Ultimate Guide: 15 Things to Do in Dubai
Dubai immaculately blends legendary sights, marvelous cultural delights, and a wealth of shopping, leisure and dining choices into one compact city. In fact, this Arabian city offers a little something special to enthrall everyone. Whether it is your debut Dubai trip or you are reentering the city after a long time, you can check this list of best things to do in Dubai which is sure to cater to every interest.
1. Feel on top of the world
For this, zoom your way up to ‘At the Top’ observation deck at 124th or 148th level of Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building. Needless to say, it envelops you with the most exquisite views over Dubai, encompassing its skyline, desert and ocean. So what better way to be on top of the world? Add to this a high-speed elevator ride, along with an enlightening presentation on the region’s history.
2. Shop, dine and entertain yourself at the Dubai Mall
Located in Downtown Dubai, close to Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall is much more than a mere mall. It’s indeed a world unto itself with its array of over 1,200 shops, hundreds of dining choices, and loads of leisure and entertainment attractions. In other words, there are some amazing alternatives if shopping doesn’t interest you. Look out for over 33,000 spellbinding marine creatures at the colossal 10-million-liter tank of Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, enjoy a twirl on the Olympic-size icy floors at Dubai Ice Rink, or head to the largest of its kind VR Park to experience the most exceptional in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. This mall is a favorite of kids as well, thanks to KidZania Dubai.
3. Cruise the Dubai Marina aboard a Dhow
Dubai reveals its true magic as the sun goes down with its marvelously illuminated cityscape. Admire this unequaled sight from a refreshing perspective at a stunning location. One of the most recommended places for this is Dubai Marina where you can see the region’s breathtaking contemporary architecture (in their flood-lit version) on a dhow cruise. Dhows are nothing but a floating restaurant, but it once played a different yet significant role in Dubai before the discovery of oil. So if you wish to step back in time and take in the unrivaled modernity in one-fell-swoop, don’t miss this cruise experience! Most dhow cruises in Dubai include multi-course buffet dining with unlimited refreshment and traditional entertainment (like Tanura) onboard.
4. Stroll the historic Al Bastakiya Quarter
If you feel that Dubai skimps on history, be prepared to change your perception with a trip to Al Bastakiya Quarter. Also called Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, it is a meticulously preserved 19th century quarter where its old-world allure is still evident and intact. Drop into the ancient sandstone buildings where most of them now function as an art gallery or a museum. Most prominent among them is the Dubai Museum which is located inside Dubai’s oldest fort, Al Fahidi Fort. Moreover, you can enter Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) for a nominal charge. For those who don’t know, it is one of the top places in the country to get an in-depth as well as genuine understanding of the Emirati culture, history and the religious faith.
5. Explore Wildlife at Dubai Safari Park
This is one of the top Dubai things to do for wildlife enthusiasts. In its four sections that span over the massive 119-hectare space, it shelters over 3,000 animals. Get a realistic feel of Africa as you step into the African Village. The second zone is Arabian Desert Safari where you will discover some of the Arabian world’s indigenous flora and fauna. At the Asian Village, be prepared to see some of the most fascinating creatures that are usually found in Asia’s forests, waters etc. Finally, as the name indicates, Explorer Village gives you a once-in-the-lifetime chance to experience and discover some of the mightiest animals up-close on a drive through adventure across its Safari Village.
6. Witness the recently unveiled Palm Fountain show
If you have already been to Dubai before, it is quite certain that you have watched the Dubai Fountain show at Downtown Dubai (outside of the Dubai Mall). While Dubai Fountain still continues to be a timeless attraction, you can watch this choreographed water performance in a more magnificent and grander way. Thanks to Palm Fountain at the Pointe, Palm Jumeirah. Opened a year before in 2020, it is the world’s largest fountain show where the flawless harmony of water, light, music and colors are sure to sweep you off your feet. It’s also the only colored fountain show in the region.
7. Catch panoramic views over Palm Jumeirah
The man-made island of Palm Jumeirah is more than a phenomenal engineering marvel. It is one of Dubai’s treasured sights with its enormous palm-tree like design adorned by a crescent on top. The best way to appreciate this view is from atop by boarding a helicopter or via freefall on a skydiving session. Now if you are looking for a substitute option (that is affordable and less risky) to enjoy this view, luckily it’s now possible with the View at the Palm. Located on the 52nd level of Palm Tower, this observation deck treats you with the 360 degree views of the whole of Palm Jumeirah, along with its fronds, trunk, and the crescent parts.
8. Discover the brand-new attractions at Bluewaters Island
Some of the most awaited and prized attractions at the newest waterfront neighborhood of Bluewaters Island are finally ready to open. Don’t miss them on your upcoming Dubai holiday. They range from the world’s highest observation wheel – Ain Dubai to the first Madame Tussauds Museum in the Middle East to the world’s largest 3D Art Museum (3D World Selfie Museum Dubai). More attractions await you by way of Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai which is the only Caesars Palace property outside of the US and Las Vegas. It is also home to the region’s ultimate entertainment venue, Rotunda Dubai.
9. Keep a full day aside for Dubai Parks and Resorts
With attractions that are as varied as the largest of its kind IMG Worlds of Adventure and the game-themed Hub Zero to the one of its kind VR Park, Dubai is indisputably the theme park capital of the Middle East. Now if you wish to craft a vacation completely themed around theme parks, Dubai sorts this too, with Dubai Parks and Resorts. It is the region’s first integrated resort complete with diverse accommodations, a dedicated retail and dining segment and four parks.
The largest of its four parks is Motiongate Dubai which is dedicated to Hollywood fun and magic. After this, Bollywood Parks comes in second in terms of its size and offerings. It is inspired by the classic Hindi movies and the name says it all. The other two parks: LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park, come with a vast array of rides, slides and attractions that are particularly designed for families of kids from 2 to 12 years.
10. Have water park fun and thrill with a twist
Dubai offers complete justice to water park lovers with its cool choices including Wild Wadi Water Park, Aquaventure Water Park, and the recently opened Laguna Water Park (boasting the region’s ultimate surfing attraction). But if you want to enjoy the water thrill with a twist, you should definitely visit AquaFun Dubai. It is the largest inflatable water park in the world, offering access to over 70 inflatables like rides, slides, monkeybars, half pipes etc. Not to mention, it is an uber fun-filled space that is set completely outdoors along the JBR Beach. So be it to make endless splash or to have unlimited amusement with your family or friends, this place will never disappoint you.
11. Enjoy skiing in the desert
Surprised? Yes, Dubai is one of the ultimate destinations for those who wish to enjoy snow activities in a desert city. Experience it for yourself by making your way to Ski Dubai inside Mall of the Emirate. Launched in 2005, it is one of Dubai’s perennial attractions which never fails to enthrall visitors. Apart from superb facilities for skiing, it comprises a vast 3,000 square meter snow park where you can sled, go tobogganing, throw snow and also build a snowman. There are some cool rides including Mountain Thriller and Snow Bullet Ride. What’s more; you can even have an up-close encounter with friendly penguins.
12. Desert safari
If you are coming to Dubai for adventure, nature, and culture, then desert safari should be top on your Dubai bucket list. A desert safari in Dubai is a guided tour that journeys you to its epic desert landscape. You can go on a morning, evening, or overnight desert safari.
Morning safari, which mostly begins with pre-dawn hotel pick up, is for those pressed on time, while evening safari starts with an afternoon pick up and lasts till night. Speaking of overnight desert safari, it comes with all inclusions of an evening desert safari plus a peaceful overnight stay beneath the Arabian sky.
Whichever desert safari you choose, its main highlight is a dune bash aboard a massive 4X4 vehicle. Moreover, depending on your desert safari package, it includes camel ride, henna tattooing, Shisha smoking, falconry, and photography wearing traditional Emirati costumes like Abaya (for ladies) and Kandura (for men.)
BBQ dining and traditional live performances (like belly dance and Tanura show) are included in most evening and overnight desert safaris. Since a desert safari is conducted in the city’s isolated part, ensure that your chosen package includes roundtrip hotel transfers.
13. Spend some quality time at Mushrif Park
Dubai’s fantastic parks are undoubtedly a breath of fresh air in the midst of the concrete haven. One of the must-visits among them is Mushrif Park and for all right reasons. For adventurists, the park boasts of Aventura Park – a family adventure park with more than 80 challenges across its diverse circuits. This makes it ideal for all age groups. International Village is another interesting section in the park; it lets you check out the replica models of traditional style houses that represent different parts of the world. Finally, the park is also a place to observe as well as study about the celestial bodies – just make a visit to Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre which is the first of its kind in the country.
14. Take to XLine Dubai & achieve record-breaking feats
Dubai is not just the place to appreciate the world’s tallest building, the world’s greatest man-made island, and the world’s largest fountain, among others. It also allows you to be part of record-breaking experiences, the significant being XLine Dubai. Set at a height of 170 meters above the striking attractions of Dubai Marina, it is the world’s longest and steepest urban zipline. Measuring about one kilometer (in length), it zips you across the sturdy cable at a speed of about 80 kilometers per hour, making it the world’s fastest as well.
15. Dive into new water depths with Deep Dive Dubai
If you are a water or diving enthusiast, you should be hitting Deep Dive Dubai first. Opened recently in July 2021, it is the world’s deepest pool. Whether you want to perfect your diving skills or wish to experience the realm of marine adventure and fun, this indoor facility is sure to blow you away, with its underwater setting that is modeled like a flooded sunken city. You can further sign up for its various diving programs and even take in its interesting sections such as the largest of its underwater film studios.
Photo by Deep Dive Dubai
Conclusion
Whatever you crave for your Arabian holiday, you can be assured that you will find it in Dubai. With its mix of high-end infrastructure, perfect scenic settings across its desert landscape, and more than 330 days of sunshine, Dubai makes for an unforgettable holiday during any part of the year.
