Why This Destination?
Dubai has always been on my bucket list and it offered the perfect stopover destination for my return from a trip to Bali, Indonesia. From its dazzling modernity, luxury lifestyles, architectural marvels, and long-list of adventure activities, this will not be the last visit I make to Dubai. As a solo traveler, I had heard that the city was extremely safe, while offering once in a lifetime experiences like exploring the extremes of desert life and futuristic skyscrapers that define this city. Dubai, for me, was the perfect balance between extravagance and exploration, with just enough to make me feel at home for my 5 day stay.
First Impressions
Arriving in Dubai felt like stepping into a city straight out of the future and a heat I could have never imagined. The towering glass skyscrapers, expansive highways (10+ lanes wide at times), and the constant hum of high-end cars made it feel larger than life. The weather was hot, with temperatures easily crossing 40°C in the afternoon and feeling like 50°C when it became humid. Who would have thought that it can feel humid in a city known to be in a desert, but it is also on the Persian Gulf. Needless to say, the air conditioning was always a welcome relief everywhere you go. The airport was clean, efficient, and ultra-modern — everything here felt cutting-edge and ready for international visitors. From deplaning, clearing customs, and collecting my luggage, the entire experience took less than 30 minutes before heading to pick up my rental car.
What I Did
Dubai City Tour
On my first full day visiting Dubai, I joined a small-group guided tour that stated there would be up to 15 people, max, and I lucked out with there only being two of us! The tour guide picked me up at the hotel, and then proceeded to pick up the second guest. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly, taking photos for both of us solo travelers, sharing information about local customs and culture, and ensuring we were fully taken care of during our guided city tour. The tour took us for photo-ops with the iconic Burj Al Arab and the Museum of the Future, a drive through the Palm and views of Atlantis. Then we visited the elegant Blue Mosque, its intricate architecture inviting quiet contemplation in traditional local dress. We paused to enjoy a local-style refreshment of Arabic coffee, dates, and fresh Rugag bread at Al Khayma Heritage House. After, we ventured into Old Dubai in a traditional Abra boat getting to wander through the aromatic Spice Souks, and soaking in the vibrant market chaos of the Gold Souk before gliding across the creek in a traditional Abra boat. Finally, we capped off the tour at the spectacular Dubai Frame. Riding the transparent elevator up to the 150‑metre-high observation deck, I was blown away by the dramatic contrast of Dubai’s glittering skyline on one side and its humble historic quarters on the other. This city tour was an absolute must for getting to see the major landmarks across the city to help orient myself for the remainder of my visit to know where I wanted to go back to!
Burj Khalifa
No trip is complete with a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building (for now). There are 3 different experiences you can book ranging from a standard observation deck experience on floors 124 and 125, to the ultimate luxury lounge on the 152-154 floors with bubbly and canapes to take in while enjoying a tour. I choose the middle option, the premium observation deck on floor 148 that provided priority elevator access, free refreshments, and an outdoor terrace with tours available. The view from the 148th floor was breathtaking, offering a panoramic view of the desert city, with its iconic skyline stretching as far as the eye could see. Access is also included to floors 124 and 125 with this ticket, but the crowds are much intense, so for the ultimate viewing experience with less crowds, a touch of luxury with refreshments, and access to an outdoor terrace, the “At The Top, Sky” experience is the way to go!
Dubai Mall & Fountain
Beyond shopping, the Dubai Mall is an entire experience in itself. I have never been to such a large mall before in my life, the true scale of the mall became apparent when I parked in the Zabeel Parking garage and there was over 2,000 spots with over 14,000 total throughout the complex. With over 1,200 stores, an endless variety of quick eats to luxury dining options, the Dubai Aquarium, a Virtual Reality (VR) Park, and an Olympic-sized ice rink, there is something for everyone. You can’t forget the Dubai Fountain! Head outside from the Mall to the Burj Lake, and you can witness the Dubai Fountain put on a mesmerizing fountain show every 30-minutes for free! Spending a full day here isn’t hard, and it is where the Burj Khalifa is, so its a great way to spend a day.
Desert Safari, Dinner, & Show
No visit to Dubai is complete without a desert safari. This was easily the most unforgettable highlights of my time in Dubai. The day began with a smooth hotel pickup for multiple guests before we hit the Lahbab red dunes, where I geared up and took off on an ATV ride! Giving it full throttle over golden waves of sand with nothing but open desert ahead, this was just the start to an amazing day of dune busting ahead. Loading up into a Toyota Landcruiser, we headed out into the desert for an exhilarating experience with the professional guide pushing the SUV to its limits, drifting through the sand dunes, and hitting angles not thought possible in a vehicle. Halfway through the dune busting ride, the guide brought us to a dune area to give sandboarding a try, which was a blast (and more challenging than it looks). After the adrenaline rush of dune busting and sandboarding, we headed to the Al Khayma camp to trade our adrenaline for a short and peaceful camel ride as the sun began to dip. Entering into the main camp area, I was welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates, and led to a traditional emeriti dinner setup. As the sky turned to twilight, I settled in for a delicious BBQ buffet dinner under the stars, complete with fire and belly dance performances. This BBQ buffet dinner had what felt like unlimited options to suit everyone! Throughout the tour, I always felt taken care of from the refreshments provided throughout the day, to the balance between safety and an exhilarating experience. The tour was completely stress free, an absolute bargain for everything that was included, and an experience I’d recommend in a heartbeat.
What I Didn’t Do, but You Should Consider
You could easily spend a week in Dubai and never see or do everything it has to offer! Here are a few other attractions you may want to consider exploring:
- Check out a hot air balloon ride over the desert
- Go skydiving over the Palm
- Check out a beach club at Jumeirah Beach
- Cool off at Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis – the most waterslides in one waterpark in the world!
- Take a spin around the Dubai Eye
- Take a yacht tour for a different view of the skyline from the water
- Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi
Where to Book Your Adventures
If you want a trustworthy place to explore these adventures and other excursion offerings to help plan your adventure, checkout Viator.com to see the list of endless options!
Solo Travel Vibe
Dubai felt safe, and traveling solo was an absolute breeze. I never once felt unsafe, if anything I felt more uneasy about just how much surveillance there is watching everything you do. There are many tourists and expats living in Dubai, so you will not interact with many locals unless you visit other areas like the souks in Old Dubai. Overall, people were generally respectful and courteous. I did notice, however, that travelers should exercise some caution, particularly when it comes to traditional dress codes and behavior in public places (wear shorts that go to or below the knee, t-shirts instead of tank tops, etc. Remember that Muslim culture is relatively conservative, so respect their cultures and values while being a tourist and you will have no issue. Overall, solo travel in Dubai was a positive and fulfilling experience!
LGBTQ+ Safety & Inclusion
Dubai’s LGBTQ+ scene is somewhat concealed due to the legal restrictions on same-sex relationships. Public displays of affection are not tolerated, and there are no openly queer venues. However, the city does cater to international tourists, and I didn’t encounter any issues. Discretion is important, and while I didn’t feel unsafe, I kept my LGBTQ+ identity low-key and focused on enjoying the trip. If you plan on opening an LGBTQ dating app – just don’t – enjoy the trip instead.
- Legal Status: Same-sex relations are illegal in Dubai, and there are strict punishments for violating these laws. It’s crucial for LGBTQ+ travelers to be aware of this and exercise discretion.
- Visibility: The city does not openly display pride or support for LGBTQ+ rights, but there are pockets of inclusivity in private spaces like upscale bars and restaurants.
- Safety: Choose popular hotel chains that are more inclusive and accepting of diversity in all its forms such as Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and other chains to minimize any potential safety risks.
Cost & Value
Dubai is generally expensive, but there are ways to experience luxury without completely breaking the bank. I choose to visit during the end of September, which is considered off-season as it is still during the hotter months of the year, but you can score much more affordable hotel and flights deals during this time. Personally, I stayed at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi and paid less than $200/night (CAD) for a beautiful hotel with views of the water, 5 star amenities, including a small waterpark, and amazing restaurants (including some of Dubai’s top rated)! See my review below.
Still, the experiences like the Burj Khalifa SKY observation deck and desert safari were certainly splurge-worthy, and you get what you pay for. The high-end dining options throughout Dubai and experiences were undeniably worth it.
- Daily Budget: Around CAD 150-200 per day (including food, transportation, and entry fees).
- Biggest Splurge: Burj Khalifa
- Best Value: Desert safari (worth every penny!).
Overall, Dubai’s high-end luxury options are indeed pricey, but there are also plenty of affordable experiences that allow you to soak in the essence of the city without spending a fortune.
Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend It?
Dubai is a city of extremes, and it’s one I would highly recommend to adventurous travelers who are ready for both high-end luxury and adventures. I never even got to do the zipline that soars from one building to another, the skydiving over the Palm, visit Atlantis Waterpark, and all the other adventure attractions the city has to offer. Needless to say, I have to go back.
Overall, it’s perfect for those who want to experience opulence, modernity, and adventure all in one trip. However, be mindful of the local cultural expectations, especially regarding LGBTQ+ rights, and be discreet when in public spaces. Dubai offers an unforgettable journey for those who embrace both its glittering luxuries and its unique, cultural landscape.
I’d recommend Dubai for:
- Solo travelers looking for a mix of luxury and adventure.
- Those who want to experience a futuristic city while still having access to adventure.
- Foodies eager to try a blend of traditional Emirati dishes and global cuisine.
Top Moments in Photos
✅ Destination Snapshot
| Category | Rating (★ out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Solo Travel Friendly | ★★★★☆ |
| LGBTQ+ Inclusivity | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Food & Drink | ★★★★★ |
| Adventure & Activities | ★★★★★ |
| Affordability | ★★★☆☆ |
| Would I Return? | Definitely |
Interested in Visiting?
If you want some help planning a vacation to Dubai, feel free to send me a message to chat more about my experience! I am always happy to chat about people’s travel ambitions and share some recommendations to help you create your own Window Seat memories from 30,000 feet. As an Independent Travel Advisor with Fora Travel, I also have access to some amazing hotel perks to help make affordable luxury travel a reality. Let’s chat!
