> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thesignaturejess.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # What I did not do in Dubai - URL: https://www.thesignaturejess.com/what-i-did-not-do-in-dubai/ - Published: 2026-08-19T13:38:46.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-19T13:50:48.000Z - Description: What I didn’t do in Dubai in 96 hours: the Burj Khalifa, desert safari and Dubai Mall, and what I chose to experience instead - Author: Jess - Tags: UAE, Travel, Restaurants, Wine & Cocktails, #Dubai, #Abu Dhabi, Culture *Hey there, I’m Jess* ✨*. On* [***The Signature***](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/about-me/)*, I share reflections on beauty, routines, travel, wellness, culture, and everyday life. For those drawn to a calmer, more intentional way of living, I send a free newsletter each month on the 7th.* [***You're welcome to join***](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/#/portal/)*.* --- "*Habibi, take me to Dubaiiiii!*" and finally it happened! I finally travelled to the [**United Arab Emirates**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/tag/uae/) in May 2026\. I say *finally* because the husband goes to the UAE for work very often, sometimes for weeks-long stints. I had the opportunity to come with him several times but I always declined because it was never the right timing for me. I was about to decline this trip again - I have severe airplane fatigue, to be honest - but I decided to stop saying no, and **decided to say yes to discovering a new country** where my husband has been spending a lot of time. I knew he really wanted to share what his life is like when he is here. As he had business meetings and we only had four full days in the country, we decided quickly that we would not do it all and it would be okay. Therefore, do not consider this a "*what not to miss in Dubai*" type of guide just because... we did all the opposite of what everybody is doing. [Unlock 20+ Travel Guides](#/portal/signup/free) ## The journey to Dubai and first impressions We have regular flights to Dubai with Emirates. We left in the early evening of a Thursday and landed by 5AM on Friday, to start our long weekend in the Gulf. I have travelled with Emirates before, to go to Singapore and [**on our honeymoon**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/our-honeymoon-zanzibar-stone-town-historic-soul/). I never loved the airline and this flight did not change my opinion. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/20260514_175834-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/20260514_191353.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/20260514_194430.jpg) **Dinner service at Emirates - Had a Virgin mojito cocktail with olives and the tastiest nuts and a mezze platter for starters. Cocktail was awful. Mezze was amazing* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8174.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8176.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8177.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8179.jpg) **Dinner service at Emirates - competent food, nothing to write about* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8184.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/20260514_175702.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/20260514_175908.jpg) **Had sweets with tea after dinner and reading on my Kindle during my flight because entertainment is just not it in an Emirates flight - very cool Bvlgari pouches tough!* Although I have been several times at the Dubai Airport on commutes, I had never gone through immigration there so that was a first experience for me. After long lines - that went by quite fast! - we passed the passport control area and the officer left a SIM card inside my passport. How practical! Yet I did not need it as I use [**the free eSIM card that comes with my plan with Revolut**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/how-i-made-my-revolut-premium-plan-pay-for-itself/). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/20260515_020832-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8186-1.jpg) **The Emirates fleet is majestic once you land - Taking the speed train at the airport for passport control at Dubai airport* As soon as we left the airport, we took a *Careem*, the most popular e-hailing taxi service in Dubai. It was a quick journey from the airport but a magical one for me. I immediately started crying as I was overwhelmed with how majestic everything was, from the buildings and monuments (such as the impressive **Dubai Frame**) on both sides of the road. At one point, the husband took me out of my stupor by pointing at the steel arrow in the horizon. There it was: the incredible **Burj Khalifa**, the world's tallest building and one of the main icons of Dubai once it put the dwarfing Burj Al-Arab beside it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8194.jpg) **Gorgeous flower arrangement at our accommodation's main lobby -* [**I love orchids*](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/orchids-flower-spike-or-root/)**!* We checked in at our accommodation in **Business Bay**, a central business district that is under construction. You see the same amount of cranes as you see of nearly completed buildings all around you in this era. It gives a sense of ongoing development that positively pumped me, as if I were in a land where future is just starting. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8201.jpg) **Incredible buildings in Business Bay, Dubai* ## We did not go to the Dubai Mall We had booked a sunset cruise and a cultural event during our stay, as well as visiting a mosque. I needed proper attire for all these moments and I needed to shop for a few bits. We could have gone straight to the Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the world and quite close to our accommodation. But my husband had been a few times and said it could quickly become an overwhelming experience. As it was the beginning of summer, people would take shade and shop in malls and only start sightseeing after dusk. And it's true that I get anxious about being in crowds. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8205.jpg) **The Mall of the Emirates in Dubai - May 2026* After a nap and a business meeting, we decided to go to The Mall of the Emirates. Smaller than Dubai Mall but with a great offer of stores and restaurants. Yes, because we were also starving. I asked my husband for us to focus on meals we could not have back at home, such as Middle Eastern and Asian. We started at **Din Tai Fung**, where we saw a lot of locals seated down for lunch a few minutes before noon. A good sign! Service was quick and I had the yummiest dumplings which I had not had in years. I know it's a chain but a novelty for me and I am glad I went. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0602.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8219.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0600.jpg) **Din Tai Fung at The Mall of the Emirates - dumplings and fried rice make for a great post-flight meal* The Mall of the Emirates deserves a full post which I hope to write soon with everything we purchased there, as we went a few times during our stay and experienced it empty and full on a Sunday afternoon. But I really needed [**to go here**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/sephora-dubai-beauty-review/)... ## We did not go up the Burj Khalifa After shopping and new dresses and shoes in hand, we went back to our accommodation to refresh. We checked if we could go have an impromptu meal with a view and opted for **CÉ LA VI**, on the 54th floor of the Address Sky View Hotel. As soon as we arrived just before sunset, we were amazed by the view of the Burj Khalifa. Soon enough the fountain started its show, which would repeat itself through the night, getting even more magical with the evening lights. We ordered steamed edamame - my favouriiiiite - and cocktails: with lavender for me, [**with whisky for him as usual**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/husbands-guide-to-scotch-whisky/). It was all delicious! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8313.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0647.jpg) **Lavender and whisky cocktails and steamed edamame to start the first evening feast in Dubai* Then we had the most amazing seafood: a lobster pasta for me ([**I never order pasta in restaurants**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/things-i-dont-spend-money-on/) but I make an exception for fresh pasta and this was divine!) and a beautifully grilled octopus for the husband. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8325.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0661.jpg) **Our seafood dinner at Cé La Vi Dubai - Seeing the fountain show by the Burj Khalifa from our table* We were full and a bit euphoric with it all and went crazy enough to order dessert after that copious meal, for a few more minutes enjoying the gorgeous skyline. Just the beautiful end to a gorgeous first day in the Emirates. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8331.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8335.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8330.jpg) **Dessert and the bar at Cé La Vi Dubai at night* ## We did not go to the desert safari One of the most stunning photographs you can see on Dubai travel guides is the day trip to the desert, with the sunset hues, the fire, the dancing, the food. I would love to experience that one day but on our second day, [**we opted to go to Abu Dhabi for the day**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/abu-dhabi-day-trip-from-dubai/). It turned out to be one of the most amazing cities I have ever been to and I can only promise myself to go back one day and stay longer... and maybe attend a Formula 1 race! [Abu Dhabi in a NutshellFrom the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the Yas Marina Circuit, a first glimpse into Abu Dhabi’s culture, architecture and quieter luxury![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-3e38863d-4883-4b1f-bb86-f70a560f0f44.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_8383-1-1-4b00d1f0-d966-4f99-ac8b-88ee6c584f0d.jpg)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/abu-dhabi-day-trip-from-dubai/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0799.jpg) **Dubai Marina Skyline at Sunset from JBR - May 2026* ## We did not go to the Palm The Palm is one of the greatest works of engineering of all time and I would have loved to go visit. But we opted for a walk around Jumeirah Beach Residence instead. Known as JBR, it is a long beachwalk that allows you to see the Ain Dubai, the pedestrian bridges and the beach clubs at the Dubai Marina. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8603.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8604.jpg) **The Ain Dubai wheel overlooking the Dubai Marina* This walk was the occasion to encounter the most diverse group of people walking metres away from each other. From runners to families, you could hear Tagalog, Arabic, Russian being spoken as you passed people. And many more languages I could not decipher giving me the greatest Babel tower impression. You would see people covered from head to toe to the skimpiest clothing. All cohabiting together. That is the beauty of the Emirates, for sure. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8618.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8619.jpg) **Mezze from Ka'ak Al Manara Bakery in Dubai* At the end of the stroll, we ordered a *mezze* platter from **Ka'ak Al Manara**, a Lebanese bakery in Dubai. Another delicious spread to finish an amazing second day in the UAE. [Is Dubai Safe Right Now?Writing live from the UAE in May 2026![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-4c1799a9-7fbb-4165-8e7e-f0e3b7fa3ef1.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_8292-e71bdabc-08aa-493b-b919-fc730d2426f9.jpg)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/is-dubai-safe-right-now/) ## We did not do a sunset cruise Through our trip, our pre-booked sunset cruise was frequently delayed for the day after, until we realised that it was not going to happen [**for security reasons**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/is-dubai-safe-right-now/). But we were not left bereft of an activity, we dressed up and went to the Dubai Opera instead. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8644.jpg) **The Dubai Opera House - May 2026* I had checked the programme and purchased tickets for a special evening of ballet. The programme featured a double bill with a ballet called *Come Un Respiro* (Like a Breath) specifically for Svetlana Zakharova, a major dancer from the Bolshoi Theatre and a former étoile at the Teatro alla Scala. The musical basis of the performance was formed by various Baroque period pieces by George Frideric Handel with the most intricate costumes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8659.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8648.jpg) **The end of the Come Un Respiro act - Dubai Opera in May 2026* The second part - and the one that was the most promoted - was the tribute to Gabrielle Chanel, the legendary French fashion designer. More famously known as Mademoiselle Coco Chanel, she is a controversial figure during the Second World War. The Chanel Fashion House was involved as they created over 80 costumes for the ballet. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0816.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8663.jpg) **The end of the Chanel act and the playbill with Svetlana Zakharova as Coco Chanel - May 2026* The last day was spent taking care of errands, the husband meeting friends and last bits of shopping such as [**my husband's wedding anniversary gift**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/the-signature-23/). To finish the culinary experiences off, we had another great Middle Eastern meal at Al Hallab, with the lentil soup, *tabbouleh* salad and grilled meats. All this washed down with the sweetest lemonade with mint. All very simple yet gorgeous. And if we looked around us? Locals eating. Lovely! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8696.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_8698.jpg) **A simple yet gorgeous meal at Al Hallab at the Mall of the Emirates - May 2026* [Sephora Middle East Review: Everything I Bought in DubaiFrom aggressive sales tactics and viral beauty brands to a massive skincare and haircare haul, here is what Sephora Dubai actually feels like![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-52d24418-ebb5-4141-9d7d-961134252a05.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/sephora-mall-emirates-dubai-34ed9b67-3769-4066-9a09-9b2b7a3ff951.jpg)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/sephora-dubai-beauty-review/) [Share the love for Dubai](#/share) ## What did we miss out on? Well, as I packed my bags to head back home after four full days in the United Arab Emirates, I just wanted to confirm with my husband and I asked him dozens of times: when are we coming back? Despite [**the region's turmoil**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/is-dubai-safe-right-now/), I loved all the experiences we had in Dubai (and Abu Dhabi) and would love nothing more than going back. I did not feel we missed out on anything. On the contrary, **I was able to live for a few days in my husband's professional shoes and had so much fun during his breaks**. If anything, everything that we did not do during this (first) trip was all the more we can do and discover in our next one. Going back to where we started, it's time to exclaim: "*Habibi, take me back to Dubaiiiii!*" ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0680.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0675.jpg) **Dubai at night from the Address Sky View elevator - May 2026* --- **Like this content and want more?* You can* [***subscribe to get a monthly edit***](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/#/portal/) *and we can connect also on* [**BlueSky**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/eebbfd7d?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb) *|* [**TikTok**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/3a8dd75f?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb) *|* [**Youtube**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/5cd54466?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb) *|* [**Pinterest**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/f6c35afb?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb)