Dubai is the jewel in the crown of the United Arab Emirates. It has become very popular with tourists, drawn by its excellent standards of accommodation, wonderful beaches and exclusive shopping. In 2017, the UAE was named the world’s best place for Muslim tourists by the 2016-17 Global Islamic Economy Report. And who are we to disagree? Here are some of the reasons why we think halal-conscious travellers will love Dubai!
Once you have been here, you will understand why shopping in Dubai is the number one pastime. If you thought that a shopping mall was simply a shopping mall, then think again: Dubai brings the concept of shopping for holiday souvenirs to a whole new level! Here are 5 reasons why Muslim tourists will love to shop in Dubai:
As you may have realised, malls in Dubai are not just for shopping but are almost like small cities in themselves with plenty of opportunities for family entertainment and an excellent choice of restaurants serving halal food. You will also find prayer facilities in all of the malls.
JBR Open Beach/The Walk at JBR - This popular Dubai beach has a children's splash pool and plenty to do with a soft jogging trail, volleyball courts, benches and an open-air gym. It also has all the facilities which families need such as changing rooms, showers, toilets, sun lounges, umbrellas and towels. The Walk has a contemporary feel with shops, squares, grassy areas and an open-air movie theatre. It will be easy to find a family-friendly halal restaurant, choose one with a seafront terraces. Many of them are alcohol-free.
Take a Ferry Boat Ride. Take a one-hour trip on Dubai ferry’s futuristic looking watercraft. One departure from Dubai Marina skirts The Walk before circling Palm Jumeirah giving passengers a view of the emirate’s iconic luxury development. Another boat departs from Al Ghubaiba dock on Shindagha Waterfront and cruises along the coast past the QE2 in Port Rashid and the beaches of Jumeirah. Whichever you choose, it’s a great way to see Dubai from the water.
Visit a thrilling Waterpark. Choose Wild Wadi Waterpark, which offers 30 gravity-defying rides and follows the story of an Arab adventurer in a shark-infested lagoon. It is one of the world’s most advanced water theme parks. Or visit Aquaventure Waterpark Dubai at Atlantis, The Palm, which has 17 hectares of fun-filled rides including the astounding ‘Leap of Faith’ which is 9 storeys high. It also has a private beach and The Lost Chambers Aquarium where you can meet 65000 marine creatures including sharks and rays. Other family entertainment destinations include IMG World of Adventures, Bollywood Parks Dubai and Legoland Dubai.
Ain Dubai has recently opened. Located on Bluewaters Island, the 210-metre-high observation wheel is the largest and highest in the world, providing 360-degree views of the city and coastline. Also known as the Dubai Eye, it has 48 passenger capsules, each of which fits 40 passengers, and is spacious enough for visitors to walk around.
Take a desert safari. Teenagers will love the excitement of travelling out into the desert. When you’re in Dubai it’s easy to forget that its spectacular architecture and impressive attractions are built in the midst of a desert. You may get to ride in a jeep, take part in dune bashing and even ride on a camel. It is worth checking exactly what is included as some trips do feature entertainment which might not be appropriate for families.
There is a good choice of spa and beauty centres in Dubai offering separate treatment centres for women only. For those who prefer to swim and sunbathe in a ladies-only environment, or would prefer to relax in a women-only spa, these are our top choices:
Although alcohol is available for non-Muslim tourists in Dubai, this is only in licensed restaurants, most of which tend to be in hotels. Alcohol is not allowed in public places such as beaches, and it is very easy to find alcohol-free restaurants in Dubai.
Strict halal standards are also maintained for restaurants. Although there is no tradition of halal certification, you can assume that all food served in restaurants is halal. In particular, restaurants serving Indian, Pakistani, Egyptian, Lebanese and other Middle Eastern cuisine will almost certainly be owned and run by Muslims.
Here’s a pick of our favourite halal, alcohol-free restaurants in Dubai:
Seven Sands - The Beach is an Emirati restaurant serving traditional dishes from the seven emirates such as Fish Fouga and Aishu Lahem. Located at The Jumeirah Beach Residence is is a good choice for families and it serves breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner with views of the sea and Ain Dubai.
Al Falamanki is a Lebanese restaurant on Jumeirah Beach Road. Signature dishes include Khalil’s Saj with thyme and a cheese mix and Kbaibet in Yogurt - fried kibbeh balls mixed with garlic, pine nuts and coriander. Throughout Ramadan, the restaurant serves a set menu with traditional dishes such as hashed chicken, sumac potatoes, cheese rolls and fried kibbeh. Iftar is served nightly from sunset to 3am.
Tribes in Dubai Mall serves fusion cuisine with exotic African flavours. It’s great for meat-lovers but it is not only the halal food here which will grab your attention but also the magnificent views of Burj Khalifah and the dancing fountains.