Dubai is one of the most talked-about travel destinations in the world, known for luxury, skyscrapers, and excess. I visited Dubai on a 30-hour layover from Washington, DC to Tanzania, and experienced nearly everything the city is famous for.
This is my Dubai travel review: what it’s like and what it costs.
Why Some People Are Boycotting Dubai and the UAE
Before diving into the experience, it’s important to acknowledge ongoing calls to boycott Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.
Activists and human rights organizations have accused the UAE of supporting Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia linked to mass atrocities during Sudan’s civil war. In fact, Sudan files case against the UAE in the international court of Justice. In response, some travelers, artists, and activists are boycotting UAE tourism, Emirates Airlines, and UAE-linked industries in protest.
Dubai, as a global tourism hub, plays a central role in this conversation.
Visiting Dubai on a 30-Hour Layover
I don’t usually spend money freely, I’m very frugal. But in Dubai, I spent ~$2,000 in 1 day basically.
Not because I had to—but because I wanted to experience everything Dubai is famous for, knowing I wouldn’t return anytime soon.
Dubai Hotels: Surprisingly Affordable
One of the biggest surprises was how affordable hotels in Dubai can be.
In 2018, I stayed in a hotel booked through Hotels.com that included:
- breakfast
- airport pickup
- a solid location
All for $70 USD per night.
Dubai offers luxury experiences at premium prices—but accommodation doesn’t always have to be expensive.
Why Dubai Looks the Way It Does
Dubai is visually stunning because it is almost entirely man-made and extremely new.
Large-scale development began in the late 1990s and early 2000s, fueled by oil wealth and global investment. The result is a city built of steel, glass, marble, and luxury—nearly all of it new.
Emirati citizens benefit directly from oil wealth, receiving state-supported housing, healthcare, and education. Citizenship is extremely difficult to obtain, making Emirati nationality both rare and protected.
The Tallest Building in the World: Burj Khalifa
Dubai is home to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at 828 meters (2,717 feet). Construction began in 2004 and the tower officially opened in 2010.
The Burj Khalifa isn’t just an architectural feat—it’s a symbol of Dubai’s ambition and global identity.
At.mosphere Restaurant
Inside the Burj Khalifa is At.mosphere Restaurant – located on floor 122. I went for lunch (dinner was out of my budget). I don’t remember the meal, but I do remember the $200 bill. In Dubai, the experience often outweighs the food.
The “Seven-Star” Hotel: Burj Al Arab
Dubai is home to the Burj Al Arab, often marketed as the world’s only “seven-star hotel.”
Notable facts:
- Guests can arrive via Rolls-Royce or helicopter
- Built on a man-made island
I visited the hotel’s buffet restaurant, which cost $450 per person in 2018.
While the food itself wasn’t extraordinary, the hospitality was unmatched. Every server and chef knew my name. The service felt theatrical—almost surreal as I moved through the restaurant men scurried to greet me “Good Evening Miss JP, how can I assist you Miss JP”
Gold Flakes Cocktail
Also, inside the 7-star hotel, on their highest floor is a bar – Gold On 27.
I ordered the $90 cocktail topped with gold flakes…because obviously.
Safety, Laws, and Alcohol in Dubai
Dubai is considered one of the safest cities in the world, largely due to strict laws and severe penalties.
At the time of my visit:
- Alcohol could only be consumed in hotels or licensed venues
- Public intoxication was illegal
- Drug laws were zero-tolerance
I think alcohol laws have since relaxed slightly for tourists, but Dubai remains a highly regulated society.
Is Dubai Worth Visiting?
Dubai is impressive, beautiful, and unforgettable, but also controlled, expensive, and ethically complex.
I’m glad I experienced Dubai’s highlights once. But after 30 hours, I was ready to leave I couldn’t afford the lifestyle I was living, and I don’t feel the need to return.