One of the benefits of working for Beachcomber Tours is the opportunity to visit exclusive destinations such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi on a regular basis. Over the past 14 years, Chris has witnessed Dubai’s transformation from a small trading hub into a dynamic global city filled with world-class attractions. In contrast, Abu Dhabi, while less developed, offers its own distinct cultural and leisure experiences. Below are his recommendations for excursions and sights to explore during your holiday in these two Emirates.
By Chris Smart
Assistant Reservations Manager
Abra’s, The Gold Souk & Dubai Museum
The Dubai Creek has been the city’s heartbeat for generations. A traditional abra, a wooden boat, is still used to ferry people across the creek. For tourists, it’s an inexpensive way to see the city from the water.
Once across, visitors can explore the Gold Souk, a bustling market selling gold, spices, and a variety of products. The souk features what is reputed to be the world’s largest gold ring with a huge Swarovski stone, perfect for photos or shopping.
Nearby is the Dubai Museum, housed in Al Fahidi Fort, one of the oldest buildings in Dubai. Exhibits showcase Dubai’s transformation from a small fishing and trading post to a global city.
Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Located near Dubai Museum, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding offers visitors the chance to engage with local speakers. Here, you can ask questions about Dubai’s culture, traditions, and daily life while enjoying a traditional meal and Arabic coffee. It’s a relaxed and informative cultural experience.
Dubai Water Taxi
For a longer ride on the water, hire a Dubai water taxi from the creek to Dubai Marina. This hour-long trip offers panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and The Palm Jumeirah, including the possibility of seeing the royal yacht. Leather-seated boats and outdoor viewing areas make it ideal for photography.
Aquaventure & Wild Wadi Water Parks
Dubai has two major water parks:
Wild Wadi, located next to Jumeirah Beach Hotel, offers family-friendly rides, lazy rivers, and play areas. Residents enjoy free entry.
Aquaventure, part of Atlantis The Palm, features thrilling rides including “The Drop,” rapids, and dedicated children’s zones. Both parks are perfect for a fun day in the sun.
No visit to Dubai is complete without Downtown Dubai. Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping center, houses an aquarium, ice rink, KidZania, and luxury boutiques.
Next door stands the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at 829.8 meters. Visitors can ride the elevator to observation decks for spectacular views of the city, Burj Al Arab, The Palm, and surrounding desert.
Outside, the Dubai Fountain offers nightly shows set to music. For an unobstructed view, walk 50 meters to the side or take a small abra ride around the fountains for a closer perspective.
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Abu Dhabi Holiday Suggestions
Although less developed than Dubai, Abu Dhabi has attractions worth visiting:
Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Held annually at Yas Marina Circuit, attracting motor racing fans worldwide.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Opened in 2007, it’s the largest mosque in the UAE. Visitors can enter free outside prayer times but must adhere to the dress code.
Ferrari World: A theme park celebrating the Ferrari brand, home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster and interactive exhibits for car enthusiasts.
Corniche & Emirates Palace: A waterfront area with restaurants, leisure walks, and scenic views near the famous Emirates Palace Hotel.
One of the benefits of working for Beachcomber Tours is the opportunity to visit exclusive destinations such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi on a regular basis. Over the past 14 years, Chris has witnessed Dubai’s transformation from a small trading hub into a dynamic global city filled with world-class attractions. In contrast, Abu Dhabi, while less developed, offers its own distinct cultural and leisure experiences. Below are his recommendations for excursions and sights to explore during your holiday in these two Emirates.
By Chris Smart
Assistant Reservations Manager
Abra’s, The Gold Souk & Dubai Museum
The Dubai Creek has been the city’s heartbeat for generations. A traditional abra, a wooden boat, is still used to ferry people across the creek. For tourists, it’s an inexpensive way to see the city from the water.
Once across, visitors can explore the Gold Souk, a bustling market selling gold, spices, and a variety of products. The souk features what is reputed to be the world’s largest gold ring with a huge Swarovski stone, perfect for photos or shopping.
Nearby is the Dubai Museum, housed in Al Fahidi Fort, one of the oldest buildings in Dubai. Exhibits showcase Dubai’s transformation from a small fishing and trading post to a global city.
Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Located near Dubai Museum, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding offers visitors the chance to engage with local speakers. Here, you can ask questions about Dubai’s culture, traditions, and daily life while enjoying a traditional meal and Arabic coffee. It’s a relaxed and informative cultural experience.
Dubai Water Taxi
For a longer ride on the water, hire a Dubai water taxi from the creek to Dubai Marina. This hour-long trip offers panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and The Palm Jumeirah, including the possibility of seeing the royal yacht. Leather-seated boats and outdoor viewing areas make it ideal for photography.
Aquaventure & Wild Wadi Water Parks
Dubai has two major water parks:
Wild Wadi, located next to Jumeirah Beach Hotel, offers family-friendly rides, lazy rivers, and play areas. Residents enjoy free entry.
Aquaventure, part of Atlantis The Palm, features thrilling rides including “The Drop,” rapids, and dedicated children’s zones. Both parks are perfect for a fun day in the sun.
No visit to Dubai is complete without Downtown Dubai. Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping center, houses an aquarium, ice rink, KidZania, and luxury boutiques.
Next door stands the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at 829.8 meters. Visitors can ride the elevator to observation decks for spectacular views of the city, Burj Al Arab, The Palm, and surrounding desert.
Outside, the Dubai Fountain offers nightly shows set to music. For an unobstructed view, walk 50 meters to the side or take a small abra ride around the fountains for a closer perspective.
/
Abu Dhabi Holiday Suggestions
Although less developed than Dubai, Abu Dhabi has attractions worth visiting:
Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Held annually at Yas Marina Circuit, attracting motor racing fans worldwide.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Opened in 2007, it’s the largest mosque in the UAE. Visitors can enter free outside prayer times but must adhere to the dress code.
Ferrari World: A theme park celebrating the Ferrari brand, home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster and interactive exhibits for car enthusiasts.
Corniche & Emirates Palace: A waterfront area with restaurants, leisure walks, and scenic views near the famous Emirates Palace Hotel.
Michelle Laldenga, Senior Reservations Consultant, shares her stay on Denis Private Island, a peaceful Seychelles retreat where nature, privacy, and simple island living take centre stage.
Matt Phillips of Travel Chaps explores the Maldives’ shift from its traditional honeymoon reputation to a more family-focused island escape, visiting four standout resorts: Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Heritance Aarah, Constance Halaveli, and Constance Moofushi.
As travel picks up back to Oman, Lisa, Senior Reservations Consultant, has just returned after experiencing one of the country’s most talked-about luxury resorts.
We asked our agents, who recently joined us on a fam trip to Mauritius, which Beachcomber Resort stood out as their favourite and here’s what they told us.
Denise Jaye, a former employee at Beachcomber Tours, shares her recent experience of staying at Adaaran Select Meedhapparu in the Maldives, offering an honest insight into what it’s really like from arrival through to departure.
From Muscat’s grand mosques and vibrant souks to the mountains of Jebel Akhdar, the deserts of Wahiba Sands, and hidden oases like Wadi Bani Khalid, this Oman journey blends stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
Mary Moran, Senior Reservations Consultant, described her trip to Dhigali as unforgettable, noting that encounters with playful dolphins and breathtaking sunsets made the escape truly magical.
Recently, Sarah, had the pleasure of heading to Mauritius on a very special agents’ trip, but this time, we brought some junior travel agents along: their children. It was the perfect opportunity to see just how family-friendly Beachcomber Hotels & Resorts really are, and to share some special moments with……
In June 2025, Michelle Laldenga visited eight Maldives resorts, including Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Heritance Aarah, and Emerald Maldives, experiencing the ultimate Atoll exploring.
In November 2024, Jodi spent a week island hopping in the Seychelles, with Platte Island standing out as a highlight. She stayed at the newly opened Waldorf Astoria, which has transformed the once uninhabited island into a refined and secluded retreat.
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WIN A LUXURY MAURITIUS HOLIDAY
To celebrate the launch of our brand-new website, we’re running two exclusive competitions, one for our customers and one for our travel agent partners. Both winners will enjoy the ultimate island escape with a 7-night stay for two at the newly refurbished Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, one of Mauritius’ most exceptional resorts.
