From the sand dunes to the souks, these are the most Insta-worthy stops while visiting Dubai

A TRIP to the desert might not ordinarily present so many opportunities for next level photographs. But this city has evolved.

IF Instagram existed just 60 years ago, a trip to Dubai would’ve been a feed filled hundreds of snaps in a desert.

But today, the bustling city of 3.05 million residents attracts more than 14 million visitors to the Emirati city each year — and most of them want to return with a few social snaps to share.

During a trip during this year’s Ramadan celebration, which is often considered the quieter period for both tourists and locals alike, I was given a tour of some of the best places to venture for that #InstaWorthy snap.

With all the records this city breaks — from having the tallest building in the world to the most expensive hotel — there are plenty of other places that make for a pretty spectacular snap for your socials.

BAB AL SHAMS

Our first stop was to Bab Al Shams, about a 30-minute drive out of the city. As soon as you step into the five-star desert resort, you feel like you’re in a scene from Aladdin. Heavy wood furniture and stucco walls in warm yellow colour, the rooms in the hotel even feature a Moroccan-inspired bathtub.

The bar area gives one of the best sunsets in the region.

Not a bad spot for a cheeky pool pic.

Bab Al Shams looks like a scene from Aladdin.

But it’s the pool that get’s the most #InstaWorthy vote.

Stretching out on to the sand, the feature provides swimmers with views over the dunes and other guests riding camels along the sand — which can be pretty amusing in itself.

Watching people trying to ride a camel from the pool is pretty amusing.

BURJ KHALIFA

The Burj Khalifa is a mega tall skyscraper in the middle of the city. With a total height of 829.8 metres, it is the tallest structure in the world.

It plays as a pretty perfect spot to grab a snap of the buildings below, and desert dunes rolling into the city. The light for those who like to take a selfie is pretty awesome too!

Construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004, with the exterior completed five years later in 2009. The primary structure is reinforced concrete. The building was opened in 2010 as part of a new development called Downtown Dubai. It is designed to be the centre piece of large-scale, mixed-use development.

The view from the top.

The top of the Burj Khalifa has a pretty spectacular view.

The decision to construct the building is reportedly based on the government’s decision to diversify from an oil-based economy, and for Dubai to gain international recognition.

But if you’re a little afraid of heights, maybe take a friend along for the experience.

DUBAI MALL

A shoppers dream, it’s pretty easy to get overwhelmed, go broke, and get lost in the Dubai Mall. Sitting next to the Burj Khalifa, the mall is the size of 200 football pitches and has around 1200 retail stores.

But it’s not just shops that will catch your eye.

The shopping mall features an underwater zoo, an Ice Rink and a massive fountain — which is perhaps one of the most photographed spots in the mall

Within the Chanel and Louboutins is a tank full of sharks and fish.

DUBAI SOUKS AND OLD DUBAI

The best part of Dubai is the endless streets filled with teas, herbs and spices in the old part of town.

Compared to the glitz and glam of the business sector, Old Dubai is full of traditional fare and locals selling their produce, clothing and other souvenirs.

The smells are pretty overwhelming — as are the locals who try and sell you anything (and everything) from their stalls.

The spices in the Dubai souks are bright and the smell is insane.

The most authentic souks — especially when it comes to getting a great snap on Insta — are located in Deira (otherwise known as Old Dubai).

There’s golden everything here — from shoes, to jewellery and even clothing.

The gold is extreme, with pricetags to match.

For the foodies out there who can’t go a week without posting what’s on their plate, Old Dubai will leave you spoiled for choice.

During Ramadan, the whole city comes alive after the sun goes down as locals break fast. The best way to experience how to locals feast is to try a food pilgrimage, which often features

green stuffed falafels, hummus, street-style flaky Egyptian pizza along with specialties that are only sizzled up during the Holy Month of Fasting.

Old Dubai lets tourists check out how they cook some of their traditional desserts.

You might want to skip lunch if you go on a food pilgrimage in Old Dubai.

The best Baklava I've ever tasted.

A food tour, such as Flying Pan Adventures (which is what I tried) winds through one of Dubai’s first communities to be urbanised during the 70s and 80s: Al Rigga. This area is non-touristy will have you trying — and snapping — everything from mezze plates to traditional baklava.

TOM & SERG’S CAFE

This little spot is very millennial, and offers a slice of Australia in the bustling city of Dubai. The owners, former Geelong chef Tom Arnel and Spanish friend Sergio Lopez, have created a hospitality empire for themselves in the oil-rich emirate.

Tom and Serg serve up a pretty mean avo on toast in the heart of Dubai.

The cafe will transport tourists and locals back to Australia.

The cafe serves coffee that tastes like home (especially when served alongside their smashed avocado on toast).

The pair — who launched Tom & Serg have a menu that serves up “cool, quirky Australian-inspired food and beverage concepts.”

According to the Geelong Advertiser, Tom first met Serg in 2011, and together they dreamt of creating a space offering specialty coffee and nutritious gourmet food to Dubai’s rapidly growing population.

The salad makes for a pretty pic, and welcome relief from the 35 degrees experienced during our stay.

Tom & Serg, their firstborn cafe, opened in 2013, after taking two years to put together.

Tom admits it is a labour of love, a proper little Australian-style cafe in an industrial area of Dubai.

“Dubai in general is associated with five-star dining and imported concepts,” Tom explains. “Our venues bucked the trend and really jump-started the casual dining scene.

“We have five brands, all very different to one another.

“All our venues are different in character while still maintaining the cool, casual dining element.”

- This reporter travelled to Dubai as a guest of Dubai Tourism.