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Dubai has become one of the must-see destinations, and the most luxurious location to visit. Behind the glitz and the glamor is a world of opportunities and sites to see. It may feel initially tailed towards the younger crowds, with Instagrammable settings and supercars everywhere you look, but for 50+ year olds looking for a new adventure, it’s the perfect destination. You will want a mix of fun and downtime—so you can see the best of the city without feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation. Here’s a plan that covers the must-sees, a few hidden gems, and some well-earned indulgence along the way.
Day 1: Dubai’s Iconic Skyline & Modern Wonders
Start your visit to Dubai on the right foot. After a long day of traveling to the city from overseas, you need to have a breakfast fit for kings and queens. Visit the Armani/Mediterraneo, inside the Burj Khalifa. The food? A great mix of Middle Eastern and international dishes, meaning even the fussiest of partners will get the grub they desire. The best part? Drinking coffee while the Dubai Fountain wakes up for the day. After breakfast, take the elevator up to At the Top, Burj Khalifa for jaw-dropping views of the city’s skyline. Here you will take in the full scale of the location before you spend the following 3 days taking the city by storm. If you don’t love crowds, go for Level 148—it’s worth the extra cost, plus you get a bit of breathing room.
Back at ground level, Dubai Mall is right there. If there’s a location to find all of the most luxurious designers in one spot, it’s this one. Rest assured that even if you aren’t in the tax bracket to shop there, tourists are welcome to explore and see just how much money the people of Dubai have to splash. There are also a handful of affordable shops here, so if you are looking for an abaya to match the cultural attire, you will find one that won’t break the bank. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, it’s worth a wander. The Dubai Aquarium is fun (though The Lost Chambers is cooler if you really love marine life), and the indoor waterfall is a surprisingly peaceful spot to take a break. If you need a caffeine fix, % Arabica has great coffee with solid people-watching.
For lunch, Atmosphere on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa is all about fine dining with a view, but if you’re after something more relaxed, Somewhere at Dubai Mall serves fantastic Mediterranean food with a killer spot to watch the fountains.
After your belly is settled and you’re full of energy, head to the Museum of the Future. I almost skipped this, thinking it’d be another overhyped attraction, but it’s actually incredible. It’s less about exhibits and more about immersive experiences. Think floating space stations, AI-powered oracles, and a peek at how life might look in 2071.
By now, you’ll probably want a break after all of the sightseeing. Take the afternoon off and unwind at Jumeirah Beach, or if you’re feeling fancy, book a spot at Nikki Beach Club. Don’t be fooled by the images, all beach clubs in Dubai are very inclusive and you will see a mixed crowd of people from all backgrounds. You’ll find good vibes, music, and excellent service. If you just want to sit by the water without spending extra, grab a fresh coconut from a beachside stall and enjoy the view.
For your evening meal be sure to go for Pierchic. This aesthetic restaurant sits on a pier over the water, meaning you can expect fresh seafood, a sea breeze, and the kind of ambiance that makes you want to linger. If you’re more in the mood for a lively night ( although let’s be honest, the exploration of day one may put you to bed by 7 pm), Ce La Vi on the rooftop of Address Sky View has spectacular views and great cocktails.
Day 2: Culture & The Desert Experience
Now for the cultural part of Dubai that many miss out on. Start your day at Arabian Tea House in the historic Al Fahidi District. This place is all about old-school Dubai charm, of which the city is scarce to offer. Think blue-and-white decor, fresh khameer bread, and strong Arabic coffee designed to give you a wake up like never before. It’s a great way to slow down before diving into the city’s past.
Wandering through Al Fahidi, Dubai’s historical neighbourhood, you’ll find restored wind-tower houses, hidden courtyards, and galleries showcasing local art. If you love coffee, check out the Coffee Museum. It’s a tiny spot, but learning about Arabic, Ethiopian, and Turkish coffee traditions makes for a fun detour.
Next, hop on an abra (wooden boat) across Dubai Creek to explore the Deira Souks. Getting lost in the maze of the Spice Souk is part of the experience. Expect strong wafts of saffron, cinnamon, and dried roses. The Gold Souk is worth a look too for gold beyond your wildest dreams, even if you’re not in the market for jewelry (or a 24K gold iPhone case, because yes, that exists).
Lunch at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant is a must for pure Emirati cuisine. From slow-cooked lamb ouzi to machboos (a spiced rice dish with dried limes), your taste buds will be tingling after this delicious lunch. If you’re up for it, they offer cooking classes where you can learn how to make traditional dishes, so you can bring the essence of Dubai home with you.
After a busy morning, take it slow with a visit to the Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Their Turkish hammam (public steam bath) is legendary. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve shed about five years of stress.
To finish off the day, you need to attend a desert safari. I expected this to be a cheesy tourist trap, but honestly, it’s an experience I’d do again. The dune bashing is an adrenaline rush, the sunset over the sand is unreal, and the Bedouin-style dinner under the stars feels like something out of a movie. Plus, sitting by the fire with a cup of Arabic tea while watching a Tanoura dancer spin endlessly? Pretty mesmerizing.
Day 3: Island Escapes & Farewell to Dubai
For your final day of luxurious relaxation, wake up on The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai’s famous man-made island. You might catch the occasional influencer taking photos, but mostly it’s the perfect replica of an exotic aquamarine, designed for kicking back and relaxing. Once you’ve soaked up some sun, breakfast at The Beach House at Anantara is a solid choice, with a chill vibe and good Mediterranean food. After breakfast, head to The View at The Palm to soak in the island from above.
Lunch at Nobu at Atlantis is a splurge but definitely worth it. Their black cod miso is famous for a reason. If you’re feeling full, take a slow stroll along the Bluewaters Island promenade instead.
Also on Bluewaters Island, you’ll find Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest Ferris wheel. If you’re not up for the ride or heights are not for you, the waterfront views alone make the visit worth it. If lounging is more your vibe, head to Drift Beach for one last moment of relaxation before heading home.
For your final night, go all out with dinner at Ossiano inside Atlantis. Eating surrounded by an aquarium? Unreal. If you’d rather end the trip with a bang, La Perle is an acrobatics-meets-theater show with water stunts that’ll leave you in awe.
Final Thoughts
Dubai has become a talking point for young adults, but truly it offers the perfect escape for those of us over 50. Offering the perfect balance of old and new, whether you wish to ride high-tech buggies on the sand dunes, or sip traditional tea in the desert, you will get lost in the adventure Dubai has to offer. You’ll probably be planning your next trip before you even leave.
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