Dubai Surprised Me 

Let me be honest from the jump: I didn’t expect to fall in love with Dubai.
I’d heard the usual... it’s flashy, artificial, maybe even a bit soulless. But after a week of adventure, heat, skyline views, and next-level food, I walked away eating my words. Here’s what really went down in the city that felt like the future but in HD.

✈️ Flying to Dubai – Emirates Does Not Miss

I flew with Emirates from Manchester for £550 return (economy class), and even that felt fancy. The food slapped, the entertainment system had more options than Netflix on steroids, and the seats were roomy enough for a tall guy like me (I’m 5ft 9 on a good day) not to curse the laws of aviation.

🛬 Landing at Dubai Airport – Absolute Unit of a Terminal

Dubai International Airport is massive. Like, “am I walking to the city centre from the gate?” massive. But credit where it’s due: it was super efficient. Passport control was smoother than a slow jam, and bags were already circling when we got to the carousel.

🏙️ Where I Stayed – Balling on a Budget (Thanks to My Mate)

I stayed with a friend in their apartment near Downtown Dubai, which obviously helped the budget stretch further (cheers, mate). If I’d booked a hotel it would’ve cost a decent chunk, but staying local gave me a more authentic feel of the place too. Plus, waking up to the Burj Khalifa looming outside the window felt like being in a sci-fi film.

🚕 First Stop – Downtown Dubai

We grabbed a taxi straight to Downtown Dubai, home of the iconic Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. It’s basically the city's main character. The mall has everything. Literally everything. An aquarium, an ice rink, a waterfall, probably a spaceship somewhere in the basement.

🧠 Museum of the Future – Absolutely Wild

I’m not exaggerating when I say this was one of the best things I’ve ever done on a trip. The Museum of the Future feels like someone gave Elon Musk unlimited money and a blank canvas. You walk through interactive exhibits that show what life might be like in 2071, and somehow it’s educational, inspiring, and makes you want to start a tech company. If you do one cultural thing in Dubai. Make it this, although the robots are getting a little too realistic.

🐪 Desert Safari – Dune Bashing Madness

No trip to Dubai is complete without a desert safari, and ours was top-tier chaos in the best way. We got:

  • Dune bashing that felt like Fast & Furious: Sand Drift

  • Sandboarding where I discovered that a misspent youth riding a Skateboard around Oldham was actually quite beneficial and it turns out the old “You never lose it” trope might actually be true.

  • Quad biking, where I channeled my inner Mad Max

  • And best of all? Unlimited free food. If you’ve never eaten shawarma under the stars after almost flipping a 4x4, I highly recommend it.

🧑‍🍳 Atlantis The Royal – Gastronomy = Madness

We headed to Atlantis The Royal (yes, that Atlantis from your Instagram feed) to eat at Gastronomy, which was like a buffet but designed by someone with zero self-control and a Michelin star. Every type of cuisine was there. I had sushi, curry, pasta, and steak, and somehow still had room for a dessert bar that looked like Willy Wonka's daydream.

Insane views, impeccable service, and pure decadence.

🌅 Watching the Sunrise from the Burj Khalifa – Peak Main Character Energy

We went full tourist mode and caught the sunrise from the top of the Burj Khalifa, and honestly? I’d do it again in a heartbeat. There’s something wild about seeing the sun rise above the clouds while sipping coffee on the tallest building on Earth. It was peaceful, cinematic, and had me questioning if I was living in a screensaver.

🏌️ TopGolf Dubai – Because Why Not?

Even if your golf swing’s tragic (mine is 100% vibes, 0% skill), TopGolf Dubai is a must. Good food, great energy, and a view of the skyline while you whack balls into the abyss? Yes please.

🛥️ Dubai Marina – Exploring the Glam Side

The Marina was beautiful. We wandered around the waterfront, soaked up the atmosphere, and tried not to stare too hard at the superyachts. It’s glitzy, but in a good way, like if Monaco and Miami had a baby that wore designer shades 24/7.

💬 Final Thoughts – Dubai Changed My Mind

I expected shiny buildings and a lack of soul. What I got was:

  • Friendly people

  • A fascinating culture mash-up

  • Some of the best food I’ve ever eaten

  • Moments that genuinely moved me

Dubai isn’t soulless. It’s strategic, futuristic, and full of life. And if you're willing to look beyond the luxury filters, you’ll find real charm, warmth, and wonder underneath the surface.

Rating: 9.5/10
I didn’t just like Dubai. I felt it.