Dune bashing, Versace brunch, indoor skiing, and a $12 meal that beats everything else — Dubai does NOT disappoint.
EndlessTravel365 · Dubai & Abu Dhabi
We’ve been to a lot of places. Dubai is unlike any of them. It’s flashy, it’s massive, it’s a little ridiculous in the best possible way — and honestly? We were obsessed. From the desert to the skyscrapers to the most insane brunch we’ve ever had in our lives, here is everything we did and everything you need to put on your list.
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Brunch at Palazzo Versace — Yes, It’s as Extra as It Sounds
Dubai is famous for its brunches and we knew we had to experience one. We chose Palazzo Versace and oh my goodness — we were not prepared. This is a full-on all-you-can-eat-and-drink house party situation. It’s exactly as over-the-top as you’re imagining. The vibe, the food, the people, the energy — it’s unlike any “brunch” you’ve ever had back home.
They also do an incredible Indian breakfast spread that blew us away. Flavors we weren’t expecting, dishes we didn’t recognize but kept going back for. If you’re only doing one Dubai brunch (and you should do at least one), make it this one.
Pro TipClear your afternoon. You’re not doing anything productive after a Palazzo Versace brunch and that is completely fine.
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Desert Safari — Dune Bashing, Sandboarding, Camels, Belly Dancing & Hookah
This was a full day and night experience and it is an absolute must-do. We’re talking dune bashing in a 4×4 — which is basically the most fun you can have while also questioning every decision you’ve ever made — followed by sandboarding down the dunes, which is harder than it looks and way more fun than it sounds.
Then comes the camel ride (check that one off the bucket list!), and as the sun goes down you head to a desert camp for a dinner buffet under the stars. The entertainment gets going after that — belly dancing, hookah, the whole experience. It genuinely felt like another world.
Don’t skip the sandboarding. Yes you will fall. Yes you will get sand in places sand has no business being. Do it anyway — 100% worth it.
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Patrick and Ricardo — The Friends Who Made the Trip
We have to give a huge shoutout to our guys Patrick (Germany) and Ricardo (Portugal) — two of the most fun travel companions you could ask for. Meeting people from all over the world is one of our favorite parts of traveling and these two made every experience that much better. You know who you are — Dubai wouldn’t have been the same without you!
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Ravi Restaurant — $12 for THREE Meals. Stop What You’re Doing.
Okay. OKAY. We need to talk about Ravi’s. This legendary Pakistani restaurant in Satwa has been feeding Dubai for decades and for about $12 you can eat three full, incredibly delicious meals. The chicken is famous for a reason. It’s simple, it’s authentic, it’s packed with locals, and it is some of the best food we ate the entire trip.
Let that sink in: $12. Three meals. Best chicken in Dubai. Ravi Restaurant, Satwa. Go. Best Value in Dubai
This is the kind of place that reminds you that the most memorable food experiences don’t require a reservation or a dress code. Just show up hungry.
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Abu Dhabi Day Trip — 100% Worth It
Dubai gets all the attention but Abu Dhabi deserves some love too. We did a day trip and it was fantastic. First stop — the Etihad Towers, which you might recognize from Fast & Furious 7. Standing there and thinking “wait, didn’t they drive a car through here” is a pretty surreal feeling.
We also loved the Hilton Beach Club out there — great spot to decompress and enjoy the waterfront. Abu Dhabi has a slightly different, more relaxed energy than Dubai and it’s a great contrast. Highly recommend carving out at least a day for it.
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Things to Do in Dubai — The Full List
The Tap House on the Palm — Great bar vibes on the Palm Jumeirah. Cold drinks, good times, awesome atmosphere. If you’re on the Palm, this is your spot.
Dubai Picture Frame — One of the coolest and most creative structures we’ve seen. It’s literally a giant picture frame and the views from the top are incredible. Do it for the gram — obviously — but also just because it’s genuinely awesome.
Mall of the Emirates — Indoor Ski Slope — We know what you’re thinking. Yes, there is a full indoor ski slope inside a mall in the desert. Yes, we skied. Yes, it was surreal and hilarious and amazing. Dubai is unreal.
Magic Planet Arcade — Great if you need a break from the heat or just want to have some fun. We turned into kids immediately. Zero regrets.
The Scene at Dubai Marina — Beautiful setting, great food and drinks. Dubai Marina is stunning and The Scene is a perfect spot to take it all in. Views for days.
Baku Ferris Wheel Park — Grab your ride, take in the skyline, enjoy the park atmosphere. It’s one of those only-in-Dubai moments that’s both relaxing and totally over the top at the same time.
Dubai Christmas Market — We caught the Christmas market while we were there and it was so much fun. Shopping, festive food, great energy. Don’t assume Dubai doesn’t do the holidays — they go ALL out.
Hard Rock Hilton — You already know the Hard Rock vibe. Great food, great energy, and a familiar face when you need a night that feels a little like home.
Hard Rock Hilton 360 Bar — 25th Floor: This was one of our favorite moments of the whole trip. The 360 bar rotates slowly and gives you a panoramic view of the entire city as it moves. The Dubai skyline at night from up there is genuinely jaw-dropping. We stayed way longer than we planned and we are not sorry about it.
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Dubai is one of those places that sounds almost made up until you’re actually there. And then you’re there, and it’s even more unbelievable in person. The desert adventure, the insane food scene, the skyline, the people you meet — it all comes together into something you don’t forget. Put it on the list. Move it to the top of the list. Just go!
Justin and Lindsay
P.S. Shoutout again to Patrick and Ricardo — legends, both of you.
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