Dubai. Even the name sounds like something out of a sci-fi film. Shimmering skyscrapers, gold markets, futuristic malls, and endless desert dunes — all in one place. I’d never been anywhere quite like it, and nothing could’ve prepared me for how big everything felt. Big in scale, yes, but also in spirit, in ambition, in contrast.

I visited at the end of March, when the weather was just right: warm but not unbearable, sunny without melting me into the pavement. I didn’t know what to expect, but I left Dubai dazzled, dusted in sand, and very full.

After a flight from Istanbul, I arrived in Dubai around 1:00 am. But as I cruised through immigration and took my first steps outside, that dry desert air wrapped around me like a welcome. My friend met me at the airport, and we headed straight to his apartment near the Financial Centre — glass towers lit up the skyline like a sci-fi cityscape, and even at that hour, Dubai felt very much awake.

After a late-night arrival, Day 1 was all about easing into Dubai’s rhythm. I spent most of the day recovering and just chilling at the apartment near the Financial Centre — catching up with my friend, sipping coffee, and letting the city’s energy slowly sink in.

By late afternoon, I was ready to explore, so we headed to the Dubai Mall. It’s not just a mall — it’s an entire universe of shops, art installations, waterfalls, and even an aquarium (because, of course). I wandered, window-shopped, got semi-lost more than once, and marveled at how even the escalators here felt glamorous.

That night, I made my way outside to the Dubai Fountain Show— a jaw-dropping display of light, music, and water, all set in front of the world’s tallest building.

Then came the Burj Khalifa light show. Standing beneath that colossal structure as it lit up in waves of color and design felt like stepping into a sci-fi movie — surreal, electric, and honestly, a little humbling. A perfect welcome to Dubai.

Thanks to flying with Emirates, I scored a free ticket to Expo 2020, and let me tell you — this place was MASSIVE. Like a futuristic theme park of cultures. I spent all day wandering around!

Each pavilion had its own identity — architecture, tech, food, music — all designed to immerse you. My favorites? The UAE Pavilion, which looked like a spaceship crossed with a sand dune, and Japan’s, which was an elegant balance of tradition and cutting-edge tech.

I wandered for hours, grabbed lunch from a Moroccan food stall, and tried to visit as many countries as I could (passport stamps and all). The sheer ambition of Expo 2020 was unlike anything I’ve experienced before — a celebration of human creativity, wrapped in air-conditioning.

I kicked off the day with a visit to EMAAR Sky Views, perched high on the 53rd floor — and let me tell you, this was no ordinary viewpoint. After taking in the jaw-dropping views from the glass skywalk (yes, I tiptoed very carefully), it was time for something wild: the Sky Slide.

Imagine stepping into a clear glass tube that literally wraps around the side of a skyscraper. You sit down, cross your arms, and before you have time to fully think it through… you’re sliding. Through air. I could see the street far below as I zipped along the curve, adrenaline pumping and my brain screaming, what are we doing?!

It was over in seconds, but the feeling? A mix of childlike fun and full-on fear — like being a human marble in a luxury hamster tube dangling over downtown Dubai. I laughed the whole way down, mostly out of disbelief. Wild, terrifying, and absolutely worth it.

After that rush, I headed over to The Dubai Mall — and once again, got completely turned around. It’s not just a mall; it’s a micro-city. Between the massive aquarium, the indoor ice rink, waterfalls, and an endless parade of designer shops, I was both dazzled and mildly overwhelmed. I got lost. Twice. (Possibly three times, if we’re being honest.)

Later in the afternoon, I returned to the Burj Khalifa, this time under the bright Dubai sun. Seeing it in daylight gave me a whole new perspective — sleek, silver, and somehow even taller when you’re staring at it with your neck fully tilted back.

I wandered around the artificial lake that wraps around the base, the water shimmering like glass. The area was buzzing but peaceful at the same time — a strange and beautiful contrast. I ended the afternoon with a slow lunch at a restaurant with a garden facing the Burj Khalifa, eating pizza in the shade while watching people stroll by, all of us silently trying to absorb the scale of this iconic place.

A perfect balance of adrenaline and awe — Day 3 left me feeling like I’d just stepped through the pages of a futuristic travel magazine.

After a few days of exploring the city’s more modern side, I decided it was time to slow down and spend the day by the water. I started my morning at the beach — soft sand, turquoise waves, and that unmistakable Dubai sunshine that makes everything sparkle a little brighter.

Later, I headed to the Marina for lunch and passed through the Marina using a traditional boat. Gliding between the futuristic towers in a wooden abra felt like the perfect blend of old and new Dubai. The reflections on the water, the sound of the waves, the skyline shimmering around me — it was one of those “wow, I’m really here” moments.

Later, I made my way to Souk Palm Jumeirah, a beautiful spot that blends traditional Arabian architecture with modern touches. I wandered through its elegant courtyards, browsed the boutiques, and grabbed a coffee with a view of the iconic Atlantis rising in the distance.

As the sun began to set, I made one last stop — the iconic Burj Al Arab. Even just seeing it from the outside felt surreal. Its sail-shaped silhouette against the evening sky was the perfect finale to a day that blended relaxation, tradition, and pure Dubai glamour.

That evening, I headed back to the apartment, tired but happy, replaying the day in my mind. I curled up early, already excited for what the next day in Dubai would bring.

I kicked things off at the Gold Souk, where the shop windows literally sparkle with gold everything — necklaces, bangles, watches, and a whole lot of temptation. Just a short stroll away was the Spice Souk, fragrant with cinnamon, saffron, and mystery.

Then came one of my favorite parts of the trip: taking a small traditional boat (called an abra) across Dubai Creek. For just a dirham or two, you get a front-row seat to the older side of the city — a peaceful, breezy ride that feels like stepping back in time.

On the other side, I wandered into the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Narrow alleyways, wind towers, sandy hues — it felt like a completely different world from modern Dubai. I ended the day with a late lunch at the Arabian Tea House, shaded under trees and linen, sipping mint lemonade and enjoying mezze in a serene courtyard. A soul-soothing experience.

My favorite day of the entire trip — hands down. The desert completely stole my heart.

I booked this Desert Safari tour through GetYourGuide (use my discount code: AYLENSJOURNEY5) and from the moment we left the city, I felt like I was entering an entirely different world. Endless dunes stretching in every direction, the sun turning the sand a deep golden color… it honestly felt like stepping into a painting.

First up: dune bashing in a 4×4. Imagine a rollercoaster, but instead of tracks, it’s just pure sand — steep drops, sideways turns, and lots of laughter (mixed with “are we flipping?!” moments). It was wild in the best way.

Then came the camel ride, and it was epic. I didn’t expect the camels to be that tall, and when mine stood up, I let out an embarrassingly loud “whoa!” (no regrets). Riding through the dunes slowly, with just the sound of the wind, was pure magic. I even got a traditional keffiyeh (the scarf people wear on their heads), and the guides wrapped it for me. I honestly felt like a desert explorer.

As the sun set and the sky shifted from gold to deep purple on our way back to the city, I just sat thinking — this is the kind of memory that stays with you forever.

My last morning in Dubai was slow and peaceful — one of those rare travel days where you just want to soak in every detail before saying goodbye. I had breakfast with a view of the skyline, packed up my suitcase, and took one last walk around the neighborhood, still feeling the sand from yesterday’s desert adventure in my shoes (a souvenir I didn’t mind keeping).

Around midday, I headed to the airport, watching the city’s glass towers fade into the distance. It felt bittersweet — Dubai had surprised me, challenged me, and completely amazed me in just one week.

By 2 PM, I was up in the air, flying back to Istanbul — my heart full, my camera roll overflowing, and my mind already replaying the desert sunsets.

I expected Dubai to be modern. I didn’t expect it to be this diverse. Each neighborhood, experience, and even building had its own character. I thought I’d only be wowed by skylines — but some of my favorite moments came from the quieter spots: a shaded alley in Al Fahidi, the breeze on the abra ride.

Oh — and the heat? Manageable in March. But drink water like it’s your job.

Dubai reminded me that contrasts can coexist beautifully. That sand dunes and skyscrapers belong in the same story. That tradition and luxury can sit at the same table.

It taught me to embrace both extremes — the thrill of a sky slide, and the calm of mint tea in a historic courtyard. To explore, get a little lost (hi, Dubai Mall), and to let each moment surprise you.

If Dubai is on your radar, go. Whether you come for the sparkle, the adventure, or the culture, you’ll leave with more than photos — you’ll leave with stories.