Curious about things to do in Dubai? Glance through this piece of listicle to find all the key things to do in Dubai while you are visiting here.
Dubai is the Emirate of Dubai’s capital and the most populated city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Established as a modest fishing hamlet in the 18th century, the city evolved swiftly in the early 21st century into a cosmopolitan metropolis with a concentration on tourism and hospitality. Dubai is one of the world’s most well-known tourist attractions. It boasts the world’s second most five-star hotels and the world’s tallest structure, the Burj Khalifa.
Dubai, located in the eastern section of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf coast, aspires to be Western Asia’s economic center. It is also a key international passenger and freight transportation hub. Oil income aided the city’s expansion, which was already a significant commercial center. Since the early twentieth century, Dubai has been a regional and international commerce hub, and its economy is based on earnings from trade, tourism, aviation, real estate, and financial services.
Dubai may appear to be all malls and air conditioning at times, but this enormous desert metropolis has a fresh and exciting infusion of cultural organizations, galleries, and retail complexes all aimed at enticing a new generation of tourists. Either your notion of an adrenaline rush is jumping out of an airplane or watching the city’s stunning fountains flow 500 feet up in the air, almost anything is possible in this city, and we also have the list to prove that.
In Dubai, there is a precise mix of old and contemporary, resulting in a feast of activities. Mornings can be spent relaxing on Jumeirah Public Beach, whereas afternoons can be spent skiing at Ski Dubai. Alternatively, you may begin your day bargaining at the traditional Gold and Spice Souks before using your credit card at the modern Dubai Mall. But first of all, familiarize yourself with the town. Head directly to the top of the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest structure), where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Persian Gulf. If you want a more traditional perspective, take an abra (water taxi) ride down Dubai Creek. Here are some of the top things to do in this Middle Eastern hotspot.
- Burj Al Arab
Since its inauguration in 1999, the stunning tower overlooking the Persian Gulf out of its height between Jumeirah Beach and the Palm Islands has astounded architecture aficionados. On its own man-made island, the arching glass exterior, influenced by the sails which have decorated Dubai’s canals for generations, housing a world-class, ultra-luxurious hotel. The building not only has the tallest free – standing atrium (almost 600 feet), but that is also one of the world’s tallest buildings. Aside from the architecture, features include spinning beds in select suites and a helipad, in case you thought arriving in a free Rolls-Royce was too mundane.
But you don’t have to stay at the Burj Al Arab to enjoy it (and, let’s be honest, most people can’t). Those who aren’t staying at the hotel can acquire admission by eating at one of the on-site eateries. Among them is the Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara, which has floor-to-ceiling window frames facing a gigantic fish aquarium, and Al Muntaha, which is perched on the building’s beautiful 27th level.
- Dubai Mall
The area around the Burj Khalifa in downtown Dubai is a shopper’s dream. The huge Dubai Mall is one of the world’s largest shopping malls, with over 1,300 retailers. Even if you don’t intend to buy anything, a visit to this massive shopping mall is a must: The Dubai Mall also has a movie theatre, an ice rink, and various kid-friendly activities, including an aquarium with hundreds of aquatic species. If you manage to be in the area late at night, pay a visit to the Dubai Fountain, which is located outside the mall. The fountain, constructed by the same team that created Bellagio’s famed dancing fountains, provides nightly displays choreographed to a blend of western and eastern music.
- Jumeirah Mosque
The Jumeirah Mosque towers over the sea from its position north of Dubai Marina. Its detailed white façade, which graces the 500-dirham note, is reminiscent of the Fatimid architectural style of the mediaeval period. Unlike the other mosques in Dubai, non-Muslims are welcome to enter and marvel at Jumeirah’s elaborate design, which has intricate paint panels against brilliant blue and yellow backdrops. But first, a word on behavior: Those wishing to visit the mosque should dress modestly, with long sleeves and long trousers or skirts. Women would also be supposed to cover their heads with a scarf. If you do not have traditional garb, the mosque would gladly give you the traditional attire required for entry.
- Jumeirah Public Beach
The public beach (also recognized as Sunset Beach) is located just north of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and is ideal for taking that admiring photo with the Burj Al Arab as a background. The large, sandy beach is well-equipped, with bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, and wi-fi. A brief lighted area is also available for swimming at night.
Jumeirah Public Beach is also Dubai’s last surfing beach, with modest to medium-sized waves ideal for novices. It is surrounded by the peaceful Umm Suqeim Park, which has meadows and a playground.
- Burj Khalifa
Although we don’t advise experiencing it like Tom Cruise did in “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” the Burj Khalifa is a must-see for any visitor to Dubai. The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest structure, rising 2,722 feet above the city (that’s a massive 160-storeys). But that’s not the only honor this skyscraper has received. The Burj Khalifa is perhaps the world’s highest free-standing building, as well as the location of the world’s largest outdoor observation tower. You know what that means: breathtaking vistas. Visitors are urged to take the elevator to the 124th-storey for panoramic views of the city that reach all the way out to the Persian Gulf. Special telescopes also display scenes from different eras of Dubai’s history, allowing you to witness every stage of the city’s history. You may even go higher, to the 148th-storey, which has the world’s tallest observation deck, but it will cost you more money.
- Gold and Spice Souks
For ages, Dubai has been a commerce titan. Take a trip around one of the city’s traditional souks, or bazaars, to get a flavor of what business was like back then. The Gold Souk, located on the south bank of Dubai Creek in Deira, focuses on glamour and splendor. The Gold Souk is one of the world’s most recognized gold jewelry trading areas, with brilliant displays of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings from over 300 stores. In reality, this market handles nearly 20% of the world’s gold. But don’t worry if you’re not a fan of gold. The souk additionally sells silver, platinum and diamonds. You’ll also get exactly what you’re paying for. The government closely supervises what is sold and by whom in the souk, so you don’t have to walk away worried that you’re carrying anything fake.
The pungent Spice Souk, on the other side of the stream, sells flavors from all over the world, including cinnamon, ginger, and chili. This is also a great spot to stock up on saffron, as you’ll get it at a much lesser price than you would at home.
- Ski Dubai
The experience of skiing in Dubai has been defined as “surreal.” Even when the city is scorching, this big indoor winter paradise doesn’t ever go out of fresh snow. Ski Dubai is the Middle East’s first indoor ice-skating center, including five ski lifts (the longest spanning and over 1,300 feet with a 197-foot vertical drop), a freestyle snowboarding area, a chairlift, and room for toboggan runs and snowball fights. There’s also the world’s first indoor black run, ski instruction for kids, and a penguin colony inside.
- Palm Jumeirah
Dubai is recognized for its magnificent skyline, but it isn’t the only architectural accomplishment that has captured the world’s attention. Palm Jumeirah, constructed from reclaimed ground in a sequence of manmade archipelagos, is designed like a palm tree from the above.
The Palm Jumeirah is an archipelago of man – made islands developed by land acquisition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, that spreads into the Persian Gulf.
Because of the slowdown in human activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a rise in species, such as dolphins, surrounding The Palm Jumeirah in early 2020.
- The Desert of Dubai
The Arabian desert is less than 20 minutes’ drive from the contemporary districts of Downtown Dubai. Go on a desert safari in the style of Dubai, packed with exhilarating sports like quad riding and sandboarding. Those searching for luxury may book a Heritage Dinner Safari with Platinum Heritage, a prominent travel provider. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, with an incredible off-road drive in vintage 4x4s, cultural fun with henna painting and camel rides, and a feast of local food beneath the stars.
Alternatively, simply drive out to the city’s top camping areas on your own for a desert experience. Would you want to remain a bit longer? Spend a memorable night among the dunes at Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa or Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.
- Dinner in the Sky
Dubai is recognized for doing things in a different way as well as for offering inhabitants and tourists with the greatest and most unusual leisure opportunities. Likewise, the gravity-defying Dinner in the Sky Dubai doesn’t really disappoint.
You will have the unique opportunity to dine 50 meters above the earth on a delicious meal. This flying dining feast is available for lunch, afternoon tea, or supper.
The Dinner in the Sky experience, which takes place at Skydive Dubai, is for a set of 22 people who will be raised 50 meters in the air by a crane to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime feast.
