to watch a perfectly timed sunset over the sand. Following sunset, you’re driven to an outdoor Arabian camp in the middle of the desert.

Here you enjoy a delicious Arabic buffet dinner, belly-dancing entertainment, camel rides and henna tattoos, which is all included in the price. The whole experience was so unique and something I will remember for a long time. I can highly recommend it. Click here to see the exact tour we booked.

the-travelista-dubai-jess-gibson-desert

dubai-desert-sand-dune-bashing-jeeps

the-travelista-blog-dubai-dune-bashing-arabian-nights

  1. Take a Boat Trip

Another great way to get out of the city is to go on a boat trip. You can either book individual places on a group boat trip or if you’re in a larger group (6+), you can hire a smaller boat privately. As there were 7 of us, we booked a Groupon deal for a 3-hour private yacht charter, which took us out of Dubai Marina and around The Palm. We saw the iconic Burj Al Arab as well as The Atlantis from the sea and stopped for plenty of photo opportunities.

Travelista Tip: Check out Groupon for some great boat charter deals in Dubai

the-travelista-dubai-marina

  1. Sip Champagne at a Friday Brunch

No girls holiday to Dubai is complete without experiencing a Friday Brunch. Dubai’s working week runs from Sunday to Thursday, so Friday is the equivalent of Saturday out there. There are so many brunches to choose from, and new ones are popping up all the time.

For a classically luxurious brunch with the most outrageous choice of food and unlimited Moet champagne, head to Al Qsar which is part of the Madinat Jumeirah complex. The hotel overlooks The Burj Al Arab and is designed to feel like an opulent Arabic palace. For a no expense spared Brunch blow out, Al Qsar is the one!

al-qsar-champagne-brunch-madinat-jumeirah-travelista

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  1. Party at Nasimi Beach at Atlantis The Palm 

Beach clubs are huge in Dubai, and there are quite a few to choose from. I recommend going to Nasimi Beach, which is located within Atlantis on The Palm. Nasimi paints an incredibly cool scene with beautiful people and the DJ sets to match.

Although it is a high-end beach club, you can still spend the whole day barefoot in your bikini, sipping cocktails, grazing on food and feeling absolutely chilled out. The best way to do Nasimi Beach is to reserve a table or a beach bed. I must state that Nasimi Beach is by no means cheap, but the cost of the rental is redeemable against food and drink you order. This is one of the best things to do on a girls holiday in Dubai.

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Bikinis are fine at hotels and beach clubs

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  1. Go up The Burj Khalifa

A trip to the top of the tallest building in the world surely deserves a mention in my top 10 right? If you love ticking things off your travel bucket list, this is the ultimate activity in Dubai. At a staggering 555 meters high, the At The Top Burj Khalifa Sky observation deck gives you the most mind blowing view of the city of Dubai. The observation decks are spread across levels 125 and 148 of the tower. Alternatively, head for a drink at at.mosphere bar, which is located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa

Travelista Tip: Book your tickets in advance online to make a generous saving off the admission price.

burj-khalifa-night-dubai

  1. Dine on Sushi at Zeta, The Address Downtown

If you want to splash out on an opulent dining experience Dubai-style, no restaurant can beat the setting, views and food of  Zeta, an al fresco Japanese restaurant within The Address Downtown. In the foreground of the spectacular view is the famous Dubai fountains, which perform a beautiful sequence to music every 30 minutes. In the background is the breath taking Burj Khalifa, which magically glitters and twinkles at night.

The sushi at Zeta is the best I have ever had in my life and combined with the chic atmosphere and balmy evening heat, it was a truly unforgettable dining experience.

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  1. Dance at Barasti Beach Club

If you’d rather be in flip flops and denim shorts over a heels and a dress, Barasti Beach Club is your absolute paradise. This casual beach bar and club on Jumeirah Beach spreads through various levels and bar areas down to a DJ stage on the beach. Yes, that’s right, it’s a club on a beach. Spend the entire day there or arrive for the night of your life. Either way, Barasti is a must-visit for really letting your hair down in Dubai.

barasti-beach-club-dubai

  1. Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis The Palm

Adrenaline junkies will absolutely love the Atlantis Marine and Water Park. The Aquaventure water park has more rides, flooms and water slides than you could ever imagine, which is next to the impressive Lost Chambers Aquarium. You can also swim with dolphins and sea lions, as well as go scuba diving – all amazing experiences to tick off that bucket list!

Photo credit: www.edsaplan.com

  1. Shop til you Drop in Dubai Mall

Dubai have to be the best at everything, so it comes as no surprise that it’s the biggest mall in the world. With its very own aquarium, fountains and never ending labyrinth of shops, it’s one of the most strangely futuristic and materialistic places I have ever been.

From luxury designer brands to independent Arabiac shops and everything in between, the amount of choice in this place is simply outrageous. Go and see it for yourself.

dubai-mall-waterfall-fountain

  1. Feast on Delicious Lebanese Food 

If you’re visiting Dubai, I urge you to go out and enjoy at least 1 Lebanese feast! The Lebanese food in Dubai is simply phenomenal and best enjoyed when you can share lots of different dishes in a group. Be sure to try the hommous with lamb, grilled halloumi cheese and fattoush salad followed by a freshly grilled chicken shisk taouk.

Lebanese is my all time favourite food, and during my time in Dubai I discovered a fantastic restaurant on Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) called Jedoudna. It’s wonderfully casual and perfect to visit for lunch or after a day at the beach.

lebanese-food-chicken-skewers-shish-taouk-travelista

So those are my Top 10 things to do on a girls holiday in Dubai. Even if you only pick a handful of the things in this post, I guarantee you will love them and have an incredible time in Dubai.

Are you visiting Dubai soon or have you recently been? I would love to hear your thoughts about my list and feel free to ask me more questions! Simply leave me a comment in the box below x 

15 Comments

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Comments

  1. Laura says

    9th January 2019 at 1:32 pm

    Where would you recommend to stay for girls trip please.

    Reply
  2. Blake Ramos says

    2nd July 2016 at 6:59 am

    Thanks for sharing the information about things to do on a girls holiday in dubai. http://www.dubaifishing.ae/

    Reply
  3. memoirsmusings says

    26th March 2016 at 4:55 pm

    Loved this – I have so much more inspiration for my next Dubai trip now!

    Char xo || http://www.memoirsmusings.com

    Reply
  4. usamaseo says

    8th February 2016 at 9:45 am

    Thanks for a great sharing! I got a lot of useful information after reading your post about things to do in Dubai like the shape of island! It is really amazing country! I hope one day I can enjoy the beauty of this country.

    Reply
  5. Tanya ♥ (@xlittle14x) says

    11th November 2015 at 1:57 pm

    Lovely post!
    Read my new post x
    ♥
    »NEW LITTLE THINGS #6 ♡

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      16th November 2015 at 2:04 pm

      Thanks Tanya! Will be sure to check out your blog 🙂 Jess x

      Reply
    • Jessica says

      17th December 2015 at 9:17 am

      Thanks Tanya, hope it came in useful 🙂

      Reply
  6. Leonie says

    11th November 2015 at 1:23 pm

    Dubai is such an amazing place. Ive been there twice now and love every moment

    Leonie ♥ Lo On The Go

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      16th November 2015 at 2:04 pm

      I agree Leonie! There’s no where quite like Dubai. I think I could write an essay on it! 🙂 x

      Reply
  7. Catherine Lux* (@luxlifeblog) says

    11th November 2015 at 10:29 am

    Such a great list Jess! I love the sounds of EVERYTHING! I’m hoping to finally get to Dubai in 2016 to visit a friend (after years of transferring through the airport every year enroute to Aus), so have bookmarked this to come back to 🙂

    C x | Lux Life

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      16th November 2015 at 2:05 pm

      Ah this is great to hear Catherine! Please do some back to it, I’m sure it will come in useful, especially when you’re visiting your friend xx

      Reply
  8. Bec J. H. says

    11th November 2015 at 1:38 am

    Dubai looks like a very expensive destination – did you come across any good budget activities?

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      16th November 2015 at 2:07 pm

      Hi Bec! I’ll be honest, Dubai is generally not a cheap holiday destination. If you want to go purely for sun and relaxation, you could always find an all-inclusive deal so your meals are already covered and pick a time of the year that isn’t too hot so you can spend lots of time enjoying the sunshine, beach and pool. The best weather is between November to February x

      Reply
  9. Angie Silver (@SilverSpoonLDN) says

    10th November 2015 at 11:12 pm

    Though it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I’d love to visit. It looks like my cup of tea – eating, drinking and general hedonism!! I’ll have to go one day and I’ll definitely refer to your list!
    Lots of love,
    Angie

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      16th November 2015 at 2:08 pm

      I think you’d love it Angie! I am really surprised you’ve not been? I am sure you’ll get to visit soon 🙂 Thanks for your comment xxx

      Reply

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Jess is an an award-winning UK travel blogger based in North Yorkshire, providing you with inspiration for both local and global adventures.

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That’s a wrap! See you in 2023 🎥
A little snapshot into our Christmas, the first on A little snapshot into our Christmas, the first one in our new home, blending our families and hosting for 9. ☺️🥂 Hope you all had a lovely day 🎄

Merry Christmas from my family to yours ♥️.
Before I sign off for a little Christmas social me Before I sign off for a little Christmas social media break, here’s a festive photo dump of the past week + sharing my favourite poem🕯🎄🥂

Featuring 

➕ A lunch to @bettys with the girls. Making a new tradition. 
➕ A family visit to @castle_howard for their spectacular #IntotheWoods Christmas experience. Phenomenal. We go every year and it just gets better and better.
➕ Carols by candlelight at our local church - magic - but so many layers because the heating was broken!
➕ Dust if you Must by Rose Milligan. The perfect tonic in the (potentially stressful) build up to Christmas. 

We are hosting family this year and I’m excited! I’d love my house to look like a festive show home but it doesn’t, and that’s ok. (I have a 4 year old making mess twice as fast as I can tidy it). 

Fellow hosts, don’t be so busy ‘dusting’ that you miss all the little moments of magic! I’m reminding myself of this too. Swipe to read the poem and you’ll get it. ♥️

Wishing you a perfectly imperfect Christmas 🎄 

Love Jess x
ad Come with me and my Mum to do some last minute ad Come with me and my Mum to do some last minute Christmas shopping at @junction32. 🎁 

We are all feeling the pinch this year with the rising cost of living, so I set myself a challenge to find gifts for under £30. By shopping at outlets like Junction 32, which has over 80 brands offering up to 60% off the retail price, your money truly does go so much further. ♥️

What gifts I bought;

✔️ Slippers from @radleylondon RRP £40 J32 Price £20
✔️Himalayam charcoal gift set from @thebodyshop RRP £36.00 J32 Price £29.50
✔️Wax cheese wheels from independent retailer @themousehouse_lincoln £3 for £16
✔️Children’s cutlery set from @procookuk RRP £10 J32 Price £7

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