How to Be a Digital Nomad in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

What are the 7 Emirates of the United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate. Its population around mid-2014 was 2.65 million. GDP of Abu Dhabi for the year 2014 was AED 960,146 million (at current prices)

Abu Dhabi city in the emirate is the federal capital of the UAE.

Dubai

Dubai is the second largest emirate. Its population is estimated to be 2,446,675 individuals at the end of 2015. Dubai’s GDP reached around AED 338 billion as of 2014.

The older districts of Dubai cover an area of 1500sq. m. and is called ‘Pearl of the Gulf’ and ‘Jewel of the world’ because of its heritage and history.

Sharjah

Sharjah is the third largest emirate in the UAE with an area of 2,590sq. km. It occupies 3.3 per cent of the total area of the UAE (not counting the islands). It is known for its picturesque landscapes and seascapes.

The emirate has many educational institutions, which ensure a continuous supply of fresh talent armed with the latest knowledge in engineering, science and technology and other skills that support economic growth.

Ajman

Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates measuring about 259sq. km. which is about 0.3 per cent of the UAE’s area without the islands. Ajman has a few sandy beaches but is mainly characterised by the rugged Hajjar mountain range. Although Ajman city is modern and provides up-to-date services and facilities, it reflects its traditional charm.

Umm Al Quwain

Umm Al Quwain is the second smallest and the least populated emirate in the UAE. It covers an area of approximately 720 sq. km. which is equivalent to 1 per cent of the UAE’s area. 

Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is the fourth-largest emirate. It is estimated to have a total population of 345,000. The emirate has a diverse economy, with no single sector contributing more than 30% to overall GDP. 

Fujairah

Fujairah is the only emirate that is located completely on the eastern coast of the UAE along the Gulf of Oman. The shores of Fujairah extend along the Gulf of Oman for about 70km. from the city of Fujairah in the south to the town of Dibba in the far north. The total area of the emirate of Fujairah is 1,450 sq. km. 

Top Places to Visit in Dubai

Burj Khalifa

Dubai’s landmark building and significant tourist attraction are the Burj Khalifa, which at 829.8 meters is the tallest building in the world and the most famous of the city’s points of interest.

For most visitors, a trip to the observation deck on the 124th floor here is a must-do while in the city. The views across the city skyline from this bird’s-eye perspective are simply staggering.

The slick observation deck experience includes a multimedia presentation on both Dubai and the building of the Burj Khalifa (completed in 2010) before a high-speed elevator whizzes you up to the observation deck for those 360-degree views out across the skyscrapers to the desert on one side and the ocean on the other.

Nighttime visits are particularly popular with photographers due to Dubai’s famous city-lights panoramas.

Buy your Burj Khalifa “At the Top” Entrance Ticket in advance to avoid long line-ups, especially if you are planning to visit on a weekend.

Back on the ground, wrapping around the Burj Khalifa, are the building’s beautifully designed gardens, with winding walkways. There are plenty of water features including the Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain, modeled on the famous Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas. 

Shopping at Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is the city’s premier mall and one of the city’s best places to visit for a day of shopping and indoor activities to keep the kids busy. It provides entry to the Burj Khalifa, as well as the Dubai Aquarium.

There is also an ice-skating rink, gaming zone, and cinema complex if you’re looking for more entertainment options.

The shopping and eating is endless, and there are nearly always special events such as live music and fashion shows within the mall. The most famous of these are the annual Dubai Shopping Festival in January and February and the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival in July and August.

Location: Doha Road, just off Sheikh Zayed Road

Dubai Museum

Dubai’s excellent museum is housed in the Al-Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 to defend Dubai Creek. The fort’s walls are built out of traditional coral blocks and held together with lime. The upper floor is supported by wooden poles, and the ceiling is constructed from palm fronds, mud, and plaster.

In its history, the fort has served as a residence for the ruling family, a seat of government, a garrison, and a prison. Restored in 1971 (and again extensively in 1995), it is now the city’s premier museum.

Address: Al-Fahidi Street, Al-Fahidi

Dubai Creek & Al Seef District

Dubai Creek separates the city into two towns, with Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south.

The creek has been an influential element in the city’s growth, first attracting settlers here to fish and pearl dive.

Small villages grew up alongside the creek as far back as 4,000 years ago, while the modern era began in the 1830s when the Bani Yas tribe settled in the area.

The Dhow Wharfage is located along Dubai Creek’s bank, north of Al-Maktoum Bridge. Still used by small traders from across the Gulf, some of the dhows anchored here are well over 100 years old.

Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque is considered by many to be the most beautiful of Dubai’s mosques.

An exact copy of Cairo’s Al-Azhar Mosque, which is eight times its size, the Jumeirah Mosque is a fine example of Islamic architecture.

This stone structure is built in the medieval Fatimid tradition, with two minarets that display the subtle details in the stonework. It is particularly attractive in the evening when lit with floodlights.

Souks of Deira

Deira lies on the northern bank of Dubai Creek, and the winding streets here unveil the melting pot of different nationalities that have come to call Dubai home.

On the shore, ancient dhows load and unload with modern banks, hotels, and office buildings as a backdrop.

For travelers, Deira is most famous for its traditional souks (markets), which bustle with shoppers at all times of the day.

Dubai Frame

Experience the Skywalk while enjoying the view of Old & New Dubai.

Sitting slap-bang between Dubai’s older neighborhoods clustered around the creek and the city’s modern sprawl, this ginormous 150-meter-high picture frame is one of Dubai’s latest sights.

Inside, a series of galleries whisk you through the city’s history and explore Emirati heritage before you travel up to the Sky Deck, where there are fantastic panoramas of both old and new Dubai to be snapped on the viewing platforms.

Afterward check out Future Dubai gallery, which imagines what a futuristic vision of the city will look like.

Address: Zabeel Park, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road

Burj al-Arab

The Burj Al-Arab is the world’s tallest hotel, standing 321 meters high on its own artificial island on the Dubai coastline.

Designed to resemble a billowing dhow sail, the exterior of the building is lit up by a choreographed, colored lighting show at night.

Decadent in every way possible, the Burj Al-Arab is one of the most expensive hotels in the world, with the most luxurious suites costing more than $15,000 for one night.

For those without unlimited credit, the way to experience the over-the-top opulence is to go for dinner at the underwater Al-Mahara restaurant, where floor-to-ceiling glass panels in the dining room walls allow you to view sea life while you eat, or you can enjoy lunch at California-style fusion restaurant Scape.

For the ultimate panoramic views over the city, book afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar (a minimum spend is required) on the 27th floor.

Address: Jumeirah Road, Dubai

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Flamingo Lovers? This is perfect for you!

ou don’t have to go too far away from the skyscrapers to soak up a more natural vista.

The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary incorporates the mangrove forests and wetlands of Dubai creek.

An important stop-off on the migration routes, it’s a prime place to spot flamingos in winter when massive flocks of these majestic pink birds wade through the lagoons, backdropped by soaring high-rises.

Various hides in prime spots have been set up within the park to allow bird-watchers good views of the birdlife.

Address: Ras Al Khor Street, Dubai

Dubai Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

This water park, based at Atlantis, The Palm on the Palm Jumeirah – Dubai’s famous man-made island development – is a great place to cool off after a few days of hectic shopping and sightseeing.

The waterslide action here is excellent and world-class, with the Aquaconda, the world’s longest water slide; a nine-story-tall slide, aptly named the Leap of Faith; and water coaster rides.

There are also underwater safaris using Sea TREK helmets; a dedicated water play area for smaller children with slides; and for when all your energy has been used up, a 700-meter sweep of white-sand beach.

Address: Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Dubai Miracle Garden

This is the world’s largest natural flower garden.

Not content with constructing the world’s largest buildings and malls, Dubai has created the world’s largest flower garden, spanning 2,000 square meters and home to a reputed 100 million flowers.

Everything that can be covered with flowers has been, from twee English-style cottages to windmills and trucks. There’s even a flower version of the Burj Khalifa.

Stroll the walkways and enjoy the riot of color and the wacky flower displays.

Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Rd, Al Barsha

Dubai Marina

Where to find Dubai Marina & how to get around

Dubai Marina sits on the Arabian Gulf coast to the west of Palm Jumeirah. It is 33kms away from DXB Airport, about 30 minutes off-peak along Sheikh Zayed Road E11m but can take longer if there’s heavy traffic.

Dubai Marina Metro

You can get to Dubai Marina by Careem/Taxi, or it’s possible to access Dubai Marina from the Red Line Metro. The two most convenient stops are DMCC Station 1 and DAMAC Properties Metro which also connect with the Dubai Tram.

Dubai Marina Tram

The Dubai Tram services the whole of the Dubai Marina area in a circular loop and then continues onward to the Dubai Media City area and Knowledge Village. It can be a quick and convenient way to get from A to B – assuming it’s heading in the direction you need! Otherwise, sometimes it can be quicker to tackle distances on foot, along the waterfront you can avoid the traffic lights that the trams need to stop at.

The Dubai Tram is a convenient way to connect with the Palm Monorail, though note the Palm Monorail is privately operated, not part of the Dubai RTA transport system that uses Nol card, so separate (quite hefty) fees are applicable. 

Ain Dubai Ferris Wheel

• Enjoy exquisite views over the Dubai city skyline and coastline from atop the world’s highest Ferris wheel.
• Hop on to one of its fully enclosed, highly safe, and air-conditioned cabins that can seat up to 40 people (although its capacity is now minimized to seven to ten people.)Find yourself soaring to a
• height of over 250 meters on its approximately 40-minute revolution.
• Capture insta-worthy snaps as you freely roam around your cabin and look out for the breathtaking sights.
• Be in awe at the astonishing 360-degree views of Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina, among other treasured landmarks.
• Enrich your Ain Dubai experience by opting for the premium cabin.

Dubai Global Village

One of the most magical places to visit in Dubai at night is the seasonal extravaganza of Global Village.

The part theme park, part market – it’s truly difficult to describe Global Village without experiencing it! A wonderful festival of color, sounds, smells, and tastes as countries around the world showcase their foods, handicrafts, dance, and culture in one giant venue.