Is it possible to sleep in a hotel that looks like a futuristic sail, smells like jasmine, and costs as much as a used car? Oh yes. And I did it—just to feel, firsthand, what a night in the world’s most iconic 7-star hotel is really like. If you think it’s just an expensive bed and a pretty view… ha! That’s just the beginning.

Burj Al Arab – not just a hotel, but a full-on experience

You can’t just “walk in off the street.” Burj Al Arab is an exclusive world for the lucky—or the booked. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by a private reception, a personal butler (yes, available 24/7 via WhatsApp!), and… golden elevators. Literally.

What do you get for the price of one night? Besides a dropped jaw:

• Two-story suite – At least 170 m², with an internal staircase, a canopy bed, and panoramic windows facing the Persian Gulf. Every suite comes with an iPad to control everything—from curtains to lights.
• Marble bathroom with a jacuzzi and Hermès toiletries – Yep, bathing in Terre d’Hermès is a whole different level of self-care.
• Welcome champagne – Not Prosecco. Not Cava. Real champagne. A full bottle.

💸 Price per night: from AED 6,000 (approx. USD 1,600 / EUR 1,500) – but keep an eye out for deals! Or maybe a wedding invite from your rich Dubai uncle?

Exclusive experiences—only for hotel guests

Burj Al Arab doesn’t play when it comes to exclusivity. With your stay, you get access to places most tourists only dream of.

1. Talise Spa – unwind on the 18th floor

• An infinity pool with views that look straight out of a Marvel movie.
• Massages, rituals, gold facials—yes, real gold.
• 💰 Price: from AED 450 (approx. USD 120)

2. Skyview Bar – cocktails 200 meters in the air

• View: 360 degrees. Vibe: 5-star. Signature cocktails with stories, like the “Saffron Martini.”
• 💰 Price: from AED 160 per drink (approx. USD 45)

3. Burj Al Arab Terrace – private beach & suspended pools

• Sunbeds with chilled coconut water, private air-conditioned cabanas, and personal waiters.
• 💰 Access: guest-only or AED 800+ for a day pass

4. Al Muntaha restaurant – fine dining above the clouds

• 27th floor. Michelin-starred chef. Oysters that feel like cheating on your diet.
• 💰 Tasting menu: from AED 950/person (approx. USD 260)

5. Sahn Eddar’s golden latte

• Yep, a latte topped with 24-karat gold. Tastes… expensive.
• 💰 Price: AED 120 (approx. USD 33)

Is it worth it?

If you’re just looking for “a place to sleep,” then nope. But if you’re craving to feel like a Hollywood star, a fairy tale princess, and a billionaire—all in one night—then absolutely.

Before bed, I ordered a rose-petal bath (yes, that’s a thing), and in the morning, I woke up to golden sunshine and a knock:
“Madame, would you like your coffee served on the terrace?”

How does one go back to a Budget Inn after that?

FAQ – Most Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Burj Al Arab really a 7-star hotel?
Officially, no. The highest rating is 5 stars. But a journalist once called it a 7-star hotel, and the name stuck—because the experience truly goes above and beyond.

2. Can you visit without a reservation?
Nope. Only guests with a room booking, restaurant reservation, or bar entry are allowed in. No walk-ins.

3. How do you get there?
The hotel sits on a private island—accessible via a gated bridge. You can arrive by taxi, luxury hotel car, or… helicopter.

4. Is going just for drinks worth it?
Yes! Booking a table at the Skyview Bar is a fantastic way to explore the hotel and enjoy the atmosphere—without splurging on a suite.

5. Are kids allowed to stay?
Yes, the hotel is family-friendly, with a kids’ club and child-friendly menus. But it’s not your typical family vacation spot with floaties and snack bars.

Final thoughts – my three dirhams

Was it the most expensive sleep of my life? Yes.
Would I do it again? Also yes.
Even just to remind myself that luxury isn’t just about gold and marble—it’s about the way you feel during those few hours. Special. And isn’t that what travel is really about?

So, what do you think? Would you dare spend a night at Burj Al Arab? Or maybe you’ve already been? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to read it!

Wondering if women are allowed to visit mosques in Dubai? Or maybe you’re worried you’ll do something wrong and get into trouble? Relax – you’re not alone. I asked myself the same thing when I first stood in front of the majestic mosque in Abu Dhabi. Now, I know it was one of the most moving experiences of my life. And I’m here to walk you through all the rules, tips, and must-know facts before you step into this sacred space.

Where Faith Meets Hospitality

While Dubai is often seen as the city of skyscrapers and luxury, never forget that it’s deeply rooted in Islamic culture. That’s why visiting a mosque isn’t just a tourist attraction – it’s a chance to connect with the heart of the Emirates.
And yes – women can absolutely enter mosques. But there are a few important guidelines to keep in mind.

Which Mosques Can You Visit as a Tourist?

Not all mosques in Dubai are open to non-Muslims. But the ones that are – welcome visitors with warmth and grace. Here are 5 amazing places you should consider:

🕌 Jumeirah Mosque – A Must-See Classic

• Entry: 35 AED (~$10 USD / ~€9)
• Opening hours: Daily except Fridays, tours at 10:00 AM
• Pro tip: Guided tours by the SMCCU (Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding) – ask anything, they love curious visitors!
• Dress code: Women are provided with an abaya and headscarf at the entrance.

➡️ Personally? I love this mosque because it truly opens your eyes – not just to Islam, but to Emirati culture. It’s not a museum. It’s a real, living conversation.

🕌 Grand Mosque (Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi)

• Entry: Free
• Travel from Dubai: ~1.5 hours by car
• What will blow your mind: 82 domes, the world’s largest handwoven carpet, Swarovski crystal chandeliers
• Dress code: Very strict – arms, legs, and hair must be fully covered. Free abayas are available on site.

➡️ When you walk in… you just stop talking. It’s the kind of silence that speaks louder than words.

🕌 Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque (“The Blue Mosque”)

• Entry: Free
• Inspired by: Istanbul’s Blue Mosque
• Location: Al Safa – peaceful neighborhood, great for a stroll
• Bonus: Less touristy, more authentic vibe

➡️ You feel like an invited guest here – not just another tourist with a camera.

What to Wear in a Mosque?

This is one of the most common questions – and I’m glad you’re asking! Here’s a quick guide:

✅ Women:

• Covered shoulders and legs (long dress or trousers),
• Hair covered (headscarf),
• No low-cut tops or tight clothing,
• Avoid see-through fabrics.

👉 Most mosques will lend you an abaya and scarf for free, so no need to pack anything too “Middle Eastern” in your suitcase.

❌ Avoid wearing: Shorts, spaghetti-strap tops, crop tops, leggings without a long tunic.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Shoes off: You’ll leave them on a shelf at the entrance.
• Don’t touch anything unnecessarily – it’s a place of worship, not a photo set.
• Yes, you can take photos, but never of people while they’re praying.
• You don’t have to be Muslim – tours are often designed for cultural education.
• Don’t arrive hungry – there are no snacks, and tours can take a while.

A Personal Reflection

The first time I walked into a mosque, I felt a bit nervous. What if I mess up? What if I offend someone? But then a woman in an abaya smiled and said, “Welcome. Thank you for coming to learn about us.”
And just like that – I felt at ease.
If you’re in Dubai – don’t skip this part of your journey. Put Instagram on hold for a while and just… listen to the silence.

FAQ – Most Common Questions Answered

1. Can women enter any mosque in Dubai?
👉 No. Only a few mosques are open to non-Muslim tourists – such as the Jumeirah Mosque. The rest are primarily for worshippers.

2. Do I need to bring my own abaya?
👉 No. Most mosques provide a free abaya and headscarf at the entrance.

3. Can I bring my child?
👉 Yes! But remember, it’s a quiet place. It’s a good idea to bring a quiet toy or activity to keep little ones calm.

4. Do I need to book in advance?
👉 Not always, but for places like the Jumeirah Mosque, it’s smart to arrive early before the 10:00 AM tour – space is limited.

5. Can I take pictures?
👉 Yes – but be respectful. Don’t photograph people while they’re praying and skip the “OMG selfie” in front of the mihrab. It’s not a TikTok stage.

Planning a trip? I highly recommend adding a mosque visit to your Dubai or Abu Dhabi itinerary – especially the Grand Mosque.
Need help organizing it all? I can take care of everything – from transport to guided tours – with a smile and zero stress.

Curious? Message me – the mosques are waiting for women with open hearts 💛

Ready to make a splash of a lifetime? Welcome to the UAE – where the sun shines 350 days a year, and water is not just a luxury… it’s a lifestyle. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are home to legendary water parks that will take you on a wild ride of slides, waves, and adrenaline in flip-flops.

I’ve rounded up the best of the best – tested the rides, checked the prices, and yes, even judged the burgers (because post-pool hunger is no joke). Let’s dive in, shall we?

🌊 1. Aquaventure Waterpark (Atlantis, The Palm – Dubai)

The king of all water parks. Period.

🎢 The world’s longest water slide? Check. A tunnel through a shark tank? Yep. Private beach, cabanas, and views of the Palm? Absolutely.

Top attractions:

• Leap of Faith – a nearly vertical drop through a shark-filled glass tunnel 🦈
• Rapids River – 1.6 km of wild river tubing
• Splashers Kids Area – mini paradise for little ones
• New: Trident Tower – 12 insane new slides for thrill-seekers

💸 Ticket price: around 320 AED (~$87 USD), discounted rates for kids under 1.2 m
🎟️ Pro tip: Book online to skip queues and get bonus drink vouchers

📝 Extra tip: Combine it with The Lost Chambers Aquarium – cheaper as a bundle!

🌪️ 2. Yas Waterworld (Abu Dhabi)

Where Arabian legends meet water-soaked madness.

This isn’t just a water park. Yas Waterworld tells a local tale of the lost pearl and offers 45+ attractions for everyone – from tiny tots to full-grown water warriors.

Top attractions:

• Dawwama – a giant funnel that literally swallows you
• Bandit Bomber – a suspended roller coaster with water effects!
• CineSplash – 5D cinema where you’ll actually get wet
• Tot’s Playground – safe and fun zone for toddlers

💸 Ticket price: from 290 AED (~$79 USD), discounted kids tickets
🎟️ Pro tip: Get a combo ticket with Ferrari World for full-day fun

🏰 3. Wild Wadi Waterpark (Dubai, next to Burj Al Arab)

An old-school classic with iconic views.

One of Dubai’s first water parks, Wild Wadi is themed around Juha – a famous Middle Eastern folk hero known for his wit and charm.

Top attractions:

• Jumeirah Sceirah – vertical free-fall slide with a trapdoor start
• Breaker’s Bay – the largest wave pool in the region
• Juha’s Dhow & Lagoon – perfect for kids and families

💸 Ticket price: from 269 AED (~$73 USD)
📝 Tip: Guests of Jumeirah Hotels get free entry

💦 4. Laguna Waterpark (La Mer, Dubai)

Surf, chill, and swim with sea views.

Smaller and more laid-back, Laguna Waterpark is great for those who want sun, splash, and style – all in the trendy beachfront district of La Mer.

Top attractions:

• WaveOz 180 – one of the only surf simulators of its kind in the world
• Lazy River – relax and float with zero guilt
• Infinity pool with swim-up bar

💸 Ticket price: about 145 AED (~$40 USD)
🎟️ Best value for a half-day escape

❄️ 5. Snow Abu Dhabi – (OK, not water… but still wet!)

Because in the UAE, even winter is a water-adjacent adventure.

Okay, technically not a water park – but definitely worth a visit. Snow Abu Dhabi is a winter wonderland complete with snowstorms, sledding, and penguins – in the middle of the desert!

💸 Ticket price: from 215 AED (~$59 USD)
🧥 Winter gear is included – leave the fur coat at home

🔥 My Personal Top 3 Picks

1. Aquaventure – for the jaw-dropping scale and adrenaline
2. Yas Waterworld – for the cultural twist and epic rides
3. Laguna – for laid-back vibes and beachfront photos

❓FAQ – Everything You Need to Know Before You Get Soaked

1. Should I book tickets in advance?
Yes. Always. Online prices are better and availability is limited on busy days.

2. Do kids get discounts?
Yes – usually based on height (under 1.2 m), not age.

3. Are water parks open year-round?
Yes, but some close for brief maintenance during off-peak weeks. Always check before you go.

4. Can I bring my own food?
Officially, no. But… a few snacks tucked into your baby bag? Let’s just say you’re not the first. 😉

5. When’s the best time to visit?
November to April – sunny, warm and not scorching hot. Summer? Only if you love 45°C.

🌴 Final splash…

Whether you’re traveling with kids, on a romantic getaway or just living your best life in Dubai – a day at a water park is guaranteed fun. I always leave with tangled hair, a huge smile, and at least one bruise from a wild tube ride. Worth it? 100%.

Want discounted tickets or insider tips? Reach out to me – I’ve got better deals than Google. 😉

🚁 Drone Taxis in Dubai – the future is coming from the sky!

✈️ Imagine instead of sitting in traffic jams on Sheikh Zayed Road, you fly over the city in a sleek drone that bypasses the entire traffic jungle. Zero exhaust fumes, zero stress, just you, a breathtaking view and minutes to your destination. Welcome to the future of transport – welcome to Dubai, where autonomous air taxis are becoming a reality!

🚀 Dubai: Where futuristic ideas become everyday life

Dubai has long proven that it knows no boundaries – neither on land nor in the air. After the tallest buildings, artificial islands and air-conditioned beaches, it’s time for the next level: autonomous drone taxis .

This is not science fiction. This is 2025 premium .

Tests of flying taxis are set to begin this year, taking you from Downtown to the Marina in 10 minutes—no driver, no traffic, no noise. Sounds like magic? Wait until you see it in person.

🧠 Who is behind this project and what will it look like?

Autonomous drone taxis in Dubai are not a sci-fi fantasy, but a real project supported by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Chinese company EHang – a leader in urban air mobility.
Specifically, the EH216-S model , which is already receiving safety certificates and conducting tests in Asia and Europe.

What do we know about these flying taxis?

• • 🛸 Appearance : a carbon fiber and aluminum capsule with a glass cabin and 16 propellers arranged in 8 pairs on the sides – it looks like something between a drone and a modern UFO.
• • 👥 Capacity : 2 passengers + hand luggage.
• • ⚙️ Autonomy : fully automatic control – no pilot, no joystick. You get in, choose your destination in the app and fly.
• • ⚡️ Power supply : 100% electric, charging at special ground stations.
• • 📍 Take-off/landing : on specially prepared platforms – so-called “skyports” – which will be built, among others, at the Dubai Mall, Marina and airports.
• • ⏱️ Flight range : approx. 35 km on a single charge, maximum speed – 130 km/h.
• • 🛑 Safety : the drone has an emergency landing system, a safety parachute and 24/7 monitoring.

The project is part of the broader vision of Dubai Smart City 2030 , which aims to make 25% of the city’s transport autonomous and emission-free by the end of the decade .

And what’s most interesting – the first passenger flight is to take place in 2025/2026 , and full implementation is planned for 2026! Flights will be booked through the RTA app – just like Uber, only in the sky.

🌇 And finally… my 2 cents

As someone who was once stuck in a traffic jam between Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Marina for 1.5 hours – I can tell you one thing: I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO IT .

I imagine the morning I book a flight to Souk Madinat, flying over the Burj Al Arab, the sunrise in the background, and Coldplay in my headphones. Sounds like a scene from a commercial? Or maybe from your future trip?

🕒 The best time for such an adventure? Early morning or sunset – the views are spectacular, the light is fabulous, and the heat is more benevolent.

📍 Where to go after your flight? Pier 7’s rooftop for a drink, a view, and a stylish way to end your day.

❓FAQ – 5 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Drone Taxis in Dubai

1. Are autonomous drones safe?
Yes, they have triple fail-safe systems, sensors and 24/7 ground monitoring. Dubai is not taking any chances with its image.

2. Can I order a drone from the airport?
Not yet – but there are planned routes between the airport and major tourist spots.

3. When will it all start?
The first tests are underway, and the commercial launch is planned for the turn of 2025/2026.

4. Can children fly?
Yes, but only with an adult. The drones have two seats – it’s like a futuristic family adventure pod.