Six out of the ordinary experiences to splurge on in Dubai
Dubai is wild. Like, there’s no other place quite like it. You walk down one street and there’s a Lamborghini next to a camel, then turn the corner and bam—giant mall, aquarium, indoor ski slope. It’s a lot.
But if you’re going to be in Dubai and you’ve got a bit of money to throw around (or even if you just wanna splurge once), there are some really cool things you can do that are not the usual tourist stuff. Here are six that I think are worth it.
1. Dinner in the Sky – Yep, You’re Eating Way Up There
Okay, this one sounds crazy, but it’s real. You sit at a table, they strap you in like you’re on a ride, and then—boom—you get lifted into the sky by a crane. Like… way up.
And then they serve you dinner. Up there. In the air.
You can see everything—palm trees, skyscrapers, cars that look like ants. It’s super cool. A little scary at first, but once you’re up, it’s peaceful. The food? Decent. The view? Unreal.
Pricey? Oh yeah. But for the photos and bragging rights? Worth it.
2. Private Yacht Ride – Pretend You’re a Celebrity for a Day
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like someone on a reality show, rent a boat in Dubai. Not a little paddle boat. A yacht.
It sounds super fancy—and it is—but you can actually split it with a few friends and make it happen. The boat takes you around the coast, you pass the Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, and all those dreamy skyline shots you see on Instagram.
Music on, snacks, sun, sea… it’s a good time. I mean, who doesn’t want to say “my yacht’s waiting” at least once in their life?
3. Drive a Supercar – Ferrari, Lambo, Whatever You Want
This is the place where even the police drive sports cars. So yeah, of course you can drive one too.
They’ve got places where you can rent a Ferrari or a Lamborghini for a few hours—or even drive one on a race track. You don’t need to be a pro driver. Someone walks you through it, then you hit the gas and go.
It’s loud. It’s fast. It’s a little scary. But it’s so much fun.
Just don’t scratch it. Seriously.
4. Spend a Night at Atlantis The Royal – Over-the-Top Luxury
This hotel? Next level. Like, “is this real life?” level. Huge rooms, views of the ocean, restaurants by famous chefs. The kind of place you walk into and instantly feel underdressed.
Some rooms even have their own mini pool on the balcony. Yes, you can literally swim while looking out over the city.
It’s expensive. Definitely. But if you’re celebrating something—or just want to experience insane luxury—it’s worth every dirham.
Even just one night will make you feel like royalty.
5. Drink a Gold Cappuccino – Literally, There’s Gold in It
Only in Dubai can you casually sip coffee topped with 24k gold. Like, actual gold flakes. It sounds ridiculous. It is ridiculous. But hey, why not?
You can get it at a few hotels and cafes. It’s more for the experience (and the photo) than the taste. But it’s fun to say you did it.
Plus, when else are you gonna drink gold?
6. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Desert – Early But Magical
This one requires waking up before sunrise. Yeah, I know. Painful. But trust me—it’s so worth it.
They drive you out to the desert while it’s still dark. Then you climb into a giant balloon basket, and just as the sun starts to rise, up you go.
It’s quiet. Peaceful. You float over the dunes, maybe see a few camels below. Sometimes there’s a falcon with the crew, just chilling. The whole thing feels like a dream.
Afterward, they usually give you a nice breakfast. And you feel like you did something really special.
Final Word
Dubai has a lot going on. Some of it is shiny and over-the-top, sure. But if you pick the right experiences, they can actually feel personal, exciting, and totally different from your usual tourist stuff.
If you’re okay spending a little extra for a big memory, try one of these. You’ll come back home with stories nobody else has.
And honestly? That’s what good travel is all about.
