Dubai – Happy New Year 2024!

Travel

14 stycznia 2024

Hi!

Dubai – Happy New Year 2024! We welcomed the new year in Dubai, a city that sparks immense curiosity in everyone. As you know, our trip to Sri Lanka ended rather abruptly. We spent 12 days in Dubai, visiting two exceptional places.

My first impression is always shaped at the airport. While I didn’t experience that sense of awe in Bali and Sri Lanka, here, despite having various thoughts in the back of my mind, I was pleasantly surprised. Everything runs so smoothly—there’s no wasting time in queues for passport control—it’s amazing. Another surprising aspect was that during the immigration process, the officer handed us a SIM card with 24 hours of credit. That’s enough time to order a taxi, check the map, and figure out where to go.

Since we arrived earlier than planned, we had to find an additional hotel. We chose a hotel near Burj Khalifa.

Let’s start by clearing up any controversial theories about what is and isn’t allowed in Dubai. Often, we judge this place based on what we hear or see in the media, but reality can be quite different.

European women are not required to wear veils outdoors—requirements to cover shoulders and legs apply only in temples. Of course, due to the intense sun, many people choose to cover their shoulders to protect themselves from the heat.

Couples can freely hold hands and show affection in public places without fear of disapproval. In Dubai, no one harasses women, and everyone is incredibly kind, helpful, and friendly.

Dubai is a place where every tourist is treated with great respect. The city attracts with its openness and hospitality, making everyone feel welcome and safe.

Burj Khalifa, a symbol of modern architecture, is a building that’s truly hard to describe in words. Its majestic silhouette rising into the sky makes a huge impression and takes your breath away. Its beauty and grandeur are so overwhelming that even now, as I write about it, I have a broad smile on my face.

The journey to Burj Khalifa is as extraordinary as the building itself. The surrounding greenery, beautiful buildings, flowers, warm air, and sunshine fill you with energy and give a sense of freshness, calm, and safety. The whole experience creates a perfect harmony.

The plaza in front of Burj Khalifa is fantastic both during the day and in the evening. In the morning, between 8 and 9 o’clock, it’s quiet and you can take photos without crowds. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes more intense, full of life, though it can get quite crowded.

Burj Khalifa is not only the tallest building in the world but also a true masterpiece of engineering and design. Its impressive height of 828 meters and slender, futuristic appearance make it not only an icon of Dubai but also a global icon. Stepping inside, you feel like you’re in a different reality, full of luxury and modernity.

Burj Khalifa is also a center of entertainment and luxury. On its various levels, you can find luxury apartments, elegant restaurants, and observation decks offering breathtaking views of Dubai and the Persian Gulf. Standing on these higher floors, you can truly understand what it means to see a vast city from a bird’s-eye view.

Let’s not forget the incredible fountain show that takes place on the plaza in front of Burj Khalifa. The water performances, synchronized with music and lights, are a real feast for the senses and a perfect way to end a day spent in this magical place.

Burj Khalifa is not just a building—it’s a symbol of human determination, innovation, and limitless possibilities. It’s a place that every visitor to Dubai should see and experience its extraordinary atmosphere.

If you’re a fan of exquisite cuisine and enjoy discovering new flavors, I highly recommend the Atmosphere restaurant located on the 123rd floor. The views from there are absolutely breathtaking, making it hard to leave. The food is phenomenal, and the service is incredibly professional and friendly. While there is no strict dress code, it’s best to dress elegantly (although no one expects a suit or evening gown).

Getting to the restaurant is an unforgettable experience in itself, as you ride the fastest elevator. Even during the descent, you might feel a slight thrill, but rest assured—everything is completely safe.

Adding my own recommendation, Atmosphere is not only a place for a special meal but also a spot for celebrating moments with loved ones. It’s an ideal venue for a romantic dinner, a gathering with friends, or marking significant events. Every visit guarantees unforgettable memories.

Remember to make a reservation in advance and note that a deposit of AED 250 per person (£52.90) is required.

The Dubai Fountain at the Burj Khalifa plaza is an attraction that offers an incredibly spectacular show every evening—something that is hard to put into words. The combination of visual effects and music makes it something you can watch endlessly. Interestingly, there are 12 different water shows, each entirely unique, with varying music and choreography. The evening performances are particularly magnificent, as the entire plaza is illuminated, adding extra effects to the spectacle.

The audience is truly large, especially since this plaza is the biggest meeting place for both tourists and locals. It’s no wonder, as it houses the largest shopping mall in the world—the Dubai Mall—where you can easily get lost (we managed to do so twice!). The mall features an indoor ski slope, but to enjoy this attraction, you need to have basic skiing skills, including the ability to stop. There’s also an ice rink for skating enthusiasts and artificial snow—there’s something for everyone.

Returning to the beautiful dancing fountain shows, you can opt for a boat ride on a raft located in a section of the water where the shows take place. The entry fee is around £20, and we usually stay for five evening shows. As mentioned earlier, each one is different and each is spectacularly beautiful.

An Another great attraction is the opportunity to take a boat ride across the entire water surface during the intermissions between the shows, which allows you to see the stunning views from a completely different perspective.

The plaza offers numerous restaurants and pubs, providing a wide range of dining experiences. The mall is connected to the metro, ensuring excellent transportation links.

On the plaza, you’ll find the Wings of Mexico, which are hard to miss. The entire area around Burj Khalifa is beautifully and meticulously designed. The abundance of greenery and harmoniously chosen elements create an amazing atmosphere. The place is exceptionally clean—there are always people maintaining the cleanliness, and you won’t find a single piece of litter on the premises. If you want to take beautiful photos, I recommend doing so in the morning—it’s empty, and the light is perfect.

The The second place we stayed during our trip was the charming Marina. Due to the extra days in Dubai that were not initially planned, we decided to spend them actively at the famous Palm Jumeirah, where „Atlantis The Palm” is located. This place is absolutely fantastic, and if I could, I would spend every day there.

Our plan was simple: a morning gym session, breakfast, a relaxing walk, and then a visit to Atlantis The Palm for half a day or even the whole day. You’ll find everything your heart desires there: water slides, kayaking with real waves, piers, surfing, a huge, beautiful beach—it’s just paradise. The water is perfect for swimming, and you can also rent jet skis for added fun. Additionally, there’s an aquarium and dolphin shows, so there’s something for everyone.

Despite my fear of extreme slides and water, I must admit that I had an absolutely phenomenal time. The entire water park is well-maintained, with many lifeguards who are very friendly and helpful, ensuring the safety of all guests. The facility is huge, and special vehicles transport guests between locations, making it easy to get around.

In summary, Atlantis The Palm is a place that not only meets but exceeds expectations. It’s a true paradise for water lovers and beachgoers.

The artificial palm tree, also known as the Palm Island Tree, is a monumental sculpture by artist Ralph Ziman, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was designed as an iconic structure, forming part of the architectural landscape of Palm Jumeirah, one of the most famous artificial islands in the world.

Palm Jumeirah is one of the three Palm Island Trees built in the United Arab Emirates. Each of these islands is shaped like a palm tree, with Palm Jumeirah being the most recognizable. The Palm Island Tree itself serves as a striking symbol of luxury and innovation, representing Dubai as a dynamic hub of architecture and technology.

Marina Beach is a fantastic destination featuring a beautiful boardwalk and soft, delicate sands. It’s lined with restaurants, bars, and cafes, creating a vibrant atmosphere that truly comes alive in the evening when everything is beautifully illuminated. Marina Beach serves as a hub of entertainment and excitement, with stunning views of Dubai’s sparkling city lights reflecting off the water.

Another beach we visited was the one near Mercato Mall Jumeirah, which offers a different kind of beach experience. While the mall is primarily known for shopping, the nearby beach is a peaceful spot where visitors can relax and sunbathe without any restrictions directly on the beach area.

In Dubai, beachgoers can enjoy sunbathing freely within designated beach areas, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Each beach, including the one near Mercato Mall Jumeirah, offers its own unique charm and amenities, making Dubai a diverse and captivating destination for beach lovers and tourists alike.

Overall, I’ve noticed that Dubai is often perceived as a dangerous city due to its Arab society. However, my experiences completely contradict this and I don’t agree with what is often portrayed on television. I want to emphasize: DUBAI IS SAFE. While strolling with my husband and observing the surroundings, I genuinely felt that I could live in Dubai. It’s a place where I would truly feel comfortable. Just as I love London and could live there because it has captured my heart, Dubai had the same effect on me. It’s beautiful and welcoming. I don’t know what lies beyond the areas I visited, but the warmth and helpfulness of the people, along with the wealth of opportunities it offers, are incredible. The weather, the water, the food—what more could you want?

European women do not need to cover their faces unless visiting temples or Abu Dhabi, but that is not an issue. Therefore, I wholeheartedly recommend Dubai. Trust me, you won’t regret this trip—you’ll fall in love with it and want to return. It is definitely one of the most perfect places on Earth for me. Although Dubai can be expensive, it is worth seeing and experiencing. If you decide to take this fantastic trip, I wish you a wonderful time—Dubai is waiting for you.

Finally, I’d like to recommend a few truly exceptional places that I had the pleasure of visiting. However, I strongly encourage you to explore and try out restaurants on your own, as everyone can find something uniquely special for themselves.