Educational Tours Agent, Heidi, was lucky to join a FAM to Dubai, thanks to Emirates and Dubai Tourism. Here’s what she has to say:
I’m convinced more than ever that Dubai shouldn’t just be a through-airport transfer—it deserves to be a must-see stop of its own. Think about how refreshed you’ll feel at your final destination after breaking up that long-haul flight with a proper pause. Even a 24-hour stopover is enough to get a real sense of the place and its people. In just a day, you can taste the city’s energy, feel its hospitality, and see for yourself why it’s so much more than a glittering skyline viewed from an airport window.
Emirates spoiled us with seats in Business class. Exceptional comfort, space, service and a touch of luxury from take-off to touchdown.
We stayed at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel – an iconic, twin-tower 5-star luxury hotel located in the Business district of Dubai. Super handy for getting to all the major sites.
It wouldn’t be Dubai if you didn’t visit the Burj Khalifa (830m-tall tower). Observation platforms on the 124th, 125th and 149th floors, offer a sublime view of the skyline. At the base is access to the Dubai Mall – not just a regular mall! It houses an epic Aquarium, Ice skating rink as well as alllllll the shops. Set on the 30-acre Burj Lake at the foot of Dubai Mall, the fountain offers a mesmerising water, music and light show during evenings, every 30 minutes from 6pm until 11pm. We cracked up laughing when the first show we heard was to ‘Baby Shark’! Afternoon shows are also available for limited times. Get up close by walking along the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk or sailing on an abra on Burj Lake.
One of the highlights was visiting the cultural districts. The traditional style neighbourhoods and markets were stunning. Located on the banks of the Dubai Creek, you can catch an abra across the calm waters. We had a visit to the Sheikj Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) where we learnt about Emirati traditions and ate the most divine local food.
We loved exploring the Gold and Spice Souk in the Deira district. The colours of the spices and opulent gold jewellery blew my mind! This the is the place for souvenir shopping too and be prepared to haggle!
If you get the opportunity, you must try Dubai’s signature Karak Chai tea (cardamon, spices and condensed milk) and holding a falcon, the national bird of the United Arab Emirates.
We got to experience the incredible sustainable Desert Safari by Platinum Heritage. It’s family friendly and so, so special! We rode through the desert in vintage Land Rovers (platinum vehicles available if preferred), wrapped in traditional scarves that made us feel part of this truly Arabian adventure. It wasn’t just about driving through the dunes, we spotted oryx and sand gazelles, watched a captivating falcon show against a glowing Arabian sunset, enjoyed camel rides, and ended the evening with a delicious four-course traditional dinner and Emirati performances in a torch-lit Bedouin camp under the stars.
A futuristic visit to the Museum of the Future is a must – an architectural masterpiece where you can even walk onto the exterior! This museum welcomes people of all ages to see, touch, and shape our shared future. Go on a journey through possible futures. It definitely sparked conversation and intrigue but ensure to pre book and go early in the day to avoid long lines.
Playtime is serious business in Dubai—and it’s not just for kids. The city’s water and amusement parks bring the thrills, chills, and plenty of squeals. Cool off at mega-parks like Aquaventure Waterpark or Wild Wadi (this is where I went!), where lazy rivers, wave pools, and gravity-defying waterslides keep the fun flowing all day. Want to stay dry? Head to Legoland Dubai for kid-friendly coasters and building adventures, or feel your stomach drop on The Storm Coaster, a wild indoor ride that’s definitely not just for little ones. Whether you’re 5 or 50, Dubai brings the fun. We had the best view of the 7-star Jumeirah Burj Al Arab Hotel from the waterslides!
We ended our trip on a high, with a meal at the Atlantis The Royal – what a building; a stacked Jenga-like architectural masterpiece, located on the outer crescent of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.
I can’t stress how much I loved my visit to Dubai. It’s where futuristic glamour meets Arabian culture, offering an unforgettable mix of luxury, adventure, incredible dining and spectacular experiences. You have to see it for yourself!
Go to the official tourism website for more itinerary ideas:
