5 Days in Dubai

5 days in Dubai is more than enough time to visit all the main sites. However, saying that, I have visited Dubai twice now and have every intention of visiting again. It is just a magical place.

I had originally booked a 14-day trip to Dubai, but had to cut the trip short due to being invited on an Assessment Day for a grad job. Nevertheless, with the 5 days I had left, I still managed to do all the things that I wanted to do and more.

I visited Dubai in August and one thing I will say is that it was unbearably hot. With temperatures creeping up to 45 degrees, it was difficult to remain outdoors for long periods of time. Saying that, 2 of my five days were spent doing outdoor activities!



I arrived in Dubai after travelling in the Premium Economy cabin of Virgin Atlantic. I would recommend travelling in Premium Economy if possible; a separate boarding queue makes you feel more well cared for, more roomy seats and extra legroom along with a separate menu. One thing I will say is that I regret pre-booking my vegetarian meal: I would have preferred to receive the (different) vegetarian meal listed on the menu instead. I believe it was cannelloni - yum.

On arrival in Dubai the last thing I wanted to do was relax: I had limited time and I was determined to make the most of it. I headed to Dubai Mall, the biggest in the world. With 1200 shops you would be hard-pressed to not find a shop that you like. Obviously, I had to visit Sephora. I came out with only a few Sephora-branded face masks because I noticed that the prices in Sephora Dubai seem to be marked up in comparison to the price of the same products available online... something to bare in mind should you ever visit.

One of the main features in Dubai Mall is an Aquarium in the centre of the mall, free for everyone to see and enjoy. I particularly enjoyed seeing the sharks, because it isn't everyday you get to see one of these bad boys! I wondered how they were able to live alongside smaller fish without eating them. I was informed that the sharks are well fed to prevent them from eating their little counterparts.

Another of the highlights of Dubai Mall is the Fountain Show. Look at YouTube videos for it. You will not be disappointed!

I also visited the Food Court in Dubai Mall. I was amazed by the variety of food on offer and the buzzer mechanism letting you know when your food was ready. The fact that there are lots of different stalls means that if you fancy a Chinese but a member of your party is craving a Mexican meal means that everyone can leave feeling happy. I had both an Indian and a Pizza Hut. Generally speaking, Indian food in Dubai is amazing but the pizza at Pizza Hut was a little disappointing. That may just be me being picky because it was quite different to the UK Pizza Hut taste that I am used to!

On my second day in Dubai, I visited the water park on the Dubai Palm Island: the Aquaventure Waterpark. I did not get to do as many rides as I would have liked however the rides I did go on were enjoyable. I sought the solace of the lazy river to cool me off from the blazing sun and the rising temperatures. It was a relaxing ride, perfect for Roshni who just wanted to float about for a while, but the wave machine and slides on the same lazy river were an unexpected but welcome twist!

Day Three involved me visiting Ski Dubai, a snow park in the Mall of the Emirates. The -4 degrees temperature was very welcome after experiencing the heat outside! There are a number of different snow-based rides to enjoy, but the highlight of the day was the VIP experience with the penguins. I paid extra for this, but it was well worth it. I was lucky enough to be in a small group of just three people and getting to touch, kiss and interact with real life penguins was an incredible experience.

Day Four was the big desert safari day. A desert safari in Dubai is essentially a ride in a Jeep in the desert, going up and down sand dunes. It is a thrilling experience; I have to say I may have let out a little scream of excitement from time to time. After the ride, you are dropped off to a massive marquee type area, where you are able to enjoy camel riding, quad biking, belly dancing, henna designs and a delicious buffet.

My beautiful henna design.

It was on the Desert Safari experience that I picked up this souvenir for my boyfriend, James. It is made of real sand. I really wanted to get him a personalised gift from Dubai so I was very happy when I spotted this stall selling personalised sand designs in these little decorative bottles.

My fifth and final day in Dubai was spent enjoying some of the delicious food at the Food Court at the Mall of the Emirates. You definitely need a day doing this! There is such a variety of yummy food on offer that I just had to have it all. I particularly loved the tacos at Taqado Mexican Kitchen! I am even craving them now that I am back home in the UK.

I hope your time in Dubai is as lovely as mine was!