Dubai is a city of extremes, where futuristic architecture stands alongside ancient traditions, and a desert landscape meets the glittering waters of the Arabian Gulf. With its luxurious shopping malls, world-class restaurants, and exciting attractions, Dubai has become one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Here are the top 10 things to do in Dubai.
Visit the Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is a skyscraper and the world’s tallest building, standing at an impressive height of 828 meters (2,716 feet). It’s a true engineering marvel that dominates Dubai’s skyline and has become an iconic symbol of the city.
Visitors can purchase tickets to access the observation deck on the 124th floor, known as At The Top, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The observation deck features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, which provide unobstructed views of Dubai and the Arabian Gulf. On clear days, visitors can see as far as Abu Dhabi on the horizon.
The Burj Khalifa is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a testament to human innovation and achievement. A visit to this awe-inspiring structure is a must-do activity for any visitor to Dubai.
Take a Yacht in the Arms of Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is a stunning waterfront district that’s home to a range of luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and an impressive yacht marina. Taking a yacht tour in the marina is a unique and exciting way to experience the city’s stunning skyline from the water.
There are several yacht tour operators that offer private boat rental dubai and charter services, as well as guided tours of the marina. Visitors can choose from a range of yacht sizes, depending on their needs and budget.
A yacht tour of Dubai Marina offers stunning views of the city’s skyline, including iconic landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and the Atlantis Hotel. The marina is also home to several man-made canals, which add to the stunning views.
Many yacht tours offer a range of amenities, including onboard dining, live entertainment, and water activities such as swimming and snorkeling. Visitors can also choose to charter a yacht for a private event, such as a birthday party, anniversary celebration, or corporate event.
Taking a yacht in the arms of Dubai Marina is a luxurious and unique way to experience the city’s stunning waterfront and skyline. It’s a must-do activity for anyone looking for a special and memorable experience in Dubai.
Go to the Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is one of the world’s largest shopping centers, with over 1,200 retail outlets, including luxury brands, high-street fashion stores, and specialty shops. But there’s more to the mall than just shopping.
The mall is home to a range of world-class attractions, including an indoor ice rink, an aquarium, a virtual reality park, a haunted house, and an indoor theme park. One of the most popular attractions is the Dubai Fountain, which is located just outside the mall. The fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system, featuring water jets that shoot up to 150 meters (490 feet) in the air, synchronized with music and lights.
In addition to its shopping and entertainment offerings, the Dubai Mall also hosts a range of events and exhibitions throughout the year, including fashion shows, art exhibitions, and cultural festivals. With so much to see and do, a visit to the Dubai Mall is a must-do activity for any visitor to Dubai.
Explore the Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island in the shape of a palm tree, created by land reclamation and considered one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks. The island is home to luxury hotels, beach resorts, and upscale villas, as well as a range of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
One of the main attractions on Palm Jumeirah is the Atlantis, The Palm, which is a world-class resort and water park. The resort features an aquarium with over 65,000 marine animals, as well as a range of water sports, such as swimming with dolphins, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The resort’s water park, Aquaventure, is one of the largest in the world and features thrilling water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.
Visitors can also take a stroll along the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk, which is a pedestrian walkway that runs along the outer crescent of the island, offering stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline. The boardwalk is home to a range of cafes and restaurants, as well as a jogging and cycling track.
Take a trip to Desert Safari
A desert safari is one of the most popular activities in Dubai, offering visitors a chance to experience the Emirati desert and its natural beauty. There are several tour operators in Dubai that offer desert safari experiences, which typically include a range of activities such as dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and quad biking.
Dune bashing is an adrenaline-pumping activity that involves driving a 4×4 vehicle through the desert’s sand dunes, with a professional driver behind the wheel. It’s a thrilling and exciting way to experience the desert and its terrain.
Camel riding is a more leisurely activity that allows visitors to experience the desert at a slower pace. Visitors can also watch a traditional Arabian falconry show, where trained birds of prey are released to hunt for prey in the desert.
Sandboarding is a fun activity that involves sliding down the sand dunes on a board, similar to snowboarding. It’s a great way to experience the desert’s natural beauty and have some fun.
Visit the Dubai Miracle Garden
The Dubai Miracle Garden is a floral paradise, with over 45 million blooming flowers arranged in stunning shapes and patterns. The garden covers an area of 72,000 square meters (775,000 square feet) and is home to over 120 flower varieties, including petunias, geraniums, and marigolds.
One of the most popular attractions in the garden is the heart-shaped pathway, which is made up of over 7,000 vibrant red and white flowers. Visitors can also enjoy other attractions, such as the Butterfly Garden, which is home to over 15,000 butterflies, and the aromatic Garden, which features herbs and spices that are used in traditional medicine.
The Dubai Miracle Garden is open from November to May, and the garden’s design and layout change every year, so visitors can expect a new experience each time they visit. It’s a perfect spot to take stunning photographs and spend time with family and friends in a serene environment.
Check out the Dubai Museum
The Dubai Museum is housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, one of the oldest buildings in Dubai and a prime example of traditional Arabian architecture. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of Dubai and is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the city’s rich heritage.
The museum’s exhibits showcase the traditional way of life in Dubai before the discovery of oil, including a reconstruction of a traditional Arabian souk, or market, and exhibits on the pearl diving industry, which was a major source of income for the city. The museum also features displays of the traditional Bedouin way of life, including clothing, weaponry, and musical instruments.
One of the museum’s most popular exhibits is the underground section, which showcases the archaeological finds from excavations in the city, dating back to 3000 BC. Visitors can see the remains of traditional houses, forts, and mosques, as well as ancient artifacts such as pottery, coins, and tools.
The Dubai Museum provides a fascinating insight into the city’s history and culture. It is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the story of this vibrant and dynamic city.
Visit the Jumeirah Mosque
The Jumeirah Mosque is a beautiful and iconic landmark located in the heart of Dubai. It’s one of the few mosques in the city that is open to non-Muslim visitors, offering a unique opportunity to learn more about Islamic culture and religion. The mosque is a stunning example of traditional Islamic architecture, with its white stone walls, tall minarets, and intricately decorated domes.
Visitors to the Jumeirah Mosque can take a guided tour to learn about the mosque’s history and significance, as well as the customs and traditions of Islamic prayer. The tours are conducted by knowledgeable guides who are happy to answer any questions and provide insight into the local culture.
The Jumeirah Mosque is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning more about the Islamic faith and the beautiful architecture of Dubai.
Go skiing in the desert
Yes, you read that right! Skiing in the desert might sound like an oxymoron, but Dubai is home to an indoor ski resort that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Ski Dubai is located inside the Mall of the Emirates and offers visitors the chance to ski, snowboard, or toboggan in a controlled indoor environment, regardless of the temperature outside.
Ski Dubai is one of the world’s largest indoor ski resorts, with over 22,500 square meters of the indoor ski area, including five ski runs of varying difficulty levels. The resort also features a freestyle snowboard zone, a snow park with snow caves, and even a penguin encounter, where visitors can get up close and personal with these adorable creatures.
Visitors to Ski Dubai can rent ski gear and clothing on-site, and there are also experienced instructors available to provide lessons for beginners. For those who prefer to watch the action, there are several cafes and restaurants in the resort with stunning views of the ski run.
Explore Dubai creek
The Dubai Creek is a natural seawater inlet that divides the city into two parts: Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south. The creek has played a significant role in Dubai’s history, serving as a hub for trade and commerce for centuries.
Visitors can explore the creek on an Abra, which is a traditional wooden boat that ferries people from one side of the creek to the other. Abra rides are inexpensive and provide an authentic way to experience the city’s historic waterway. The boats run throughout the day and into the evening, providing visitors with a stunning view of the city’s skyline at night.
Once on the other side of the creek, visitors can explore the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, which is home to traditional Arabian houses, narrow alleys, and wind towers. The neighborhood is now home to a range of cultural and artistic attractions, including the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, the XVA Gallery, and the Majlis Gallery.
Visitors can also explore the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk, located in the Deira neighborhood. The Spice Souk is a vibrant and colorful marketplace selling a variety of spices, herbs, and traditional Arabian perfumes. The Gold Souk is a bustling marketplace selling a range of gold, silver, and precious stones.
Conclusion
Dubai is a city full of diverse attractions and activities catering to various interests and tastes. From adrenaline-pumping adventures like skydiving and dune bashing to more leisurely experiences like visiting cultural landmarks and luxury shopping destinations, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic and cosmopolitan city.