Experience unforgettable opulence in Luxury Dubai

Your guide to the best of what to do in Dubai—shop, eat, stay and play

Dubai city skyline
Experience luxury like nowhere else on earth on an indulgent trip to Dubai. Image source: Adobe Stock

Known for its extravagant luxury, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is a modern city of contrasts. Its towering skyscrapers, bustling ports and sun-drenched beaches are found alongside multinational businesses and a thriving tourism economy.

What makes Dubai unique, however, is the giant artificial islands that have been created along the coastline, extending the city’s seafront. This manmade archipelago is now one of the region's main features. Before this, Dubai’s only beaches were a few small stretches to the west. Nowadays, the iconic Palm Jumeirah Island—in the shape of a palm tree—is a significant tourist attraction, along with the World Islands, a small group that resembles a world map when viewed from above.

Burj Khalifa in Dubai in background of water feature
See Dubai from its highest building, the iconic Burj Khalifa. Image source: Adobe Stock

Experience Dubai city life

If you’re wondering what to do in Dubai, start by strolling around this vibrant city, considered to be one of the most luxurious in the world. Its upmarket shopping malls and high-rise towers are breathtaking while blending in with the city’s more traditional and historic precincts.

Burj Khalifa 

Towering above the heart of Dubai city is the world’s tallest building—the Burj Khalifa—at 828 metres high. Take the fastest double-deck elevators on earth up to levels 124 and 125 and admire the panoramic views over the city from the observation deck. Then head to At the Top SKY on level 148 for refreshments and spectacular views from the outdoor terrace 555 metres above the ground.

Dubai Creek 

Discover Dubai Creek in the city’s central hub—a saltwater estuary where the Bani Yas tribe first settled in 1833. Take a ride in a traditional abra—a ferry-like boat—along the creek to admire the striking skyline and take in the sounds of the city.

Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood

Stroll through the Al Fahidi historic neighbourhood located in Bur Dubai on the shores of Dubai Creek. One of the most popular Dubai experiences, the area is a maze of winding alleyways offering a glimpse into a bygone era. Visit the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding for insights into local traditions and lifestyle.

Dubai Miracle Garden

Immerse yourself in the Dubai Miracle Garden, a wonderland of over 50 million blooms. The world’s most extensive natural flower garden covers an astonishing 72,000 square metres of parklands! Some floral displays are shaped into 3D sculptures—look out for the floating lady, a giant teddy bear and the miraculous Emirates Airbus A380.

Blue waters of Dubai Mall fountain
Admire the Dubai Mall fountain while shopping for designer pieces. Image source: Adobe Stock

Shopping in Dubai

To experience the luxury and opulence that Dubai experiences are known for, shop until you drop at some of the biggest shopping malls on earth, built alongside quaint spice and trading souks. You will find anything from international designer brands to small boutiques—and everything else in between. One mall even has an indoor ski resort!

Dubai Mall

Even if you spend an entire day at Dubai Mall—the largest in the world, covering an area of one million square metres—it would be impossible to see it all! Right next to the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall boasts over 1,200 retail outlets, two department stores and an extensive range of dining options.

Mall of the Emirates

For a completely different shopping experience, the Mall of the Emirates has over 630 retail outlets stocking some of the most recognisable fashion brands. This family-friendly location also features a large cinema complex, an indoor ski resort, the Magic Planet family entertainment area and plenty of eateries.

Dubai Festival City Mall

With 400 outlets stocking well known premium international and local fashion, jewellery and furniture brands, Dubai Festival City Mall is a one-stop shopping destination. Stay on for the nighttime performance of IMAGINE at Festival Bay, a spectacular mix of lasers, light, fire and water fountains choreographed to music.

Dubai Marina Mall

Small in comparison to the other huge Dubai shopping malls, Dubai Marina Mall offers a more intimate shopping experience. Its 140 retail outlets over four levels provide a selection of high-end fashion brands, eclectic pop-up stores, al fresco waterfront dining venues, a cinema complex and loads of activities for children.

Palm Island view from the sky in Dubai
Resorts and hotels abound on exquisite Palm Island, Dubai. Image source: Adobe Stock

Luxury accommodation in Dubai

There are plenty of luxury hotels in Dubai—choose from these top hotels based on your travel style and preferences.

Luxurious high-end hotel 

For extravagance and Arabian opulence, the seven-star Burj Al Arab Jumeirah provides the ultimate lavish experience, with 24-carat gold-leaf walls and 21,000 Swarovski crystals embedded in the ceiling. The beach club has private cabanas, a day spa, an adults-only infinity pool and a stylish waterfront Mediterranean restaurant.

Best overall hotel experience

One of many luxury hotels in Dubai, the classic and elegant Four Seasons Resort Dubai is located on Jumeirah Beach. This hotel offers a complete guest experience with its exclusive palm-fringed private beach, a lagoon-style pool, several fine dining establishments and a rooftop bar—perfect for a Sicilian-inspired cocktail at sunset.

Couples Romantic Retreat 

For a touch of self-indulgence and romance, One&Only The Palm is perfect for honeymooners or a romantic rendezvous. Located at Palm Jumeirah, the exclusive resort features the Guerlain Spa, private poolside cabanas and several eateries, including a restaurant with two Michelin stars offering a sophisticated modern French menu.

Family-friendly Fun 

Take the whole family to Atlantis at The Palm and enjoy the world’s largest waterpark, spacious underwater suites and something for everyone with its plentiful family-friendly dining options. The hotel also features heated swimming pools, a private white-sand beach and exciting water sports galore.

Outdoor seating area in a restaurant in Dubai
Enjoy delicious cuisine in Dubai’s many lavish restaurants. Image source: Adobe Stock

Fine Dining in Dubai

If you’re looking for a luxury restaurant in Dubai where you can enjoy local and international cuisine, there are plenty of high-end options to choose from.

Trèsind Studio

Boasting two Michelin stars, this intimate studio-style restaurant space offers refined Indian cuisine with a multi-course tasting menu exploring the country’s east, south, west and north.

Orfali Bros Bistro

Run by three Syrian brothers and featuring a variety of dishes from Greece, Asia and the Middle East on the menu, Orfali Bros Bistro was recently voted number one in the Middle East and North Africa.

Pierchic

As suggested by its name, Pierchic is located on a pier that juts out into the Arabian Gulf with a menu consisting of a delectable selection of Dubai’s finest seafood. The al fresco dining experience, with its sweeping sea views, is perfect for a romantic dinner.

Dine in the Dubai Desert

Travel out to Al Hadheerah, a luxury restaurant in Dubai housed within the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, surrounded by sand dunes. The restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience under the stars with fourteen live cooking stations providing the best of Middle Eastern cuisine while you enjoy the live entertainment.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi
Marvel at the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Mosque on a day trip to Abu Dhabi. Image source: Adobe Stock

Dubai Day trips and adventures outside the city

Exploring the city’s surroundings on a Dubai day trip is a great way to experience more of the country’s heritage. Enhance your luxury Dubai experience with these options:

Dubai to Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque & Qasr Al Watan Palace 

The capital city of Abu Dhabi is only 90 minutes away by car, making it a popular day trip from Dubai. Don’t miss one of the largest mosques anywhere on earth with an intricate interior design, and the exquisitely crafted president’s palace.

Full-day cruise to Musandam Fjords, Oman 

Get out on the water for a different Dubai experience on a full-day cruise to the Musandam fjords in Oman aboard a traditional wooden dhow. Look out for dolphins, snorkel or swim in the sparkling blue water, then enjoy a tasty lunch.

Hot air balloon ride, vintage Land Rover ride & breakfast from Dubai

For a unique experience you will never forget, imagine floating over the Dubai desert in a hot air balloon, trekking the dunes in a vintage Land Rover, and then enjoying a delicious breakfast served in a traditional desert majlis.

Bonus Tip: Skydive Dubai

For a once-in-a-lifetime Dubai experience to get your heart racing and also give you the best views over Dubai’s landscape, try a tandem skydive over the sand dunes of the Dubai desert. If you're extending your stay or want to take your trip to the next level, then this add-on will ensure your stay in Dubai is unforgettable.

Sunset in the Dubai desert
Venture into Dubai’s desert for an unforgettable sunset. Image source: Adobe Stock

Enjoy a touch of luxury in Dubai

Dubai is an enchanting city—a jewel in the desert offering the ultimate in decadence and luxury, with visitors from all over the world flocking to discover its beguiling attractions.

Experience the delights of this Middle Eastern city with direct flights from Perth Airport. For the ultimate luxurious experience, relax pre-flight in Aspire Lounge at T1 and make the most of your free time by shopping duty-free. So what are you waiting for? Indulge yourself and your loved ones with an indulgent Dubai stay and book your flights with Emirates today!


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