With so many incredible destinations to travel to, it’s only getting harder to lock in on travel plans. Dubai and Miami are two extravagant places, boasting their modern and tropical urban landscapes.
Let’s first marvel at the fact that these cities are so similar yet so different at the same time. They both have stunning beaches, amazing nightlife, beautiful skylines, and incredible cuisines.
With an array of deciding factors like food, safety, weather, culture, and more, I will walk you through all the differences so you can decide which city aligns better with your travel goals.
Architecture and Landscape:
| Dubai | Dubai is known for its incredible city skyline. With tall skyscrapers and innovative architecture, this place stands out. Of course, with many buildings like the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), Burj Al Arab, Museum of the Future, and Palm Jumeirah, there is much to view on your trip here. One who loves architecture, innovation and design will admire being in such a city.
There is also a more serene landscape that comes with being in such a place, which is the desert and beach. The sandy barren lands have a sense of bliss, while the beaches are clean and lively. |
| Miami | Miami has quite a diverse set of architecture. While Dubai is just about the city lights, Miami has a bit of everything. From city skylines to beach islands and Art Deco-inspired buildings, there will be a lot to marvel at here. Miami’s architecture is a melting pot for different culturally inspired pockets. With places like Design District, Brickell, and Ocean Drive, you truly get a mix of a lot.
Design District is known for its luxurious and boujee appeal, Brickell for its modern, sleek condos, and Ocean Drive for its Art Deco-inspired trip. You can choose to visit all pockets or settle down in just one. The choice is yours, and there are many. |
Safety:
| Dubai | Dubai is one of the safest cities for tourists. According to Alarabiya News, the city ranks number four in the world for safety. With security on almost every corner and a strict law system, crime is almost non-existent here.
Many people who have travelled to Dubai emphasize how safe it is for women and children as well. Whether it be bright as day or three o’clock in the morning, there is a very slim chance of finding yourself in danger. |
| Miami | Miami, on the other hand, ranks eight out of 100 in terms of safety, according to Go City. This may be a surprise to some, but Miami has a crime rate higher than Los Angeles. The city is known to have high crime, gang activity, and robberies. However, most of the crime occurs in “no-go” areas that tourists typically don’t head to anyway.
Miami is no different than most big metropolises, where the more densely populated the area, the higher the crime. However, there is a pretty strong police presence, and as long as you stay observant and street-smart, you don’t need to worry. |
Food:
| Dubai | Dubai is known for its global variety. They offer cuisine choices from all around the world, plus their specialty in Middle Eastern dishes. They have some of the best fine dining in the world, with rooftop views, live music, and designer-owned restaurants. My top favourites for elevated dining are Nammos, Tan cha, Ce La Vie and Coya.
On the other end of the stick, you can get delicious street food and authentic Middle Eastern meals like shawarma, falafel, kebab, knafeh, and much more. The food markets are also perfect for spices, teas, and herbs for you to take back home. One of the most popular markets is the Global Village, with over 100 countries representing different stalls, where you can try food from every corner of the earth. |
| Miami | Being so close to the South, Miami is extremely well-known for its South American and Latin cuisines. With areas like Little Havana, Ocean Drive, and Miami Beach, there are many Cuban, Latin, and seafood-inspired dishes.
The fine dining here is also to die for. Downtown Miami is perfect for an elevated dining experience, with tons of restaurant options to choose from. In this sense, it’s quite similar to Dubai, as there are so many places that offer all sorts of unique culinary experiences. Some of my top favourites for first-timers are Mila, Komodo, Carbone, Dior Cafe and Sexy Fish. |
Culture:
| Dubai | Dubai is filled with cultures and traditions from around the world. There are many Asian, Middle Eastern, and Western influences.
However, as the city is located in the Middle East, it’s mainly influenced by beautiful Islamic traditions and cultures. It’s easy to spot these traditions in the way locals celebrate modesty, religion, and additional practices. One way to immerse yourself in the culture here is by visiting some of its beautiful mosques. Make sure to dress accordingly. |
| Miami | Miami is different culture-wise. While Dubai leans more towards its conservative nature, Miami revels in its liberal approaches. The city is heavily influenced by Latin American and Caribbean cultures. From festivals that celebrate dance, to Pride, and much more. There are pockets in different parts of South America, like “Little Havana,” where the art, music, and food reflect its strong culture. |
Shopping:
| Dubai | Dubai has one of the biggest malls in the world. That is enough reason to convince me to book a flight there. With a vast number of stores, including designer brands and more traditional retailers that sell abayas, scarves, Arab perfumes, and spices, there are thousands of options.
One thing is for sure, you can feel the luxury and elegance seeping out of every shopping complex. Due to the exchange rates and low taxes, it may be cheaper to buy designer apparel here. |
| Miami | Miami is quite similar to Dubai in this sense. Although it’s not known for having some of the biggest malls, they do have quite a large selection of options available. From popular retail stores to cute boutiques and designer stores, shopping can be a pleasurable experience in Miami.
There is a whole section called “Design District,” with streets of only designer brands and elevated cafes, like Gucci, Alo, Louis Vuitton, Dior Cafe, Kith, and Off-White. Miami is definitely more expensive to shop at than Dubai, due to the tax and conversion rate. |
Beaches:
| Dubai | Dubai has some of the best beaches in the world, taking the experience to a luxurious level. Known for the Amazon beach clubs, resorts and private pools like Nikki Beach, Versace Pool, The Palm and Atlantis.
There are so many options for singles, couples, and families, and they even have women-only timings and locations. This was a huge green flag for me as I do not always feel comfortable being alone at pools or beaches, and the “women-only” options made me feel so comfortable and safe. I will emphasize that they take royalty treatment very seriously. The beaches here are also great all year long due to the hot weather, so you can go anytime and still enjoy the beautiful waters. They even have beautiful promenades, so the experience doesn’t end when the sun goes down! You can take a stroll by the waters and enjoy a fresh fruit smoothie against the backdrop of skyscrapers and city lights. |
| Miami | Miami is also known for its stunning blue waters and tropical vibe. The lifestyle of many locals revolves around beach living, with luxurious beachfront properties and hotels. Many resorts are situated on South Beach, like the W Hotel, One Hotel, and Fontainebleau. These areas are also key places for celebrities as well, putting them on the map for beaches.
There are also many water activities available in both Dubai and Miami, such as jet skiing, banana boating, and yachting. Just keep in mind that Miami is ideal for beach and pool use from March to October, as December to February is a bit too cold for swimming. |
With so many discussions, people often see Dubai and Miami in such a similar light, with its luxurious lifestyle, boasting nightlife, and stunning beaches. The only way to truly pick is based on your desires and preferences.
Whether you like Dubai’s Middle Eastern influences or Miami’s South American culture, I hope with this comparison, it’s easier to pick your next travel destination.