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See the sights! Explore the new tourists attractions in Dubai

• New Attractions

Dubai is often associated with the best attractions in the world and new ones keep popping up every year. From picturesque beachside destinations to architectural marvels and theatres, the emirate never ceases to amaze residents as well as regular visitors. If you haven’t visited these new attractions in Dubai, now is the best time to check them out.

New Tourist Attractions in Dubai

Real madrid world.

One of the highly anticipated new attractions in Dubai is Real Madrid World . The leisure destination is dubbed the world’s first football theme park and features 15 rides and other experiences across four zones:

• Champions Avenue
• Celebration Plaza
• Stars Universe
• Sports Boulevard

Thrill-seekers can make the most of the Hala Madrid — the region’s first wooden roller coaster. Or try the exhilarating Stars Flyer, the world’s tallest amusement ride that is 460 feet high. Get a burst of adrenaline by hopping on the Hands Up! A magnificent drop tower. Families can enjoy a refreshing splash on The Wave.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Real Madrid World (@realmadridworlddubai)

• Ticket price: AED 295
• Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts on Sheikh Zayed Road
• Timings: 12:00 pm – 09:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Contact: +971-800-262-9464

Perched atop the iconic Atlantis The Royal, Cloud 22 is an exclusive rooftop pool paradise. This luxurious venue promises an unforgettable experience unlike any other.

Soak up the sun with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf and Palm Jumeirah. Lounge in one of the luxurious duplex cabanas or take a dip in the 90-foot infinity pool with submerged sunbeds. Make the most of the experience as you bask in the sun and savour delectable French-Mediterranean cuisine, creating memories that will truly define luxury.

• Ticket price: Free for hotel guests only | Prices for non-guests start from AED 295
• Location: Atlantis The Royal, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah
• Contact: +971-4-426-2700

ARTE MUSEUM

ARTE MUSEUM Dubai is a new attraction that offers an immersive experience. Spanning a vast 2,800 square metres within the Dubai Mall, it offers a captivating journey through fourteen zones united by the theme “Eternal Nature.”

Designed by the renowned d’strict, the museum utilises cutting-edge technology to bring art to life through production mapping, multi-image control and other interactive elements.

After exploring these captivating displays, visitors can unwind at the ARTE Tea Bar, enjoying refreshing tea-based mocktails amidst the mesmerising art installations.

• Ticket price: From AED 169 on site | AED 149 (online)
• Location: Level 2, Dubai Mall
• Monday to Thursday: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
• Friday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 12:00 am
• Contact: +971-4-570-7084

Craving an adrenaline rush? GLITCH at Al Ghurair Centre is the place to be! It features Dubai’s only indoor roller glider, letting you zip around the ceiling like a superhero.

This haven of excitement caters to all ages with dedicated zones for children, teens and adults. Beyond the heart-pounding thrills, GLITCH also houses the GamePort Arcade, where you can relive classic video games or dive into mind-bending virtual reality experiences. Get ready for a day of endless fun at one of Dubai’s new family-friendly attractions!

• Ticket price: Day Pass from AED 39
• Location: Level 2 of Al Ghurair Centre in Deira
• Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
• Contact: +971-4-205-5263

Dubai Mall Chinatown

The most popular shopping destination just got more exciting with Dubai Mall’s Chinatown ! This expansive addition on the first floor promises a vibrant new experience with enticing retail, dining and wellness options.

Step into a world of vibrant colours and immerse yourself in the charm of traditional Chinese aesthetics. Stroll under classic red lanterns, marvel at a flurry of neon lights and admire the giant adorable panda sculpture.

Even the storefronts boast traditional hip-and-gable roof styles for an authentic touch. Get ready to tantalise your taste buds at the Dubai outpost of Singapore’s famed Hawker Chan food stall and much more.

• Location: Level 1 Dubai Mall
• Timings: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Friday to Sunday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
• Contact: +971-800-382-246-255

CROCODILE PARK

Next on our list of new tourist attractions in Dubai is the Crocodile Park . This is your chance to experience the habitat of Nile crocodiles – the park is home to over 250 of them.

The new wildlife attraction in Dubai features a lake-themed aquarium that resembles Africa’s jungles and swamps and a stunning Savanna-inspired outdoor landscaped area.

The dedicated museum is the perfect spot to learn more about the evolution of crocodiles and their distinctive adaption that allowed them to survive the extinction of dinosaurs.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dubai Crocodile Park Official (@dubaicrocodilepark)

• Ticket price: AED 95 per adult | AED 75 per child
• Location: Tripoli Street, Mushrif
• Timings: 10:00 am – 08:00 pm
• Contact: +971-50-372-7020

The Dubai Balloon

Looking for new attractions in Dubai? Take a bird’s eye view of the emirate from the Dubai Balloon, a new tourist attraction. The exhilarating experience is unparalleled as you ascend into the azure skies and get a glimpse of the iconic landmarks and other architectural marvels.

The flight lasts approximately 10 minutes. Just hop into a spacious basket with a hot air balloon above. Some popular buildings and locations that you can see from up in the air include the Ain Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis The Royal and other landmarks. The experience makes the service one of the popular hot air balloon rides in Dubai .

• Ticket price: Regular Pass from AED 175 per adult | AED 75 per child |Family 425
• Location: Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road
• Timings: Sunrise to 11:00 am | 06:00 pm – 12:00 pm
• Contact: +971-800-225-5666

Note: The Dubai Balloon operations are subject to weather conditions, please check the weather or get in touch with the administration for more details or visit the official website to check weather and flight update.

Terra Solis by Tomorrowland

Terra Solis by Tomorrowland is another new tourist attraction in Dubai that you can’t miss! Experience the magic of Tomorrowland, one of the biggest music festivals at this chic retreat, spread over 371,000 sq. m.

Terra Solis has more than 48 luxurious tents, 20 lodges and six poolside cabins named after core constellations. Apart from glamping options, foodies can enjoy a delectable meal at Sala or MESA, the on-site restaurants. Don’t forget to order the irresistible sharing platter inspired by Tomorrowland’s Tastes of the World cuisine.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Terra Solis Dubai (@terrasolisdubai)

• Location: Dubai Heritage Vision, Exit 29, Lehbab Road, Jebel Ali
• Contact: +971-4-456-1956

NEON GALAXY

Calling all little space explorers! Get ready to blast off to Neon Galaxy , one of the new attractions in Dubai 2024. It is an epic indoor play area at Dubai Parks and Resorts.

The 860 sq. mt. wonderland is a must-visit for kids and tweens who love all things space. Imagine conquering ninja courses, scaling rope climbs, zooming down slides and diving into a sea of colourful balls, all under a canopy of neon lights.

There’s even a wipe-out challenge for those who crave a little extra thrill! It’s a safe and stimulating environment where little astronauts can learn, play and make memories that will shine brighter than a supernova.

• Ticket price: From AED 60
• Location: Dubai Parks & Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Road
• Timings: Sunday to Thursday 11:00 am – 08:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 11:00 am – 09:00 pm
• Contact: +971-4-820-0000

MUSHRIF PARK BIKE TRAILS

Mushrif Park is one of the most popular places to visit but it has a new bike and hike trail that you need to explore. The trails are some of the new attractions in Dubai. The park boasts 20 kilometres of winding mountain biking trails, making it the first of its kind in the city.

This is just the beginning, as an additional 30 kilometres of trails are set to open soon. There’s something for everyone at Mushrif National Park, with trails designed for beginners as well as seasoned experts. The park can accommodate up to 3,000 cycling enthusiasts every day, making it the perfect destination for a fun day out.

• Ticket price: AED 3 per person | AED 10 per car (park entry fee)
• Location: Mushrif Park, Al Khawaneej Street
• Timings: Biking: Sunday to Wednesday 08:00 am – 10:00 pm | Thursday to Saturday 08:00 am – 11:00 pm
• Contact: +971-4-288-3624

Pavilion at The Beach 

The Pavilion at The Beach is a new hotspot for foodies. The buzzing area features six restaurants, two of which opened recently, with impressive views of the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf and Ain Dubai. The eateries are located within a temperature-controlled glasshouse with retractable roofs for an ultimate dining experience.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pavilion at The Beach, JBR (@pavilionatthebeach)

• Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am to 11:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 10:00 am to 01:00 am
• Contact: +971-4-590-5090

Which places are popular with visitors apart from new tourist attractions in Dubai?

Apart from the venues listed above, you can head to places like Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Fountain and other famous tourist hubs in Dubai .

Which are the best free tourist attractions in Dubai?

Free activities can be just as fun as the paid variety in Dubai if you know where to look. There are several places to see in Dubai for free . For example, you can traverse the streets of Al Seef, visit a camel racing festival, explore the souks and more. Some of the best free activities to enjoy in Dubai with kids include visiting free museums and wildlife sanctuaries.

If you want to see all there is, check out other things to do in Dubai . From visits to an indoor ski resort to sky diving, you will be spoilt for choice! Before you pack those glittery sandals, brush up on some rules for tourists in Dubai for a stress-free adventure.

What are the best things to do with the family in Dubai?

Those travelling with family can make the most of their trip thanks to the many family-friendly places to visit in Dubai . You can visit several beautiful parks, beaches, amusement parks and more.

That concludes our guide on the best new attractions in Dubai 2024. Aside from the new things to see in Dubai, travellers can visit and snap quick selfies at other famous places in Dubai like the iconic Burj Al Arab, Dubai Creek and Al Fahidi District.

Head over to these places on your next visit to the emirate. Stay tuned to MyBayut on the latest updates from the UAE property and tourism industries!

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Check out these 10 Newest Attractions in Dubai this 2021

2020 hit the whole world like a curveball – totally unexpected. Though the news would tell you that everything has gone wrong (and in some way, it has); there are, still, silver linings that people can look forward to as we approach life post-pandemic.

Despite the difficulties and tragedies brought about by the unexpected global outbreak, governments and visionaries, never let go of their ideas to make the world, still attractive – especially for those living in Dubai. In this guide, we list ten of the newest attractions to check out this year (with precautionary measures and all, of course!)

10 Newest Attractions Worth Checking Out in Dubai this 2021

1. arena games, 4. hatta dome park (wadi hatta park), 5. palm west beach, 6. the palm fountain, 7. the view at the palm, 8. theatre of digital art, 9. time out market dubai, 10. topgolf.

If you’re looking for new spots to bring the whole family to, then make sure to bookmark this page for reference. Dubai is one of the best places to bring your family on a trip, mainly because of its welcoming environment, world-class technology and accessible facilities. With over a year holed up in the house, there’s plenty of good reasons to look beyond the four corners of the home and see what’s hot and new in the thriving emirate.

At this adrenaline-pumping gaming attraction on DIFC’s Gate Avenue, virtual reality gaming takes on a whole new level. Arena Games reimagines multiplayer gaming by transporting players on mind-bending excursions over limitless realms in free-roaming and immersive VR games. In Engineerium, you can defend against zombie invasions or rogue killer robots in a secret military space station, or visit a fantastic fantasy realm.

According to one of their recent guests, Shikky Ann John: “If you ever wished to kill off zombies in the real world (almost).. this is the place !!

best premium experience guaranteed for gaming and VR lovers. They do have a wide variety of games to choose from. Even if you have zero experience gaming – still recommended. One of the top activities to do in Dubai this summer. Staff is super helpful too :D”

Fees: Prices start at 90 AED for arena games and other facilities available starting at 60 AED for booking in-venue Opening Hours : SUNDAY – SATURDAY (12:30 PM – 10:00 PM); Times may change during holidays Address: Gate Avenue, Zone D, Ground Level – DIFC – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Tel No: +971 4 546 7748 Website: https://www.thearenagames.com/ Google Maps Location:

Dubai, with its brilliant blue waves and sparkling sunshine, can never have too many beach clubs. Everyone is talking about Bla Bla, an exciting new concept that blends ideal sunny lazing with foodie thrills, with no less than 20 lounges, three restaurants, and one beach club to enjoy. It’s in Jumeirah Beach Residences, near Bluewaters Island , so you’ll have views of both the sea and the famous Dubai Eye. We’ll see you on the beach!

Here’s a positive review from one of their satisfied guests, Tamara Sonje: “Great ambience and you can be there all day because they have a beach bar, pool and restaurant. The food is very tasty and everyone will find something for themselves as they have three types of cuisine. The staff is very friendly and our waiter Tom has a special greeting.”

Fees: See their menu Opening Hours : BEACH CLUB: Every day 10am to sunset BEACH BAR:  Every day 10am to 2am THE TENT & THE BACKROOM:  Sun-Thurs: 6pm to 2am, Fri-Sat: 4pm to 2am Address: 5101 Messer Street Beach by Meraas Mall – Jumeirah Beach Residence – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Tel No: +971 58 606 3535 Website: https://blabladubai.ae/ Google Maps Location:

Downtown Dubai has made way for Foundry, an innovative hybrid venue. Part art gallery, part co-working space, it celebrates the city’s burgeoning creative sector with sculptural works and murals by local artists, as well as a dedicated podcast area for audiophiles. While you can set up shop with your laptop and charger, there’s plenty to do in the meantime thanks to the venue’s weekly art tours, movie nights in collaboration with Cinema Akil, seminars, and community pop-ups.

One of their satisfied guests, Hydz R, shares her experience: “Another favorite Art gallery – place for art savvy. Happy place. They have a coffee shop and a very lovely working space. Always a great idea to work from here.

Art viewing is FREE!

Free Parking is at the basement ( park near 10, go by stairs and it’s directly to Foundry).”

Fees : Free Entry Opening Hours : Saturday – Sunday (10 AM to 10 PM) Address: Boulevard Crescent – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Tel No: +971 43 673 696 Website: https://foundry.downtowndubai.ae/ Google Maps Location:

At Hatta Dome Park, a glamping experience developed with elegant minimalism in mind, settle in for a night beneath the stars. The park’s 15 tents have panoramic windows, a private outdoor terrace, and many of the facilities found in a hotel.

According to Heshan Gunawardhana, one of the park’s happy vistors: “One of nicest location in Hatta, where you can go with your family to have some fresh air. Recommended to go in weekdays. Weekend might be too crowded the park.

Note: Follow the rules and guidelines of the park and adhere to the covid-19 safety measures.”

Fees : Free Entry Address: Wadi Hatta park – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Tel No: +971 48 522 200 Google Maps Location:

Sunbathers and seagoers can find enough to do on the Palm Jumeirah’s Palm West Beach. Prepare to have a good time with your friends and family – and your pets! – with all-day beachside entertainment, water sports, and the best Dubai skyline views on the 1.6km of promenade and beachfront. Get your daily dose of fitness by walking or running the walking and running trail, or create sandcastles against the backdrop of picture-perfect sunsets. Water sports enthusiasts will enjoy kayaking, VR diving, stand-up paddle boarding, electric hydrofoil surfing, sea bikes, catamarans, and other activities.

Here’s what J Dre thinks about their visit: “An amazingly beautiful boardwalk with gorgeous scenery. The vibe is chill, even with the start of summer season there was a welcomed breeze coming off the water. You can see the Dubai Wheel in the background (not opened yet). It would be a nice walk to the other side and pedestrian bridge over. Plenty of beach area to explore and find your perfect space. Tons of restaurants to enjoy, although most are connected to hotels. The hotels are often gated since many aren’t Oceanside but separated by the boardwalk. Don’t be afraid to walk up and enter the small gates. We opted for the Frevo the Brazilian at the Fairmont but could have easily went for Miss India, also at the Fairmont, which kept a crowd. Plenty of photo opportunities up and down the beach. Enjoy!”

Fees : Free Entry Opening Hours: Saturday – Sunday (10 AM – 12 AM) Address: West Palm Beach – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Tel No: +971 48 522 200 Website: https://www.westbeach.ae Google Maps Location:

The Palm Fountain at The Pointe sways to the beat of the music. The Palm Fountain, which covers an area of 14,000 square feet, is also Dubai’s only multicolored fountain. More than 3,000 LED lights create a dynamic visual extravaganza in which colorful water jets fly 105m into the air and dance to popular Khaleeji, pop, classic, and worldwide music. The Palm Fountain comes to life every day, with shows every 30 minutes from sunset to midnight. For the greatest views, arrive early to spend the day at The Pointe or have supper at one of the venue’s waterside restaurants.

According to one guest, Shamna K Moidutty, “Nice ambience and worthy to spend some peaceful time. Fountain show nice and different from Dubai Mall.

There is no entry fee, but for car parking 20 AED for first hour and then 10 AED each for each extra hour.”

Fees : Free Entry Opening Hours : Saturday – Sunday (6 PM – 12 AM); timings may differ during holidays Address : Frond H – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Tel No : +971 800 625 4335 Website : https://www.thepointe.ae/ Google Maps Location :

The View at The Palm offers unparalleled vistas of one of Dubai’s most talked-about attractions. The observation deck, which is 240 meters high, offers never-before-seen 360-degree views over Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and the Dubai skyline in the distance. The View at The Palm is located on level 52 of The Palm Tower, which also has a café, a creative display highlighting the island’s evolution, interactive aquarium-themed tunnels, and a gift store.

Here’s what Amin Reimoo thinks about the place: “In my opinion one of the best view of the palm. It is beautiful and definitely must visit. I would highly recommend the place especially during sunset. From beginning to the end it is a fantastic experience.

Just one suggestion to people visiting during the day. Please bring your sunglasses”

Fees : Book a ticket at 89.09 AED Opening Hours : Sunday – Saturday (10 AM to 12 AM); timings may vary during holidays Address : The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Tel No : +9718008438439 Website : https://www.theviewpalm.ae/ Google Maps Location :

With advanced technology and engaging storytelling, the Theatre of Digital Art at Madinat Jumeirah gives famous artwork a modern touch. It blends three digital art genres, including multimedia exhibitions, modern immersive installations, and virtual reality art, and spans 1,800 square meters, exhibiting digital shows of classical art accompanied by music, visual effects, and surround sound. The inaugural exhibition includes works by nine well-known artists, including Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, Wassily Kandinsky, and others.

Here’s what Veena V thinks of this place: “Had a good experience.. watched Being Van Gogh.. Theatre had a good ambience and comfortable seating with bean bags.. and the show was also splendid… the narrative was a big dragging but overall had a good time here…”

Fees : Book a ticket for 2 hours at 89.06 AED Opening Hours : Sunday – Saturday (12 AM to 11 PM); timings may vary during holidays Address : Souk Madinat Jumeirah Dubai – United Arab Emirates Tel No : +97142774044 Website : http://www.toda.ae/ Google Maps Location :

Time Out Market, a dining destination unlike any other, has brought its tempting food hall concept to our shores. The Market’s wraparound outdoor terrace, which takes pride of place at Souk Al Bahar, offers amazing views of the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain, while inside it’s teeming with local cooks serving up distinctive delicacies. Because it’s all meticulously handpicked by Time Out Dubai editors who know the city inside and out, you can expect only the greatest flavors here. The menu includes 17-star local eateries, three lounge experiences, and four new ideas available just at the Market.

According to one of their recent guests, Andy T, “What a gem right in the middle of downtown! Nicely tucked away within the souk area of Dubai Mall is Time Out Market, which has locations around the world. I haven’t had a chance to try all the food yet, but of the 4-5 places that I have been to, I have been super impressed! Local restaurants are represented here and prices are marginally more expensive given the prime location. Make sure you get here early to get a table! Note that there is a dry area and an area where you can have alcoholic drinks. Apart from having a few interesting beers on tap, their mock tails are also decent! Will be back. Cheers! ?”

Opening Hours : Monday: 12pm to 12am Tuesday: 12pm to 12am Wednesday: 12pm to 12am Thursday: 12pm to 1am Friday: 12pm to 1am Saturday: 12pm to 12am Sunday: 12pm to 12am *Concessioners close 30-min before the Market closing time. Address : Downtown, Souk Al Bahar – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Website : http://www.timeoutmarket.com/dubai Google Maps Location :

Topgolf, which has locations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, places its latest flag on the map of Dubai with a three-story entertainment zone at Emirates Golf Club. You don’t have to be a golfing enthusiast to enjoy this mega-fun complex, which has 90 temperature-controlled hitting bays, three casual eateries, wide-screen televisions, and even some retail shops to keep the whole family entertained. You can select games based on your skill level, so whether you’re a future golf champion or just getting started, you’ll find a challenge that suits you.

One of their satisfied guests, Ajo Matthew shared: “Went here as a newbie to Golf, but returned back with some basic knowledge. Eager to do it again. The staff here are very friendly. The food served here is of top quality as well. If you’re looking for some good quality time with family and friends, I’d recommend this place.”

Fees: Bays are rented by the hour (per bay, not per person), and 1-6 people can play the game in a bay. Check out their latest price list here . You can hit unlimited golf balls during your rental. Opening Hours : Sunday – Thursday (10 AM to 1 AM) Friday (9 AM – 1 AM) Saturday (9 AM – 2 AM) *Timings might differ during holidays Address : Golf Club – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Website : http://www.timeoutmarket.com/dubai Google Maps Location :

There you have it! Suppose you’re one of the many residents who’ve had a long while before going out in the UAE. In that case, with this guide on hand, we hope you can take the chance to have high-level family entertainment in the emirate (while still keeping safe always, of course).

READ NEXT: Top Family-Friendly Attractions in Dubai

150+ Amazing Places to Visit in Dubai in 2024

When we started this list of best places to visit in Dubai, we were aiming for 50, but it didn’t take us long before we reached 100 popular places… and the list kept going! We’ve been adding to this huge Dubai attractions list for five years now!

Here it is… your ultimate list of places to visit in Dubai – over 150 ideas!!!

We’ve tried to make it as readable as possible by breaking it into categories and keeping as much as possible to places and activities we think are interesting to tourists. Where we have more details, we’ve linked to these so we can keep this list as concise as possible and get you ready to plan your Dubai adventure .

Popular Tourist Attractions in Dubai

Theme parks & water parks in dubai, historical and cultural sites in dubai, dubai’s best indoor attractions, dubai’s best beaches and outdoor experiences, dubai’s best foodie experiences, shopping in dubai, seasonal events in dubai, only in dubai – some extreme experiences to try, dubai emirate – beyond the city, day trips from dubai.

So get your pen and paper ready…. or you can save this to Pinterest or bookmark it in your browser for later.

Worried about how you’ll fit it all in?

We have a dedicated section of our website for itineraries so you can fit in everything you want to see in the length of time you have in Dubai.

We also recommend in a number of places on this page booking your tour tickets with Get Your Guide – online ticketing agent. We have chosen GYG as our partner due to their outstanding customer-first approach and a great range of experiences on offer, most with free cancellation up to 24 hours before to maximise flexibility.

Before you dive into your Dubai trip planning, you may also want to check out:

• Essential Planning Information for your first trip to Dubai
• When is the best time to visit Dubai?
• What are the best areas to stay in Dubai?
• What should I be packing for a Dubai vacation?

So let’s jump into the ultimate list of Dubai activities and best tourist places to visit in Dubai!

We’re going to start with those Dubai attractions that almost certainly feature on everyone’s Dubai itinerary. You can click on these links to go to our more detailed guides on how to visit these top attractions in Dubai :

• The Burj Khalifa – World’s tallest building with an observation deck and dining experiences
• The Dubai Mall – the largest mall in the Middle East
• The Dubai Fountains – spectacular free nightly display on Burj Lake
• The Dubai Frame – panoramic views of old and modern Dubai
• Dubai Miracle Garden – largest flower garden by number of blooms in the world
• Ain Dubai – the world’s largest observation wheel (currently closed)
• Global Village Dubai – winter months evening fun fair highlighting 70+ different countries
• Dubai Garden Glow – art installation
• Burj Al Arab – proclaimed “7-star” luxury hotel
• The Palm Jumeirah – the largest artificial archipelago in the world!
• Dubai Marina – modern side of Dubai city with dhows and modern cruise options
• Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood – a preserved area of old Dubai (previously called Bastakiya)

Visiting Dubai’s major attractions with kids?

We suggest you head over to our tailor-made Dubai attractions list especially for families – though nearly everything on this list will work for families too!

TOP TIP If you will be in Dubai for several days and want to visit multiple popular attractions, check out the Dubai Pass of Go City Dubai to save on multi-attraction tickets.

• IMG Worlds of Adventure – entirely indoor theme park
• Wild Wadi Water Park – in Jumeirah (currently only partially open to Jumeirah hotel guests)
• Aquaventure Waterpark – now the largest water park in the world with countless water slides and extreme attractions, attached to Atlantis the Palm
• Laguna Water Park – now looks to be permanently closed as the La Mer beach area is being rebuilt
• Legoland Dubai
• Legoland Dubai Water Park
• Motiongate Dubai
• Play DXB (formerly VR Park) – Virtual Reality Park in Dubai Mall

Read More – Don’t miss our guide to Dubai’s best water parks

The best place to start is in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood . Don’t miss the highlights, including:

• Arabian Tea House – beautifully presented Emirati Cuisine
• Dubai Museum and al Fahidi Fort (entry only 3AED – currently closed for renovation s)
• Coffee Museum
• Coin Museum
• XVA Gallery, Cafe & Hotel
• Bayt Al Khanyar (Dagger) Museum (5 AED)
• Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
• Take a traditional abra ride across Dubai Creek (1AED)

Once you have crossed the river to the Deira (Al Ras) area of Dubai, it’s time to enjoy the traditional souks , including:

• Deira Gold Souk
• Perfume Souk
• Textile Souk
• Naif Souk – general market

For more cultural emerging, take a guided tour of a Dubai mosque:

• Jumeirah Mosque
• Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre
• Day trip to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi
• Al Noor Mosque in neighbouring Sharjah

Why not try a Heritage Express tour which will take you to many of these famous cultural sites with guided commentary.

(NB – Non-Muslims should not otherwise enter inside a mosque in Dubai, only as part of a cultural tour is this permitted)

Read more: A complete guide to the beautiful mosques of Dubai (and which ones tourists CAN enter)

Further museum exploration in Dubai:

• Etihad Museum (25 AED)
• Majilis Ghorfat Umm Al Sheif
• Salsali Priv ate Museum – Free
• Dubai Police Museum (Naif Museum) – Free
• Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeology Museum (20 AED)
• Museum of the Poet Aqeli
• Pearl Museum – private collection of Emirates NBD
• Al Shindaga Museum – Story of the Creek and Perfume House
• Museum of the Future

And a few others we definitely would not leave off your list:

• See a show at the Dubai Opera
• Explore the Alserkal Avenue arts & culture hub
• Drop by Dubai Design District
• Check out the program for Jameel Arts Centre and wonder the Jaddaf Sculpture Park on the up-and-coming waterfront
• See our complete guide to Dubai’s art galleries

You can find a complete guide to Dubai’s best FREE activities here

In a city where temperatures regularly sit above 40 ° C for months on end, it’s no surprise how many of Dubai’s attractions are indoors, largely attached to the mega shopping malls.

Whether you want action-packed activities or just to cool off, there are plenty of fun things to do in Dubai for an unforgettable vacation. 

Get your adrenaline pumping with a high-octane go-kart race or bounce and back-flip in a mega trampoline park — all indoors. Worth adding to your list:

• Ain Dubai – the world’s largest observation wheel, Bluewaters (still shut since early 2024 – will it ever reopen or just there for looks now?)
• Bowling Centres – we’ve rounded up the best across town, from huge bowling alleys to sports bar additions
• Deep Dive Dubai – the world’s deepest indoor swimming pool for scuba diving
• Dubai M all ice skating rink – Olympic-sized ice rink in Dubai Mall
• Kidzania – Kids Edutainment in Dubai Mall
• Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo – marine life and giant glass tank (free to observe outside), Dubai Mall
• The Green Planet – Indoor tropical biosphere in City Walk
• Ski Dubai – Skiing and snow park in Mall of the Emirates
• The Lost Chambers – Aquarium inside Atlantis the Palm
• Emirates A380 Experience – Flight Simulator in Dubai Mall
• Oli Oli Experiential Children’s Play Museum – Al Quoz
• Museum of Illusions – Al Seef Trick Eye Museum
• 3D World Dubai Selfie Museum – Sheikh Zayed Road
• Dubai Butterfly Garden – Dubailand, adjacent to Miracle Garden
• La Perle by Dragon – sensational stage show in Al Habtoor
• Madame Tussauds -famous wax works on Bluewaters
• The View at the Palm – Observation deck with panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah
• Storm Coaster – Dubai Hills Mall, a roller coaster in a shopping mall!

Beaches in Dubai

Dubai is famed for its glorious beaches (though truth be told, a lot of its man-made) it does, however, have an amazing wide, here are 8 to try open to the public.

• Sunset Beach – also known as Umm Suqeim Beach or Burj al Arab Beach
• La Mer – a trendy beachfront area of the city for foodies and beachfront, modern, fun and funky day and night (presently being demolished/completely rebuilt, will be reopening in September 2024 as J1 Beach )
• The Beach & The Walk JBR – a beautiful and trendy waterfront area of the city adjacent to Jumeirah Beach Residence; it includes a splash pad area for smaller children and, offshore, the giant Aqua Fun inflatable water park
• Mamzar Park Beach – in “Old Dubai” this is a great place for combining the beach with family picnic
• Jumeirah Beach – Park and beach are all newly renovated, perfect for picnicking
• Dubai Night Beaches – look out for 3 new locations on Jumeirah Beach and Umm Suqeim designated for evening swimming with floodlights and lifesavers patrolling
• Mercato Beach – a small and lesser-known community beach opposite Mercato Mall
• Kite Beach – a popular community beach including water sports and lots of kids’ adventure activities, including a freshwater pool with an obstacle course, Aqua Adventure
• Black Palace Beach – a more rustic beach with nothing but glorious sand and none of the fancy trappings (currently closed to the public)

Read More: Our complete guide to the best public beaches in Dubai

You can also enjoy many of Dubai’s more luxurious beaches and resorts – even if you are not staying at one of the city’s luxury hotels – on a day pass. You can check out our favourite Dubai Beach C l ubs here .

Other Parks and Outdoor Attractions in Dubai

Beyond the beaches, check out these amazing green spaces in Dubai; most are free or have a very minimal municipality charge:

• Al Seef – the waterfront area that extends beyond Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and along the Creek
• IMAGINE – free light, fire & water show nightly at Dubai Festival City
• Dubai Creek Park – a large green area along the creekfront, close to DXB, small entry fee
• Mushrif Park – including outdoor ziplining park Aventura Parks , small entry fee
• Zabeel Park – is home to Dubai Garden Glow and the Dubai Frame but includes other extensive parklands in the city centre.
• Burj Park and Burj Plaza – in the heart of town Burj Park is a popular events venue surrounded by Burj Lake, and the Burj Plaza is home to the Wings of Mexico statue – ideal photo spot for the Burj (and see if you can find the hidden super slide!)
• Umm Suqeim Park – close to Sunset Beach in Jumeirah
• Al Barari Playground – a splash play and playground delight hidden in the suburbs with an entry fee
• Quranic Park – dedicated to the Holy Quran, small entry fee
• Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary – an urban wetland home to migratory birds
• Al Marooom Desert Conservation Reserve – exciting up-and-coming eco-project incapsulating about 10% of the Emirate of Dubai
• Al Qudra Lakes – a man-made lake system for wildlife, including the famous Love Lake (now part of Al Marmoom)
• Golf in Dubai – more than a dozen lush green courses wait to be played

Find our complete collection of Dubai’s best parks and gardens here

Oh wow, where do we start?!  There are literally thousands of restaurants across the city, from street food to fine dining, so rather than listing individual restaurants here, we will share top dining experiences.

You can see our complete guide to Dubai’s Foodie and nightlife scene here

• Classic Weekend Brunch   – an all-afternoon dining affair. Things have certainly diversified over the years, though, and if you are looking to mix things up, it’s possible to Brunch on a Sunday, or try a traditional Sunday Roast , or even in the evening – check out these other Brunch options.
• Afternoon Tea – Proving High Tea is not just a British speciality; there are plenty of amazing afternoon tea experiences across Dubai that mix classical plates with a modern twist.
• Boutique breakfast – so many amazing small cafes around the city. Skip the hotel buffet and try these unique breakfast spots.
• Try traditional Emirati Cuisine – so many visit Dubai without ever experiencing real Emirati.
• Walking tours of Dubai – there’s no better way for foodies to get in touch with the place they are visiting than to take to the streets. Frying Pan Adventures is widely acclaimed as one of the best, or try this tour offered by Dubai By Foot .
• Soak in a rooftop sunset – all the most beautiful rooftop venues across the city for dinner and drinks.
• Nightclubbing scene – a very active and vibrant nightclubbing scene exists across the city. Some roll from evening brunch into dancing, whilst others are strictly dance clubs catering to all sorts of musical tastes.

As well as the traditional souks we mentioned above, there are DOZENS of large shopping Malls in Dubai. Some of the largest you are likely to come across are:

• The Dubai Mall
• Mall of the Emirates
• Mirdif City Centre
• Time Square
• Dubai Festival City
• Dubai Hills

On the hunt for more souqs? As well as the traditional souqs, check out these modern souqs with a traditional twist:

• Souk Madinat Jumeirah – stunning canals and Burj Al Arab backdrop, indoor and outdoor stalls along with many restaurants
• Souk Al Bahr – adjacent to the Dubai Mall

Or traditional bargain hunters who want to explore further than just the old Souks may be interested in the likes of:

• Al Karama – one of the best places to go in Dubai for side street bargains as well as the Karama Centre and Karama Shopping Complex in Bur Dubai (aka Old Dubai)
• The Gold & Diamond Park Al Quoz – for series jewellery purchasing

Depending on when you time your trip, you may be able to join In the fun and festivities of many of these amazing events :

• Dubai Food Festival – held around Feb/March every year
• Horse Racing at Meydan Racecourse – Regular Friday meets from November to March, concluding with the Dubai World Cup held at the end of March
• Al Marmoom Heritage Festival – April (TBC this year)
• Dubai Comedy Festival – held over May
• Dubai Summer Surprises – over July & August
• Diwali in Dubai – celebrated in late October/early November
• DP Tour World Championship – European Tour Golfing event in November
• Dubai Rugby Sevens – popular sporting tournament held in early December
• National Day – enjoy celebrating the nation’s birthday alongside Emiratis and residents alike 2/3 December
• Ramadan & Eid – enjoy Suhoor & Iftar with Muslims in marking the Holy Month and the breaking of the fast (dates vary)

There are plenty of extreme experiences to enjoy in Dubai, including:

• Sky Views Dubai for the most incredible urban landscapes over Downtown Dubai, including the Sky Observatory, Sky Glass Slide and Sky Edge Walk
• Sky Dive over the Palm Jumeirah or the desert drop zone
• Xline Dubai – more for adrenaline junkies, the world’s longest urban zipline through the highrises of Dubai Marina
• Scuba Dive in the world’s deepest swimming pool, Deep Dive Dubai
• Hot Air Balloon over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
• Suit up for Diving with the sharks at the Lost Chambers
• Join a Jet Ski tour around the Palm Jumeirah
• Take a Helicopter ride over the city
• Or try a tandem paraglide in the Hatta Mountains!

More sedate but uniquely interesting:

• Attend a camel racing event at the Al Marmoom Race Course

Still within the Emirate of Dubai, there are plenty of fabulous places to visit.

The Dubai Desert

Most visitors will be curious about visiting the desert during their trip to Dubai.  There are so many different ways to experience the sand dunes and desert ecosystem, from short “ desert safaris ” in organised tour groups to camping and glamping .

One of the best things a first-time visitor to Dubai should experience is at least one trip into the desert. You can whet your appetite with:

• An evening safari and dinner under the stars in a tented Bedouin camp 
• An early morning desert experience
• Join a camel riding trek through the dunes
• A more unique way to get closer to nature is to try a desert safari with Platinum Heritage with a focus on the desert itself over the sand sports
• Explore the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve , including Al Qudra Lake and Love Lake
• 4×4 to the deserted town buried under the desert of Al Madam
• Join a night of astrology and stargazing
• Enjoy the extreme sport of Desert Dune Buggy in Dubai
• Take a sunrise hot air balloon journey over the desert with a falconry display thrown in

Read More: Our detailed guide to undertaking a Dubai desert safari

For those who might not be so keen on desert camping or seek a unique way to enjoy the Dubai desert, we can suggest:

• An ultra-luxurious private tented resort Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
• Family-friendly desert resort Bab Al Shams
• Self-camping in the Dubai Desert past Al Madam
• Visit the Camel Farm

Read More: Our complete guide to Dubai’s desert glamping experiences

Head to the Mountains!

Yes, the UAE has mountains! The Hajar Mountain range runs from the tiny Omani exclave of Musandam, pointing into the Strait of Hormuz, all the way down the tip of the Arabian Peninsula to Muscat. Most of the mountains pass through other Emirates in the UAE , but a small Dubai enclave exists called Hatta .

Sitting 90 minutes by car south of the city, in Hatta you can experience:

• The Hatta Heritage Village
• Hatta Dam (undergoing extensive works at present to bring new attractions)
• Hatta Honey Bee Discovery Centre
• Hatta Wadi Hub activity centre
• Mountain trails galore – from biking to horseback riding or simply on foot
• Stay onsite glamping at the Hatta Sedr Trailers Resort or try the newly opened Hatta Caravan Park or Hatta Dome Park

Let’s look beyond the actual Emirate of Dubai and into the other 6 Emirates of the UAE ( You can see our complete guide to all 7 Emirates of the UAE here ). 

This list is not exhaustive – there are so many incredible things to do beyond Dubai , so we have tried to narrow it down to those activities we know are achievable within 1 day and have tours/drivers that can take you.

Abu Dhabi Day Trip

If your itinerary permits the time, a day trip to the UAE capital is a must! We have a complete guide on our Abu Dhabi Travel Planner Site here . The must-see main attractions in Abu Dhabi include:

• An Abu Dhabi Cultural Tour on a personalised day trip, see The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque , Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr al Watan (the country’s new Presidential Palace) in just a day. (You can even catch a free bus that takes you to the Louvre and Qasr al Watan).
• The Falcon Hospital – a fabulous insight into the ancient and modern tradition of falconry, including up-close encounters
• Qasr al Hosn – a heritage experience built on the site of the original Hosn Fort, the oldest building in Abu Dhabi
• A drive-by of the beautiful Founders Memorial
• High tea at Observation 300 , Etihad Towers or the stunning Emirates Palace
• Take kayaks or an eco-boat into the Eastern Mangroves
• Strolling the famous Corniche beach
• Abu Dhabi theme parks – there are now 3 amazing theme parks on Yas Island , each could demand your full attention or the best part of a day, though you could arguably fit in two if you are savvy – Ferrari World (home to the World’s Fastest Roller Coaster), Warner Bros World – the world’s largest theme park and Yas Waterworld , the Middle East’s best waterpark.
• Al Ain – Abu Dhabi – the second largest city in Abu Dhabi, also known as the Oasis city is among the country’s most historic and fascinating places to visit – home to the country’s jointly listed UNESCO sites.

Dubai Day Trip to the Northern Emirates

Sitting to the northeast of Dubai Emirate, explore a further five emirates of the United Arab Emirates:

• Sharjah – the cultural capital of the UAE has no distinct border with Dubai.  It seamlessly blends with the outskirts of the Deira and the city’s eastern areas. In fact, Dubai buses spread into Sharjah, even a public ferry making it the easiest place to visit from Dubai on a day trip.
• Most focus from tourists goes into the Heart of Sharjah , the arts and culture district.  But increasingly, there is a focus outside of the main city, too, with the utterly stunning new Sharjah Mosque and Mleiha archaeological site in the desert.
• Ras al Khaimah – often thought of as the country’s adventure playground, it is home to the world’s longest zipline and the country’s tallest peak in the rugged Hajar Mountains, Jebel Jais.
• Fujairah – for even more spectacular mountain views, historic forts, and arguably the region’s oldest mosque still in use today. Also popular for its wide sandy beaches and diving opportunities .
• Musandam Peninsula – we’re totally cheating calling this one in the Emirates – because it’s actually an exclave of Oman! BUT!!! It is one of the most stunning landscapes within easy reach of Dubai, and whilst, yes, it does cross an international border, it can be done on a day trip from Dubai.

See our guide to transport around the UAE for more information on how to get to these incredible destinations.

We are sure to have missed some favourites as there’s simply so much going on in Dubai. We are constantly updating this list as new things open up. Let us know in the comments below if there’s more you think we should add.

Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai

• Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai , a handy guide on what to pack , and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
• Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai .
• Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
• Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance !!!
• Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai , or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:

Take me back to the Dubai Travel Blog

Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links . Dubai Travel Planner

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I was never aware that there can be more than 150 places to visit in Dubai; I just thought that Dubai is famous for 10 to 15 important things. This blog has changed my perspective towards Dubai, I am glad that I read this blog before I made my trip to Dubai. Otherwise I would have regretted a lot for missing these things to visit in Dubai.

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30 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Dubai

Written by Jess Lee Updated Mar 21, 2024

Author Jess Lee is a travel writer who has specialized and lived in the Middle East for over 15 years.

Glitzy Dubai is the United Arab Emirates' holiday hot spot. This city of high-rises and shopping malls has transformed itself from a desert outpost to a destination du-jour, where tourists flock for sales bargains, sunshine, and family fun.

Dubai is famous for contemporary sightseeing attractions such as the Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building) and shopping malls that come complete with mammoth aquariums and indoor ski slopes. But this city has many cultural highlights and things to do, as well as all the glamorous modern add-ons.

Take a wander around the Al Fahidi quarter, and you'll discover the Dubai of old, then cruise along Dubai Creek in a traditional dhow, and you'll soon realize there's more to this city than its flashy veneer.

Learn more about the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Dubai.

Shoot to the Top of Burj Khalifa

View the dubai fountain display, sneak in some shopping at dubai mall, visit an underwater world at dubai aquarium, cool off at atlantis aquaventure waterpark, head out into the desert, take afternoon tea in the burj al-arab, ski indoors at mall of the emirates' ski dubai, explore dubai creek, wander through colorful dubai miracle garden, walk through history in al fahidi quarter (old dubai), experience global village's culture & entertainment, cruise around madinat jumeirah on an abra, soak up the sun on jumeirah beach, discover uae history at dubai museum, snap sunset pics at dubai frame, swim & sunbathe at la mer beach, family time at motiongate & legoland in dubai parks, tour jumeirah mosque, take to the water at kite beach & umm suqeim beach, stroll sheikh zayed road, fuel up on thrills & spills in img worlds of adventure, haggle in the souks of deira, skydive over dubai's palm jumeirah, enjoy world-class theater at dubai opera, savor a nature break in dubai butterfly garden, explore local culture in the heritage and diving village, spot flamingos at ras al khor wildlife sanctuary, view traditional architecture at sheikh saeed al-maktoum house, browse cutting-edge art in alserkal avenue, best things to do with kids in dubai, map of tourist attractions in dubai, best time to visit dubai, united arab emirates.

Highlight: The world's tallest building and Dubai's best panoramic city views

Dubai's landmark building and major tourist attraction is the Burj Khalifa , which at 829.8 meters is the tallest building in the world and the most famous of the city's points of interest.

For most visitors, a trip to the observation deck on the 124th floor here is a must-do while in the city. The views across the city skyline from this bird's-eye perspective are simply staggering.

The slick observation deck experience includes a multimedia presentation on both Dubai and the building of the Burj Khalifa (completed in 2010) before a high-speed elevator whizzes you up to the observation deck for those 360-degree views out across the skyscrapers to the desert on one side and the ocean on the other.

Nighttime visits are particularly popular with photographers due to Dubai's famous city-lights panoramas.

Buy your Burj Khalifa "At the Top" Entrance Ticket in advance to avoid long line-ups, especially if you are planning to visit on a weekend.

Highlight: A family-friendly evening entertainment spectacle

Wrapping around the Burj Khalifa are the gardens of Burj Park, with walkways dotted with modern art sculptures. Burj Park is where you come to see the Dubai Fountain display on Burj Lake.

Modeled on the famous Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, this is the world's tallest performing fountain, with water displays shooting up to 150 meters high into the air.

The 30-minute-long displays take place regularly after dark, and although the display itself is free, there are entrance charges to access the add-on experiences.

The floating platform of the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk is one of the most popular experiences for close-up views, while there are also opportunities to take an abra (traditional wooden boat) onto Burj Lake to see the fountains from the water.

Highlights: Dubai Aquarium, plenty of family activities, dining options, and brand-name shopping

Dubai Mall is the city's premier mall and one of the city's best places to visit for a day of shopping and indoor activities to keep the kids busy. It provides entry to the Burj Khalifa as well as the Dubai Aquarium.

There is also an ice-skating rink, gaming zone, and cinema complex if you're looking for more entertainment options.

The shopping and eating are endless, and there are nearly always special events such as live music and fashion shows within the mall. The most famous of these are the annual Dubai Shopping Festival in January and February and the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival in July and August.

Location: Doha Road, just off Sheikh Zayed Road

Highlights: An awe-inspiring introduction to the underwater world

One of the city's top tourist attractions, the Dubai Aquarium houses 140 species of sea life in the huge suspended tank on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall.

Although there is free viewing from the mall, the highlight of a visit here is entering the Underwater Zoo, with its three-story high, 270-degree views along the length of the glass-panel tunnels.

As well as viewing the vast amount of marine life, the Dubai Aquarium offers plenty of aquatic experiences and things to do for visitors who want a close-up encounter with some of the aquarium's inhabitants, from hand-feeding eagle rays to diving with reef and tiger sharks.

Address: Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road

Highlight: Water-based theme park fun for a day devoted to family entertainment

Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark , based at Atlantis, The Palm on the Palm Jumeirah—Dubai's famous man-made island development—is a great place to cool off after a few days of hectic shopping and sightseeing.

The waterslide action here is excellent and world-class, with the Aquaconda, the world's longest water slide; a nine-story-tall slide, aptly named the Leap of Faith; and water coaster rides.

There's also underwater safaris using Sea TREK helmets; a dedicated water play area for smaller children with slides; and for when all your energy has been used up, a 700-meter sweep of white-sand beach.

Address: Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Highlight: See the UAE's dramatic interior of sweeping dunes on Dubai's best day trip option

You don't have to travel far from Dubai's coastal skyline of skyscrapers to reach some of the UAE's desertscapes of rippling dunes.

Both the dune fields and desert of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and the orange-hued dunes of Maleha (actually in the Emirate of Sharjah ) are within day-tripping distance of the city.

Desert adventure tours can combine a range of activities, from sandboarding, camel rides, and 4WD safaris to traditional Arabian falconry displays and desert dinners under the stars. There are also options for overnight camping under the stars.

The typical tour itinerary, giving visitors a taster of desert life, is easily slotted into even a short trip to Dubai, taking around six hours door to door, with a mid-afternoon departure from the city.

For a less rushed tour experience, choose one of the companies that operate inside the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where trips can include wildlife drives to spot the reserve's free-roaming herds of gazelles and, if you're lucky, Arabian oryx.

Highlights: Treat yourself to one of Dubai's most famous dining experiences

The Burj Al-Arab is the world's tallest hotel, standing 321 meters high on its own artificial island on the Dubai coastline.

Designed to resemble a billowing dhow sail, the exterior of the building is lit up by a choreographed, colored lighting show at night.

Decadent in every way possible, the Burj Al-Arab is one of the most expensive hotels in the world, with the most luxurious suites costing more than $15,000 for one night.

For those without unlimited credit, the way to experience the over-the-top opulence is to book afternoon tea at Sahn Eddar (a minimum spend is required) in the soaring atrium lounge.

Non-guests can also book dinner at the Ristorante L'Olivo at Al-Mahara where floor-to-ceiling glass panels in the dining room walls allow you to view sea life while you eat, or you can enjoy French and Italian classics for lunch or dinner with city vistas at the Michelin starred Al Muntaha .

Address: Jumeirah Road, Dubai

Highlight: Cool off from the desert heat with some winter sports then shop till you drop in the mall

Mall of the Emirates is one of the city's most famous malls, with the spectacular (and surreal) Ski Dubai facility inside.

The indoor ski slope is complete with chairlifts and a penguin enclosure, all at a continuous temperature of -4 degrees Celsius.

There's also a cinema complex and a family entertainment center with a whole host of rides aimed at both the big and small.

The shopping opportunities are boundless, as are the eating options, offering every conceivable world cuisine.

Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

Highlight: Abra rides across the creek for city skyline views

Dubai Creek separates the city into two towns, with Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south.

The creek has been an influential element in the city's growth, first attracting settlers here to fish and pearl dive. Small villages grew up alongside the creek as far back as 4,000 years ago, while the modern era began in the 1830s when the Bani Yas tribe settled in the area.

The creek is where you come to capture city views from the water, either by taking a trip on one of the many dhows that have been restored as tourist cruise boats or by hopping on an abra (small wooden ferry) between the ferry points on the creek's Bur Dubai and Deira banks.

On the Bur Dubai side of the creek, rubbing up against the Bastakia neighborhood, the waterfront has been regenerated as the Al Seef district, with a waterfront promenade backed by traditional coral-block and limestone buildings, a floating market, and shops selling crafts. It's a great place for a stroll with excellent water views.

Farther southeast down the creek, on the Deira bank just north of Al-Maktoum Bridge, is the Dhow Wharfage. It's still used by small traders from across the Gulf who sail their dhows onward to Kuwait, Iran, Oman, India, and down to Africa's horn.

This tiny remnant of Dubai's traditional economy is a fascinating place to wander around and watch cargo being loaded and unloaded on and off the dhows.

At the southeastern end of Dubai Creek, just before the creek joins with Dubai Canal, is the newly developed Dubai Creek Harbor with a waterfront marina walkway, which offers excellent vistas of the city skyline.

Highlight: Colorful photography options amid Dubai's most creative gardens

This is the zaniest garden ever. Not content with constructing the world's largest buildings and malls, Dubai has created the world's largest flower garden. Dubai Miracle Garden spans 2,000 square meters and is home to a reputed 100 million flowers.

Everything that can be covered with flowers has been, from twee English-style cottages to windmills and trucks. There's even a flower version of the Burj Khalifa.

Stroll the walkways and enjoy the riot of color and the wacky flower displays.

Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Rd, Al Barsha

Highlight: Admire Dubai's vernacular Gulf architecture amid the lanes of the tiny old town quarter

The Al Fahidi Quarter (previously known, and sometimes still referred to as the Bastakia neighborhood) was built in the late 19th century to be the home of wealthy Persian merchants who dealt mainly in pearls and textiles and were lured to Dubai because of the tax-free trading and access to Dubai Creek.

Al Fahidi occupies the eastern portion of Bur Dubai along the creek, and the coral and limestone buildings here, many with walls topped with wind-towers, have been excellently preserved.

Wind-towers provided the homes here with an early form of air conditioning—the wind trapped in the towers was funneled down into the houses. Persian merchants likely transplanted this architectural element (common in Iranian coastal houses) from their home country to the Gulf.

Lined with distinct Arabian architecture, the narrow lanes are highly evocative of a bygone, and much slower, age in Dubai's history.

Inside the district, you'll find the Majlis Gallery , with its collection of traditional Arab ceramics and furniture (housed in a wind-tower), and the Al Serkal Cultural Foundation with a shop, café, and rotating art exhibitions (located in one of the historic buildings).

Highlight: Evening entertainment hub with a global cultural focus

From October through April, this entertainment park provides family-friendly entertainment themed around taking visitors on a journey around the world.

Global Village's 26 country pavilions, ranging from Iraq to Japan and Russia to South Korea, each offer an individual experience of that country's culture, entertainment, and heritage. It's a unique option in the city for evening entertainment for families with little ones in tow.

As well as the pavilions, there are plentiful dining and shopping options on-site. Younger members of the family will enjoy the fun-fair-style Carnaval with plenty of rides, such as bumper cars, carousels, Swiss swings, and a big wheel, along with faster rides and a roller coaster.

Address: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road, Dubai

Highlight: Scenic canal cruises on traditional abra boats for easygoing sightseeing

The development complex of Madinat Jumeirah is a dining and retail district with a couple of five-star hotels, all set along the palm-tree-fringed banks of an artificial canal network.

All of Madinat Jumeirah has been styled to mimic traditional Gulf architecture, with wind towers and mashrabiya detailing.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah here offers easygoing shopping, with a large variety of traditional craftwork and souvenirs from the Gulf and across the wider Middle East, but the main reason to head here is to hop on an abra (small wooden ferry) and cruise down the canal.

Abras leave regularly from Souk Madinat Jumeirah's promenade and loop around the waterway, providing plenty of photo opportunities of the lush gardens and traditional architecture of Madinat Jumeirah, with the tall swooping sail of the Burj Al Arab in the background.

Address: King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Dubai

Highlight: Dubai beach life summed up with everything you need at your fingertips

This long, wide strip of sandy white bliss is the number one beach destination for Dubai visitors .

Some of Dubai's most popular beach resorts are strung out all along its length, making this one of the most popular places to stay for visitors who want to make hitting the beach a major part of their Dubai stay.

The large areas of the beach have excellent facilities, with plenty of sun loungers, restaurants, lifeguards patrolling the stretches designated for swimming, and water sports operators offering jet skiing, kayak rental, parasailing, and boat rides.

This is a safe beach choice for families traveling with tots, as the turquoise water of the Gulf lapping the shore is shallow and calm.

Address: Dubai Marina, Dubai

Highlight: Delve behind the high-rise facade to discover Dubai's heritage

Dubai's excellent museum is housed in the Al-Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 to defend Dubai Creek. The fort's walls are built out of traditional coral blocks and held together with lime. The upper floor is supported by wooden poles, and the ceiling is constructed from palm fronds, mud, and plaster.

In its history, the fort has served as a residence for the ruling family, a seat of government, garrison, and prison. Restored in 1971 (and again extensively in 1995), it is now the city's premier museum.

The entrance has a fascinating exhibition of old maps of the Emirates and Dubai, showing the mammoth expansion that hit the region after the oil boom. The courtyard is home to several traditional boats and a palm-leaf house with an Emirati wind-tower. The right-hand hall features weaponry, and the left-hand hall showcases Emirati musical instruments.

Below the ground floor are display halls with exhibits and dioramas covering various aspects of traditional Emirati life (including pearl fishing and Bedouin desert life), as well as artifacts from the 3,000- to 4,000-year-old graves at Al Qusais archaeological site.

Address: Al-Fahidi Street, Al-Fahidi

Highlights: Aerial vistas of the modern cityscape below and galleries focused on Dubai's history

Sitting slap-bang between Dubai's older neighborhoods clustered around the creek and the city's modern sprawl, this ginormous 150-meter-high picture frame is one of Dubai's latest sights.

Inside Dubai Frame , a series of galleries whisk you through the city's history and explore Emirati heritage before you travel up to the Sky Deck, where there are fantastic panoramas of both old and new Dubai to be snapped on the viewing platforms.

Afterwards check out Future Dubai gallery, which imagines what a futuristic vision of the city will look like.

Address: Zabeel Park, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road

Highlight: Take a day off sightseeing and head to the white sand for a relaxed break beside the sea

Backed by a fringe of palm trees, the stretch of La Mer Beach in Jumeirah is an easygoing spot for a full day of sun and sea.

Water sports operators here offer Jet Ski trips, boating, fly-boarding, and kayaking for beachgoers who itch to get off the sand, but for those who simply want to sloth out between swimming, there's plenty of sun lounger rental and a wide variety of cafés and restaurants just a hop from the sand for snacking and full meals.

La Mer is a sheltered bay with tranquil water, so it's a safe choice for both families and less-confident swimmers. Like all of Dubai's main beaches, it is regularly patrolled by lifeguards during the day.

If the sea and sand aren't enough, at the beach's northeast point, you'll find Laguna Waterpark, with several waterslides, a lazy river, and a surf pool.

Address: Jumeirah Road, Jumeirah

Highlight: Family-centered fun is the focus at these interconnected theme parks

At Dubai Parks and Resorts , your entertainment needs are all rolled together into one location. The only problem here is choosing what you want to do.

This mammoth project incorporates a swag of world-class theme parks providing something for everyone, whatever your age.

Motiongate takes its theme from Hollywood productions, with rides based around movie blockbusters; Bollywood Parks brings the world of India's famous movie industry alive on its rides; and Legoland Dubai and Legoland Waterpark provide younger visitors with a fun-packed day out on its interactive rides, water slides, and wave pool.

The district's attached Riverland Dubai dining hub means that there's no need to leave after you've exhausted yourself with theme park pursuits, as there's plenty of evening entertainment here as well.

Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Jebel Ali

Highlight: Gain greater insights into Islam on a tour of Dubai's most famous mosque

Jumeirah Mosque is considered by many to be the most beautiful of Dubai's mosques. An exact copy of Cairo's Al-Azhar Mosque, which is eight times its size, the Jumeirah Mosque is a fine example of Islamic architecture.

This stone structure is built in the medieval Fatimid tradition, with two minarets that display the subtle details in the stonework. It is particularly attractive in the evening when lit with floodlights.

The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding (which also runs a program of tours, lectures, Arabic classes, and cultural meals) organizes guided tours of the mosque designed to try to foster a better understanding of the Muslim faith.

Tours begin at 10am daily, except Fridays.

Address: Jumeirah Road

Highlight: Learn to kitesurf on one of Dubai's best water sports beaches

Thanks to its surf and prevailing wind, the northern section of Umm Suqeim Beach is Dubai's top spot for kitesurfing.

The beach is home to an array of water sports operators offering equipment hire, as well as kitesurfing lessons, along with paddleboarding and kayak rental.

This long stretch of yellow-sand beach sweeps south along the coast (becoming Umm Suqeim Beach), with plenty of space for sunbathers looking to lap up a lazy day of swimming and soaking up the rays on the sand and excellent facilities and dining choices. There are good views of the Burj Al Arab from the southern end of the beach.

While in the Jumeirah area, it's well worth brushing off the sand for an hour to visit the Majlis Ghorfat Um Al-Sheef just a three-kilometer hop from the beach. Built in 1955, this was the summer residence of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al-Maktoum.

The residence, made out of gypsum and coral block, has been restored and maintains much of the original beautiful decor, giving you a better understanding of the opulent lifestyle of Dubai's rulers.

The Majlis Gardens feature a reproduction of an impressive Arab irrigation system, and many shady date palms.

Address: Jumeirah Road, Jumeirah, Dubai

Highlight: Take in central Dubai's skyscraper views from ground-level

Sheikh Zayed Road is the main thoroughfare running through Dubai's modern downtown business district.

This wide, eight-lane highway is rimmed with towering glass, chrome, and steel high-rises along its entire length. It's one of the best on-the-ground vantage points for Dubai's famed skyscraper views.

Main attractions are along, or just off, the strip between the roundabout and the first intersection, and most of Dubai's famous malls are located along the road's route.

The Dubai World Trade Tower has an observation deck on its top floor, which offers visitors panoramic views (a cheaper option than the Burj Khalifa), and the Gold and Diamond Park (Sheikh Zayed Road) is a one-stop shop for jewelry lovers, with 118 manufacturers and 30 retailers all under one roof.

Highlights: Adrenaline-packed rides and hours of fun for kids of all ages

The IMG Worlds of Adventure theme park, near Global Village, is immersive entertainment at its finest and has thrills and spills for both kids and big kids.

With one zone devoted entirely to Marvel's iconic characters; another to dinosaur-themed rides; and a zone where the Cartoon Network takes the helm, with gentler rides and activities for younger children, there's something here for every age.

Whether you want to help the Avengers battle Ultron, scare yourself silly in a haunted house, or join Spider-Man as he swings through the city, this is heaven for families looking for a fun-filled day out.

Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Dubai

Highlight: Shop the traditional way amid the heritage souks of Deira

Deira lies on the northern bank of Dubai Creek and the winding streets here unveil the melting pot of different nationalities that have come to call Dubai home. On the shore, ancient dhows load and unload with modern banks, hotels, and office buildings as a backdrop.

For travelers, Deira is most famous for its traditional souks (markets), which bustle with shoppers at all times of the day.

Deira Gold Souk is world-renowned as the largest gold bazaar in the world.

The Deira Spice Souk sells every imaginable spice, with stalls overflowing with bags of frankincense, cumin, paprika, saffron, sumac, and thyme, as well as the fragrant oud wood, rose water, and incense.

The fish market provides a much less touristy experience.

While in the district, culture lovers shouldn't miss two of Deira's finely restored architectural gems. Heritage House was built in 1890 as the home of a wealthy Iranian merchant and later became the home of Sheik Ahmed bin Dalmouk (a famous pearl merchant in Dubai). Today, it's a great chance to see the interior of a traditional family home.

The Al-Ahmadiya School, constructed in 1912, is the oldest school in Dubai and is now a museum of public education.

Highlight: Get the best aerial views of the city with Dubai's best thrill-seeker activity

For the ultimate sightseeing adrenaline rush while you're in the city, tandem-skydive over Dubai from Skydive Dubai's Palm Drop Zone.

There are bird's-eye views of the city's skyscraper coastline, Dubai Marina, and the artificial islands of Palm Jumeirah, all the way down the 3,900-meter-high plunge.

The entire experience takes around 90 minutes and includes the flight; an instructor you'll be harnessed to during the skydive; and a skydiving camera operator, who'll take pictures during your dive.

If you prefer desert dune scenery, Skydive Dubai also operates a separate tandem-skydiving experience in the desert, about 35 kilometers out of the city.

Skydiving in Dubai is an activity you need to book as far in advance as possible due to limited numbers and the high popularity of the experience.

Highlight: Enjoy the best of Dubai's cultural life while on your trip

For nighttime attractions, look no further. Opened in mid-2016, Dubai's classy new opera building is the centerpiece of the waterfront district in downtown Dubai and is a major cultural hub and main entertainment venue.

The Dubai Opera hosts a year-round program of famous musical theater productions, concerts by world-class musicians, opera, ballet, and classical music, as well as smaller productions, comedy nights, and concerts.

The 2,000-seat theater building itself is an astonishing piece of architectural mastery and one of Dubai's new landmarks, with its highly-contemporary glass and steel walls jutting out over the waterfront, built to resemble the curves of a traditional dhow.

Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road

Highlight: Take a nature break without leaving the city

Escape the city's skyscrapers for an afternoon at the Dubai Butterfly Garden . For a slice of nature, this vast butterfly garden, with around 15,000 butterflies flitting under the domed enclosures, can't be beaten.

It's a great chance for kids to get close-up views of butterflies as they often land on visitors' shoulders and hands.

There's a museum here, too, with plenty of information on butterfly varieties, their habitats, and life cycle.

Highlight: Explore Dubai's sea-going heritage and life along this coastline before the contemporary city

Dubai's architectural, cultural, and maritime heritage is showcased at the Heritage and Diving Village, with displays related to pearl diving and dhow building—two of old Dubai's historic economic mainstays.

There are also recreations of traditional Bedouin and coastal village life, with Persian homes, a traditional coffeehouse, and a small souk where potters and weavers practice their handicrafts at the stalls.

Local music and dance are performed from October to April, and visitors can get advice from practitioners of traditional medicine.

Location: Shindagha, Bur Dubai

Highlight: Spend an early morning spotting flamingos and other birds amid the city's wetlands

You don't have to go too far away from the skyscrapers to soak up a more natural vista. The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary incorporates the mangrove forests and wetlands of Dubai creek.

An important stop-off on the migration routes, it's a prime place to spot flamingos in winter when massive flocks of these majestic pink birds wade through the lagoons, backdropped by soaring high-rises.

Various hides in prime spots have been set up within the park to allow bird watchers good views of the birdlife.

Address: Ras Al Khor Street, Dubai

Highlight: Delve into Dubai's history amid the museums of this royal complex

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum was the Ruler of Dubai from 1921 to 1958 and grandfather to the current ruler. His former residence has been rebuilt and restored as a museum that is a fine example of Arabian architecture.

The original house was built in 1896 by Sheikh Saeed's father, so he could observe shipping activity from the balconies.

It was demolished, but the current house was rebuilt next to the original site, staying true to the original model by incorporating carved teak doors, wooden lattice screens across the windows, and gypsum ventilation screens with floral and geometric designs.

Thirty rooms are built around a central courtyard with wind-tower details on top.

Inside are the exhibits of the Dubai Museum of Historical Photographs and Documents with many wonderful old photographs of Dubai from the period between 1948 and 1953.

The marine wing of the museum has photos of fishing, pearling, and boat building. Throughout the building there are many letters, maps, coins, and stamps on display showing the development of the Emirate.

Nearby is the Crossroads of Civilizations Museum , which explores the United Arab Emirates' historic role as a trading center between Asia, Africa, and Europe long before oil became this region's most prominent industry.

Located inside the old residence of Sheikh Hashr bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, who was a member of Dubai's ruling family, the exhibits trace this coastal area's history as part of the global trade routes, with displays of artifacts and manuscripts.

Also on-site are the Rare Books and Manuscripts Museum and the small Armory Museum.

Address: Al Khaleej Road, Bur Dubai

Highlight: Explore Dubai's burgeoning contemporary art scene

Part of the old Al Quoz industrial district, Al Serkal Avenue has been regenerated to become Dubai's main arts hub and is home to some of the city's most important contemporary art galleries.

Established gallery names such as the Green Art Gallery , The Third Line and the Ayyam Gallery have made their home here, while a host of smaller gallery start-ups have also moved in.

The district's program of rotating collections focuses both on the work of major artists, as well as highlighting new Middle Eastern talent.

This emerging district is also the place to come for fashion and accessory boutiques by local designers, pop-up restaurants, and café life, and it showcases the energetic and youthful buzz of a city, which is usually more noted for its corporate face.

Address: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz Industrial District

As well as Dubai's glut of theme parks, a stay in the city can incorporate plenty more active things to do.

There are plentiful desert tours that head out beyond the skyscrapers if you want the kids to sample more natural scenery. Many of the tours include sandboarding or camel riding.

To stick to the coast, the beaches and resorts offer kayak hire, as well as a bundle of other water sports to get the kids working off some energy in the sea.

And for those who enjoy the complete oddity of having some snow-fun amid the heat, the indoor ski run at Mall of the Emirates can't be beaten.

By far, the best times to visit Dubai are the months of November, December, January, February, March, and April when the weather is, in general, at its most pleasant. This is peak tourism season, though, so prepare for hotel prices to be at their highest.

Keen shoppers after discounts galore should head here during January when the entire month is devoted to the Dubai Shopping Festival. Be aware that January is Dubai's coldest month, though, with an average high of 23 degrees Celsius and temperatures dropping as low as 14 degrees.

For the best weather, particularly if you're going to hit the beach or head out into the desert during your trip, plan to travel here during the months of November or April when the average daytime temperatures sit between 25 and 26 degrees Celsius, and only peak as high as 31 degrees.

These two months usher in plenty of blue skies and sunshine for outdoor activities, but without the scorching heat of summer. Whichever month you choose, pack a warmer layer. You will need it to counter the ferocious air conditioning of Dubai's many indoor venues.

Other Considerations When Timing Your Visit to Dubai

Before deciding on which month to visit, check out when Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting is happening. During this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sundown every day. The Islamic calendar is lunar, so the dates for Ramadan shift every year.

Ramadan in the UAE is strictly followed, and eating, drinking, chewing gum, and smoking in all public spaces is forbidden from daybreak to sunset for everyone, including non-Muslims.

Although some restaurants, mostly those based in international brand hotels and usually one designated café in a mall, will still serve food during the day (with blinds pulled down across the restaurant windows, so that those fasting don't need to see people eating) nearly all restaurants and cafés shut during daylight hours and only open up at sunset.

From sunset onwards, it's feasting time, with many hotels and restaurants putting on special Iftar (the Ramadan after sunset meal) menus, which need to be pre-booked due to high demand.

Businesses, including tourist sights and shops, are open, but keep shorter hours for the entire month.

A benefit of visiting during Ramadan is that the city is less busy than usual, as many Dubai locals decide to head on holiday during this month, and the city also receives fewer tourists.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Beyond Dubai: To dive into the UAE's other cities, check out our articles on things to do in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah . If you want to learn about the beach resorts beyond Dubai, have a look at our feature pieces on Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman .

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24 Best Things to Do in Dubai

From exploring traditional souks to skiing indoors, here's how to get to this know this dazzling city.

Latifah Al-Hazza is a Chicago-based travel journalist, documentary filmmaker, and co-founder of Femscape Sojourns, a boutique women's travel company. Her work has appeared in CNN Travel, The New York Times, Insider, Reader's Digest, Business Insider Australia, Harper’s Bazaar, and Travel + Leisure .

frantic00/Getty Images

In Dubai , it's possible to chill on the beach, stroll in the desert, and have a cocktail at the top of skyscraper all in the same day. “Dubai’s got a glorious magnetism to it," says Nada Badran, a Dubai resident for more than 30 years and experience curator and tour guide with Wander With Nada. "There’s so much palpable energy in the air, and every day the city offers a new opportunity for creative fulfillment."

Despite the above, Dubai is sometimes shrouded by misconceptions, says Isabella Sullivan, founder and editor of Near+Far , a travel magazine for modern Middle East travelers. “The first misconception is that it’s all glossy, fake, and superficial, which couldn’t be further from the truth," she told Travel + Leisure . Another misconception is that it’s not a safe place to visit. On the contrary, Dean Hayter, travel product manager at Origin , says that “living in Dubai is the safest I have ever felt in any city."

So if any of the above has kept you from booking a trip to this vibrant city, you can set your mind at ease. And once you've arrived, here are the best things to do in Dubai.

Related : The Best Times To Visit Dubai for Beautiful Weather, Lower Prices, and Fewer Crowds

Learn about local coffee culture.

GCShutter/Getty Images

The Arab world is known for its coffee — from traditional Turkish coffee to modern delights like cereal lattes — and Dubai has myriad cafes in which to get your daily fix. “[There are] so many cool, unique, artsy, and design-led coffee shops," says Sullivan. "Some have beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces, while a new slew of them have moody interiors and unique, immersive themes." Sullivan’s favorites are The Grey , Nightjar Coffee and Tom&Serg .  

Cruise Dubai Creek.

Angelo Cavalli/Getty Images

In the past, Dubai Creek was part of the trade route connecting ports in the Arabian Gulf. Today, it's a beautiful way to see the city , and one of Hayter's top suggestions in Dubai. “Go to Dubai Creek before sunset and hire an abra (traditional wooden boat) for a private cruise," Hayter says. "When you're in the middle of the creek and the sky turns pink and the call to prayer fills the sky, it is magical.”

Go stargazing in the desert.

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Fascinated by the night sky? Book a night safari with ecotourism company Platinum Heritage , which includes guidance from an astronomer and use of a telescope. “The sky is so dark that you get to see the most incredible blanket of stars," says Hayter. "If you're with an astronomer who can explain everything you're looking at, it's an amazing experience."

Play a round of golf.

MaksymPoriechkin/Getty Images

Golf may not come to mind immediately when planning a vacation to the Middle East, but Dubai has several recognizable courses, including The Emirates Golf Club – Majlis Course , which is considered one of the best in the destination. Kelvin Cheung, chef partner at Jun’s and a Dubai resident for two years, suggests checking to see if any of your credit cards include free rounds of golf as a perk. Note that the best time to golf here is between November and March, when the weather is more comfortable.

Relax at a Dubai beach.

“Dubai has some great and uncrowded public beaches, where you can just enjoy the warm Arabian sea and sunshine at no cost,” says Sullivan. Try Kite Beach, since it also offers fantastic showers and bathrooms, plus a handful of food stands and coffee shops. For an extra treat, rent a Careem bike and cruise along Kite Beach’s lengthy boardwalk.

Enjoy the diverse dining scene.

Between the innovative design of its restaurants and the exceptional diversity of its culinary offerings, Dubai is a fantastic place for foodies. When planning your meals, consider chic restaurants like Amazonico , which takes you on a sensory journey through the Amazon; SEVA , a laid back, plant-based cafe within a wellness center; and Jun’s , a fusion restaurant with the Burj Khalifa skyscraper as its backdrop and where the chef aims to introduce himself to each table. “The city offers a wide range of flavors and textures, and truly pushes boundaries," says chef Cheung of Jun's. "Because the Dubai food scene offers top-quality food and service in every corner of the city, my team and I stay motivated to deliver excellence with every experience. There are very few places in the world that cater to such a diverse set of people.”

Indulge in the facilities of a luxe hotel.

Visiting a world-class hotel in Dubai and enjoying its wellness offerings is a must. “Dubai has so many gorgeous hotels, and more often than not, you can purchase day passes to enjoy their facilities, including beaches, pools, and spas; some also have tennis and padel courts,” says Sullivan. "Apps like Privlee and Viya are great for tourists and residents; you pay a fee and have unlimited access to partner hotels, beach clubs, and gym facilities, so you can try somewhere new every day.”

Get lost in the streets of Old Dubai.

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“I am probably at my happiest when wandering in Old Dubai’s streets, sikkas (alleys), and souks , which are swarming with activity," says Badran of Wander With Nada. "The labyrinthine souks are where everyone wants to sell you something; ‘Shakira’ and ‘professor’ are heard countless times, as vendors appear to have unanimously agreed it's the best way to capture customers’ attention. People duck into beckoning small shops where stools are commonplace, as is a cup of chai, and every transaction involves a lengthy bargaining debate. Sounds of carts mingle with scents of aromatic spices and musky perfume."

Explore Al Serkal Avenue.

GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images

Al Serkal Avenue is an industrial warehouse district that has been transformed into a creative hub. “It’s an oasis of art, community spaces, and all things quirky," says Badran. "To visit is to be transported to another world of art galleries, cozy cafes, boutique shops, and plenty more." The venue's galleries are open to the public at no cost, and it's fun to wander here even if you’re not an art buff.

Go on a desert adventure.

George Khelashvili/Getty Images

Tour through the desert in a 4x4, or go extreme off-roading in a dune buggy or on a quad bike with Expert Rangers . And if you want the full Arabian desert experience, book the package that includes sandboarding, camel riding, an Arab dinner, and entertainment.

Get the best view of Dubai.

If you're a thrill seeker, consider a dive with Skydive Dubai . Divers fall 13,000 feet through the sky over the Palm Jumeriah — what a memory to take home with you.

Book a traditional spa treatment.

Courtesy of One&Only The Palm

A hammam is a traditional cleansing ritual that involves hot steam, a revitalizing scrub, rhassoul clay, and vitamin-E rich products — you are bound to exit this experience feeling the softest you’ve ever felt. We recommend booking a hammam treatment at the Guerlain Spa at the One&Only The Palm.

Head to Hatta.

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Hatta is in the Hajar Mountains, about 60 miles outside of Dubai. This is the perfect place to appreciate nature — go for a hike with spectacular views, kayak in the reservoir, or mountain bike on designated trails. There's also a heritage village that’s home to restored traditional houses and a defense tower.

Scuba dive in a pool.

Courtesy of Deep Dive Dubai

Deep Dive Dubai isn’t your typical swimming pool — it’s the deepest in the world at about 197 feet deep. Scuba, freediving, and snorkel courses are offered here, and if you're already certified, you're welcome to explore this underwater world designed to look like a sunken city.

Visit the Museum of the Future.

KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images

This building is an architectural wonder in shape and design. The exterior is wrapped in Arabic poetry, and the structure's circular shape represents humanity while the abyss in the middle signifies the indefinite future. Inside you will find immersive exhibitions that ask observers to reflect on the world, the future, and themselves. Purchase tickets in advance, as the museum is a popular attraction and day-of tickets aren't always available.

Visit Expo City Dubai.

This venue is a future-forward miniature city that maintains much of what was offered during the World Expo (Expo City was part of the exhibitions, which took place in 2022, delayed due to the pandemic). The sustainable city offers educational experiences and attractions that revolve around global topics, plus multiple playgrounds and parks .

Spend a day at Dubai’s newest resort.

Courtesy of Atlantis The Royal

Beyonce performed an exclusive show for the opening ceremony of Atlantis The Royal — what a way to get the world's attention. This ultra-luxurious resort is worth checking out, even if you aren’t staying the night. It’s home to eight restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs (including Nobu by the Beach), a sky-high infinity pool, a club with panoramic views of the skyline, and dozens of other experiences.

Book a tour with Wander with Nada.

Nada of Wander With Nada is a fun and peppy guide, sure, but she's also incredibly knowledgeable about Dubai, and therefore just the guide you want to get to know the destination. Choose from several tour options, including one that highlights Dubai landmarks and another that focuses on Old Dubai.

Party at a beach club.

Beach clubs in Dubai are worth the hype, with Twiggy by La Cantine and Nammos being two of our favorites. Rent a cabana or beach chair and spend the entire day (or just a few hours) soaking in the sun with a drink in hand, listening to vibey beats.

Shop in Dubai Gold Souk.

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The streets may as well be paved with gold in Dubai's Gold Souk , a fascinating marketplace with nearly 400 vendors. You will see gold of all karats and styles, from simple to elaborate. Note that if you do plan to purchase something special, don’t be shy about negotiating for a better price, as that is custom here.

Shop in a Dubai mall.

Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Dubai has no shortage of malls, where you'll find just about every brand you can name. Visit Dubai Mall to see one of the largest malls in the world (it's also home to the Dubai Aquarium); the textile souk for traditional shopping; or the Dubai Design District (D3), which is home to pop-up fashion boutiques and rotating art installations.

Go skiing indoors.

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If you can dream it, Dubai can execute it, and Ski Dubai is proof. Want to ski indoors then step outside into warm weather? This is the place. Maintaining freezing temperatures all year long, this ski resort provides guests with ski suits to keep them cozy. Lessons are available, and there's even a chair lift — and penguins — inside.

Order a tailor-made outfit.

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If there’s one thing foreigners may not know about the Middle East, it’s that the tailors are amazing, and that most locals have everything from simple, everyday outfits to wedding gowns tailor-made for them. A trip to Dubai is therefore an opportunity to have your dream design brought to life. Visit the textile souk for fabric, get measured by a tailor, and voila, you’ll have a new outfit within days. Getting fit for traditional dishdasha (for men) or abaya (for women) is a nice way to bring a bit of Dubai home, too.

Ride the Dubai Metro.

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The Dubai Metro is an extensive and well-maintained public transportation system that connects major locations in Dubai at an affordable price. Residents typically use these trains for their daily commute, so hop on a train to feel like a local.

Related Articles

Dubai Is Known for Luxury Travel — Now it Wants to Focus on ‘Real Culture’

Josh Corder , Skift

September 18th, 2024 at 11:49 AM EDT

Even the CEO of Dubai Tourism says the city has previously lacked a "soul," now they want to change that.

Josh Corder

• What impact has the post-Covid period had on Dubai's tourism strategy and visitor perceptions?
• What are some examples of 'real people' stories that Dubai Tourism is promoting?
• How is Dubai shifting its focus from luxury landmarks to authentic cultural experiences?

Select a question above or ask something else

• Dubai aims to shift focus from luxury landmarks to authentic cultural experiences.
• The city will rely less on celebrity campaigns, prioritizing genuine celebrity partnerships.
• Dubai Tourism plans to highlight hidden gems and real people to break down perceptions and offer affordable luxury.

Dubai is transitioning its tourism strategy from focusing on luxury landmarks and celebrity campaigns to highlighting the city's authentic cultural experiences and hidden gems. The city aims to promote genuine celebrity partnerships and real people stories to change perceptions and offer affordable luxury options. This shift is part of a broader effort to give Dubai a 'soul' and attract visitors for its true cultural richness.

Dubai boasts of the world’s tallest building, the world’s largest mall, and the only “unofficial” seven-star hotel. Four decades after embracing tourism, Dubai wants to hone in on the “real” aspects of the city and its hidden gems.

Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Tourism , said Wednesday at the Skift Global Forum 2024 that the city will rely less on its famous landmarks and celebrity campaigns, in favor of a more authentic tourism experience.

“I think initially Dubai started off… we needed to create enough noise to get attention, we needed landmark projects, 7-star hotels, islands. It did a great job to get people into the city, but it started to make people feel Dubai was just about new buildings and high-end luxury,” said Kazim.

“We might have missed out on talking about our people. Only when we had that dialogue, did we realize these gems are standing out. If we shed light on the people, Dubai is a different proposition and gets a soul.”

“People used to say Dubai was beautiful but lacked a soul. The city now is speaking to people, we’ve seen that post-Covid. We generated ‘warm’ momentum and people were focusing on Dubai for all the right reasons.”

Authenticity Over Star Power

For years, Dubai has been known for using celebrities in large tourism campaigns. In 2022, Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan was featured in a promotional video for the city, while the year before Zac Effron and Jessica Alba did the same.

This may appear as nothing more than using celebrities for “star power” but Kazim says the emirate is prioritizing “authentic” celebrity partnerships.

He said: “At this point, it has changed quite a bit, we have a lot of celebrities visit Dubai, so we’re not relying on them the same way we did in the past. If celebrities can genuinely show an organic experience… we do not seek celebrities who have not been to Dubai. We work with celebrities who genuinely love Dubai and visit frequently.”

Using Real People

To show the ‘real’ Dubai, Kazim and his team are working to highlight the city’s hidden gems and real people.

“We have an arts and culture scene, celebrating the variety in the country. A lot of people knew about the skyscrapers, but not the cultural districts. These cultural neighborhoods were lesser known but they can be enjoyed at lower budgets.”

“Over the past few years, we’ve leveraged celebrities and influences to bring attention to what’s happening in Dubai. Now we’re shifting from that and using real people and real families to talk about why Dubai is home for them.”

“Breaking down barriers is key, to changing perceptions. Even though Dubai is known for luxury, we’re changing that, Dubai can offer affordable luxury.”

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: dubai , dubai tourism , middle east , SGF24 , skift global forum 2024 , tourism

Photo credit: Dubai Tourism CEO Issam Kazim with Skift CEO Rafat Ali at Skift Global Forum 2024 in New York.

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Top New Attractions and Experiences You Can’t Miss in Dubai

Welcome to the city of wonders!! Dubai, the city known for its wonderful landmarks, culture, ultramodern architecture, and endless adventure. This city always keeps breaking records by pushing its limits to be the best and most admirable city in the world. From the world’s tallest building to the world’s largest infinity pool, you will experience everything you have dreamed of. So, continue scrolling through the blog and get to know about Dubai’s top new attractions and experiences. 

Top Must Visit Attractions You Can’t Miss in Dubai 

If you are a first time traveller looking for the top new tourist places in Dubai , then Travel Saga brings some of the best tourist attractions you must visit. Also, you can book these attractions with us!!

1. Loco Bear 

Loco Bear in Dubai is a 70,000 sq foot indoor theme park and entertainment hub that offers a variety of activities for all ages. Here, you will experience Bounce, bowl, climb, slime, zip, dance and so much more that will surely make your day a memorable one. 

Embrace the chaos at Slime Universe, play a game to test your aim at the six-lane bowling alley and laser tag in two arenas. Additionally, you can also burn off energy in the huge trampoline arena, try parkour, explore the soft play zone, and get into some competitive activities like arm wrestling, shuffleboard, and air hockey.

2. Real Madrid World

The world’s first football theme park, located at Dubai Parks and Resorts , featuring over 40 attractions and experiences. This park is divided into three zones which include Champions Avenue, Stars Avenue, and Celebration Plaza. Here, you will get to experience the collections of official Real Madrid merchandise and restaurants serving Spanish food.   

So, book these new attractions in Dubai with us and discover the new heights and follow the club’s journey on the region’s first wooden roller coaster. Additionally, explore the Hala Madrid or Conquer of the Stars Flyer with a high-octane drop tower experience. With the entire family, you can enjoy The Wave – La Ola. 

3. ARTE MUSEUM Dubai

ARTE Museum Dubai is an immersive experience where you can explore the media art that showcases works inspired by the culture and nature of Dubai. This museum is located at Dubai Mall and is known for its cutting edge digital installations, along with the interactive elements and vivid projections. 

There are a variety of things to do in Dubai, among them to experience the connection between nature and the digital world. This is the perfect place to go. During the visit, you will experience the custom-scented aromas and awakening soundscapes. Moreover, the museum’s exhibits are constantly changing, so each visit is different.

Glitch is a family friendly entertainment destination in Al Ghurair Centre, featuring over 30 different indoor games for all ages. Here you will experience the fun and exciting rides, arcades, and bowling. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or looking for a fun day out, there are activities for everyone!

Moreover, take on a ninja warrior style course, zoom down a 10m-high slide or defy gravity on the climbing walls. It’s a complete pack of family-friendly entertainment where you can float around the venue. 

5. Market Island

Market Island in Dubai Festival City Mall is a vibrant destination that offers 50 food outlets, a licensed bar, and a lively atmosphere. Here, you will experience a wide variety of both international and local cuisine. 

This market also hosts activities such as artists, DJs, weekend markets, and workshops which have their own amazing experiences. To visit this island you can rent a car with Travel Saga and embark on to this amazing island ahead. 

Conclusion 

Whether you are a first time traveller or visiting Dubai again you will find plenty of things to do in Dubai. Among all such attractions, we have shared some top attractions which will truly bring you an unforgettable experience. 

So, just stop your search here and visit www.travelsaga.com to get tailor-made packages for Dubai. For more information, contact us at – +971 4 268 4645 and book new attractions in Dubai.

Burj Khalifa Tickets

Half Day Dubai City Tour

Dubai Glow Garden

Zabeel Park, Dubai

Dubai Frame Tickets

Real Madrid World Dubai Tickets

Dubai Parks & Resorts

Dubai Mall Aquarium

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Traveling to Dubai for the First Time (2024): 19 Tips & Tricks

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 26, 2024

Traveling to Dubai (United Arab Emirates) for the first time  and not sure where to start? Indeed, planning a trip to Dubai might be overwhelming, even more so if this is your first time in this rapidly growing and continuously changing city!

When is the best time to visit? How much time do you need in Dubai? What are the best areas to stay in and how to travel around? Do you need to pre-book tickets or can you just go with the flow? How to save time and money and still see the best that Dubai has to offer?

Dubai is a city of contrasts, a place where modern extravagance and traditional values go hand in hand. From its towering skyscrapers to its pristine beaches and bustling souks, visiting Dubai is like stepping into a different world…

To help you plan your first trip to this dynamic and unique city, in this guide we share some of our top travel tips for visiting Dubai .

We have visited Dubai several times and all the information and tips in this article are based on our personal experience. Some of these tricks we only learned after several trips…

This practical guide includes all the info I wish we had known before planning a trip to Dubai. These tips will not only help you plan your trip, but will also show you how to make the best of your visit, time, and budget. Find out!

Top 5 Experiences in Dubai:

• Burj Khalifa (book in advance + opt for the level 148 ticket for priority access).
• Desert Safari.
• Museum of the Future (book well in advance!).
• Luxury Yacht Tour .
• Abu Dhabi Day Trip .

Here are our top travel tips for visiting Dubai:

1. Avoid Traveling in Summer

Dubai is known for its scorching temperatures, especially during the summer months. To give you an idea, average daytime temperatures during June, July, and August are well over 40°C (104°F). Even in April or November, Dubai temperatures usually still exceed 30°C (86°F).

The best time to visit Dubai is during the winter months – between December and February. The daytime temperatures at this time of the year are usually around 25°C (77°F). So it’s still warm enough to enjoy beaches, pools, and waterparks, but the temperatures are also pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Good to know: Winter is also the peak tourist season in Dubai. So expect accommodation prices to be higher and more crowds at the main attractions. However, with some advance planning and preparation, you can still have a very enjoyable visit, more than in the summer.

The shoulder season – the months of March-April or October-November – can be a good time to visit Dubai as well. If you don’t mind temperatures of around 30-35°C (86-95°F), you can take advantage of somewhat lower prices and fewer crowds than in the winter.

In addition, you may want to check when Ramadan is. During this month, most Muslims do not eat from sunrise to sunset, so many restaurants will be closed during the day. This may might impact your experience, depending on the places you visit.

TIP: No matter when you visit Dubai, be prepared for the heat by wearing lightweight, breathable clothing, using sun protection, and staying hydrated. Plan outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat.

READ ALSO: What It’s Like to Visit Dubai in February

2. Book Attraction Tickets in Advance

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when planning a trip to Dubai is not to plan/book attraction tickets in advance.

Booking in advance means more time slots to choose from, better prices, and less time wasted queuing.  After all, you want to make the most of your trip to Dubai and not spend all your precious time standing in lines.

Good to know: Tickets to many popular attractions in Dubai are often sold out at least a few days in advance. Furthermore, many tickets are cheaper if booked online. In addition, some attraction tickets, e.g. Atlantis Aquaventure , cost less if you book at least a week before your visit.

For some places, not reserving in advance means that you won’t be able to visit at all.  For example, the Museum of the Future is so popular that all tickets are usually sold out at least 2-3 weeks upfront. If you want to be able to choose the time slot that fits you best, you need to book at least a month in advance.

If you want to visit observation decks at Burj Khalifa or Dubai Frame , you also need to book ahead. In most cases, a few days in advance is sufficient, but it really depends on the period when you travel and how flexible you are. Also, consider visiting these attractions early in the morning or late in the evening for smaller crowds and better photo opportunities.

PRO TIP: For Burj Khalifa, we recommend getting a ticket that includes Level 148 . Not only you get to visit another level which is not included with standard tickets, but you also get skip-the-line access through the security check and at the elevators, and it includes some snacks and drinks. It’s well worth it.

Overall, we always recommend booking tickets and tours at least a month before your trip. But keep in mind that for many popular destinations worldwide booking a month or even two upfront is not sufficient anymore.

Tickets don’t get cheaper and there’s less availability the longer you wait. Plus, if you use GetYourG u ide for all attraction tickets and tours like we do, you can take advantage of their very flexible cancelation policy.

Good to know: Booking tickets/tours via websites like GetYourGuide , Viator , or Tiqets also saves you money on exchange rates. The exchange rate they use is the official rate and transactions are in your currency. Whereas if you pay on the spot, it will usually cost you quite a lot more (not only because many tickets are more expensive at the counter, but also because of credit card fees, exchange rate deviations, etc.).

Plus, booking and paying ahead makes it easier to budget for your vacation and keep your credit card’s spending limit available for other expenses during your trip.

READ ALSO: Top Places to See & Things to Do in Dubai

3. Foresee Enough Time & Plan Wisely

There is one thing that you may not realize as a first-time visitor to Dubai and that’s how huge the city is. It’s not a place that you can compare to cities like Rome or London , or even New York City where you can still walk between many attractions and see a lot in a short time…

Dubai is totally different! It’s big, not really walkable (except in some areas), and the attractions are spread out all over the enormous and ever-growing city.

Plus, road works and traffic jams turn every ride into an expedition. The same trip that takes 20 minutes at night or early in the morning can take you an hour or even longer during the day. And yes, public transport can be a good option, but it also has its limitations – more about it further below.

Good to know: When planning your sightseeing itinerary, you will see that most Dubai attractions work with timed entry slots. Be sure to foresee plenty of extra time everywhere though! Even with timed entry tickets, you will often be standing in line for an hour or even longer, not to mention the time that it takes to actually visit the place or get from one attraction to the other.

TIP: So while planning what to see and do, foresee enough extra time between the sights and don’t try to do too much in a single day. Also, group the attractions based on their location, and go for a mix of top attractions with some lesser-known ones. That way, you don’t have to rush from one queue to another and your trip will be much more relaxed.

This brings us to the next tip – see below.

4. Don’t Try to See Everything

There is so much to see and do in Dubai that you could easily stay here for a few months and still not experience everything the area has to offer. So resist FOMO and the urge of having to see ‘everything’. It’s simply impossible, especially if you are only traveling to Dubai for just a few days or a week.

TIP: Choose a few places, attractions, and experiences that interest you the most and focus on those rather than ticking off boxes just because some guidebook told you that one or the other place is ‘a must’.

If you absolutely want to go to the top of Burj Khalifa, well – just do it and tick it off your bucket list. After all, how often will you get a chance to visit the world’s tallest building… In that case, book tickets in advance and be prepared to queue, or save time and avoid the crowds with priority access .

On the other hand, maybe you are perfectly content just seeing the building from the outside and rather spend your time visiting other viewing platforms like Sky Views , the View at The Palm , or Dubai Frame …

Or maybe you don’t care about any of these at all and much rather spend a day at a water park , exploring the old town souks (markets), or enjoying the views from a luxury yacht …

Dubai has so much to offer to all types of travelers. So personalize your itinerary based on what you really want to do, taking into account the time that you have, your interests, and your budget. If you are visiting Dubai with the family, try to incorporate some fun activities for the kids in your itinerary as well, even if it means that you’ll have less time for sightseeing.

READ ALSO: Dubai Itinerary (detailed guide for a week in Dubai)

5. Consider Tours & Private Drivers

If you want to see a lot of Dubai in a short time or you don’t know where to even start deciding where to go, consider booking tours or private guides/drivers .

Sometimes, a private driver can also be cheaper than taking a taxi between all those places, and often, you can also find cars that can take up to 6 passengers (vs 4 in most taxis).

Just to be clear, I am talking about quickly seeing multiple places all over the city in a single day. If you want to spend more time exploring the sites, you better go on your own.

There are tons of different ‘city highlights’ tours that bring you to many of the main landmarks of Dubai in (half) a day. Keep in mind that in most cases, your ‘visit’ will be just a quick photo stop, so it’s not comparable to actually visiting the sights. But it’s a good way to get an introduction to Dubai and catch a glimpse of the top spots.

PRO TIP: If you do a city highlights tour, do it at the beginning of your trip! That way, you can later come back to some of the places that you like the most. An ideal way to explore Dubai is to take an introductory city tour first as you arrive and then thoroughly visiting some of the main landmarks and attractions on your own later.

Abu Dhabi day trip tip: One of the best guided tours we recently did in Dubai was this highly-rated tour. If you want to see the top sights of Abu Dhabi in a day, this tour has by far the best itinerary (I compared many tours before we chose this one and it didn’t disappoint).

READ ALSO: Best Abu Dhabi Tours from Dubai (+Review of the Tour We Chose)

6. Save Time & Money with Combination Tickets

Dubai is expensive, there is no arguing about it. But with some smart planning, you can save some money on some of the main attractions.

One of the best ways to do this is by opting for combination tickets and/or city cards that include several popular places.

Here are some of the most popular deals:

• Burj Khalifa + Dubai Aquarium (+-$20 savings per person).
• Atlantis Aquaventure + Lost Chambers Aquarium (+-$25-30 savings per person).
• GoCity Explorer Pass (up to 50% savings, depending on the attractions you visit).

Good to know: Some tickets cost more during the most popular times. For example, Burj Khalifa around sunset. So if you want to save money, be sure to check prices for different time slots/days when making reservations.

7. Stay Longer

You might be wondering how much time you need to see the best of Dubai. Well, there is really no straightforward answer to this and so much depends on your interests.

That being said, I recommend planning at least a week for a first visit to Dubai. But if you have time and your budget allows it, stay longer. You won’t get bored!

With a week in Dubai, you will be able to visit most of the top landmarks, explore several different parts of the city, and also find some time to relax and unwind. If you want to spend more time at the beach or by the pool, visit a water park or a theme park with your kids, or make a day trip to Abu Dhabi, ideally, you plan at least 10-12 days for Dubai.

But don’t worry if your trip is shorter and you can’t extend it. You can have a perfectly enjoyable visit and see a lot even if you only have a day or two in Dubai. Via the link below, you can find plenty of ideas for planning a shorter visit.

LEARN MORE: Dubai Stopover: How to See The Best of Dubai in 1-2 Days

8. Choose the Location of Your Hotel Wisely

Deciding where to stay in Dubai might not be as straightforward as you may think, especially if the main purpose of your visit is to explore the city.

There is not one perfect place to stay in Dubai – it’s simply much too big and too spread out for that.

However, some areas are better than others and some are really a disaster for commute. If you pick the wrong location, you might be stuck in traffic for hours every time you want to go anywhere and do some sightseeing. On the other hand, that same spot might be perfect for those who are mainly interested in swimming and dining, and are just looking for a relaxing vacation with maybe one or two excursions that include a pick-up and drop-off at the hotel…

TIP: I strongly recommend that you look at the map and the location of the places that you want to visit before deciding where to stay in Dubai. Also, consider how you will travel around.

For example, staying within walking distance of a metro station might save you a lot of time and money on commuting if you plan to do lots of sightseeing. Whereas staying in a nice walkable area with lots of shops and restaurants will be ideal if you like to go out at night.

Here are two of the very best areas to stay in Dubai:

• Dubai Downtown (the area around Dubai Mall – Burj Khalifa) is very central and is perfect for those who want to do a lot of sightseeing, but also for shopping and dining. Sofitel Dubai Downtown is a great choice in this area, close to Dubai Mall and just near a metro station. Remember, however, that this is the heart of the city, so very busy and far from the sea.
• Dubai Marina in the south of the city is another popular area to stay in Dubai. It’s a great choice for those who are looking for a more relaxing vacation, boat trips, water parks, dining, shopping, etc. The beach is not too far from here, however, it will take at least 45-60 minutes to reach the city center. Millennium Place is a very popular hotel not too far from the main Marina area and close to the metro. On a somewhat higher budget, JW Marriott Hotel Marina is a wonderful choice if you want to be in the heart of the Marina.

TIP: On our most recent visit to Dubai, we stayed at Rove La Mer Beach Hotel . It’s close to the downtown area, so quite convenient for sightseeing, but also with direct access to a private beach – the best of both worlds. We loved this hip modern hotel, also because it’s much smaller and more intimate – a kind of place where you don’t have to worry about losing your kids at breakfast. It also offers great price/quality for Dubai. The only downside is that the area around the hotel is still developing with lots of construction going on, but it will only get more attractive in the future.

9. Beware of Tourism Taxes

Hotel stays (including hotel apartments, guesthouses, holiday homes, etc.) in the United Arab Emirates are taxed with various fees, surcharges, and taxes. These amounts might vary depending on the hotel, but it’s not abnormal that these taxes add over 20-25% to your room rate.

For example, our recent hotel invoice in Dubai showed a 10% service charge, 7% municipality fees, 5 % VAT, and an additional 10 AED (+-$3) Tourism Dirham Fee per night.

Altogether, we paid about 24,4% on top of the official room rate. The good thing is that we knew in advance how much we had to pay. Otherwise, this could be a very unpleasant surprise…

So when looking for accommodation in Dubai and comparing prices, make sure that you are actually comparing the same thing!

Many hotel websites show prices without (some/any) taxes, so you may think that booking directly with them is cheaper. Often, it’s not the case at all!

TIP: We always use Booking.com for our accommodation bookings, also in Dubai. With them, you see the total price, including all fees and taxes, so you know exactly how much you will spend. (Depending on booking conditions, you may have to prepay for the stay in advance whereas the taxes are charged separately when you arrive at the hotel, but the total amount you see when making a reservation is correct).

10. Use Public Transport & Local Taxis

Dubai’s public transport system is efficient and inexpensive. Depending on where you are staying and traveling to, it might be very convenient to use the Dubai Metro, Tram, Monorail, or even local buses.

However, this depends on the exact trip you are planning to make and also on the size of your group. Sometimes, public transport is the best way to get around the city quickly and affordably. But there are also many situations when it’s a real hassle and doesn’t make your trip faster or much cheaper.

In those cases, you will be glad to know that taxis are rather affordable in Dubai . The most expensive taxi ride we recently took in Dubai was 25 kilometers, it took over 50 minutes, and it cost us 76 AED (+-$21).

However, be careful that you only use official taxis! Because e.g. Uber is often quite a lot more expensive. Not even to mention that they sometimes charge twice the price during peak times of increased demand. We learned this the hard way, after taking a few overpriced Uber rides…

Also, unlike in many other countries where we use Uber all the time, in Dubai, you never really know how much you will pay until the end of the ride. The price you see in the beginning is usually just an approximate indication.

TIP: Install Careem app on your smartphone and use it to request ‘Hala Taxi’. That’s the best way to get an official taxi in Dubai. If you request ‘Rides’, it works similar as Uber and is more expensive. We learned this from a local taxi driver after a few very unpleasant experiences with Uber and private drivers randomly offering their services at the main tourist spots, and it saved us a fortune.

To give you an idea, we were quoted 120 AED ($33) by Uber and 150 AED ($40) by random ‘kind strangers’ for a ride that in the end cost us 22 AED ($6) by official taxi. When it comes to busy times and popular tourist hotspots, getting a taxi ride in Dubai can feel like navigating the Wild West…

LEARN MORE: Tourist Guide to Dubai Public Transport

11. Start Your Days Early

One of the best ways to make the most out of your trip to Dubai is to start your days early.

There’s much less traffic in the morning, so you can get everywhere much quicker. But the main advantage is that there are hardly any other people, even at the most popular attractions. In addition – if you are visiting Dubai in the warmest months – getting up early is the best way to avoid the biggest heat.

Good to know: Be sure to check opening times of the places you want to visit. While some attractions don’t open until noon, many others are open from 9-10 AM. There are also places – like e.g. Burj Khalifa – that you can visit at 7 AM, and on some days even earlier if you like…

For example, we recently went to the Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis around opening time. There were no lines at the entrance and we could also do many popular slides without any wait. A few hours later, people were queuing for 45-60 minutes at the same rides…

In addition, the taxi ride to get there in the morning took us just 22 minutes. That same ride to get back to our hotel in the evening was over 50 minutes, not counting more than 10 minutes for a taxi to arrive… So yes, it really pays to explore Dubai in the morning!

READ ALSO: Tips & Tricks for Visiting Atlantis Aquaventure

12. Stay Connected

While pretty much all public places and tourist attractions in Dubai offer free Wi-Fi, we highly recommend getting a local SIM card for your visit to UAE. There are so many situations when it’s just much easier to stay connected. For example, if you need to book a taxi ride, or book some tickets on the go, etc.

Depending on your data plan, roaming can cost a fortune in Dubai. My provider sent me an sms saying that using data in UAE will cost me 15 euros per megabyte (ouch! and no, thank you!). So the first thing I did after landing in Dubai was disconnect roaming.

There are several ways to approach this:

• Pocket Wi-Fi. One of the easiest ways to stay connected on the go is by renting a pocket WiFi at Dubai airport . This is a very convenient option if you don’t want to change anything on your phone. It’s also convenient if you are traveling with a family/friends since you can connect up to 10 devices to it.
• Local SIM card. Alternatively, you can opt opt for a physical SIM card, which is also available at the airport . With this option, you will need to place this card into your phone. If you want to keep your ‘own’ phone number working as well, see if your phone has a dual SIM option – then you can use both. Otherwise, you may want to bring an old phone to use with this local card.
• eSIM. There are many providers available (just search online), but what’s included and the prices vary a lot. Depending on which one you choose and also on your device, this can be a very easy and simple process, but it’s also not very straightforward if you have never done it before. Also, not all phones allow eSIM – so be sure to double-check if your smartphone has this capability.

13. Respect Local Culture

While Dubai is a very cosmopolitan city, it’s also a place with different cultural norms and traditions. Overall, UAE is very ‘Western’ and Dubai in particular is very laid back and relaxed. With over 200 nationalities living in Dubai, it’s a true melting pot of different cultures. Still, remember that you are a visitor here, and be respectful.

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or public places. Also, avoid public displays of affection, as these can be considered disrespectful.

If you’re visiting during Ramadan, be mindful of local customs and traditions. Keep in mind that many traditional restaurants and cafes will be closed during the day but will come to life after sunset. If you are visiting during Ramadan and are planning sightseeing during the day or a day trip to e.g. Abu Dhabi, it’s advisable to pack your own lunch.

One of the most common questions we get is what to wear when traveling to Dubai. Well, you will see people wearing all kinds of clothing – from burkas that cover the entire body to revealing summer clothes that hardly cover much at all. However, while a lot is tolerated, it’s not always appreciated.

So when in doubt, remember that it’s always safer to cover your knees and shoulders. See-through clothing is also not the best idea, unless on a beach.

TIP: Wear loose light clothes – not as much for religious or cultural reasons, but also because of the heat. Long skirts/dresses or wide summer pants will be much more comfortable than tight clothes.

LEARN MORE: What to Wear in Dubai

14. Use Credit Cards

The official currency in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) and all the prices are displayed in this currency. All regular businesses accept cash and electronic means of payment, such as credit cards or smartphone payments.

We haven’t encountered a single place in Dubai that wouldn’t accept a credit card. So if you want to make it easy and simple for yourself, you don’t even need to exchange money and can simply use cards everywhere.

Important! Inform your bank about your visit so that they don’t block your cards for ‘suspicious activity’. And even then… Despite precautions, one of my cards got blocked by a credit card company after a random payment at a restaurant in one of the main malls in Dubai. We had to call the bank to get them to unblock it again and they say that this happens when ‘the systems’ suspect anything suspicious, despite us having notified our bank in advance…

If you want to leave a tip to someone or purchase something small, you may want to have some local currency at hand. In that case, you can get some cash from local ATMs which you will find in malls all over the city. I strongly encourage you to only use ATMs attached to local bank offices as some others might charge additional fees and/or give the worst exchange rates.

PRO TIP: When using ATMs to withdraw money or paying by card, you always get an option between local currency (AED) and your own currency. Always choose local currency (AED) – that way, your bank will do the exchange and you will always get a better rate than the one offered by ATMs or pay terminals.

Good to know: We heard it on quite a few occasions that money is king in Dubai and it doesn’t matter in which currency you want to pay – they will accept it. Indeed, this is the case at the markets (souks) and some smaller private businesses. On a recent trip to Dubai, I could use Euros at the souk. The sellers also told us that they accept credit cards (just make sure to haggle – see below).

15. Shop Smart

Dubai is a shopper’s paradise, but prices can vary a lot depending on where you shop. The prestigious locations like the Dubai Mall are home to some of the most expensive brands in the world and the prices here are usually very high. You will be able to find much better deals at the Dubai Outlet Mall, for example.

Also, if you go to various local markets (souks), be sure to shop around for better deals. Also, don’t forget to haggle – and not a little! Many sellers take advantage of tourists asking ridiculously high prices. Often, 3-4 times higher than what you should pay, and likely even more… Don’t be shy, offer the price that seems correct to you, and be prepared to walk away.

On a recent trip, I got intrigued by a perfume someone put on me while walking through the Dubai Spice Souk (this is common practice – people will (try to) put all kinds of stuff on you – from scarfs to perfumes etc.). So I asked how much it was. The prices depend on the size and the design of the bottle, they said, and so we settled on a medium-sized simple bottle and they told me it was 280 AED (+- 70 euros).

No way I would pay 70 euros for a tiny bottle of perfume at a market! And so we started the negotiations. In the end, I paid 20 euros in cash which – to me – felt like a correct price. The seller was telling me that this was way too low and he was only willing to do it because it was our last day in Dubai and my kids were cute… 😉

After that, I saw similar perfumes at Dubai Airport souvenir store and indeed, most of them were about 20-25 euros for about the same size I got. So don’t be afraid to negotiate and if you don’t feel comfortable with the price or the quality, simply walk away.

16. Explore Beyond the Glitz

While Dubai is best known for its skyscrapers and extravagant landmarks, don’t miss out on its cultural gems as well.

One of the best places to catch a glimpse of authentic culture is Old Dubai. Visit the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, explore the spice and gold souks, and take a traditional abra ride along Dubai Creek. These experiences are also quite touristy, but they are also totally different from the main attractions in Dubai.

TIP: There are many excellent guided tours that visit Old Dubai . They all take you to the same area, do the traditional boat ride on Dubai Creek, and visit the same local markets. Most tours also include local coffee and dades, and some also food tasting. While you can just visit the area on your own, these tours are really affordable and give you a somewhat deeper insight and insider tips.

On our recent visit, we chose this walking/food tour . It started with some traditional food tasting at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the old town, a boat ride, and ended at the gold and spice souks. A nice way to spend a few hours and get to know a different side of the city.

READ ALSO: Best Tours in Dubai

17. Avoid Weekends

If you think Dubai is busy on a weekday, try to imagine it on a weekend or on public holidays.

So if you can adjust your plans, avoid visiting the most popular attractions on weekends (Friday afternoon, Saturday, and Sunday).

If you are in Dubai for more than a few days, this is really not difficult to do. Visit the most popular places such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Global Village , Miracle Garden , or theme parks and water parks on weekdays.

On weekends, you can do more relaxing activities such as a sightseeing a yacht trip , a speedboat tour , spend time at the beach or by the pool, go parasailing or jetskiing , or take a desert tour – see below.

18. Experience the Desert

No trip to Dubai would be complete without experiencing its desert. Book a desert safari tour for an adrenaline-pumping ride over the dunes, followed by a traditional Bedouin-style dinner under the stars. It’s an unforgettable experience!

There are many desert tour options , but when you look closely, they are very similar in what they offer. Depending on the option you book, you have one main activity – usually, dune bashing in a jeep, quad, or camel ride. Afterward, you spend time in a desert camp where you can partake in all kinds of different experiences.

Some of these experiences include taking pictures with falcons and camels, sandboarding, various shows (traditional dance, belly dance, fire show), henna tattoos, etc. There is always lots of local food and it’s surprisingly good.

Our experience: We have done two desert tours in Dubai (on different trips) and they were both very similar and both excellent. The first time we went on this dune safari tour and on a recent trip, we opted for this highly-rated tour that includes a longer camel ride . In both cases, the second part of the tour was quite similar, the main difference was that the first tour included an exhilarating jeep ride through the dunes, and the second one – a 45-minute camel ride.

The whole family really enjoyed these tours and I couldn’t say which one is better. All I can tell you is that it’s a nice experience that will make your trip to Dubai even more memorable.

19. Don’t Forget Little Important Details

Here are some additional travel tips for Dubai:

• Bring a reusable water bottle. Dubai is so warm and dry that you will want to carry a bottle of water on you at all times. If you want to minimize plastic waste, you may want to bring your own reusable water bottle. Tap water is, in general, safe to drink. In addition, you will also see free water taps at some public areas, where you can refill your bottles.
• Pack a travel adapter. UAE uses  Type G  plugs, same as in the UK. However, we noticed that in most hotels you can also simply use European plugs and sometimes a simple USB cable. Still, we always pack a Type G adapter just to be safe.
• Bring a power bank to charge your phone on the go. Also, carry extra batteries for your camera.
• Know that you are not obliged to tip, but it’s also appreciated. Many people tip 10-15% at the restaurants or give a small tip to tour guides. If you like to tip, make sure you have some small bills of local currency.
• Bring a small crossbody bag for sightseeing. At some landmarks, you will be asked to leave bigger bags/backpacks in a locker. I like Hedgren crossbody bags for travel – they are light, sturdy, and very durable. The one I have is big enough to hold my camera, a power bank, documents, and even two water bottles, and I was never asked to use a locker. But pack the smallest backpack and you’ll often have to leave it behind…
• Don’t forget sun protection. A sun hat, sunscreen lotion, and sunglasses are a must when visiting Dubai!

So, these are some of the most useful travel tips for Dubai that you may want to know when traveling to this fascinating city for the first time. I hope that this helps you make the most of your visit.

Have a great trip!

Before you go, you may want to learn a bit more about Dubai with some surprising and interesting facts that will leave you fascinated and eager to explore more. Check it out: Fun & Interesting Facts About Dubai .

More tips for visiting Dubai:

• Budget:  How Expensive is Dubai
• Getting around:  Public Transport in Dubai
• With kids:  Best Things to Do in Dubai with Kids
• Fun to do:  Best Free & Cheap Things to Do in Dubai

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Thursday 12th of September 2024

Very informative post with lots of good info for my trip to Dubai. Thank you!

Friday 13th of September 2024

Glad to help, James. Have a great time in Dubai!

Friday 5th of July 2024

Thank you so much.

Saturday 6th of July 2024

Glad to help, Nahir. Enjoy Dubai!

Friday 23rd of February 2024

Thanks for the article. It is very informative.

Glad to help. Have a great time in Dubai!

13 things to know before going to Dubai

Jun 27, 2024 • 7 min read

Museum of The Future uses virtual reality to give visitors a peek at a potential future © Karim Sahib / AFP / Getty Images

I was born and raised in Dubai and have seen the city transform before my very eyes from a modest center of trade and fishing into the multinational metropolis it is today. These are the top tips I tell anyone visiting Dubai: embrace the culture, dress modestly and be aware of local laws and customs.

Home to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa , and an impressive collection of man-made islands —  Palm Jumeirah and The World  — Dubai's reputation for luxury and innovation precedes itself. But beyond the ubiquitous glitz, there's a vibrant culture and warm hospitality that can be directly attributed to the multicultural mix of over 200 nationalities that live and work in the city.

Dubai is a city that dazzles, but it can also bewilder if you're not prepared; having the right knowledge can help you navigate it like a pro. Whether you're mesmerized by one-of-a-kind architectural marvels like the Museum of the Future or looking to immerse in the rich cultural heritage of Old Dubai , here are the top things to know before going to Dubai to ensure an enjoyable and stress-free holiday.

1. Visit between October and April

Dubai's weather can be extreme in the summer months, and it's not uncommon for temperatures to soar above 40°C (104°F). The best time to visit is in the winter and spring, when the weather is not only cooler and more pleasant, but there's a marked uptick in outdoor activities like Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Design Week . Expect mildly cold evenings between October and April – pack a light jacket, sweater and shawl.

2. Plan to spend at least five days in Dubai

Dubai's plethora of experiences can quickly fill at least five days of travel. Begin by visiting iconic landmarks in Downtown Dubai like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain . A traditional abra boat ride across Dubai Creek at sunset takes you straight to the bustling souqs in Deira and Bur Dubai, where you can bargain for spices, textiles and gold.

As the week goes on, relax on Jumeirah's beautiful beaches and dine along the Dubai Marina waterfront , known for its breezy plazas and stunning skyline. Traveling slowly around Dubai not only helps you to appreciate the grandeur of its modern attractions but also allows you to uncover the city's hidden gems at your own pace.

3. Explore beyond the city

While Dubai's skyline is certainly impressive, there are many attractions outside the city that are worth exploring. The Hatta Mountains offer hiking trails, kayaking and a glimpse into traditional Emirati life before the oil boom at the Hatta Heritage Village .

An hour's drive from the city center takes you into the desert, where the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve lies. This 225 sq km vast reserve accounts for 5% of Dubai's total land and is an excellent opportunity to experience the desert's tranquility and elusive wildlife, including the Arabian oryx.

4. Book activities and restaurants in advance

From desert safaris and dhow cruises to dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, booking in advance is perhaps one of the best things to know before going to Dubai. It can save you time and ensure you get the best options, especially if you plan to visit popular attractions like the Burj Khalifa at sunset. Tickets sell out quickly during peak tourist season.

5. Use public transport to save money

Dubai's public transport system is an efficient and affordable way of getting around the city. It's best to avoid driving unless you're comfortable with Dubai's fast-paced traffic. The metro, buses and trams are clean, air-conditioned and relatively easy to navigate. For longer journeys, taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive compared to other major metropolitan areas.

6. Dress modestly to respect local customs

If you're wondering what travelers should wear in Dubai, you're not alone. While the city is relatively liberal compared to other emirates , it's important to remember that the UAE is a Muslim country and dressing modestly is key to respecting local customs.

Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting cultural sites and museums like Dubai Creek House and Etihad Museum . Swimsuits and bikinis are acceptable at the beach or by the pool, but always make sure to cover up when you leave.

If visiting Jumeirah Mosque – it's one of the only mosques open to non-Muslim visitors – you'll need to wear loose, modest clothing that fully covers your arms and legs; women will also need to cover their heads with a scarf.

7. Adhere to public photography guidelines

While there's no shortage of Instagram-worthy spots in Dubai, be mindful that certain government buildings and mosques may restrict photography.

Taking photos of people is a sensitive issue in local culture. Avoid photographing people, especially women and children, without their permission. It's also illegal in the UAE to take photos or videos of people without their consent and post them on social media.

8. Avoid public displays of affection

Public displays of affection, such as kissing and hugging, are frowned upon in Dubai and can even result in fines or arrest.

While holding hands for married couples is generally acceptable behavior, use discretion depending on where you are in the city. It may be fine to do so when you're at a shopping mall or out to dinner, but not when visiting a place of worship or cultural site.

9. Check your medication and avoid drugs

Dubai has very strict drug laws. Even small amounts of marijuana, CBD oil and certain prescription medications can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment. Ensure you carry a valid prescription for any medications and check the UAE's official guidelines on restricted substances before traveling.

Drinking alcohol is only permitted in licensed restaurants and bars, so don't get caught sipping on public beaches. Driving while under the influence, even with the smallest dose of alcohol, can lead to fines, jail time or even deportation. It's also illegal to be intoxicated in public; being rowdy and loud or yelling obscenities are all punishable offenses that can land you in jail.

10. Respect Islamic traditions during Ramadan

Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, but it's important to be respectful of Islamic traditions. During the holy month of Ramadan, for example, while it's not mandatory for non-Muslims to fast, it's best to avoid eating, drinking (including water), chewing gum or smoking in public during the day.

Although English is widely spoken, it won't hurt to learn a few basic Arabic phrases as a sign of respect. “ Marhaba ” (welcome) and “ as salam alaykum ,” which translates to "peace be upon you," are two popular greetings that simply mean “hello” and can be used in most everyday situations. Responding with “ walaykum as salam ,” which means “and upon you be peace,” or “ shukran ” (thank you) in Arabic is always appreciated by locals.

11. Stay hydrated in the heat

Dubai's heat can be intense, and dehydration is a real risk if you visit during the summer months. Always stay hydrated when out and about by carrying a refillable water bottle. 

You can fill up at the numerous water stations around town, set up as part of a sustainability initiative to reduce single-use plastic water bottle waste in the city.

While tap water is generally safe to drink, you'll also find bottled water widely available in restaurants and grocery stores.

12. Is Dubai accessible?

Thanks to the unwavering commitment of government programs like Dubai Disability Strategy 2020, the city is steadily becoming more accessible for people with disabilities – often referred to as People of Determination. This commitment ensures that accessibility is not just a goal, but a reality that is being actively pursued.

Many modern public places, hotels and public transport have ramps, elevators, tactile floor paths and other necessary accessibility features. However, there are still areas that need attention. Older neighborhoods like Bur Dubai and Satwa, for instance, often lack drop-down curbs, which can make getting around challenging for people with disabilities.

13. Discretion is important for LGBTIQ+ travelers

Dubai's laws regarding homosexuality are strict. It's a criminal offense to be gay in the UAE. 

Public displays of affection between LGBTIQ+ couples (and heterosexual ones) can attract unwanted attention or legal trouble, so it's best to be discreet and avoid drawing attention to your relationship in public. Cross-dressing is also illegal, and transgender travelers could run into trouble when filing official documentation.

This article was first published Jul 19, 2019 and updated Jun 27, 2024.

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Visit Dubai: Top 31 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in dubai: the 31 best places to visit (all highlights).

You’re planning to visit Dubai during your next trip?

Great idea!

With its impressive skyscrapers and the numerous activities you can do in Dubai , you will for sure enjoy your trip to one of the trendiest destination in the world.

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this guide of the 31 best things to do in Dubai , with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

In addition to this list of things to do and activities, I will also give you itineraries to visit Dubai in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days (or even 1 week!) as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Dubai? Where to stay?

1. The Burj Khalifa

2. the dubai mall, 3. the dubai fountain, 4. deira district and its souks, 5. bur dubai, 6. atlantis hotel / the palm jumeirah / aquaventure waterpark, 7. the palm jumeirah / the pointe / the view at the palm, 8. dubai marina, 9. the burj al-arab, 10. dubai museum / al-fahidi fort, 11. dubaï garden glow, 12. dubai frame, 13. dubai aquarium and underwater zoo, 14. the walk and the beach / jumeirah beach residence, 15. the madinat jumeirah souk, 16. mall of the emirates / ski dubai, 17. global village, 18. etihad museum, 20. dubai canal walk, 21. the financial district, 22. jumeirah mosque, 23. miracle garden, 24. dubai creek park, 25. shopping in dubai, 26. img worlds of adventure, 27. dubai parks and resorts, 28. ain dubai and more activities in dubai, 29. excursion in the desert, 30. abu dhabi, visiting dubai with your family, how many days to spend in dubai, 1 day in dubai, 2 days in dubai, 3 days in dubai, 4 days in dubai, 5 days in dubai, 1 week in dubai, where to stay in dubai, where to eat in dubai, flying to dubai: airfares, tourist map of dubai, you’re traveling to dubai these articles will help you , visit dubai: all must see attractions.

The Burj Khalifa is for sure THE place to visit in Dubai!

The tallest skyscraper in the world (828 meters) has been open to the public since 2010 and has quickly become the symbol of the city.

Every day, thousands of visitors flock to the tower and take one of the fastest lift in the world up to the viewing platforms located on the 124th and 125th floors .

From there, you can enjoy an extraordinary panorama over the whole city!

And that’s not the highest point yet!

You can even go up to the 148th floor , to reach the highest viewing platform in the world (555 m high).

You should visit the Burj Khalifa in the evening , to enjoy the view over the illuminated city from the highest observation deck in the world .

To visit the Burj Khalifa , you should really book your skip the line ticket online in advance .

This will allow you to choose your visit time slot and avoid the long waiting lines to buy your tickets.

Another important advantage is that tickets are cheaper online than directly at the counter. And that’s the same for all the activities you can do in Dubai!

There are different types of tickets available (click on the orange link for information and to book):

• Ticket At The Top Burj Khalifa – Access to 124th and 125th floors.
• Ticket VIP At The Top Sky – Access to the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa + 124 and 125 floors + quick access to the security checkpoints and elevator.
• Ticket The Lounge – Access to floor 152 + 153 + 154, the lounge bar of the Burj Khalifa
• Ascent to the 124th floor + lunch or dinner at the Burj Club restaurant.

If you plan to visit the Dubai Aquarium as well , you should choose the Burj Khalifa combined ticket (access to 124 and 125) + Aquarium. It’s much cheaper than buying the 2 tickets separately!

To visit Dubai , you can also purchase the Dubai Explorer Pass .

With this pass, you have access to 3, 4, 5 or 7 tourist attractions (depending on your choice). The following activities are offered:

• Burj Khalifa
• Excursion in the desert
• Dinner cruise in the marina
• Access to the world famous Aquaventure Waterpark of Atlantis Hotel
• Ticket for the Hop on Hop off bus.

Since all these attractions are among the best things to do in Dubai, this City Pass is really the best way to save money!

For more information about this pass and the activities included, click on the button below :

In the city center , right next to the Burj Khalifa, there is the Dubai Mall .

This huge mall is the most visited shopping center in the world!

With more than 1200 shops and hundreds of restaurants, you will for sure find something that fits your taste and your budget.

And there is more:

This shopping temple also houses indoor waterfalls, an aquarium (more about it below), an ice rink , a go-kart track , a flight simulator , cinemas , arcade games and a lot more!

The Dubai Mall is open every day from 10am until midnight . Restaurants and food court until 1am.

If you want to prepare your visit, you can have a look to the official website to see all the existing shops, restaurants and attractions.

The Burj Khalifa is only accessible via the Dubai Mall on the LG level . You will need to follow the signs “At The Top Burj Khalifa”.

To get to the Dubai Mall , simply get off at the metro station of the same name . But don’t be surprised, you will have to walk about 10 minutes (inside) to reach the mall.

You need to cover your shoulders and legs in public places in Dubai. Signs of affection like kissing or holding hands aren’t allowed.

This fountain (the largest water fountain in the world) is one of Dubai’s main tourist attractions.

The fountain show takes place several times a day on the artificial lake located at the exit of Dubai Mall, at the foot of Burj Khalifa.

You must attend it during your trip to Dubai!

The best is to go there at nightfall, when the tower is illuminated. It’s simply magical to watch the ballet of water jets dancing to music.

The show takes place every 30 minutes between 18.00 and 23.00 (there are also a few during the day).

The access is free of charge.

Quick tip: To get a great viewpoint, try to be there as early as possible, as the fountain show attracts thousands of tourists!

If you want to admire the sound and light show up close , then you should take an abra (traditional boat) on the artificial lake. You need to click here to book your tickets.

One of the best places to view the Dubai fountain show is from the terrace of the Apple store located in Dubai Mall.

Near the lake, you can also visit Souk Al Bahar , another gallery with a few shops , cafés and restaurants with terraces and fountain view . It’s worth to go have a look, even if only for its beautiful interior.

Dubai isn’t just about luxury and excess: there are still traditional and authentic neighborhoods to visit!

During your stay, you should really take a stroll through Deira district , a picturesque and popular place featuring several souks :

• The Gold Souk and its large number of shops with magnificent jewellery displays. It’s the largest of its kind in the Middle East.
• The Perfume Souk , in Sikkat Al Khail street.
• The Spice Souk and its colourful stalls to stock up on curry, saffron, cinnamon and more.

To visit the Old Dubai and Deira , the best is clearly to book a guided tour!

During this 3-hour tour , your guide will show you the souks as well as Dubai Museum , which I mention a bit further down this article.

The guide is really amazing, he will teach you everything about the culture, religion, daily life and history of Dubai.

You simply need to click on the button below to book your tour of ancient Dubai :

In Dubai, Friday is a holy day (equivalent to Sunday in Europe). Some places, such as the shops in Deira, are usually closed in the morning and do not open until late afternoon.

In the souks, don’t hesitate to negotiate prices : the prices quoted are often crazy (between 20 and 50 AED for a magnet!), but can easily be reduced to something more reasonable.

Deira is the best place to change money in Dubai . The exchange offices in this part of the city offer better rates than at the airport or in the shopping malls.

Bur Dubai is the other typical district you should definitely visit in Dubai.

This neighborhood is also one of the oldest in the city. It’s located just opposite Deira, on the other side of Dubai Creek.

To get there, you will have to take an Abra , a small traditional wooden boat (1 AED per person).

The short crossing will allow you to enjoy a beautiful view and see “Dhows”, the old ships with bright colors supplying the souks with goods.

Here are the best places to visit in Bur Dubai:

• Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House: The old house of the Al Maktoum family until 1958. You will see photos and documents about the history of the city.
• Old Souk, one of the oldest in Dubai. You can find everything there: slippers, souvenirs, fabrics, traditional lamps…
• Meena Bazaar, a market where you can buy Indian goods: fabrics, spices, jewelry.
• Hindi Lane and its Indian stalls. The best place to try traditional dishes at a reasonable price.
• Sheik Mohamed Cultural Center: Here you can have lunch with an Emirati in a traditional house. The center was opened by the Sheikh to allow tourists to learn more about United Arab Emirates (UAE) traditions. Reservation is required, click here.
• Al Seef Market , where you can admire replicas of traditional houses, with restaurants and shops.
• Dubai Museum: I will tell you more about it in section 9 of this guide.

From Bur Dubai you can also take an evening cruise in the bay of Dubai .

You have 2 options. Simply click on the links below for more information and to book:

• A cruise on a traditional boat + buffet dinner + demonstration of local folk dances
• A luxury cruise with gourmet dinner .

Let’s continue this Dubai travel guide with the very famous Atlantis The Palm Hotel. It’s clearly another landmark of the city!

Located on the the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah , this luxury hotel architecture was inspired by the myth of Atlantis.

This man made island in the shape of a palm tree (visible from space!), is mainly home to luxury villas and upscale hotels .

Even if you are not staying at Atlantis Hotel , you can access shops and restaurants in the lobby and enjoy the following attractions:

• Aquaventure Waterpark : Dubai’s most famous water park, where you can take some of the world’s best water slides and slide through a shark infested tunnel.
• Lost Chambers Aquarium and its thousands of animals: Sharks, rays, piranhas…
• Dolphin Bay, a lagoon where you can swim with the dolphins. Booking your “encounter with dolphins” automatically grants you access to the Aquaventure Waterpark on the same day. Buy your tickets here in advance to get the best price!

If you only want to visit the Aquaventure Waterpark and Lost Chambers Aquarium , you should buy this ticket in advance :

The Aquaventure Waterpark is one of the attractions that are included in the Dubai Explorer Pass.

To get to Atlantis Hotel and Aquaventure Park:

• Take the subway to DAMAAC Properties station
• Then take the tram to the Palm Jumeirah station
• Follow the signs to reach the monorail – 5 minutes on foot
• Take the monorail – 30 AED (round trip). There is a monorail every 15 minutes between 9:00 and 22:00.

If you want to stay at Atlantis The Palm Hotel during your trip to Dubai, you can check here for availability and prices.

To get a great view over the Atlantis hotel , you should go to the small beach at “The Pointe”, a shopping center with shops and restaurants on the waterfront .

The surroundings are very beautiful and the place is quiet.

The Pointe is also famous for hosting the largest musical fountain show in the world, with water jets reaching 105 meters high!

Just like the fountains of the Burj Khalifa, the sound and light show takes place every evening from 6pm. It’s really a must-see in Dubai at night!

You can get there by taxi (less than 10 minutes from Atlantis Hotel) or, when the station will be ready, with the monorail.

In Palm Jumeirah , you should also go to the brand new tourist attraction of Dubai: “The View at The Palm Observatory”. Located on the 52nd floor, a t 204 meters high , you will enjoy an extraordinary 360° panorama over the Palm Jumeirah and Dubai’s skyline!

As always in Dubai, it’s best to book your ticket for “The View at The Palm” in advance to avoid hours of waiting. You just have to click on the button below to book:

Access to The View is through level 2 of Nakheel Mall.

And if that’s not enough, on the 50th floor of The Palm, at 200 meters high , you can also swim in the world’s highest infinity pool! (It actually dethroned the famous Marina Bay Sands pool in Singapore ).

To take a dip and enjoy the sumptuous view of Dubai from the AURA Skypool , you must make a reservation on the official website .

You’re going to Dubai?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

And that’s even worse in big touristic cities like Dubai 😅.

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Tens of thousands of people will be visiting Dubai on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Dubai.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Dubai, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Dubai!

Let’s continue our visit of the city with a walk in Dubai Marina district.

There, you can take a walk on a pedestrian promenade along the waterfront and admire the yachts and buildings.

You will pass by Dubai Marina Mall , a big shopping center featuring brands stores such as Levi’s, H&M, Guess or Balmain.

A great way to discover the Marina is to opt for a cruise on a luxury yacht. A VIP moment you will never forget! Simply click here to book your VIP boat trip .

This boat tour is also included in the Dubai Explorer Pass.

During your visit to Dubai Marina, you should definitely try the Xline, the longest urban zip line in the world !

You will start 170m above the ground, from the top of a building and then fly amidst buildings and over Dubai Marina at more than 70 km/h.

I really loved it, adrenaline rush guaranteed 😁!

Of course, photos and the video of your heroic deed are included in the price: A superb souvenir of your flight among the skyscrapers in Dubai!

If you want to do something extraordinary and unique in Dubai, this is undoubtedly the right activity for you.

To book your zip line over Dubai Marina and enjoy an extraordinary experience, simply click on the button below:

If the ticket isn’t available, you can also check on this other website (click here).

The Burj al-Arab, in Dubai, is one of the few 7* hotels in the world .

Of course, staying in a luxury suite with sea view is pretty expensive ( Click here to see the rates )!

But even if this hotel isn’t for everyone’s budget, I have good news: You can enter the most luxurious hotel in the world for a few hours by reserving a lunch, a snack or dinner at the Burj al-Arab restaurant .

Here are the different options available (click on the links for more info and to book):

• Snack and tea at the SkyView Bar on the 27th floor – Enjoy the view with pastries and cakes.
• Lunch or dinner at the Al Yam ball – The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the Burj Al Arab and offers a breathtaking view over the Persian Gulf.
• Access to the SkyView Bar + 2 free drinks
• Lunch or dinner at the Al Mahara Aquarium Restaurant – Enjoy the unique experience of tasting the dishes of an award winning chef in the middle of an aquarium!

To admire the architecture of the Burj al-Arab , you can also opt for a boat tour. The tour will also pass by the other emblematic hotel of Dubai: the Atlantis The Palm Hotel .

Book your speedboat tour around the Burj al-Arab and Palm Jumeirah by clicking on the button below:

Dubai Museum is located in Bur Dubai, in Al Fahidi Fortress .

It traces the entire history of Dubai , from the first tribes who lived there through the economic boom in the 1960s, to the future plans for the coming years.

There, you will discover former fishing boats, objects from the nomads’ daily life , weapons and archaeological remains .

The museum is very interesting and allows you do get a good grasp of how the city looked like before its impressive development.

The entrance fee to the museum is 3 AED . It’s open every day except Friday morning.

You’re looking for things to do in Dubai in the evening?

Then I would recommend you to go take a walk in Dubai Garden Glow .

This park features hundreds of sculptures coming to life every evening during light shows with musical backgrounds .

It’s really impressive to see!

The entrance to the Garden Glow costs 65 AED and includes access to:

• Dinosaur Park, a park with several animated dinosaurs that move and growl. Kids will love it! It’s best to visit this park 1 hour before dusk and then go to the Garden Glow.

For another 30 AED, you will also be able to go to Magic Park , a place where you can take funny pictures, thanks to the optical illusions of the 3D decors.

There is also an ice park with a few ice sculptures, but the entrance fee (45 AED) is in my opinion a bit expensive for what it is.

Dubai Garden Glow is open every day from 4pm to 11pm.

The Dubai frame , one of Dubai’s newest tourist attractions, is already very popular!

You can go to the top of this huge 150 meters high photo frame and enjoy a panoramic view over the 2 parts of the city: Dubai Old Town on one side and Downtown Dubai (the Burj Khalifa) on the other.

To make things even more exciting, part of the floor is made of glass . You can see everything that’s happening under your feet!

Tickets for the Dubai Frame needs to be booked directly here :

The aquarium is located in Dubai Mall .

You can admire one side of the shark aquarium for free in the shopping mall and need to pay for the rest of the visit.

As the tickets are sold cheaper on the Internet than on site, you should buy your tickets in advance by clicking on the link below:

• Tickets for Dubai aquarium and the underwater zoo

And if you also plan to visit the Burj Khalifa, you can save even more money by purchasing a combined ticket:

When entering the aquarium, you will first go through a tunnel filled with sharks and other fishes. Then, you will go to the underwater zoo located on the second floor to discover different species of fishes, seahorses and jellyfishes.

The highlight of the visit is the star of the zoo: King Croc, one of the largest living crocodiles in the world with 5 meters long for 750 kg.

Where can you go to the beach in Dubai?

If you want to spend some time at the beach or have a swim, you should go to the public beach called “The Beach ” (original, right? 🤪). Here you can rent deck chairs and umbrellas for the day and enjoy the sun and nautical activities .

Along the entire promenade called “ The Walk” , you can take a stroll along the sea or enjoy the many restaurants with terraces and chic boutiques.

To reach The Walk and The Beach , take the subway to DAMAC and then the tram to Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR).

If you like to go to the beach, either for sunbathing or swimming, you can also go to one of the following beaches of Dubai:

• Sunset Beach and its breathtaking view of the Burj Al-Arab.
• Kite Beach , very popular among kite surfers.
• Black Palace Beach, located near the Al Sufouh Road and much less known.
• Al Mamzar Beach, north of the city, bordered by a large park with a playground, picnic areas, swimming pools and a skate park.

Let’s now head to another beautiful place to visit in Dubai: Madinat Jumeirah souk .

This large shopping area is especially worth a look for its traditional architecture and oriental atmosphere.

With its canals and restaurants on the waterfront, the place is quiet and really beautiful. If you feel like it, you can even go on a boat tour on an abra.

From the outdoor areas of the souk, there are several beautiful viewpoints over the Burj Al Arab.

From Madinat Jumeirah souk, you can enjoy beautiful views over the Burj Al Arab.

In Madinat Jumeirah, there are also several luxury hotels: some parts of the souk are therefore only accessible to guests.

A great wait to discover the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, is to opt for a guided tour with pickup directly at your hotel!

It lasts 5 hours and also includes a visit to the old town of Dubai and an Abra boat tour.

Book your guided visit of the Old and New Dubai by clicking here.

In addition to the Dubai Mall, the Mall of the Emirates is another shopping mall you should visit during your stay in Dubai.

This is actually where Ski Dubai , the famous indoor skiing area is located!

Yes, in Dubai, you can even enjoy a ski or snowboard ride when it’s 40 degrees outside.

You simply need to book your ticket for Ski Dubai by clicking here, all equipment and clothing is provided.

And if you don’t want to ski, you can simply enjoy shopping or try one of the dozens of restaurants.

If you are traveling to Dubai with your children , you should take them to “ Magic Planet “, an indoor amusement park with arcade games.

If you’re going to visit Dubai in winter, you will be able to discover the Global Village .

Located outside the city, the Global village features reconstructions of world-famous monuments (the Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum of Rome or the Taj Mahal) and dozens of pavilions, each dedicated to a different country : Thailand , China , Japan , United States , Egypt and a lot more!

In each pavilion you will find dozens of stands with local specialties: Food , clothes and objects.

The Global Village is pretty big, so plan at least 3 hours for your visit .

Practical information about the Global Village:

• Open only from the beginning of November to the beginning of April – Daily from 16.00 to midnight
• Entrance fee: 15 AED for a single ticket or 100 AED for the Wunderpass with 4 activities (fair, motorcycle show…)
• On Mondays, it’s open for families with children and women only
• There is a small fountain show every evening at 20h and 22h
• To get there: Take the Metro to Mall of the Emirates station and then bus 106 (20 AED round trip, 1/2 hour bus ride).

You should visit the Global Village in the evening , it’s much more beautiful and impressive when the lights are on!

Be careful for the return trip, there is only one bus per hour.

Let’s continue this list of the best things to do in Dubai with Etihad Museum, dedicated to the foundation of the United Arab Emirates .

Thanks to several films, testimonies and interactive terminals , you can discover the entire process that led to the creation of the Union Treaty and learn more about the 7 sheikhs founders of the nation.

If you’re interested in history, it’s a very good complement to the visit to Dubai Museum.

Plan about 1 hour for your visit. The entrance fee is 25 AED .

To get to the Etihad Museum, take the subway to World Trade Center station and then a taxi.

La Mer is another nice place to walk next to the sea in Dubai.

There, you can find many restaurants as well as a long promenade and several beaches . You can also rent deck chairs for 100 AED/person.

La Mer also features a water park: Laguna Waterpark, with several slides , a wave pool etc.. An excellent idea if you are visiting Dubai with your children!

Click here to get your tickets for the laguna Water Park (cheaper than on site).

The Dubai Canal Walk is, as its name suggests, a very pleasant walk alongside the canal.

The walk starts near Business Bay subway station and allows you to follow the Dubai Canal for about 3 km. You can walk on both sides of the canal, crossing by one of the 3 very beautifully designed bridges along the way.

Although the place is still under construction, it already offers a wonderful panorama over skyscrapers and the Burj Khalifa tower .

Tip: you should do this walk at night! Undoubtedly one of the best free viewpoints on Dubai’s skyline .

On the canal, you can also enjoy a diner cruise and Abra tours .

The boats pass under an artificial waterfall , whose “curtain” opens automatically to let the boats pass!

The financial district and its skyscrapers are one of the iconic places of Dubai.

The DIFC (Dubai International Financial Center) not only houses offices, but also restaurants, luxury hotels (Fairmont, Radisson), art galleries and more.

Here are the best points of interest:

• Jumeirah Emirates Tower, 2 skyscrapers over 300 meters high
• Gate Building, a 60-meter arch housing the Dubai Stock Exchange
• Gate Avenue, a new shopping center
• World Trade Center, Dubai’s first skyscrapers
• Galleries of the DIFC , with renowned art galleries.

Jumeirah Mosque is one of Dubai’s main attractions for good reason: it’s the only mosque in the city that is open to non-Muslims .

Guided tours are organized daily (except Fridays) at 10.00 and 14.00 . You should be there half an hour before to make sure you get a seat. The tour lasts about 1h15.

You will of course need to be properly dressed: Arms and legs must be covered (that applies to everyone), and women should cover their hair as well.

You can visit the inside of the mosque and learn more about the rites and the 5 pillars of Islam . Photos are allowed.

More than 150 million flowers are waiting for you at Dubai Miracle Garden !

You know it, in Dubai, when they do something, they are really pushing it it far. So you can imagine that the Miracle Garden is much more than just a garden.

During your visit, you will be able to admire impressive structures representing Disney characters and even a replica of an A380 completely covered with flowers .

The Miracle Garden is listed several times in the Guinness Book of Records, notably as the largest flower garden in the world.

The park is only open from November to May, every day from 9am until 9pm (10pm on weekends).

To get there: Take the subway to the Mall of Emirates + bus 105 (20 min. ride). The entrance ticket costs 55 AED and needs to be purchased online by clicking here!

If you prefer, you can opt for package “entrance ticket + pick up at your hotel” by clicking on the button below. This ticket also gives access to the Butterfly Garden , which includes a dozen domes with thousands of butterflies .

Combined Miracle Garden + Global Village tickets (section 16 of this article) are also available:

During your holidays in Dubai, you can also take a walk in Dubai Creek park , one of the largest parks of the city.

This huge park , located directly on the waterfront , is very popular among locals on weekends. They come here to picnic with their families, and children can play in the many playgrounds available .

The entrance fee to the park is 5 AED.

There are 2 more attractions in the park (not free):

• The Children’s City: It includes a planetarium and several areas dedicated to the universe and the mysteries of the human body.
• Dubai Dolphinarium , where you can swim with dolphins.

Can you imagine going to Dubai without doing a bit (or a lot!) of shopping during your stay?

Here are the best addresses in the city to go shopping :

• Dubai Mall, Dubai’s largest and most popular shopping center
• Mall of the Emirates and its hundreds of shops
• The Walk promenade and The Beach at JBR
• Souks of Deïra
• Old Souk and Al-Seef market in Bur Dubai
• City Walk, a pedestrian-only zone with chic and trendy shops
• Souk Madinat Jumeirah
• Outlet Village , where you can find the biggest Italian and American brands.

IMG Worlds of Adventure is the second largest indoor amusement park in the world, just behind Warner Bros Park in Abu Dhabi .

In the park, you can for example ride a roller coaster , visit a haunted house or watch a 4D movie.

It’s divided into 5 zones:

• Marvel and its attractions featuring Hulk, Thor and other heroes!
• Lost Valley , dedicated to the world of dinosaurs
• Cartoon network
• IMG-Boulevard, with its restaurants and shops
• Novo Cinemas, a cinema equipped with the latest technologies.

The park is open daily from 11 am . More information about the prices and schedules can be found on the official website.

The entrance to IMG Worlds of adventure is included in the Dubai Explorer Pass ( click here for more info )

In Dubai, you can also visit an other amusement park: Dubai Parks and Resorts .

This leisure complex includes several theme parks and a hotel :

• Motiongate Dubai and its movie-themed attractions: Hotel Transylvania, Underworld, Zombieland, Kung Fu Panda or even the Smurfs!
• Bollywood Parks Dubai and its various environments inspired by Indian films.
• Legoland Dubai , dedicated to Lego bricks! You can even see a miniature representation of Dubai made with Lego.
• Legoland Waterpark, a water park with slides and wave pools.
• Riverland Dubai, an area with shops and restaurants. Accessible free of charge even without an entrance ticket.
• Lapita Dubai Parks and Resorts : an hotel inspired by Polynesian themes. You can book your stay at Lapita by clicking here.

There are several options for 1 day, with tickets granting you access to 1 park, 2 parks or all of them.

If you plan to spend 1 day there, you should in my opinion choose the “2 parks” bundle ticket. It includes access to Motiongate (the main park) + 1 other park (choose between Bollywood and Legoland Dubai).

2 parks are easily doable in a day and it’s a great way to save money!

Book your Dubai Parks and Resorts Pass for 2 parks here:

And if you just want to go to 1 park, click on the link of your choice:

• Ticket for Motiongate Dubai
• Ticket for Bollywood parks
• Admission ticket for Legoland

You’re looking for even more activities in Dubai ?

Here they are!

Here are the best activities to enjoy in Dubai (click on the links for more information and to book):

• The Green Planet, a biodome that recreates a tropical forest with its animals and plants.
• Tandem parachuting over Palm Jumeirah – Amazing!
• Helicopter flight above the main attractions of Dubai (Atlantis, the Burj Al Arab).
• Seaplane , scenic flight over Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah.
• A Jet-ski tour , to discover the main sights of Dubai from the sea: the marina, JBR and Atlantis Hotel.
• Dinner in the Sky , 50 meters above the ground
• Flyboard, a new trendy activity
• Introduction to scuba diving
• Parasailing
• Simulated freefall in a wind tunnel
• Horse riding in Dubai National Park.

And for those who are not afraid of heights, I highly recommend you to try one of the new tourist attractions in Dubai: Ain Dubai . It’s nothing less than the biggest Ferris wheel in the world!

The cabins go up to 250 meters high , so you can enjoy a fantastic view over the whole city during 40 minutes.

Book your ticket for the Dubai Ferris wheel by clicking on the button below:

For one of your evenings in Dubai, you can also go to “La Perle by Dragone ” show!

This is the most popular show in the city: the staging, the performances of the artists, the light shows and special effects: everything is outstanding!

You should really book your tickets as early as possible as there are only 2 shows a day :

The 3 best places to visit around Dubai

Now that you know everything about the best things to do in the city, it’s time to discover the 3 best places to visit around Dubai.

You can get there with organized day trips from Dubai or by public transport.

The most popular excursion around Dubai is an excursion into the desert .

Suggested day program:

• Pick up at your hotel and drive to the desert
• Jeep tour in the dunes
• Sandboard rides
• A camel ride
• Lunch or dinner (barbecue) in a Bedouin camp, with shows and entertainment: henna skin tattoo, belly dance.

To be sure that you are booking with a serious and reliable agency , you should book your desert tour in advance by clicking on the button below.

It’s clearly the best excursion into the desert: It’s so great that they will give you a full refund if you don’t enjoy your time!

And if you prefer a bit more action, you can opt for one of the 2 following tours:

• Excursion in the desert + Quad bike tour in the dunes
• Excursion in the desert + Buggy tour in the dunes

Both of them are really awesome, so choose the one that you prefer!

The excursion into the desert is one of the attractions that are included in the Dubai Explorer Pass.

If you prefer to admire the desert from above, you can also opt for a hot air balloon tour .

This will give you the opportunity to fly over the desert for an hour and admire the sunrise over the dunes! A magical and unforgettable show , completed by a falconry demonstration .

After your flight, you will also enjoy a gourmet breakfast with smoked salmon, caviar and fresh fruit.

This hot air baloon flight needs to be booked here in advance:

Abu Dhabi is the most famous city near Dubai.

You should really visit it during your trip, as it’s only 1h30 away from Dubai by car or by bus.

If you want to rent a car, you should check all car rental agencies rates on Booking.com Cars (click here). It’s the best way to get the best price!

Here are the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi :

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: this masterpiece of architecture is the symbol of the city, you need to visit it!
• Louvre Abu Dhabi, a modern museum with works from antiquity to the 21st century. The modern architecture of the building is also worth a look.
• Fortress Qasr Al Hosn : now converted into a museum about the city’s history
• Emirates Palace, the 7* hotel in Abu Dhabi. You can visit the inside free of charge.
• La Corniche, a long seafront promenade with beaches.
• Qasr Al Watan, also called the “Presidential Palace”: a magnificent palace both inside and outside, everything is covered with gilding and mosaics.
• Yas Island , where the Warner Bros amusement park and Ferrari World are located.

In order to organize your stay in the capital of the UAE , you should read my detailed article: The 17 best things to do in Abu Dhabi

If you don’t have much time to visit Abu Dhabi, the best is clearly to opt for an organized day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai!

Depending on your interests, you can choose one of the following:

• Great Mosque + La Corniche + Emirates Palace + Ethihad Towers + Marina Mall + Qasr Al Watan – My favorite to get a good overview of the city!
• Visit the Great Mosque and the Louvre Museum from Dubai – This tour allows you to explore 2 of Abu Dhabi’s must-see attractions in one day.
• Mosque visit only (1/2 day)
• In the morning excursion to the mosque + in the afternoon excursion to Ferrari World or Warner Bros .

Near Dubai, you can also visit the City of Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The journey by car or by bus takes about 2 hours .

In Al Ain, you can visit:

• Palace of Sheikh Zayed, the first president of the UAE. Today it’s a museum.
• Camel and dromedary market , held every day except Mondays.
• The oasis, for a walk among the palm trees.
• Al Ain National Museum, dedicated to local traditions.
• Al Jahili Fort
• Jebel Hafeet mountain , which offers a magnificent view over Al Ain.

To book your trip to Al Ain, simply click on the button below:

If you’re planning to visit Dubai with your family , here is the list of the best things to do with children:

• Visit to the Burj Khalifa combined with a visit to the aquarium and underwater zoo Book your tickets here!
• Kidzania (tickets for sale here!) in the Dubai Mall
• The Aquaventure Waterpark of Atlantis Hotel
• Dubai Garden Glow and its wonderful and colorful lit sculptures
• Discover and enjoy the beaches of Dubai
• Global Village, the perfect place for a great family evening!
• Laguna Waterpark
• Miracle Garden and its millions of flowers
• Dubai Creekside Park, one of the few places where your children can enjoy a bit of nature!
• IMG Worlds of Aventure
• Dubai Parks and Resorts
• Green Planet

As you have certainly noticed when reading this travel guide, there are many places to visit in Dubai!

You should thus plan at least 3 days to discover the city.

In my opinion, a one-week stay is really ideal to have enough time to see everything, enjoy the activities and even explore the surroundings.

In order to help you plan your stay, I will now give you optimized itineraries to visit Dubai in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days or a week.

Don’t forget that you can save money with the Dubai Explorer Pass!

It includes access to 3, 4, 5 or 7 tourist attractions.

To get more information about the activities included, click here:

If you only have one day to visit Dubai, then you should focus on the 2 main parts of the city :

• Visit Deira and the souks
• Cross the bay of Dubai on an Abra (traditional boat)
• Walk in Bur Dubai district
• Shopping at Dubai Mall
• Fountain show
• Go to the top of the Burj Khalifa

To get an overview of the city in 1 day , you can also take the Hop on Hop off bus. The tickets need to be booked here!

Another option can be to hire a driver for the day: he will take care of driving you everywhere.

It’s a great alternative if you don’t want to waste time on public transport!

You can book your private tour of Dubai by clicking here.

If you only plan a 1 day stopover in Dubai , then you should book the following guided tour . It’s specially designed to allow you to explore the city in a few hours .

You will be picked up and dropped off directly at the airport!

Simply click here to book your private tour of Dubai with pick up and drop off at the airport.

If you plan to spend a 2 days in Dubai , you should follow this itinerary:

• Visit Deïra and the souks
• Cross the bay of Dubai on an Abra
• Stroll through Bur Dubai district
• Visit the Dubai Museum, dedicated to the history of the city
• Go to the top of the Dubai Frame : it offers a magnificent view over the whole city!
• Visit Dubai Garden Glow , an enchanting garden with many illuminated sculptures.
• Visit Etihad Museum to learn everything about the history of the UAE
• Pass by Jumeirah Mosque
• Discover La Mer: take a dip, have lunch on a terrace, enjoy the good weather and the warmth of Dubai!
• In the afternoon, head to the Dubai Mall , the best shopping place in Dubai!
• Visit the Aquarium and the underwater zoo
• Attend the fountain show
• Go to the top of Burj Khalifa and enjoy the magnificent panorama from the viewing platforms at night!

For more info about this itinerary, you should read my detailed guide: 2 days in Dubai

You plan to stay 3 days in Dubai?

For the 2 first days, you can follow the program I mentioned above . And for your third day in the city, you will have 2 options :

1) Spend 1 day in Palm Jumeirah to discover the Atlantis Hotel, the Lost Chambers aquarium and the Aquaventure Park (book here) . Don’t forget to go to The Pointe in the afternoon to admire the view!

In the evening, you should see La Perle , the most famous show in Dubai.

2) Explore Dubai Marina district

• Start the day with a walk along The Walk . You can also go for a swim or relax by the sea.
• Go to the Marina and head to Dubai Marina Mall
• In search of thrills? Then you should really try the amazing Dubai Zip Line , starting from the roof of a skyscraper!
• And if you prefer a more relaxing activity, you should instead opt for a cruise through the marina .
• Go to the Mall of the Emirates
• Visit the Global Village and its pavilions from all over the world
• Attend the spectacular La Perle show .

To organize your 3-day trip to Dubai, you should read my detailed article: 3 Days in Dubai.

For a 4-day stay in Dubai , you can do the 3 days itinerary I mentioned above and add an excursion into the desert for your 4th day!

4WD vehicle tour in the dunes, sandboard , camel ride , dinner in a Bedouin camp and animations: you will have a wonderful day!

You’re planning to spend 4 days in Dubai? You should thus read my detailed itinerary: How to visit Dubai in 4 days.

If you are lucky enough to travel to Dubai for 5 days , you can add for your 5th day:

1) Spend the day at an amusement park: IMG Worlds of Adventure or Dubai Parks and Resorts .

2) Visit Dubai’s points of interests you haven’t seen yet:

• Stroll through the blooming avenues of Dubai Miracle Garden
• Do some shopping or, why not, ski in the Mall of the Emirates .
• Go to the Souk Madinat Jumeirah
• Admire the view over the Burj Al Arab
• Spend the rest of the day at one of the nearby beaches.

You can have a look at my detailed 5-day itinerary by clicking here : 5 days in Dubai .

If you also want to explore the interior of Burj Al Arab , don’t forget to book your lunch , snack or dinner . It’s the only way to get inside in if you’re not staying overnight.

You’re gonna spend one week in Dubai?

Then you can add the following:

• 1 day in Abu Dhabi
• 1 day in Al Ain

And if you don’t want to leave Dubai , you can enjoy the city a bit more and do amazing activities:

• Do the Canal Walk or opt for a dinner cruise on the canal
• Discover the skyscrapers of the financial district
• Relax in Creekside Park
• You want to see the city from above? Then opt for a helicopter flight or Seaplane Tour !
• Enjoy a dinner cruise in Deira on a tradional boat.

The best way to easily plan your 7-day stay in Dubai is to read my detailed article: How to spend one week in Dubai.

There are hundreds of hotels in Dubai, and choosing the best for your stay can be a bit complicated.

In order to help you out, I have selected for you the best hotels in Dubai for each district, depending on your budget. I have also made a special list of the most beautiful luxury hotels in Dubai.

As always, to get the best prices, you should book your hotel as early as possible!

The best hotels in Downtown Dubai (near the Burj Khalifa)

• DoubleTree of Hilton Dubai – Business Bay: Located 1.5 km from Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. Very spacious and comfortable room, well decorated and equipped from 110€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: free shuttle to the Dubai Mall, good breakfast, comfort, tranquility. This my favorite hotel in Dubai for its exceptional value for money!
• Rove Downtown: Only 600 meters from the Dubai Mall. Bright and clean double room with view on Burj Khalifa, from 150€, breakfast for 15€. Strong points: Access to the Dubai Mall on foot, helpful staff, free shuttle service to the beach, Dubai Museum or Madinat Souk.
• Taj Dubai: Located 800 meters from Burj Khalifa. Modern and luxurious room with bay window overlooking the city and marble bathroom starting at 220€ per night, breakfast at 32€. Strong points: The magnificent view from the roof, the Indian decoration, the large swimming pool. An excellent hotel in Dubai city center, perfect for a romantic stay!
• Palace Downtown: Located on the lake at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, this 5-star hotel offers magnificent rooms with balcony, with an exceptional view of the Burj Khalifa. From 380€ per night, breakfast at 39€. Strong points: the exceptional location, the beautiful surroundings, the very attentive and helpful staff. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Downtown Dubai!

The best hotels in old Dubai (Deira and Bur Dubai)

• Golden Sands Hotel Apartments : Located in Bur Dubai, 1.5 km from the Dubai Museum. Apartment equipped with kitchenette and washing machine, from 80€ per night, breakfast from 11€. Strong points: Cleanliness, the heated swimming pool, the comfortable apartments
• Swissôtel Al Ghurair Dubai: Located in Deira district. Warm and spacious room from 115€, breakfast at 27€. Strong points: the pleasant staff, the view, the good breakfast. It’s my favourite in Old Dubai for its excellent value for money!
• Hyatt Regency Creek Heights Residences: Located next to Creekside Park. Very spacious, super comfortable and very well equipped rooms starting at 130€ per night, breakfast at 33€. Strong points: 5 minutes walk from the metro, the warm welcome, the quiet location, the spa.
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek : 5* hotel located in Deira bay. Double room with balcony overlooking the bay from 150€, breakfast at 29€. Strong points: The proximity of the metro and the shops, the beautiful swimming pool, the comfortable bed and the amazing view. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Old Dubai!

Dubai’s best beach hotels

• Delta Hotels by Marriott Jumeirah Beach, Dubai: Located 300 meters from the beach. Rooms and apartments with sea view from 125€, breakfast at 27€. Strong points: The view, the comfortable beds, the location near the beach and the harbor.
• Amwaj Rotana, Jumeirah Beach – Dubai: Located along “The Walk”. Rooms with balcony overlooking the Gulf and Palm Jumeirah from 175€, breakfast at 24€. Strong points: the exceptional view, the proximity of the tram and metro, restaurants and shops at the foot of the hotel.
• Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach: Located 150 meters from the beach. Contemporary room with balcony and sea view from 230€, breakfast at 22€. Strong points: the infinity pool, the very good breakfast, the spa, the ideal location to enjoy the sea.
• Grosvenor House Hotel and Apartments: Located on the port promenade. Elegant and bright double room from 290€, breakfast at 42€. Strong points: Comfort, access to the private beach, the quality of the food.

The most beautiful luxury hotels in Dubai

• Atlantis The Palm, Dubai : One of the emblematic hotels of the city, located in Palm Jumeirah. Room from 300€, breakfast from 42€. Strong points: Includes access to Aquaventure Park and The Lost Chambers aquarium, private beach, swimming pools.
• Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites – Ultra All Inclusive: Also located in Palm Jumeirah, this luxury hotel offers all inclusive rooms (all meals included) from 452€. Strong points: the quality of the meals, the setting, the amazing rooms.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai: Located directly on the beach of JBR Walk. Elegantly furnished rooms with balcony and sea view from 500€ per night, breakfast at 39€. Strong points: 6 swimming pools, a private beach, the spa, the very helpful staff.
• Armani Hotel Dubai: Located in the Burj Khalifa Tower! Rooms decorated by the fashion designer Giorgio Armani, starting at 550€ per night, breakfast at 41€. Strong points: the privilege of sleeping in the Burj Khalifa, the refinement of the place, the view.
• Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah: Located in Palm Jumeirah. Luxury suite with living room and dining room starting at 750€, breakfast included. Strong points: The private beach, the huge swimming pool and the beautiful gardens.
• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah: THE luxury hotel, one of the rare 7* hotels in the world! The “smallest” suite is 170m² and prices start at 1290€, breakfast at 74€. I can assure you that your stay in Dubai will be truly exceptional and unforgettable!

You didn’t find your dream hotel in this selection?

You should thus have a look at my article about the best hotels in Dubai by clicking on the following link: Where to stay in Dubai?

In every shopping mall or touristic place in Dubai, you will find dozens of restaurants offering cuisines from all over the world .

The hardest thing will be to choose one!

If you feel like dining on a terrace with a beautiful view , you should go to Madinat Al Jumeirah souk and eat in one of the restaurants along the canals.

La Mer or The Walk and The Beach are also great locations to enjoy a meal close to the sea.

As restaurants are quite expensive in Dubai, if you want to spend less money, you can also eat in the food courts of the shopping malls.

You will find the classic Mc Donald’s, KFC, Burger King etc.. as well as small fast foods offering Chinese or Indian cuisine for example.

The old districts of Dubai (Deira/ Bur Dubai) are also an excellent choice to enjoy “real” traditional cuisine at low prices!

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices.

To check the rates and schedules for flights to Dubai, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

To help you get a better idea of the city, I have created a tourist map of Dubai that lists all the tourist attractions I mention in this guide. You can view the legend of the map by clicking on the upper left button with a small arrow.

And you, what do you plan to do in Dubai?

Discover all my articles about Dubai : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Dubai are listed there.

• Dubai: The 30 best places to visit – All best things to do and activities!
• 2 days in Dubai – The perfect itinerary for 48h!
• 3 Days in Dubai – The best 72h itinerary
• 4 Days in Dubai – The defitinive guide to plan your trip
• 5 Days in Dubai – How to spend 5 days in Dubai
• 1 Week in Dubai – The best itinerary to visit Dubai in 7 days!
• Burj Khalifa: The definitive guide to all tickets + Tips
• Dubai Aquarium: discover one of Dubai’s must see attraction
• Dubai Mall: How to plan your visit of this huge shopping center!
• Dubai Old Town: 10 best things to do
• Dubai Fountain Show: all my tips to enjoy it to the fullest!
• Palm Jumeirah: the 15 best things to do!
• TOP Activities in Dubai – The 30 best activities and excursions to do in Dubai!
• Dubai Zipline – Price, info and reservations for the best experience in town!
• The best desert safaris in Dubai – my 7 favorites! (4WD, quad, buggy and more)
• Where to stay in Dubai? The guide to the best hotels by district, for all budgets
• Dubai Pass: The best way to save time and money in Dubai!

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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5 Days in Dubai: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

4 Days in Dubai: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

Discussion 3 comments.

Thank you so much for making this list. It was very helpful!

Thanks Manith!

I’m glad that my article about the best things to do in Dubaï helps you to plan your trip.

Enjoy your stay in Dubaï.

Dubai is spectacular! I made a solo trip to this city and had a great time. Though I haven’t visited all the places or did all the things, the three days and four nights I spent there were fabulous.

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75+ things to do & places to visit in Dubai by a local

I lived in Dubai for five years before the city became the pleasant and livable place that it is today , filled with nice promenades, parks, beaches and even an art district.  When I was living there, we would often escape the city in the weekends because asking my friends about what to do in Dubai usually ended up with shopping, eating and going out.

There were no places to learn about the Emirate’s heritage, limited cultural activities, and very few outdoor options. The city was not then what it is now, and I have seen it evolve dramatically over the last decade.

Everytime I come back, I feel like I am rediscovering a new city as there are always new places to visit in Dubai that were not even there the last time I visited, despite that maybe even being less than six months before.

Since I moved away in 2011, I have been back dozens of times. I still own property and my best friend lives in Dubai, so I go to visit him often and use the city, and its airport, as a base to explore parts of Africa ( Djibouti , Somaliland , Rwanda ), Europe ( Azerbaijan ) and the Middle East. When I land at Dubai International Airport, I can’t help but always feel as if I am landing back home.

So in this post, I wanted to finally share a list of things to do in Dubai accumulated from the many years living there and the countless returns. I plan to keep it live too, adding new activities as the city evolves and grows up.

A short introduction to Dubai

While there have been inhabitants in the Creek area of Dubai for thousands of years, Dubai as such was created in 1799 when the Bani Yas tribe settled there. In 1833, Dubai ibecame an independent Emirate with its own Sheikh, from the same Bani Yas clan and the Al Maktoum family who still rule the city.

When the pearl industry started to decline and the Great Depression hit the world stage, the Sheikh turned Dubai into a de-factor tax haven, similar to today’s status, by inviting traders from neighbouring Iran and India to settle in the port area and trade.

Luckily, oil was discovered in the 60s and with it came development, wealth and the ever changing landscape that the city has become famous for. Dubai joined forces with the other Emirates to create the United Arab Emirates in 1971 when the British left the Arabian Peninsula.

The best things to do in Dubai

This is a city of contrasts and while we all know the many tourist attractions in Dubai and can name the tallest building, the most luxurious hotel and the many other crazy Dubai sightseeing options, there are a host of activities in Dubai that are often overlooked so I wanted to create an extensive list which had them all.

Most visitors don’t realise that this is a widespread city which spans kilometers, so when thinking about what to do in Dubai, it is important to think geographically because this will save you a lot of time back and forth and hours of waiting in traffic. Sheikh Zayed Road, the main artery, can be totally clogged at peak hours and you don’t want to waste precious holiday time stuck in a jam.

Another thing to remember when plotting the best places to visit is that many of the best things to do in Dubai happen outdoors. But it is important to remember that the weather in Dubai can be brutal for 4-6 months of the year, so you need a good list of alternatives for when the thermometer reaches well past the 40 degree Celsius and being outside is just not an option.

Trust me, I lived through five summers and the weather is unpleasant to say the least. So I have tried to also include lots of Dubai tourist places that have indoor options or that are generally pleasant in the summer months, such as water parks, or museums.

Have tea, lunch, dinner, brunch or a drink at the Burj Al Arab

One of the most well known tourist attractions in Dubai is the Burj Al Arab. The famous seven star hotel sitting on its own manmade small island is iconic of the city and one of the features which catapulted it to stardom in the early 2000s.

Anyone visiting Dubai will want to get up and close with this gold, precious stone and rare material hotel where red, green and golden coexist in one of the tackiest yet most fascinating hotel lobbies in the world.

To get up and close with the Burj Al Arab you can either make a reservation for one of its duplex suites or take one of the two more modest options: afternoon tea, lunch, dinner, Friday brunch or a drink. The choice is all yours, or rather, your pocket’s.

The choice will determine the view and the expenditure. I used to like afternoon tea, which is served on the first floor of the hotel, better because the bar overlooks the mainland Jumeirah Beach and gave me the opportunity of spending time in the main hotel area, and appreciate the excesses and over-the-top design and decor.

Because this is probably the top thing to do in Dubai, I had “tea at the Burj” far too many times with every visitor who came to see me so I tried to move towards the Friday brunch option. Brunch is held at the top level SkyView Bar, this is also where the hotel now offers evening sunset drinks so you can enjoy the indulgence without having to stay for dinner.

At the top, you get less of a lobby feel and the decor is less over the top, as the views provide most of the entertainment. The buffet spread for Friday brunch is equally impressive with all you can eat seafoods and oysters and the drinks are prepared by the in-house mixologists.

But bear in mind that the restaurant faces the sea so your view is of the horizon unless you look to the right and down and then you can observe The World, The Palm and Jumeirah Beach.

The price was always twice as much for the brunch as for the afternoon tea, so this is to be considered, with afternoon tea at Skyview bar starting at AED 635 per person with an additional AED 100 for a window seat.

Watch the Dubai Mall Fountain show

Continuing on with the superlatives, one of the nicest things to see in Dubai is The Dubai Fountain. Located in front of the Dubai Mall and below the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, this is also, well, the largest performing fountain. Of course, because this is Dubai and they never do things halfway!

The fountain opened with the entire Downtown area and started by performing short but frequent songs. It is a very beautiful sight I must say, similar to the Bellagio in Macau or the ones in Las Vegas, and they change the show from time to time to dance to well known and amorous songs so it is quite romantic.

The Dubai Fountain can be seen from many places as it is obviously huge. The most obvious one is from the grounds around it or from the bridge that crosses to Souk Al Bahar. But here are a few suggestions from the years of visiting are.

One of the best and cheapest places to see the Dubai Fountain is the Apple store inside the Dubai Mall, it has uninterrupted views from behind the glass. Of course, this is a store so you should not be lingering around for long if you are not buying.

Another option is to see the entire sow while you are having dinner from one of the many restaurants that are in the Souk Al Bahar . The ones on the first floor are particularly good, pick a table closest to the fountain and call ahead to book, they will be able to advise on the best table. The restaurants on the ground floor are closest but beware some are on the walk, so tourists passing by can block the view.

Last but not least, the best way to experience the fountain is on an abra tour , right from the water, below the fountain, talk about front row seats! You can book your abra tour here . There is also a recent addition to the viewing experience. You can now also book tickets for the Viewing Platform of the Dubai Fountain and this gives you access to the best place. Tickets for this only cost AED 20 about $6 so they are worth it.

Spot flamingos at Ras Al Khor

Contrary to what you may expect, pink flamingos are in fact commonly found in arid parts of the world , for example, in Djibouti’s Lake Abbe , where I saw a fair few. The color of their feathers usually comes from what they eat, a small type of algae which turns their feathers pink.

Dubai is one of the places where you can see pink flamingos in the wild. The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary , named after the Arabic for Cape of the Creek, is located inland from Dubai, at the beginning of the Creek, and by the side of Al Wasl Road, one of the main highways in the UAE, so you can even spot them from the car.

The reserve measures about 6 square kilometers and contains wetlands, a lagoon, mangroves and salt flats. Unlike other parts of the UAE, this is not man-made but natural.

The sanctuary was designated in 1985 and thanks to the protection and the non interference from humans, you can find flamingos in the winter and other migratory birds all year round.

Because access to the area is restricted, you can see the birds from one of the hide points along the perimeter which have been set up by the Dubai Municipality. The points have binoculars you can borrow so you don’t have to bring your own.

Each of them offers a view towards a different part of the park so you should check all three out. One of them is most suitable for spotting flamingos while there is one that faces the mangroves where you are more likely going to see birds of prey like eagles.

Access to these points is free and they are open during daylight hours. Just go the main entrance of the sanctuary and register as a visitor. They can also tell you more about what to expect at each of the viewing platforms as this varies by time of year.

If you don’t drive, the most efficient way to visit the reserve is by starting at the flamingo hide and then walking to the mangrove hide (the opposite is not allowed). You can take an Uber to and from.

For more information check their website .

Take an abra in the Creek

Dubai’s Creek is one of the few remaining parts of the city that still conserves the original charm from when Dubai was a pearl fishing settlement and the saltwater Creek connected the tribes living farther inland with the sea. In fact, the Creek’s shore is the place chosen by the ancestors of the current Sheikh to settle down, the Bani Yas tribe, in the 19th century.

Today, the Creek separates Bur Dubai from Deira, the two older parts of the city before all the development arrived, and goes all the way in towards Festival City and the Dubai Canal. The Creek has contracted and expanded through the years but the bottom part, closest to the Gold and Spice Souk, is still a functioning port and is lined with dhows, or traditional wooden boats , and merchant ships piled up with goods.

These traditional boats share the Creek’s shore with floating restaurants offering luxury lunch and dinner cruises on the water as well as the cheapest form of transportation in Dubai: the traditional abra wooden boats.

These water taxis connect the two sides of the Creek for just 1 Dirham and you can jump on them at one of the few abra stations along the Creek. The boats are small and simple and can maybe carry between 15 and 20 passengers.

They are floating structures without fences and with a thin roof that protects a bit from the sun and the journey across the Creek takes about five minutes.

If you want to enjoy the ride for a bit longer and explore the Creek and Dubai from a different angle, you can also rent them by the hour and go all the way up towards Festival City. As you ride among the larger commercial wooden boats and the towering skyscrapers in the distance, you may just understand a different side to the flashy and over the top Dubai that we all hear about.

Stand between old and new at the Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame is one of the latest additions to the UAE list of unique attractions and one of the most fascinating places to visit in Dubai. Why? Because of what it stands for.

This is a great place to come for the views, of both new and old Dubai, as well as the Downtown area. And this is precisely what the frame stands for. The Sky deck very much looks like the tall tower in Riyadh, with a bridge connecting the two sides of the frame from where visitors can have panoramic views.

But there is more to that, this is also one of Dubai’s tourist places with the best mix of past, present and future. The 48 storey frame offers a glimpse into Dubai’s past through the Old Dubai Gallery exhibits. Here you can have a summarised perspective on the city’s evolution.

If you ever wanted to know what the future holds for this incredible city, the Future Dubai Gallery is filled with futuristic, sci-fi ready audiovisual displays that tell about a possible future.

You can buy tickets for the Dubai Frame online before your visit to avoid the queues. Don’t go to the wrong website for the Dubai Frame there is a dodgy site that appears as the official while it is not, here is the right one if you want more info.

Watch a show at the Dubai Opera

The Dubai Opera is one of the most recently opened buildings and one of the most interesting tourist attractions of late. Until now, Dubai did not really have a theatre or performance arena where shows could be presented but the Opera has sorted that with a space that can be used for all sorts of event.

The building is designed like an Arabian dhow boat and can be shaped to host concerts, operas and even events like fashion shows or exhibitions.

If you would rather learn more about the architecture of the building instead of watching a show, the Opera also offers tours including an option for a backstage tour that also has a drink at the cafe at the end and gives you more insights into what goes on in the background.

Go to a hammam

Some of the first luxury hotels to open along Jumeirah Beach are still, in my opinion, the best hotels in Dubai. They are charming, they have character and they were built at a time when bigger, grander, most impressive were not the slogan, so they are less artificially over the top and more old world Arabic hospitality.

In this category is one of my most favorite hotels in the city , the One&Only Royal Mirage . The hotel is fantastic for a meal, for a drink or, if you are lucky, for a wonderful stay. But if you cannot afford its prices, one of the best ways to enjoy its luxury is by booking a Royal Hammam treatment at the Spa.

This gives you the chance of checking out the hotel, which is absolutely magical, in the 1000 Nights way, and also indulge in a tradition that, while not Emirati but more Moroccan or Turkish, is perfected at the hotel. I can assure you this will be one of the most memorable things you will do in Dubai.

Here, the scrubbing is taken to a whole new level and done the original way, naked body on a marble slab vigorously scrubbed by a skilled large lady who knows how to purge layers of dead skin off you.

After the scrub comes the massage, equally vigorous and satisfying. You will leave as good as new, with the bright, clean and soft skin of royalty.

You can also book a 2h hammam treatment at the best day spas in Dubai here . For more relaxing and equally (if not more) indulging experiences that will leave you as good as new, book a 1 hour treatment at the Burj Khalifa spa .

Watch the sunset in the desert

Dubai is a city in the desert in every sense of the word. It was built in the desert, it is surrounded by sand dunes and it is as devoid of rain as you would imagine the desert to be. So much so that it usually rains five days a year, consecutively, and then not again for another year.

But while the city is surrounded by it, it is hard to enjoy the desert other than on a desert safari or a luxury desert resort stay. One of the best ways to get up and close with the magnificent dunes is by heading out into the desert, about half an hour from Dubai Marina, and having dinner under the stars at the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort.

This luxury hotel was one of the first ones to open in the UAE and a favorite of long term expats who no doubt take visiting friends and  family over for a memorable yet classy experience and a great view of Dubai against the sand dunes.

The resort has a few dining options some with live belly dancing, henna tattoos, shisha and music all under the stars, while there are also indoor options for the summer months. You can book a trip that includes a return journey from Dubai to the hotel and dinner at Al Hadheerah restaurant which is the resort’s signature desert restaurant, located a few meters from the main building and made to look like a bedouin village.   

If you want to do it independently, I would suggest you come for sunset first. The warm sun rays against the orange sand dunes and the dust that is always in the air of the desert create an aura around the city that makes it look almost out of a sci-fi movie. This was always my most favorite part of showing guests around and still remains one of the most romantic and beautiful places to see in Dubai.

The drive to Bab Al Shams is part of the experience and you should not miss the chance of seeing the city skyline against the sand dunes. More information on the rooftop bar here .

Share the romance at the Madinat Jumeirah

The Madinat Jumeirah is one of the oldest malls in Dubai although it is not really a mall in the traditional sense of the word but in the old Arabic way.

The Madinat as it is usually abbreviated to, is a development in between two luxury properties, the Al Qasr Hotel and the Mina Salam Hotel Hotel along Jumeirah Beach made of a souk surrounded by canals, restaurants, bars and even clubs. It is designed to look like an ancient city in the desert, in the color of sand and with wind towers, plus some water canals because, well, Dubai.

There are palm trees, waterways and abras taking people on short trips around the area. When I moved to Dubai this was one of my most favorite places in Dubai to have dinner. There was, and still is (14 years later!), a restaurant you could arrive at on a complimentary abra ride: Pad Thai, a Thai restaurant with nice outdoor seating on a wooden deck over the water.

Today, abra rides are available for fun too. Going on an abra ride through the Madinat is one of the fanciest ways to see how the rooms of the luxury hotels look like as they are spread across the entire area. They are also a fun activity in Dubai with kids.

The hotels that surround the Madinat offer a great friday brunch when several of their dining outlets combine their cuisines for a truly indulgent brunch after which all there is to do is nurse that food coma at the beach or with a siesta.

More information on the souk here .

Stroll along The Walk at Jumeirah Beach

When I moved to Dubai, there were no real beaches to speak of. The beach was there, but you would not really go, and if you did, you would stay with your clothes on as it was frequented mostly by South Asian workers and Emirati families and the atmosphere was conservative, bikinis were a big no. Strangely for a country surrounded by the sea, the beach was not really one of the most popular activities in Dubai.

As a resident, if you wanted to enjoy the beach, you had to pay for a hotel day pass. This was usually a good deal and included a buffet brunch and use of the facilities, it did also feel as if you were on a holiday, but it was not really what one would expect from a beachfront city like Dubai. For tourists, the sea and the beach was the most interesting attraction in Dubai and the reason why many Europeans would jump on a plane in the winter months when Dubai remained warm and sunny.

But this all changed when the Jumeirah Beach Residences real estate development opened up with a major dose of beach lifestyle. It took over 10 years for that vision to fully materialise but today, the Jumeirah Beach Residences area, colloquially known to everyone as JBR, is a true beach lifestyle.

The long promenade is lined with restaurants, bars, shops and food stalls. The beach is wide and always happening, with bootcamps, yoga classes, water sports and often live music. You can rent an umbrella and sun lounger and enjoy a true, and almost free, day at the beach.

JBR is today one of the most popular places to visit in Dubai and one of the favorite expat locations to live in. The beachfront setting, albeit most residential buildings are in fact on the other side of the road, the great lifestyle and the many dining and shopping options make this a very pleasant place to live, especially for families.

As a tourist, one of the best things to do in Dubai is to have a stroll along JBR. Be it during the day or at night, the area is always buzzing. Even in the summer months, when the weather is brutal and being outside is not really an option, JBR manages to still provide a bit of the beachside living it promises with outdoor fans and cooling machines.

Visit the Dubai Aquarium

The Dubai Aquarium is a fun place in Dubai for the whole family to explore. Located inside the Dubai Mall, the Aquarium has a huge array of tropical marine life from sharks to mantas to tropical fish and corals.

There is a glass tunnel you can walk through and be surrounded by the tank which is quite gorgeous and which will make kids happy. The fish can’t see you so you can’t scare them.

You can get your tickets here .

Dive with sharks in a massive fish tank

The Dubai Mall is one of the largest malls in the world and when I used to live in Dubai and the summer months arrived this was one of the few places you could come if you wanted to take a walk.

The mall has become one of the most important tourist attractions in Dubai and almost every tourist visiting will step inside at one point or another. But, besides the obvious shopping, the Dubai Mall is a destination where you can do lots of other different things, among which, diving inside the large fish tank of the Dubai Aquarium with sharks.

Now, only in Dubai can you dive with sharks inside a mall, this has to be one of the most ridiculous things to do in Dubai, up there with the other extraordinary activities the city offers.

The dive includes all the equipment and you don’t even need to be a certified diver as the aquarium has partners with Al Boo Divers, one of the most well established diving centers in Dubai, to give you a short introductory course. And if anything goes wrong, well, just stick your head out of the water.

More information on the various option available can be found on the website . They also have less scary options where you are not that close to the animals. The Aquarium only allows 4 guests per dive and there are three a day so spaces are limited.

Go on a desert safari

The most popular of all the tourist attractions in Dubai has to be the desert safari. And by safari, we do not actually mean you are going to see any wildlife, unless you consider other tourists.

Desert safari adventures are the only way to get up and close with the desert, unless you go on a hot air balloon or stay at one of the desert properties, as access to the desert wildlife reserve in Dubai is restricted only to the tour companies that the government has given permits too.

This is a half day tour that starts after lunch and ends after dinner so it’s quite long. You will be picked up from the hotel or designated points in Dubai and taken first on a dune bashing safari around the desert.

This usually includes driving up and down dunes, sliding down very tall ones, etc. Occasionally, cars get stuck in the sand and others have to come to the rescue, but don’t worry the drivers are very well trained and know exactly how to get the car out. You may spot some oryx if you are lucky.

You are then taken to a desert camp where there are a number of activities followed by dinner in a bedouin style, with carpets on the floor and an Arabic buffet dinner. There is a belly dancing show, you can ride a camel, go sand boarding, and there are usually falconry demonstrations too.

Nowadays, there are many different operators offering desert safaris, and many options beyond just the afternoon/dinner slot. But here are a few things to consider when picking the right safari for you:

• Sand boarding is usually available in the day time safaris
• Belly dancing is usually available in the evening safaris
• It can be excruciatingly hot in the desert heat from April till November so consider the evening safari if you are visiting Dubai at that time of year
• Bring sunglasses no matter the type of safari you pick, the sun reflects on the sand and creates a very tough glare. Bring a hat and sunscreen too
• Wear sandals as the sand will get everywhere but beware if you are going during the day as the sand can get really hot under the sun

With this being said, I highly recommend splurging a bit and going for the premium evening safari options like this one . They are the most complete, the nicest and the most memorable. For morning safaris, this one is complete and also premium.

If you want to feel the real magic of the desert, stay overnight at the camp . You have never seen so many stars in your life. I have done this in several parts of the world, from Jordan to Oman, and it is one of the most memorable ways to go to sleep and wake up.

Go quad biking in the desert

If you don’t mind the meal and just want the adventure part, you can also go on a quad biking adventure in the sand dunes, add in a bit of a camel ride and maybe some sandboarding and make it a morning of desert adventures.

There are tours that will pick you up, take you to some of the most impressive sand dunes, and take you back to your hotel. Here is one entirely focused on the adventure part .

Take a sunrise hot air balloon over the desert

What can be more romantic than a sunrise hot air balloon ride? I absolutely love them. I have enjoyed hot air balloons in Bagan in Myanmar, above Napa Valley and in the Masai Mara in Kenya , and the desert always offers an extra dose of romanticism with the red sunes and the warm hues of the sun.

For the ultimate in an exclusive morning, combine the hot air balloon sunrise journey with a breakfast of smoked salmon and caviar, followed by a desert safari on a vintage 1950s Range Rover to spot some wildlife and slide down large orange sand dunes. This is the best morning you will spend in Dubai. The tour is available here .

There are also more affordable options which offer just the hot air balloon with breakfast. Equally stunning but if you plan to go on a desert safari, this may be the best option. Although I do love the evening desert safaris that end in a meal under the stars.

Have tea or dinner suspended in the air

Dinner in the Sky is the local franchise of the global experience that is available in Dubai during the winter months from October to May and lifts a group of guests 45-50m up on a crane to enjoy afternoon tea or dinner suspended above the Jumeirah Beach and Marina area. The views are incredible and the experience quite exhilarating, literally.

Each session is for 90 minutes and goes on from 2pm till 11pm daily with a maximum of 22 guests at the table. The crane is located in the Mina Seyahi Hotel grounds and the food is prepared by the hotel chefs so you can expect something quite nice.

You will choose the menu from a set of choices ahead of time and an assistant will be with you up there to help out through the experience.

Don’t worry about safety, you will strapped to the seat and the rest of the team is wearing a harness so everyone is safe.

Shop at the Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is one of the largest malls in the world and receives 80 million visitors a year , this also makes it the world’s most visited. As such, it is a maze of 1,300 shops, department stores, grocery stores, restaurants, cafes and many other of Dubai’s best tourist attractions.

You could spend a week at the mall and never tire of new things to do, trust me, I spent many a summer in Dubai when the Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates were the only options available for weekend entertainment. That is, before the city became such a happening place with so many tourist attractions that are also interesting for locals.

The Dubai Mall is where you can find all the premium brands in the world, from Chanel to Dior, from Jimmy Choo to Louboutin, it can be quite dangerous when it’s hot outside and there are less things to do, look at my shoe collection and you will know what I mean.

But it is not all shopping, there are also many other activities here, from the Aquarium which I touched up already, to the Kidzania children area, a cinema and an ice rink. I told you, you could spend a week here and never run out of things to do.

Get an art fix at Alserkal Avenue

Alserkal Avenue is one of the most exciting places to visit in Dubai not just because of the programming and the many events and exhibitions taking place but also because it is a landmark development in a city that did not use to have much going on with regards to art and creativity.

Alserkal is located in Al Quoz, a primarily industrial warehousing area on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road near The Mall of the Emirates that did not use to be a place anyone would visit. This changed in 2007 when the art hub opened and a lot has been happening since then.

The area now comprises of local art galleries, design studios, community spaces, restaurants and cafes, local outposts of international galleries, centers that promote regional art, and an ever changing and expanding program of events.

Some of the galleries and spaces close on Friday so avoid going on that day so you can enjoy the full range. Try chocolates at Mirzam Chocolate Makers, the coffee from Nightjar and the genuine and globally inspired tea from Project Chaiwala at Akil Cinema (see next section for more details). For car lovers, Nostalgia has a huge showroom filled with classic cars.

Watch an art film

Cinema Akil is the first cinema arthouse in the Gulf . After dozens of pop up events, they finally have a permanent home at Alserkal Avenue where they screen regional Arab and international movies to an avid cinema base.

Here you won’t find the Hollywood hits, but rather the under the radar art movies that tell more of a story and that are much more unique. You can find their calendar of screenings on their website .

Watch an amazing acrobatic show on water

This is a must visit show in Dubai for all fans of Cirque du Soleil and the like. In fact, the founder of the acrobatic epic, Franco Dragone, has also worked on Cirque du Soleil, Le Rêve in Las Vegas, The House of Dancing Water in Macau , as well as performances with Celine Dion. With such a famous theatre cache, it’s by far Dubai’s number 1 performance.

It’s a show that uses Dubai’s aspirational feats as a muse to create something part immersive artistic performance, part visual extravaganza and part technological mastery. The seating is 270-degrees in an aqua theatre, so the stage becomes flooded during the performance. It really is an aesthetic thrill ride.

You can book a show online here .

Ski indoors

Dubai became ever so famous when Ski Dubai opened in 2005, a year before I moved to Dubai.

This has to be the most over the top Dubai attraction and one of the most talked about points about the city for the years that followed. No doubt this is a must do attraction in Dubai, especially for families, even if just because it is quite impressive to have snow in a place that reaches over 40 degrees Celsius for several months of the year.

You can get your 2h tickets for the slopes here . But Ski Dubai is so much more than just skiing, you can also have a host of other snow related experiences . You can build a snowman with your kids, or friends, and go sledging and tobogganing. Basically all the snow activities you would have in the mountains are available, plus some other unique things like the penguins which would require a farther and more expensive holiday than the Alps. Here is a pass you can book online.

I hate skiing, I have tried it many times, including in Andorra , in the Catalan Pyrenees and also in Ski Dubai as a team activity, and it is just not my thing. I always say that I have too much common sense now to do certain life-threatening things. But Ski Dubai is one of the easiest places to learn the basis because it is a controlled environment and there are plenty of instructors at hand.

Ski Dubai is really well organised so you don’t need to bring any clothes or equipment with you, everything is available for rent, from the socks, gloves and jackets to the boots and skies. And if you plan to continue skiing after, you can also buy some of the equipment.

One of the nicest ways to enjoy the skiing feeling without actually getting cold or wet, is the Apres Ski Cafe in the Dubai Mall. This Swiss Alps inspired cafe serves the usual suspects, as if the weather was as cold as it would be there, and you get views of the slope, so it is quite scenic.

It is also a great place to come and relax while waiting for a friend who insisted in trying the indoor skiing option.

Mingle with the local expats

When I moved to Dubai there were very few places to go out and those that were have either closed now, or have become real institutions. After all, being open for 15 years in a city that is so fast paced and changing as Dubai is quite a merit. Barasti Bar is one such place, although it has evolved and changed quite a bit through the years.

This is the place to go if you want to mingle with expats living in Dubai, especially during the weekend or when a big sport game is showing. It is the go-to casual place to go for an after work drinks or on Ladies Night.

The bar is located inside Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort , which is now also connected with The Westin and is one of the first hotels to open in Jumeirah beach, well before expats or tourists arrived in Dubai.

While this is now an overdeveloped part of Dubai popular with expats working in the nearby Internet and Media Cities, the entire stretch of beach going through to the end of JBR was empty beach when I moved to Dubai.

Because Barasti is part of a luxury hotel, alcohol is served and the bar is fully licensed. There are both indoor and outdoor areas, the outdoor with a pool open to the public and turned into a pool party destination.

The indoor section is good for watching sports games and for an after work drink when it is already too hot outside.

Try kitesurfing at Kite Beach

With wind speeds easily reaching up to 60km per hour, kite surfing has become quite a popular activity in Dubai. Pull over to Kite Surf School Dubai ( KSD ) to hire all your gear. There are also SUPs, surf boards and kayaks to rent and even a yoga SUP class!

The waves aren’t very big so it’s also a nice spot to learn how to hang ten. Surf House Dubai is another local company that rents/sells boards and equipment.

For those who don’t want to get wet and have to wait around, Kite Beach is a perfect spot for spectacular sunsets providing great views of Atlantis on the Palm and the Burj al Arab.

Skydive or parasail above The Palm

Seeing Dubai from the sky isn’t difficult having the tallest building in the world and all. But avid thrill seekers will no doubt look for something a bit more extreme a la Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. While I would never suggest jumping out of a plane, I’m sure the view along with the thrill is absolutely exhilarating.

For those who aren’t willing to risk their life but still want a fun adventure from above, the safer option is to parasail in the waters around the Palm. You can book your activity here .

Take a helicopter tour above Dubai

Is there anything more must-do in Dubai than a helicopter tour? Exactly.

The city is best viewed from above where you can fully understand the shape of some of the areas, the tall buildings, the most important landmarks and the incredible development the city has gone through.

A helicopter tour is one of the best activities in Dubai. Depart from The Palm helipad and return to the same spot after a trip all the way to the Burj Khalifa on this 15min tour .

Fly above Dubai on a seaplane

If you have been to the maldives you will know what it is like to take off and land from water above the stunning islands of the Maldives on a seaplane . If you have never done it before, this is your chance.

Seaplane rides in Dubai take off from water and land on water and while in the air, you get to see what Dubai looks like from above. As you can see there are a lot of cool experiences in Dubai which take to the skies but this is probably one of the coolest.

Visit a theme park

Dubai has many a theme park, some individually, like the IMG Worlds of Adventure Park , some part of the Dubai Parks and Resorts complex which includes even a hotel and acts as the local version of a Disney World , minus the Disney characters. This is a place you could come for the weekend and be occupied.

Dubai Parks and Resorts

Dubai Parks and Resorts is made up of five parks, Legoland, Legoland Water Park, Riberland, Bollywood and Motiongate . Each of these parks has a very different audience and theme but they are all great for children and for adults (I mean who doesn’t love Legos?). In order to have enough time to visit them all, a 2-day pass would be the best ticket to buy.

Legoland is set around the famous toy, Bollywood is a world’s first and one of the most unique tourist attractions in Dubai. The park is themed around the famous movie industry and looks a bit like the Venetian in Macau or Las Vegas, with a reproduction of the landmarks and backdrops some of India’s most famous movies , like the markets of Mumbai or the Rajasthan villages that appear in Lagaan.

Motiongate is the theme park that focuses on the film industry of Hollywood so instead of Bollywood, it showcases DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures and Lionsgate movies through rides and all sorts of attractions.

The last one of the parks is Riverland which is water-based and set around the canals. This is not so much a theme park as it is the retail and dining part of the park, so you don’t need a ticket for this.

IMG Worlds of adventure

IMG Worlds of Adventure is another theme park and a great family tourist attraction in Dubai. The park is themed around IMG’s sagas , like Marvel characters such as Spiderman, The Hulk, Thor, or The Avengers, or Cartoon Network like the Powerpuff Girls or Ben10.

There is also a section themed around dinosaurs and a cinema. The park has plenty of dining options as well and is best visited on a day pass. You can get your park passes here .

Get wet at a waterpark

Dubai can get quite hot during half the year so a waterpark is one of the best things to do in Dubai, especially in the summer , to weather the heat. There are several waterparks in Dubai but perhaps the two most famous ones are Wild Wadi which has been there for as long as I can remember and pretty much since the Madinat Jumeirah resorts opened, and the more recent Atlantic Aquapark, which is even more impressive and over the top.

Possibly the best thing to do in Dubai for families on a blistering hot day is to visit a waterpark. The Wild Wadi Water Park is an outdoor water park located in Jumeirah, and operated by Jumeirah International. The cutesy quiche theme comes from Arabian folklore with the tale of Juha.

There are over 30 rides and attractions from floating on a rubber donut right up to tornado-like Tantrum Alley or the vertical drop of the Jumeirah Sceirah. Wild Wadi’s claim to fame though is its wave pool with a fully functioning artificial wave to surf on. So if the surf is low, you can head here.

Atlantic Aquapark

Billed as the best waterpark in Dubai, Aquapark is more than just a bunch of rides and also includes a variety of other activities so it is a place where you can easily spend the whole day.

Besides the water park rides there is also an aquarium where you can also dive with the sharks (like at the Dubai Mall), snorkel with the marine life, and the Lost Chambers Aquarium which talks about the myth of Atlantis, the theme after which the resort is designed. They even offer tours to this part so that you can find out all the secrets. For the ultimate yoga experience, there are sessions at the Lost Chambers, surrounded by the fish, talk about a cool activity in Dubai!

If you are looking to visit the Aquapark, you can buy tickets just for the waterpark, for the combo of the park and the Lost Chambers or other variations. For the ultimate experience, you can also stay at the Atlantis The Palm and get unlimited access to the parks.

Enjoy beachside living at La Mer

La Mer is one of the latest developments along the beach in Dubai. Located further from the Marina area and towards Deira, on top of a great beach, La Mer is a dining and entertainment hub made of shops, eateries, lots of beach fun, a waterpark and plenty of pedestrian streets. It is similar to JBR in concept minus the tall condos.

Here is where you can enjoy Dubai’s beaches to the maximum. Rent a daybed or a room (yes a room) and enjoy beachlife. You don’t even need to bring anything with you, umbrellas and towels are also available, so La Mer makes for the perfect tourist attraction in Dubai.

The day rooms are available for rent for the whole day and make for a good option if you want a bit of air conditioned releave from the heat. Because they have fridges, you can bring your favorite drinks and food for the whole day. Or you can use the discount voucher you get with your booking and get some food from the many options.

Perhaps one of the most recognizable and fun parts of La Mer are the colorful changing rooms that are available at the beach. Located under shady palm trees, coming in all the colors of the rainbow, and in the usual wood shack look, they are truly instagrammable and make for cool shots, most people back home might think you are in South Beach not in Dubai!

Go on a yachting trip around The Palm

If you wander around the Marina areas you will see lots of luxury yachts anchored there. Nothing screams luxury life like a condo by the water and a yacht at your doorstep. Granted, I had some friends who own small boats in Dubai and they confirmed that there are two moments of happiness with a boat: When you buy it and when you sell it.

But you don’t have to own one to enjoy the beauty of sailing around the Marina or the The Palm, you can simply hop on a 60 or 90 minute yachting trip around the Palm and have a new perspective from the water.

There are group, but semi-private 2-3h yacht tour options which take you around in relatively posh surroundings and include a BBQ or breakfast, depending on the time of the day you book. I would suggest sunset to be the best time as that is when Dubai glows..

Or for a more DIY and casual option, check out the tours on zodiac-style inflatable boat options which are a bit more rough and fun.

Zip above the Marina (zipline)

A cheaper and less time-consuming alternative to skydiving, ziplining is a fun way to explore the Marina from above. The XLine is the world’s longest urban zipline, which means a nice long ride from start to finish. There are also a few lines next to each other making it a family-friendly affair as participants can ride in tandem.

The thrill is in the speed and the height of the zipline. The highest part stands at 170m above ground level and the fastest speed is 80km/h. This is sure to make dreams come true for adrenaline junky families. More information is here .

Go on a ferris wheel ride above The Palm

Similar to the London Eye, Ain Dubai (or the Dubai Eye) will take (when it opens) riders 210 meters above the ground to witness breathtaking views. And because this is Dubai, it’s the tallest ferris wheel in the world, as expected.

It’s located on the Pearl Island off the coast of the JBR beach, so you’ll have great views of the skyscrapers along the JBR beach including the Palm Jumeirah. There are 48 capsules in total measuring 30sqm and can hold up to 40 people at a time. The capsules are made entirely of glass so they all provide the same 360 views.

A single ride in the air conditioned capsules lasts for 45 minutes, but don’t worry about getting bored as there are LED screens constantly providing information about what’s around you. There are even VIP capsules that can accommodate twelve people and also provide meals. See more information here .

Take a professional photography session

From honeymooners to influencers, vacationing families to business teams, hiring a professional photographer is a great way to capture your trip. You will get to chat to the photographer before and come up with a perfect location and timing for your personalised shoot. As Dubai is one of the most photogenic places in the world, this is a great idea for big occasions, so that your memories can last forever.

Book your personal photographer on GetYourGuide here .  

See a camel race

When arriving in Dubai, it’s easy to forget that this glistening city filled with skyscrapers and malls actually has its roots in the Bedouin culture of a bygone era. One of the best ways to experience old Dubai is to watch a camel race.

The racing season is between October and April with races usually taking place on Friday and Saturday mornings, pretty early. While there are many tracks, the largest and most significant is the home of the Dubai Camel Racing Club, the Al Marmoom Camel Racetrack.

Unlike horse racing, there are no human jockeys weighing the camels down, but rather lightweight robot jockeys. It’s quite a show to see the robot jockey operators driving alongside the racing camels in SUVs honking their horn loudly. See more information here .

Be mesmerised by The Festival City light and water show

Dubai really comes alive at night when temperatures are cooler and entertainment is abound. IMAGINE is one of Dubai’s newest night-time attractions that utilises light, water, holograms and pyrotechnics, to offer a truly unique sensory experience. The show is made up from 30 fountains and a wonderful surround sound system to complete the experience. And of course, like everything else, it’s the largest screen projection in the world on the face of the InterContinental Hotel.

There are two different shows to catch. Star Dancer is at 7:00pm and 9:00pm all week and A Child’s Dream is at 8:00pm and 10:00pm on weekdays with an additional show at 11:00pm on weekends. More information here .

Learn to play golf

Golf in the desert? You bet! One of the most unreal activities in Dubai surely has to be playing a round of golf. I was always amazed at the ability of the few green golf courses to keep the grass lush such despite the heat and the lack of rain.

I am not talking about little rainfall, I am talking about down right draught for the entire year save for the week in February when it rains, and then it all floods because there is no drainage system.

But the golf courses in Dubai are as green as it gets and the rates are affordable too, both to play a round of 18 holes as well as to simply go and hit some balls in the driving range.

I took lessons in Dubai at the Emirates Golf Club and you could go to the driving range without an appointment and for a reasonable amount, borrow golf clubs and try your luck. Book a 30 or 50min lesson and get free driving range practice access for the entire day. There are several restaurants and bars with views over the green courses to feed you.

Emirates Golf Club is also one of the oldest membership and golf clubs in the UAE, set up in 1988 when there were practically no expats or golfers in the Emirates, and it is located where the first and most luxurious housing development for families, The Meadows, is.

For more information and to book lessons visit their website .

Drive a sports car

If there is one uber over the top activity in Dubai that has to be driving a race or supersports car. Perhaps one of the biggest incentives for sports lovers to move to the Emirates is the fact that owning an otherwise luxury and expensive supercar is relatively cheap here . It is also cheap to drive it, as petrol is subsidized and far more affordable. There are also long and straight roads, although the police have been cracking down on unsafe driving and now there are cameras all along the main roads preventing the 200km an hour that used to be so common when I was living there.

If you don’t live in Dubai or have a wealthy friend and would like to experience the adrenaline rush from driving a real fast car, really fast, you can simply book your slot and drive it in a race track at the Dubai Autodrome.

You can book your race slot here .

Ride the Dubai Metro

The Dubai Metro is quite a feat that took years to complete and then, when it opened it was not what I was expecting. It covers only two lines and the stations are far and few between so while it is a very affordable way to cross the city, you may have to walk a lot to get to the closest station.

Nonetheless, it is fun to ride it, especially along Sheikh Zayed Road, where the metro railways are elevated and glide above the traffic. You can take it at the Marina station and ride it all the way to Downtown Burj Dubai.

Learn more about falcons

The UAE has a special love for falcons. They are owned by the royal ruling families and they were historical used by the bedouin tribes. They are also featured in coins and stamps.

Falcons, especially peregrine falcons are the fastest birds and can fly at very high speeds. These beautiful birds of prey can see a prey from up to 2,5km away. Falcons are associated with the desert and thrive in the UAE where falconry is a popular sport.

One of the most uniquely Dubaian things to do is learning more about falcons and you can do so at the Dubai Falcon Museum, the Dubai Falcon Souk and through a falconry demonstration. This all happens at the Falcon & Heritage Sports Center.

The falcon souk is the only place where falcons can be legally sold and you can also see all the accessories and materials used to take care of and race these beautiful animals.

Or better yet, book a trip including visits to the museum and a 90min demonstration where you can get up and close to these majestic creatures. You have the opportunity to top the morning with breakfast at the Al Maha Desert resort which is stunning, I stayed there a few years back and the setting is sublime.

Eat your heart out on a Food tour

You’ll see below that I mention all the best things to eat in Dubai as well as my favorite restaurants, but in my experience, nothing beats eating like a local. If you have an adventurous palate like me and love sampling local and authentic delicacies, then you should definitely try going on a food tour of Dubai.

You’ll get to sample some out of the ordinary cuisine like saffron ice cream and even a camel burger as well as other food from various Middle Eastern cultures. This three hour food tour also takes participants on an abra across Dubai Creek, as well as various restaurants and areas that you would otherwise not have known about. It’s a great way to not only experience Dubai’s culinary scene, but also it’s lively culture.

Book your Dubai food tour here .

Talk a cruise along the Dubai Canal

While you can take a charming stroll along Dubai Canal, seeing the city by water is always a good idea to get a different perspective. Slowly cruising through Dubai’s artificial Water Canal is quite a particularly romantic experience, especially during sunset.

There’s a new man-made “waterfall” under Sheikh Zayed Road and you’ll get to see other famous landmarks along Dubai’s skyline like the Burj Khalifa, Business Bay Bridge, and Dubai Festival City Mall from the water.

There are various cruises to choose from, but two recommended ones would be a breakfast cruise on a luxury yacht where you get a freshly prepared BBQ onboard. This is a great option for families. A more romantic option would be a sunset cruise on a glass-encased dhow where you get a welcome kahwah (Arabic coffee) on arrival followed as well as chilled refreshments and dates. This becomes an indulgent Arabic dinner while watching a traditional tanoura dance providing sophisticated entertainment.

Book the breakfast cruise here and the sunset cruise here .  

Spend a day at The World

The World is perhaps Dubai’s most outrageous development and one that has not been finished yet.

These islands offshore shaped like the globe were started when Dubai was at the height of its real estate development, in 2008, but as soon as the 2008 financial crisis hit the city, development stalled and they were never finished.

If you are interested in seeing them up close, your best bet is by taking a day trip to Lebanon , the only island that is accepting visitors for the day and first one to open.

You ticket includes boat transfers, access to the beach, a daybed, a towel and also the opportunity to get your own meals and drinks from the Royal Island Beach Club and Toro Blanco restaurant. It is not a fancy club but quite a unique experience.

Visit the Turtle Rehabilitation center

One of the nicest things to do in Dubai is to drop by a place filled with people who do good to save wildlife.

The Turtle Rehabilitation Project is an NGO in Dubai devoted to taking care of sick and injured turtles with the objective of healing them and releasing them back into the water. The majority of the turtles there are hawksbill and green turtles, which are the common species in Dubai waters, and both of whom are endangered species.

If you visit the project at Al Naseem Hotel you will be able to see them being taken care of. In addition to that, Wednesday 11am see the turtles being fed in a public education effort by the center to tell more about them and what threats they face. You can see more details about the feeding on their Facebook page but the center is always open if you want to drop by.

Best places to visit in Dubai

If you are looking for lots of fun and unique things to do in Dubai, the list is pretty long, as you have probably realised. But this is not all. The city is also known for its tourist landmarks and sightseeing opportunities and so the list of places to visit is equally long. Most of the facts about Dubai contain superlatives and the Burj Khalifa is at the top of the list. 

At the top of the Burj Khalifa

Moving on to another Burj, the Arabic word for castle, we find Burj Khalifa, the other renowned Dubai attraction. No sightseeing in Dubai can start until one has seen the view from the top .

Burj Khalifa’s shape is one of the most recognizable of the tourist places in Dubai but perhaps less than the shape of the Dubai fountain pools from above. The bright baby blue against the desert sand color is unmistakably Dubaiesque.

I was living in Dubai when the Burj Khalifa was being built, in fact, I used to live in the Old Town, the residential area in Dubai that surrounds the Burj. It was impressive to see it go up a floor a week. But what many may not remember is that the tower was not supposed to be called Burj Khalifa but Burj Dubai.

But then the 2008 crisis hit Dubai, more in 2009, in the middle of the building’s construction, and Emaar, the government owned real estate developer, could not face the debt and was at risk of bankruptcy, so big brother Abu Dhabi came to the rescue. In exchange, the tower was renamed after the Abu Dhabi Sheikh.

This happened quite close to the launch date of the building so when it opened, a lot of the billboards and marketing materials still had the former Burj Dubai name.

In this case, unlike Burj Al Arab, you can easily go up to the top and see not only the tower but also the view from above .

Burj Khalifa has a viewing platform on level 140 that is open to the public. You can go up on the elevator and get out to the outdoor area to enjoy the views. I have to say that they are spectacular but not for those who are afraid of heights, it is really really high up there and you can almost feel the building sway to the winds.

If you want something extra special you can also have a meal, a drink or afternoon tea at Atmosphere, the bar/restaurant on level 122 which has stunning views.

Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai Miracle Garden is perhaps the most beautiful of all the tourist attractions in Dubai. This huge open air space is filled with thousands and thousands of flowers of all colors landscaped into pretty shapes, from Mickey Mouse to an Emirates plane, houses, arches, turtles, teddy bears, etc.

Opened on Valentine’s Day in 2013 the garden is in full bloom from November to May when it closes as it gets too hot. There are 150 million flowers here and the pinks, yellows and purples prevail although all colors are on offer.

The garden is so unique that it has earned three Guinness World Records. You can buy tickets for the garden only or get a tour that includes the transfers or even better, a combo for the garden and the butterfly park (see next section).

Dubai Butterfly Park

Part of the Dubai Miracle Garden flower extravaganza, the Butterfly Park has 15,000 butterflies in an indoor space occupying several domes and you can spot 26 different kinds of butterflies. This is quite an endearing activity in Dubai, especially for kids.

Tickets need to be bought separately from the Miracle Garden but you can buy a combo with transfers here (both parks are a bit far from the main tourist area in Dubai).

Jumeirah Mosque

One of the most iconic places to visit in Dubai is indeed the Jumeirah Mosque. This is the only mosque in the city that welcomes tourists and visitors of all faiths in so it is the only religious tourist attraction in Dubai.

Located along Jumeirah Road, the best way to visit the mosque is no doubt via a guideline tour by guides from the   Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding which are available at 10am and at 2pm everyday but Friday which is the day of rest and prayer.

The tour aims to bring Islam closer to those of other faiths and debunk myths around the religion and its five pillars. The tours end with some snacks like dates and coffee.

Women need to cover their heads but there are scarfs to borrow.

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is perhaps the most famous skyline in Dubai . Located right by the two main and first free zones in Dubai, Media City and Internet City, the artificial marina area was the first development to attract expats in 2005.

The first six towers to be built there by famous developer Emaar are warmly known to any long term resident of Dubai as The Six Towers and started what will become the most popular residential area in Dubai. There are other bodies of water and other marinas in Dubai but when you say the Marina, everyone knows you refer to Dubai Marina.

While there are now several other parts of Dubai for expats to live in, from Kite Beach to the Old Town or even Jumeirah Lake Towers, when the first expats arrived, you could only choose from the large houses in The Springs, the larger ones in The Meadows, or the apartments in the Marina.

I moved into the second complex to open there after The Six Towers and lived surrounded by 24/7 constructions for the following years. Dubai Marina was a fascinating place to live in. While Dubai is an ever changing city that never looks the same from year to year, Dubai Marina has remained largely unchanged in all those years.

Flanked on one side by Sheikh Zayed Road and on the other by JBR, the Marina is where you can come to see how expat life in Dubai is like .

Before Dubai offered other alternatives, this is one one of the few parts of the city where you could walk around, by the water, away from traffic and construction. The Marina area is surrounded by a promenade and tall apartment complexes with eateries on the ground floor, most of which have outdoor seating close to the water.

Do as locals do and enjoy one of the best tourist attractions in Dubai: a dinner by the Marina followed by a stroll along the water and try to spot some of the beautiful yachts.

The Gold Souk

Located in the Deira side of the Creek, The Gold Souk is perhaps the most important and well known of the old souks in the city and it is also the oldest, opening its doors a century ago with with some of the shops dating back to the late 60s. The souk is filled with gold stores selling all sorts of jewelry in the brightest and yellowest of golds.

Some of the pieces on display are so impressive that they look fake. I always find myself getting up and close with them and leaving still wondering if they were real.

If you want to see something quite unique, the souk is home to world’s heaviest ring, the Star of Taiba, registered in the Guinness World Records and weighing 57 kg between gold and Swarovski stones and is valued at about $65 Million.

The Spice Souk

Of the three main souks in Dubai, the most interesting one to me is always the spice souk. I just can’t help but love to wander the narrow lanes among all the colorful spices. This is definitely a must place to visit in Dubai.

Here you can find all the usual suspects of any spice souk in Asia, such as dried chilli, all kinds of pepper powder, fragrant cinnamon, bright yellow turmeric, but, there are two items that are quite uniquely Middle Easter. One if the frankincense, and the other the saffron.

Frankincense is an expensive and priced item used across the Middle East as incense and in perfume. It is a historical object that was used in the past as bartering and currency, weight its price in gold. If you visit Oman, this is one of the most commonly found smells no matter where you go.

Saffron, so popular and famous of Spanish paellas, is a very pricy and delicate spice on sale not in the open air spice stalls but inside air conditioned premium shops that specialise in this only.

Dubai does not grow saffron, but is a great place to find it and buy as souvenir. The best saffron comes from countries in the Middle East and South Asia such as Iran which produces 90% of the world’s saffron.

Saffron is made from the dried stigmas and styles of a red flower which is collected and dried to be used as coloring for food, it does not actually have any smell or flavor.

Because saffron is practically weightless, delicate and time intensive to grow and collect, it commands very high prices, but just a small amount will do so you don’t need to buy a lot, a couple of stems will color an entire biryani

There are a lot of saffron stores in the Spice Souk but check out Bahraman Saffron Shop which is easy to find and easy to reach as it is located at the edge of the souk and learn more about Persian saffron.

Global Village

Global Village is an entertainment and shopping park with rides, dining options, and pavilions for several countries in the world.

This is another of the old timers in Dubai. Global Village opened in 1996 but moved to its current location in Dubai Land in 2001 and has been improving significantly over the years to become a much nicer place to learn about the world’s cultures.

At the beginning it was a pretty uninviting place with not so interesting stalls and some really tacky items from some of the countries but, with time, it has become a much more exciting destination and one of the most interesting places to visit in Dubai with 75 countries showcasing something and 30 pavilions.

There are seasonal festivals like Chinese New Year or Carnival, and lots of entertainment options for families including fireworks, dancing fountains, street performances, etc. Entrance is just 15 Dhs and every year the activities change. In the 2018-2019 season there are replicas of bridges from all around the world.

The park closes in the summer as it is all outdoor and it is impossible to appreciate it when it is so hot. The park is also closed to men on Monday when only women and children are allowed.

Dubai Garden Glow

Dubai Garden Glow is something a bit different to do in the night that is sure to please traveling families. The massive complex is a recreation park that has a multitude of glow in the dark sculptures that utilise modern, eco-friendly technology to create an otherworldly experience.

Beyond the glowing fun there is also an Ice Park, Dinosaur Park with animatronic dinos, and an edutainment centre to keep the young ones entertained while teaching them about the benefits of living an eco-conscious existence.

The park is open from Sat-Thurs between 4:00-11:00pm and Fri between 4:00pm-12:00 AM. Tickets are AED 65 excl. VAT, but allows you access to all three parks. Children 3 get free access. See more information here .

Wafi City Mall

Wafi City Mall opened in 1997 making it one of the oldest malls in Dubai and when I moved there, it was practically the only one. This ancient Egyptian themed small shopping center is where you would come to get your gourmet food fix.

There are not that many shops here, only about 250 which is a fraction of what you find in the Mall of the Emirates or the Dubai Mall so it is quite cozy, but the Pharaoh themed atmosphere and its nostalgic old fashioned look is quite unique in a flash and new city like Dubai where everything is always newer and better.

Don’t miss the chance of seeing the glass pyramid that sits in the atrium style section of the complex, it is absolutely beautiful, and the Khan Murjan Souk on the basement level (not to be confused with the mall of the same name that is inside the Souk Al Bahar in the Downtown area) is a great place to shop for traditional items from across the Arab world, from Persian carpets to beautiful coffee pots.

Is another of the historical heroes of Dubai. The park was practically the only green space available in the 80s and 90s and has improved, expanded and become something much more appealing and exciting over the years, especially now that it sits across from the Dubai Canal.

The park was created in the 70s and was originally used by illegal immigrants from Asia who called it home. Because their cheap labor was used in the city, they were allowed to stay, until the 80s when the ruler of Dubai gave them amnesty and a new place to stay.

The park was emptied out and has undergone many redevelopments and expansions since, the most notable the partition of the park to connect the Dubai Canal with the sea. What was originally in the outskirts of the city is now right in the middle, and is made of several lakes, lots of greenery, trees, birds, and even a waterfall.

Safa Park is a great place to come on Saturdays when there is a flea market going on and you can buy second hand stuff and have some food in a completely laid back way, almost not very Dubaian.

Ibn Battuta Mall

This mall in the western part of Dubai is inspired by the travels of the famous explorer Ibn Battuta and is considered the world’s largest themed mall receiving 20 million visitors a year (that is a forth of the Dubai Mall).

The theme you ask? The six lands that Ibn Battuta visited in his adventure across the world: Persia, India, Egypt, Tunisia, Andalusia and China.

Each of the six differentiated areas is decorated like the specific country so you can find influences from India’s Mughal Empire with landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, a replica of a Chinese junk from Imperial times, or the domes of Iran’s beautiful mosques.

There are a multitude of shops and dining options in all six, just like in any other mall, but the theme is what sets this mall one apart. Ibn Battuta is also one of the oldest malls and one of the closest to the Marina before the Marina Mall opened, so it is one of the long-term staples in expat life.

Is this Dubai’s most romantic tourist attraction yet?

If you were wondering what to do in Dubai for an extra dose of romanticism, the Love Lakes might just be the answer. These heart shaped pair of interlaced lakes are the ultimate in settings for proposals. Seen from the sky they are even more amazing.

Located in the middle of the desert and near Al Qudra Lakes, these were practically made famous by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai Instagram shot, who else can get an aerial shot in a country where drones are banned. We thank him for it because the photo is quite stunning.

Best heritage areas and museums in Dubai

What to do in Dubai in the summer?

Why not visit one of the many heritage areas and museums. This section can becomequite handy if you snapped one of the great summer hotel rates without realising you would be cooking in the 45 degree heat.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

The area at the mouth of the Creek and near the Shindagha Tunnel has become Dubai’s answer to an old town , in the sense of the center of a city.

This was not always like this. When I lived in Dubai there was nothing of the sorts and no place to really call the old part of the city. Instead, Bur Dubai and Deira where what one would refer to as such, but they lacked history and in fact, any Emirati or Dubai feel to them. There was an incipient Bastakiya district which has now grown, expanded and renamed Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

The area between the Creek and Fahidi Street has dramatically changed with the renovation and reopening of several old buildings and is now a burgeoning district with museums, galleries, cafes and even some boutique hotels.

Al Fahidi is laid out and designed to look like the ancient Arabic villages, with tall walls providing privacy to those inside, wind towers that cleverly channel the wind and cool the houses down without air conditioning, and the beautiful interior courtyards.

The streets in Al Fahidi are narrow and the buildings in the traditional sand color, but inside, you can discover a world of heritage or simply some art or a nice coffee.

Some places to stop by at are XVA Cafe and gallery , which was one of the only places of the kind that existed in Dubai 10 years ago, or the Arabian Tea House which has the prettiest courtyard.

Dubai Museum

One of the best places to visit in Dubai is the newly opened Dubai Museum. Located at the heart of the Fahidi Heritage District , and housed in what is probably the oldest building in Dubai built in 1787, the Fahidi Fort is a great place to learn more about how it all started, right here by the Creek.

One of the most incredible parts of the museum is a set of aerial photos showing the development of Dubai. Only if you live in a place like Singapore where the evolution is equally dramatic, can you understand the magnitude of the change that Dubai has been through.

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Adjacent to the Dubai Museum, Sheikh Mohammed Center of Cultural Understanding offers tours of the Fahidi District as well as other cultural exchanges, breakfast, tours of the Jumeirah Mosque and regular events all geared towards improving multi-cultural understanding, something which is essential in a city where the vast majority of the population is foreign.

While you can wander into the center and learn more on the spot, it is wise to join one of their tours as this is one of the best things to do in Dubai and an excellent way to explore the area. Book your traditional Emirati breakfast here .

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House

This is perhaps the most historically significant house in the entire historical district of Dubai. This is the where the grandfather of today’s Ruler of Dubai grew up and where the idea of Dubai started .

The house has been recently reopened to the public and you can see how structures were built in the past and have great views from the top of the wind towers, a traditional architectural feature of houses in the Arabian Peninsula.

Inside, there are lots of family portraits and other items that talk about the ruling family and the evolution of Dubai.

The house is undergoing renovations and you can find more information here .

Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House

This was one of the first houses to be built in Dubai , in 1916, and it is open to the public to visit and you can even get a guided tour for free. The house is not so much a museum with exhibits but rather a place to stop by and have a chat with the staff.

Crossroads of Civilizations Museum

The Crossroads of Civilizations Museum opened in 2104 and is now a group of three museums comprising the original plus the Rare Books, Manuscripts & Prints Museum, and The Armory Museum under the name of The Museum Group.

The museum is housed in the 19th century historic house of Sheikh Hashr Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, the brother of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, the current ruler of Dubai and constitutes the personal collection of Ahmed Obaid Al Mansoori who used to display his objects at home.

Inside you can find three distinct spaces under one roof showcasing ancient objects found in Dubai and which are believed to have come through the global trade that the city saw in the last hundreds years. There are artifacts such as bowls, jewelry and documents. The armory section has swords, daggers and guns from all over the world.

Etihad Museum

The Etihad Museum is not devoted to the airline but to the origins of the UAE and translates to “together” in Arabic which is why it represents the unity of the United Arab Emirates.

Strange as it may sound, the museum only opened in 2017 so before that, there wasn’t much about the Emirates as a whole, each may have had their own museum, Dubai being the most prolific in that space, but there wasn’t one for the country.

The museum is located in the place where the country was formed, along Jumeirah Road, and has a very unique design. Inside, you can find modern displays and interactive sections talking about the seven Emirates that make up the UAE. You may be familiar with Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but there are 5 more: Sharjah, Al Ain, Fujairah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah.

After the visit, enjoy camel milk ice cream in the garden cafe.

The Coffee Museum

This free and small museum is all about coffee. Did you notice that coffee can be drunk, brewed and made very differently across countries? For example, coffee is boiled with milk in Chennai, is filtered in small individual containers in Vietnam and nowadays, it can be brewed even cold or with nitrogen.

The Coffee Museum in Dubai is where you can learn at least about three types of coffees, of the more traditional kind: Ethiopian, Arabic and Egyptian. You can also enjoy a cup or three at the end of the visit.

The museum is located in the historical district of Dubai and aims to educate the visitors on the growing, roasting and brewing processes of these three types. You can see lots of vintage brewing and grounding items too, hence the museum aspect to it.

The visit combined more interactive elements like videos, with the traditional kind of museum exhibits and for coffee lovers, there are books on sale too. This is also a good place to buy coffee brewing equipment, older or more modern.

Majlis Ghorfat Umm Al Sheif

The former residence of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum , the father of the current ruler of Dubai, was built in 1955 has been converted into a heritage building open to the public. This is where the Sheikh used to come alone to relax and disconnect from the busy life in the afternoons.

But it is also the place where he used to have meetings and make important decisions. The building has two floors and on the upper level there is a Maslij, or meeting room, where he would receive his advisors. The room is covered in carpets, in the traditional Arabic wind tower way, and pillows, just like the forts and palaces everywhere else in the Middle East, like Nizwa Fort in Oman.

The structure is surrounded by palm trees and some benches. Here is where the UAE National Day celebration takes place.

Al Shindagha Museum – Dubai Creek House

This is one of the best places in Dubai to learn more about the local origins of the city and how it all started. Recently opened in the area of Dubai where the rest of the heritage building and museums are, Al Shindagha Museum wants to tell more about the first people who arrived in Dubai.

The first inhabitants of Dubai were fishermen and bedouins and in this museum you can read more about what life was like when both the desert and the sea dictate your food, your traditions and your life.

As the museum is quite new, there are several interactive and multimedia sections where you can have a more immersive experience than at other museums. There is video and audio. There is also a children’s section designed with entertainment in mind.

The museum also has live performances of traditional singing and dancing which is also commonly seen in other Middle Eastern countries (I have seen similar dancing in Oman and in Saudi Arabia) as well as demonstrations of traditional crafts, like dhow making. There is also a schedule of changing temporary exhibitions.

More information about the museum here .

Al Shindagha Museum –  House of Perfumes Museum

This newly opened museum is officially part of the Al Shindanga Museum Project although it is located in a separate building by the Creek instead of a row inland  with the rest of the Shindaga project mentioned before.

The building where The House of Perfumes is located was the former residence of Shaikha Shaikha Bint Saeed Al Maktoum, sister of the Vice President of the UAE who died in 2017.

She was an expert perfumer herself and the museum is a small yet interactive and very interesting place to learn more about the importance of the perfume tradition in the UAE and across the Arab world. Some of her priced artefacts and archeological finds are also found at the museum including a large piece of oud that is priced at Dhs200,000.

The main hall contains a few sections for each of the main smells common in Arabic perfumes and you can read about the ingredients, where they come from and how the smell is extracted then also smell the various types. Frankincense, oud, rose and other typical smells lingering in malls and Arabic places are all explained here.

The museum also has a shop where you can buy some to take home.

Have amazing, unique and authentic food

This is a city of superlatives so one of the best things to do in Dubai is to dine in the many over the top, unique, extravagant and exclusive places the city has on offer. With a population made of 8% expats, the choice of cuisines and foods available in Dubai are mind blowing.

Aside from the global range of restaurants and the many one of a kind foodie experiences available in Dubai, I also wanted to provide recommendations for the places that are historic, that are known to the locals, that are uniquely Dubai.

And there are many reasons why something can be truly local in a city that can only be defined by multiculturality and extremes so let me give you some suggestions for the best foodie related experiences in Dubai.

Have zaatar pastries

One of my most favorite Middle Eastern spices is zaatar. Zaatar is a combination of ground dried thyme, oregano and marjoram mixed with toasted sesame seeds, salt, and sumac, another unique spice used in Lebanese cuisine, for example, to dress fattoush salads.

Usually, zaatar is sprinkled over breads, or used in baking savory items along with olive oil and cheese, but can also be used in salads, Arabic breads, and even on pizza. It also makes for an amazing dip when mixed with olive oil.

Zaatar is commonly found across menus everywhere in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon, and in Dubai where a lot of Lebanese restaurants and bakeries have flourished. One of them is Al Reef Bakery which has been baking traditional Lebanese pastries and breads in house since 1986. While this may not seem like a very old business anywhere, it is in Dubai where everything is new.

At Al Reef Bakery you can buy sweet and sour biscuits, pastries and breads which are usually made using cheese, tomato, nuts and many of them contain zaatar. Don’t leave without trying the house specialty, the cheese manakish, served and eaten folded.

Oh and before I forget, Al Reef is open 24h so it is the most popular late night snack stop.

Eat where the Pakistani and Indian expats go

Let’s start by one of the most unassuming foods yet what really represents what Dubai is. Ravi is a real Dubai institution is the go-to place for Pakistani and Indian taxi drivers and anyone in the know.

The very affordable restaurant in one of the busiest streets in Satwa serves authentic Pakistani and Indian food in modest and humble surroundings. The food comes in plastic plates and can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors, in a sidewalk area flanked by bushes that protect diners from the buzzing traffic or in shared tables and chairs by the kitchen.

The atmosphere is friendly, welcoming and very casual. The menu is extensive and has all the usual favorites, with mutton kebabs, rice based dishes, chicken, dhal, curries and rotis or parathas.

Ask the staff to help you choose, they are best at giving recommendations and will do so with the widest smile. The food will come fast and hot.

Ravi is definitely not a place where tourists come, even expats do not usually make the trek down to Satwa which can take up to an hour in peak evening traffic, so you can expect the most authentic of meals. It’s long standing existence is also a testimony to its success among the community.

Do as the experts do and eat with your hands, dipping soft breads into spicy sauces or mixing rice dishes with the curry options. The restaurant does not have a license and it is not affiliated with any hotel so alcohol is not served.

As you tuck into delicious food, you may even forget you are in Dubai and instead feel in a side street in Delhi or Lahore .

More information here .

Have Emirati food at Al Bait Al Qadeem

After living in Dubai for many years, I actually had Emirati food very few times, perhaps less than half a dozen. This is because Emirati cuisine is hard to find in the UAE and in Dubai in particular, and is very rare outside the country, being overshadowed by the more popular Lebanese restaurants. However, having local food is one of the best experiences to have in Dubai.

But Al Bait Al Qadeem is one os the best places to try the local food not only because it is made using the traditional method but because the restaurant is housed in a historic building too.  

Al Bait Al Qadeem comes from the Arabic for Old House and is located in an original 1909 location that used to belong to a pearl trader who donated it to the local government for rehabilitation and conversion into a museum and restaurant.

As soon as you walk in you will be asked if you prefer to sit outside or inside. If it is not too hot, make sure to sit outside, in the courtyard, where the atmosphere is more pleasant and the true vibe of the house can be felt. If it is the summertime, inside there is air condition.

The menu is quite extensive and has a few items that are not Emirati like other Arabic dishes and even some Persian ones like the ever present grilled meats. Emirati food is traditionally made for people of the desert and is rice and meat based.

On the menu are grilled meats, called kebabs, rice biryani dishes with meat and many other meat-based dishes. Mutton is a favorite meat across the region. You will also find a small note on the table that talks about a uniquely Emirati food: mahyaveh , a pungent anchovy sauce that is eaten with bread and which you can buy if you like it. The sauce is believed to have been brought by Portuguese sailors who came to the region and is thought to help bear intelligent children to women and increase stamina. Do not miss the chance to try it.

Go for brunch

Nothing is more quintessentially Dubai than Friday brunch . This local pilgrimage is one of the most typical and unique things to do in Dubai. No expat will go a week without enjoying a lavish, decadent and utterly indulging brunch buffet with so much alcohol and food that only a siesta can follow.

There are a lot of brunch options in Dubai and the city has certainly expanded the portfolio of options even more since I moved out but the truly traditional ones are the huge spread that the five star hotel put out. Those come with unlimited food, which often include seafood, and even oysters, and a choice of cocktails, mocktails, wines and even bubbly, hence the food coma that follows.

One of the most favorite and longest standing ones is the brunch at the Al Qasr Luxury Hotel which spread over the many restaurants and is set along the waterways. There is usually live music and a selection of food from many stations providing something for everyone. Mojitos and other cocktails ensure a fun time for everyone.

Another great alternative is Traiteur at the Park Hyatt which sits by the yacht club, in a quiet and classier part of town. When the weather is good, you can sit outside by the boats and the spread is equally amazing.

If you are looking for a non-alcoholic option, there is a brand of cafes in Dubai that existed even before local cafes were available, More Cafe . With Dubai having no freehold options and the majority of the cafes and restaurant being part of hotels of malls, More has always been one of the few independent cafe options , well at least since 2002.

The menu is huge, with pretty much anything and everything, and there are always magazines and a relaxed surrounding. There are several branches but the menu is the same across, as is the excellent coffee.

Dine underwater

Dubai being Dubai, there are not one but two places where you can dine “underwater” and I put that word in between commas because, unlike the true underwater restaurant at the Conrad Rangali in the Maldives , you are not technically under the water here, just surrounded by it.

One of the most iconic places to visit in Dubai is the Burj Al Arab. I already told you about the afternoon tea and the Friday brunch affair. But perhaps the most elegant and refined way to visit the Burj is by booking dinner or lunch at Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara.

The hotel’s underwater restaurant is helmed by Michelin-starred British chef Nathan Outlaw and, while it is not technically under water, it sure feels like that when you are surrounded by a huge tank with tropical fish. Tables are located along the tank and the dimmed lights and seafood heavy meal will do the rest. If you book your set lunch via GetYourGuide you can make sure not to go overboard with the expense.

The other option for dining underwater, is Atlantis The Palm Ossiano. The restaurant used to be led by the daughter of Catalan Michelin awarded Chef Santi Santamaria , and I had dinner there several times, before he died of a heart attack in Dubai without an heir to his passion and talent in the kitchen.

The setting has not changed and the romance remains but the menu is now designed by Chef Grégoire Berger. The tank here is much larger than at the Burj Al Arab and you can even see stingrays and other larger fish. It is all a bit surreal, but isn’t this why people come to Dubai?

More information on Al Mahara here and on Ossiano here .

Have a romantic dinner over water

Pierchic has been in business for years and this is a lot to say from a restaurant in Dubai where the landscapes and the dining scene change as much as the weather.

Floating over the water with views over the Burj Al Arab and part of the Al Qasr Hotel, Pierchic is one of the most romantic restaurants in the world and was a favorite of mine when I used to live in Dubai.

Nothing screams special occasion like the classy rickshaw ride through the alleys of the Al Qasr and a short stroll over the pier leading to the restaurant. The views help too, as do the dimmed lights and the fine dining Mediterranean menu for dinner.

But this is also a great place to come for lunch when the views over the beach and the Burj are even more impressive and Friday brunch is fabulous too.

Eat a whole fish with your hands

Bu Qtair is an unassuming and truly authentic fish shack by the beach serving up made to order, deep fried, whole fish or prawns which you must eat with your hands off plastic plates.

The restaurant was started by one of the fishermen and pearl divers in the 1980s when he realised that the entire stretch of beach in Jumeirah today filled with expensive houses and hotels had no eatery for these men. Initially, he served chai and parathas but this evolved into the fish restaurant that it is today when his Indian chef started to prepare fried fish with the special sauce that has made the restaurant famous.

The name Bu Qtair comes from the Arabic for sweet water, the place where the pearl divers would wash the salt off after a day at sea. The atmosphere has remained casual and unrushed, and you will have to wait long for your food, but it is one of the most unique experiences in Dubai.

In a city that is all flash and artificial and where modernity, expensive restaurants and one of a kind activities are the norm, it is nice to sit down by the side of the road to enjoy a really laid back meal made with simple ingredients and no complications.

To order your food walk into the building and queue up to the hole in the wall counter. There, you can select what you want and let the staff know. They will pick each piece, larger or smaller depending on what you prefer, and set them aside in a plate for the chef to cook it when your turn comes. Because the place is busy at meal times, you could be waiting a while.

If you want a drink, let the staff know or directly pick it up from the fridge. This is self-service, as if you were visiting a friend. Pay up and wait outside where your name will be called when the food is ready and you will have to go back in to pick it up.

If you don’t want to or are not used to eating with your hands bring your own cutlery. Tissues are provided. There is not much besides the specialty fried fish but this is all you will need.

Bu Qtair is usually filled with the local taxi drivers, especially in the indoor air conditioned area, whereas the outdoor section is favored by those who are not in such a rush to go back to work.

Get out – Best day trips from Dubai

When you live here, the city can become quite small and the options for activities in Dubai are soon over, so as an expat you always look for day excursions from the city as an alternative activity from Dubai.

Dubai is one of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates and there is plenty to see outside the city on easy day trips. If you are staying longer, one of the best things to do in Dubai is to rent a car and go on a day trip to either the nearby Emirates or to the natural formations and desert.

Hatta Fort and heritage village

Before true tourism development came to Dubai and the UAE, the one and only weekend escape for locals and residents of Dubai was Hatta.

This traditional enclave is part of the Dubai Emirates but about 130km inland. Hatta is surrounded by the Hajar Mountains and borders Oman and the other Emirates.

Because of its elevated location, the area has always had more temperate weather and drier conditions than the steaming hot city, so it was always a favorite place to visit in Dubai. I can’t remember how many times I have been to Hatta but it’s fair to say it is many.

Hatta has also developed with tourism growth in Dubai and now has a restored traditional village, several tourism hot spots and even luxury hotels.

A day trip to Hatta should include a visit to the Fort, the Mosque, the Al Sharia Site date plantations where you can see the traditional falaj water irrigation system (which I also saw in real life, still being used in Oman around the Alila Hotel ) and the Hatta Heritage Village, which opened in 2001 as a reconstr uction of what a traditional Emirati village would look like in the past.

The Fort itself is historical and was built in 1896 as a defensive structure and a house so you can see both a watch tower and a nice residential area including a courtyard.  The fort was restored in 1995 which is why it has been a popular getaway for years. Today, you can even stay at the hotel .

You can also get active by cycling the many tracks available or by hiring kayaks at the manmade Hatta Dam. For a complete day, explore Hatta, Fujairah and Kalba, on a day trip from Dubai to the east coast of the UAE.

Visit a real oasis

Part of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain has the UAE’s only UNESCO site consisting of six oases, a Bronze Age archeological site and the Jebel Hafeet Tombs. Because of the greenery that one can find in the middle of the desert, on the border with The Empty Quarter, the city is often referred to as the Garden of the Gulf.

This is also where the Ruler of Abu Dhabi grew up and where you can find the largest percentage of Emiratis among the residents, despite they are still outnumbered by expats.

Al Ain has a lot of important tourist attractions to visit on a day trip from Dubai. You can explore the 19th century Al Jahili Fort and the famous Al Ain Oasis which is made of several hundreds palm trees irrigated by the ancient system of falaj which brings subterranean water to the surface to keep vegetables, plants and trees alive and create the effect of a real oasis.

Apart from the oasis and the fort, Al Ain also has a palace and a museum and you can also learn more about the millennia old Bronze Age finds at the Hilli Archeological Park.

You can visit Al Ain independently, renting a car or taking Uber taxis, but you can also book a tour to all the main sites in Al Ain including the oasis, the fort, the museum where a lot of the objects from the 6th century are on display and get back to Dubai on time for the evening. This is a great tour option .

Mleiha Archeological Center

This is one of the most impressive, interesting and unique of the heritage sites in the UAE.

Located in the Emirate of Sharjah and dating back to the bronze Age , Mleiha is a combined of archeological sites and a visitor’s center which uncovers the ancient past of the UAE.

Start at the visitor center where you can have an overview and a more global perspective on the site and its evolution. Here you can also see what the UAE was like millennia ago. Then explore a few of the sites. Start with the Umm an-Nar tomb, near the center, which is large and quite unique and continue with the tombs at Jebel Faya. You can enter these tombs and see them inside.

Near the tombs you can also see the remains of a settlement that is seven millennia old and which can be viewed from platforms. The rest of the sites also provide important information about homo sapiens and the movement from Africa and into Arabia as the oldest stone tools found outside Africa were excavated here.

Follow the visit with the 2nd century AC Mleiha Fort which is believed to have belonged to a sort of ruler, the residential area nearby and the last set of tombs from the period. There are also larger village style excavations, more tombs and even a palace.

The archeological site and area also offers horse riding adventures, lessons, tours on a horseback and several other activities. There are also star gazing sessions and overnight camping options, with desert safari, comfortable camping tents and a BBQ dinner.

The site offers pick up and drop off services from Dubai making it the perfect place to visit in Dubai if you are looking to get out of the city. More information here .

The Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi

Ten years in the making, the Louvre’s first international outpost is an incredible building by Jean Nouvel housing a stunning universal collection held in loan from the Louvre as well as other institutions. This is a must see attraction near Dubai, especially if you are an art lover, but even if you are not, the building is worth it on its own.

The Museum is impressive as it large and truly one of a kind. You can find items from the time of the Egyptians and the Romans all the way to Leonardo’s or contemporary times.

You should allow for at least half a day to make the most of it and can perhaps end with lunch at the museum’s cafe which has stunning views. If you go in the evening, the sunset over the main area of the museum, the water and the domed area is absolutely magical.

The audio guide helps a lot and you need to download it on your phone and bring your own headsets. I went to the Louvre by Uber from Dubai, the journey takes about an hour and it is easy to get another taxi back. Or you can make it a day and explore the Museum and the grand Mosque on this tour .

Abu Dhabi day trip

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and far from the boring city that it once was it has been developing quite a bit, just like the rest of the UAE, into an art hub with the hopes of competing with Dubai’s entertainment and flash with a host of more refined alternatives.

The best way to explore Abu Dhabi is on a day trip from Dubai which takes you to all the major sites, including the Grand Mosque and the Louvre Museum mentioned above. Or you can skip the museum and focus on the mosque and the city’s main landmarks including the Etihad Towers in this small group tour of this full day tour .

If you prefer to have more fun and less heritage, there are tours that include the entertainment parks of Ferrari World, Warner Bros or the Yas Island Mall on top of a tour of the city.

I have put together an entire guide to Abu Dhabi with the major things to do and see and they can all be seen in a day. There are also lots of cool places to eat at and lots of beaches and entertainment parks in Abu Dhabi so you can never run out of options. 

When we wanted to escape Dubai’s heat and looked for a bit of respite, one of the favorite activities in Dubai was to leave the city and head for the mountains and sea of Musandam .

You would think that we could have as well gone to the beach in Dubai, after all the city is sea facing, but in the summer months, the sea reaches bath temperatures and when the water is 36-37 degrees Celsius and the temperature soars to 45 degrees it is not pleasant to go to the beach. Private pools in apartment buildings are refrigerated to make them cooler and the sea in Musandam was always a few degrees lower and much more crystalline too.

Musandam Peninsula is part of Oman and is located at the Strait of Hormuz, surrounded by the UAE. It is the closest point between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran and the narrowest point in the Gulf Sea. Because this is technically Oman, you will need to cross the border and make sure that your car has the right insurance and that you bring your passports and have a visa if you need one.

When you get there, you can drive around the rugged mountains, visit the 17th century Portuguese Khasab Fort in the Musandam capital, or more commonly, go on a dolphin watching dhow cruise. This is the main reason why people come all the way here, especially families.

If you want to stay longer and make this a weekend trip, you would be hard pressed to find a more spectacular place than the Six Senses Zighy Bay, a fantastic Arabian village resort on the bay of the same name that is a luxury oasis in the desert and from where you can explore Musandam and the rest of the peninsula. You can read my review here , I have stayed there twice.

And if you want to make things easy, I always prefer to be driven so I can watch the world go by (or nod off in the car) there are day trips to Musandam too. These include the stunning rocky landscapes of Dibba as well as a dhow boat trip where you can spot dolphins.

Diving in Fujairah

If you like diving you can do so at the Dubai Mall where you can jump into the tank and spend some time with the fishes as the rest of the mall goers walk past or you can do the real thing and head to Fujairah’s many dive sites.

Diving in Fujairah is a long running activity and one of the best activities to do when you live in Dubai. Fujairah is technically another of the seven Emirates that make the UAE and its location towards the eastern coast of the country, in the Strait of Hormuz, make it a privileged position for diving.

There are several dive operators who will take you out to the few sites which are all near the coast. There are several reefs created by sinking various ships, cars and trucks so, although the wreck diving here is not technically made from wrecks, you can still explore some ships and other underwater structures.

Expect to see reef sharks, turtles, coral fish and other tropical marine life. You can book a discovery dive here or a two-tank dive if you are already certified.

If you like to get wet and swim but don’t want to dive, there are also snorkeling trips to Fujairah with a BBQ lunch.

The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and the city’s most recognizable landmark.

The mosque was commissioned by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the former president of the UAE, and opened in 2007. It was designed by an Iranian architect taking inspiration from several other buildings among which Lahore’s Badshahi Mosque or the mosque of Alexandria.

The most impressive part of the mosque is the internal courtyard, made in pure white marble and with mother of pearl inlay floral motifs, similar to the Taj Mahal or the Golden temple in Amritsar .

It is incredibly beautiful, especially when the sun is setting and the warmer hues reflect on the building’s facade. But the building has several other first, largest, biggest, longest, as would be expected of the UAE.

Look out for the massive chandelier, made with thousands of Swarovski crystals, and which is considered the third largest in the world. The carpet is also the largest carpet ever made and weighs 35 tons.

The best way to visit the mosque is on a half day tour . There are several options available, including the simple half day tour of the mosque , the full day tour which combines the Louvre Museum (a must visit when in Dubai) or the best of all, a tour of the mosque with a professional photographer , trust me, you can get absolutely stunning photos here as the backdrop is beautiful.

And for the ultimate in opulence, majestic architecture and a truly luxurious experience, combine the visit to the mosque with a coffee or tea at The Emirates Palace hotel in the city, this is one of the most elegant and grand hotels you will ever see. The hotel looks like a fairytale palace and you may find yourself waiting for the princess to appear.

If you visit the mosque on your own, you should allow for a half day visit as it takes about an hour to get there from Dubai and you will probably need another hour to visit it. Women will have to borrow a long tunic that covers you from head to toe. More information here .

Al Jazirah Al Hamra

Al Jazira Al Hamra was once an island but is now connected to the rest of Ras Al Khaimah thanks to landfill. This is perhaps the only haunted spot in the UAE and believed to host ghosts and other spirits.

The site was abandoned in 1968 and nobody has lived there since. It became famous with locals through the movie Djinn which was produced by the local media company Image nation which is part of the group that also owns THe National newspaper and was directed by Poltergeist Tobe Hooper.

Al Hamra was once a buzzing town with pearl divers and traders but when the industry collapsed the local Sheikh tried to revive the village with agricultural development. But with the arrival of oil, the men emigrated to other countries in the Gulf in search of work opportunities.

As wealth arrived elsewhere, the village was abandoned and has remained pretty much as it was in 1968, giving a glimpse into how people lived before success and money came to the UAE.

Where to stay in Dubai

Dubai has so many luxury hotel properties that it is impossible to narrow it down to just a handful. This is where you can find the most incredible, expansive, over the top and luxurious properties in the world with beachfront Arabian palaces, the lost city of Atlantis at the end of the man-made The Palm, the world’s first and only 7-star hotel or a hotel in the world’s tallest tower.

Dubai is what luxury hotel dreams are made of and picking one is nearly an impossible feat. I have selected here the best of the best of Dubai’s hotels and resorts, the ones that have something truly unique.

Al Maha Desert Resort

Al Maha Resort is a luxurious accommodation right in the middle of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. It’s truly an oasis as the secluded property is nestled within the Hajar Mountain massif among the dunes.

There are 42 suites each with a private temperature-controlled swimming pool. The style is bedouin luxe where the rooms have more of a glamping than resort feel. In all suites you’ll find antique handcrafted Arabian furnishings, custom-made king size beds, walk in showers, even an easel with art materials if you’re inspired by the desert landscapes.

Activities on offer include horse riding, dune drives, desert safaris, camel trekking, nature walks, archery and falconry. There are also several dining options available from Al Diwaan serving Arabic and Mediterranean cuisine where you can dine alfresco on the veranda, to the sophisticated Hajar Terrace Bar to dining in the dunes or on your suite’s deck.  

Book your stay on Booking.com |   Agoda

Burj Al Arab

Probably the most iconic hotel in Dubai, the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab Jumeirah stands as a symbol of modern luxury and over the top extravagance. Guests can expect world-class service with an option of a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce and complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark for the duration of their stay.

The hotel has its own private beach, three outdoor swimming pools, one indoor pool, Sinbad’s Kids Club, as well as the Talise Spa and fitness club. There are nine different dining destinations including the highly acclaimed “underwater” aquarium restaurant Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara .

There is a choice of 201 suites among the 56 floors of the building. Staying in the lavish suites is more like renting out a royal apartment than staying at a hotel. All the carpeted rooms are all decked out with Arabian divans, opulent sofas and bespoke furnishings. You can choose between ocean of cityscape views depending on your preference, but both are spectacular, especially from higher up.

Book your stay on Booking.com  | Agoda

Armani Hotel at Burj Khalifa

The Armani Hotel at Burj Khalifa is exactly what you would expect from two of the most lavish brands in the world. This hotel is the first from the fashion icon Giorgio Armani and is housed in the tallest building in the world. While most of the suites are on floors one through eight, there are a few premium suites on floors 38 and 39 of the 163 storey building. While Signiel hotel in Seoul is higher (occupying floors 87 – 101), it is still pretty high up!

The style, similar to Armani’s, is simple elegance. You won’t find any paintings on the wall or over the top decadence, but rather muted luxury that is calming and beautiful in its simplicity. Although “less is more” seems to be the hotel’s focus, there is an air of exclusivity. A table at the Armani Prive lounge, for example, starts at 3000. The lounge is topped with marble tables and a constant loop of Armani’s fashion shows are displayed on the largest LCD television in the world.

The beige and gray rooms are luxuriously zen and the Armani/SPA has an entire range of treats for the body from the relaxing to the invigorating. There is also a dining experience for every taste with a selection of six different options from Indian to Mediterranean and everything in between.

One & Only Royal Mirage

Located just one kilometer from the beach and a quick walk from Dubai Marina, the One & Only Royal Mirage is located in a true oasis among 65 acres of gorgeous landscaped garden. There is also a private beach with a host of fun-filled water activities, making it a great stay for families.

There several types of accommodation options to choose from, each one as lavish as the next. The Palace and the Arabian Court are both inspired by old Arabia with majlis styled sitting areas and intricately detailed floral designs. The Residence and Spa is a more intimate affair for couples who want to stay among lush gardens and the secluded Beach Garden Villas for the truly opulent.

Choose between eight different dining options from Indonesian to Moroccan to the seafood Beach Bar & Grill. Choices for rejuvenation include both the One&Only Spa or the traditional hammam (Turkish steam bath).

Book your stay on Booking.com

Atlantis The Palm

If you’re a traveling family in Dubai and are looking for a place to stay, then this should definitely be your first choice. From Aquaventure Waterpark, The Lost Chambers Aquarium, a Wave House with an artificial wave or even swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Bay, this is definitely a top destination for kids and water lovers. There’s even a summer camp available for the kids while the parents go for a relaxing spa-day or brave the heat and play some tennis.

Located on a stretch of beach at the tip of the man-made island of The Palm, Atlantis is a large complex that is themed after the fabled underground kingdom. You can expect coral  and shell motifs with blue and orange hues in the suites overlooking the ocean. Making it even more family-friendly, 90% of the Deluxe Guest Rooms are also interconnecting.

There are so many restaurants to choose from that you probably won’t have a chance to eat at them all on your stay. You’ll find everything from Lebanese to Japanese, Italian to Chinese, basically something for everyone in the family. There’s even a Brazilian Carnival themed day complete with performances and an after-party at Wavehouse.

Book your stay on Booking.com | Agoda

The Address Dubai Marina

Situated right on the Dubai Marina, The Address is one of the trendier hotels due to its convenient location in the heart of New Dubai right by the beach, that is directly linked to Dubai Marina Mall. It’s centrality makes it the perfect spot for both business and pleasure.

The suites are simple yet stylish and are also equipped with modern technological amenities like their iGENIE automated system where service is provided through a swipe of a finger on one of the in-room iPads.

Another standout feature is the 45m long outdoor pool with separate dedicated children’s pool that overlooks the Marina. As with other Dubai hotels, there is an array of restaurants to choose from with indoor and outdoor options as well the sports pub style Nezesaussi Grill.

Park Hyatt Dubai

Everything about the Park Hyatt Dubai screams leisure. From the massive lap pool overlooking the Lagoon in Dubai Creek to the extravagant Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, it is as luxurious as they come.

Each of the suites provide picturesque views of Dubai Creek all with their own private terrace or balcony. The Moorish and Mediterranean influences make the spacious rooms calming, with a simple elegance and dashes of extravagance.

Dining is a sophisticated affair with several options including a selection of Western, Thai and French cuisines, all with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Dubai Creek. There’s even a pastry boutique for diners with a sweet tooth and a Shisha Lounge for a truly Arabic experience.

The Palace Downtown

Another offer from the Address brand, The Palace Downtown is an oasis of palatial splendor right at the feet of the Burj Khalifa. If the Address Marina is a trendier option, the Palace is more regal for guests who want to experience living like royalty.

It’s a great location for those who have to be on the move as it’s located on the Old Town Island in the heart of Downtown Dubai. All the major sites, as well as business and financial institutions, are all within walking distance. Some of the rooms even overlook the Dubai Fountain for a free show at night.

Dining options come in the form of Argentinian steakhouse, Asian style seafood overlooking the Dubai Fountain or flamboyant Arabic and Oriental dishes served from live cooking stations. The spa is a sanctuary offering hammam slabs, steam rooms and monsoon showers.  

Al Qasr Dubai

If you’ve ever wanted to know how Sheikh’s live, then a stay at the Al Qasr Dubai might be your answer. Drawing influences from a traditional Sheik’s summer residence, the hotel is both grand and majestic.

Like the Burj Al Arab, there is also complimentary access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark as well as access to the Talise Spa and Fitness areas. Further lifestyle experiences include Tai Chi and Kung Fu classes, yoga, and personalized lifestyle wellness medicine at DNA.

As Al Qasr is linked to Jumeirah Madinat there is an abundance of dining and drinking options, apparently over 50 of them, so there are almost unlimited choices for all foodies from family friendly to award winning options.  

Emerald Palace Kempinski

Another option for a stay on the Palm Jumeirah, Emerald Palace Kempinski moves away from the usual Arabic style to a more Continental European look and feel. This comes complete with hand-crafted Italian finishings in each of the spacious rooms and suites.

The 500-metre private pool overlooking the beach and lagoon is a perfect way to wind down in the sweltering heat. If outside is still too hot for you, there is also an indoor pool at half the size with snacks from the poolside Vitamin Bar.

The spa and wellness centre is one of the largest in the country standing at over 3,000sqm. While you can choose from Italian to Asian cuisine, you should definitely opt for a meal at miX by Parisian Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse. The haute cuisine restaurant features local produce as well as spectacular views overlooking the ocean.

The Bulgari Hotel Dubai

The Bulgari is for those who enjoy over-the-top luxury situated in a tranquil urban oasis away from the main rush of the city centre, even though its only 2mins from mainland.

Like all other properties around the world, The Bulgari Dubai was designed by Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, so you can expect the same beauty albeit at a larger scale, 158,000sqm in total.

The property, set to mimic a Mediterranean village, not only features 173 sea facing apartments, but also 15 private mansions, as well as Bulgari’s first Marina and Yacht Club. Unlike other hotels in Dubai, The Bulgari focuses its attention of quality and exclusivity over quantity and choice when it comes to dining options like Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, the Il Café, Il Bar and the exclusive La Spiaggia beach club with a private.

Other facilities include a 1,700sqm spa with hammam, an indoor pool, fitness centre, as well as a beauty salon with a traditional barbershop and hairdresser. The bespoke brise soleil patterned like a winding coral is pleasing to the eyes and provides much needed shade in the blistering Dubai heat.

Jumeirah Emirates Towers

Jumeirah Emirates Towers is the go-to hotel of choice for those working in the financial industry. It’s a mere 5min drive from the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) and a quick 2mins from the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC).

The iconic twin skyscrapers are known for the gorgeously designed atriums where an elevator ride is a thrilling experience in its own. The technologically advanced meeting rooms overlooking the Dubai skyline are one of a kind.

Dine on Italian cuisine on the fifty-first floor at Alta Badia, fresh bites on the go at Flow, carnivorous creation at the Rib Room, or modern Lebanese fare at Al Nafoorah. There is also access to the Talise Spa and fitness club for facials, massages, waxing and tanning and unlimited complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark.

Practicalities – How to organise your trip to Dubai

Dubai is a very unique place. A combination of a small local population with a huge expat community from various backgrounds, religions, cultures and income levels. This means that a lot of the aspects of living or visiting Dubai can be quite shocking to an outsider.

A while ago I wrote a post about things that may surprise you about Dubai . While the city has changed a lot since I moved there in 2006, a lot of the same things still prevail, and will still shock you. It is best to be prepared.

How to get to Dubai

No matter what you do in Dubai, you will most likely arrive by air.

Dubai’s International Airport (DXB) is the third largest, one of the least efficient (in my opinion) and most trafficked airports in the world. The airport was designed to accommodate 90 million passengers and is almost at peak capacity so it is always busy, especially in the middle of the night when the connections between Europe and Asia are at their peak.

The airport is so important to Dubai that it contributed to more than 25% of the Emirate’s GDP in 2011.

It is mostly designed for transfers, as the airport is a great connecting place for flights between Europe and Asia or the Pacific, so it takes a really long time to get out of the airport, collect your luggage and make it home. Don’t think that connections and transfers are much more efficient either.

There are three terminals at Dubai International Airport. Terminal 2 is used by Fly Dubai and other low cost airlines and is the worst of the three terminals. It is not connected to the other two and it’s set aside. When the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were in full swing, the terminal was filled with military personnel and flights but the terminal has evolved into a regular civilian airport since then.

There is a paid lounge that I don’t think is worth it, and a couple of cafeterias, a drug store and a few other stores but otherwise very little to entertain. There are also no sofas or places to sleep, not a single chair where you can lay down, and the terminal is quite dirty. This terminal is where you will find all the flights to the lesser known countries in the world and also to destinations you can’t even place on a continent. It is busiest in the middle of the night, like the rest of the terminals.

Terminal 3 is the largest terminal in the world and is exclusively devoted to Emirates. It has its own dedicated arrivals and departures area for Business and First Class passengers who go through a separate terminal. This is the newest and flashiest of the terminals but it is also the largest and most inefficient. There are rows and rows of check in counters which make the process smooth, but then you will have to walk a lot to get to your gates.

Terminal 1 is the terminal used by all airlines that are not Emirates or low cost. Here is where most of the Asian and European airlines fly. The terminal is old, it has been there for a long time, and the departures area is often chaotic. When you go in, immigration can take a while but inside you will find quite a few dining and shopping options.

As opposed to Changi Airport, in Singapore, chosen most efficient and best airport in the world, Dubai requires long walks, taking trains and then queuing up to go through immigration. Baggage always takes long too and at peak hours, getting a taxi adds up again.

All in all, it is not not rare to need an hour to get out of the airport. Some additional things to consider:

1. Terminal 1 and the rest are not connected so you will need to take a shuttle or a taxi

2. Dubai International Airport is located in Deira, so it will take about 30min without traffic to get to the Marina, about 20 to arrive at the Old Town Burj Dubai area

3. If you have flown Business Class make sure to get the pass from the airline that allows you to use the dedicated immigration lines as they will cut some waiting time

4. There are porters at arrivals areas ready to help you if you are traveling alone with little kids or have far too much luggage

5. You will have to put your personal belongings through a scan on the way into the luggage area and you may be asked to scan your checked in luggage too on your way out although in the hundreds of flights I took when I was living there, this only happened a couple of times

Dubai has another second airport, significantly smaller and designed to accommodate 7 million passengers only. This airport is called Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) after Dubai’s ruling family.

Al Maktoum International Airport is located at the other end of the city, towards Jebel Ali Port and is still largely unused. If you are flying Fly Dubai or some of the other low cost airlines, you may land here.

This airport is closer to the Marina area and because it is largely unused, it is swift and fast.

From either airport, you can grab a taxi at the exit or get a pick up so you are well taken care of. It is not difficult to find your way around Dubai and most taxi drivers will know the major hotels but if you like to be picked up, the service is available.

How to get around Dubai

Dubai is a very spread out city and with traffic, you can easily spend the day on the road if you do not plan your days properly so make sure that you organise your time in Dubai geographically.

There are three main areas for visitors in Dubai: the “real” old part of town, namely Satwa, Deira and Bur Dubai, the Downtown area around Burj Khalifa, which is not old but it is called like that because it resembles an old Arabian city, and the Marina/JBR area and surroundings.

What you do in Dubai each day should depend on the area you want to hit. It is advisable to consider traffic and not to make bookings for dinner or plan activities that require you to drive all the way from the Marina to the old parts of town in the peak after work hours. You will get stuck in traffic for over an hour.

The best way to get around the city is by taxi. Taxis are cheap, they are easily found everywhere and can be booked with Uber, Karim (the local version of Uber in the Middle East) or simply flagging them down.

All major landmarks will have taxis nearby and all malls have their own taxi queues where you can usually get a cab without much wait.

Taxis always use taximeters but the drivers may not always speak English 100% and may not always know exactly where you are going, although this has improved dramatically from when I was living there and there were no street names and new buildings were popping up everyday. If you think you are going to a lesser known place to visit in Dubai, then get an Uber so you are sure you will get to your destination.

The other way to get around is the Dubai Metro. The Dubai metro is quite fun and nice but it is not a metro like we are used to in the West. There are few stops and they are far from the main tourist attractions in Dubai.

So, while this is a cheap way to get around and cover large distances, it is not suitable in the summer when the 5-10min walk from the station to your destination is just not an option in the heat.

Another great way to see Dubai and get around, especially if you are short on time, is to buy a hop-on, hop-off Big Bus ticket and see the main highlights this way. Because Dubai is spread out, and it can get really hot from May to November, a hop-on, hop-off bus is not only economical but also very practical to see all the highlights.

How to dress in Dubai

One of the biggest misconceptions about Dubai is the dress code.

I regularly had friends coming to visit who would be convinced they had to cover up when visiting Dubai. Here are a few suggestions for women who want to explore Dubai:

1. Women don’t have to cover up , they don’t need to wear an abaya, and don’t have to cover their heads. Local Muslim women will do, but visitors are not expected to so you can leave the headscarf at home.

2. It is freezing indoors so bring a sweater and if your day includes a lot of time indoors, in malls, at the Atlantis, etc. make sure to bring something warm. I ironically had to buy lots of jackets and scarves in Dubai in the middle of the summer months. You never spend any time outside at that time of the year, and the air conditioning in the office and at the malls is set to freezing temperature so, while it was 45 degrees outside, the mall was probably set at 17.

3. Dubai is a conservative society and despite the fact that the vast majority of the population is expat, the local norms and customs indicate that you should cover your legs and shoulders out of respect , when in public. You don’t have to at the major hotels and resorts, where you can wear your swimsuits and do as you would anywhere else, but don’t think skimpy clothes are acceptable otherwise. The malls have signs specifying what is acceptable and what is not and will remind you to cover knees and shoulders.

4. Showing affection in public is a big no-no . This includes holding hands, kissing and any other form of PDA. You will not see anyone doing it and you shouldn’t either. It took me a few months to normalise this behavior. Being Spanish and used to a rather touchy-feely society, this was one of the aspects I had to initially put more emphasis on, to make sure I would not do it. And it took me a few months to go back to my usual behavior after leaving Dubai.

5. There is censure and porn, certain movies and TV series and many magazines do not make it to Dubai or are heavily censored. If you buy samples of female magazines you may often see pages covered in black marker. The markers hide female nudity or anything that is deemed inappropriate. Do you remember Sex and the City the Movie? it was technically filmed in Abu Dhabi, but in fact it was done in Morocco and the movie was banned in the UAE.

If you observe the above, which is really not that hard, I can guarantee you that you will have a great time and will be able to enjoy all the places to visit and things to do in Dubai without any issues.

This would be a great addition to your Dubai board!

• Check if you need a visa, get help processing it at iVisa .
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• I find all of my flights on KAYAK . Check their Deals section too.
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• I book all my day trips and tours via GetYourGuide , they are the best and their tours are refundable up to 24h in advance.
• Get USD35 off your first booking with Airbnb .
• Compare hotels EVERYWHERE at HotelsCombined and book with Booking.com .
• Compare car rental prices at Rentalcars.com

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