Dubai has emerged as an irresistible destination for Pakistani tourists, seamlessly blending opulence with culture, drawing travellers from Pakistan to its shores year after year.

This melting pot of experiences offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, making it a favoured hotspot for Pakistani travellers seeking an array of attractions, shopping havens, culinary delights, and a welcoming environment that resonates with their cultural inclinations.

A home away from home

The allure of Dubai for Pakistani tourists lies in its ability to cater to diverse interests while maintaining an essence that feels familiar yet exotic. The multicultural ambiance makes it a welcoming destination for Pakistani tourists.

Both cultures share common values and traditions, fostering a sense of familiarity and comfort for travellers from Pakistan. Respect for local norms in public places, particularly during religious festivals, is highly appreciated and ensures a seamless interaction with the Emirati culture. Where Pakistanis can enjoy the best of both worlds, a home in a foreign land, is what makes Dubai the most preferred destination for Pakistani travellers.

Gastronomic scene

Dubai’s gastronomic scene offers diverse culinary experiences for Pakistani tourists, boasting high-end international restaurants and authentic Pakistani eateries with halal options. This cosmopolitan setting attracts food enthusiasts, providing traditional flavours at Ravi Restaurant and a rustic seafood experience at Bu Qtair near Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Established in the 1980s, Bu Qtair caters to the expat community, offering both indoor and outdoor seating for authentic sea flavours in a unique setting. Perched on a private pier in the Arabian Gulf, Pierchic, an award-winning Italian restaurant, offers romantic waterside dining with serene views and ambient lighting.

Indulge in their diverse menu featuring fresh seafood and classic Italian dishes, or savour Chef Beatrice Segoni’s six-course ‘blind’ tasting journey through Italy. Trésind Studio, led by Chef Himanshu Saini, is renowned as a top-tier restaurant, not only in Dubai but globally. His meticulously arranged tasting menus offer an unforgettable Indian-infused culinary voyage with a sequence of thoughtfully crafted dishes.

Practicality for Pakistanis

Practicality plays a pivotal role in Dubai’s appeal to Pakistani tourists. Direct flights, frequent connectivity, and relatively short travel times make Dubai a convenient destination. Pakistanis’ easier access for travel to Dubai along with its close proximity to Pakistan also adds to its allure. Its geographical proximity and relatively short flight duration with seamless connectivity make it an accessible getaway for those seeking a quick escape from Pakistan’s hustle and bustle.

Presently, Dubai offers direct flights from eight cities in Pakistan, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Quetta, Multan, and Sialkot. This direct connectivity underscores Dubai’s dedication to ensuring convenient travel for visitors from Pakistan. Dubai’s recent roadshow workshops conducted for tour operators in significant cities such as Islamabad, Faisalabad, and Sialkot highlight its commitment to establishing direct ties with the Pakistani travel industry.

Budget considerations are often on the minds of travellers, and Dubai offers a spectrum of options to suit varying budgets. While luxury accommodations and high-end experiences exist aplenty, there are also affordable accommodations, dining options, and attractions that cater to budget-conscious travellers from Pakistan.

Retail paradise

Dubai beckons shoppers with its extravagant retail offerings, providing a diverse shopping experience that Pakistanis adore, from luxury brands to budget-friendly options.

The city boasts extravagant malls such as The Dubai Mall renowned for more than 1,300 retail outlets, showcasing many global brands, entertainment, and diverse dining options, all under one roof, leaving one with a comprehensive shopping experience. Make a point to visit The Outlet Village designed like an Italian marketplace drawing inspiration from the medieval town of San Gimignano. This shopping hub showcases discounted products from renowned brands. Not a usual mall with discounts, this is your go-to place when seeking designer wear while being gentle on your credit card. The Outlet Village isn’t just about fashion; it offers a diverse range of well-stocked shops catering to kids’ wear, footwear, and sportswear.

Entertainment

Indulge in an exclusive entertainment venture. Perfect for social media enthusiasts seeking stunning visuals, AYA at WAFI City Mall’s atrium is an immersive space that captivates audiences with high-tech sound, lights, and graphics across 12 distinct zones, each narrating a unique tale. There is also the Sky Views Dubai offering captivating views of Downtown Dubai’s pristine landscapes and the city skyline. Situated atop the Address Sky View hotel, this architectural wonder presents three unique attractions – the Observatory, Glass Slide, and Edge Walk – promising unforgettable sightseeing experiences filled with thrills. Soar 4,000ft above Arabian sands on a hot air balloon tour by Balloon Adventures Dubai, an exclusive experience sharing the skies with falcons.

With skilled pilots and over 60 years of expertise, enjoy a serene hour-long flight above the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve at sunrise. Explore IMG Worlds of Adventure, one of Dubai’s biggest parks, featuring zones dedicated to beloved cartoon and superhero themes. Dive into the Marvel Zone for thrilling adventures battling Spiderman’s foes or experiencing gravity-defying rides with Thor’s heroic rescue attempts from Loki.

Dubai’s fusion of culture and luxury, coupled with its proximity, shared cultural ties, affordable choices, and diverse attractions, positions it as the top spot for Pakistani tourists. As Dubai evolves and introduces fresh experiences, it entices travellers from Pakistan to discover its marvels, craft lasting memories, and relish an unforgettable vacation in the City of Gold.

This content is produced in collaboration with Dubai Economy and Tourism Department and is not associated or necessarily reflective of the views of Dawn.com or its editorial staff