Tired of the outdated ways of gifting? Flowers, jewellery and chocolates are cliché. Why not plan to gift an experience instead? If you really want someone to remember you for giving a wonderful gift, try this: a fabulous moment to cherish in Dubai! Gifting someone a unique adventure or an enthralling experience is sure to bring a smile to their faces. Beyond the iconic landmarks, Dubai is a treasure trove of unique and unforgettable experiences.

1. Cloud Dining

Image Credit: dinnerinthesky

Well, this can be a reality. For all the people looking for some adventure, black tie meals, and luxury as their core in their gift, Dinner in the Sky tickets can be a truly memorable experience. You will be etched in the person’s memory block forever with this gifting experience from AED 629 onwards per person.

2. Explore the Dubai Ice Rink

This super cool environment is perfect for couples and families celebrating special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. You can book this icy adventure for AED 110 onwards per person as this will give you some respite from the heat and help revitalize your batteries. You can even work on honing your skiing skills with the mentoring sessions provided by the experts.

3. Indulge in some deep-fishing experience

It is a perfectly relaxing and offbeat experience for people who love fishing. You can gift someone this amazing experience for AED 1500 onwards per person. So gift your dear ones some family time out as they relax, bask in the sea ambience, and wait to catch hold of the prized sea animal.

4. Discover the Grand Arabian Desert

The Dubai Desert Safari is one of the best unique and offbeat experiences, perfect for stargazing enthusiasts and Valentine’s Day gifts. The Dubai Desert camp offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the desert life and spend a night under the star-studded sky.

5. Set Out on a Glitzy Dubai Dhow Cruise

Spend a date or invite your loved ones for an unforgettable dinner cruise along Dubai’s water onboard a traditional dhow. It is a great way to spend a memorable time with scrumptious gourmet food and plenty of entertainment. Get your gift for AED 204 onwards per person. The Canal cruises are the best for a luxurious experience.

6. Racing a Formula 1 Car

You heard it right. For motor sport enthusiasts, this is the ultimate gifting experience they can ever indulge in their entire lifetime. Dream Racing Dubai lets you try your luck by giving you the chance to drive a Formula 1 car. This luxurious experience starts from AED 19,900 onwards per person.

7. Ticket to the Infinity des Lumières

Art lovers and enthusiasts would fall in love again after visiting the Infinity des Lumières – the Middle East’s first digital art gallery. We can bet on this gifting experience being one of the most memorable ones for all the art appreciators. So get this amazing art experience for AED 125 onwards per person.

8. Take a Helicopter Ride

A helicopter ride is perfect for browsing through the iconic Dubai landmarks with amazing views from the top. Witnessing Dubai through a helicopter ride can be an experience to remember. For an intimate experience, a private helicopter tour may be the best choice.  This luxurious adventure can be yours for AED 646 onwards per person.

9. Time to Race with the Horses

The Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club hosts horse riding and adventurous sessions for all the polo enthusiasts and horse lovers. You can brush up your horse ride skills or even learn it from scratch here. . Enjoy a fun game of Polo based on your taste and requirements. Get your adventure booked for AED 1800 onwards per person.

10. Take a hot air balloon ride

Looking to browse through the major landmarks of Dubai in an hour while floating 4,000 feet above ground level? Then, this is your perfect adventure gift. This hot air balloon ride can be perfect for celebrating an anniversary or enjoying a family day out. Get this quintessential Dubai tour for AED 1250 onwards per person.

11. The magical experience of La Perle

Art and music enthusiasts would love this magical experience. La Perle brings you this musical extravaganza for AED 259 onwards per person. Witness the best of aquatic acts, aerial and acrobatic stunts, and acting chops, all with a technology-forward lighting system.

12. Seaplane adventures

For people who want to take off and land on a water body, the Seaplane adventure is a perfect gifting option. You can gift them for AED 1800 onwards per person wherein your loved ones get the chance to hover over the celebrated Dubai landmarks aboard a state of the art seaplane for 20 to 40 minutes. So get your pulses and nerves racing as you enjoy stunning views of the Dubai heritage.

13. Skiing in the Dubai Emirate

Skiing in Dubai is quite possible all through the year and is one of the best gifts you can give someone as it provides a perfect break from the scorching heat of Dubai. The snow wonderland of Dubai is perfect for people who are looking to experience some fun, show, and adventure. So get your adventure for AED 263 onwards per person.

14. Indulge in the Nerve-Wracking Skydive

Jumping off 13,000 feet is no joke. Hence, make sure your loved one or friend is a true adventure junkie. We guarantee you that this experience can be unmatched by anything. Feeling the wind blowing against your face as you go down requires nerves of steel. So, get this thrilling and fun gifting experience for AED 2300 onwards per person.

Helicopter Tour Dubai

From AED 710

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Skydive Dubai

From AED 2199

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Helicopter Ride In Dubai

From AED 715

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15. Enjoy a Relaxed Spa Treatment

A massage is the perfect response to a tiring day and probably all the problems in life—a perfect way to recharge your batteries. The Palm and Pearl Jumeirah hosts some of the best spas in the region for a rejuvenating experience. Get your massage booked for AED 495 onwards per person.

16. Staycation

Gifting someone a staycation is a perfect way to give them a good break from their routine life. With several organizations opting for a hybrid work model, your loved ones can refresh mentally with this change in environment. So gift it to working couples and people who barely get to spend time together with their loved ones.

17. Enjoy a Supercar ride

Your dream of driving a supercar like a Ferrari, a Porche, or a McLaren GT has become a reality. If you have this on your wish list, then satisfy your need for speed with the motorsport experience that will be perfect for some offbeat fun and adventure, all for AED 2500 onwards per person.

18. Swim with the dolphins

Atlantis brings a splendid opportunity to enjoy a swim with ultra-friendly dolphins. You can use this experience to gift someone for their birthday or as a children’s day gift to the little ones. So get up close with these adorable dolphins from AED 105 onwards per person to get a sneak peek into the life of these friendly mammals.

19. Cruise on the longest zipline

If daring adventure and amusement is your thing, Dubai offers endless options. A ride on the Jebel Jais Zipline from Dubai for AED 370 onwards per person is the perfect adventure gift for someone who wants to fly with speeds of 120-150 km/hr for a 2.83 km zipline—not recommended for people who fear heights.

20. Experience Dubai’s Fascinating Theme Parks

Each of Dubai’s theme parks has a story to tell. It makes for a great gifting experience for children’s day or for celebrating  special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. Gift this thrilling adventure for AED 335 onwards per person. Look for some theme park combos for the best deal.

The post 25 Offbeat and Unique Gift Experiences in Dubai appeared first on Things to Do, City Guides, Itineraries, & Travel Tips - Rayna Tours Blog.

How to Get to Dubai

Located in the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai is best reached via plane. The city has two airports Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

Flights from neighboring and European countries are direct and last a few hours. When coming from the USA or Australia, however, the travel time is more than 12 hours, and you’ll need to take a connecting flight. For instance, if you depart from Sydney, your flight will last at least 14 hours and involve one or two plane changes. To start off your trip as restful as possible, the best thing to do is to drive to the airport. Park your car at one of the nearby Sydney airport parking facilities and save money on transportation. Once you park, a complimentary shuttle will drive you to your terminal in a few minutes. Rest assured that your car is in safe hands while you have the best time in Dubai.

How to Get Around Dubai

As a first time visitor in Dubai, you’ll need to know two things that will affect your transportation options in the emirate. Unlike what you’re used to, the working week is from Sunday to Thursday while the weekend is Friday and Saturday. The second thing is that the temperatures are high all year long and during the day they can reach up to 35°C (96°F). These two factors explain why sometimes public transportation may be overcrowded and why it’s not always the best idea to walk around even for the shortest distance.

The three best ways to get around in Dubai are the metro, taxi and bus.

• • The metro is fast, easy, and runs regularly, but during rush hour (7-10am and 4:30-7pm) it’s most likely that you won’t find a seat. Sometimes, to get to the place you want, you’ll have to take another metro train and the waiting time will be longer.
  • A taxi is an easy option but as always the most expensive. Before getting on the cab, ask about the fare from your location to the destination.
  • The hop-on/hop-off buses are the cheapest option. They operate 24 hours a day every 30 minutes. The only thing you need to consider in advance is to understand how the network works and buy and top up a Nol card.

When to Visit Dubai

The hot desert climate of Dubai means that some months are extremely warm, thus spending the whole day out in the heat is not the smartest idea. From November to March, temperatures slightly drop with an average of 25°C, which makes the perfect weather for strolling around the city.

Dubai is also known as the Mecca of shopping. In January, when the Dubai Shopping Festival takes place, you can find discounts up to 75% on thousands of products, such as fashion, beauty, jewellery and more. The cheapest hotel deals strike during the summer months, from June to July. However, the searing heat will stand in the way of enjoying every hour of the day.

Don’t forget that the United Arab Emirates is an Islamic country which means that religion is a significant part of people’s identity and everyday life. For you, as a visitor, this will affect some of your plans. For example, during Ramadan, starting in May and ending in June, it’s highly unlikely that you can order alcohol in a bar or restaurant. As people fast from dawn till dusk, most restaurants and cafes in the region will remain closed during day time.

All in all, the high season is November to April, the shoulder season is May, September and October, and the off-peak period is June to August.

What to See in Dubai

As this will be the first time you visit Dubai, there are at least four distinctive landmarks that every tourist should see. Dubai has grown to become one of the most state-of-the-art cities in the world with the towering skyscrapers and the biggest mall in the world. Fortunately, it has also maintained its traditional features.

Burj Khalifa, completed in 2010, is 829.8 metres high and is the tallest building in the world. . From the observation deck, on the 148th floor, you have dazzling views of the city’s skyline, the sea, and the surrounding desert. The ticket price for the 360-degree observation decks start at 129AED (35USD) and can go up to 359AED (98USD). The most expensive one includes access to levels 124 – 125 and a personalised tour on floor 148. By all accounts, the best time to visit is in the evening when the whole city is illuminated.

Expanding over 12 million square feet, Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world. Hundreds of shops, restaurants, hotels, entertainment centres and even an indoor ice rink and an aquarium are housed there. From the Dubai Mall, you will also enter Burj Khalifa.

Apart from Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, Dubai is home to many prestigious and record-breaking attractions. Get your Ain Dubai ticket and take in the world’s largest and highest observation wheel at a height of over 250 meters. You can further watch the world’s highest fountain show at Palm Fountain and experience the largest of its kind Dubai Frame.

Bastakia or Al Fahidi is the historical district of the city. Built in the 19th century, it used to be the hub for merchandise in the Persian Gulf. Walking through the winding streets and ochre buildings made from mud and gypsum, it’s like travelling back in time. You’ll also notice the wind-towers which, back in the day, functioned as a form of air conditioning to keep their houses cool in the warmest months. While you’re there, don’t miss the Alserkal Cultural Foundation and the Majlis Gallery, displaying a wide collection of traditional ceramics and furniture.

For an original taste of good old Dubai, visit Deira. This is where you’ll find the middle-eastern souks that sell local delicacies, spices, peppers, incense, and even a gold souk where you can actually buy gold. In this district, you will be introduced to the traditional lifestyle by paying a visit to the Heritage House Al-Ahmadiya School, the oldest school in the emirate.

What to Eat in Dubai

In Dubai, you can find international restaurants and flavours that you would back home. But, what’s the meaning of visiting a foreign country for the first time and not trying out the local cuisine? Food is the best way to get to know the culture and history of a place, and Dubai is a perfect representation of that.

For meat lovers, authentic shawarma made with sliced chicken, lamb or beef is the most mouthwatering sandwich you’ve ever had. Other popular meat dishes are Al Machboos, prepared with spiced chicken and rice, and Margoogat, a tomato-based stew made with chicken or lamb.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, you can’t leave Dubai without trying the local falafel recipe served with vegetables and spice-based sauces. Another non-meat dish is Madrooba that looks like a spread, prepared with a fish called Maleh.

If you have a craving for a filling snack, search for a place near you that makes Manakish, an oven-cooked flatbread stuffed with cheese. If you prefer something sweet, try out Luqaimat, the crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside dumplings that taste like doughnuts.

The aromatic Arabic coffee is the perfect energy boost, and it tastes nothing like your usual coffee. For a cold soft drink that will cool you down on a hot summer night, order Jellab, a blend of pulp raisins, grape molasses, and rose water, or a Qamardeen, a thick apricot juice.

Local Laws and Etiquette in Dubai

Although Dubai is a multicultural city that welcomes visitors from all over the world every year, it has a local etiquette that everyone should be aware of. In general, more conservative clothing is required when visiting historical sites and places of worship. When entering a mosque, you should wear long sleeves and long pants, and women should also put on a headscarf. Swimwear is allowed at beaches, pools, waterparks, and spa centres.

You can order alcoholic drinks only in licenced bars, hotels and restaurants and only if you are over 21 years old.

Tipping is not mandatory, but certainly highly appreciated if you do. It’s at your discretion how much you want to tip.

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