10 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Dubai, UAE

Demos
Demos 
Updated
| 4 min read

Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, has become a top tourist destination, due to its many excellent hotels, premium shopping options, and ultra-modern environment. And, while Dubai is upscale, making it appealing to wealthy individuals, this doesn’t mean that folks from various other economic strata can’t enjoy this city. There are many affordable and free activities that one can partake in here, such as attending an art exhibit at Alserkal Avenue, watching a theatrical production at the Dubai Opera, or taking a stroll along the Dubai Water Canal. There are even options for daredevils and thrill-seekers, such as skydiving over Palm Island and jet skiing along the waterfront. Check out our list of the best non-touristy things to do in Dubai, UAE - and plan your trip accordingly!

1. Take a jet ski tour (from USD 175.0)

Enjoy Dubai’s amazing waterfront by speeding by on a jet ski. This fun tour will equip you with a jet ski and your very own guide to take in the sights. Before you begin, you’ll have to undergo a short safety briefing and become acquainted with all the jet ski equipment. After that’s done, you’ll head down the waterfront and past key attractions, such as the towering Burj Al Arab hotel. You’ll also visit Atlantis Aquaventure Park, the Dubai Marina, and the Palm Jumeirah, all within a 30-minute time frame.

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Dubai Jet Ski Tour

Duration: 1 hour

2702 reviews

2. Rejuvenate with a warm stone massage (from USD 150.0)

All that shopping and sightseeing will likely take its toll on you. That’s why you’ll need to treat yourself to a warm stone massage to rest and rejuvenate. This massage service is carried out by a trained therapist who’ll place warm stones on certain places on your body where there is stiffness or strained muscles. This therapy also helps improve blood circulation and lower your stress level. After the warm stone massage, you’ll also be treated to a full-body massage.

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Warm Stone Massage

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

3. Attend an entertaining show at the Dubai Opera

Dubai Opera dazzles at night, but the architecture is just as beautiful in daylight. Visit our website to book a guided...

Posted by Dubai Opera on Sunday, 21 July 2019

Dubai has a plethora of state-of-the-art buildings and the Dubai Opera is no exception. It features striking contemporary design, impressive lighting, and a multi-purpose configuration. This means that it’s suitable for a wide variety of events, such as art exhibitions, ballet, conferences, fashion events, and theater, to name a few. Furthermore, it’s large enough for 2,000 visitors who can enjoy these events to their fullest, thanks to the building’s brilliant acoustics.

Dubai Opera

Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Website: Dubai Opera

Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 68 - 232 USD

Tip from tour guide

Dubai Opera Dubai Opera Dubai Opera

Dubai Opera is a stunning contemporary design paying tribute to Dubai’s history, inspired by the shape of a Dhow (the traditional boat of the Arabian Gulf) by Atkins and architect Janus Rostock. It can transform into three modes: a theatre, a concert hall, and a ‘flat floor,’ making it versatile enough to host a wide variety of performances and events. Apart from theatre, ballet, art exhibitions, and fashion shows, you can also catch the opera, concerts and other live entertainment, and conferences here.

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4. Watch a race at Meydan Hotel

Gazing out over the beautiful Meydan racetrack! #MeydanHotel لحظات من التأمل مع هذا المنظر الجميل لمضمار الميدان!

Posted by The Meydan Hotel on Tuesday, 16 July 2019

The stunning Meydan Hotel features its own racetrack, which is something few hotels anywhere in the world can boast. If you’re planning on staying at this hotel, you’re bound to spend some quality time at the track. But, if you won’t be staying here, it’s still worth your while to visit the racetrack and bet on your favorite horse. While most hotel guests will follow these horse races from the terrace, you can get a front-row seat on the grandstand.

Meydan Hotel

Address: Meydan Racecourse Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Website: The Meydan Hotel

Opening hours: 12pm - 12pm (daily)

Price: 184 USD

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Dubai Tour Guide

AZIRA OUSSAMA

Azira Oussama

Hello, I am Oussama, a licensed tour guide in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I organize tours in Dubai and Abu Dhabi so you can experience modern and old life of this developed country and witness some of culture while exploring this great place.I also offer airport pick-up and drop-off from Dubai Airport. I am doing tours in English, French and Spanish.

Tours by Azira

Dubai Tour Guide

Sultan Karrani

Sultan Karrani

I am an Emirati national working in the hospitality and tour guide industry since 2013. I grew up and worked in most areas of the UAE and I am special at providing guests with real information about the culture of the UAE and the different stories of the places we visit. My goal in my work is to introduce the world to the treasures of Emirati culture and its many tourist sites.

Tours by Sultan

Dubai Tour Guide

Claudia Antunes

Claudia Antunes

Hello ! or Marhaba as we say here! I'm deeply passionate about the history and vibrant culture of Dubai's old city, and I'm thrilled to share this enchanting journey with you. Step back in time with me as we wander through the winding streets, uncovering hidden gems and untold stories. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking an authentic experience, my walking tours offer a unique blend of tradition and discovery. Join me as we explore the beating heart of Old Dubai together, one step at a time."

Dubai Tour Guide

Sandra guia Dubai Calvo

Sandra Guia Dubai Calvo

I'm an enthusiastic tour guide passionate about Dubai. With me, you will not only get a guided tour, but an unforgettable experience full of fascinating stories and deep knowledge of local history. Whether we are walking the streets of the old Dubai or enjoying the stunning beauty of the skyscraper , I guarantee you a unique and enriching experience. My goal is to make your experience memorable, educational, and most of all, fun. So get ready to immerse yourself in the cultural richness and beauty of our destination with me as your guide!

5. Check out the art galleries at Alserkal Avenue

Posted by Alserkal Avenue on Wednesday, 10 July 2019

Alserkal Avenue is home to a variety of businesses, contemporary art galleries, and non-profit organizations. It’s situated inside a large industrial area and attracts creatives, designers, and fashion lovers. There’s always something interesting taking place here, due to the many scheduled events. These include Art Week, Social Saturdays, and the Quoz Arts Fest, which showcases unique exhibits from local and international artists.

Alserkal Avenue

Address: Alserkal Avenue, Street 17, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Website: Alserkal Avenue

Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 10am - 7pm (closed on Fri)

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6. Do some window shopping at BOXPARK

Have you checked out #BoxparkDubai newest shop on the block? Chocobon زوروا شوكو بون الان في #بوكس_بارك وتلذذوا بافخر انواع الشوكولا

Posted by Boxpark Dubai on Wednesday, 14 November 2018

Shopping is a common theme in Dubai and there’s a near-endless number of modern and stylish shopping districts in the city. BOXPARK is the latest shopping destination that attracts local and international trendsetters. It features a bakery, cafe, clothing stores, cinemas, gift shops, and restaurants, which means you’re bound to spend plenty of time here. But, if you’re not planning on purchasing anything, it’s still a good destination for a bit of window shopping.

BOXPARK

Address: Al Wasl Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Website: BOXPARK

Opening hours: 10am - 12am (daily)

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7. Go skydiving

Embrace what you are #afraid of. #SkydiveDubai #JumpthePalm #LifeChanging #VisitDubai

Posted by Skydive Dubai on Sunday, 7 July 2019

If you’re a daredevil, consider this exciting skydiving excursion. Skydive Dubai offers a variety of aerial experiences and you can still partake, even if you’re a total beginner. They have licensed skydivers that will provide basic training and will be attached to you during that grueling free fall over the Palm Islands. If skydiving’s not your thing, they also offer gyrocopter rides over Dubai’s scenic skyline.

Skydive Dubai

Address: Al Seyahi St, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Website: Skydive Dubai

Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 5am - 12pm (closed on Tue & Wed)

Price: 463 - 599 USD

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8. Try an Abra ride

Dubai Creek ❤ #Creek #Abra #Dhow #MyDubai #DestinationMyDubai #UAE #Heritage #Culture #history #holiday #lifestyle #friends #family #business #travel #destination #exclusive #experience #happiness

Posted by Destination My Dubai on Thursday, 28 May 2015

The Dubai Creek is incredibly picturesque and it would be a shame to visit the city without taking an Abra ride down the creek. Fortunately, there are over 150 water taxis, known as Abras, which can transport you from Deira Old Souk Abra Station to Bur Dubai Abra Station. There’s also an alternative route, from Sabkha Abra Station to Dubai Old Souk Abra Station. These trips last between 5 - 7 minutes and are usually available throughout the day.

Abra ride

Address: Bur Dubai Abra Station, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Opening hours: 12pm - 12pm (daily)

Price: 0.30 USD

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9. Check out the street art in Karama

Street art in #karama. More photos here - http://dubaitravelblog.com/karama-street-art-paintings

Posted by Dubai Travel Blog on Sunday, 7 August 2016

Dubai features a clean and modern urban landscape, with barely a blemish of the urban decay that one can find in other major cities. So, it’s unlikely that you’ll find graffiti sprayed on buildings unlawfully. However, if you’re looking for some colorful and edgy street graffiti, you should head over to Karama to admire its striking street art. Here, you’ll find beautiful murals and tasteful graffiti adorning the walls of this bustling shopping district.

Karama street art

Address: 20 A St, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Website: Karama street art

Opening hours: 12am - 12am (daily)

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10. Stroll along Dubai Water Canal

Dubai Water Canal ✨?

Posted by Bright Feed on Friday, 6 January 2017

While Dubai is undoubtedly a shopper’s paradise, this doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun spending little money or nothing at all. The Dubai Water Canal is a recent development and runs through several of its key districts, such as the Arabian Gulf, Business Bay, and Sheikh Zayed Road. But it boasts a stunning waterfront and magnificent mechanical waterfalls that steal the show. That’s why you need to take a stroll along the path on the canal and admire all these awesome attractions.

Dubai Water Canal

Address: Dubai Water Canal, D 1 Tower No 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Website: Dubai Water Canal

Opening hours: 12am - 12am (daily)

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Plenty of fun under the Dubai sun

There’s so much to see and do in Dubai that you shouldn’t have a single dull moment. The city’s gorgeous skyline should keep you in awe for days on end, but that’s only the beginning. You can bet on your favorite horse at the Meydan Hotel’s racetrack, admire the stunning street art in Karama, and treat yourself to a much-needed warm stone massage.

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Attend an exhibition at Dubai World Trade Centre

Contributed by Tour Guide, Sandra guia Dubai Calvo

Source: Sandra guia Dubai Calvo

You can attend an exhibition at Dubai World Trade Centre, commissioned by Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid Al Maktoum. He entrusted architect John Harris with designing an exhibition center for trade fairs. Rising 39 stories high, this towering structure symbolizes Dubai’s vibrant business environment. The complex includes a luxury hotel, three towers of upscale apartments, an exhibition center, parking facilities, and a tennis court.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Demos, a freelance writer, boasts an entrepreneurial background that informs his diverse writing portfolio. His articles span across various topics, encompassing travel, business, technology,...Read more

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