Things to do for yacht crew during Dubai International Boat Show

Things to Do for Yacht Crew in Dubai

Dubai, the city of gold, is a city that has it all. Seven-star hotels, designer malls, cultural attractions, galleries, towering skyscrapers, grand palaces, and so much more. It’s also the home of the Dubai International Boat Show, which takes place from 9th till the 13th March at the luxurious Dubai Harbour.

Whether you’re visiting the city for the boat show, working on one of the many superyachts docked nearby, or simply here to enjoy the city, there’s so much to do and see in the truly unique city of Dubai. To help you plan your visit, we’ve narrowed it down to these top things to do for yacht crew in Dubai.

Swim in the Clouds

Aura Sky Pool bar in Dubai overlooking views of the city
image: Aura Sky Pool

The Aura Sky Pool is the highest 360-degree infinity pool on Earth. It sits 50 floors up, 200 meters atop the Palm Tower. With spectacular, uninterrupted views of the city, The Palm, the Burj Al Arab, and the gulf, this is a swim that you’ll never forget. To enjoy the pool and lounge, you’ll need to book tickets online with prices starting at around AED 200.

Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque is a must see in Dubai

The beautiful Jumeirah Mosque is the most photographed mosque in the city. It’s also the only mosque that’s open to non-Muslim visitors in Dubai. Built from white stone in the Fatimid Style of medieval time, the level of detail is something to behold. Visitors can take part in a 75-minute tour where they’ll learn more about Emirati life and religion, including holidays, traditions, customs, and cuisine. It’s recommended to dress modestly, and women are asked to cover their heads and shoulders during their visit.

Shop at Dubai Spice Souk

Shop at Dubai Spice Souk market

Dubai’s Spice Souk is a remarkable sensory experience. Wander the stalls and smell the tantalising aromas, taste the delicious flavours and see the vivid colours that fill this souk from wall to wall. Vendors sell mounds of spices, dried fruits, and teas from all over the world, and they’re bursting to share recipes and their knowledge with their customers. Saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, is cheaper here than anywhere else in Dubai.

You’ll also find vendors selling clothes, handmade lanterns, souvenirs and much more. As well as stalls, there’s also a bunch of both indoor and outdoor restaurants. Located in the Deira area of the city, it’s close to other famous souks such as the Gold Souk, Perfume Souk, and Textile Souk, so it’s a great way to spend the day if you’re in the mood for some traditional shopping.

Burn Energy at Kite Beach

Kite Beach in Dubai free and open to public with watersport rentals available

Kite Beach is one of the best and most popular free beaches in Dubai. Located in the Jumeirah neighbourhood, the beach is perfect for sun-seekers, fitness fanatics, and foodies. If you don’t get much time in the water to play with yacht toys when working onboard, then here you can hire quality equipment for kitesurfing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding and more. There’s also beach volleyball and a 14km track along the coastline for a jog or leisurely walk. Hungry? Grab a bite to eat at one of the many snack shacks and food trucks.

If you prefer sunbathing somewhere a little bit more luxurious, tranquil, or musical, then Dubai has plenty of beach clubs that will satisfy any taste. White Beach is a Mediterranean-inspired club with an infinity pool, whitewashed nautical-themed furniture, wooden decking, and island fauna. Soul Beach Dubai is a luxurious and expansive sun-worshipping paradise by day and an Ibiza party by night with live DJs and entertainment.

Splash Down at Aquaventure Waterpark

Aquaventure waterpark in Dubai with water slides, private beach and fun water toys

If you love adrenaline-filled water activities, then check out Aquaventure. With its recent extension, Aquaventure is now the world’s largest waterpark, with more than 105 slides, experiences, and attractions, including the longest lazy river in the emirates, record-breaking waterslides, a wave rider, the Leap of Faith, a kids-only water park, and a private beach. There’s also an aquarium where guests can swim, snorkel, or dive, and opportunities for dolphin and sea lion experiences.

Jump, Fly, or Slide

Skydiving in Dubai with Palm Island in background

Are you still searching for high adrenaline activities? You won’t’ be searching long. Skydiving is a massively popular attraction in Dubai. Skydive Dubai will have you freefalling at 120mph over Dubai, where you can see the magnificent development of the city from the sky and get some great selfies while you fall.

Fly belly down through the city with XLine at Dubai Marina. One of the fastest, steepest, and longest urban zip lines in the world. Fly from Jumeirah Beach Residence to Dubai Marina at speeds of up to 50mph from a height of 560 feet. Lastly, Ski Dubai is a ski resort, in the middle of a mall, in the middle of the desert. It’s the world’s third-largest indoor ski slope, and there are chair lifts, penguin visits, tubing, and a snow cinema.

On Top of the World

Burj Khalifa at night in Dubai overlooking the yacht marina

Where else would you find the world’s tallest building? Visible from almost anywhere in Dubai is Burj Khalifa. This 160 story building features high-speed elevators to take you up to the observation deck, where you will be rewarded with unrivaled views of the city. We suggest you pre-book tickets online. Online prices can be less than half the price than on the door.

Historical Neighbourhoods

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in Dubai is a great cultural experience

If you’re hoping to escape the super modern feel of the city for a few hours, then head to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Discover life during the mid 19th century, before the seven emirates joined and wander the winding streets where you can explore traditional buildings made from stone, palm wood, teak line, and gypsum. You’ll find a range of cultural attractions, museums, traditional food, art galleries, and much more.

Shop Till You Drop

The Dubai Mall beautiful interior with palm trees and luxury finishes

As we’ve learned, Dubai doesn’t do things by half. The Dubai Mall is one of the largest malls in the world, with more than 1,200 shops and almost 100 million visitors per year. The mall is packed with luxury designer stores like Fendi and Dior, trendy high street stores such as Zara, and department stores like Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette. There’s also an Olympic-sized ice rink, aquarium and underwater zoo, restaurants, and other attractions.

Top Tips for Visiting Dubai 

The water fountain show on display in Dubai as one of the top Things to Do for Yacht Crew in Dubai

We’ve noted some travel tips to help ensure you get the most out of your visit to Dubai and have the most fun possible. 

  • Dubai’s metro system is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to travel around the city, but you’ll need to purchase a Nol Prepaid travel card which you can buy at metro stations. 
  • Taxies are relatively cheap, and there are plenty of them. They run on the meter but watch out, as rush hour traffic can turn a quick journey into a much longer ride. 
  • Dubai is a modern city and much more liberal than some of its neighbours, but it is preferable and much more respectful to wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. 
  • Alcohol is permitted only inside properly licenced restaurants, bars, and other establishments. Drinking or being inebriated in public is a punishable offence. 
  • There is zero tolerance for drugs, and if caught, you could face a four-year jail sentence.  
  • Say no to PDA. Public displays of affection should be avoided, and some advise unmarried couples to book separate accommodation. 
  • Shopaholics can search for deals during the Dubai Shopping Festival in January or the Dubai Summer Surprises in July. Bear in mind that prices in international fashion stores are generally more expensive than they would be back home. 
  • When shopping at Souks, vendors expect you to haggle, so they start their prices high and be sure to have cash because if they accept credit cards, there will likely be an additional fee. 
  • Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, takes place during the summer months, and both Muslims and non-Muslims are not permitted to eat in public during daylight hours. Many restaurants are open with covered areas for eating, but if you’re caught eating out in the open, you may be stopped and fined a small fee. 

If you’re in town for the Dubai International Boat Show or have any upcoming travel plans to the city, we hope you get to experience some of our suggestions. We’d love to hear all about your Dubai experiences. Get in touch or tag us on socials @FunAirFun with any selfies from our Dubai recommendations. Check out the FunAir product pages to see our full range of inflatable yacht toys and beach furniture.

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