Desert Diaries: Girls Trip Under the Arabian Stars
A Best Friend Adventure to Remember
I never planned to visit Dubai. The UAE wasn’t even on my bucket list.
But after just 4 days in this futuristic desert oasis, it landed squarely in my top 3 favorite places in the world. Dubai is the perfect fusion of culture, innovation, luxury, and tradition. It felt safe, diverse, beautiful, and welcoming. And the food? Out-of-this-world delicious, a dream for any foodie. If Dubai has ever crossed your mind, let me give you a reason (or ten) to book the flight. Here’s how we did it:
The Flight: Emirates Airlines = Next-Level Luxury
We flew Emirates nonstop from Washington D.C. (13 hours of comfort!), and it was honestly the best flight experience of my life:
- Wide reclining seats
- Starry night ceiling for ambiance
- In-seat entertainment galore
- Spacious bathrooms
- Hot towels, over-ear headphones, and even photo souvenirs of the flight
- Bonus: There’s a bar lounge, showers, and beds if you’re flying first class
“Worth every penny for long-haul travel comfort”
Our Hotel: W Dubai – Mina Seyahi
We stayed at the W Dubai Mina Seyahi, a 5-star, adults-only luxury hotel with jaw-dropping views of both the city skyline and the Arabian Gulf. We booked through the Armed Forces Travel site for a military discount (available to both active duty and civilians!).
Features:
- Rooftop lounge & infinity pool
- On-site restaurants & bars
- Plush robes & slippers
Perfect location for exploring Dubai
W Dubai Mina Seyahi Hotel: https://www.marriott.com/…/dxbmw-w-dubai-mina…/overview/
Adrenaline in the Sky: XLine Dubai Zipline
Ziplining from 170 meters high across the Dubai Marina is not for the faint of heart, but it’s an absolute must for thrill seekers. You’ll hit speeds up to 80 km/hr, and they include photos and videos of your entire ride.
✅ Adrenaline ✅ Views ✅ Bragging rights
Book the XLine Zipline Experience: https://www.getyourguide.com/…/xline-dubai-zipline…/
Dubai Desert Safari: A Must-Do Adventure
This was hands down my favorite experience in Dubai. We booked a Sahara Desert Safari Tour and it was jam-packed with unforgettable moments:
- Dune bashing
- Quad biking & sandboarding
- Camel rides
- Shisha, henna, Arabic street food
- BBQ dinner & dessert buffet
- Falcon photoshoot, custom perfumes, handcrafted jewelry
- Tanoura dance, fire show, Khaliji dance performance
- Stargazing with a telescope guided by an astronomer 🔭
- All-inclusive with hotel pickup and return
Ask for Shan if you book. He’s amazing and listed on TripAdvisor.
Desert Safari via Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/slink/DnIN58fP
A Stroll Through Time: Old Dubai Tour
We also took a tour through Old Dubai (Al Fahidi District) for a deep dive into Emirati culture:
- Traditional Arabic architecture
- Served Arabic tea and coffee in historic homes
- Visit to the Old Mosque & original Dubai Wall (circa 1800)
- Boat ride across Dubai Creek (Abra water taxi)
- Visit to the Gold Souk (the best prices on real gold!)
- Spices, textiles, and photo ops galore
Book the Old Dubai Experience: https://www.airbnb.com/slink/liGENatD
Abu Dhabi Day Trip: Beautiful but Slightly Underwhelming
We took a day tour to Abu Dhabi, and while the sights were beautiful, the organization of the tour could’ve been better. That said, it still included:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (abaya/scarf provided)
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Photo stops at the Emirates Palace & Etihad Towers
- Lunch & stroll along The Corniche
Abu Dhabi Day Trip via Viator: https://www.viator.com/…/Louvre-Museum…/d828-41982P10
Final Thoughts: Dubai for the Win
Dubai blew me away.
From the architectural marvels to the cultural depth, the safety to the hospitality, and the cuisine to the camels, it’s a destination that genuinely surprised me, and deeply moved me.
I came for a trip. I left with a new favorite place in the world.
Next stop? Spain… but Dubai, we’re not done yet. I’ll be back
