Dubai

Author: amelie mertens

  • Explore The Green Planet – Dubai’s Indoor Tropical Rainforest

    Explore The Green Planet – Dubai’s Indoor Tropical Rainforest

    If you’re looking for an activity in Dubai that combines adventure, nature, and a fully immersive experience, The Green Planet is one of the city’s most impressive attractions. This indoor biodome recreates an entire tropical rainforest ecosystem under one giant glass structure, making it the perfect escape from the desert heat and a truly magical world to step into. Inside, you’ll find a carefully engineered habitat filled with lush vegetation, towering trees, and over 3,000 species of plants and animals.

    What makes The Green Planet so special is how close you can get to wildlife. As you walk across winding pathways and suspended canopy bridges, you’ll encounter colorful tropical birds, reptiles, insects, and even the biodome’s famous sleepy sloths, which are often a favorite highlight for visitors. The experience is designed to mimic real rainforest conditions — from the humidity to the natural sounds — so you truly feel like you’ve stepped into another world. Whether you’re passionate about nature or simply want to experience something visually stunning and relaxing, this is a must‑visit.

    This attraction is great for all ages. Families love how interactive and educational it is, while couples and solo travelers enjoy the peaceful environment and unique photo opportunities. The Green Planet also offers various add‑ons like behind‑the‑scenes tours and animal encounters, allowing you to learn more about the rainforest ecosystem and its conservation efforts.

    Location: City Walk, Al Wasl
    Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 5pm

  • Mercato Shopping Mall

    Mercato Shopping Mall

    Mercato Shopping Mall stands out in Dubai thanks to its charming Italian Renaissance design, complete with cobblestone walkways, pastel‑toned façades, and a warm, village‑like atmosphere. It offers a relaxed and curated alternative to the city’s mega‑malls, making it ideal for visitors who prefer a stylish yet intimate shopping experience.

    Inside, you’ll find a thoughtful selection of international high‑street and specialty brands. While Mercato focuses more on boutique retail than massive luxury halls, it still offers a strong mix of fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and family‑friendly stores. According to regional listings, Mercato Mall features brands across fashion, electronics, homeware, and specialty categories.
    Examples of the types of brands commonly found in Mercato include:

    • International fashion labels (high‑street and mid‑range)
    • Beauty & cosmetics shops
    • Electronics and gadget retailers
    • Home décor and lifestyle stores
    • Cafés, patisseries, and casual dining restaurants
      These contribute to the mall’s reputation as a relaxing shopping and dining destination.

    If you’re looking to explore, Mercato Mall also offers entertainment options for families, including seasonal events, a cinema, and cozy cafés perfect for an afternoon break.

    Address: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah, Dubai

  • The Dubai Mall

    The Dubai Mall

    Dubai Mall is one of the largest and most famous shopping and entertainment destinations in the world. Located in Downtown Dubai, right next to the iconic Burj Khalifa, the mall attracts millions of visitors each year thanks to its impressive size, wide variety of shops, and countless attractions. With more than 1,200 stores and over 200 dining options, it offers a complete experience where shopping, leisure, and culture come together in one place.

    One of the most popular attractions inside Dubai Mall is the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, which features one of the world’s largest suspended aquarium tanks and allows visitors to admire thousands of marine animals up close. For those looking for a more active experience, the mall also houses an Olympic‑sized ice rink, where visitors of all ages can enjoy skating throughout the year. Another must‑see highlight is the Dubai Dino, a genuine 155‑million‑year‑old dinosaur skeleton displayed in the Grand Atrium—an unexpected educational attraction right in the middle of a shopping center.

    If you enjoy immersive and high‑tech activities, Dubai Mall offers the VR Park, a virtual‑reality world filled with exciting adventures and games. Families with children will also appreciate areas such as Kidzania, where kids can role‑play adult professions in a fun and interactive setting. And just outside the mall, visitors can enjoy the famous Dubai Fountain Show, a spectacular water performance set to music and lights, making the perfect ending to a day at the mall.

    Thanks to its central location, the mall is directly connected to the Burj Khalifa, making it easy for visitors to combine shopping and dining with a visit to the world’s tallest building. The entire area around the mall is designed to offer a luxurious and unforgettable experience for both tourists and locals.

    Address:
    Financial Centre Road, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  • Desert safari

    Desert safari

    A desert safari in Dubai is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have during your visit to the UAE. The city’s vast golden dunes provide the perfect backdrop for an adventure that blends excitement, culture, and the natural beauty of the Arabian desert. Desert safaris have been an essential part of Dubai’s tourism scene since the 1980s, evolving from simple camel rides and dune explorations into fully immersive experiences offering both thrill and tradition. Today, countless operators organize safaris ranging from morning adventures to full overnight stays under the stars.

    One of the highlights of a desert safari is dune bashing, an adrenaline‑filled drive across high sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle. Skilled drivers take you on sharp twists and climbs that create an exciting roller‑coaster sensation across the desert landscape. For those who want even more action, quad biking is another popular activity, allowing you to navigate the desert on a powerful 350cc bike while enjoying complete freedom on the open sand. Many tours also include sandboarding, a fun sport similar to snowboarding where you glide down steep dunes—perfect for visitors who enjoy outdoor activities.

    Besides the adventure, a desert safari also offers rich cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy camel rides, traditional live music, belly dancing shows, and a delicious BBQ dinner served at desert camps designed to reflect Arabian hospitality. Some safaris even offer stargazing experiences, letting you enjoy the peaceful desert night after the excitement of the day.

    For travelers who want the full experience, operators also offer overnight safaris, where you can sleep in desert tents or deluxe rooms and wake up to a beautiful desert sunrise. Morning safaris are available too, ideal for those short on time but who still want a taste of Dubai’s desert landscape.

  • Mimi Kakushi

    Mimi Kakushi

    Mimi Kakushi is one of Dubai’s most stylish and atmospheric dining spots, and its bar is a major part of its charm. Stepping inside feels like entering a hidden jazz lounge from 1920s Osaka, thanks to the warm amber lighting, dark wood, brass accents, and soft Art Deco glow that defines the space. The bar is beautifully designed, with illuminated shelves and intimate lighting that create a cinematic, almost vintage club atmosphere—perfect for both relaxed evenings and special occasions.

    What truly elevates the experience is Mimi Kakushi’s award‑winning cocktail program. Led by Manja Stankovic, the bar has earned international recognition, ranking No. 36 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 and holding the title of Best Bar in the Middle East for three consecutive years. Its cocktails combine Japanese ingredients, refined techniques, and bold creativity, resulting in drinks that are as visually striking as they are well‑balanced. Whether you choose something smoky, citrusy, or umami‑rich, each cocktail feels thoughtfully crafted to match the restaurant’s East‑meets‑West identity.

    The bar’s lively yet elegant ambiance makes it a favorite stop for pre‑dinner drinks or a full evening out. Music, lighting, and service come together to create a sophisticated rhythm—inviting guests to linger, try new cocktails, and enjoy the unique blend of Japanese flair and jazz‑era energy. Simply put, Mimi Kakushi’s bar isn’t just an add‑on to the restaurant; it’s one of Dubai’s standout nightlife destinations.

    Address:
    Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
    23A Street, Jumeirah 2, Dubai, UAE

  • At.mosphere

    At.mosphere

    At.mosphere, located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, is one of Dubai’s most iconic lounge bars—famous for its sky‑high setting, refined ambiance, and breathtaking views stretching across the entire city and the Arabian Gulf. The moment you step out of the Armani Hotel elevators, the space feels luxurious and intimate, with soft lighting, sleek décor, and floor‑to‑ceiling windows that make the lounge glow against the night skyline. The atmosphere is elegant without being overly formal, striking the perfect balance between exclusivity and comfort.

    The lounge and bar area is designed for those who want to enjoy the view with a premium drink in hand. Whether you visit for sunset cocktails or a late‑night experience, the bar serves as a sophisticated social space with a smooth rhythm supported by curated music and well‑crafted drinks. The lounge features international lounge music and DJ sets in the evenings, adding a polished nightlife energy without overpowering conversation.

    Drinks at At.mosphere feel indulgent, with a menu that reflects the venue’s upscale identity—premium spirits, elegant cocktails, and refined champagne options are presented with meticulous service. The venue is often chosen for special occasions because of its combination of luxury, music, and extraordinary elevation, making even a simple drink feel like a once‑in‑a‑lifetime moment. With both a fine‑dining section and a relaxed lounge area, guests can enjoy anything from high tea to sunset drinks to late‑night bar sessions.

    Address:
    At.mosphere
    Burj Khalifa, 122nd Floor, Downtown Dubai, UAE

Welcome to Dubai, come find out more about it!panoramic photography of the city during night