Dubai is always a good idea. There’s always something new and unexpected—whether it’s art, shopping, food or sights—making each trip a memorable one. Here’s why you should visit right now (before the scorching summer sets in)!
Ease of travel
Until very recently, Dubai required a series of RT-PCR tests to be done before arrival, followed by a brief hotel quarantine. Since the end of February 2022, these requirements have been eased. Fully vaccinated travellers no longer require a pre-boarding test nor any hotel quarantine upon arrival. Dubai has also dropped the face mask mandate in outdoor areas, although they are still required in indoor venues like malls.
Culture vulture
The buzziest Dubai attraction at the moment is the Museum of the Future, which opened its doors in February 2022. Designed by architect Shaun Killa, this eye-catching asymmetric steel-and-glass torus on Sheikh Zayed Road is unmissable. From space missions to bioengineering, its seven floors envisage how science and technology will shape the next 50 years of mankind.
Another must-do is the Alserkal Avenue, a 5,00,000-sqft cultural space in the Al Quoz industrial area, where former warehouses have been converted into art galleries, homegrown entrepreneur-led creative businesses, cafes and restaurants. Current exhibitions include The Guernica Project by Raghava KK at Volte Art Projects (until April 16), Jitish Kallat’s Order of Magnitude at Ishara Art Foundation (until July 1), the boundary-pushing art & NFTs of Josh Rowell at Firetti Contemporary (until April 15), Iwan Maktabi’s UnMasked 2.0, a collection of limited-edition crafted collectibles and carpets (until April 4), and others.
Cruise control
There’s a luxe new way of cruising the Dubai Creek with The Boat By Address, Address Hotels + Resorts’ latest offering. Head to the Creek Marina Yacht Club and hop aboard the fully serviced 85-feet luxury boat, complete with three bedrooms, a lounging deck and an onboard chef who will dish out a bespoke menu. The private cruise takes you along the Dubai Canal and past the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary and mangroves with magnificent views of the Dubai Creek Harbour, the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai skyline.
Point of view
The Address Sky View in Downtown Dubai has unlocked a cool new way of seeing the city from above. Dubai’s very first Edge Walk is now open at Sky Views, an adrenaline-inducing experience 219.5 metres above ground level. Get harnessed and step out on the ledge for a walk along the outside of the building—no glass or protective barrier stands between you and the stunning 360° view of the city! If that’s too daring for you, try the Glass Slide—sit on a piece of canvas, hold on tight to its handles and slide down a transparent glass tube with uninterrupted views. Another spectacular vantage point is The View at The Palm at Palm Tower, a 240-metre-high observation deck that overlooks The Palm Jumeirah laid out below in all its glory.
Culinary adventures
Take your pick from an array of new restaurants in Dubai—the current ‘it’ place is Sushisamba on the 51st floor of Palm Tower, where Chef Moon Kyung Soo dishes up a fabulous blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine against the gorgeous backdrop of Palm Jumeirah. Also in the vicinity is Tamoka at the Ritz-Carlton Dubai JBR, where Chef Cesar Bartolini serves up delectable Latin American and Caribbean flavours along with potent cocktails in a laidback beachfront location. In downtown, La Cantine du Faubourg has had a design refresh, although its eclectic French fare remains as fabulous as ever.
Stylish digs
There’s been a spate of new hotel openings in Dubai over the past couple of years. Check-in at Paramount Hotel Midtown, which brings contemporary Hollywood style to Dubai’s Business Bay, or try 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, the bohemian boutique brand’s first offering in the region. If you prefer staying in the Jumeirah area, there’s the sprawling Raffles The Palm Dubai on the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah or Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai located at La Mer, close to Laguna Waterpark and Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood.
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