Our Dubai Adventure: Sunsets, Skylines, and Sand Dunes

Dubai had always been on our travel list — that vast city of luxury, innovation, and endless sunshine. This year, we finally made it, and what we discovered was a mix of modern wonders, desert magic, and moments that felt straight out of a dream.

Jumeirah Beach

Our first morning in Dubai began at Jumeirah Beach, where the city’s energy meets the calm of the Arabian Gulf. The sand was soft and almost white, and the water shimmered in shades of turquoise I’d only seen in photos. With the iconic Burj Al Arab standing proud in the distance, it felt surreal just sitting there. It was the perfect way to ease into the city's rhythm.

A Taste of Luxury on the Palm

Day two, we made our way to Palm Jumeirah — the man-made island that’s become a Dubai icon. We spent the day at Soluna Restaurant & Beach Club (https://www.solunabeachclub.com/) overlooking the skyline. We couldn’t help but gaze at how seamlessly Dubai blends the natural and the extravagant. Watching the sun glint off the water while yachts drifted by was the very definition of vacation bliss.

Evenings at Bluewaters Island

As the sun began to set, we headed to Bluewaters Island, home of the towering Ain Dubai observation wheel, which we did on our last evening. The place had such a lively yet relaxed atmosphere — couples taking photos, families dining by the sea, and that golden-hour glow lighting everything perfectly. It was one of those moments where you sit back, take a deep breath, and think: I’m really here. There was also a Brewdog, and I couldn't resist!

Dubai Marina

We stayed at the marina and couldn't have chosen a better location! It instantly became one of my favourite parts of the city. Skyscrapers rise dramatically around the winding marina, and at night, the reflections of their lights shimmer on the water. I took an early morning walk along the Marina Walk, stopping to watch the world pass by.

Whether you’re grabbing a cocktail at Pier 7 or just people-watching along the promenade, the Marina truly captures Dubai’s cosmopolitan spirit.

The Heart of the City: Downtown Dubai

No trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to Downtown Dubai — and standing at the foot of the Burj Khalifa was every bit as awe-inspiring as I imagined. We went up to the observation deck on floor 148. From above, Dubai stretched endlessly — a tapestry of skyscrapers, desert, and sea.

Down below, the Dubai Fountain show started at 6 pm, it was pure magic — water, light, and music choreographed perfectly against the backdrop of the world’s tallest building. The entire area buzzed with life: people shopping, dining, taking photos, and simply soaking up the atmosphere.

That evening, we ate at Joe's Cafe (https://www.joescafedubai.com/). The food was great, and the terrace overlooking the fountains was flawless. Make sure you book in advance!

Chasing the Sunset in the Desert

One of the highlights of our trip was the sunset desert safari. Just an hour outside the city, the scenery changed completely — vast rolling dunes glowing in the fading sunlight. The dune bashing was exhilarating, and I couldn’t stop laughing as the jeep climbed and dipped through the sand.

When the adrenaline settled, we stopped to watch the sunset. The sky turned shades of orange and purple, and for a few quiet minutes, the desert felt endless. Later, we gathered at a Bedouin-style camp for dinner under the stars — traditional food, music, and warm hospitality. It was one of those travel moments that stay with you.

Without hesitation, I would recommend this experience to anyone. You will find many websites offering desert experiences from sunrise to sunset, but before you commit, speak to Rosie Khan at Explore Dubai - https://www.instagram.com/exploreduba1/ (She has Facebook too, but I haven't lol). She also has a business account on WhatsApp +447399997656.

Rosie and her team make you feel like you're their only customers, and you get VIP treatment away from some of the larger group tours. Our driver & tour guide was Amir, he was absolutely fantastic!

Dubai Frame

One week in Dubai just isn't enough! We spent that time in the modern city, the city built over the last 25 years! We will definitely make time for Old Town Dubai on our next visit. 

The Dubai Frame is a great opportunity, if time is short, to get a flavour of Dubai and its history! 

The Dubai Frame is one of Dubai’s most striking landmarks — both literally and symbolically. Standing 150 meters tall and 93 meters wide, it’s designed as a massive golden picture frame that “frames” the city’s contrasting views: Old Dubai to the north and New Dubai to the south.

Looking north, visitors see the older parts of Dubai — Deira, Karama, and Bur Dubai — that represent the city's humble origins as a fishing and trading port. Looking south, the view opens to the sleek skyline of Downtown Dubai, the Burj Khalifa, and futuristic skyscrapers — symbolising the city’s rapid development and modern ambition.

In this way, the frame literally and figuratively “frames” Dubai’s journey from the past to the future, with the present moment embodied by the frame itself.

The interior of the Dubai Frame is designed to tell this story in stages:

1. Old Dubai Gallery – The journey begins with multimedia exhibits showing Dubai’s past: traditional souks, pearl diving, and desert life.

2. Sky Deck – At the top, visitors walk across a glass-floored bridge with panoramic views, witnessing both “old” and “new” Dubai at once.

3. Future Dubai Gallery – As you descend, immersive digital displays depict a futuristic Dubai — smart cities, flying taxis, green architecture — showing the city’s vision for the next 50 years.

So, the Dubai Frame tells a story of transformation — capturing where Dubai came from, what it has become, and where it aims to go.

Until Next Time

Leaving Dubai felt bittersweet. In just a few days, we had experienced so many sides of this incredible city — from serene mornings by the beach to thrilling desert adventures. Dubai is more than glitz and glamour; it’s a city full of stories, contrasts, and moments that surprise you.

I know we will be back — because once you’ve seen the sunset over those golden dunes, the lights of Dubai Marina dancing on the water, and the skyline glowing from the top of the Burj Khalifa, this city has a way of calling you back.