Carl Travels

Dubai: The World's Largest Everything

Aquarium in Dubai Mall Inside the World's Largest Mall Desert Landscape near Dubai

Introduction

In July 2011, I found myself in Dubai to celebrate my mum’s 60th birthday. It was a family trip—meaning I wasn’t footing the bill, which is probably why I didn’t mind the extravagance as much. If you’ve heard about Dubai, you’ve likely heard about its “world’s largest” everything: the biggest mall, the tallest building, and even a 7-star hotel. Impressive? Sure. But does bigger always mean better?

My Dubai Experience

Let’s be real: Dubai is a playground for the rich. We had lunch at what’s billed as the only 7-star hotel in the world, and it was as lavish as you’d expect—chandeliers, gold trim, and a price tag to match. The malls are sprawling labyrinths of luxury shops, air-conditioned oases in a city otherwise too hot to walk around in.

Yet despite all the glitz, the city felt eerily empty once you stepped outside the shopping centers. The scorching heat kept everyone indoors, so the streets lacked that bustling energy I love about many cities. It felt more like a futuristic stage set than a living, breathing community.

Was I entertained? Absolutely—especially since I wasn’t paying for most of it. But would I spend my own money here? Maybe if I were filthy rich and had run out of other places to visit. Otherwise, the superficial “world’s largest” vibe left me craving somewhere with a bit more soul.

Quick Tips for Dubai

  • Dress Code: While relatively liberal by Gulf standards, modest clothing is still appreciated in public areas.
  • Best Time to Visit: Avoid peak summer (June–August) unless you enjoy 40°C+ and empty streets.
  • Cost Factor: Dubai can be expensive—especially hotels, fine dining, and attractions like desert safaris.
  • Transportation: Taxis are common, but the metro is clean and efficient if you want to avoid traffic.
  • Must-Sees: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall Aquarium, and a desert excursion—if only to say you did it.

Final Thoughts

Dubai is undeniably impressive—if you measure success in superlatives. But beyond the towering skyscrapers and indoor ski slopes, I struggled to find the city’s true heart. It’s a place built for spectacle, catering to those with deep pockets or a taste for extremes. Would I return on my own dime? Probably not, but if someone else is covering the tab, I wouldn’t say no.

—Carl, Carl Travels