Solo Trip to Dubai: A Last-Minute Escape That Changed My Perspective

Dubai was a completely last-minute decision for me. I found myself needing to press pause on my everyday routine and just get away – alone. So, three days before departure, I booked a flight, packed my bags, grabbed my passport, and went. No plans, no itinerary – just a desire to go with the flow and see where the experience would take me.

If I’m being honest, I was never a huge fan of Dubai. It always felt a little too superficial and lacking in culture and history – two things I value most when I travel. But this trip completely changed my perspective.

My cousin Hassan showed me a side of Dubai I had never appreciated before. Beneath the glossy, modern exterior lies a fascinating story – a desert transformed into a global city, yet still holding onto glimpses of its past. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, here are some of the most memorable places I experienced in Dubai.

Burj Khalifa

No trip to Dubai is complete without seeing the Burj Khalifa, the tallest structure in the world. You can take the elevator up to the 124th floor for breathtaking panoramic views stretching all the way to the Persian Gulf.

I chose to admire it from the ground, simply taking in its scale and presence. Even from below, it’s an unforgettable sight.

Jumeirah Beach

One of my favourite moments in Dubai was visiting Jumeirah Beach at sunrise. Hassan took me there early in the morning while it was still quiet, and it turned out to be one of the most peaceful experiences of my trip.

It’s incredible to think that what was once a desert now boasts beautiful beaches. I spent the morning swimming, walking along the shore, and reading my book while my cousin headed off to work – simple, but perfect.

Nearby is the Jumeirah Mosque, which I didn’t visit due to the dress code, but it’s well worth adding to your itinerary for its cultural and educational value.

Burj Al Arab

Between Jumeirah Beach and the Palm lies the iconic Burj Al Arab, one of the most recognisable hotels in the world. Opened in 1999, it’s known for its sail-shaped design and houses one of the tallest atriums ever built.

I didn’t go inside, but if you’re not staying there, you can still visit by booking a meal at one of its restaurants. Even from the outside, it’s worth seeing—this is one of Dubai’s most photographed landmarks for a reason.

Dubai Mall & Fountain

The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping centre in the world, with over 1,200 stores and countless attractions including an aquarium, ice rink, and cinema. I spent half a day here just shopping and people-watching.

Hassan treated me to the VIP experience at Reel Cinema, which was honestly next-level—luxurious seats, private lounge, and even butler service. Amazing, but definitely over the top!

Right outside is the Dubai Fountain, designed by the same team behind the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas. We caught a quick three-minute show while passing through. It wasn’t as elaborate as I expected (maybe I just wasn’t feeling the song!), but it’s still worth seeing.

Dubai Festival City

We headed to Dubai Festival City, home to over 500 stores, including flagship outlets like IKEA and Zara. But the highlight here was completely unexpected.

We stumbled upon a free open-air cinema at Festival Bay—entry was granted with any purchase from the mall. Naturally, we grabbed snacks and settled in. Watching Florence Foster Jenkins on bean bags under the night sky, with the waterfront view, was such a wholesome and memorable experience. It was just such a great evening, lounging on bean bags, watching a movie with the best views and company!

Atlantis, The Palm

Dubai is home to several palm-shaped islands, but The Palm Jumeirah is the most famous, with the grand Atlantis Hotel sitting at its edge.

Driving onto the island, you can’t quite grasp its palm shape—but if you check your map, it suddenly all makes sense.

Dubai Miracle Garden

We drove past Global Village, a cultural destination made up of pavilions representing different countries, offering food, shopping, and live performances. Fun fact – my mum bought my Palestinian henna party thobe from here! Next time, if i had more time, i would love to go inside.

I also visited the Dubai Miracle Garden, one of the city’s most popular attractions, especially for nature lovers. (I’ve written a separate post about this because it deserves one!)

La Mer

La Mer was one of the most chilled spots I visited in Dubai. With its beachfront promenade, colourful street art, and laid-back vibe, it felt completely different from the rest of the city.

I met up with Hassan and our cousin Ragheb here in the evening, and everything – from the music to the atmosphere – was just perfect. One of those places where you lose track of time!

Beach Clubs & Shisha Nights

On my first night, Hassan convinced me to go out instead of staying in—and I’m so glad he did.

We went to Barasti Beach, a lively beach club with a Caribbean vibe. We spent the evening by the water, smoking shisha, catching up, and soaking in the atmosphere. It’s definitely a hotspot for both locals and tourists looking for a fun night out!

So… Was Dubai Worth It?

As someone who loves culture and history, Dubai wouldn’t usually be my first choice for a getaway. But as a traveller who values new experiences, I’m really glad I went.

It challenged my preconceptions and gave me a new appreciation for what the city has to offer. And of course, having family there made it even more special.

Would I go back? Yes—to visit family.
Would it be my top escape from London? Probably not.

But was it worth it? Absolutely.

Do you have any questions about travelling to Dubai that I didn’t answer? Leave them in the comments—I’d love to help! 😊

wheremaywanders

March 31, 2020

Middle East