7 Expensive Things to Do in Dubai That Made People Question My Day Job
They say work hard, play harder, but I say that’s not enough. Sometimes, you’ve got to splurge the hardest. If you’ve got the means, why not? After all, I think it’s a bummer to save up way too much and realize you’re too old to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Now, that’s not to say I urge everyone to live like a king today and pauper the next. I’m just saying, live a little. Whether it’s buying that cake, shoes, or experience, if you’re happier because of them, why hold back on yourself so much?
So if you’re up for it, here’s a list of the most expensive things to do in Dubai I’ve done over time. Check them out, indulge a little, and feel like royalty for a day!
What extravagant things can I do in Dubai?
There are plenty of extravagant things you can do in Dubai! You can cruise on a yacht, enjoy Michelin-star fine dining, ride in a helicopter, and indulge in a shopping spree at a fancy mall to live like a VIP when you want to!
Ride On a Fancy Yacht
Media credit: boattourindubai
Website: https://boattourdubai.com/
Address: Dock Master 1 – On The – Marina Promenade – Dubai Marina
Contact Details: +971 54 708 3722, +971 54 707 6333, [email protected], [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Fees:
- 42-ft Yacht Rental Dubai (10 Guests) – AED 500 per hour
- 52-ft Yacht Hire Dubai (12 Guests) – AED 600 per hour
- 55-ft Yacht Charter Dubai (22 Guests) – AED 700 per hour
- 56-ft Yacht Party Dubai (25 Guests) – AED 700 per hour
- 68-ft Yacht Party Dubai (25 Guests) – AED 800 per hour
- 65-ft Majesty Yacht Charter Dubai (30 Guests) – AED 900 per hour
- 80-ft Luxury Yacht Charter Dubai (35 Guests) – AED 1,200 per hour
- 80-ft Luxury Yacht Jacuzzi Dubai (35 Guests) – AED 1,300 per hour
- 77-ft Majesty Luxury Yacht Rental Dubai (40 Guests) – AED 1,400 per hour
- 90-ft Luxury Yacht Dubai (65 Guests) – AED 1,500 per hour
- 95-ft Luxury Yacht Charter Dubai (50 Guests) – AED 2,000 per hour
- 88-ft Majesty Luxury Yacht (50 Guests) – AED 2,000 per hour
- 101-ft VIP Yacht Rental Marina (65 Guests) – AED 2,500 per hour
- 90-ft Yacht Rental Dubai Marina (50 Guests) – AED 2,500 per hour
- 100-ft Luxury Party Boat Dubai (80 Guests) – AED 3,000 per hour
- 143-ft VIP Super Yacht Dubai (130 Guests) – AED 5,000 per hour
Renting a private yacht from Boat Tour Dubai is one of the most expensive ways to experience Dubai’s coastline. It offers a bunch of options to sail through the stunning Palm Jumeirah or alongside the iconic Burj Al Arab.
You may choose from a wide range of yacht sizes available, ranging from 31 to 145 feet. This could be a romantic, private date idea for 2 or a big party for up to 150 guests. I think the latter is ideal for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events.
Other must-try experiences are sunset cruises, private dinner cruises, or a day trip to nearby islands—whichever floats your boat. my favorite is the 3-hour tour, though—just enough to sightsee around Dubai Marina without getting bored.
Friendly advice:
Some of the crew members at Boat Tour Dubai may not be good at speaking in English. For me, this can make some conversations or commentary more challenging.
If you think this would be an issue, I recommend bringing this up to the staff from the get-go so they can quickly provide you with solutions or compromise.
Dine at a Michelin-Star Restaurant
Media credit: almuntaha.dubai
Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/burj-al-arab-jumeirah/dining/burj-al-arab-muntaha
Address: 27th Floor – Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – Jumeirah St
Contact Details: +971 800 323232, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12:30 to 2:30 PM, 7 to 10 PM
Pricing: AED 350 to AED 900 per person
Another deliciously costly thing to do in Dubai is dining at a Michelin-star restaurant like Al Muntaha. It’s on the 27th floor or top of the Burj Al Arab, offering exquisite French-Italian cuisine. It also boasts stunning views and sleek interiors from the 2000s.
The acclaimed chef Saverio Sbaragli includes fancy experiences for you to indulge in, like the decadent farm cheese trolley. I like that every dish is served in a minimalist, elegant manner. If you’re feeling hungry, you can have a hearty 6-course meal too!
Our top picks are the salmon tartare (raw) and Angus beef—the staff can recommend excellent wines too! To sweeten things up, I say don’t skip the mango coco curry pudding as well!
Handy hack:
If you’re dining at Al Muntaha, you don’t have to pay for parking. Just don’t forget to ask the restaurant staff for validation!
Hop on a Posh Helicopter
Media credit: sapphirelunatravels
Website: https://fzhelitours.com/
Address: Al Warsan Building – near Media Rotana – Ground Floor – Barsha Heights
Contact Details: +971 52 590 6075, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Fees:
- City Scapes (12-Minute Helicopter Ride) – AED 715 per person
- Fun Ride (15-Minute Helicopter Ride) – AED 921 per person
- The Iconic Tour (17-Minute Helicopter Ride) – AED 979 per person
- City Circuit (25-Minute Helicopter Ride) – AED 1,450 per person
- The Imperial Tour (45-Minute Helicopter Ride) – AED 11,463 for up to 5 persons
- The Gulf Desert Tour (60-Minute Helicopter Ride) – AED 15,593 for up to 5 persons
Want to experience the best of Dubai with a bird’s eye view? You can get a helicopter tour from FZ Heli Tours! It provides breathtaking views of iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai’s green beaches.
You can select from a 12- to 60-minute helicopter ride, depending on the sightseeing locations you want the pilot to cover. If it’s your first time on a chopper or if you have a fear of heights, I recommend going for one of the shorter schedules first.
Plus, I find it incredible that it’s got big panoramic windows, air conditioning, and luxurious and spacious interiors to allow you a more remarkable adventure in the sky.
Flight reminder:
It’s best to arrive at least 45 minutes before your FZ Heli Tours flight. This way, you can have enough time for check-in and briefing.
Go On a Luxury Desert Safari
Media credit: desertsafaritours
Website: http://www.desertsafaritours.com/
Address: Al Ameed Plaza – Room #409 A – 4th Floor – Al Firoshi Building – Salahuddin Road
Contact Details: +971 54 475 7544, +971 50 266 1837, +971 43 925 739, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Fees:
- Evening Desert Safari Tours with BBQ Dinner – starts at AED 290
- Evening Desert Safari With Quad Biking – starts at AED 390
- Evening Desert Safari With Quad Biking and Camel Trekking – starts at AED 490
- Private VIP Evening Desert Safari Dubai – starts at AED 1,200
Wish to go beyond the usual desert safaris? High-end experiences like private dune drives, camel rides, and exclusive dining under the stars might be for you!
Desert Safari Tours can provide morning, evening, or overnight safari in Dubai. The staff can also arrange a myriad of desert safari activities and adventure programs for you. On top of that, I like that it offers a budget to premium experience for all.
For one, you can try dune bashing (driving fast over dunes), quad biking, camel riding, and sandboarding. If you love seeing wildlife, we’re amazed that you can take photos with a majestic falcon too!
Expert advice:
Protect your phones and cameras! I think sand might get everywhere you own, so it’s best to use a zippered bag for them just in case.
Bring extra dirhams to your Desert Safari Tours experience too! Tipping and optional activities like falcon photos or souvenirs may require cash.
Shop at an Opulent Mall
Media credit: thedubaimall
Website: https://thedubaimall.com/ar
Address: Downtown Dubai
Contact Details: +971 800 3822 46255, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 11 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Of course, shopaholics are in for a treat at Dubai’s lavish malls. The Dubai Mall is a large shopping and leisure center with department stores, as well as an ice rink, aquarium, and a cinema—a win-win for the whole family!
And since it’s got over 1,200 shops, I bet you’ll be tempted to do early gift shopping from almost every brand you can think of.
I also love the mesmerizing choreographed fountain show here that combines art, technology, and nature. You can soak in the vibrant atmosphere while you indulge in delicious food after a long day of retail therapy.
Handy suggestions:
Make sure to don comfortable shoes as you’ll do lots of walking at the Dubai Mall. For me, it’s nearly impossible to see everything in only a single day, but you can certainly try—without hurting your feet!
The mall can be pretty crowded during public holidays and weekends, so I recommend visiting on a weekday if possible.
Stay at an Iconic 5-Star Hotel
Media credit: jwmarriottmarquisdubai
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dxbjw-jw-marriott-marquis-hotel-dubai/overview/
Address: Business Bay
Contact Details: +971 4 414 0000, [email protected]
Hours:
- Check-In Time – 3:00 PM
- Check-Out Time – 12:00 PM
Dubai boasts some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, perfect for those seeking pampering and exceptional service. For one, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is a 5-star accommodation set in 2 modern high-rise towers worth checking out.
I admire the polished rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and marble bathrooms. These also offer flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi (for a fee), iPod docks, and minibars and coffeemakers.
And when you get hungry, you don’t have to go far—it boasts 14 dining spots and bars, such as a French bistro, a chic cocktail bar, and a nightclub. I also think you oI it to yourself to relax at the heated outdoor pool or spa to maximize your luxury day.
Smart pointers:
It’s best to catch a taco or a bus if you want to go from JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai into the city.
Though if you want to walk, I believe it’s only a short stroll to the picturesque river. I say take advantage of the free shuttle to the Dubai Mall too!
Skydive over Palm Jumeirah
Media credit: skydivedubai
Website: http://www.skydivedubai.ae/
Address: Al Seyahi St – Dubai Marina
Contact Details: +971 4 377 8888
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 1 PM
Fees:
- Tandem Skydive – starts at AED 2,199
Skydiving over Palm Jumeirah with Skydive Dubai can give you the ultimate thrill! In my opinion, this is how you can enjoy aerial views of Dubai’s stunning coastline and landmarks while getting the best adrenaline rush of your life!
The most exciting thing for us is freefalling at over 200 kilometers per hour. And if you book the full package, your jump will be photographed and recorded. This way, you can forever have the bragging rights of reliving every moment you were up there.
Must-know move:
Plan to spend between 3 to 4 hours from check-in to when you complete your Skydive Dubai experience. While the staff would try to get you in the air ASAP, weather conditions and other factors can still cause delays.