Planning your first trip to Dubai? Or maybe you've got family coming to visit and you want to show them an amazing time?
Adam's brother and nephew recently came to Dubai for the first time, and Adam had 6 days to give them the ultimate Dubai experience. We filmed the whole thing, and now I'm sharing everything – the spots, the tips, the prices, and the honest reviews.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or hosting loved ones, bookmark this guide. These are the 11 places you absolutely have to experience.
1. Dubai Marina & JBR Walk
Best for: Your first taste of Dubai's modern skyline
The Marina and JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) were our first stop – and honestly, it's the perfect introduction to Dubai. The towering skyscrapers, the waterfront promenade, the buzz of restaurants and cafes... it immediately shows you what Dubai is all about.
Adam's tip: Walk along the Marina, then cross the bridge over to JBR beach. Grab a coffee and take it all in. The walk from Marina to Blue Waters takes about 10 minutes.
"I was expecting it to be a very cultural place with lots of restrictions, but it's really Westernized. It's lovely." – Adam's brother, 3 hours into his first Dubai visit
Oh, and the thing that blew his mind the most? The plugs. "They're English plugs!" – no travel adapters needed if you're coming from the UK!
2. Ain Dubai & Blue Waters Island
Best for: Iconic photo opportunities
The Ain Dubai (the world's largest observation wheel) is finally working! When we moved here 18 months ago, it was still under construction. Now it's one of Dubai's most recognisable landmarks.
Blue Waters Island is where the Ain is located. You've also got:
- Madame Tussauds
- Great restaurants and coffee spots
- Stunning views back towards the Marina
How to get there: Walk across the bridge from JBR – it's about a 10-minute stroll.
Pro tip: JBR beach has an amazing açaí spot halfway down. Arguably the best in Dubai if you're into açaí bowls.
3. Bedrock at Marina (Darts & Sports Bar)
Best for: Evening entertainment, especially if you love F1 or sports
Before heading to Dubai Mall, we stopped at Bedrock – a fantastic sports bar at the Marina. Think of it like Flight Club (the social darts place), but in Dubai.
Cost: 80 AED (about £17) for an hour of darts
If you're into F1, football, or just want a fun evening activity that isn't a nightclub, this is a brilliant option.
4. Dubai Mall
Best for: Mind-blowing scale and indoor entertainment
The Dubai Mall isn't just shopping – it's an experience. Adam's brother and nephew had no idea there was an ice rink inside. Their reaction? "That is outstanding!"
Don't miss:
- The ice rink (yes, inside the mall)
- The aquarium (one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world)
- Candylicious (the massive candy store – we treated the boys!)
"Some of the stuff we walk past every day and take for granted... this isn't normal in a mall. My brother brought back that magic we felt when we first arrived." – Adam
5. Time Out Market (Best Fountain View!)
Best for: Food, drinks, and THE best view of the Dubai Fountain
Here's an insider tip most tourists don't know: Time Out Market has arguably the best view of the Dubai Fountain show and the Burj Khalifa.
While everyone queues down at ground level, you can head up to Time Out Market – it's free to enter – grab some food from one of the many stalls, and watch the fountain show from above.
Timing: Fountain shows run every 30 minutes from 6pm. Get there around 5:30pm to grab a good spot.
6. Kite Beach & Salt
Best for: Beach vibes and the best dirty meal in Dubai
Kite Beach is one of our favourite spots in Dubai. It's got that laid-back beach vibe with views of the Burj Al Arab.
Must do: Eat at Salt. It's Adam's favourite "dirty meal" in Dubai – think proper burgers and comfort food right on the beach.
Pro tip: If you're here during November, you might catch the Dubai 30x30 fitness challenge – the beach gets extra busy but it's a fun atmosphere.
Nearby, there's a place called Soul Beach if you want a more relaxed, loungy beach day.
7. Top Golf
Best for: A fun night out (even if you can't play golf!)
This one surprised Adam's brother: "I'm not a golfer and I had loads of fun."
Top Golf is like Flight Club but for golf. You don't need any skill – it's social, it's got games, and it's just a really good evening out with friends or family.
"If you're in Dubai, it's one of those spots you've got to come to. Think social darts vibes, but with golf clubs." – Adam
8. Dubai Sevens (Seasonal - December)
Best for: A proper party atmosphere
If you're visiting in early December, the Dubai Rugby Sevens is an experience. It's less about rugby and more about... well, a really good time.
Honest warning: Things got progressively tipsy. We stopped recording when we decided it was "irresponsible to continue." 😅
The next day? A "nice steady day back at the Sevens" before heading to dinner.
9. Meat Moot at Dubai Hills Mall
Best for: Meat lovers (seriously incredible brisket)
If you love meat, you HAVE to go to Meat Moot. Here's how it works:
- Choose your meat (beef brisket or lamb)
- They let you taste it before you buy
- Choose your weight
- Watch the famous "sprinkle"
- Enjoy unlimited sides and drinks
What we paid: 750g of beef brisket (72 AED), then another 500g because we were hungry. To feed 6 of us? About £120 total. Solid value.
The sides: Beetroot, sweet corn, pasta, mash, rice – all unlimited. Plus unlimited drinks.
10. Atlantis Aquaventure
Best for: The ultimate family day out
Atlantis Aquaventure is Dubai's biggest water park, and it's absolutely worth doing at least once.
The layout: Three big towers (Neptune, Poseidon, and Trident), each packed with different slides. Plus loads of other attractions scattered around.
Cost (honest truth): It's expensive. For adults (anyone over 120cm), expect to pay around 355 AED each (about £73). For two adults, that's 710 AED (£146).
Money-saving tip: If you know a Dubai resident, they can get you 20% off.
"Spenny? Yes. Worth it? If you come once, definitely. You've got to do it as a family." – Adam
11. Desert Safari with Buggy Ride
Best for: The quintessential Dubai experience
You can't come to Dubai without experiencing the desert. We did a full desert safari with:
- Buggy rides through the dunes
- Sand dune bashing in a 4x4
- Camel riding
- Sandboarding
- Traditional camp dinner with entertainment
What we paid: The listed price for a 4-seater buggy was 1,100 AED, but we negotiated it down to 630 AED each (about £130). Always haggle!
Funny story: Adam's nephew managed to get their buggy stuck in the sand. They were stranded in the desert waiting for a replacement. These things happen! 😂
The camp experience in the evening – with the blankets, the fire, the traditional show, the food – it's magical. A perfect way to end a Dubai trip.
Final Thoughts
After 6 days showing his brother around, here's what Adam's brother had to say:
"Weather's been great. People have been great. It's not overly expensive, but be mindful where you're going. Have a great tour guide like I have. There's so much to do – we've been here 6 days and I feel like there's so much more to explore. The sun's amazing, the people are lovely, everything's great including the food. It's just a lovely place to be."
That pretty much sums up Dubai for first-timers.
Quick Reference: All 11 Spots
| Spot | Best For | Rough Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Marina & JBR | First impressions | Free to walk |
| Ain Dubai & Blue Waters | Photos & views | Walk is free |
| Bedrock Marina | Sports fans | 80 AED/hour |
| Dubai Mall | Indoor entertainment | Free entry |
| Time Out Market | Fountain views | Free entry |
| Kite Beach & Salt | Beach day + food | £15-20 for lunch |
| Top Golf | Fun night out | Varies |
| Dubai Sevens | Party (December) | Event tickets |
| Meat Moot | Meat lovers | £20-30pp |
| Aquaventure | Family water park | ~355 AED/adult |
| Desert Safari | Classic Dubai | ~630 AED for buggy |
Planning to Stay Longer?
If you're thinking about more than just a visit – maybe a full relocation to Dubai – I've got you covered.
Got questions about any of these spots? Drop them in the comments on the video or take my neighbourhood quiz to find out which area of Dubai suits you best!
And if you're planning a longer stay or full relocation, I'd love to help you figure it out.