Habibi, come to Dubai! You can probably hear that phrase ringing in your ears if you are in the Middle East. Tale I tell for my first experience in Dubai.
I visited Dubai for a concert last October, in case you’re not familiar, SB19 is a Filipino boy band – our P-pop Kings. The truth is I am a casual fan and I only became aware of SB19 earlier in 2025 because reels and clips of them kept showing up in my Facebook feed. Out of curiosity, listened to their songs on Spotify.
I was able to secure a ticket for the SB19: Simula At Wakas World Tour Dubai concert. I felt ecstatic. My first experience in Dubai will be my first-ever concert to be attended. Yes, you read that right! This will also be my first trip around the Middle East. I entrusted my tourist e-Visa application to Rayna Tours, and the process was really smooth and fast.
My First Experience in Dubai with my First-Ever Concert Attended: #SaWWorldTour
It was worth it. There is no greater joy than knowing that the first concert I ever witnessed was by Filipino artists, our very own P-pop Kings, SB19!
I initially planned to stay for just two nights but my sister suggested I should go for three nights. I made sure to make the most of it since this was my first experience in Dubai.
Where to stay in Dubai as solo traveler?
I am actually a type of person that chooses convenience when traveling. I did find Rove City Walk Hotel while searching places nearby Coca-Cola Arena Dubai. BEST CHOICE! I know, I made that clear. Best hotel choice for my first experience in Dubai. I am in-love with the place. Open space, co-working vibe, clean, wonderful people, and best breakfast buffet. I am crying. LOL.
Seriously. The hotel is just a 5 mins walk to the Coca-cola Arena. Easy and convenient, which is perfect when attending a concert with short leisure experience stay. Wifi at Rove City Walk hotel is very reliable—absolutely haven for freelancers like me.
Traveling solo can be intimidating for sure but c’mon, this is Dubai! Here are the things I did during my first experience in Dubai:
- Visited Dubai Outlet Mall
- Visited Dubai Mall
- Saw Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab up-closed
- Visited the Blue Mosque
- Took an Abra Ride
- Visited Dubai Frame
- Enjoyed the traditional tea and dates
- Visited Museum of the Future
I wish I had done more during this trip. This is exactly how my itinerary unfolded during my first experience in Dubai.
#ShiWanders: Solo trip in Dubai
I arrived Thursday night. Already booked an airport transfer via Klook and the driver was nice enough to show me the amazing view of the Museum of the Future at night. It was absolutely stunning. I didn’t plan anything aside from to have dinner and do my online work. You can see the Burj Khalifa from the hotel I stayed in, I made sure to get a look at it after I ate. Surreal.
My first experience in Dubai has been convenient because Rove City Walk hotel has a complimentary shuttle going to the popular tourist destination in Dubai. Strict schedule for drop-off/pick-up to and from hotel must really observed. Friday morning plan was supposed to be Jumeirah Beach but I overslept. Haha. So I decided to work until afternoon since going to the Outlet Mall will be at 4:45 PM.
The concert was on Saturday at 7 PM. I had the whole day available, so I booked a Dubai Frame Half-Day City Highlights Tour with transfer via Klook. My first experience in Dubai City Tour was convenient. It was a group trip that was organized and informative. It was my first time inside a mosque, and I had to observe proper clothing. I was able to buy souvenirs and tea from the partner store of the travel operator that hosted the group. The tour I chose included a Dubai Frame ticket, so I got to see both old and new Dubai from the top. It’s crazy how tall the frame is.
I got back to my hotel on time because the schedule was strictly followed. Ideally, the tour I wanted to join was supposed to include the Burj Khalifa. However, it was sold out when I was about to book and pay for it. The Dubai Frame ticket will be worth the money if you stay longer and do not worry about the pick-up time. After my first experience in Dubai tour, I took a quick shower and headed out to Dubai Mall to meet my friend who is working there.
It was just a short catch-up since I only met him during his break. I bought the famous Kunafa chocolate from their store, which is really good. Then took a taxi from the mall back to the hotel at 6 PM, which gave me a little window for a quick shower again. I know, it’s just that the humidity gets to me.
I just sleep after the concert because after all, it was a very long day.
On the fourth day, I had my first experience in Dubai at the tallest hotel in the world, Gevora Hotel. At least at the time I visited last October, the hotel still held the title.
I met my cousin at Gevora for lunch before I headed back to Kuwait. We caught up for a bit, enjoyed the buffet, and took pictures around the free access amenities. We spent a little time together, but we had fun. It had been years since we truly reconnected and bonded, yet our laughs were still the same.
My cousin was kind enough to offer to take me to the airport. I initially planned to book a Careem ride to the airport. I have been using the Careem App here in Kuwait, so I was very happy knowing I could get around for my first experience in Dubai using the same Careem account.
We also checked the convenience stores near Gevora Hotel because I was looking for the Pistachio Wafer Roll I tried. Unfortunately, neither of the stores had the specific wafer roll I wanted, so I bought the Kunafa Chocolate in mini sizes instead.
That wrapped up my first experience in Dubai. It is definitely not my last, especially with the LANY: Soft World Tour coming up. 😉
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