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Updated 18 Feb, 2017

Most of us travel to Dubai for one of two reasons: to 'buy stuff' or to visit relatives.

But if you want to make the most of your trip, here's what you need to do:

1. Take a ride in a hot air balloon

People tend to associate hot air balloon rides with Turkey's Cappadocia. But did you know you can get the same experience in Dubai?

Filling up the hot air balloon.
Filling up the hot air balloon.

On our recent trip to Dubai we found ourselves perched high above the desert in a large wicker basket capable of holding about 20 people. It's the perfect way to experience a Dubai sunrise. The landing is bumpy, so make sure you hold on tight!

Soaring high above.
Soaring high above.

2. Visit the coin museum to see how the UAE's currency evolved

You might think present-day Dubai has no history — but that's not exactly right. This coin museum housed inside the Al-Fahidi neighbourhood will show you how money evolved over the centuries in an Arabian context.

The entrance to the Coins Museum. Photo: Tripadvisor
The entrance to the Coins Museum. Photo: Tripadvisor

The vast collection. Photo: Tripadvisor
The vast collection. Photo: Tripadvisor

Close-up of the coins. Photo: Tripadvisor
Close-up of the coins. Photo: Tripadvisor

3. Investigate how bedouins built their homes before the skyscraper took over

Visit well-preserved forts and homes in Dubai's historic Al-Fahidi neighbourhood, where guides will brief you on how homes were built to keep out the harsh desert sun.

Remind you of Aladdin?
Remind you of Aladdin?

We see you flags!
We see you flags!

The interior decor of the homes.
The interior decor of the homes.

4. Learn about the ancient art of taming falcons

Arab traditions are rich and complex, and the art of taming falcons is one of them. Falcons were once a key means of survival in the desert, where ready supplies of food were few and far in between.

The average citizen in Dubai doesn't rely on falcons to hunt anymore, but it's fun to visit traditional falcon tamers who will show you how it's done.

They're cuter than you think! Photo: Umair Mirza
They're cuter than you think! Photo: Umair Mirza

5. Explore Dubai's newest amusement park and get a taste of Bollywood

Did you know Dubai can now boast of the world's very first Bollywood-themed amusement park?

Expect to find scenes from Bollywood films brought to life as you stroll down mock-ups of Mumbai's streets. If you're Pakistani this might be as close as you'll get to Bollywood for a while so you might want to check it out. Just sayin'...

Mr. India makes it to Dubai.
Mr. India makes it to Dubai.

The classic Sholay is a must.
The classic Sholay is a must.

How cute are these buildings?
How cute are these buildings?

Mini Taj Mahal named the Raj Mahal.
Mini Taj Mahal named the Raj Mahal.

6. Get a taste of the unspoiled desert at Dubai's first national park

The UAE's first national park was established in the late nineties and is called The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Making our way through the desert in jeeps.
Making our way through the desert in jeeps.

Located about an hour outside Dubai, it's unique because here the desert's beauty is unspoiled. Dune bashing is not allowed so tour vehicles have to stick to pre-assigned paths. If you have a keen eye you'll be able to spot oryx and gazelles, and your tour guide will point out other smaller animals.

Try it, we had a blast!

7. Snack on yum cuisine from around the world

Dubai is home to some of the best eateries in the world. The only downside is that eating out in Dubai is expensive. However, food is always top quality and after a hectic day of sightseeing, you deserve to splurge a little!

A delicious meal at The Artisan
A delicious meal at The Artisan

Yum breakfast at the Intercontinental
Yum breakfast at the Intercontinental

Traditional fare at Accents
Traditional fare at Accents

Comments

k .jatt Feb 18, 2017 02:57pm
You can enjoy more in Dubai than in Pakistan
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Laeeq Feb 18, 2017 05:48pm
Nothing impressive!
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Harmony-1© Feb 18, 2017 06:26pm
Shopping malls and food. Basically that's all there is without passing through any slums!
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Pakistani Feb 18, 2017 06:43pm
Nope. The natural beauty of Kagan, Naran, Swat, Gilgit, Baltistan and Azad Kashmir any day over these concrete buildings in a desert.
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Issah Feb 18, 2017 06:50pm
No thanks, better place to visit in the world.
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Dearpakistanis Feb 18, 2017 07:23pm
So basically if we're not going to Dubai for shopping, it would be better to go the Northern Areas of Pakistan.
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ahmedj Feb 18, 2017 11:14pm
Desert safari at Conservation Reserve with classic Land Rover series 1 and 2 vehicles from sixties era shows the quality of the tour. Very well thought idea. After all, apart from glittering gold and money, they have some taste too.
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ahmedj Feb 18, 2017 11:17pm
@Dearpakistanis What if I've seen and lived in the northern areas, cholistan and thar shouldn't I go and explore Dubai?
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amy Feb 19, 2017 04:39am
Welcome to Dubai... and after one hour of travelling.. end of dubai. see ya folks.
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Riz Feb 20, 2017 09:37am
the hot balloon and Bollywood park price is too much,, Hot Balloon is awesome in Cappadocia Turkey with great scenery,,,
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Lurker Feb 20, 2017 12:42pm
@Pakistan so true!
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