From Red Dunes to Robots: Why Dubai is the Ultimate Stopover for Aussies

If you think Dubai is just a giant duty-free shop on the way to Europe, think again. As Aussies, we are used to wide-open spaces and modern cities, but the UAE takes it to a different level. It is one of the few places on earth where you can start your day tearing up ancient dunes in a 4x4 and end it staring at a building that looks like it dropped out of a Star Wars movie.

On my recent trip, I explored these two extremes—the raw wilderness of the Arabian desert and the futuristic pulse of the city. Here is why you need to get out of the airport and explore.

1. The Desert Safari: Adrenaline & Tradition

You can't go to the UAE without hitting the sand. The desert here isn't just flat scrub; it’s rolling waves of deep red sand (specifically in the Lahbab region) that stretch as far as the eye can see.

We took an Evening Desert Safari, which is arguably the best way to do it. It usually kicks off with dune bashing - imagine a rollercoaster, but in a Toyota Land Cruiser. The drivers drift sideways over the dune crests; it is "controlled chaos" and absolutely thrilling.

But the real magic happens when the engine cuts out. We stopped to watch the sunset over the dunes, which is prime photo time. As you can see from the shots we got, the light hits the sand texture perfectly at golden hour.

The Bedouin Camp Experience

After the sun dipped, we headed to a traditional camp. This is where the adrenaline fades into culture. We sat on low Majlis cushions, watched traditional Tanoura and belly dancers, and even hopped on a camel for a trek. It’s a nod to how the Bedouins lived before the skyscrapers rose.

• Must-do: Try the quad biking if you want to be in control of the ride, and don't skip the BBQ dinner at the camp—eating under the stars is a highlight.

  
  

2. The City: A Glimpse of Tomorrow

Heading back into the city, the vibe shifts instantly. Standing near the Trade Centre district on Sheikh Zayed Road, you are surrounded by glass giants.

The Museum of the Future

The standout landmark right now is undoubtedly the Museum of the Future. You can’t miss it—it’s the silver, torus-shaped (oval with a hole) building that glitters in the sun.

What makes it truly unique is the "windows." The script covering the building isn't just decoration; it’s Arabic calligraphy that actually serves as the glass windows. Designed by Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej, the script creates a stunning effect when viewed from the inside out.

What does the calligraphy say? It features three quotes from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The most famous one translates to:

"The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it and execute it. It isn't something you await, but rather create."

It is a powerful message that perfectly sums up the spirit of Dubai.

Stay Connected in the Dunes (Without the Roaming Bill Shock)

Whether you are livestreaming your dune bashing screams or Googling the translation of the Museum’s calligraphy, you need reliable data in Dubai.

The days of hunting for a local SIM card at Dubai International Airport (DXB) while jet-lagged are over. And let’s be honest, turning on international roaming with your Aussie telco is a quick way to blow your holiday budget.

The Solution: AussieRoam eSIM for UAE

For this trip, I used an AussieRoam eSIM. It’s a digital SIM profile you download to your phone before you even leave Australia.

• Instant Connection: As soon as the plane wheels hit the tarmac in Dubai, my phone connected to the local UAE network.

• Keep Your Number: I could keep my Aussie SIM active with the roaming option off, but used the eSIM for all my data needs (Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram).

• Better Coverage: Whether I was deep in the Lahbab desert or inside the thick concrete of the city malls, the signal was rock solid.

  
  

Planning a stopover? Don't get stuck offline. Check out the AussieRoam eSIM for the UAE and the Europe & Middle East eSIM, and get your data sorted in seconds.

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