Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

02 November 2024

3-minute read

Dubai, the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, is situated on the southern shores of the Persian Gulf and feels like a Middle Eastern melting pot because of its largely expatriate population. Dubai is known for its ultra-modern skyscrapers and architecture, busy ports and beautiful warm beaches, and luxury shopping. Riding up 125 floors to the top of the Burj Khalifah, the world’s highest building; coasting the dunes on a desert safari; or spending the day at the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, Dubai has no shortage of entertainment and adventure for all ages.

Well-known to South Africans on social media, The Dubai Travel Family’s Tahir Sayanvala said that the decision he took to emigrate to Dubai with his family happened just after COVID when they were invited by the government of Dubai to move there in order to promote the city. The process happened quickly and smoothly and it is something Tahir said that they “don’t regret”.

South Africans travelling to Dubai require a visa which can be obtained free of charge if booking with certain airlines lines like Emirates or Etihad. Alternatively, a 30 to 60-day visa can be purchased online or through a travel agent. The climate year-round is very hot during the day, with temperatures ranging from 35’C in winter to 50’C in summer, with cooling breezes at night. The best time of year to visit Dubai would be during the winter months.

With the Emirati dirham being much higher than the South African rand, Dubai can be very expensive to visit. But for those on a budget holiday, Tahir says that “Dubai is what you make of it”. From street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, the wide diaspora of people and cultures means you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out in Dubai. Depending on your type of lifestyle, getting everyday foods like a shwarma or paratha and a cup of tea or coffee in areas like Deira would cost a tenth of the price you would pay for the same food eaten at a mall or an exclusive restaurant.

In the past, many people used Dubai as a short stopover or connecting destination, but with the ever-increasing number of attractions and adventures, Dubai has become a destination on its own. One of the top attractions for tourists is Lego Land, a miniature Lego world that boasts a theme park and a structure of Dubai built in Lego, as well as other attractions from around the world all built in Lego. Dubai also has some of the warmest beaches that stay open 24 hours a day with lifeguards on duty and facilities available around the clock. A mere 8-hour flight away, Dubai is the ideal holiday destination for families travelling with children, so Tahir says “Yalla” and come to Dubai.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Muhammad Kara and Ml Ibrahim Daya on The Weekend Breakfast show.