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 the things Dubai is famous for. If you’ve decided to visit the place, here are our recommendations on the top things to do in Dubai, UAE.
Upcoming events
- Avid shoppers should stop by between mid-December and mid-January to experience the wildly popular Dubai Shopping Festival, featuring unmissable deals, interactive lighting installations, daily fireworks, and DSF Drones Show, among other experiences.
- If you're as passionate about food as me, I'd recommend planning your visit around Dubai Food Festival, a celebration of everything delicious and featuring restaurant weeks, masterclasses from renowned chefs, and tons of other fun food-related events to delight your palate. The festival happens from April to May.
Be sure to check out our video where we chat with Sandra Calvo, a tour guide for Dubai, for even more fantastic tips and insights!
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1. Time travel into the next 50 years at the Museum of the Future
If you’ve ever wanted to be a time traveler, I’d recommend visiting Museum of the Future, where you can glimpse into the future and know what the world will 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.
Good to know:
- The building is covered in calligraphy by Mattar bin Lahej, spelling out three quotes from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The first quote reads, “We may not live for hundreds of years, but the products of our creativity can leave a legacy long after we are gone.” The second one is, “The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it and execute it. The future does not wait. The future can be designed and built today.” And the third quote says, “The secret of the renewal of life, the development of civilisation and the progress of mankind is in one word: innovation.”
Stay here:
Tip from tour guide
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.
Tip from Content Creator
Aayushi
Museum of the Future:
-Firstly, I would highly suggest booking the tickets and not just visiting the free area. You will miss out on a lot otherwise.
-Tickets charges are 3,500 INR per person approx.
-The tickets get sold out quickly so I would suggest booking at least a week in advance and checking it first on the main website.
-Club this trip with the restaurant which has the best view of the Museum of the Future. I visited during the day but try visiting during dinner and get reservations beforehand.
Book Tours : Museum of the Future Tickets
2. Take pictures of famous buildings while sailing on a yacht in Dubai Marina
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.
Good to know:
- Dubai Marina is home to the tallest residential building in the world, Princess Tower, which has 101 stories and impressive height of 413.4 meters (1356.30 feet). You'll find many places to eat and shop in nearby.
Stay here:
3. Play with your kids at Wild Wadi Waterpark
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. I especially love that it is themed around the tale of a character from 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.
Good to know:
- One of the best ways to experience Wild Wadi Waterpark is to book a VIP cabana located along the lazy river. Here, you'll find sun loungers, towels, bottled water, and a private refrigerator, making it the perfect place to relax with your family in between activities.
Stay here:
Luxury: Jumeirah Beach Hotel Dubai
Budget: Spacious 1br With Swimming Pool
Book Tours : Wild Wadi Waterpark Dubai : Get Entry Tickets
4. Find a little peace at the Dubai Miracle Garden
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.
Good to know:
- A must-see attraction in Dubai Miracle Garden is its Emirates Airbus A380, which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest floral installation. The garden also has several other world records, such as one for the world's largest vertical garden, largest topiary art in the world (for its huge Disney characters created out of flowers), and longest flower wall in the world.
Stay here:
Budget: Steps from famous miracle garden
Tip from Content Creator
The best time to visit Miracle Garden is from November to March. It's best to arrive and explore as soon as gates open at 9 AM. It gets very busy within an hour or two. The floral structures are changed every season to ensure repeat visitors get a different experience each time they travel here.
Dubai Tour Guide
Dubai Local Tour Guide
Welcome, Hello, bonjour, Hola, Namasty, Salam! It brings me great joy to extend a warm welcome as you embark on your journey to explore our vibrant city during your visit to the United Arab Emirates. Here, in this land of hospitality, you are not just a guest; you are welcomed as a member of our extended family. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Rafiq, a seasoned professional in the realm of t... Read more
Tours by Dubai local tour guide
5. Soak up the sun at the Kite Beach
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. I’d love to spend a day here just listening to the waves and admiring the view.
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.
Good to know:
- Although the beach is open and accessible for free all day, the shops are only open from 10am until 10pm every day. Food and beverage outlets are also open from 10am to 10pm from Sunday to Wednesday. From Thursday to Saturday, they stay open until midnight.
Stay here:
Attraction details:
Kite Beach
Address: 35 A St - Dubai - United Arab Emirates (see map)
Website: Kite Beach
Opening hours: 24/7
6. Shop in a souk and taste street food on this unique tour of Dubai
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.
Good to know:
- Old Souk in Bur Dubai, one of the stops on this tour, is also known Textile Souk because of its lovely handmade and machine-made materials. Whether you want ready-to-wear outfits to add to your wardrobe or customized fashion statements, you'll find it all here.
Stay here:
Budget: Gateway Hotel
7. Experience an adrenaline rush on a jet ski tour
Experience an adrenalish rush on this jet ski tour of the city, one of the most fun activities in Dubai. 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. To me, one of the best aspects of this tour is that 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.
Good to know:
- If you're visiting Jumeriah Beach Residence (JBR) on your own, don't forget to check out The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence, a promenade with outdoor pop-up markets, performances by street entertainers, and much more.
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8. Hop inside a helicopter for a tour
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.
Good to know:
- There are different durations you can choose from for your tour, depending on your itinerary. The Grand Tour is the longest at 30 minutes and the Iconic Tour is the shortest at 12 minutes.
Book Tours : Dubai Helicopter Experience with Sightseeing Options
9. Relish an on-air dinner experience
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.
Good to know:
- Guests are Dinner in the Sky are encouraged to dress comfortably. However, skirts, Abaya, and open shoes are best avoided.
Stay here:
Book Tours : On Air Dinner Adventure in Dubai
10. Explore Dubai Creek in Old Dubai
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.
Good to know:
- The shores of Dubai Creek are also home to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where you'll find traditional wind towers, museums, cultural societies, and ateliers. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) is also present here. There are over 50 attractions to explore in this neighborhood alone.
Stay here:
Tip from tour guide
You can explore Dubai Creek via the traditional mode of transportation known as the Abra. Interestingly, the word "Abra" is derived from the Arabic verb "Abara," meaning "to cross." For centuries, it has remained one of Dubai's most frequent modes of transport, serving as a symbol of the city's rich history and heritage.
Book Tours : Dhow Dinner Cruise Dubai Creek
11. Explore the largest mall in the world
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.
Good to know:
- Dubai mall is home to the world's largest indoor gold souk. Apart from having the gold and silver jewelry that Dubai is famous for, it also has themed courtyards with bronze sculptures of a stallion, gold palm tree, camels, and falcons, making it a must-visit for both shoppers and tourists.
Stay here:
Luxury: Jumeirah Emirates Towers Dubai
Budget: Rove Downtown
12. Ascend to the highest observation deck in Burj Khalifa
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.
Good to know:
- While on their way to the observatory, visitors will also get the chance to stop and grab refreshments at SKY Lounge. From here, a dedicated elevator will take you to the highest outdoor observatory in the world.
Stay here:
Luxury: Jumeirah Emirates Towers Dubai
Budget: Rove Downtown
13. Watch the enchanting water at the Dubai Fountain
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.
Good to know:
- Visitors can also choose to go on a boat ride in Burj Lake, where the fountain is located. It should also be noted that the lake ride is only operational from 5:45pm to 11:30pm every day. The last boat leaves 30 minutes before closing.
Stay here:
Luxury: Jumeirah Emirates Towers Dubai
Budget: Rove Downtown
Tip from tour guide
The fountain shows are best viewed in the evening, so you can go ahead and arrive early to get a good spot. Also, the fountain is only a seven-minute drive from Dubai Frame, another must-visit attraction. For the best experience, visit the Dubai Frame in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds. Be prepared for security checks and dress modestly. Then, head to Dubai Mall to enjoy the fountain show at night.
Book Tours : Dubai Fountain Boardwalk
14. Get enthralled at the Dubai Museum
Located 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.
Good to know:
- Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the museum, is the oldest standing building in Dubai. It was built in 1787 to be a fortified residence for the monarch. In 1971, the year the UAE was formed, the fort was reopened as a museum. In 2021, Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan announced plans to renovate the fort.
Stay here:
Book Tours : Dubai City Tour With Dubai Museum Ticket
15. Seek divine blessings at Jumeirah Mosque
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.
Good to know:
- During Ramadan, Muslims and non-Muslims alike can enjoy a lovely iftar experience. This is a great opportunity for tourists to learn about Islamic traditions. Once the prayers are done, visitors will be served a scrumptious Emirati meal and can interact with locals to know more about Ramadan.
Stay here:
Luxury: The Tower Plaza Hotel Dubai
Tip from tour guide
While in Dubai, you should definitely check out Jumeirah Mosque, the stunning white stone wonder of the nation. Follow these tips for a smooth visit: 1. Dress Code: You are required to dress modestly. Women should cover their hair with a scarf, and both men and women should wear clothing that covers their arms and legs. Traditional attire is available at the mosque for those who need it. 2. Cultural Insights: The mosque is a great place to gain insights into Emirati culture and Islamic practices. The tours often include discussions about local customs and the role of mosques in the community. 3. Timing: Check the tour schedule in advance, as tours are usually conducted in the mornings and are not available during prayer times. It's also a good idea to arrive a little early to ensure you have enough time to explore and get settled. 4. Respectful Behavior: While visiting, it’s important to show respect for the religious practices taking place. Keep noise to a minimum and follow any instructions provided by the tour guides. 5. Photography: The mosque's stunning white stone architecture and intricate details make it a fantastic subject for photography. However, please remember to be respectful of the religious setting and avoid taking photos during prayer times.
16. Explore the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah
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.
Good to know:
- A fascinating bit of info about Palm Jumeirah is that it's visible from space. According to NASA, Palm Jebel Ali, Palm Jumeirah, and the World Islands are all visible from the International Space Station.
Stay here:
Budget: Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah
17. 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?
18. 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.
19. 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.
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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