Should I go to Dubai for holidays?

Before visiting Dubai I was wondering if it was worth going all the way to Dubai. From my surrounding I heard some mixed experiences. Either you really like it or you don’t want to go back. Let me start with the later, most don’t like Dubai since the things they mostly see are skyscrapers and they encounter lack of nature or green. The food are expensive if you visit the touristic places. And if you happen to visit during the summer then you won’t survive the heat during the day.

Dubai is still under heavy development in which numerous islands will be built, along with eco -green parks. The infrastructure is still under construction, I can tell since I have been visiting Dubai twice and the navigation doesn’t meet the current status of the roads.

Here below I will sum up the reasons why Dubai is worthwhile to visit:

• Since this is a food blog, I should start with the right topic. The supply of food is immense, there is practically any food from different corners of the world. It offers vegetarian, vegan and obviously halal as well. You could opt for affordable food but also for more luxurious up to eleven courses. Dubai has it all.
• Dubai is vibrant! It wants to present it self as a top-tier travel destination. I went to the museum of the future where it was explained how Dubai wants to emerge it self for the upcoming projects, think smart city initiatives. It was clearly mentioned that Dubai is not the place for backpackers. Expect luxury, tallest buildings, the most expensive cars. It’s extravagant and this is nowhere else to be seen.
• Plenty of activities you can do: swimming, visiting beach club, go to public beaches, visit the palm island, take a quad ride in the Sahara, overnight under the stars in the desert, go to the museums, visit Global Village, cool down in many shopping malls, visit Dubai mall which has indoor aquarium, visit mall of the Emirates which has indoor ski resort (and poor penguins), go to the Old Dubai, get blinded with all the gold they have at the “gold souk”, go up and see the view from the Dubai frame and of course go up the tallest building in the world “Burj Khalifa”. I can continue writing all the places you could possibly visit but for the first timer, the before mentioned activities should fill up your holiday already.
• Safe and clean: Dubai is known for its extremely low criminal rate. While in European countries I am always cautious for pickpockets, in Dubai you can easily leave your belonging behind on the beach. It is one of safest countries to travel for female solo travellers. The streets are so clean and everything breathes order.
• All year sun: while the weather can become extremely hot between June and September, most people would prefer to visit Dubai during the winter seasons due to its pleasant temperature. Expect temperature between 20-35 degrees Celsius, outside the summer period, which is pleasant to enjoy the many beaches and man made islands.
• While you might think that Dubai is only for the young people who has money to spend, then you are not entirely right. I do see lots of families with little kids coming to Dubai as well. Let me tell you Dubai is a really family friendly destination. Also it is nice a place to visit for older people. It is simply to be visited for all ages.

Verdict: If you are stingy and you don’t want to spend money, skip Dubai. Expect same price or even more compared to Western Europe for a regular dinner at touristic places. There are cheaper options but you are going to be unlikely visiting those area’s all the time, such as Deira or Bar Dubai (both part of Old Dubai). Do not go during the summer holidays unless you want to end up in the airconditioned places wearing sweater. If you enjoy beaches, shopping malls, skyscrapers, museums, futuristic and luxurious feel and look, do visit Dubai.