Dubai: Insider’s Guide

The insider advice on this page is from one of Wendy’s Trusted Travel Experts for the United Arab Emirates: Justin Parkinson of Linara Travel.

Trusted Travel Expert

Justin Parkinson

Justin visits the U.A.E. regularly, checking out both over-the-top resorts and five-star hotels that won’t break the bank. He can arrange entry into Dubai’s exclusive clubs, unusual desert adventures and safaris, and private access to the Louvre Abu Dhabi before it opens to the public. Justin is on The WOW List for Indian Ocean islands as well, including the Maldives and the Seychelles. When he’s not exploring these exotic locales, you’ll find him at home in either Australia or L.A.

Contact Justin

Read Trip Reviews

Trips have a three-night minimum and start at $700 per day for two travelers.

HOW WE HELP YOU

• Tell us about the trip you want

  
  

  The more detail, the better we can help you.

  •Do you have an itinerary in mind? Where do you want to go, or are you looking for ideas?
  

  •Who are you traveling with? (If kids, what are their ages?)
  

  •What are your biggest concerns or things you want to avoid?
  

  •What’s your biggest goal for this trip? What would make it most memorable?

• Tell us your trip goals. IMPORTANT: Local inflation has soared in some countries, so check Wendy’s Pricing Tip: On mobile, scroll down to just above the photo. On desktop, look to the right.*

• Getting there and around

  
  

  Where are you flying from? Have you booked your airline travel? If so, tell us the dates and routing. If not, how long a flight are you comfortable with? Once you’re at your destination, how do you envision exploring it—e.g., rental car? public transit? private vehicle with English-speaking driver or guide/expediter with top connections and special access?

• Tell us your flight dates/route and local transportation preferences (if you know these already).*
• 
  

  Staying there

  
  

  Do you have a type of accommodations in mind (e.g., 4-star, 5-star, historic inn, state-of-the-art resort, family villa. private yacht, small expedition ship)? Is there a past hotel experience you’re seeking something similar to? If you have already booked accommodations, let us know.

• Tell us about the places you’ve stayed in that you’ve liked, and what you would like now.*
• Estimated Trip Start Date (Including the Year)*
• Estimated Trip Length (in Days)*
• Total Trip Budget (in U.S. dollars, excluding airfare):*
  
  How much do you want to spend for a WOW-caliber trip (incl. rooms, vehicles, excursions, meals, unique experiences, and the savviest drivers/guides/expediters to spare you headaches and wasted time)? Your answer will dictate the locations, trip dates, and experiences we will suggest.
  Please select (in USD):More than $75K$50K to $75K$35,000 to $50,000$25,000 to $35,000$20,000 to $25,000$15,000 to $20,000$10,000 to $15,000Other (this will open a new box you can write in)
• REMINDER: Local inflation has soared in some countries, so check Wendy’s Pricing Tip above the trip planner's photo.
• Tell us about your travel budget*

• Where should we send your personalized recommendation?

• First Name*
• Last Name*
• If you’d like this trip to count toward a WOW Moment, use the same email address you’ve used to submit trip requests to WendyPerrin.com in the past.*
  Enter Email Confirm Email
  If you’d like this trip to count toward a WOW Moment, use the same email address you’ve used to submit trip requests to WendyPerrin.com in the past.
• Phone
• Have you used a WOW List travel specialist before? If so, who?*
  • Yes
  • No
• Name of travel specialist(s) you've used
• Do you have a WOW Moment certificate you’d like to use? If so, please enter the first four digits of the certificate number. Qualifying rules apply for certificate redemption.
• First 4 digits only
• How did you hear about Wendy?*
  Please selectCondé Nast TravelerTown & CountryThe Wall Street JournalThe New York TimesTripAdvisorFriends or colleaguesA travel professionalGoogle searchSocial mediaI’ve followed Wendy’s advice for years

• If you do not receive an email confirmation of your trip request from info@wendyperrin.com and you have checked your spam folder, let us know: questions@wendyperrin.com.

• Comments
  This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Δ

Where to Stay and Eat

Biggest bang-for-your-buck hotels
The Raffles Dubai has large rooms (generously sized even in the least expensive category) that cost less than $300 for a good chunk of the year, leaving space in your budget to splurge elsewhere. Its location is convenient to both the airport and downtown Dubai. Justin can sometimes procure upgrades or better views, too—just don’t expect local flair.

Address Beach Resort is modern, fun, and offers direct beach access. You know you’re in Dubai when you step into these twin 77-story towers that boast views over the Dubai Marina and Ain Dubai, AND a Guinness World Record for the highest outdoor infinity pool in a building.

With a beach club and pool area, the Burj Al Arab is more resort than city hotel. Photo: Pixabay

Hotels worth the splurge
The Burj Al Arab. Dubai’s most iconic hotel is both a city hotel and a luxury resort, complete with stunning pool area and sandy “beach” club. The Panoramic Suites (one step up from entry level) are all two stories, with floor-to-ceiling windows, and located in the corners of the hotel. Justin’s is the only company in North America that has a direct contract with Jumeriah Resorts, which owns the Burj Al Arab; this relationship means that his travelers often get the best views within a category of rooms, and upgrades when available.

Luxury stepped up to a whole new level (even for Dubai) with the opening of Atlantis The Royal in early 2023. The 795-room, 17-restaurant modern resort offers expansive views of the Arabian Sea and Palm Island, stylish interiors, a private beach, luxury shopping, and nightlife. You may never want to leave.

Hidden-gem hotel
With just over 100 rooms—which is small for Dubai—the waterfront Nikki Beach Club’s modern vibe is just right for those looking for a blend of luxury and (some) chill in this high-octane town. Go ahead, get some sand between your toes and opt for one of the beachfront private pool villas.

Dining experiences the locals love
Brunch is a weekend institution in Dubai and one of the things that Dubai does best. The unlimited and elegant brunch buffet at Al Qasr, in the fanciful Jumeirah Al Qasr, is a highlight. Don’t forget to wear your weekend best! If you prefer your brunch poolside, curated by a DJ and with a view of the iconic Burj Khalifa, look no further than the Address Sky View. For a high-energy party vibe, head to the W Dubai – The Palm.

Meal worth the splurge
Atmosphere Grill is on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa, 2,717 feet off the ground. The food is very good, and the views…well, it doesn’t get any better than this! Go for lunch and get a window table—though you’ll have to spend at least 800 dirham per person, or about $220.

Party spots 
Check out Honeycomb Hi-Fi in Dubai’s business district for Izakaya-style dining and global DJs. It’s a distinct party vibe so dress well—and reserve in advance. For those on the Palm seeking to party a bit closer to “home,” try Ling Ling, on the 23rd floor of the Atlantis Royal. If a beach bar is more your style, head over to Cana by Tamoka at the Ritz Carlton Dubai, in the Jumeirah Beach area.

In Dubai, the glitz is turned up a notch. Photo: The Address Downtown Dubai

What to See and Do

Don’t miss
For a feeling of how life was not so long ago in the Emirates—before oil brought in all that money—spend a night or two out in the desert. Justin can arrange for a private tented camp and a traditional performance, or (if you can’t live without air-conditioning) he can point you to the desert resorts that have a more authentic feel. You can ride horseback or by camel and learn about desert plants and wildlife. You may even want to consider visiting the desert in Abu Dhabi—it’s only about two hours from Dubai but far prettier, with much larger dunes and orange-hued sand.

Cheap thrill
The Dubai Miracle Garden, spread across 775,000 square feet and featuring over 150 million flowers, is the world’s largest natural flower garden. Part garden, part theme park, the displays are a wonder to behold and great for kids and Instagrammers of all ages. Opening hours vary with the season, so check before you head over.

How to spend a Friday
Most cultural sites are closed on Fridays, so you can do as the expats do (they make up the overwhelming majority of the population) and enjoy a long, leisurely Champagne brunch; one of the best is at Traiteur Restaurant. Shopping is a varsity sport here, and the Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountains do not disappoint. Adventurous types may choose to head out to the desert, where you can go “dune bashing” in a 4×4. (Many such experiences end up feeling very canned and touristy, but Justin can arrange for a private outing in a retrofitted vintage 4×4.) End the day with a barbecue dinner atop a dune, complete with carpets and torches.

For thrill seekers, Justin can arrange a day trip to the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, home to the Jebel Jais Flight, the world’s longest zip line. As you launch off the side of Jebal Jais Mountain, the height, the speed, and the view will take your breath away.

Contact Justin

Not sure if this is the right person for you?
Ask Wendy