Dubai in Motion: A City Redefined
When it comes to destinations that never stand still, Dubai is at the top of the list. I’ve visited several times over the years, but every return feels like seeing a city in motion - constantly building, innovating, and redefining itself. From ever-rising skylines to world-class hotels and boundary-pushing attractions, it’s a place that seems determined to redefine what’s possible.
Touchdown in the Heat
After an overnight flight with little sleep, we stepped off the plane into a wall of heat - 44°C, to be exact. I had been warned, of course, but somehow didn’t quite believe it until I felt it myself. My husband, ever the optimist, assured me it would be “fine.” For him, perhaps. For someone of a certain age navigating the joys of the midlife thermostat, let’s just say it took a couple of days to acclimatise.
Sunset from 52 Floors: The View at The Palm
Our first adventure - and birthday celebrations for my husband - took us to The View at The Palm, inside Nakheel Mall. From 52 floors up, the scene was jaw-dropping: the full scale of Palm Jumeirah stretching out beneath us, its shape so perfect it’s almost hard to believe it’s manmade.
It’s a feat of engineering that never fails to amaze - over 120 million cubic metres of sand and rock were used to create more than five square kilometres of land along Dubai’s coastline. Visible even from space, Palm Jumeirah is a symbol of the city’s bold ambition, and seeing it from above really puts the scale into perspective.
Watching the sun melt into the horizon over the Arabian Gulf was breath-taking… though the 44-degree heat made it a brief affair. An outfit change was essential before dinner; let’s just say the “Dubai glow” was in full effect long before the city lights appeared.
Hotels That Redefine Luxury
During our stay, we explored several properties, each offering a unique perspective on Dubai’s luxury landscape:
W Dubai - Mina Seyahi is bold, vibrant, and full of personality. The design is playful yet polished, with sweeping views across the Arabian Gulf and interiors that pulse with energy. It’s a space where contemporary style meets relaxed sophistication, perfectly capturing the city’s modern, dynamic spirit.
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, which opened in March 2025, takes a more understated approach to luxury. Inspired by the elegance of a superyacht, the property feels calm, composed, and effortlessly refined. Every detail - from the flowing curves of the architecture to the meticulous marble finishes - reflects considered design and timeless sophistication.
Atlantis The Palm is a completely different experience - stepping inside feels like entering a slice of Las Vegas: lively, bustling, and unapologetically over the top. By contrast, its sister property, Atlantis The Royal, exudes calm elegance and sophisticated grandeur. The latter’s in-house boutiques, featuring the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, and Missoni, perfectly sum up Dubai’s evolution: confident, polished, and effortlessly high-end.
Culture, Coasters & Creativity in Abu Dhabi
We hired a car and drove to Abu Dhabi for a day of contrasts - serene culture, high-speed thrills, and immersive creativity.
Our first stop was the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I’ve ever visited. Its vast scale, white marble, and intricate detailing were simply breath-taking.
From there, we swapped tranquillity for thrills at Ferrari World, home to Formula Rossa - the world’s fastest rollercoaster, reaching speeds of 240 km/h in under five seconds. Two minutes later, we were exhilarated, slightly dizzy, and already feeling it in our backs. The journey there had already come with its own burst of adrenaline - thanks to a small speeding fine for my husband, who perhaps got a little too confident behind the wheel of the rather large SUV we’d hired.
We ended the trip at teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, an immersive art experience where light, sound, and interaction merge to create living, evolving installations. It was mesmerizing, restorative, and a perfect balance to the day’s adventures.
Last Rays, Long Queues & City Lights
Our last night was reserved for the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building and one of Dubai’s most iconic experiences. The plan had been to catch the sunset - but in true travel fashion, the city had other ideas. A long taxi ride down Sheikh Zayed Road meant we missed our slot, and by the time we finally reached the top - after an hour and 45 minutes in the queue - the sun had long since set.
Still, the view was nothing short of spectacular. The city glittered below us, each skyscraper a reminder of Dubai’s unrelenting ambition. Dinner that night was a simple affair, rounded off with a rather indulgent four-inch slice of cheesecake - and a much-needed glass of something chilled.
Dubai’s Next Frontier
Dubai remains a destination of contrasts - energy and elegance, innovation and indulgence. It’s bold, confident, and constantly in motion, yet beneath the spectacle, there’s a growing sense of refinement. From showstopping hotels to cultural landmarks and even futuristic flying taxis on the horizon, it’s always evolving - and always delivering experiences that stay with you long after you return home.
Thinking of Visiting Dubai?
Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, Dubai always finds a way to surprise. From showstopping hotels to quiet moments of indulgence, I can help craft a stay that fits your version of luxury - thoughtfully, beautifully, and entirely your own.
