“sun-soaked modern metropolis”, Dubai is home to three million people representing diverse cultures and nationalities. The city offers a plethora of attractions and cuisines to explore, not just for its residents but for visitors based on their interests and preferences.

Earlier this year, I had a chance to visit Dubai for four days and discover some of the newest tourist spots the city has to offer. Invited by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), I can honestly say that the trip was well worth it.

The journey began with the inside tour of Burj Al Arab, Dubai’s most iconic hotel and a global symbol of Arabian luxury. Located at the heart of Jumeirah Street, the place exudes luxury with hints of real gold at every nook and corner. The 90-minute tour of the lobby and the 25th floor offers a perfect combination of royalty, historical legacy and splendid interiors.

What followed was the scrumptious Italian food at Alici, a heaven for seafood and pasta lovers. A trip across the bridge to Bluewaters Island for a fancy meal against the sparkling shores of the lively Jumeirah Beach Residence. The backdrop elevated the experience. This chic restaurant named Alici, which means ‘anchovy’ in Italian, offers the real taste of southern Italy. Opened in 2019, the place offers a scenic sea view paired with fresh and high-quality food. The desserts were truly a winner.

A relatively newer addition to Dubai’s dining scene, Duck & Waffle offered a bold fusion of modern British and American cuisine. It’s a vibrant culinary destination where guests can savour inventive beverages and a playful take on comfort food in an electric, high-energy atmosphere.

During my visit to the restaurant, I learned that it offers an all-day dining experience, satisfying cravings from sunrise to late night. My meal was a combination of smashed burger, spicy rigatoni and fries. However, their signature ‘Duck & Waffle’ with crispy leg confit, fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup stole the show.

Somewhere offers another unique dining experience of flavourful Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines with global influences. Whether it’s mini bao buns filled with wagyu kebab, guacamole-hummus or za’atar and cheese cones, everything tasted heavenly. The place offers a travel-themed immersive experience with menus styled as faux passports and the décor evoking an airport newsstand feel. It’s chic and Instagram-worthy with its wanderlust setting.

Amidst the continental cuisines catering to palate that is willing to experiment, Khadak is a delight for street food lovers. Named after a street in Mumbai’s Bhendi Bazaar, the restaurant recently won a Bib Gourmand from the MICHELIN Guide in 2025, just after seven months in the business. The spread included morel cheese kulcha with truffle butter, N.M. chicken shammi, shadab chicken biryani, shabrati nihari and the show stopper, khadak raan, which just melts in your mouth. The place knows how to satisfy South Asian taste buds.

Moving to Dubai’s most sought-after attractions, Ain Dubai is a bucket-list experience for every tourist—mine included. Located on Bluewaters Island, it’s not a new attraction but it officially reopened its doors sometime back. The giant observation wheel stands at a staggering height of 250 metres, which makes it the highest and largest of its kind in the world. During the 38-minute-long ride, one can see the city’s beautiful coastline, Dubai Marina’s sleek sights and dreamy glimpses of famous landmarks including Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Khalifa. The refreshing drinks served feel like a cherry on top, both figuratively and literally.

Swingers Dubai is an exciting spot for those who love to try their hands at golf but may not be pros at it—just like me. Officially launched earlier in 2025, Swingers is a full-fledged entertainment destination with an electrifying vibe. Located on the vibrant Bluewaters Island at the foot of Ain Dubai, Swingers Crazy Golf has three nine-hole mini golf courses inside the 22,000 sq. venue. It’s a visual feast, brimming with lush greenery, playful English country club charm and plush seating.

For a calmer yet intriguing experience, the Arte Museum Dubai is a great addition to the ever-growing art and culture scene in the city. It offers the ultimate immersive art experience. Spanning almost 2800sqm, the venue comprises 14 zones themed around ‘Eternal Nature’. Arte Museum uses production-mapping, multi-image control and sensor-based interaction systems to help visitors appreciate exhibits as closely as possible with the help of technology. It’s a treat for visual and sensory art enthusiasts.

At the end of our immersive experience with art, going for refreshing tea-based mocktails at the Arte Tea Bar is highly recommended.

Speaking of art, it was no less than a work of art to visit a perfumery in Dubai and create your own signature scent. When I visited Oo La Lab at the Dubai Design District to experience perfume-making, the immersive fragrance-making workshop allowed me to discover a meticulously curated selection of niche perfumes and design a one-of-a-kind perfume for myself. It was heartening to learn that once the formula is locked for your custom perfume, the lab records it for you and can provide it upon your request at any time.

The Dream Dinner Show Dubai at the end of the four-day trip turned out to be an overarching experience. Mind-blowing performances, enchanting music, captivating imagery and 3D mapping were like being transferred to a fantastical world of its own. The shows ranged from dynamic group performances to breathtaking acrobatics to alluring vocals. Over the course of the evening, 13 spellbinding acts showcased their specialty act every 10 minutes. Amidst this seamless flow of enchantment, I savoured on the delicious and specially-curated 5-star menu featuring Mediterranean cuisine.

It is often said that Dubai is a melting pot of global culture. After four days, I can wholeheartedly say that from the food to the art and entertainment, I witnessed that global melting pot in all its glory.