Jude Bellingham has been talking up Dubai between World Cup matches, and the details are worth knowing if you want to follow in his footsteps.
The England midfielder appears in a Visit Dubai campaign, with video clips shared on the tourism board's social media channels. In the footage, he says he has visited Dubai multiple times and that the people make him feel most welcome. Coming here, he says, is like "escaping to another world."
His go-to activities lean toward the relaxed end of the scale. Desert safaris feature prominently, along with mall walks and spa visits, his preferred way to decompress from the pressures of professional football. A second clip, filmed in the popular "this or that" format, reveals he prefers the beach over the pool, hidden-gem cafes over big-name chains, and the Dubai Marina skyline as his favourite view in the city.
What he picks
Pulling the clips together, Bellingham's Dubai preferences break down into a few clear categories.
- Desert safari: the classic dune experience he singles out by name.
- Spa days: he uses them to manage the mental load of elite sport.
- Mall walking: low-key, air-conditioned, and apparently a genuine favourite.
- Beach time: he picks the beach over the pool when given the choice.
- Dubai Marina: his preferred skyline view.
- Hidden-gem cafes: he opts for these over well-known chains.
None of these are obscure picks, but hearing them from someone who travels the world for a living gives them a certain weight.
The Visit Dubai connection
The campaign is part of Visit Dubai's ongoing effort to reach international audiences through high-profile athletes and entertainers. Bellingham is a natural fit: he is one of the most recognisable footballers in the world right now, and his Real Madrid profile gives him reach well beyond England supporters.
Visit Dubai regularly partners with global names to showcase the city to audiences who may not have considered it as a destination. Previous campaigns have featured musicians, athletes, and influencers across a range of markets. The Bellingham clips sit within that broader strategy, timed to coincide with his visibility at the World Cup.
Practical context for residents and visitors
For residents, the experiences Bellingham describes are available year-round, not just during the cooler months. Desert safaris typically run in the evening to avoid peak heat, with operators departing from various points across the city. Most packages include dune bashing, a camp dinner, and the option to try activities like sandboarding or camel riding. Prices and inclusions vary by operator, so it is worth comparing a few before booking.
Dubai's hotel spas are similarly accessible to non-guests at most properties, with day-pass options available at many five-star hotels along the Marina and JBR strip. Mall walking is, of course, free, and during summer it doubles as a practical way to stay active without stepping into the heat.
The Marina promenade is walkable after sunset even in July and August, when evening temperatures drop enough to make an hour outside comfortable. The stretch from Dubai Marina Mall to JBR is roughly two kilometres and well lit throughout.
If you want to watch both videos in full, Visit Dubai's Instagram account (@visit.dubai) has them. And if you are following England's World Cup run, they face Norway in the quarter-finals; the full schedule is on the FIFA website.