The purpose of choosing Dubai as a destination can be defined in one word: contrasts. The fact that Dubai has a very rich cultural heritage definitely fueled my curiosity.  There I was, waiting for my friends to pick me up from the airport. On my way to my friend’s apartment, I could already see the contrast between the traditional and the new. As I arrived at the destination, I hit the balcony and enjoyed the 61st floor breathtaking view over the part of the city that is called Marina.

The next day,  it was 40 degrees Celsius and I woke up to the same view. I packed my bag for the day and went to the only place I would rather be in this world: the beach! As usual, I was not carrying a map so I started asking locals all over how I could get there. Everybody was ready to help! Surprisingly, all I needed was to cross the street and walk a few meters. There is no shortage of air conditioning in Dubai; every place has it!

The famous Barasti Beach was the first place I visited that day. If relaxing beach days are your thing, you’re in the right place. There’s no better place to enjoy great music, delicious food and tasty cocktails against the stunning background of the Dubai Marina. If you’re not an early sleeper, you can step into the night with the worlds best DJ’s.

The next day, I ran into the tallest skyscraper in Dubai, Burj Khalifa. The skyscraper is a symbol of strength and prosperity. Due to the massive tourist flow, I didn’t have the chance to go all the way up but I was lucky enough to meet another impressive attraction, the world’s largest choreographed fountain, Dubai Fountain. The fountain’s performances are completely free and can be seen from various location around Downtown. The playlist includes pop and classical genres. Inevitably, I discovered the home of Dubai shopping, Dubai Mall,. It is one of the world’s largest shopping malls! It’s not hard to imagine where my savings went, is it? The first day ended with a nice walk on the marina’s surrounding area and a stunning sunset see from the 61st floor.

The following morning, we took in the spectacular Dubai skyline as we dined at the savory Nasimi Beach buffet. After some well spent hours involving laziness and catching up with friends, we were headed to the Palm, which is a man-made set of islands. If you’re seeking a world-famous majestic ocean-themed experience, don’t miss the luxurious  Atlantis, The Palm. The resort and the hotel’s architecture are a real joy for the eyes.  As the next day came, we all knew it was reserved for fun. The Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE was waiting for us. This beach club is found almost in the heart of Dubai, offering the ultimate Ibiza Spanish vibes.

The last day in Dubai offered me magnificent panoramic views across Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. I also discovered the culinary excellence at The Observatory. My only regret about this trip is that my adventure in Dubai was pretty short and I couldn’t enjoy all the authentic Arabic places. If you ever find yourself in Dubai, don’t forget to try the Desert Safari and the Dune Bashing. You must also visit Dubai Museum and discover the Souks. As the plane was taking off, I realized that contrary to my expectations, Dubai has quickly become an exciting holiday destination.