Weekend Getaways: Dubai

Photo of Weekend Getaways: Dubai 3/5 by Indre Si — Dubai Marina

Photo of Weekend Getaways: Dubai 4/5 by Indre Si — Sunrise at JBR beach

Photo of Weekend Getaways: Dubai 5/5 by Indre Si — Barzar at Souq Madinat

Dubai is one of the busiest airports in the world. Almost every flight that goes from Asia to Europe or America has a layover in Dubai. I was flying out from Lithuania to Indonesia for a conference and had a layover of around 12 hours in Dubai. Since my layover was overnight I could not experience much of Dubai's culture as most things close early. I did however get a chance to explore the amazing nightlife of Dubai and also catch the sunrise at the pristine clear Dubai beaches. In october specially the weather is nice to go to the beach and enjoy the sunrise.

How much you spend depends on what you do. Dubai is a city of extravagance and style and its very easy to go overboard in your spending. I don't like a flashy culture too much and prefer nature anyday. I spent mostly on drinks, some food and taxi rides (Metro closes in Dubai at night). The best thing is to get a taxi and keep the same driver with you for the night. It will cost you around 100-150 USD to cover all the spots mentioned in the itinerary with a taxi. Keep around 200 USD for drinks and food at the various places mentioned by me.

Burj Khalifa - Business Bay - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Burj Khalifa is spectacular at night. It is the highest towers in the world right next to the Dubai Mall. If you are lucky you can catch the last show of the musical fountains at the Dubai Mall - they are spectacular. Dubai Mall in itself is huge with an inbuilt aquarium!. But for me the lights and splendor of Burj Khalifa at night stole the show.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

I was a bit late here (reached at 12) and all the markets were closed. (They are wonderful during the day). But you would still love the design of this place. Its a great blend of modern and traditional. With markets, great bars, fantastic and beautiful lighting, lakes. Two places to definitely go here are Barzar - for an outdoor beanbag setting and Trader's vic - for some nice drinks and good live music.

360 Degrees - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

This is one of the best clubs in Dubai. Surrounded by the ocean on 3 sides it offers a spectacular view. Live music, the amazing crowd and good drinks set up the mood. Its open till around 2 AM. I just made it here on time. But if you have 1 night in Dubai you should definitely go here.

Zaatar w Zait - Dubai Marina - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

By now I was really hungry. So I went to Dubai marina - which is a great place. But I will talk about next. For now let me mention Zaatar w Zait for a good late meal that is open 24 hours. Service is quick and I would recommend you order the Zaatar with fries and a milkshake. I have attached a picture of how a Zaatar looks like. I was full after eating this good meal and happy to stroll for a few more hours.

Dubai Marina - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Its an amazing man made engineering marvel. It looks amazing at night. Its a man made sea with yachts and boats. Highrise buildings lined up on both sides. The view is just amazing and a testimony to how man can play with Nature. Although I won't compare it with nature which is infinitely better than anything man made :)

Meydan Beach - The Walk - Dubai Marina - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

It was almost time for sunrise and I decided to head to the closes beach next to Dubai Marina. Just walk towards the Jumeirah Beach road and you will reach the walk. Jumeirah beach is right next to the Hilton Hotel and you can walk straight to the beach. The beaches in Dubai are beautiful and the weather is nice this time of the month. The view is spectacular.