7 things to do in Dubai if you're not just there to shop

Most of us travel to Dubai for one of two reasons: to 'buy stuff' or to visit relatives.

But if you want to make the most of your trip, here's what you need to do:

1. Take a ride in a hot air balloon

People tend to associate hot air balloon rides with Turkey's Cappadocia. But did you know you can get the same experience in Dubai?

On our recent trip to Dubai we found ourselves perched high above the desert in a large wicker basket capable of holding about 20 people. It's the perfect way to experience a Dubai sunrise. The landing is bumpy, so make sure you hold on tight!

2. Visit the coin museum to see how the UAE's currency evolved

You might think present-day Dubai has no history — but that's not exactly right. This coin museum housed inside the Al-Fahidi neighbourhood will show you how money evolved over the centuries in an Arabian context.

3. Investigate how bedouins built their homes before the skyscraper took over

Visit well-preserved forts and homes in Dubai's historic Al-Fahidi neighbourhood, where guides will brief you on how homes were built to keep out the harsh desert sun.

4. Learn about the ancient art of taming falcons

Arab traditions are rich and complex, and the art of taming falcons is one of them. Falcons were once a key means of survival in the desert, where ready supplies of food were few and far in between.

The average citizen in Dubai doesn't rely on falcons to hunt anymore, but it's fun to visit traditional falcon tamers who will show you how it's done.

5. Explore Dubai's newest amusement park and get a taste of Bollywood

Did you know Dubai can now boast of the world's very first Bollywood-themed amusement park?

Expect to find scenes from Bollywood films brought to life as you stroll down mock-ups of Mumbai's streets. If you're Pakistani this might be as close as you'll get to Bollywood for a while so you might want to check it out. Just sayin'...

6. Get a taste of the unspoiled desert at Dubai's first national park

The UAE's first national park was established in the late nineties and is called The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Located about an hour outside Dubai, it's unique because here the desert's beauty is unspoiled. Dune bashing is not allowed so tour vehicles have to stick to pre-assigned paths. If you have a keen eye you'll be able to spot oryx and gazelles, and your tour guide will point out other smaller animals.

Try it, we had a blast!

7. Snack on yum cuisine from around the world

Dubai is home to some of the best eateries in the world. The only downside is that eating out in Dubai is expensive. However, food is always top quality and after a hectic day of sightseeing, you deserve to splurge a little!