Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Welcome back to another fun travel trip, fellow adventurers! - After braving the freezing (but absolutely stunning!) landscapes of Iceland last month, the Tattooed Travelers are trading in snow boots for sandals. That’s right—we’re headed to the Maldives! But before we dive into turquoise waters and overwater bungalows, we’re making a quick detour. Hello, Dubai! We couldn’t resist squeezing in a short layover to soak up some sun, city vibes, and maybe a little luxury along the way. Stay tuned—this adventure is just getting started!
Etihad Airways
We decided to take advantage of Etihad Airways’ awesome stopover program, which lets you enjoy a 1–3 day stay in Abu Dhabi either before or after your trip. Since we had to connect through Abu Dhabi anyway on our way to the Maldives, we figured—why not? Even better, it was a free stopover. Yes, please!
When I booked online, Etihad gave us a selection of hotels to choose from, all included in the stopover deal. Naturally, I went into full travel-research mode—Googling locations, reading reviews, and checking photos. We ended up choosing Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, which looked like the perfect mix of comfort and location.
Finally, takeoff day arrived! To our surprise, Etihad boards their flights in reverse order—yep, they start with row 60 and work their way up to row 1 Honestly, it makes total sense, but it definitely threw us off for a second! The flight itself? Super smooth, seriously comfy, and a little taste of luxury in the sky.
We landed at Zayed International Airport, breezed through passport control, grabbed our rental car, and made our way to the hotel. It was still bright and early, and we were wide-eyed and ready to make the most of our day in Dubai!
Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
The hotel was in a fantastic location, tucked away in a beautiful area that gave off total upscale vibes—inside and out. We arrived bright and early, around 7 a.m., and even though check-in wasn’t until later, the staff was incredibly welcoming. They invited us to enjoy breakfast while we waited for our room, which was such a nice touch after a long overnight flight.
And let me tell you—the breakfast did not disappoint. From traditional Middle Eastern fare to Western favorites, the spread was diverse and delicious. After filling our bellies and relaxing a bit, we were thrilled when they told us our room was ready—just 30 minutes later!
Our room was spacious with a massive, comfy bed and a calm, secure vibe that made us feel instantly at home. We squeezed in a quick power nap (because, let’s be real, travel sleep doesn’t count) and then hit the road, ready for a full day exploring the glittering city of Dubai!
The drive to Dubai was surprisingly easy—just about an hour on a massive, well-maintained freeway lined with (a lot of) speed cameras. Compared to our past driving experiences in places like Kuwait, these roads felt much more organized and safer, which made the trip a breeze.
Our only stop with the car was the iconic Dubai Mall, which made the perfect central hub for all the activities we had planned. Plus, bonus points for convenient parking!
Burj Khalifa
First up on our Dubai adventure: At The Top – Burj Khalifa. You can’t come to Dubai and not visit the tallest building in the world, right? We were super excited to check this one off our bucket list and take in those sky-high views!
The Burj Khalifa isn’t just a Dubai landmark—it’s a global icon. Standing at a jaw-dropping 828 meters (2,717 feet), it’s currently the tallest building in the world. Construction began in 2004 and was completed in 2010, as part of the effort to diversify Dubai’s economy and cement its place on the world map as a modern, luxury destination. The tower has 163 floors, not including the maintenance levels and spire, and it's home to everything from luxury residences and offices to the Armani Hotel and—of course—the popular observation decks.
We had tickets for the “At The Top” experience, which takes you to the 124th and 125th floors (and if you splurge a bit more, you can go all the way up to the 148th floor). Even with tickets, the line felt endless—like something straight out of Disneyland. Just when you think you’re at the front, you round a corner and boom—more people! But hey, at least the line winds through a visually engaging exhibit on the building’s construction and architectural design, so there’s something to look at while you wait.
Finally, we reached the high-speed elevator, which rockets you up more than 120 floors in just about a minute. It was smooth, but so fast it actually made our stomachs do a little flip—it’s not every day you travel at 10 meters per second!
And then… we were there. Stepping out onto the observation deck, we were hit with 360-degree panoramic views of Dubai that were nothing short of breathtaking. The sprawling city stretched out below us like a model—glittering skyscrapers, desert dunes in the distance, and the Persian Gulf sparkling in the sun. It’s the kind of view that makes you feel both incredibly small and totally in awe of what humans can create. We took our time soaking it all in, snapping photos, and just letting that surreal moment sink in. An absolute must-do if you're in Dubai!
Once we were back on solid ground, we stepped outside to soak up the iconic views from below. The contrast of the turquoise water, soaring skyscrapers, and the towering Burj Khalifa in the background made for the perfect photo op—we couldn’t resist snapping a few dozen pictures (because, let’s be honest, how often do you stand in the shadow of the world’s tallest building?).
After capturing the moment, we made our way back into the Dubai Mall—which, by the way, is massive (we’re talking over 1,200 stores kind of massive). Our next mission? Finding the starting point for the Big Bus Dubai tour. This hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus is one of our favorite ways to explore a new city, and it’s perfect for hitting all the top spots without the hassle of driving. We were excited to sit back, relax, and let the city unfold around us—one iconic stop at a time!
The Big Bus Dubai tour offers two awesome routes: the Red Route, which focuses on the city’s rich culture and heritage, and the Blue Route, which showcases Dubai’s stunning beaches and modern marvels. We kicked things off with the Red Route, aka the City Tour, and settled into our seats on the top deck, ready for some epic sightseeing.
Big Bus Tour Dubai - Red Tour
One of the first highlights we passed was the jaw-dropping Museum of the Future—and let me tell you, this building looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. Shaped like a massive silver torus (think: a shiny hollow ring), it's covered in intricate Arabic calligraphy and symbolizes innovation, progress, and everything Dubai hopes to become in the years ahead. Opened in 2022, the museum is already an icon, showcasing futuristic technology, AI, space exploration, and sustainability. Even from the outside, it's absolutely mesmerizing.
Our next view along the Red Route took us to the Royal Palace, located along Za’abeel Palace Street. This stunning estate is known as Za’abeel Palace, and it’s the private residence of the ruling royal family of Dubai, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai.
While the palace itself isn’t open to the public, you can still catch a glimpse of its grandeur from the gates. The lush green grounds, palm tree-lined roads, and the palace’s traditional architecture make it a striking contrast to the sleek skyscrapers in the rest of the city. It’s a great reminder of Dubai’s deep-rooted royal history, even in the middle of such a futuristic metropolis.
We snapped some photos from the bus and took in the regal vibes—it’s not every day you casually roll past a royal palace on your way through the city!
Next up on our city tour: a journey back in time. The Big Bus took us to Dubai Creek, where we caught sight of traditional dhows—those iconic wooden boats that have been used for centuries for fishing and trade. It’s amazing to see how much of Dubai’s story started right here, long before the skyscrapers and mega-malls took over.
From there, we headed into the heart of Old Dubai with a visit to the Bastakiya Quarter (also known as Al Fahidi Historical District). This area, often called Bastakiya Old Village, is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Dubai and feels like stepping into another era. Narrow, winding alleyways, sand-colored buildings, and traditional wind towers give it a distinctly historic charm.
The architecture reflects Dubai’s Persian influences, and the whole area is filled with cozy cafés, art galleries, and museums. It was such a refreshing change of pace from the glitz of modern Dubai.
Our tour continued deeper into Old Dubai, cruising past more cultural gems that gave us an even greater appreciation for the city’s rich heritage.
First up was the Al Fahidi Fort, one of Dubai’s oldest standing structures, dating all the way back to 1787. This impressive fort now houses the Dubai Museum, offering a fascinating look at the city’s transformation from a humble fishing village to the global powerhouse it is today. Just seeing it from the outside, with its traditional architecture and historic walls, was enough to transport us back in time.
Next, we passed by the Old Souk of Arabia, a bustling traditional market that’s still alive with the sights, smells, and sounds of the past. This area includes both the Spice Souk and the Textile Souk, where you’ll find everything from colorful fabrics and handcrafted items to fragrant spices and dried herbs piled high in bins. It's like a sensory overload in the best possible way.
Not far from there was the Shindagha Museum, part of the Al Shindagha Heritage District, which preserves and celebrates Dubai’s maritime and cultural history. We didn’t have time to go inside this trip, but it’s definitely on our list for a return visit!
We ended this leg of the tour cruising past the famous Gold Souk and Spice Souk, two of Dubai’s most iconic markets. The Gold Souk glitters with displays of intricate jewelry, and the Spice Souk? It smells amazing before you even step foot inside. The mix of cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, and other exotic scents made us feel like we’d stepped into an Arabian fairytale.
This part of the tour was a perfect contrast to modern Dubai—filled with culture, color, and a sense of tradition that still thrives today.
Our final stop on the Red Route was the incredible Dubai Frame—and wow, what a way to wrap up the city tour!
The Dubai Frame is exactly what it sounds like: a massive picture frame, standing 150 meters tall and 93 meters wide, designed to perfectly “frame” views of both Old Dubai and New Dubai depending on which side you’re looking through. It’s symbolic of the city’s journey—where it came from, and where it’s going. The golden cladding glistens in the sun, and the architectural design is just as impressive up close as it is from a distance.
Visitors can go inside and walk across a glass-bottomed sky bridge that connects the two towers, offering panoramic views of the city’s contrasting sides. While we didn’t go up this time, just seeing it from the outside was enough to leave us in awe—it’s such a unique addition to Dubai’s skyline.
After that final photo-worthy moment, the Big Bus looped back and dropped us off at Dubai Mall, right where we had started our adventure earlier in the day. But we weren’t done yet! After soaking up the culture and heritage of Old Dubai on the Red Route, we were eager to experience a whole new side of the city—its sleek, modern, and sun-soaked coastline.
Big Bus Tour Dubai - Blue Tour
So, we hopped aboard the Blue Route of the Big Bus Tour, also known as the Beach Tour. This route offered us stunning top-deck views of Dubai’s luxurious waterfronts, architectural marvels, and glittering skyline. While we didn’t hop off at every stop, we fully embraced the ride—enjoying the warm breeze and soaking in the contrasts between desert elegance and coastal glamour.
Once again, our journey began at Dubai Mall, the city’s premier shopping and entertainment hub and the perfect launchpad for exploring Dubai’s more glamorous, seaside side.
From there, we made our way toward the coast and soon spotted one of the city’s newer marvels: Ain Dubai. Located on Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai is the world’s tallest observation wheel, towering at 250 meters. Even from the road, it’s a jaw-dropping sight—its massive frame standing tall against the sky and offering some of the best panoramic views in the city (which we’ll definitely return for on another trip!).
Next, we rolled into the ultra-modern Dubai Marina and JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence). This area is like Dubai’s version of a beachfront Manhattan—glitzy high-rises, buzzing cafes, luxury yachts, and lively promenades. The energy here was electric, and the views of the marina's calm waters framed by sleek towers were postcard-perfect.
Just around the corner, we passed Bayside, home to Skydive Dubai. While we didn’t spot any skydivers mid-jump, just knowing this was the spot where thrill-seekers launch themselves over the Palm Jumeirah gave us chills. It’s famous for offering one of the most breathtaking aerial views of the city.
As the bus continued, we entered the area known as the Tallest Block, a jaw-dropping lineup of residential skyscrapers, including some of the tallest in the world. These buildings are so densely packed and sky-high that they create an urban canyon—it was hard not to crane our necks just to take it all in.
From there, we cruised past Dubai Media City, a major hub for regional television, radio, and digital media companies. While it’s a bit quieter than the more touristy spots, it’s a reminder of Dubai’s role as a media powerhouse in the Middle East.
Next came one of the most stunning sights of the tour—Atlantis, The Palm. Perched at the edge of the man-made Palm Jumeirah, this massive pink-and-gold resort looked like something straight out of a storybook. It houses Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium, and even from the road, you can tell it’s built for epic experiences.
Making our way back along the Palm, we passed Fairmont The Palm, a luxurious beachfront hotel known for its palm-lined views and relaxed elegance. It’s a favorite among travelers who want a bit of serenity without being too far from the action.
Just beyond that was Palm West Beach, a newer, stylish stretch of sand dotted with beach clubs, cozy cafes, and cabanas. It looked like the perfect spot to kick back with a cold drink and soak up some sunshine.
Our final stop before looping back was the beautiful Souk Madinat Jumeirah, with its winding canals, traditional Arabian architecture, and stunning views of the Burj Al Arab in the background. Often called the world’s most luxurious hotel, the Burj stands like a sail against the sea, and the whole scene felt like a dream. The combination of historic style and modern luxury here perfectly summed up Dubai’s unique vibe.
By the time we returned to Dubai Mall, we’d seen Dubai from a whole new angle—coastal, contemporary, and full of surprises. The Blue Route was the perfect complement to the Red, showing us that while Dubai may honor its past, its future is always in motion, shimmering along the shoreline.
Dubai Fountain
We hopped off at Dubai Mall and made our way back outside toward the Burj Khalifa, eager to catch the famous Dubai Fountain water show. As night fell, the whole area came alive with energy—the towering Burj Khalifa shimmered with colorful LED displays that danced up its sleek glass surface, while the mall’s exterior glowed with warm lights, and the surrounding buildings lit up like a modern-day fairy tale.
We found a spot by the edge of the manmade lake, right in front of the Burj, with a clear view of the fountains. Then the music started. Instantly, powerful jets of water shot into the sky, perfectly synchronized with the rhythm. The show we caught was set to an Arabic song, and the water swayed, spiraled, and surged in time with every beat. At some points, it felt like the fountains were defying gravity—shooting up to 150 meters high and drifting back down like mist.
The entire experience was nothing short of magical. With the Burj Khalifa glowing above us, the cool evening breeze, and the buzz of people from all over the world gathered around, it was one of those moments where you just stand still and take it all in. Watching the water dance under the night sky with the world’s tallest building as a backdrop—it’s one of those signature Dubai moments you’ll never forget.
Time Out Market
After the fountain show wrapped up and the last notes of music faded into the night, our stomachs reminded us it was time to eat. Just a short walk from the lakefront, we stumbled upon Time Out Market Dubai—a foodie haven we were thrilled to see. We’d been to Time Out Markets in both London and Portugal, and each one brings together top local chefs and restaurants under one roof, making it a perfect spot when you’re craving variety.
One of the reasons we love places like this is that everyone can grab what they’re in the mood for, and then meet back up at a shared table. We ended up sampling dishes from a few different vendors: we kicked things off with some bold and flavorful Latin fare from Slab Cocina, then tried a fresh and zesty Greek plate from A la Grecque, and William went straight for some mouthwatering BBQ—tender, smoky, and just the right amount of sauce. Everything was made to order, and the wait was super manageable thanks to the little buzzers that go off when your food is ready.
The vibe inside the market was lively but not overwhelming, with cozy seating areas and a good mix of tourists and locals. After feasting on a little bit of everything and happily declaring ourselves “officially full,” we knew it was time to call it a night.
With our bellies full and our feet sore from an unforgettable day in Dubai, we planned to make our way back to Abu Dhabi But before we could hit the road, there was one last unexpected adventure: finding our car in the massive Dubai Mall parking garage. This place is huge, and after a full day of walking, our brains were definitely running on low battery. The mall has these handy interactive screens where you can enter your license plate number to locate your car—super useful… unless, like us, you’re driving a rental and don’t know the plate number off the top of your head.
What followed was about 45 minutes of wandering through multiple levels of the garage, retracing our steps, second-guessing every turn, and laughing (then sighing) as we passed the same escalator for the third time. On the plus side, we got to see even more of the mall—but to be honest, we were far too tired to appreciate the bonus tour. It was one of those moments that’s frustrating in the moment, but funny in hindsight.
Eventually, we spotted our trusty rental and practically high-fived each other before sliding into our seats and hitting the road.
Abu Dhabi
We made it back to our hotel in Abu Dhabi around midnight, completely exhausted but buzzing from everything we had packed into the day. With an early morning flight to the Maldives on the horizon, we headed straight to bed—grateful for every moment but definitely ready for some rest.
Overall, our one day in Dubai was a whirlwind adventure—fast-paced, exciting, and totally unforgettable. From jaw-dropping skyscrapers and rich cultural landmarks to beachfront views and mouthwatering food, Dubai gave us a little taste of everything it has to offer. We saw the old, the new, and everything in between, and it left us wanting more. Whether you're just passing through or planning a longer stay, even one day in this incredible city is enough to leave a lasting impression. Dubai, we’ll definitely be back!
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At The Tattooed Travelers, our travel diary offers a personal and immersive look into our adventures around the world. It’s a vibrant collection of stories, reflections, history, sights, and even the smells that make each journey unforgettable. From breathtaking destinations and mouthwatering meals to behind-the-scenes moments and valuable lessons learned, our travel diary captures the magic of exploring the world, one memory at a time. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical advice, or a spark of wanderlust, our diary invites you to wander with us and feel the thrill of discovery.
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