I traveled in Dubai in April, 2019.

From the glittering skyscrapers to the sweeping sand dunes, this multi-cultural metropolis is as awe-worthy as ever. It’s definitely an unforgettable adventure for me! However, as it has so many magnificent experiences to offer and every traveler has so much to talk about Dubai, I kind of had a hard time to write the blog: I don’t know where to start.

Couple days ago, when Disney released the movie Aladdin, I finally decided to make a blog about my Arabian trip in Dubai (It’s funny how movie could be so inspiring, isn’t it?! )

Instead of blogging an Encyclopedia of Dubai, I decided to give myself an easy time, and only review the places that I’ve visited meanwhile photogenic (for your Instagram or whatever social media).

Burj Al Arab Hotel

Burj Al Arab Hotel is referred as 7 Star Hotel because of its luxury and superiority, which is the only one kind in the world. The average booking fee is $1100 per night, so I am not here to instigate my blog readers to “Live in the moment and don’t worry about tomorrow”. The hotel is situated on its own island, not open to the public. However, there are two great ways to take pictures and experience this ultra-luxurious hotel without living in:

One is to book the restaurants in it with the minimal expense of 60 dollars. I know it sounds expensive when 60 dollars go for a glass of wine or a piece of cake, but if you consider the money goes for the best view ever, you should reconsider my suggestion 😉 (Remember to make reservation of the restaurants as early as possible)

Another way I highly recommend would be to take photos in Jumeirah Public Beach. Along the beach, you get this iconic 7-star hotel in the background for free while you getting the suntan.  Yayyy!!

Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai

Since I advise to take photos of Burj Al Arab Hotel without living in, I would recommend the Shangri-La Hotel Dubai. I like their modern and elegant interior designs. As far as I know all Shangri-La Hotels have amazing chandeliers, but the one in Dubai is the most fantastic I’ve ever seen.

The hotel is located in Downtown Dubai, so you can easily reach the majority of the city’s famous attractions. Plus, from my point of view, I think the roof top bar of this hotel is the best location to take picture of Burj Khalifa as landscape.

The Dubai Mall

As one of the biggest malls in the world, the Dubai Mall takes it very seriously! Here you can find the famous global brands as long as you can think of; you will shop here with shoppers from all over the Middle East and beyond to appreciate the grandiosity and beauty of it.

The Human Waterfall Sculptures are positioned quite prominently in the Dubai Mall with the aim to grab the attention and admiration of the visitors. It definitely looks great for photography.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium

I honestly feel it’s such a “tourist” thing to visit Aquarium during my stay. However, it’s the concept of the “ancient ruins of the lost city of Atlantis” drove me here! The ruins concept make this aquarium unique and different from all the others, and it just stimulates my imagination so much.

As the largest Aquarium in the Middle-East and Africa, this place is home to 65,000 incredible marine animals. Taking photos with the underwater mazes and tunnels of the lost civilization is a wonderful experience.

The Burj Khalifa

Soaring 828 meters above the metropolis of Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building. It has redefined what is possible in the design and engineering of skyscrapers. So you don’t want to miss that, especially for the photos!  Get ticket to experience being on top of this highest building in the world, and take pictures there: from selfies to landscapes, you won’t get bad shots! Another way of taking pictures of Burj Khalifa is to have it as background. The ideal location I would recommend is around the Dubai Mall fountain, where allows you to have it as background yet not too far away.

Arabian Tea House

This restaurant is like a secret garden in the busy city. Turquoise benches, white rattan chairs, lace curtains and beautiful flowers…this place is an authentic example Dubai has of a life gone by. In front of this aged building, the restaurant arranged an old-fashioned Tea House concept scene, which I figured is very photogenic, bringing you into this old-world charm of the Mid-East.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

After a brunch or an afternoon tea at the Arabian Tea House, you should also visit another beautiful location close by – Al Fahidi. It’s known for its historical neighorhood, with traditional buildings like 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort. Here you find the buildings with high air towers, built with traditional building materials such as stone, gypsum, teak, sandal wood, fronds and palm wood, which give the district a natural and beautiful look.

Dubai Desert Safari

Discover the beauty and customs of the desert on the Dubai desert safari. Ride a camel, surf a sandboard down the sand dunes, relax at a desert campsite with sunset view, enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner, and watch an exotic belly dancing show with the campfire…Dubai desert safari has so many beautiful moments waiting for you to capture!

Gold Souk/ Spice Souk

The Gold Souk is Dubai’s most famous and visited souk. A labyrinth of covered walkways is home to hundreds of retailers offering jewelry made from gold, silver, diamonds and other precious materials. As the neighbor of the gold souk, the Spice Souk is rather colorful and aromatic! Not all spices are designed for cooking, but a wide range of fragrant teas from all over the world are on offer. I felt obsessed with taking pictures of the spices: the colors make me feel calm, and whenever I see those pictures I still can smell the Aroma from the memory!