Abu Dhabi Tour From Dubai

Grand Mosque courtyard Glimpses of the World

Here is my experience with the Abu Dhabi tour from Dubai. Well, let’s start from the beginning. One of the things I promised myself to do if I ever set foot on Emirati soil was to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. I watched a TV documentary a couple of years ago […]

Dubai Creek Cruise

A view from the boat Glimpses of the World

Dubai Creek, which separates the two oldest districts—Deira and Bur Dubai—was home to the first inhabitants of this emirate. After the Baniyas tribe migrated from Abu Dhabi, the new ruler at the time, Sheikh Maktoum bin Hashar al Maktoum, granted various tax concessions to foreign traders towards the end of the 18th century. This attracted […]

Abu Dhabi Mosque Dress Code

White marble Glimpses of the World

I was most eager to see one particular tourist attraction in UAE and didn’t want to make a mistake regarding the Abu Dhabi mosque dress code. But here is what happened. I made sudden plans to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi the next day. (You’ll find more about it in my […]

Dubai Deira City Center Highlights

iranian-mosque-glimpses-of-the-world

Dubai Deira city center is one of the older parts of the city, where you can experience more traditional aspects of Arab culture, including the heritage of former tribes and their legacy. You might recall seeing a couple of domes from our sightseeing bus, one adorned with blue and green ornaments. The guide pointed out […]

Dubai Museum :: Is it Worth a Visit

Museum posters Glimpses of the World

This is what Dubai Museum looks like and if it’s worth a visit. Considering that I come from Europe, where “places to visit” typically include monuments, grand archaeological ruins, and cultural heritage dating back thousands of years, I was a bit surprised to be directed toward shopping malls in Dubai by default. However, I remained […]

Dubai Souks :: How I Got Lost

Spice Souk Glimpses of the World

Here are a few more interesting details before we head to the Dubai souks, just to give you a sense of where you’ve arrived. Not many mosques are found in modern, recently built districts, most of which date back just a decade or two. In these areas, you won’t hear the five daily calls to […]

Dubai Arabic Sweets :: A Kunafa Anecdote

Wafi Center Dubai

If you want to know what traditional Dubai Arabic sweets are like, prepare for what you’ve likely seen across the region if you’ve previously traveled in the Middle East, or at least for what is most commonly found in Turkey. Finding Arabic sweets in Dubai isn’t as simple as you’d think. Sure, you might spot industrially […]

Places to Visit in Dubai

Burj-Khalifa-Glimpses-of-the-World

“Places to Visit in Dubai” goes far beyond the shopping malls that are always the first recommendation—malls in Dubai we’ve already covered in previous articles. When you finish shopping for all those things you planned to buy – and those you didn’t – and when the glittering stores, flashing ads, and sleek marble interiors start […]

Skiing in Dubai :: Yes, It’s Possible

Skiing-indoors-Glimpses-of-the-World

It might be hard to believe, but you can find both snow and skiing in Dubai. If you’re craving below-zero temperatures, a blanket of snow, and some winter activities, no worries—Dubai will make snow for you. It might sound over the top, especially when the concrete outside is practically melting in the 45-degree heat. But […]

Malls in Dubai With a Twist

Dubai-glimpses-of-the-world

Whenever you ask someone what to see in UAE, the answer often seems predictable—shopping malls in Dubai. You might think, “That’s not too exciting, it’s just like back home.” Even if planning on picking up a few things, you probably expect to spend most of your time visiting cultural spots or relaxing on the beach. […]

Aquarium in Dubai :: What to Expect

Dubai tropical fish

When visiting UAE, it’s almost impossible to avoid the so-called “great shopping experiences,” no matter the purpose of your trip, so the aquarium in Dubai should be on your places-to-visit list. And here is why. As a tax-free zone, the city offers an incredible range of goods and brands, often at prices lower than those […]

Dubai Climate :: How to Survive the Summer

Summer in Dubai

If you are planning on traveling to the UAE during the summer, you should learn a thing or two about Dubai climate first. Here are a few insights firsthand. “Welcome to the city of contrasts—sandy dunes and skyscrapers, camels and fast cars, museums, and shopping centers—welcome to Dubai,” says one of the guidebooks I picked […]

Dubai Weather in August

Dubai Marina during summer

As soon as you read this first post, Dubai weather in August, you’ll know exactly what to expect from the local climate. If you can’t wait for that summer holiday, already daydreaming about sandy beaches, blue skies, and the refreshing touch of the sea—despite it still being April—well, in that case, maybe forget about Dubai! […]

Travel to Dubai :: My Story

Dubai travel stories Glimpses of the World

Have you ever wanted to travel to Dubai and wondered if it’s more than just a layover? What is there to see? What’s the city really like? Well, you’re in the right place! This is the start of a series of blog posts sharing my travel to Dubai, filled with personal stories and firsthand anecdotes. […]