My recent 13-person famil to Dubai, hosted by Emirates, was an exceptional journey from start to finish.
Our experience began the moment we boarded, as we were fortunate enough to fly business class.
The lie-flat beds, personal privacy and elevated comfort were remarkable. The turn-down service, gourmet food, extensive beverage menu and impeccable Emirates service made it a truly luxurious experience.
This trip also held personal significance as it was my second visit to Dubai since 2015, deepening my connection to the city.
Attending during Ramadan added a unique cultural dimension. Observing the daily fasting and then joining the celebratory evening feasts was enriching.
Above: Andrea (front row, white T-shirt)
A highlight was the Ramadan dinner at Jumeirah Madinat, featuring more than 20 international food stations. The dessert station, with its one-metre tower of stuffed and chocolate-coated dates, was an unforgettable Dubai delicacy.
Witnessing Dubai’s remarkable evolution since my last visit was fascinating. Superhighways now connect the city seamlessly, even extending to Abu Dhabi, just an hour and a half away.
This incredible transformation and strategic location make Dubai a must-travel destination, far more than just a stopover.
Emirates’ well-positioned hub in Dubai offers seamless connectivity for travellers between Australia and Europe, with minimal transit times and world-class airport facilities, making it an ideal place to pause and explore for at least a few days.
During our trip we got to experience the many sides of Dubai. We headed to the old town, which was a great place to start our experience. Located on the Dubai Creek, a short Abra boat ride is a must.
We wandered through stalls selling silk scarves, dresses, ceramics, teas and spices – a true feast for the senses. Dubai’s shopping is next level, with vast malls offering air-conditioned comfort from the desert heat.
Beyond the cultural charm and retail therapy, Dubai also caters to the adventurous spirit, offering exhilarating experiences that gets the adrenaline pumping.
For the thrill seekers, a must-do in Dubai is a dune bashing adventure – it was a definite highlight. If you’re game, try dune boarding – like wakeboarding, but down a sandy hill.
One night we dined in the desert, presented buffet style, with plenty to choose from – both Western and local food. The food in Dubai is truly incredible.
A cultural show kicks off late evening, featuring everything from dancers to fire/flame throwers; it’s great fun for all ages.
On our last day, we explored The Palm precinct which kicked off with a trip to The View at The Palm. An elevator takes you up for a bird’s eye view of The Palm and surrounding districts.
How this region was built in just six years is astounding – an engineering feat only achievable in the UAE.
As our trip came to a close, it was time to head back to the airport. For the famil group, this meant beginning their journey back to Australia, while I continued on my travels to Abu Dhabi.
Regardless of our final destination, our departures from Dubai, much like our arrival, were made seamless thanks to Emirates’ excellent services.
Emirates offers a free shuttle bus service between Dubai airport and downtown Abu Dhabi, which made it very easy to commute back to the airport for my onward flight.
I spent a wonderful four days soaking up all that Dubai and the UAE have to offer. This famil truly underscored Dubai’s status as a must-visit destination for any traveller. A huge thank you to Emirates for making this incredible experience possible.
Emirates currently operates 77 weekly services to Dubai from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, seamlessly connecting Australian passengers with more than 140 destinations worldwide.
