Trip to Dubai & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

A Travel Blog of Adventure, Preparation & Discovery

Traveling to the United Arab Emirates—especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi—had always been on my bucket list. After hearing so many incredible stories about these vibrant cities, I finally embarked on the journey. What followed was a mix of careful planning, long flights, desert adventures, iconic landmarks, and unforgettable cultural experiences.

Pre-Travel Preparations

• Travel Consultation & Vaccinations

  Before heading to the UAE, you need a pre-travel health consultation to ensure a safe journey.
  Depending on your itinerary—especially if you plan to visit rural areas, stay with locals, or engage in certain high-risk activities—your health provider may recommend:

  • Hepatitis A vaccine
  • Typhoid vaccine – especially for rural visits or home stays
  • Rabies vaccine – for travelers who might handle animals
  • Mpox (Monkeypox) vaccine – particularly for individuals who may engage in:
    • Sex at commercial sex venues (e.g., bathhouses, sex clubs)
    • Sexual or intimate contact exchanged for money, goods, or services
    • Intimate contact at large public events
    • These conversations are private, important, and simply part of modern, responsible travel planning.

• Visa & Tickets

  Ensuring flight bookings, hotel confirmations, and visa requirements were sorted well in advance made the trip smoother. UAE visa rules vary by nationality, so checking early is essential.

• Smart Packing for the UAE

  Aside from clothing suitable for the desert heat, I packed:

  • A basic first aid kit
  • Electrolytes—crucial for desert activities
  • Splints and bandages for minor mishaps
  • Alcohol wipes and wound-care supplies
  • High-SPF sunscreen
  • Hydration tablets
  • Comfortable footwear for long sightseeing days

  Given the desert excursions, this preparation proved extremely helpful.

• Dress Code for Places of Worship

  Please be mindful of the dress code when visiting places of worship for both males and females.

  • For ladies: Full-body covering is required, including long dresses reaching close to ankle level. Tight-fitting clothing that reveals body contours is not permitted. Head and hair coverings are also required.
  • For males: Short pants and sleeveless shirts are not permitted. Short-sleeved shirts are acceptable.

Long Flight From Toronto to Dubai

My journey was more than 23 hours, transiting through Istanbul. A few inflight precautions helped significantly:

• Good hydration (avoiding excessive alcohol—especially important for diabetics)
• Limiting sugary soft drinks
• Taking frequent walks to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Stretching legs and avoiding prolonged sitting
• Getting pockets of rest to reduce jet lag
• Despite the long journey, excitement kept my energy high.

Day 1: Arrival in Dubai

I arrived around 1:00 AM. A pre-arranged airport pickup took me straight to my hotel in Downtown Dubai—clean, modern, and well-equipped.

After sleeping for about six hours to fight off jet lag, I felt refreshed enough to begin the real adventure.

• Desert Safari Adventure

  The first excursion was the Desert Safari, and it exceeded every expectation.

• Dune Bashing

  A thrilling 4×4 roller-coaster ride over towering dunes—45 minutes of pure adrenaline.

  At times it felt like the vehicle would tip over the edge, but the expert drivers mastered every slope and slide.

• Camel Riding

  A classic desert experience—calm, swaying, and serene.

• ATV Riding

  Racing across the sand at high speed added a fun, adventurous twist.

• Sandboarding

  Sliding down soft dunes was exhilarating and surprisingly easy to learn.

  The golden hues of the Arabian Sahara made for breathtaking photo opportunities.

Day 2: Abu Dhabi Tour

A day trip to Abu Dhabi revealed a different, majestic side of the UAE.

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

  The highlight of the day.
  The mosque—the largest in the UAE and the third largest in the world—is a masterpiece of white marble, reflective pools, and intricate carvings. Its serene grandeur left a lasting impression.

• Louvre Abu Dhabi

  A quick stop allowed time for beautiful photos of its stunning dome and water-inspired design.

• Lunch Break at the Mosque Complex

  The spacious food court and restaurants offered excellent options for a relaxing break.

• Abu Dhabi Corniche Drive

  An elegant coastal drive with views of the turquoise Arabian Gulf and sleek city skyline.

• Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace)

  A cultural gem—vaulted halls, shimmering chandeliers, and exhibits showcasing UAE heritage.

• Etihad Towers

  A ride to the 74th-floor observation deck offered an unforgettable 360° view of Abu Dhabi, the Corniche, and the Emirates Palace.

Day 3: Dubai City Tour

• Jumeirah Public Beach – Photo Stop

  White sands, blue skies, and the Persian Gulf—a perfect beach moment.

• Jumeirah Mosque

  The most photographed mosque in Dubai. Arriving at dusk made the façade glow beautifully.

• New Lewan Islamic Art Gallery

  A collection of Arabian art, carpets, and authentic souvenirs.

• Dubai Spice & Gold Souks

  Crossing Dubai Creek by traditional abra boat was a highlight.
  The souks buzzed with colors, aromas, and glittering gold displays.

• The Dubai Mall

  More than 1,200 stores, restaurants, and endless attractions. Even a full day isn’t enough.

• Burj Khalifa – At the Top

  Riding up the tallest building in the world and looking down on Dubai’s skyline felt surreal.

• Souk Madinat Jumeirah

  An atmospheric marketplace with canals, restaurants, and perfect views of the Burj Al Arab.

• Palm Jumeirah & Monorail Ride

  The monorail offered panoramic views of the iconic palm-shaped island and Atlantis.

• Dubai Marina Walk

  A beautiful waterfront area filled with cafés, boutiques, and skyscraper views.
  The tour concluded near the Mall of the Emirates.

Final Thoughts

The trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi was a seamless blend of adventure, culture, architecture, and modern luxury. From the thrill of dune bashing to the spiritual calm of the Grand Mosque, from futuristic skyscrapers to traditional souks, every moment was memorable.

Proper preparation—vaccinations, packing essentials, health considerations, and advance bookings—made the experience smooth and safe. And despite the long journey from Toronto, the excitement of discovering the UAE made it all worthwhile.