Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner in Dubai | Go Dubai Pass

4 Days in Dubai - Itinerary

By Dom Bewley

Picture the scene - you're on your plane ride to Dubai. Brilliant. However, over the tannoy, you hear terrifying news. The pilot is out cold. Shocking! For some reason, the attendants turn to you. Begrudgingly, you take the controls and wrestle this bird down towards the runway. You do so with a finesse you didn't know you had, and the passengers cheer your name as you land safely. You made it; congrats. You're here. But what do you do after all those heroics? You've only got 4 days in Dubai, and you're woefully unprepared. Stay calm, hero. You just saved a plane full of theoretical people. Breathe deep, and grab your reading glasses. We've put together an itinerary for your 4 days in Dubai. Now read, and cry tears of joy. Your vacation is saved.

Day 1

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Morning

You've probably eaten on the plane, so let's get straight to the fun stuff. Kick things off with a blood-pumping visit to Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm. Arguably Dubai's best water park, it features tons of amazing rides, slides, and everything in between.

Noon

Time for a bite to eat. There are tons of restaurants available, so it's really up to you. Go with something close to Aquaventure, or venture further afield to get something up your alley.

Then, we suggest you visit Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. The highlight is the long underwater tunnel you'll travel through to get to the aquarium proper. See sharks, rays, and other oddities up close.

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Night

Time for dinner. Grab a bite to eat at one of Dubai's brilliant restaurants, and then prepare for more water. It's a water day, so take to the seas and see the sights on an Ain Dubai boat tour. It's the perfect way to end the day while ticking one of your sightseeing checkboxes. Glide past the massive Ain Dubai observation wheel, see the beauty of Dubai Marina, and then head home for some much-needed shut-eye.

Day 2

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Morning

Rise and shine, sleepy head. There's vacationing to be done! We're brunching, baby, so head down to Bubbalicious in the Marriott's Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. Get your fill of bottomless lobster, curry, steak, Asian dishes, roasted meats, and much more.

Noon

After your lazy and satisfying morning, why not hit up the beach? Dubai has tons of brilliant beach spaces, but we'd recommend heading to Jumeirah Beach Residence - or JBR. This massive beach has everything you could ever want - clean white sand, warm blue water, and enough space to stretch out and make the most of it. Relax, let your food settle, and prepare for the evening's shenanigans.

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Night

Grab a bite to eat, and prepare for scares at No Way Out, Dubai's premier escape rooms! Pick from 10 spooky rooms, including authentic offerings from the IT and Ring universes, and contend with traps, puzzles, and creepy actors trying to scare you senseless.

If you're looking for a more passive experience, head to the interactive horror cinema and experience 5D thrills and chills as actors sneak up on you during the film's scariest bits!

Day 3

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Morning

Get some breakfast at the hotel, and then prepare for a morning desert safari through Dubai's dunes! With a lift to and from your hotel, you'll be able to enjoy camel riding, sand skiing, and even driving on a quad bike or dune buggy without worrying about getting home.

Noon

Next up on our list is the theme park with the fastest rollercoaster on Earth. Where else would you find such a thing than at Ferrari World? It's called the Formula Rossa and barrels your forward at speeds up to 150mph in 4.9 seconds. That's 5Gs of force, which is equivalent to F1 racecar drivers. So, if you've ever wanted to experience the feeling of speeding down the racetrack, this is it!

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Night

After a day of thrills, spills, and avoiding your ills, head to Bagatelle to see out your day. You'll be sure of a delicious meal thanks to the authentic French cuisine, with the likes of snails and frogs legs sure to sparkle the senses. But the real reason you'll spend your evening at Bagatelle is the nightlife. After dark, it transforms into a lively pseudo-club with live music, an enviable drinks menu, and plenty of room to dance! Now go to bed; you've got one day of Dubai left!

Day 4

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Morning

It's nearly over. Sad times. Get your morning started with a trip to one of Dubai's brilliant beach clubs. You'll be able to kick back, relax, get a light bite to eat, and even have a dip in a pool if you play your cards right!

Noon

Then, after your relaxing morning, try some chilly thrills at Ski Dubai! It's the world's largest indoor ski center and caters to both seasoned vets and complete newbies alike! With plenty of slopes to overcome, you can try your hand at skiing, snowboarding, or snow sledding. It's completely up to you. You'll even have the chance to see a family of penguins at certain times of the day. If the heat's overbearing, Ski Dubai is the best place to cool down.

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Night

And now, to end your 4 days in Dubai, we'll end events with a delightful trip to the desert for some food and entertainment! On this desert safari and BBQ dinner extravaganza, you'll see out your vacation with a relaxing return to Dubai's dunes.

You'll be chaperoned from your hotel in a plush, air-conditioned 4x4 and head into the desert. Make sure you snap pictures of the beautiful surrounding as the sun goes down. Then, you'll reach camp and be treated to a mouth-watering menu of BBQ meat and veg that will fill you to bursting.

Then, sit back and enjoy the evening's entertainment. Watch authentic belly dancing, smoke up a shisha storm, ride a camel, and even get a henna tattoo. Then, get a lift back to your hotel and prepare to leave. It's all over, but your memories will last forever - as long as you took some photos. After all, your brain isn't what it once was.

And that rounds out our itinerary to 4 days in Dubai! If some of our suggestions aren't up your street, check out the massive list of experiences on offer at Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.

Dom Bewley

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Tropical fish in an aquarium
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Dubai Aquarium Vs Lost Chambers Aquarium Comparison

Everything in Dubai is supersized. The skyscrapers, the water parks, the malls, that mad Ferris wheel at Bluewaters Island: all strive to be the very biggest and baddest in town, nay the planet. Heck, you can even grab a 10kg burger here, should the mood (and your appetite) take you. Dubai’s aquariums are no exception to this rule, with some absolute beasts vying for your dirhams. Among the biggest and best here are Dubai Aquarium and Lost Chambers, run by Dubai Mall and Atlantis The Palm respectively. We took a deep dive to meet the thousands of critters at each aquarium and find out which of Lost Chambers and Dubai Aquarium is best… Find out how you can visit both aquariums and save up to 50% on Dubai attractions here. Dubai Aquarium: The Lowdown Name. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is located at Dubai Mall (the biggest mall in Dubai, natch). Age. The aquarium opened in 2008, but some of the sharks and crocs here are even older than that. What to expect at Dubai Aquarium. One of the largest suspended aquariums in the world, Dubai Aquarium is home to many thousands of aquatic animals, including over 400 sharks and rays, plus giant spider crabs, piranhas, otters, penguins, and an Australian king croc (and his queen) – though not all necessarily in the same tank. This super-sized aquarium has multiple zones. As well as that epic tank, there’s a 48-meter underwater observation tunnel and the trio of ecosystems – rainforest, rocky shore and living ocean – that make up the underwater zoo. Naturally, you can also add immersive experiences to your ticket, including live shows, guided tours, feeding time with the penguins and otters and an opportunity to touch eagle and cownose rays. And if you wish to (quite literally) immerse, you can even book a diving experience with the sharks and stingrays. Dubai Aquarium in Numbers Size. The suspended aquarium tank is one of the biggest of its kind on the planet, containing 10 million liters of water. That’s about the same as four Olympic-size swimming pools. Animals. There are over 140 species of aquatic animals to ogle at Dubai Aquarium, including over 400 sharks and rays, and one of the world’s largest collections of sand tiger sharks. Displays. The aquarium tunnel is 48 meters long and takes you 11 meters beneath the surface; there are 40 individual aquatic displays in the underwater zoo, starring seahorses, otters, piranhas, colorful cichlids and more. Dubai Aquarium Highlights It’s likely you’ll spend more time in the underwater tunnel than just about anywhere else at Dubai Aquarium. Here’s where to cram your camera roll with close-ups of curious critters including giant groupers, stately stingrays, and nosey nurse sharks. The underwater zoo zone features an eye-popping array of colorful characters. Don’t miss the majestic king croc and his queen, plus giant spider crabs, playful otters and ultra-cute gentoo penguins. Feeding times are among the most exciting events in the aquarium’s day. Watch staff as they hand-feed the rays and dive daringly deep into the aquarium tank for a shark feeding frenzy. Lost Chambers Aquarium: The Lowdown Size. Epic. An 11-million-liter tank (the Ambassador Lagoon), plus over 20 exhibits and an octagon of mysterious chambers make this the largest open-air marine habitat in the Middle East. Animals. Around 65,000. That’s a heck of a lot of critters. Displays. In addition to the Ambassador Lagoon, there are 21 aquatic exhibits to explore. Lost Chambers Aquarium Highlights The Ambassador Lagoon is where it's at for all your Insta-perfect selfie backdrop requirements. Get in the picture as colorful blue-spotted stingrays, massive Queensland groupers and regal zebra sharks soar past behind you. Take the guided Myth of Atlantis tour to learn all about the myths and legends of the lost city, and the underwater creatures that now inhabit its chambers. Feeding times here are pretty special, but nothing beats the amazing shark safari experience, in which willing participants wear glass diving helmets and stroll across the bottom of the Ambassador Lagoon aquarium as these majestic creatures of the deep soar overhead. Dubai Aquarium Vs Lost Chambers Comparison: Which is Better? It’s a tough call. Both are great family days out, with plenty to keep even the most incurious kids entertained for hours on end. If you like your exhibits themed, perhaps Lost Chambers will edge it for you, but both have plenty to offer. You can also combine with other activities in both locations: Dubai Mall is also home to the DXB Play VR amusement park, a 22-screen cinema, KidZania, and a real-life diplodocus skeleton, while Atlantis The Palm offers an epic water park and the opportunity to swim with dolphins in addition to its Lost Chambers Aquarium. Now for the good news: you don’t even have to choose between them. You can visit both aquariums with a Dubai pass from Go City, and save up to 50% on many more Dubai attractions, tours and activities while you’re at it. We’re talking the Burj Khalifa observation platforms, Legoland Dubai, desert safaris, Dubai Creek cruises, the Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm, and many more. Click to find out more about the Go Dubai pass and get yours here!
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Family in Dubai
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Weekend In Dubai Itinerary - Two Days In Dubai

Planning a weekend in Dubai for the first time, but don’t know where to begin? We’ve compiled a wonderful two-day itinerary for Dubai that will showcase the best that this global city has to offer in just one weekend! This weekend in Dubai itinerary includes the following attractions: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour Ski Dubai Mall Of The Emirates Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountains Dubai Festival City Aquaventure and The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm Sunset Dinner Cruise in Dubai Marina 🗓️ We’ve also put together one-day, three-day, and seven-day itineraries for planning the ultimate vacation in the Emirates. 💰 >> See how you can save up to 50% on Dubai attractions You can gain admission to many of Dubai’s top attractions with the Go City Dubai passes, which include entrance to some of the most popular attractions and activities. Check out the passes, attractions, and prices Please note that some of the attractions included in this itinerary are not included with Go City® passes. Day One in Dubai, Stop #1: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai tour  Enjoy the energy and excitement of the city from a bird’s eye perch on the Hop-On, Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour, as it rolls down Dubai’s main highway, Sheikh Zayed Road (or SZR, as it’s affectionately called by locals). This is the best way to begin your introduction to Dubai, as many of the important landmarks branch out directly from SZR and you can explore at your leisure by hopping off whenever you like. You’ll have the chance to see more than 40 different points of interest on the bus tour, and an onboard guide will give you context, history, and entertaining anecdotes for each site. The most popular tour highlights include Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Mosque, The Palm, Dubai Marina, and much more. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Dubai tickets are included with all Dubai passes. Stop #2: Mall Of The Emirates (free, unless you do some shopping, of course)  Next, plan to stop at one of the world’s largest and most elite malls: Mall of the Emirates. Just down SZR, this incredible shopping destination features hundreds of shops of all tastes and price points, world-class restaurants and cafes, a 4D movie multiplex, and more. Shop until you drop and even pick up a few souvenirs of your trip to take back home from the mall’s selection of local specialty stores. Now is also a good time to enjoy a hearty meal from one of the mall's restaurants or in the food court. From Italian to Arabic, to Mexican, to Chinese, to American food, you’ll find a taste for whatever you’re craving. Getting In: It's free to explore the Mall of the Emirates.  Ski Dubai Attached to the Mall of the Emirates is Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s biggest indoor ski resort, and the world’s first indoor black diamond run. The venue houses multiple areas for adventure and excitement. Check out "Mountain Thriller," a bobsled course the whole family will love. Play in a snow cavern and practice your snowball-making (and throwing!) skills. Don't forget to watch real Gentoo and king penguins walk across the slopes at periodic intervals. Ski Dubai offers lessons and rentals for every skillset, from beginners to pros. Kids will enjoy a session in the penguin zone or on the icy playground. Getting In: Ski Dubai Polar Pass tickets are included on Dubai passes. Stop #4: Dubai Fountains at Dubai Mall (free!)  Dubai Mall once held the title of the biggest and most state-of-the-art mall in the world. Today it’s hardly fallen from glory with an amazing array of shops, dining options, KidZania children’s club, a mega multiplex movie theater, and an indoor ice skating rink. Not to be missed amongst Dubai Mall’s offerings are the famous dancing Dubai Fountains. The world’s largest choreographed fountain system is located just outside the mall, spread out over Downtown Dubai. The fountains spring to life every day with performances set to both Arabic and world music and a light show. They are a wonderful place to watch the desert sunset. Getting In: It's free to explore the Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountains.  Stop #5: At The Top - Burj Khalifa  Now is your chance to travel up more than 140 floors of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. You’ll get a jaw-dropping panoramic view of Dubai from "At The Top - Burj Khalifa", one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. You can fully appreciate the dynamic architecture of the city from a prime viewing position and snap photos to commemorate your trip. This isn't one for those who have a fear of heights, that's for sure! Getting In: At the Top, Burj Khalifa tickets are included on all Dubai passes. Stop #6: Dinner In Dubai Festival City  A short journey from the Burj Khalifa lies Dubai Festival City where you can indulge in three-course, authentic meals and family favorites in a fun, whimsical venue. The perfect spot to relive your favorite moments from your first day in Dubai.  Day Two in Dubai, Stop #1: Mattel Play! Town (for families with kids)  Get an early and fun start to your second day in Dubai with a stop at Mattel Play! Town in the City Walk area of the city. This popular, urban residential and entertainment district offers a variety of places to explore. Kids will enjoy the educational play experiences, entertaining live shows, and hands-on activities and crafts at Mattel Play! Town. They’ll be challenged to use their teamwork and problem-solving skills to increase their creativity and socialization. Their favorite characters come to life as they join in on adventures from their favorite franchises like Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, Thomas the Tank Engine, Barney, and more. Getting In: Mattel Play! Town Dubai is separately ticketed. Stop #2: Aquaventure Waterpark  Make a splash at Aquaventure at Atlantis The Palm. Offering fun for all ages, you can splash down on water slides, relax in the lazy river, or enjoy the pristine beach of the hotel’s tropical landscape. Feeling adventurous? Take the plunge at the Leap of Faith slide that rockets you through a shark-filled lagoon at top speed. Or you can ride the maze of the Aquaventure River Rides connected waterways to discover the Tower of Neptune or the surging Torrent River. The kids will love playing at the Splasher’s Children’s Play Area complete with climbing frames, water slides, rope bridges, water cannons, and a giant tipping water bucket. Sit back and relax under an umbrella at the Aquaventure private beach. Getting In: Aquaventure Waterpark Dubai tickets are included on all Dubai passes. Stop #3: Lost Chambers Aquarium  There's more watery fun to be found at the Lost Chambers Aquarium. Learn about the lost civilization of Atlantis as you wind your way through the city’s underwater ruins, filled with all sorts of sea creatures. The aquarium contains 10 different chambers where you can see a variety of marine life up close, such as piranhas, jellyfish, stingrays, sharks, and an array of fish. A myth tour (hourly, included with admission) will give you further background on the lost city and the sea creatures. If you visit during the afternoon, you might even catch a glimpse of the Lost Chambers’ scuba divers as they check on all the animals in the tanks and put on a live feeding show. Getting In: Lost Chambers Aquarium Dubai tickets are included on all Dubai passes.  Stop #4: Sunset Dinner Cruise, Dubai Marina  Cap off a thrilling weekend of adventure with a sendoff sunset dinner cruise around Dubai Marina. Step into luxury as you board the yacht to cruise around one of Dubai's most beautiful areas. Enjoy the glittering lights of the Marina as you cruise past the Burj Al Arab, an iconic seven-star hotel. Hang around on air-conditioned or open-air decks, depending on the weather and your preference. Enjoy a luxury buffet catered by the Address Hotel Marina along with unlimited soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee as you reflect on a wonderful getaway. Culinary options include a lively selection of international fare (including local Arabic cuisine), pasta stations, and sumptuous desserts. Getting In: Dubai Sunset Dinner Cruise tickets are included on the Dubai Explorer Pass. Save up to 50% on Dubai attractions Discover our full line-up of Dubai attractions from At the Top - Burj Khalifa to Aquaventure Waterpark. 🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you. 😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.
Lindsay Eagan
New Years Eve in Dubai
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New Years Eve in Dubai

Want to celebrate new year's eve somewhere exotic? Why not try the exciting entertainment found in Dubai? From extravagant galas to boat trips under the stars, whatever you do, it won't be a new year you'll soon forget! Here are our picks of the very best entertainment in Dubai this new year's eve! Including: Clubbing Fireworks Dinner cruises Desert adventures QE2 and more! Check out Dubai's club scene If you're feeling funky and need your new year's backed by a banging beat, then Dubai's got you more than covered. You'll find plenty of popping parties throughout the city, ensuring you'll ring in the new year with aplomb. Perhaps the biggest is at Atlantis, The Palm, where Aussie mega-star Kylie Minogue will take to the stage for a new year's bonanza. You can try and get her music out of your head, but you'll fail. Minogue'll be backed by a 30-piece band, and your night will be backed up by unlimited drinks and a buffet of caviar, lobster, and sushi. You know, the good stuff. Another alternative is Ce La Vi - the internationally renowned rooftop bar franchise. Their Dubai spot will have new year's shenanigans to rival any you'll find at sea level. Think DJs, live music, great drinks, and great views. Catch Dubai's NYE fireworks at Burj Khalifa Fireworks on new year's eve are traditional to many cultures across the globe, and in Dubai, it's no different. Every year, a stunning display of colorful gunpowder erupts across the city's skyline. And where better to watch it than at Burj Khalifa. But you needn't go to the top to make the most of it. Instead, thousands of tourists and locals alike accumulate around the base of the tower and the surrounding area to see in the new year. You'll find people congregated at Dubai Fountain, Umm Suqeim Park, and even Jumeira beach to see the show. Do turn up early, in case you struggle to find a spot. It's arguably Dubai's most popular new year's experience, so get there an hour or two before midnight. Ring in the new year on a luxury dinner cruise Of course, if you want to get the best views of the fireworks without shoulder-barging through crowds of people, why not wine, dine, and party on the water? You can do just that on some of Dubai's NYE luxury dinner cruises. You'll have plenty to choose from, each offering varying levels of luxury, added benefits, and even locations. But no matter which you choose to ride, you'll be in for a fun-filled New Year's Eve in Dubai! Sip drinks on the top deck as the fireworks shimmer on the water, then head below to dance the night away until the sun rises. The perfect way to tick off 'act like you're in a rap video' from your bucket list. Image courtesy of Pit Stock/Shutterstock Try a remote new year's eve on a desert safari experience If you want to forego crowds entirely, and fireworks aren't really your thing, how about an all-inclusive trip to Dubai's diamond desert for a more laid-back affair? Embark on an adventure in the dunes for one of the most unique new year's eve experiences in Dubai. Whether you want a laid-back evening of BBQ and entertainment or a more adrenaline-fuelled romp across the sand, you're sure to find one that's perfect for you. Then, when the midnight bell tolls and the new year is upon us, feel free to venture back into town and catch some of the post-fireworks fun. Or just go to bed; it's completely up to you. Get swanky at Madinat Jumeirah If you're looking to upscale your new year's eve experience in Dubai, dress to the nines and book a ticket to the gala dinner at the famous Madinat Jumeirah resort. With live entertainment featuring fire dancers and musicians, and with unlimited bubbly to fill your glass, you'll feel like royalty. And, given the resort's location, you'll have first-class seats to the firework spectacle going on above! Rub shoulders with royalty at the QE2's Gala Dinner If you thought feeling like royalty was fun, wait until you board a vessel/hotel named after an actual monarch. That's right, the QE2, named after the late, great Queen Elizabeth II, is hosting an exclusive gala dinner on new year's eve. It's hardly surprising that this first-class vessel offers a first-class dining experience. Seven courses of the finest food and drink you'll find are followed by live music and dancing to ring in the new year. If that all sounds too opulent, they're hosting a tea party on the upper deck - just like Elizabeth would want. Either way, you'll have front-row seats to the fireworks. And fireworks are fun. Take it easy at La Mer Want to keep things low-key? Try visiting La Mer beach and check out the beachfront NYE festival. Perfect for kids - and bigger kids alike - you'll find tons of child-friendly entertainment to please the little ones. We're talking pettings zoos, carnival rides, live music, and a festive market, to name but a few. So you'll have plenty of choices when it comes to food and drink as well. And, as with many of the other choices here, you'll have a great spot to view the fireworks too. Go international at Global Dubai Village If you want to see how many cultures celebrate the new year under one roof, then Global Dubai Village is the perfect place to celebrate. Featuring New Year's Eve themes from over 70 countries, you'll need plenty of time to do the rounds. You'll find bargains at the market stalls, plenty of food and drink to keep the night going, and also entertainment from across the globe. There's really nothing quite like it, so if you want to experience something different this new year's eve in Dubai, then stop on by. And that's everything you need to know about new year's eve in Dubai! Want to make the most of your trip? Check out the very best of Dubai's entertainment with Go City. Pick an Explorer Pass or All-Inclusive Pass, and get everything for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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