Dubai is the city and emirate famous for luxury shopping, avant-garde architecture, and active nightlife. The cosmopolitan city has thus evolved into a world-class tourist destination, with more than 5 million people visiting annually. From the super-tall, giant structure Burj Khalifa to the extra-large shopping mall Dubai Mall, every moment in Dubai is full of surprises and charm. The city boasts an exotic nightlife that is effectively accommodated by stylish bars, nightclubs, and dancing stands, among others.
On the other hand, Qatar, a peninsular Arab country, has an arid and extreme desert area with a long sea coastal belt and a vast area of sand dunes in the Persian (Arab) Gulf. It only occupies a small part of the Qatar Peninsula, with its capital, Doha, situated on the shoreline of the Arabian Peninsula; it boasts modern skyscrapers and other ultramodern buildings in Islamic architecture style, such as the limestone Museum of Islamic Art; while looking to the future with its modern glitz and glamour, there is also a sense in which the city embraces the past, offering that unique historic cultural experience. A few ways that Qatar and Dubai innovated during the COVID era for vacation were that they found several ways to vacation safely so that tourism had a way to continue amid the global crisis.
The way that Dubai has adjusted developments in tourism during a pandemic was through proper precautions such as social distancing and focusing on private experiences. This adaptability has led people from all over the world to these sophisticated corners of Dubai. From navigating through the souks’ marketplaces, an adventurous desert trip, or even the lovely sands of the coast, the city guarantees a fun, safe, and tangible experience for all consumers visiting Dubai.
For couples who seek to plan a romantic holiday, Dubai honeymoon packages are perfect as they blend romance and adventure into luxury. Honeymooners can have private candlelight dinners at the beach, couples can rub against each other in luxury spas, and they can even be awe-struck by the beauty of the world’s premier destinations seen from their suite.
Dubai tour packages are therefore aimed at offering visitors a taste and true feel of all that the city has to offer. These packages are inclusive of group guided tours of attractions such as Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah, among other attractions, and heritage and history-inclusive packages that ascertain the historical and cultural aspects of the UAE. People, on the other hand, can participate in many activities, such as shopping in fairly specific malls, dining in excellent restaurants, or experiencing dynamic art and entertainment.
Standard of Living:
Dubai has a well-deserved reputation for being an expensive city. Its cutting-edge infrastructure and architecture are outstanding, even world-class. It is well-known among the wealthy for its private resorts as well as the man-made island, The Palm. Dubai’s real estate represents the pinnacle of opulence. They add to the city’s brightness and energy, which is a draw by itself.
On the one hand, Doha is a more Islamic city than Dubai. It’s the ideal city for blending Islamic principles with modern existence. Unlike Dubai, Doha’s development is heavily reliant on oil.
For Budget Travelers
However, it’s important for the budget-conscious to know that neither Dubai nor Qatar are cheap by any standards. Doha and Dubai are among the fastest-growing metropolitan cities in the region, and this is well depicted in the cost of traveling. But if it comes to comparing the two, there might be a few more budget-friendly choices in Qatar than in Dubai.
In terms of lodging, Dubai has many urban facilities, and various city hotels are available, while Qatar has both rural and urban accommodations. Cross-sectional studies revealed that the average price for a mid-range hotel in Dubai is ₹22,500 for two people sharing the room or ₹11,250 for a single occupant. On the other hand, in Doha, mid-range costs ₹7,875 for a one-person accommodation per night.
Other overhead expenses include the costs of transport, but both of these cities have inexpensive public transportation facilities. On average, if you have to travel by taxi or metro, transportation in Dubai will set you back ₹750 per person per day. The cost is comparatively higher in Qatar, roughly about ₹1,500 for every person per day. Remember, however, that taking a taxi is always more costly, so if you can make your way to the metro or buses, it would be much cheaper.
Different places charge different amounts of money for food, so it is possible to spend a lot of money eating out. A meal in Dubai will set you back ₹1,350 per person. Eating out is slightly more expensive in Doha, with a restaurant meal costing about ₹1,500. Breakfasts, however, are just slightly cheaper in Doha compared to the prices of other meals. For food costs, you will likely spend an average of ₹3,375 per day in Dubai and ₹3,750 per day in Qatar.
Under these regulations, both places have stringent rules when it comes to alcohol. While the locals cannot consume alcohol legally, there are restricted areas where foreigners can take alcoholic drinks, and this will be very pricey. Possibly, the amount you may spend on beer was around ₹750 in both Dubai and Qatar. Therefore, if you think you will be having some beers or wines in the near future, you should be ready to spend some extra.
Summing up, Dubai and Qatar are far from being cheap countries to visit; however, with more attention to details and prior research, costs can be embraced to some extent. They should avoid using their own cars, refrain from eating in very expensive restaurants, and be careful with their choice of hotel. In this way, it is possible to stay in these cities and experience the visiting places without much of a financial strain on you.
5 Top places to visit in Dubai
- Burj Khalifa
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
- The Global Village in Dubai
- Sky diving
- Desert Safari
1. Burj Khalifa
The most popular tourist destination in Dubai is the Burj Khalifa, the city’s crown jewel and the world’s tallest building, with a cloud-piercing height of 828 meters (2716.5 feet). This structure is three times the height of the Effiel Tower and features innovative structures on the 148th-floor Skydeck. Assume yourself standing on the skyline of the world’s tallest skyscraper, either on the 148th or 124th level, capturing this amazing occasion with some unique snaps amidst the panoramic views of the Dubai metropolis.
2. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Grab this incredible discount to visit one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums, which is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers alike. The Guinness World Record for the world’s ‘Largest Acrylic Panel’ has been awarded to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. The Dubai Aquarium tank is found within the ‘Dubai Mall,’ and it holds over 33,000 aquatic animals from over 150 different species
3. The Global Village in Dubai
In Dubai, Global Village has stayed true to its reputation. Through this incredible hamlet, you will learn about the cultures of several countries throughout the world. The Global Village in Dubai is a great place to relax, eat, and shop. It’s a bustling area, so make your travel arrangements and reservations ahead of time.
4. Skydiving
Sky diving is a great way to have an unforgettable and thrilling experience in Dubai. Explore the stunning beauty of Dubai from afar and prepare to feel the euphoric feeling while flying far above the ground. The exercise will be overseen by skilled specialists, and each individual will receive top-of-the-line protective gear. Imagine falling at more than light speed to the landing area of a man-made flying palm island from a height of 13,000 feet, your parachutes magically opening in the middle of the free fall. That’s how your once-in-a-lifetime skydiving experience in Dubai will begin. Experience the adrenaline thrill of flying above the land with panoramic views of the blue horizon
5. Desert Safari
A desert safari in Dubai is a once-in-a-lifetime event that will give you an adrenaline rush as soon as you hit the sands in a car with maximum torque and power. This adrenaline-pumping journey includes a variety of activities such as shisha smoking, a belly dance show, a Tanura show, and a fire show. An evening desert safari excursion combines exhilarating safari thrills with a relaxing atmosphere.
Dubai Tour Package Starting @ ₹13,373
5 Top places to visit in Qatar
- Souq Waqif
- The Pearl – Qatar
- The Doha Corniche
- The Msheireb Museums
- The Film City
1. Souq waqif
Do you want to take a tour around Doha? If you answered yes, you must go to the Souq Waqif, a one-stop-shop for restaurants and shopping. One of the most popular Doha attractions, visitors can stroll around the lanes, marvel at the architectural marvels, and buy embroideries, spices, perfumes, and oud (an unusual incense made from agarwood), among other things.
2. The Pearl – Qatar
The Pearl is an island paradise located offshore of Doha’s West Bay Lagoon area. It is well-known for being the first land in Qatar to be accessible for free acquisition by foreign people. Visitors visit here to shop in the various high-end luxury shops or simply to wander along the gorgeous promenade overlooking the marina.
3. The Doha Corniche
The Doha Corniche is one of the top spots to visit in Qatar. Corniche is a waterfront promenade that transformed Doha’s shoreline in the late 1970s and early 1980s and is a popular destination for walkers, bikers, and joggers. It’s a great site to go for a morning run, but it also draws tourists looking for amazing views of the city skyline and beautiful sunsets in the evening
4. The Msheireb Museums
The Msheireb Museums are four historical wonders depicting Doha’s rich fishing past. They are one of the best locations to visit in Qatar and are surely among the top Doha sightseeing sites. The museums, among many other things, depict how Doha grew from a modest fishing village to the heights it has reached today.
5. The Film City
The Film City, another one of Qatar’s tourism destinations that is still a surprise to many visitors, is well-known for its tranquil beauty and spectacular desert location. The city is reminiscent of old Bedouin communities and serves as an outstanding example of how people in the Gulf region lived.
FAQ’s on Dubai vs Qatar
For foreigners, there is no Dress code in Doha, but it is encouraged that they dress modestly and Conservatively. Shorts should be avoided by men and Miniskirts should be avoided by women.
1. The Souq Waqif
2. Pearl Qatar
3. Doha Corniche
4. Al Subarah Fort
5. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
1. Atlantis, The Palm
2. Hyatt Regency Dubai
3. Taj Dubai
4. Address Sky View
The Winter month which run from November to April, are the greatest time to visit Dubai. The Dubai shopping festival which takes place in January and February attracts a large number of visitors and brings the city to life
Explore a lot more things in Dubai and Qatar. Have you been inspired to visit Dubai’s opulence yet? For a well-rounded Middle-East experience, book your personalized Dubai tour package with Pickyourtrail and partake in some of these exotic nocturnal rituals! As the sun sets, you’ll see a completely different side of Dubai, one that you may find difficult to adjust to. With the guidance of our travel experts, create your own Dubai itinerary and enjoy an unforgettable Dubai vacation.
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