Mercedes standing in front of the Burj Khalifa during her 3 days in Dubai.

My 3 Days in Dubai: A Journey of Architecture, Adventure, and Soft Life

ByMercedes Diane Griffin Forbes

My 3 Days in Dubai: A Perfect Blend of Culture and Fun

I just wrapped up 3 days in Dubai and wow, this city really knows how to keep you busy. Between jaw-dropping architecture, soft life experiences, and a little bit of old world charm, I made sure to soak it all in. Let me walk you through how I spent my time.

Dubai Frame: Past, Present, and Future

One of my first stops was the Dubai Frame. I went all the way to the top and let me tell you, this place is worth every penny. The museum inside takes you on a journey through Dubai’s past and then shows you their big dreams for the future.

Now the skywalk is where things got real for me. I was so nervous walking across that glass floor. The whole time I kept thinking, what if this glass breaks beneath me? I had to laugh at myself because I was both scared and amazed at the same time.

AYA at Wafi City: A Soft Life Dream

The highlight of my 3 days in Dubai was definitely AYA inside Wafi City. The Dubai Mall may be huge, but AYA is pure elegance. This was soft life at its finest and I was here for every second.

Mercedes standing among the lights at Aya during her 3 days in Dubai.

It felt like stepping into another world. The lights, the scents, the music, and the energy pulled me in completely. I ran through the waterfall, jumped in the ball pit, and even got drenched while laughing like a kid. The dancers were stunning and the images on the walls were so beautiful I could have stared at them for hours. If you visit Dubai, do not miss this.

My Stay at Hampton by Hilton Al-Seef

I wanted something affordable but still nice, so I stayed at the Hampton by Hilton Al-Seef. It turned out to be the perfect choice. My room was cozy, the artsy decor made me smile, and the location was spot on.

I loved strolling along the creek and exploring the old city merchants nearby. One evening I hopped on a dinner cruise. The Tanura Dance show was fun to watch and while the buffet was nothing fancy, the $14 ticket made it a good deal. Being on the water under the city lights made the whole night special.

Mercedes relaxing by the Hampton by Hilton poolside during her 3 days in Dubai.

I also kept up my training for the Camino Frances. The hotel gym had a beautiful city view and I set the treadmill on a steep incline to push myself. When I wasn’t working out, I was relaxing by the pool. After spending time in dry, waterless Tashkent, getting into the water was pure joy.

Exploring the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa

You know I had to stop at the Dubai Mall. I spent hours wandering around, starting at Minisou because I can never resist that place. The aquarium was stunning, even from the outside, so I skipped paying extra to go in. I loved the diving waterfall and the dinosaur display the most.

Mercedes standing in front of the Dubai Mall aquarium during her 3 days in Dubai.

From the mall I stepped outside to see the Burj Khalifa. The building is massive and the height alone is enough to blow your mind. To be honest though, I wasn’t as impressed by the design as I expected. Since the sky was super dark, I didn’t bother with the observation deck. Paying all that money just to look at darkness didn’t make sense to me.

Museum of the Future: Beauty in the Details

I also made my way to the Museum of the Future. Because I spend so much time at tech conferences like CES and Web Summit, I figured the exhibits wouldn’t really wow me. What I really wanted to see was the building itself.

Mercedes standing inside the Museum of the Future during her 3 days in Dubai.

The futuristic shape is one thing, but the Arabic calligraphy carved into the exterior is what really got me. Standing in the lobby, I watched the sunlight filter through those designs and it was absolutely stunning. For me, that was more than enough.

Wrapping Up My Trip

I ended my 3 days in Dubai by meeting up with a friend for dinner and drinks. Sharing stories, laughing, and closing the trip with good company was the perfect way to wrap everything up.

Final Thoughts on My 3 Days in Dubai

Looking back, these 3 days in Dubai gave me the best of both worlds. I had the thrill of walking across the sky at the Dubai Frame, the pure joy of getting lost in AYA’s magic, and the comfort of a hotel that fit my budget but still felt special.

Dubai is one of those places where you can go big or keep it simple. I found my balance and loved every minute. If you’re planning your own trip, I hope my experience inspires you to make the most of your time there.