Also including our expert tips on the Dubai Shopping Festival highlights
Winter vacation with family is one of the most anticipated activities for Indians. The perfect way to usher in the New Year, here’s a wholesome 1-week itinerary for a trip to Dubai during the Dubai Shopping Festival
Looking for the perfect destination to ring in the New Year and enjoy a good balance of traveling and relaxation? Look no further! Plan a week-long holiday in Dubai right around the Dubai Shopping Festival (ongoing till Jan 30, 2022) now.
Day 1: For the beach lover
Your first day in Dubai has to be awe-inspiring with its unparalleled hospitality and comfort. Begin your trip by visiting the famous beaches of Dubai, such as the Kite beach, the Black Palace beach (Al Sufouh Beach), Al Mamzar beach park, La Mer. You can experience the idyllic lifestyle on The Beach opposite Jumeirah Beach Residences and relish local and global cuisines around them. From kite surfing at the Kite Beach, parasailing, jet-skiing, fly fishing, to diving, wakeboarding, windsurfing, there is something for everyone. During the Dubai Shopping Festival, you can watch the fireworks illuminating the skyline against the robust coastline or the super popular drone light shows as you enjoy a scrumptious dinner.
Day 2: For the cultural explorer
You can soak up a unique and historic vibe at Al Fahidi neighbourhood, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, Souq Al Kabeer, Spice, and Gold souks, and conclude your day with an amazing culinary experience in Old Dubai. Try the best falafels (Sultan Dubai Falafel), ka’ak bread (Falafel Alzaeem, Deira), chicken tikka (Sind Punjab, Karama) and relish the street foods of Dubai. A brilliant mix of Iranian, Lebanese, Arabic, and Indian food, will leave you craving for more. Visit the classic markets of Dubai Creek, shop for textiles and pure gold on either side of the creek.
Day 3: For families with children
From family entertainment places such as the immersive digital art center – Infinity des Lumieres, at Dubai Mall, experiential play museum – Oli Oli, to the recently opened View at the Palm and the virtual reality experience that is Dreamscape, the unique perspective from 250 m in the sky from Ain Dubai, and Legoland Dubai, there are fun places for you and your children.
Day 4: For the romantic couples
Dubai is the ultimate location for a romantic getaway. Officially the highest lounge in the world, The Lounge at Burj Khalifa, situated at a height of 585 meters, offering a stunning view of the city from its outdoor terrace. The Dubai Fountain is world-famous and can set any couple dancing to tunes such as Kiss Goodbye by Han Yimiao, I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston, Time to Say Goodbye by Sarah Brightman, and others. If your loved one is in the mood for some musicals, Dubai Opera hosts a plethora of musicals, including Broadway shows throughout the year. Some of the upcoming shows include Chicago, Snow White, and the Seven Dwarfs, and Tosca by the Russian State Opera. And if you wish to get away from the hustle-bustle of the city, indulge in the luxurious Arabian experience that is a hot air balloon trip, camping trip at Hatta, or simply dine at some great concept restaurants such as the Al Maha Resort, Dinner in the Sky, or The Observatory.
Day 5: For the adventure lovers
You can visit the various theme parks dotted across the city, including Motiongate, Riverland, Mushrif Park, Aventura Park.
For water lovers, there is nothing more fascinating than the Aquaventure Waterpark, situated at Atlantis, The Palm. Visit the world’s largest waterpark and get your pulse racing with 105 record-breaking slides and
mind-blowing experiences like the Leap of Faith, the Tower of Neptune under the lagoon, Poseidon’s Revenge, Atlantean Flyer, and the Lost Chambers Aquarium.
You can also play in the snow, and go skiing in Ski Dubai at the Mall of Emirates or surf away to glory at Dubai Wave House.
Day 6: For the shopaholic
Whether it is traditional souks or ultra-modern malls, Dubai is the shopping destination for a reason. From high-end exclusive designers and brands to local artists, antiques, and vintage pieces, Dubai is a true shopaholic’s Eden.
During the Dubai Shopping Festivals, the city also hosts a beautiful mix of big star-studded concerts and local artists that you can hop in between shopping. The Roaring 20s-themed extravaganza at the Dubai Opera with music, shopping, and food over the New Year’s culminate with a night of dancing with DJ Chris Wright, DJ MK, and the Disciples, Lebanese singer Najwa Karam, and Syrian singer Nassif Zeytoun.
Day 7: For the foodies
From lovely little cafés to high-end concept restaurants, Dubai has an amazing line up of global cuisines. From British fish and chips to Vietnamese pho, from Japanese sashimi to American pie, from Italian pasta to Emirati harees, from Russian pelmeni to Pakistani nihari, from Indian chicken tikka to Thai red curry, Dubai can satisfy all your cravings.
Ring in 2022 with your loved ones by taking your pick of all the festivities that Dubai has to offer. Enjoy front-row views to Dubai’s famous fireworks displays when the clock strikes 12.
Fireworks schedule: 11:59pm at Al Seef, La Mer, The Beach opposite JBR, Bluewaters, Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Festival City Mall.
Fireworks schedule for DSF: 8.30 pm onwards on 31 December at Al Seef, La Mer, The Beach, opposite JBR and Bluewaters, Dubai Festival City Mall, Expo 2020 Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Global Village, Atlantis The Palm, Burj Al Arab, Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Frame, The Pointe, Park Hyatt Dubai, Jebel Ali Golf & Resort, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel, Bab Al Shams, Address Montgomerie, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Sofitel The Palm Jumeirah, One & Only the Palm Jumeirah, Palazzo Versace, BVLGARI Resort & Residences, Town Square Dubai, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, Club Vista Mare, One & Only Royal Mirage and Palm Beach, The Palm – 11:59pm. On 1-12 January Al Seef – 8:30pm onwards, on 13-22 January at The Beach, opposite JBR and Bluewaters – 9:30pm (7:00pm and 9:30pm on weekends), on 23-30 January at The Pointe – 9:00pm. Plan your Dubai trip today with an all-encompassing itinerary, which is ideal for your family to explore all of Dubai’s top highlights.
Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Dubai Tourism by Mediawire team.
