Top 16 Things To Do In Dubai, UAE - Updated 2024

Aayushi
Aayushi 
Updated
| 6 min read

Dubai, one of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, is undoubtedly the fastest, most glamorous, most affluent and top travel destination not only in Asia but the entire world as well. Its economy and tourism have grown at an extraordinary pace and in less than five decades, it has gone from being an obscure city heavily reliant on oil revenue, to emerging as one of the global cities, attracting worldwide attention for its innovative construction projects. The beautiful desert, skyscrapers and beaches are what make Dubai all the more appealing. If you’ve decided to visit the place, here are our recommendations on the top things to do in Dubai, UAE.

1. Time travel into the next 50 years at the Museum of the Future (from USD 41.0)

Enjoy time travel by glimpsing into the future and knowing what the world would be like in another 50 years. Truly one of its kind, this museum offers distinctive themes for visitors and paints a vivid picture of the futuristic world. In an expansive experience that taps into all the five senses, the museum blends various facets of science, technology, and spirituality and reimagines the powerful future in all its possibilities.

With unparalleled exteriors to boast of, the museum is one of the most ambitious projects that has seen the light of day. It stands 77 meters (252.62 feet) above the ground and bears exquisite panels of stainless steel with the frontage being decorated in Arabic calligraphy.

Tip from tour guide

Museum of The Future Museum of The Future Museum of The Future

Museum of The Future is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Did you know that it was named one of the 14 most beautiful museums on the planet in a list compiled by National Geographic magazine? Here, you can embark on a journey to the future and bring hope and knowledge back to the present.

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Dubai Museum of the Future Admission Ticket

Duration: 90 to 120 minutes

447 reviews

2. Experience an adrenaline rush on a jet ski tour (from USD 175.0)

Experience an adrenalish rush on this jet ski tour of the city. After a safety briefing and in the presence of a certified instructor, you will learn how to use the jet ski before you start the tour. The expert instructor will be on his own jet ski and lead the way. You can follow him at your pace. He will stop at several locations giving others the time to catch up and take pictures.

You can choose a convenient time in the morning and discover the magical city on a jet ski. Safety equipment and gloves are provided along with bottled water. Amongst the many magnificent stops, you can witness Burj Al Arab, which happens to be the third-tallest hotel in the world, in all its glory.

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Dubai Jet Ski Tour

Duration: 1 hour

2702 reviews

3. Hop inside a helicopter for a tour (from USD 198.0)

Explore Dubai, which happens to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, from a helicopter on this air tour of the city. The tour is an ideal one, especially for first-time visitors, and covers a vast area beginning from Dubai Festival City and continuing along Dubai Creek through the suburbs.

Witnessing Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, from this helicopter is a mind-blowing experience that you wouldn’t want to miss. Guests can enjoy light refreshments and on-board commentary during the tour.

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Dubai Helicopter Tour

Duration: 12 minutes

661 reviews

4. Relish an on-air dinner experience (from USD 214.0)

Imagine yourself enjoying a lavish meal and taking in the spectacular sights of the skyline and marinas while being suspended from an open-air platform that is 165 feet (50.29 meters) from the ground.

Not for the faint-hearted, this unique dining experience has a chef in the middle of the aerial restaurant serving the guests a starter, entrées, dessert, and non-alcoholic drinks. This is a must-try thing when you are in Dubai, especially if you are an adventure seeker. You can take exceptional photos of the city while enjoying the breathtakingly beautiful sights.

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On Air Dinner Adventure in Dubai

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

193 reviews

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. Take pictures of Burj Al Arab while sailing on a yacht (from USD 46.0)

If the idea of witnessing spectacular sunsets from the water while sailing on the Persian Gulf interests you, then this shared cruise on a yacht is an excellent choice for you. You can take a metro and reach the DMCC metro station or ask the taxi driver to take you to Marina Mansion, which is the meeting point. The tour includes a hearty breakfast, a delicious spread of barbeque during lunchtime, beverages, life vests, and complimentary internet on the yacht.

Don’t forget to capture great shots of the mighty Burj Al Arab and Atlantis when you sail past them.

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Dubai Yacht Tour from Dubai Marina with Breakfast or BBQ

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

4775 reviews

6. Shop in a souk and taste street food on this unique tour of Dubai (from USD 32.0)

If you would like to taste the authentic flavors of Dubai and experience the bustling streets like a local, then this tour is ideal for you. The meeting point is the entrance gate of Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton, and you can reach this place by boarding a taxi. You will find your guide waiting for you here who takes you on a boat ride in a traditional abra.

In the popular quarter of Al Fahidi, you can dig into some of the best street food, coffee, and fresh juices of orange, sugarcane, or coconut. Enjoy colorful stories of the city’s history and culture from your guide while visiting Dubai Museum.

The guide then takes you to some of the bazaars, more commonly known as souks in the city. You can shop to your heart’s content and also try your hand at bargaining with the shopkeepers.

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Old Dubai Souks, Creek and Food Tastings Tour

Duration: 3 hours

2252 reviews

7. Play with your kids at Wild Wadi Waterpark (from USD 82.0)

One of the most popular outdoor water parks in Dubai, Wild Wadi water park is located right in front of the Burj Al Arab in the Jumeirah area, and it is themed around the tale of a character from the Arabian folklore. The amusement park features multiple water slides, over 30 rides, two artificial surfing machines, a heated/cooled wave pool, a lazy river and a 59-foot (18-meter) tall waterfall which goes off after every 5 minutes. It also houses three restaurants, two snack bars and four retail outlets where you can buy a swimming costume or sunglasses in case you forgot to carry one.

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Wild Wadi Dubai Tickets

Duration: 9 hours

18 reviews

8. Find a little peace at the Dubai Miracle Garden (from USD 115.0)

Lined with luscious green trees, colorful flowers and fish ponds, the Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest natural flower garden and it features over 45 million flowers. It draws thousands of visitors and is a great option to provide kids with an outlet to expend all their excess energy at the interactive games zone. The bright colored flowers here have been planted in a stunning and creative manner and feature impressive landscaping which makes the Miracle Garden a complete sight to behold. The stunning variety of flowers ranges from the ordinary to exotic kinds, more often found in the jungles of Asia and South America and have been fashioned to look like hearts, stars, igloos, pyramids and other shapes and figures. The garden is open from October to April and it’s closed from June to September due to extreme temperatures. There is also the one-of-its-kind Dubai Butterfly Garden, which happens to be the world’s largest and the region’s first indoor butterfly garden and sanctuary, and it is home to over 15,000 butterflies from 26 different species.

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Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village Shopping Tour

Duration: 5 to 6 hours

95 reviews

9. Soak up the sun at the Kite Beach

Flag Beach (Kite Beach) Corralejo Fuerteventura (33896528842)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Thomas Tolkien used under CC BY 2.0

Feel the sand between your toes and have a little wander for a couple of hours at one of the best beaches in Dubai, that definitely has something to take your fancy. This busy beach lies under the sail of the Burj Al Arab, and you can find everything from yoga, volleyball and lounge chairs to a beach library, shopping and plenty of kite surfing, water sports and food trucks to get your midday snacks. It’s got some amazing views of the sunset and easily makes up for some relaxing vistas. The beach is located adjacent to Jumeirah Road, just off the world-famous Burj Khalifa, and it is in close proximity to Palm Jumeirah. Unwind at one of the high-end resorts or one of the many budget options where you can relax with your family without spending a dirham.

Kite Beach

Address: 35 A St - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Website: Kite Beach

Opening hours: 6am - 6:30pm (daily)

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10. Explore Dubai Creek in Old Dubai (from USD 40.0)

Embark on one of the astonishing dhow cruises and discover Dubai Creek and feel the warmth of Emirati hospitality with welcome treats and live shows. See the traditional Tanoura dancers and be mesmerized how gracefully they execute the routines in colorful costumes and weighted skirts. Then, feast on a three-course international dinner buffet in a romantic ambiance as it goes past some of Dubai’s impressive landmarks. It’s a magical experience drifting along the creek while watching colorful reflections out on the water of the beautifully lit up skyline of Dubai. Make sure you carry your camera as there are lots of photo moments to be captured. This unique and relaxing experience is the perfect antidote to a busy city life.

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Dhow Dinner Cruise Dubai Creek

Duration: 2 hours

11. Explore the largest mall in the world (from USD 136.0)

Dubai Mall is the largest mall in the world by total area, with close to a whopping 1,200 shops. It is also home of the world’s largest acrylic panel (the aquarium), a hotel, underwater zoo, a movie theater, ice rink, world’s largest sweet shop, “Candylicious”, indoor theme park, children’s educational playscape and the iconic fountains show that is held every half an hour daily from 6 pm to 11:30 pm. The famous shopping destination attracts more tourists than some of the world’s major cities. In fact, the mall is so huge that even if you had an entire week in Dubai, you could easily spend three days solely within the complex and still not have seen everything.

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Dubai Mall Shopping and Burj Khalifa AT THE TOP Visit

Duration: 5 hours

12. Ascend to the highest observation deck in Burj Khalifa (from USD 39.0)

ascend to the highest observation deck in burj khalifa
Source: www.viator.com

Soaring high at a height of 555 meters (1820 feet), the Burj Khalifa Sky Observatory is undoubtedly Dubai’s most iconic destination and also the highest observation deck in the world. Towering over 163 floors, the observatory takes you through a special elevator which brings you up for the breathtaking experience from where you can enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the city. A falcon’s eye view, it is the most distinctive feature of the city’s skyline and lets you see important landmarks in Dubai from a new perspective.

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Burj Khalifa 'At the Top' Entrance Ticket to Levels 125 and 124

2214 reviews

13. Watch the enchanting water at the Dubai Fountain (from USD 6.0)

watch the enchanting water at the dubai fountain
Source: www.viator.com

Another addition to Dubai’s long list of “world’s only”, is the exemplary Dubai Fountain. Located right in front of the Burj Khalifa is The Dubai Fountain, the largest fountain in the world that gushes out a fascinating 22,000 gallons (83,000 liters) of water up to 152 meters (500 feet) into the air. At certain times of the day, the fountain springs to life with a beautiful array of colors, and it is animated with a mesmerizing light and music performance as if it were dancing. Each show consists of a well-framed water show designed by a dance choreographer to specific tunes that are a mix of Arabic, Chinese and other international ones.

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Dubai Fountain Boardwalk

14. Get enthralled at the Dubai Museum (from USD 47.0)

get enthralled at the dubai museum
Source: www.viator.com

Located at one of the city’s oldest structures, in the sturdy Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai Museum showcases the emirate’s evolution from a fishing and pearling village to a global city of commerce, finance, consumerism, and tourism. A walk-through mock souk with dioramas highlighting shopkeepers and craftsmen at work, enhanced by light and sound effects as well as film footage, exhibits on Bedouin life in the desert and a room depicting the significance of the sea illustrate the days before the discovery of oil. The last room showcases archaeological findings from nearby excavation sites, along with early settlements and tombs at Jumeirah, Al Qusais and other local archaeological sites that are believed to attest to the area’s settlement for over 40 centuries.

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Dubai City Tour With Dubai Museum Ticket

15. Seek divine blessings at Jumeirah Mosque (from USD 40.0)

seek divine blessings at jumeirah mosque
Source: www.viator.com

Get a sneak peek into Islamic culture and religion by partaking in a 75-minute long organized tour provided by Jumeirah Mosque six days a week, for all visitors. Jumeirah Mosque is the only one in the city that allows non-Muslims to enter, and it can hold up to 1200 worshippers at a given time. Made with natural white stone, boasting twin minarets, and a large central dome, its iconic architecture makes it one of the most beautiful and oldest mosques in the world. When you go for the tour, make sure you dress appropriately- no bare legs or upper arms; women must wear modest clothing and cover their hair; children under five are not allowed.

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Dubai Half-Day City Tour with Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Mosque

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

16. Explore the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah (from USD 130.0)

Palm Jumeirah is a man-made archipelago in the United Arab Emirates, that extends into the Persian Gulf. It is believed to be the smallest and the original of three Palm Islands (Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira), and houses several opulent hotels, resorts, villas and private residences. The design of the islands is such that when viewed from above, they resemble a big, beautiful palm tree, laying in the ocean that is extremely developed, with features like roads, public transportation, and tunnels, that give you easy access to all local hotels and attractions. Some of the best activities that you can indulge in while here include sailing around the islands on a yacht or speedboat, skydiving, shopping in the over 300 stores of the Nakheel Mall or enjoying the local fusion and blends at some of the top restaurants.

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Dubai 2-Hour Small-Group Palm Jumeirah Speedboat Cruise

Duration: 3 hours

36 reviews

Welcome to Dubai, the world of wonders

Dubai is a beautiful place that you will never forget. Full of majestic sights, luxurious shopping places, fancy cars and architectural havens, Dubai has managed to preserve aspects of cultural heritage that should not be forgotten. The glitzy Dubai city should be a must visit on everyone’s bucket list for an out-of-the-ordinary experience!

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Discover Dubai's heritage at Majlis Ghorfat Umm-Al Sheif

Contributed by Tour Guide, Sandra guia Dubai Calvo

Source: Sandra guia Dubai Calvo

Majlis Ghorfat Umm-Al Sheif was established in 1955 as a summer resort for the late Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai until 1990. Visiting Majlis Ghorfat Umm-Al Sheif offers a chance to immerse oneself in the ambiance of Dubai’s ruling councils, where debates, discussions, and pivotal decisions took place, shaping the city’s urbanization and leadership achievements.

The late ruler would often spend evenings in this divan (Majlis), either in solitude or conferring with his advisors to make decisions. Did you know the Majlis is named ‘Umm Al Sheif’ in honor of one of the famous pearl fisheries?

Get enchanted with the beautiful architecture of Al Salam Masjid

Contributed by Tour Guide, Sandra guia Dubai Calvo

Source: Sandra guia Dubai Calvo

The Al Salam Masjid is in Al Barsha and was opened in 2014 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This spacious mosque has a capacity of 1500 worshipers. Its interior design and Islamic collections reflect the spirit of Emirati architecture blended with influences from Andalusian and Ottoman styles.

Discover the future of sustainable energy at DEWA Innovation Centre

Contributed by Tour Guide, Sandra guia Dubai Calvo

Source: Sandra guia Dubai Calvo

DEWA Innovation Centre promotes sustainable energy practices, supporting Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy and Net Zero Emission Strategy. These initiatives align with global efforts, with over 70 countries committing to carbon neutrality by 2050 and 100% clean energy production by the same year.

To achieve this goal, Dubai has established the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar park covering 77 km2, among other projects. By 2030, it aims for a production capacity of 5,000 MW, saving over 6.5 million tons of carbon emissions annually.

Inside the park, you will find the tower that emits light and utilizes lenses and reflectors to concentrate sunlight to heat the fluids to produce steam for driving turbines. This center symbolizes Dubai’s commitment to a sustainable energy future, inspiring innovation globally.

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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I hail from India. A finance professional turned entrepreneur, I'm also an avid traveller, content writer and reader by passion. I enjoy intellectual challenges, exploring new cultures, meeting new...Read more

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