3 Days Exploring Dubai: From Skyscrapers to Desert Sands

International Travel, Travel Itineraries

I spent incredible 3 days exploring Dubai in December, and I’m excited to share my journey exploring Dubai with you. This blog is all about my personal experiences — the skyscrapers I marveled at, the desert adventures I tried, and the little moments that made the trip unforgettable. From golden sunsets over the dunes to breathtaking city views, here’s how my Dubai journey unfolded.

Table Of Contents

✈️ Arrival in Dubai
🌇 Day 1 – Iconic Landmarks, Blooming Gardens & Global Adventures
🏜️ Day 2 – Shopping, City Views & Desert Safari Adventure
🌅 Day 3 – Desert Photoshoot, Cultural Malls & Iconic Skylines
📷 Our Dubai Photo Gallery: Moments from 3 Days of Adventure
✨ Tips & Suggestions for Your Dubai Trip
Final Thoughts

✈️ Arrival in Dubai

After a long flight, we finally touched down in Dubai around 11 PM. The warm desert air instantly felt different — a mix of excitement and comfort that every traveler feels when landing in a new city. Since it was already late, we didn’t plan any sightseeing for the night. Instead, we headed to a cozy bar nearby to unwind with a quick drink and enjoy some live music before calling it a night.
For our stay, I chose accommodation in Al Karama, a lively neighborhood known for its convenient location, authentic eateries, and easy access to both old and new Dubai. It turned out to be the perfect base for my 3 days exploring Dubai ahead.

🌇 Day 1 – Iconic Landmarks, Blooming Gardens & Global Adventures

Our first day in Dubai started bright and exciting. After a good night’s rest in Al Karama, we were ready to begin our 3 days exploring Dubai with a mix of modern marvels and cultural experiences.

🏙️ Morning: Dubai Frame & Old Dubai Charm

We kicked off the day at the stunning Dubai Frame, arriving around 10:30 AM. Even from the outside, this architectural marvel was a sight to behold. The golden structure gleamed beautifully under the morning sun, perfectly framing the contrast between Old Dubai and the modern skyline. We spent some time capturing photos from different angles — the frame makes such a picturesque backdrop that it’s hard to stop snapping!

From there, we took a short boat ride (abra) across the creek at around 11:15 AM, which took only about 5–10 minutes but felt like stepping back in time. It’s such a simple yet beautiful way to see the contrast between the city’s old-world charm and glittering skyscrapers.

Our next stop was the famous Gold Souq in Old Dubai, where the narrow lanes glimmered with rows of intricate jewelry and vibrant shops. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a must-visit for the experience alone — the buzzing energy, the scent of spices in the air, and the golden glow everywhere.

🌆 Afternoon: Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall

Around noon, we made our way to Burj Khalifa for our visit to the observation deck. The line was quite long (we waited about an hour or so), but the moment we reached the top, it was absolutely worth it. The high-speed elevator — one of the fastest in the world — whisked us up to the viewing deck in just seconds. Standing on the world’s tallest building and looking over the Dubai skyline is an experience that words can hardly describe. We spent some time soaking in the views, taking photos, and just appreciating how surreal it felt to be there.

After that, we explored Dubai Mall, one of the largest malls in the world. We had lunch at Zouzou, a Turkish and Lebanese restaurant, and it was absolutely amazing — a must-try spot if you’re visiting. Afterward, we did a little shopping and, of course, took plenty of pictures with the Burj Khalifa as our backdrop. The fountains, the architecture, and the lively atmosphere made this part of the day feel straight out of a movie.

🌸 Evening: Dubai Miracle Garden

By late afternoon, we headed to the Dubai Miracle Garden around 5:30 PM. It’s exactly what it sounds like — a miracle in full bloom! Thousands of vibrant flowers arranged in creative shapes, from heart arches to full-sized airplanes made of petals. Walking through the garden at sunset was pure magic; the colors looked even richer in the golden light. We spent over an hour here, taking pictures and just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere away from the city buzz.

🌍 Night: Global Village Adventures

We wrapped up the night at Global Village Dubai, arriving around 7:30 PM. It’s one of those places where you could easily spend the whole evening exploring. Each pavilion showcases a different country, blending global culture, food, and entertainment in one lively spot. We loved trying dishes from around the world, browsing unique stalls, and watching live performances under the dazzling lights. Global Village truly felt like a global festival — a must-visit in Dubai for anyone who loves culture, food, and fun all in one place.

We stayed until about 11 PM before heading back, completely amazed by how much we had already seen on just our first full day in Dubai.

🏜️ Day 2 – Shopping, City Views & Desert Safari Adventure

Our second day in Dubai started a little slower after the exciting first day. We decided to revisit one of our favorite spots from the day before — the Dubai Mall, not just for shopping but also to capture some more moments in the heart of the city.

🛍️ Morning: Dubai Mall & Wings of Mexico

We reached Dubai Mall around 11:15 AM and spent some time wandering through its impressive halls, shops, and photo-worthy corners. Even though we had been here on Day 1, it felt completely different during the day. The bright light streaming through the mall’s huge glass walls gave a whole new vibe.

Of course, we couldn’t resist taking more photos with the Burj Khalifa — the view never gets old! We also stopped by Wings of Mexico, a famed metal sculpture of angel wings created by Mexican artist Jorge Marín in 2010. It’s a fantastic spot for photo ops, perfect for anyone who loves capturing unique and memorable pictures. By the time we wrapped up our little mall stroll, it was almost 1 PM — the perfect time to grab lunch before heading out for our afternoon adventure.

🚙 Afternoon: Desert Safari Experience

Around 2:45 PM, we left for our much-awaited Dubai Desert Safari. The drive itself was exciting — as the city skyline slowly disappeared, endless golden dunes began to stretch across the horizon.

At around 4:15 PM, we made a quick stop for some local souvenir shopping before diving into the ultimate desert thrill — car drifting on the sand dunes! The adrenaline rush was unreal as our skilled driver effortlessly glided up and down the golden slopes, sending sand flying in every direction. Every twist, turn, and drift had us laughing and cheering — it was an exhilarating experience that perfectly captured the wild, adventurous spirit of the Dubai desert.

🌅 Evening: Sunset in the Desert & Cultural Performances

By 5:15 PM, we arrived deeper into the desert and took a short break to capture the most beautiful sunset views we had seen so far. The soft golden light, the patterns in the sand, and the peaceful silence made this moment unforgettable — definitely one of the highlights of our 3 days exploring Dubai.

We then continued to the camp area, where an evening of fun and culture awaited us. There were several activities to experience — camel rides, henna art, traditional clothing stalls, buffet dinner, and hookah lounges.

We reached the camp by 6 PM, just as the sky turned dark. Although we missed the camel ride, we made up for it by taking pictures with a vulture, exploring local stalls, and enjoying refreshing drinks before dinner.

Soon, the stage lit up for live performances — starting with an energetic belly dance show, followed by a mesmerizing traditional Arabic tanoura dance. Surrounded by music, food, and the cool desert breeze, it was the perfect way to end our second day in Dubai.

🌙 Back to the Hotel

After an evening full of fun, food, and cultural entertainment, we headed back to our hotel — tired but happy. Day 2 had a little bit of everything: shopping, adventure, and a touch of authentic Arabian culture.

🌅 Day 3 – Desert Photoshoot, Cultural Malls & Iconic Skylines

Our third day in Dubai began bright and early with a desert photoshoot, capturing the golden dunes before heading out to explore the city’s cultural spots and iconic skylines.

🌄 Morning: Desert Photoshoot

Our final day in Dubai started early with an exciting plan — a Dubai desert photoshoot with a professional photographer. Waking up before sunrise, we headed to the desert, and it truly exceeded our expectations. The golden sands, soft morning light, and peaceful ambiance made it the perfect setting for capturing stunning photos and videos. (Check out my reel for a glimpse!)

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🛍️ Afternoon: Ibn Battuta Mall

By early afternoon, around 2 PM, we visited Ibn Battuta Mall. The mall is uniquely themed around different countries and cultures, with courts named after countries like India and China. Wandering through its beautifully decorated interiors felt like a mini world tour. We paused for a Turkish coffee and some desserts, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere before heading to the evening adventures.

🌇 Evening: Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah

Next, we headed to Dubai Marina, enjoying stunning skyline views from Bluewaters Island around 4 PM. The combination of water, skyscrapers, and yachts created a picture-perfect scene — ideal for photos and just soaking in the city vibe.

From there, we drove through Palm Jumeirah, arriving at Atlantis Hotel. Seeing the hotel against the backdrop of the sunset was breathtaking, and we couldn’t resist a few more photos to capture the moment.

Our last stop for the evening was the iconic Burj Al Arab, where we took photos from outside and admired its luxury and architecture. While tours are available to go inside for breakfast or lunch, we didn’t have time on this trip — something to consider for your own Dubai visit.

💎 Shopping in Dubai

Before ending the day, we spent some time exploring gold and jewelry stores. It was interesting to learn that purchases above a certain amount are eligible for a VAT refund at the airport, which is something to keep in mind if you plan to shop in Dubai.

📷 Our Dubai Photo Gallery: Moments from 3 Days of Adventure

Dubai is incredibly photogenic, and we captured some of our favorite moments throughout our 3-day trip — from golden desert sunrises to stunning city skylines, vibrant gardens, and cultural hotspots. Scroll through our gallery to get a glimpse of the experiences that made our trip so memorable!

Wings at Burj Khalifa

Sunset at Sand Dunes

Miracle Garden

Ibn Battuta Mall

Ibn Battuta Mall – Christmas Decor

Global Village

Global Village Entrance

Dubai Mall

Burj Khalifa Observation Desk

At The Top Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa

✨ Tips & Suggestions for Your Dubai Trip

Reflecting on our 3 days exploring Dubai, we realized that a little planning goes a long way in making the most of this vibrant city. Here are some tips and suggestions for anyone planning a similar trip:

🌞 Best Time to Visit Dubai

The best time to visit Dubai is during the cooler months, from November to March, when temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. December, when we visited, is ideal for exploring the city, enjoying the desert, and attending festivals without the intense heat.

🕘 Start Early for Key Attractions

Dubai’s most iconic spots, like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame, can get crowded. Arriving early helps you avoid long queues and enjoy the experience more peacefully.

🏜️ Desert Experiences

If you want a unique experience like our desert photoshoot or a desert safari, booking in advance is a good idea. Many tour operators on platforms like GetYourGuide and Klook offer packages that include dune driving, traditional performances, and sunset photography.

🛍️ Shopping in Dubai

From gold and jewelry stores to luxury malls, Dubai is a shopping paradise. Purchases above a certain amount are eligible for a VAT tax refund at the airport — it’s a quick and easy process at the kiosk. Do check the current rules before you travel to make sure you have all the necessary details.

💳 Payment Tips

At many shops, malls, and restaurants, US credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for local purchases, smaller shops, or other incidental expenses.

📸 Capture the Moments

Dubai is extremely photogenic — from the golden dunes and vibrant gardens to the dazzling skyline and luxury islands. We found that mornings and sunsets offer the best lighting for photos and reels, so plan your shoots accordingly.

🍴 Food & Local Experiences

Dubai’s culinary scene is incredibly diverse, from street food in Old Dubai to international cuisines in modern areas. Be sure to sample local favorites like Turkish coffee, traditional desserts, and flavorful snacks, which make your travel experience even more memorable.

🌐 Plan Your Itinerary Around Your Interests

Our 3-day itinerary gave us a mix of modern landmarks, cultural experiences, and desert adventures. But Dubai has so much to offer that you can adjust based on your interests — whether it’s luxury shopping, beach activities, or theme parks.

Final Thoughts

Our Dubai trip was a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and luxury. Traveling together made the experiences even more memorable, from the bustling streets of Old Dubai to the calm desert sunsets. We hope sharing our journey helps you plan your own Dubai adventure in December, giving you ideas and inspiration for an unforgettable trip.

If you’re planning a trip to Dubai or have visited a place that wasn’t part of our itinerary, we’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below — we’re always excited to discover new spots to explore on our next trip.