Dubai: City of lights, heights, and limitless ideas. [Photos in Daylight - Part 1]

I visited Dubai a few weeks ago, and I still keep vivid memories from my journey. It was shorter than I wanted it to be, but I feel like I need to share with you the fact that .. It is a beautiful place to be a traveler to, whether it is for business or leisure - both can be combined! And I will tell you why.

Visiting Dubai in December felt surprisingly comfortable, especially since Im coming from Crete, where winter can be really warm also during winter time.
Dubai’s winter weather is mild and pleasant, with warm days, cooler evenings, and plenty of sunshine. This kind of climate is perfect because it allows you to explore the city all day without feeling exhausted by the heat, plus you do not need an extra heavy suitcase you only need light/summer/spring clothes. This (in my humble opinion) is making December one of the best months to experience Dubai!

Dubai: City of lights, heights, and limitless ideas.
_{Caption from my Instagram post}

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I arrived at Dubai right at pink hour. I was with other people so as you understand it is not always easy to be distant only taking photos ... but at least I could admire amazing places around and got the opportunity to take some quick photos from the taxi

Images of not such a good quality due to being inside a moving taxi :)

We do not have high buildings where I live, so whenever I see sky scrappers I am always wowed!

Tip: You get a free e-sim card when you land in Dubai, which you can refill, or you can buy e-sim cards by any providers. I had roaming through my mobile package, so that is what I used for internet.

Let me share some information about Dubai

About Dubai’s History & Identity

Dubai may look ultra-modern today, and its story is relatively young and fascinating.
Originally it was a small fishing and pearl-diving settlement. After the discovery of oil, during the 20th century, Dubai started transforming very quickly.

The focus shifted from oil to trade, tourism, real estate, and innovation; and this shaped Dubai rapidly into one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Today, Dubai is a place where tradition and ambition coexist. Alongside futuristic skyscrapers, you’ll still find historic neighborhoods in the old spots of the city (a place you also need to visit - I unfortunately did not have the time to do it)

Some of the modern, iconic must-visit-spots are landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Burj Al Arab.

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Safety, Cleanliness

Unfortunately my home city is voted this year as one of the dirtiest in the world (and I have seen this getting worse year by year). So you can't imagine how much clean cities (pleasantly) surprise me. One of the strongest impressions Dubai left on me was clean (but also safe) it feels. Walking during the day or night, using public transport, or exploring busy areas, there’s a constant sense of order and security. Cleanliness is clearly a priority, and it shows everywhere. Not only private places, but also streets are immaculate clean!

Festive December Atmosphere

Although Dubai is located in the UAE, where the main religion is Islam, the city is incredibly multicultural. During December, you’ll notice Christmas trees, festive decorations, and holiday vibes across malls, hotels, and public areas. You really do feel the Christmas spirit, proving how welcoming and inclusive the city is for visitors from all backgrounds.

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Visit the malls!

Dubai has many-many (!) of major malls that tourists typically visit, plus many more shopping centres and community malls.

Some of the most famous include:

• The Dubai Mall, one of the largest in the world by total area.
• Mall of the Emirates – known for Ski Dubai. (see some images below)
• Ibn Battuta Mall – themed after historic world regions.
• City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Dubai Festival City Mall, and many more that offer shopping, dining and entertainment.

Dubai mall of the Emirates is a very impressive, has-it-all, even SKI (!!!) mall.

You will see of course all big brands and if you are a photographer, make sure you have a camera with you!

You will probably need lots of 'hands' to take all the bags, if you go shopping!

These are Armani chocolates (yes, the known Armani - I did not buy anything but we did have a coffee at an Armani cafe)

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Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is one of the city’s most iconic and vibrant neighborhoods.

Stretching over 3 kilometers, Dubai Marina is often described as one of the largest waterfront developments in the world. This place was once an empty desert yet, it has been now transformed into a stunning urban area filled with skyscrapers, luxury residences, hotels and shops.

I visited this place during late afternoon for a boat trip, so I only have a few photographs but I was utterly impressed!

Any place you visit, is about experiences...

Check out the most visited and iconic landmarks of the place you visit, and try creating a schedule to do whatever you will enjoy during the time you have available.

The reason I visited Dubai was to attend the Binance Blockchain Week, so my time was limited.

This city did steal my heart and I am dreaming for a future visit.

This was shortly after sunrise, view from my hotel room.

Have you visited Dubai? What was your favorite place?