dubai latest tourist attractions

Dubai Attractions

Dubai’s Magnificent Newest And Upcoming Tourist Attractions

Last Updated: February 20, 2024

Dubai’s at it again; it has launched some of the most superlative and record-breaking attractions. Ain Dubai, Museum of the Future, and Sky Views Dubai are just the tip of the iceberg. There are more exciting brand-new attractions and sights. So, what splendid new and upcoming tourist attractions in Dubai that you can’t wait to see? Be sure to check out this list.

The Newest Tourist Attractions in Dubai

1. the museum of the future.

Opened in February 2022, this trendy museum appears straight out of a sci-fi movie. With an intricate exterior that resembles a giant sparkly oblong ring, this prestigious LEED-certified structure is about 78 meters high and boasts of over 30,000 square feet of space, dedicated to breakthrough innovations and inventions. Futuristic displays aside, it’s especially striking for the breathtaking Arabic calligraphy that is engraved on its exteriors. You can experience it all with your Museum of the Future tickets .

• Entry Ticket: AED 149
• Timing: 10:00 hrs to 19:30 hrs (on all days)
• Location: 67CP+H4Q – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Centre – Trade Centre 2 – Dubai
• Recommended for: Family, kids, and anyone interested in learning about the latest in science, technology, and more
• Top Tips: Book your tickets in advance to ensure hassle-free entry into the museum.

2. Cityland Mall

It’s one of Dubai’s newest malls. Dubai is already a city of malls, so what’s special about it? It’s the first-of-its-kind mall, fully inspired by nature. Located next to the iconic Global Village, this 1.2-million-square-foot facility offers a world of options for exceptional shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities, with over 350 retail outlets, 75-plus dining venues, and more than ten cinema screens, to name a few.

• Entry Ticket: Free
• Timing: 9:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs (on all days)
• Location: Wadi Al Safa 4, Beside Global Village – E311 – Dubai
• Recommended for: Family, kids, shoppers, and entertainment buffs
• Top Tips: Come here prepared to spend a few hours due to its vast size and endless offerings.

3. The Dubai Balloon

This exciting, new aerial session is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Dubai . It lets you catch the panoramic views that encompass Atlantis, The Palm, Atlantis The Royal, and Palm Jumeirah on a tethered flight. It’s a 10-minute experience that soars you up to 300 meters. What’s more, you can even admire the city’s icons, like Burj Khalifa, on a clear day.

•   Entry Ticket: AED 175
• Timing: 9:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs (Monday to Thursday)
• Location: Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, Dubai
• Recommended for: Those who wish to see Dubai from heights.
• Top Tips: Get your tickets in advance and reach the spot early.

4. Dubai Mall Chinatown

This brand-new extension of the massive Dubai Mall, adjacent to the tallest-of-its-kind Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai, is your go-to spot for a bona fide Asian retail and dining experience. You’ll find it on the mall’s first floor, which is instantly recognizable for its traditional lanterns, colorful souvenirs, and neon-lit hallways.

• Timing: 10:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs (on all days)
• Location: Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
• Recommended for: Shoppers, culture enthusiasts, and foodies
• Top Tips: Make sure you set aside at least two hours to wander this atmospheric segment of the Dubai Mall.

5. Neon Galaxy

Riverland Dubai at Dubai Parks and Resorts now hosts an exclusive play area for younger ones. This indoor attraction spans over 850 square meters, with surefire attractions like ball pits, exhilarating rides, and terrific ninja-themed adventures.

• Entry Ticket: Starts at AED 60
• Timing: 11:00 hrs to 20:00 hrs (Sunday to Thursday) and 11:00 hrs to 21:00 hrs (Friday and Saturday)
• Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd., Dubai Parks and Resorts, opposite Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai
• Recommended for: Small children and teens
• Top Tips: Pre-reserve your tickets to make the most of your visit here.

It’s an all-age family leisure spot inside Al Ghurair Centre. 30 exciting rides, games, and other attractions occupy this spread over 40,000 square feet, making it a favorite of kids and kids-at-heart. Let your little ones hit Pandora’s Peak, allowing them to navigate cloud-like attractions and enjoy their way down through a slide of over 10 meters high. Take to the indoor roller glider Sky Surf for the comprehensive view of the park. There is also Newton’s Wall for those craving an action-packed session.

• Entry Ticket: Starts at AED 25
• Timing: 10:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs (Monday to Thursday) and 10:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs (Friday and Saturday)
• Location: Level 2, Al Ghurair Centre, Deira, Dubai
• Recommended for: Adventurists and leisure seekers of all age groups
• Top Tips: Don’t leave your kids behind on your visit here.

7. Dubai Hills Mall

Dubai has the most extraordinary malls, and the recently opened Dubai Hills Mall is not an exception. It has over 500 outlets that offer the finest in shopping, dining, and entertainment. If you are an adventurist, don’t miss out on one of the mall’s star attractions, the Storm, which takes you on a ride on the world’s fastest vertical-launch rollercoaster. Buy Storm Coaster tickets to access it and further enjoy a ride on the world’s fastest vertical-launch rollercoaster.

• Timing: 10:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs (Sunday to Thursday) and 10:00 hrs to 01:00 hrs (Friday and Saturday)
• Location: Al Khail Road, Dubai
• Recommended for: Family, kids, shoppers, and thrill seekers
• Top Tips: Pre-plan your visit to make the most of the mall’s attractions.

8. Sky Views Dubai

It is Dubai’s newest observation deck, but it is more than that! Besides its viewing platform spread over two levels at the Address Sky View Hotel, it lets you enjoy the Middle East’s first glass slide experience and the region’s first-of-its-kind, adventurous Edge Walk. Choose the right Sky Views Dubai tickets to make the most of your visit here.

• Entry Ticket: AED 80
• Timing: 10:30 hrs to 21:00 hrs (on all days)
• Location: Address Sky View Hotel, Emaar Square Area, Downtown Dubai
• Recommended for: Adventurists, sightseers, and literally all!
• Top Tips: Book tickets in advance to ensure smooth access to the observation deck and glass slide.

9. AYA Universe

Want to journey into an entirely new universe? Get your AYA Universe tickets ! This fantastic light and sound park inside the WAFI City Mall won’t disappoint you. Each of its 12 zones presents a vast spectrum of surreal and immersive exhibits. These range from cosmic creatures and events to a robotic light show, a glowing garden, and the reverse waterfall.

• Entry Ticket: AED 83
• Timing: 10:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs (Sunday to Thursday) and 10:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs (Friday and Saturday)
• Location: AYA Dubai First Floor, WAFI Mall Oud Metha Road – Umm Hurair 2, Dubai, UAE
• Recommended for: All, especially those who are fond of exotic attractions and high-end light and sound experiences
• Top Tips: Book tickets in advance to ensure smooth access to the facility.

10. The View at The Palm Jumeirah

This high-profile project from Nakheel Group promises a dream-come-true vantage point for anyone who wants to soak in the grandeur of the palm-tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah Island at its best. Yes, you don’t have to go sky diving or take a helicopter ride to enjoy this. With your View at the Palm Jumeirah tickets , all you need to do is make your way to the 52nd level of The Palm Tower, adjacent to Nakheel Mall. It is the first observation deck in the region to offer views of the Palm Jumeirah, together with its fronds, trunk, and crescent, in a full-scale, grand display.

• Entry Ticket: From AED 100
• Timing: 09:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs (Monday to Thursday) and 09:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs (Friday to Sunday)
• Location: Palm Jumeirah Rd, The Palm Tower, 52ed Floor – Dubai
• Recommended for: Family, kids, and adventurists

11. Theatre of Digital Art (TODA)

Theatre of Digital Art is one of Dubai’s latest attractions, especially designed for art lovers. It spans 1,800 square meters in Madinat Jumeirah and is Dubai’s first digital art venue. From timeless art exhibits and folk performances to live concerts and digital shows, this extraordinary venue showcases art in almost every format, such as virtual reality and augmented reality.

• Entry Ticket: From AED 120
• Timing: 10:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs (Monday to Sunday)
• Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
• Recommended for: Art lovers

12. Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

Whether you are a bibliophile or not, this new library in Dubai is unmissable for its substantial book collections (representing arts, media, culture, kids’ specific topics, etc.), exhibition rooms, and the inspiring design that resembles an Islamic lectern. It spans over 54,000 square meters and comprises nine levels.

• Timing: 09:00 hrs to 21:00 hrs (Monday to Thursday & Saturday) and 14:00 to 21:00 hrs (Friday)
• Location: Al Jaddaf, Dubai
• Recommended for: Bibliophile
• Top Tips: Be sure to take a look at the library’s website to learn about its themed sections, such as the Children’s Library, the Business Library, Treasures of the Library, etc.

13. Madame Tussauds Museum

With 25+ locations worldwide, no preface is probably required for this renowned wax museum. But the newly opened Madame Tussauds Museum at Dubai’s Bluewaters Island is special; it’s the Middle East’s first Madame Tussauds Museum. Use your Madame Tussauds Dubai tickets to catch up, click images, and of course strike up some interesting discussions with your favorite personalities from all spheres of life.

• Entry Ticket: AED 145
• Timing: 09:00 hrs to 20:00 hrs (Monday to Thursday), 11:00 to 21:00 hrs (Friday and Saturday), and 12:00 hrs to 20:00 hrs (Sunday)
• Location: Bluewaters Mall, Bluewaters Island, Dubai
• Recommended for: Family and kids

14. Hatta Wadi Hub

Are you looking for a refreshing new attraction easily accessible from Dubai? Go forth and buy Hatta Wadi Hub tickets ; it is a nature retreat with loads of exciting things to do, including archery, horseback riding, tube sliding, ziplining, zorbing, and paragliding, to name a few. The best thing is that it is just 90 minutes’ drive from the city center.

• Entry Ticket: From AED 15
• Timing: 07:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs (on all days)
• Location: Dubai-Hatta Road, Sufayri, Dubai
• Recommended for: Outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventurists
• Top Tips: Book your tickets in advance to ensure hassle-free entry into the facility.

16. Inside Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab may not be one of Dubai’s newest attractions, but it recently launched an exciting butler-guided tour to introduce visitors to the main attractions that make it one of the world’s most expensive and luxurious accommodations. This means you don’t have to book an accommodation to see its priciest suite or other iconic sections. With an Inside Burj Al Arab ticket , you can experience it all for a fraction of the suite booking cost and is now one of the top things to do in Dubai .

• Entry Ticket: From AED 249
• Timing: 90-minute tour, starting at 10:00 hrs
• Location: inside Burj Al Arab, Ticket Lounge – Jumeirah St – Umm Suqeim – Umm Suqeim 3 – Dubai
• Recommended for: Family, kids, and literally all!
• Top Tips: Book your tickets in advance to ensure hassle-free entry into this all-suite, five-star hotel.

17. Paramotor Adventure Tour

It is an exceptional adventure, the first-of-its-kind in the region, allowing you to see the Arabian Desert and the fascinating desert creatures enriched by a dash of thrill and excitement. With a trained instructor, you can enjoy a tandem flight on a lightweight paraglide powered by a motor. Choose from sunrise, afternoon, or sunset packages; they all ascend you over 1500 feet above the desert.

• Entry Ticket: From AED 950
• Timing: 06:30 hrs to 19:00 hrs (on all days)
• Location: Dubai Desert Dropzone, Margham
• Top Tips: Book your Paramotor Adventure Tour tickets in advance to ensure hassle-free entry into the facility.

18. Dubai Crocodile Park

The Dubai Crocodile Park is set close to Dubai Safari Park, hosting hundreds of crocodiles who will be encouraged to grow and reproduce naturally. The park is a home for Nile crocodiles, which are the largest freshwater crocs in the world. The Dubai Crocodile Park measures 20,000 square meters.

• Entry Ticket: From AED 95
• Timing: 10:00 hrs to 20:00 hrs
• Location: Mushrif park, Dubai
• Recommended for: Family, kids, and wildlife and nature enthusiasts

Upcoming Tourist Attractions in Dubai

19. zombie apocalypse park.

Once open, it will be one of the Deira Islands’ major attractions. What’s more exciting is that it’s the world’s largest zombie-themed park, a real treat for those who want to add a thrilling and spooky touch to their Dubai visit. The 65,000-square-foot park is expected to host 12 unique rides and attractions enriched by glow-in-the-park technology.

20. Aladdin City

Aladdin City is supposed to bring the legends of Aladdin and Sinbad to life. It will comprise three large golden-lamp-like towers with hotels and luxury apartments. All three towers will be connected via air-conditioned walkways that actually move! The magnificent Aladdin City was inspired by the many tales of Aladdin from the Arabian Nights. Aladdin City will cover a total area of 110,000 square meters. It is located close to Deira Creek.

21. Dubai Creek Tower

Dubai Creek Tower is not just another high-rise architectural landmark in Dubai. It’s one of the centerpiece highlights of Dubai Creek Harbour. More than that, upon its completion, it’s all set to break Dubai’s own record by taking over the title of the world’s tallest building from Burj Khalifa. Described as the icon of the 21st century, this sleek structure will host 10 observation decks in its bud-like part. There will be a Pinnacle Room and rotating balconies which treat you 360 degree views of the jaw-dropping cityscape, among others.

22. Ain Dubai

Ain Dubai is the world’s observation wheel. At over 250 meters, its 48 capsules will hold 1,400 visitors. One can avail of unbelievable views of the Burj Al Arab, the Palm Jumeirah, the Palm Atlantis Hotel, and the Burj Khalifa from the top, apart from the rest of Dubai. Ain Dubai is located on Dubai’s magnificent waterfront neighborhood, Bluewaters Island, off the coast from Jumeirah Beach Residence. Read our comprehensive guide to Ain Dubai Ferris for interesting information and facts on this Dubai attraction.

23. Dubai Islands

Dubai is building another fabulous artificial island, called the Dubai Islands. If you thought the city would be satisfied with the creation of the Palm Islands and the World Map Islands, you’re dead wrong. The main attraction is the Souk Al Marfa, situated right next to the Deira Mall. It is a modern interpretation of a traditional Arabic market; it has hundreds of thousands of shops selling everything from gold to handicrafts. Right next to it is a 1.9-kilometer stretch of waterfront. One can access the Dubai Islands from land or sea.

24. The Crystal Lagoon

Dubai is building the world’s largest artificial lagoon of 40 hectares, at the cost of Dh 25.7 billion, in the middle of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City. The 12-hectare lagoon in Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh Resort held the previous record. The lagoon will be surrounded by a luxury residential area, with the Crystal Lagoon as its centerpiece. The lagoon will be complemented by a 237-meter-long smooth sandy beach.

Take a look at our exclusive read on the upcoming tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi .

1. What are Dubai’s newest attractions?

Ans: Dubai’s newest attractions include the Museum of the Future, Ain Dubai, and Madame Tussauds Museum Dubai.

2. What are Dubai’s latest attractions for families and kids?

Ans: Recently, Dubai has unveiled attractions ideal for all age groups and abilities, such as AYA Universe, Dubai Hills Mall, Madame Tussauds Dubai, Inside Burj Al Arab Tour, and the Museum of the Future.

3. Where can I head to catch the best city views?

Ans: Dubai is unequaled for its vantage points, especially the latest observation decks, including the View at the Palm and Sky Views Dubai.

4. What are the latest attractions in Dubai for adventurists and outdoor enthusiasts?

Ans: There is the heart-racing Storm Coaster ride in Dubai Hills Park for the ultimate thrill. To experience adventure amid nature, you can head to the activity-packed Hatta Wadi Hub with something for every age and skill level.

Dubai is an ever-evolving, dynamic city that constantly adds the most extraordinary and breathtaking attractions to ensure that visitors have the most memorable holiday every time they visit here. In fact, there are still more record-breaking experiences taking shape in the city. So keep checking this page to stay abreast of what is coming next in Dubai.

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Rajkumar Gaikwad

Young and Brilliant, Rajkumar Gaikwad is a marketing head by profession and an enthusiastic traveler driven by passion for trekking and adventure. He believes that the best product in the market sells like hot cakes.

I enjoyed my visit to the Theatre of Digital Art (TODA). Each of the projection is a fantastic blend of art, music, and technology and tells a unique story.

We are glad to know that you enjoyed TODA. It’s a nice place to experience the fusion of creativity and technology.

I was thrilled visiting the AYA Universe. This was the kind of light and sound park that I haven’t visited anytime before. The cosmic creations and the reversible waterfalls are very immersive.

If you’re interested in celestial creatures, AYA Universe is the place to visit. It truly brings the world of stars and sky in front of you.

I visited the Museum of the Future and as named it really highlights futuristic displays that will impact our lives and shape our future.

Yes! The Museum of the Future offers a glimpse of the future and takes you on a journey to 2077.

What I like about Dubai is that it keeps adding new attractions every year to its already impressive repertoire of attractions. I will surely explore these upcoming tourist attractions.

If you want to have a tour of these upcoming attractions, we can help you.

I am desperate for the official inaugural of the Dubai Creek Tower. As of now, I can just imagine how it will look given that its height will be more than Burj Khalifa.

We all are excited for the opening of Dubai Creek Tower. After all, it will be the taller building than the Burj Khalifa.

I am a huge fan of the Burj Khalifa, hence, I am really excited for Dubai Creek Tower to become a reality. I am sure the views are going to be stunning.

Yes, many others like you and me are really excited about Dubai Creek Tower. It’s going to be phenomenal.

Of all the projects that are coming up in Dubai, I am most excited for the Crystal Lagoon. It seems impossible to make such a thing in the desert.

Yes, it is a challenge but Dubai has always dared to the impossible. The Crystal Lagoon will be amazing.

Madame Tussauds Dubai is such a fun place to go to. I am a football fan so I clicked many pics of the statues of Messi and Ronaldo.

Glad you had a wonderful time at Madame Tussauds Dubai

I have been to Singapore Flyer and London Eye, but they aren’t even close to Ain Dubai. This ferris wheel is a behemoth on Bluewaters Island.

I am glad you loved Ain Dubai. It really is amazing!

The Aladdin City sounds like such a magical place. I have always been fascinated with Aladdin’s story, so I am doubly excited for this project.

Yes, just like many places in Dubai Aladdin City also promises to be magical.

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See the sights! Explore the new tourists attractions in Dubai

• New Attractions

Dubai is often associated with the best attractions in the world and new ones keep popping up every year. From picturesque beachside destinations to architectural marvels and theatres, the emirate never ceases to amaze residents as well as regular visitors. If you haven’t visited these new attractions in Dubai, now is the best time to check them out.

New Tourist Attractions in Dubai

Expo city dubai.

The legacy of Expo 2020 continues with the Expo City in Dubai . The new attraction was partially opened to the public on October 1st, 2022. Located on a sprawling 438-hectare site in the Dubai South district, this massive development was purpose-built to host the World Expo 2020. The global event brought together countries from all over the world to showcase their cultures, technologies and innovations.

The development features a number of parks and open spaces, as well as a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars that offer everything from traditional local cuisine to international favourites. Visit some of the most popular spots such as Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, Alif – The Mobility Pavilion, Vision Pavilion and Women’s Pavilion.

• Ticket price: Admission is free | AED 120 (1-Day Pass for attractions) | Free for kids 3 and below
• Location: Expo Road Dubai South, Jebel Ali
• Timings: Monday to Sunday 10:00 am to 06:00 pm (Timings for other attractions may vary)
• Contact: +971-4-555-2030

Terra Solis by Tomorrowland

Terra Solis by Tomorrowland is the new tourist attraction in Dubai that you can’t miss! Experience the magic of Tomorrowland, one of the biggest music festivals at this chic retreat. spread over 371,000 sqm.

Terra Solis has more than 48 luxurious tents, 20 lodges and six poolside cabins named after core constellations. Besides the glamping options, foodies can enjoy a delectable meal at Sala or the MESA, the on-site restaurants. Don’t forget to order the irresistible sharing platter inspired by Tomorrowland’s Tastes of the World cuisine.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Terra Solis Dubai (@terrasolisdubai)

• Location: Dubai Heritage Vision, Exit 29, Lehbab Road, Jebel Ali
• Contact: +971-4-456-1956

Take a journey across the stars and beyond at AYA, one of the new tourist attractions in Dubai. Located in WAFI City Mall, AYA is a futuristic light and sound park that is spread across 3,700 square metres with 12 distinct zones. Each zone offers an unmatched sensory experience. From exploring the stars to a reverse waterfall at The Pool and coming face to face with majestic sea creatures there’s plenty of mesmerising options.

• Ticket price: AED 99 per person | Free for kids under 3
• Location: First Floor, WAFI City Mall, Oud Mehta Road, Umm Hurair 2
• Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
• Contact: +971-4-542-0300

Pavilion at The Beach 

The Pavilion at The Beach is a new hotspot for foodies. The buzzing area features six restaurants with impressive views of the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf and Ain Dubai. The eateries are located within a temperature-controlled glasshouse with retractable roofs for an ultimate dining experience.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pavilion at The Beach, JBR (@pavilionatthebeach)

• Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am to 11:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 10:00 am to 01:00 am
• Contact: +971-4-590-5090

INSIDE BURJ AL ARAB

For the first time ever, Burj Al Arab, the iconic luxury hotel, has opened its doors to the public. The Inside Burj Al Arab gives a rare glimpse into their opulent suites. Get a guided tour of the hotel and explore the various amenities and exciting things to do at the iconic sail-shaped hotel.

There are several tours to choose from. Enjoy breakfast or take in the stunning views with sundowners by opting for the Sunset Tour. Private tours are also available for groups. Each tour takes about 60 to 90 minutes.

• Ticket Price: From AED 249 per person
• Location: Jumeirah Road, Umm Suqeim 3
• Timings: Tour starts at 09:30 am
• Contact: +971-800-467-433

Museum of the Future

Looking for new attractions in Dubai 2023? Take a trip 50 years into the future! The Museum of the Future officially opened its doors to an anticipative public on February 22, 2022. It’s still one of the most popular new attractions in Dubai for tourists.

The unique project was originally initiated by the Ruler of Dubai, Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Shaped like a lustrous silver oval with Arabic calligraphy, the museum is already considered among the most beautiful in the world. As per the official website, the facility is a combination of themed attractions, exhibitions and an immersive theatre

• Ticket price: AED 145 | Free for kids 3 and below
• Location: Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road
• Timings: 10:00 am to 07:30 pm
• Contact: +800-2071

Hatta Dome Park

A project of Dubai Holding, Hatta Dome Park is the ultimate glamping spot and one of the new tourist attractions in Dubai. It features 15 dome-shaped permanent tents with panoramic views of the majestic Hajar Mountains. It’s the perfect retreat to get away from your routine life and explore the rugged mountains whilst staying at this exquisite glamping site.

• Location: Hatta Wadi Hub

Dubai Hills Mall

Dubai Hills Mall is part of Dubai Hills Estate, which is one of Emaar’s largest developments. It is easily accessible thanks to its proximity to major highways like Al Khail Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311).

This long-awaited mall opened in February 2022. Apart from a myriad of shopping and dining outlets, the mall is home to a roller coaster! Known as the Storm Coaster, the indoor attraction takes thrill-seekers up 50 metres into a cylindrical building. Visitors can find the attraction on the ground floor.

• Location: Dubai Hills Estate
• Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | 10:00 am to 12:00 am (weekends)
• Contact: +971-4-448-5033

Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library was inaugurated in June 2022 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai — with a structure that makes it among the best new tourist attractions in Dubai. The spectacular Rahl-shaped building is located in Al Jaddaf with an eco-friendly design.

The AED 1 billion cultural landmark is officially the most extensive library in Dubai with over 1.1 million printed and digital books in multiple languages. Categories here include Young Adults, Periodicals, Information and Children among others.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (@mbrlae)

• Location: Al Jaddaf
• Timings: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm| Friday 09:00 pm to 02:00 pm | (closed on Sunday)
• Contact: +971-4-329-3291

Which places are popular with visitors apart from new tourist attractions in Dubai?

Apart from the venues listed above, you can head to places like Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Fountain and other famous tourist hubs in Dubai .

Which are the best free tourist attractions in Dubai?

Free activities can be just as fun as the paid variety in Dubai if you know where to look. There are several places to see in Dubai for free . For example, you can traverse the streets of Al Seef, visit a camel racing festival, explore the souks and more. Some of the best free activities to enjoy in Dubai with kids include visiting free museums and wildlife sanctuaries.

If you want to see all there is, check out other things to do in Dubai . From visits to an indoor ski resort to sky diving, you will be spoilt for choice!

What are the best things to do with the family in Dubai?

Those travelling with family can make the most of their trip thanks to the many family-friendly places to visit in Dubai . You can visit several beautiful parks, beaches, amusement parks and more.

That concludes our guide on the best new attractions in Dubai 2023. Aside from the new things to see in Dubai, travellers can visit and snap quick selfies at other famous places in Dubai like the iconic Burj Al Arab, Dubai Creek and Al Fahidi District.

Head over to these places on your next visit to the emirate. Stay tuned to MyBayut for more updates on the UAE property and tourism industries!

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Check out these 10 Newest Attractions in Dubai this 2021

2020 hit the whole world like a curveball – totally unexpected. Though the news would tell you that everything has gone wrong (and in some way, it has); there are, still, silver linings that people can look forward to as we approach life post-pandemic.

Despite the difficulties and tragedies brought about by the unexpected global outbreak, governments and visionaries, never let go of their ideas to make the world, still attractive – especially for those living in Dubai. In this guide, we list ten of the newest attractions to check out this year (with precautionary measures and all, of course!)

10 Newest Attractions Worth Checking Out in Dubai this 2021

1. arena games, 4. hatta dome park (wadi hatta park), 5. palm west beach, 6. the palm fountain, 7. the view at the palm, 8. theatre of digital art, 9. time out market dubai, 10. topgolf.

If you’re looking for new spots to bring the whole family to, then make sure to bookmark this page for reference. Dubai is one of the best places to bring your family on a trip, mainly because of its welcoming environment, world-class technology and accessible facilities. With over a year holed up in the house, there’s plenty of good reasons to look beyond the four corners of the home and see what’s hot and new in the thriving emirate.

At this adrenaline-pumping gaming attraction on DIFC’s Gate Avenue, virtual reality gaming takes on a whole new level. Arena Games reimagines multiplayer gaming by transporting players on mind-bending excursions over limitless realms in free-roaming and immersive VR games. In Engineerium, you can defend against zombie invasions or rogue killer robots in a secret military space station, or visit a fantastic fantasy realm.

According to one of their recent guests, Shikky Ann John: “If you ever wished to kill off zombies in the real world (almost).. this is the place !!

best premium experience guaranteed for gaming and VR lovers. They do have a wide variety of games to choose from. Even if you have zero experience gaming – still recommended. One of the top activities to do in Dubai this summer. Staff is super helpful too :D”

Fees: Prices start at 90 AED for arena games and other facilities available starting at 60 AED for booking in-venue Opening Hours : SUNDAY – SATURDAY (12:30 PM – 10:00 PM); Times may change during holidays Address: Gate Avenue, Zone D, Ground Level – DIFC – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Tel No: +971 4 546 7748 Website: https://www.thearenagames.com/ Google Maps Location:

Dubai, with its brilliant blue waves and sparkling sunshine, can never have too many beach clubs. Everyone is talking about Bla Bla, an exciting new concept that blends ideal sunny lazing with foodie thrills, with no less than 20 lounges, three restaurants, and one beach club to enjoy. It’s in Jumeirah Beach Residences, near Bluewaters Island , so you’ll have views of both the sea and the famous Dubai Eye. We’ll see you on the beach!

Here’s a positive review from one of their satisfied guests, Tamara Sonje: “Great ambience and you can be there all day because they have a beach bar, pool and restaurant. The food is very tasty and everyone will find something for themselves as they have three types of cuisine. The staff is very friendly and our waiter Tom has a special greeting.”

Fees: See their menu Opening Hours : BEACH CLUB: Every day 10am to sunset BEACH BAR:  Every day 10am to 2am THE TENT & THE BACKROOM:  Sun-Thurs: 6pm to 2am, Fri-Sat: 4pm to 2am Address: 5101 Messer Street Beach by Meraas Mall – Jumeirah Beach Residence – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Tel No: +971 58 606 3535 Website: https://blabladubai.ae/ Google Maps Location:

Downtown Dubai has made way for Foundry, an innovative hybrid venue. Part art gallery, part co-working space, it celebrates the city’s burgeoning creative sector with sculptural works and murals by local artists, as well as a dedicated podcast area for audiophiles. While you can set up shop with your laptop and charger, there’s plenty to do in the meantime thanks to the venue’s weekly art tours, movie nights in collaboration with Cinema Akil, seminars, and community pop-ups.

One of their satisfied guests, Hydz R, shares her experience: “Another favorite Art gallery – place for art savvy. Happy place. They have a coffee shop and a very lovely working space. Always a great idea to work from here.

Art viewing is FREE!

Free Parking is at the basement ( park near 10, go by stairs and it’s directly to Foundry).”

Fees : Free Entry Opening Hours : Saturday – Sunday (10 AM to 10 PM) Address: Boulevard Crescent – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Tel No: +971 43 673 696 Website: https://foundry.downtowndubai.ae/ Google Maps Location:

At Hatta Dome Park, a glamping experience developed with elegant minimalism in mind, settle in for a night beneath the stars. The park’s 15 tents have panoramic windows, a private outdoor terrace, and many of the facilities found in a hotel.

According to Heshan Gunawardhana, one of the park’s happy vistors: “One of nicest location in Hatta, where you can go with your family to have some fresh air. Recommended to go in weekdays. Weekend might be too crowded the park.

Note: Follow the rules and guidelines of the park and adhere to the covid-19 safety measures.”

Fees : Free Entry Address: Wadi Hatta park – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Tel No: +971 48 522 200 Google Maps Location:

Sunbathers and seagoers can find enough to do on the Palm Jumeirah’s Palm West Beach. Prepare to have a good time with your friends and family – and your pets! – with all-day beachside entertainment, water sports, and the best Dubai skyline views on the 1.6km of promenade and beachfront. Get your daily dose of fitness by walking or running the walking and running trail, or create sandcastles against the backdrop of picture-perfect sunsets. Water sports enthusiasts will enjoy kayaking, VR diving, stand-up paddle boarding, electric hydrofoil surfing, sea bikes, catamarans, and other activities.

Here’s what J Dre thinks about their visit: “An amazingly beautiful boardwalk with gorgeous scenery. The vibe is chill, even with the start of summer season there was a welcomed breeze coming off the water. You can see the Dubai Wheel in the background (not opened yet). It would be a nice walk to the other side and pedestrian bridge over. Plenty of beach area to explore and find your perfect space. Tons of restaurants to enjoy, although most are connected to hotels. The hotels are often gated since many aren’t Oceanside but separated by the boardwalk. Don’t be afraid to walk up and enter the small gates. We opted for the Frevo the Brazilian at the Fairmont but could have easily went for Miss India, also at the Fairmont, which kept a crowd. Plenty of photo opportunities up and down the beach. Enjoy!”

Fees : Free Entry Opening Hours: Saturday – Sunday (10 AM – 12 AM) Address: West Palm Beach – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Tel No: +971 48 522 200 Website: https://www.westbeach.ae Google Maps Location:

The Palm Fountain at The Pointe sways to the beat of the music. The Palm Fountain, which covers an area of 14,000 square feet, is also Dubai’s only multicolored fountain. More than 3,000 LED lights create a dynamic visual extravaganza in which colorful water jets fly 105m into the air and dance to popular Khaleeji, pop, classic, and worldwide music. The Palm Fountain comes to life every day, with shows every 30 minutes from sunset to midnight. For the greatest views, arrive early to spend the day at The Pointe or have supper at one of the venue’s waterside restaurants.

According to one guest, Shamna K Moidutty, “Nice ambience and worthy to spend some peaceful time. Fountain show nice and different from Dubai Mall.

There is no entry fee, but for car parking 20 AED for first hour and then 10 AED each for each extra hour.”

Fees : Free Entry Opening Hours : Saturday – Sunday (6 PM – 12 AM); timings may differ during holidays Address : Frond H – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Tel No : +971 800 625 4335 Website : https://www.thepointe.ae/ Google Maps Location :

The View at The Palm offers unparalleled vistas of one of Dubai’s most talked-about attractions. The observation deck, which is 240 meters high, offers never-before-seen 360-degree views over Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and the Dubai skyline in the distance. The View at The Palm is located on level 52 of The Palm Tower, which also has a café, a creative display highlighting the island’s evolution, interactive aquarium-themed tunnels, and a gift store.

Here’s what Amin Reimoo thinks about the place: “In my opinion one of the best view of the palm. It is beautiful and definitely must visit. I would highly recommend the place especially during sunset. From beginning to the end it is a fantastic experience.

Just one suggestion to people visiting during the day. Please bring your sunglasses”

Fees : Book a ticket at 89.09 AED Opening Hours : Sunday – Saturday (10 AM to 12 AM); timings may vary during holidays Address : The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Tel No : +9718008438439 Website : https://www.theviewpalm.ae/ Google Maps Location :

With advanced technology and engaging storytelling, the Theatre of Digital Art at Madinat Jumeirah gives famous artwork a modern touch. It blends three digital art genres, including multimedia exhibitions, modern immersive installations, and virtual reality art, and spans 1,800 square meters, exhibiting digital shows of classical art accompanied by music, visual effects, and surround sound. The inaugural exhibition includes works by nine well-known artists, including Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, Wassily Kandinsky, and others.

Here’s what Veena V thinks of this place: “Had a good experience.. watched Being Van Gogh.. Theatre had a good ambience and comfortable seating with bean bags.. and the show was also splendid… the narrative was a big dragging but overall had a good time here…”

Fees : Book a ticket for 2 hours at 89.06 AED Opening Hours : Sunday – Saturday (12 AM to 11 PM); timings may vary during holidays Address : Souk Madinat Jumeirah Dubai – United Arab Emirates Tel No : +97142774044 Website : http://www.toda.ae/ Google Maps Location :

Time Out Market, a dining destination unlike any other, has brought its tempting food hall concept to our shores. The Market’s wraparound outdoor terrace, which takes pride of place at Souk Al Bahar, offers amazing views of the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain, while inside it’s teeming with local cooks serving up distinctive delicacies. Because it’s all meticulously handpicked by Time Out Dubai editors who know the city inside and out, you can expect only the greatest flavors here. The menu includes 17-star local eateries, three lounge experiences, and four new ideas available just at the Market.

According to one of their recent guests, Andy T, “What a gem right in the middle of downtown! Nicely tucked away within the souk area of Dubai Mall is Time Out Market, which has locations around the world. I haven’t had a chance to try all the food yet, but of the 4-5 places that I have been to, I have been super impressed! Local restaurants are represented here and prices are marginally more expensive given the prime location. Make sure you get here early to get a table! Note that there is a dry area and an area where you can have alcoholic drinks. Apart from having a few interesting beers on tap, their mock tails are also decent! Will be back. Cheers! ?”

Opening Hours : Monday: 12pm to 12am Tuesday: 12pm to 12am Wednesday: 12pm to 12am Thursday: 12pm to 1am Friday: 12pm to 1am Saturday: 12pm to 12am Sunday: 12pm to 12am *Concessioners close 30-min before the Market closing time. Address : Downtown, Souk Al Bahar – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Website : http://www.timeoutmarket.com/dubai Google Maps Location :

Topgolf, which has locations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, places its latest flag on the map of Dubai with a three-story entertainment zone at Emirates Golf Club. You don’t have to be a golfing enthusiast to enjoy this mega-fun complex, which has 90 temperature-controlled hitting bays, three casual eateries, wide-screen televisions, and even some retail shops to keep the whole family entertained. You can select games based on your skill level, so whether you’re a future golf champion or just getting started, you’ll find a challenge that suits you.

One of their satisfied guests, Ajo Matthew shared: “Went here as a newbie to Golf, but returned back with some basic knowledge. Eager to do it again. The staff here are very friendly. The food served here is of top quality as well. If you’re looking for some good quality time with family and friends, I’d recommend this place.”

Fees: Bays are rented by the hour (per bay, not per person), and 1-6 people can play the game in a bay. Check out their latest price list here . You can hit unlimited golf balls during your rental. Opening Hours : Sunday – Thursday (10 AM to 1 AM) Friday (9 AM – 1 AM) Saturday (9 AM – 2 AM) *Timings might differ during holidays Address : Golf Club – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Website : http://www.timeoutmarket.com/dubai Google Maps Location :

There you have it! Suppose you’re one of the many residents who’ve had a long while before going out in the UAE. In that case, with this guide on hand, we hope you can take the chance to have high-level family entertainment in the emirate (while still keeping safe always, of course).

READ NEXT: Top Family-Friendly Attractions in Dubai

Top Spots Dubai

• Set Up Menu

Must Visit New Tourist Attractions in Dubai

• Published January 30, 2023

An ever-changing city, Dubai has a whole host of new Dubai tourist attractions and best attractions in Dubai to discover, and Top Spots Dubai shares the best.

1. Terra Solis, Dubai Heritage Vision (a 35-minute drive from Downtown Dubai)

Opened: December 2022

The newly opened Terra Solis is a desert glamping retreat brought to Dubai by the team behind the music festival, Tomorrowland, and is among the top Dubai tourist attractions. The chic desert retreat features a collection of lodges and tents as well as six pool lodges for those looking for a VIP experience. Head to Terra Solis for a festival-like atmosphere with famous DJs entertaining the crowds on the weekend. There’s an expansive pool to recline by during the day before you party long into the night. Guests can enjoy shisha, a pool, music, as well as food and beverage offerings like the Mesa Mediterranean eatery.

2. Expo City

Opened: October 2022

Expo City Dubai continues the legacy of the hugely popular Expo 2020 Dubai. Expo City offers up much of the entertainment offerings that visitors enjoyed during the Expo such as the Garden in the Sky observation tower and thematic pavilions including Alif – the Mobility Pavilion and Terra – the Sustainability Pavilion. The Opportunity Pavilion has been transformed into the Expo 2020 Dubai Museum while several of the country pavilions remain open to the public including the UAE Pavilion, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion and revived Luxembourg, Pakistan and Australian pavilions amongst others.

3. Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Dubai Creek

Opened: June 2022

Situated on the historic Dubai Creek, the Dubai cultural attractions at Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is the largest in the region (home to almost 1million publications!) and is designed in the shape of a traditional Islamic lectern. Set across nine levels and over 54,000sqm, there’s a fully digitalised laboratory, publications in multiple languages, as well as compilations for children, archives, specialised collections and a cafe inside.

4. Museum of the future

Opened: February 2022

The Museum of the Future is one of the Best Museums in Dubai , a cutting-edge exhibition space located near DIFC in Dubai. With seven floors of interactive displays, it explores future possibilities for the UAE and beyond.. The exhibitions cover topics such as space travel, climate change, technology, health, and more. There’s also a special area for children, where they can learn future-proof skills. The museum also includes a viewing deck with a stunning view and offers talks with experts to learn about their visions for the future. The goal is to make the museum a hub for understanding future science and tech trends.

5. Pavilion at The Beach, JBR

Opened: December 2021

Pavilion at The Beach promises year-round dining with indoor and outdoor seating options, sea and Ain Dubai views, and a host of eateries to suit every taste. Our favourites are the Japanese-Pizza concept Akiba Dori, Italian, Eataly, and vibrant Mexican eatery, La Mezcalaria. Close by there are also several notable standalone dining concepts like international fast food favourite, Cheesecake Factory. For atmospheric dining and a beach day head to Bla Bla beach club where you can perch by the bar and sip a cocktail or relax on a sunlounger which the DJ keeps energy levels high.

6. Address Sky Views or Sky Views Observatory

Opened: November 2021

A recent addition to Dubai’s tourism attractions is Sky Views Dubai . The observatory, located on level 52 of the Address Sky View hotel, is 219.5 meters above sea level and offers a distinctive view of Downtown Dubai .

Sky Scenes Three components make up Dubai: the Glass Slide, the Observatory, and the Edge Walk, each of which provides visitors with a 360-degree panorama of downtown Dubai and its most notable landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa. After taking the amazing views-filled glass elevator to the top, tourists ascend a spiral staircase to reach the 46-meter-long glass deck. Both adults and kids can ride the exhilarating Glass Slide, which takes riders through a clear tunnel. The Edge Walk is an option for thrill enthusiasts. buckle up your harnesses and make your way around the outer ledge of the skyscraper’s highest perch.

7. Aura Skypool

Aura Skypool, situated 200 meters above the ground, boasts the title of the world’s highest floating infinity pool. With breathtaking 360-degree views of Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, JBR, Ain Dubai, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, and the sea, it’s the perfect spot for capturing Instagram-worthy photos. Dine on Asian cuisine while enjoying the stunning views from the poolside.

8. Inside Burj Al Arab

Opened: October 2021

One of the most prestigious and recognizable hotels in the world, The Burj Al Arab is renowned for its 7-star standards, opulent interior design, and first-rate culinary selections. Visitors to the Inside Burj Al Arab tour have the chance to enter a world of unsurpassed luxury during their 90-minute journey across the sail-shaped hotel. Groups of up to 12 people will be guided by one of the hotel’s butlers as they learn the hotel’s unseen tales and experience a surreal setting of modern arabesque grandeur and gold.

9. Madame Tussauds

At Madame Tussauds Dubai , you can interact with celebrities—or at least their wax replicas. Explore the seven themed rooms inside, which feature wax replicas of 60 international and 16 regional stars. Take a photo with Nancy Ajram or Kylie Jenner! The Bluewaters shopping, entertainment, and dining options are all within walking distance of Madame Tussauds, which is situated close to the Ain Dubai observation wheel.

10. The View Palm

Opened: April 2021

Dubai is a hub for business, shopping, and tourism with year-round sun. It offers activities like visiting the world’s tallest building and a desert safari. The View Palm , a new attraction opened April 2021, is a 240m high observatory deck on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower, providing stunning views of Palm Jumeirah, Bluewater Island, the Arabian Sea, and Dubai Marina skyline. Located near Nakheel Mall and accessible from St. Regis The Palm.

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30 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Dubai

Written by Jess Lee Updated Mar 21, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Jess Lee is a travel writer who has specialized and lived in the Middle East for over 15 years.

Glitzy Dubai is the United Arab Emirates' holiday hot spot. This city of high-rises and shopping malls has transformed itself from a desert outpost to a destination du-jour, where tourists flock for sales bargains, sunshine, and family fun.

Dubai is famous for contemporary sightseeing attractions such as the Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building) and shopping malls that come complete with mammoth aquariums and indoor ski slopes. But this city has many cultural highlights and things to do, as well as all the glamorous modern add-ons.

Take a wander around the Al Fahidi quarter, and you'll discover the Dubai of old, then cruise along Dubai Creek in a traditional dhow, and you'll soon realize there's more to this city than its flashy veneer.

Learn more about the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Dubai.

1. Shoot to the Top of Burj Khalifa

2. view the dubai fountain display, 3. sneak in some shopping at dubai mall, 4. visit an underwater world at dubai aquarium, 5. cool off at atlantis aquaventure waterpark, 6. head out into the desert, 7. take afternoon tea in the burj al-arab, 8. ski indoors at mall of the emirates' ski dubai, 9. explore dubai creek, 10. wander through colorful dubai miracle garden, 11. walk through history in al fahidi quarter (old dubai), 12. experience global village's culture & entertainment, 13. cruise around madinat jumeirah on an abra, 14. soak up the sun on jumeirah beach, 15. discover uae history at dubai museum, 16. snap sunset pics at dubai frame, 17. swim & sunbathe at la mer beach, 18. family time at motiongate & legoland in dubai parks, 19. tour jumeirah mosque, 20. take to the water at kite beach & umm suqeim beach, 21. stroll sheikh zayed road, 22. fuel up on thrills & spills in img worlds of adventure, 23. haggle in the souks of deira, 24. skydive over dubai's palm jumeirah, 25. enjoy world-class theater at dubai opera, 26. savor a nature break in dubai butterfly garden, 27. explore local culture in the heritage and diving village, 28. spot flamingos at ras al khor wildlife sanctuary, 29. view traditional architecture at sheikh saeed al-maktoum house, 30. browse cutting-edge art in alserkal avenue, best things to do with kids in dubai, where to stay in dubai for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to dubai, map of tourist attractions in dubai, best time to visit dubai, united arab emirates.

Highlight: The world's tallest building and Dubai's best panoramic city views

Dubai's landmark building and major tourist attraction is the Burj Khalifa , which at 829.8 meters is the tallest building in the world and the most famous of the city's points of interest.

For most visitors, a trip to the observation deck on the 124th floor here is a must-do while in the city. The views across the city skyline from this bird's-eye perspective are simply staggering.

The slick observation deck experience includes a multimedia presentation on both Dubai and the building of the Burj Khalifa (completed in 2010) before a high-speed elevator whizzes you up to the observation deck for those 360-degree views out across the skyscrapers to the desert on one side and the ocean on the other.

Nighttime visits are particularly popular with photographers due to Dubai's famous city-lights panoramas.

Buy your Burj Khalifa "At the Top" Entrance Ticket in advance to avoid long line-ups, especially if you are planning to visit on a weekend.

Highlight: A family-friendly evening entertainment spectacle

Wrapping around the Burj Khalifa are the gardens of Burj Park, with walkways dotted with modern art sculptures. Burj Park is where you come to see the Dubai Fountain display on Burj Lake.

Modeled on the famous Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, this is the world's tallest performing fountain, with water displays shooting up to 150 meters high into the air.

The 30-minute-long displays take place regularly after dark, and although the display itself is free, there are entrance charges to access the add-on experiences.

The floating platform of the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk is one of the most popular experiences for close-up views, while there are also opportunities to take an abra (traditional wooden boat) onto Burj Lake to see the fountains from the water.

Highlights: Dubai Aquarium, plenty of family activities, dining options, and brand-name shopping

Dubai Mall is the city's premier mall and one of the city's best places to visit for a day of shopping and indoor activities to keep the kids busy. It provides entry to the Burj Khalifa as well as the Dubai Aquarium.

There is also an ice-skating rink, gaming zone, and cinema complex if you're looking for more entertainment options.

The shopping and eating are endless, and there are nearly always special events such as live music and fashion shows within the mall. The most famous of these are the annual Dubai Shopping Festival in January and February and the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival in July and August.

Location: Doha Road, just off Sheikh Zayed Road

Highlights: An awe-inspiring introduction to the underwater world

One of the city's top tourist attractions, the Dubai Aquarium houses 140 species of sea life in the huge suspended tank on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall.

Although there is free viewing from the mall, the highlight of a visit here is entering the Underwater Zoo, with its three-story high, 270-degree views along the length of the glass-panel tunnels.

As well as viewing the vast amount of marine life, the Dubai Aquarium offers plenty of aquatic experiences and things to do for visitors who want a close-up encounter with some of the aquarium's inhabitants, from hand-feeding eagle rays to diving with reef and tiger sharks.

Address: Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road

Highlight: Water-based theme park fun for a day devoted to family entertainment

Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark , based at Atlantis, The Palm on the Palm Jumeirah—Dubai's famous man-made island development—is a great place to cool off after a few days of hectic shopping and sightseeing.

The waterslide action here is excellent and world-class, with the Aquaconda, the world's longest water slide; a nine-story-tall slide, aptly named the Leap of Faith; and water coaster rides.

There's also underwater safaris using Sea TREK helmets; a dedicated water play area for smaller children with slides; and for when all your energy has been used up, a 700-meter sweep of white-sand beach.

Address: Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Highlight: See the UAE's dramatic interior of sweeping dunes on Dubai's best day trip option

You don't have to travel far from Dubai's coastal skyline of skyscrapers to reach some of the UAE's desertscapes of rippling dunes.

Both the dune fields and desert of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and the orange-hued dunes of Maleha (actually in the Emirate of Sharjah ) are within day-tripping distance of the city.

Desert adventure tours can combine a range of activities, from sandboarding, camel rides, and 4WD safaris to traditional Arabian falconry displays and desert dinners under the stars. There are also options for overnight camping under the stars.

The typical tour itinerary, giving visitors a taster of desert life, is easily slotted into even a short trip to Dubai, taking around six hours door to door, with a mid-afternoon departure from the city.

The Dubai Desert 4x4 Safari offers a half-day desert adventure and includes a camel ride, sandboarding lessons, a sunset barbecue, and a belly dancing show.

For a less rushed tour experience, choose one of the companies that operate inside the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where trips can include wildlife drives to spot the reserve's free-roaming herds of gazelles and, if you're lucky, Arabian oryx.

Highlights: Treat yourself to one of Dubai's most famous dining experiences

The Burj Al-Arab is the world's tallest hotel, standing 321 meters high on its own artificial island on the Dubai coastline.

Designed to resemble a billowing dhow sail, the exterior of the building is lit up by a choreographed, colored lighting show at night.

Decadent in every way possible, the Burj Al-Arab is one of the most expensive hotels in the world, with the most luxurious suites costing more than $15,000 for one night.

For those without unlimited credit, the way to experience the over-the-top opulence is to book afternoon tea at Sahn Eddar (a minimum spend is required) in the soaring atrium lounge.

Non-guests can also book dinner at the Ristorante L'Olivo at Al-Mahara where floor-to-ceiling glass panels in the dining room walls allow you to view sea life while you eat, or you can enjoy French and Italian classics for lunch or dinner with city vistas at the Michelin starred Al Muntaha .

Address: Jumeirah Road, Dubai

Highlight: Cool off from the desert heat with some winter sports then shop till you drop in the mall

Mall of the Emirates is one of the city's most famous malls, with the spectacular (and surreal) Ski Dubai facility inside.

The indoor ski slope is complete with chairlifts and a penguin enclosure, all at a continuous temperature of -4 degrees Celsius.

There's also a cinema complex and a family entertainment center with a whole host of rides aimed at both the big and small.

The shopping opportunities are boundless, as are the eating options, offering every conceivable world cuisine.

Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

Highlight: Abra rides across the creek for city skyline views

Dubai Creek separates the city into two towns, with Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south.

The creek has been an influential element in the city's growth, first attracting settlers here to fish and pearl dive. Small villages grew up alongside the creek as far back as 4,000 years ago, while the modern era began in the 1830s when the Bani Yas tribe settled in the area.

The creek is where you come to capture city views from the water, either by taking a trip on one of the many dhows that have been restored as tourist cruise boats or by hopping on an abra (small wooden ferry) between the ferry points on the creek's Bur Dubai and Deira banks.

On the Bur Dubai side of the creek, rubbing up against the Bastakia neighborhood, the waterfront has been regenerated as the Al Seef district, with a waterfront promenade backed by traditional coral-block and limestone buildings, a floating market, and shops selling crafts. It's a great place for a stroll with excellent water views.

Farther southeast down the creek, on the Deira bank just north of Al-Maktoum Bridge, is the Dhow Wharfage. It's still used by small traders from across the Gulf who sail their dhows onward to Kuwait, Iran, Oman, India, and down to Africa's horn.

This tiny remnant of Dubai's traditional economy is a fascinating place to wander around and watch cargo being loaded and unloaded on and off the dhows.

At the southeastern end of Dubai Creek, just before the creek joins with Dubai Canal, is the newly developed Dubai Creek Harbor with a waterfront marina walkway, which offers excellent vistas of the city skyline.

Highlight: Colorful photography options amid Dubai's most creative gardens

This is the zaniest garden ever. Not content with constructing the world's largest buildings and malls, Dubai has created the world's largest flower garden. Dubai Miracle Garden spans 2,000 square meters and is home to a reputed 100 million flowers.

Everything that can be covered with flowers has been, from twee English-style cottages to windmills and trucks. There's even a flower version of the Burj Khalifa.

Stroll the walkways and enjoy the riot of color and the wacky flower displays.

Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Rd, Al Barsha

Highlight: Admire Dubai's vernacular Gulf architecture amid the lanes of the tiny old town quarter

The Al Fahidi Quarter (previously known, and sometimes still referred to as the Bastakia neighborhood) was built in the late 19th century to be the home of wealthy Persian merchants who dealt mainly in pearls and textiles and were lured to Dubai because of the tax-free trading and access to Dubai Creek.

Al Fahidi occupies the eastern portion of Bur Dubai along the creek, and the coral and limestone buildings here, many with walls topped with wind-towers, have been excellently preserved.

Wind-towers provided the homes here with an early form of air conditioning—the wind trapped in the towers was funneled down into the houses. Persian merchants likely transplanted this architectural element (common in Iranian coastal houses) from their home country to the Gulf.

Lined with distinct Arabian architecture, the narrow lanes are highly evocative of a bygone, and much slower, age in Dubai's history.

Inside the district, you'll find the Majlis Gallery , with its collection of traditional Arab ceramics and furniture (housed in a wind-tower), and the Al Serkal Cultural Foundation with a shop, café, and rotating art exhibitions (located in one of the historic buildings).

Highlight: Evening entertainment hub with a global cultural focus

From October through April, this entertainment park provides family-friendly entertainment themed around taking visitors on a journey around the world.

Global Village's 26 country pavilions, ranging from Iraq to Japan and Russia to South Korea, each offer an individual experience of that country's culture, entertainment, and heritage. It's a unique option in the city for evening entertainment for families with little ones in tow.

As well as the pavilions, there are plentiful dining and shopping options on-site. Younger members of the family will enjoy the fun-fair-style Carnaval with plenty of rides, such as bumper cars, carousels, Swiss swings, and a big wheel, along with faster rides and a roller coaster.

Address: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road, Dubai

Highlight: Scenic canal cruises on traditional abra boats for easygoing sightseeing

The development complex of Madinat Jumeirah is a dining and retail district with a couple of five-star hotels, all set along the palm-tree-fringed banks of an artificial canal network.

All of Madinat Jumeirah has been styled to mimic traditional Gulf architecture, with wind towers and mashrabiya detailing.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah here offers easygoing shopping, with a large variety of traditional craftwork and souvenirs from the Gulf and across the wider Middle East, but the main reason to head here is to hop on an abra (small wooden ferry) and cruise down the canal.

Abras leave regularly from Souk Madinat Jumeirah's promenade and loop around the waterway, providing plenty of photo opportunities of the lush gardens and traditional architecture of Madinat Jumeirah, with the tall swooping sail of the Burj Al Arab in the background.

Address: King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Dubai

Highlight: Dubai beach life summed up with everything you need at your fingertips

This long, wide strip of sandy white bliss is the number one beach destination for Dubai visitors .

Some of Dubai's most popular beach resorts are strung out all along its length, making this one of the most popular places to stay for visitors who want to make hitting the beach a major part of their Dubai stay.

The large areas of the beach have excellent facilities, with plenty of sun loungers, restaurants, lifeguards patrolling the stretches designated for swimming, and water sports operators offering jet skiing, kayak rental, parasailing, and boat rides.

This is a safe beach choice for families traveling with tots, as the turquoise water of the Gulf lapping the shore is shallow and calm.

Address: Dubai Marina, Dubai

Highlight: Delve behind the high-rise facade to discover Dubai's heritage

Dubai's excellent museum is housed in the Al-Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 to defend Dubai Creek. The fort's walls are built out of traditional coral blocks and held together with lime. The upper floor is supported by wooden poles, and the ceiling is constructed from palm fronds, mud, and plaster.

In its history, the fort has served as a residence for the ruling family, a seat of government, garrison, and prison. Restored in 1971 (and again extensively in 1995), it is now the city's premier museum.

The entrance has a fascinating exhibition of old maps of the Emirates and Dubai, showing the mammoth expansion that hit the region after the oil boom. The courtyard is home to several traditional boats and a palm-leaf house with an Emirati wind-tower. The right-hand hall features weaponry, and the left-hand hall showcases Emirati musical instruments.

Below the ground floor are display halls with exhibits and dioramas covering various aspects of traditional Emirati life (including pearl fishing and Bedouin desert life), as well as artifacts from the 3,000- to 4,000-year-old graves at Al Qusais archaeological site.

Address: Al-Fahidi Street, Al-Fahidi

Highlights: Aerial vistas of the modern cityscape below and galleries focused on Dubai's history

Sitting slap-bang between Dubai's older neighborhoods clustered around the creek and the city's modern sprawl, this ginormous 150-meter-high picture frame is one of Dubai's latest sights.

Inside Dubai Frame , a series of galleries whisk you through the city's history and explore Emirati heritage before you travel up to the Sky Deck, where there are fantastic panoramas of both old and new Dubai to be snapped on the viewing platforms.

Afterwards check out Future Dubai gallery, which imagines what a futuristic vision of the city will look like.

Address: Zabeel Park, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road

Highlight: Take a day off sightseeing and head to the white sand for a relaxed break beside the sea

Backed by a fringe of palm trees, the stretch of La Mer Beach in Jumeirah is an easygoing spot for a full day of sun and sea.

Water sports operators here offer Jet Ski trips, boating, fly-boarding, and kayaking for beachgoers who itch to get off the sand, but for those who simply want to sloth out between swimming, there's plenty of sun lounger rental and a wide variety of cafés and restaurants just a hop from the sand for snacking and full meals.

La Mer is a sheltered bay with tranquil water, so it's a safe choice for both families and less-confident swimmers. Like all of Dubai's main beaches, it is regularly patrolled by lifeguards during the day.

If the sea and sand aren't enough, at the beach's northeast point, you'll find Laguna Waterpark, with several waterslides, a lazy river, and a surf pool.

Address: Jumeirah Road, Jumeirah

Highlight: Family-centered fun is the focus at these interconnected theme parks

At Dubai Parks and Resorts , your entertainment needs are all rolled together into one location. The only problem here is choosing what you want to do.

This mammoth project incorporates a swag of world-class theme parks providing something for everyone, whatever your age.

Motiongate takes its theme from Hollywood productions, with rides based around movie blockbusters; Bollywood Parks brings the world of India's famous movie industry alive on its rides; and Legoland Dubai and Legoland Waterpark provide younger visitors with a fun-packed day out on its interactive rides, water slides, and wave pool.

The district's attached Riverland Dubai dining hub means that there's no need to leave after you've exhausted yourself with theme park pursuits, as there's plenty of evening entertainment here as well.

Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Jebel Ali

Highlight: Gain greater insights into Islam on a tour of Dubai's most famous mosque

Jumeirah Mosque is considered by many to be the most beautiful of Dubai's mosques. An exact copy of Cairo's Al-Azhar Mosque, which is eight times its size, the Jumeirah Mosque is a fine example of Islamic architecture.

This stone structure is built in the medieval Fatimid tradition, with two minarets that display the subtle details in the stonework. It is particularly attractive in the evening when lit with floodlights.

The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding (which also runs a program of tours, lectures, Arabic classes, and cultural meals) organizes guided tours of the mosque designed to try to foster a better understanding of the Muslim faith.

Tours begin at 10am daily, except Fridays.

Address: Jumeirah Road

Highlight: Learn to kitesurf on one of Dubai's best water sports beaches

Thanks to its surf and prevailing wind, the northern section of Umm Suqeim Beach is Dubai's top spot for kitesurfing.

The beach is home to an array of water sports operators offering equipment hire, as well as kitesurfing lessons, along with paddleboarding and kayak rental.

This long stretch of yellow-sand beach sweeps south along the coast (becoming Umm Suqeim Beach), with plenty of space for sunbathers looking to lap up a lazy day of swimming and soaking up the rays on the sand and excellent facilities and dining choices. There are good views of the Burj Al Arab from the southern end of the beach.

While in the Jumeirah area, it's well worth brushing off the sand for an hour to visit the Majlis Ghorfat Um Al-Sheef just a three-kilometer hop from the beach. Built in 1955, this was the summer residence of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al-Maktoum.

The residence, made out of gypsum and coral block, has been restored and maintains much of the original beautiful decor, giving you a better understanding of the opulent lifestyle of Dubai's rulers.

The Majlis Gardens feature a reproduction of an impressive Arab irrigation system, and many shady date palms.

Address: Jumeirah Road, Jumeirah, Dubai

Highlight: Take in central Dubai's skyscraper views from ground-level

Sheikh Zayed Road is the main thoroughfare running through Dubai's modern downtown business district.

This wide, eight-lane highway is rimmed with towering glass, chrome, and steel high-rises along its entire length. It's one of the best on-the-ground vantage points for Dubai's famed skyscraper views.

Main attractions are along, or just off, the strip between the roundabout and the first intersection, and most of Dubai's famous malls are located along the road's route.

The Dubai World Trade Tower has an observation deck on its top floor, which offers visitors panoramic views (a cheaper option than the Burj Khalifa), and the Gold and Diamond Park (Sheikh Zayed Road) is a one-stop shop for jewelry lovers, with 118 manufacturers and 30 retailers all under one roof.

Highlights: Adrenaline-packed rides and hours of fun for kids of all ages

The IMG Worlds of Adventure theme park, near Global Village, is immersive entertainment at its finest and has thrills and spills for both kids and big kids.

With one zone devoted entirely to Marvel's iconic characters; another to dinosaur-themed rides; and a zone where the Cartoon Network takes the helm, with gentler rides and activities for younger children, there's something here for every age.

Whether you want to help the Avengers battle Ultron, scare yourself silly in a haunted house, or join Spider-Man as he swings through the city, this is heaven for families looking for a fun-filled day out.

Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Dubai

Highlight: Shop the traditional way amid the heritage souks of Deira

Deira lies on the northern bank of Dubai Creek and the winding streets here unveil the melting pot of different nationalities that have come to call Dubai home. On the shore, ancient dhows load and unload with modern banks, hotels, and office buildings as a backdrop.

For travelers, Deira is most famous for its traditional souks (markets), which bustle with shoppers at all times of the day.

Deira Gold Souk is world-renowned as the largest gold bazaar in the world.

The Deira Spice Souk sells every imaginable spice, with stalls overflowing with bags of frankincense, cumin, paprika, saffron, sumac, and thyme, as well as the fragrant oud wood, rose water, and incense.

The fish market provides a much less touristy experience.

While in the district, culture lovers shouldn't miss two of Deira's finely restored architectural gems. Heritage House was built in 1890 as the home of a wealthy Iranian merchant and later became the home of Sheik Ahmed bin Dalmouk (a famous pearl merchant in Dubai). Today, it's a great chance to see the interior of a traditional family home.

The Al-Ahmadiya School, constructed in 1912, is the oldest school in Dubai and is now a museum of public education.

Highlight: Get the best aerial views of the city with Dubai's best thrill-seeker activity

For the ultimate sightseeing adrenaline rush while you're in the city, tandem-skydive over Dubai from Skydive Dubai's Palm Drop Zone.

There are bird's-eye views of the city's skyscraper coastline, Dubai Marina, and the artificial islands of Palm Jumeirah, all the way down the 3,900-meter-high plunge.

The entire experience takes around 90 minutes and includes the flight; an instructor you'll be harnessed to during the skydive; and a skydiving camera operator, who'll take pictures during your dive.

If you prefer desert dune scenery, Skydive Dubai also operates a separate tandem-skydiving experience in the desert, about 35 kilometers out of the city.

Skydiving in Dubai is an activity you need to book as far in advance as possible due to limited numbers and the high popularity of the experience.

Highlight: Enjoy the best of Dubai's cultural life while on your trip

For nighttime attractions, look no further. Opened in mid-2016, Dubai's classy new opera building is the centerpiece of the waterfront district in downtown Dubai and is a major cultural hub and main entertainment venue.

The Dubai Opera hosts a year-round program of famous musical theater productions, concerts by world-class musicians, opera, ballet, and classical music, as well as smaller productions, comedy nights, and concerts.

The 2,000-seat theater building itself is an astonishing piece of architectural mastery and one of Dubai's new landmarks, with its highly-contemporary glass and steel walls jutting out over the waterfront, built to resemble the curves of a traditional dhow.

Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road

Highlight: Take a nature break without leaving the city

Escape the city's skyscrapers for an afternoon at the Dubai Butterfly Garden . For a slice of nature, this vast butterfly garden, with around 15,000 butterflies flitting under the domed enclosures, can't be beaten.

It's a great chance for kids to get close-up views of butterflies as they often land on visitors' shoulders and hands.

There's a museum here, too, with plenty of information on butterfly varieties, their habitats, and life cycle.

Highlight: Explore Dubai's sea-going heritage and life along this coastline before the contemporary city

Dubai's architectural, cultural, and maritime heritage is showcased at the Heritage and Diving Village, with displays related to pearl diving and dhow building—two of old Dubai's historic economic mainstays.

There are also recreations of traditional Bedouin and coastal village life, with Persian homes, a traditional coffeehouse, and a small souk where potters and weavers practice their handicrafts at the stalls.

Local music and dance are performed from October to April, and visitors can get advice from practitioners of traditional medicine.

Location: Shindagha, Bur Dubai

Highlight: Spend an early morning spotting flamingos and other birds amid the city's wetlands

You don't have to go too far away from the skyscrapers to soak up a more natural vista. The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary incorporates the mangrove forests and wetlands of Dubai creek.

An important stop-off on the migration routes, it's a prime place to spot flamingos in winter when massive flocks of these majestic pink birds wade through the lagoons, backdropped by soaring high-rises.

Various hides in prime spots have been set up within the park to allow bird watchers good views of the birdlife.

Address: Ras Al Khor Street, Dubai

Highlight: Delve into Dubai's history amid the museums of this royal complex

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum was the Ruler of Dubai from 1921 to 1958 and grandfather to the current ruler. His former residence has been rebuilt and restored as a museum that is a fine example of Arabian architecture.

The original house was built in 1896 by Sheikh Saeed's father, so he could observe shipping activity from the balconies.

It was demolished, but the current house was rebuilt next to the original site, staying true to the original model by incorporating carved teak doors, wooden lattice screens across the windows, and gypsum ventilation screens with floral and geometric designs.

Thirty rooms are built around a central courtyard with wind-tower details on top.

Inside are the exhibits of the Dubai Museum of Historical Photographs and Documents with many wonderful old photographs of Dubai from the period between 1948 and 1953.

The marine wing of the museum has photos of fishing, pearling, and boat building. Throughout the building there are many letters, maps, coins, and stamps on display showing the development of the Emirate.

Nearby is the Crossroads of Civilizations Museum , which explores the United Arab Emirates' historic role as a trading center between Asia, Africa, and Europe long before oil became this region's most prominent industry.

Located inside the old residence of Sheikh Hashr bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, who was a member of Dubai's ruling family, the exhibits trace this coastal area's history as part of the global trade routes, with displays of artifacts and manuscripts.

Also on-site are the Rare Books and Manuscripts Museum and the small Armory Museum.

Address: Al Khaleej Road, Bur Dubai

Highlight: Explore Dubai's burgeoning contemporary art scene

Part of the old Al Quoz industrial district, Al Serkal Avenue has been regenerated to become Dubai's main arts hub and is home to some of the city's most important contemporary art galleries.

Established gallery names such as the Green Art Gallery , The Third Line and the Ayyam Gallery have made their home here, while a host of smaller gallery start-ups have also moved in.

The district's program of rotating collections focuses both on the work of major artists, as well as highlighting new Middle Eastern talent.

This emerging district is also the place to come for fashion and accessory boutiques by local designers, pop-up restaurants, and café life, and it showcases the energetic and youthful buzz of a city, which is usually more noted for its corporate face.

Address: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz Industrial District

As well as Dubai's glut of theme parks, a stay in the city can incorporate plenty more active things to do.

There are plentiful desert tours that head out beyond the skyscrapers if you want the kids to sample more natural scenery. Many of the tours include sandboarding or camel riding.

To stick to the coast, the beaches and resorts offer kayak hire, as well as a bundle of other water sports to get the kids working off some energy in the sea.

And for those who enjoy the complete oddity of having some snow-fun amid the heat, the indoor ski run at Mall of the Emirates can't be beaten.

For easy access to Dubai's top tourist attractions, the best place to stay is Downtown Dubai.

Prime attractions nearby include the landmark Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building; Dubai Mall; and the Dubai Fountain. You'll also find plenty of shops, restaurants, and art galleries in this vibrant precinct.

If you're seeking some sun, sand, and sea, Jumeira and Dubai Marina lay about 15 minutes by car from Burj Khalifa and are also popular bases for tourists.

Below are some highly rated hotels in convenient and central locations for touring the city:

Luxury Hotels:

• The Palace Downtown Dubai is a five-star resort right in the heart of Downtown Dubai, combining traditional Arabic design features with contemporary facilities, all overlooking Burj Khalifa Lake. There's a pool, spa, and restaurants on-site.
• Armani Hotel offers rooms decked out in sophisticated luxury. It's set in the Burj Khalifa, for a stay in the top address in Downtown Dubai, with a pool and spa on-site.
• Burj Al Arab is Dubai's most iconic stay, set on its own manmade island, with palatial interiors, world-class restaurants, and suite-style rooms that overlook the waters of the Gulf.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai is in a top-notch location in Downtown Dubai, neighboring the Dubai Opera. There's excellent in-house facilities, including a pool, restaurants, and gym, and the spacious, modern rooms all come with balconies.
• Manzil Downtown by Vida is a classy, contemporary boutique hotel option with a large outdoor pool area and white-on-white rooms that incorporate modern Arabesque design features into their interiors. It's in a handy, central location in Downtown Dubai.
• Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach sits on Dubai's The Walk promenade, in Jumeirah so it's a top choice for those who want a waterfront location. There's a large pool area, private beach and plenty of resort facilities. It's about a 12-minute drive to the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai from here.

Budget Hotels:

• XVA Art Hotel offers contemporary boutique-hotel style within a traditional Dubai building, right in the heart of the historic Al Fahidi (Old Dubai) district.
• Ibis Dubai Al Rigga is a great budget choice thanks to its central Deira position, close to Dubai Creek and the city's major historic tourist attractions, as well as its well-equipped, small rooms and in-house facilities, including two restaurants and a gym.
• Ibis Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel , next door to the namesake mall with Ski Dubai, is a popular option with both business and leisure travelers thanks to its modern, good-value rooms and solid facilities, including two on-site restaurants.
• See the Sights : Dubai Private Modern or Traditional Dubai Tour is one of the most convenient ways to see the city's sights. This half-day guided tour takes you to the main attractions, including Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai Museum, Deira Gold Souq, and more.
• Soar over the City: Dubai Helicopter Tour offers incredible views across the city and desert surroundings on a 15-minute or 25-minute helicopter ride. There is no better way to see the famous Palm Jumeirah or the manmade archipelago created in the shape of a world map, known as The World, than from the air.

By far, the best times to visit Dubai are the months of November, December, January, February, March, and April when the weather is, in general, at its most pleasant. This is peak tourism season, though, so prepare for hotel prices to be at their highest.

Keen shoppers after discounts galore should head here during January when the entire month is devoted to the Dubai Shopping Festival. Be aware that January is Dubai's coldest month, though, with an average high of 23 degrees Celsius and temperatures dropping as low as 14 degrees.

For the best weather, particularly if you're going to hit the beach or head out into the desert during your trip, plan to travel here during the months of November or April when the average daytime temperatures sit between 25 and 26 degrees Celsius, and only peak as high as 31 degrees.

These two months usher in plenty of blue skies and sunshine for outdoor activities, but without the scorching heat of summer. Whichever month you choose, pack a warmer layer. You will need it to counter the ferocious air conditioning of Dubai's many indoor venues.

Other Considerations When Timing Your Visit to Dubai

Before deciding on which month to visit, check out when Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting is happening. During this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sundown every day. The Islamic calendar is lunar, so the dates for Ramadan shift every year.

Ramadan in the UAE is strictly followed, and eating, drinking, chewing gum, and smoking in all public spaces is forbidden from daybreak to sunset for everyone, including non-Muslims.

Although some restaurants, mostly those based in international brand hotels and usually one designated café in a mall, will still serve food during the day (with blinds pulled down across the restaurant windows, so that those fasting don't need to see people eating) nearly all restaurants and cafés shut during daylight hours and only open up at sunset.

From sunset onwards, it's feasting time, with many hotels and restaurants putting on special Iftar (the Ramadan after sunset meal) menus, which need to be pre-booked due to high demand.

Businesses, including tourist sights and shops, are open, but keep shorter hours for the entire month.

A benefit of visiting during Ramadan is that the city is less busy than usual, as many Dubai locals decide to head on holiday during this month, and the city also receives fewer tourists.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Beyond Dubai: To dive into the UAE's other cities, check out our articles on things to do in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah . If you want to learn about the beach resorts beyond Dubai, have a look at our feature pieces on Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman .

More on United Arab Emirates

17+ TOP Dubai Sights & Tourist Attractions (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 27, 2024

Looking for the  best things to do in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates,  and feeling overwhelmed? Deciding which of the most popular Dubai attractions to visit is indeed not easy, especially if you are visiting the city for the first time and have limited time, not even to mention the budget.

From gleaming skyscrapers and modern landmarks to the desert and historic souks, Dubai has something for everyone. But it’s also a rapidly growing city with countless new tourist attractions springing up like mushrooms and choosing which places to visit and which ones to skip might look like a daunting task…

So to help you figure out where to go and what to see in Dubai, in this guide we share the  VERY BEST sights and TOP tourist attractions in Dubai that are worth your time the most . In addition, we also include a few fun experiences for those looking to experience Dubai beyond the ‘musts’.

We also created a  map of all the top places that should help you plan your Dubai sightseeing itinerary. You can find it at the bottom of this article. In addition, for every place featured in this guide, we include some practical tips that will help you make the most of your visit. Take a look!

Good to know:   We list the must-see places and experiences first, followed by some additional tips for things to do in Dubai further down the list.

If you are short on time, concentrate on the top sights indicated as ‘must-see’ first. In addition, see if you can also fit in some of the ‘highly recommended’ experiences listed further down.

But if you have more time and are looking for even more ideas for places to visit and interesting tourist attractions beyond the most popular sights, be sure to check the complete list.

TIP: If you are not sure how to plan your trip, on our blog, you can also find sample itineraries for first-time visitors: a Dubai stopover itinerary (from 6 hours to 1-2 days) and a detailed Dubai itinerary for up to one week .

Here are the main landmarks, best sights, and top tourist attractions in Dubai:

1. Burj Khalifa

If there is one place you have to see in Dubai, it’s Burj Khalifa , the tallest building in the world. This iconic skyscraper is the most visited landmark in Dubai.

While you will see Burj Khalifa from all over the city, it’s most impressive when seen from the bottom. So don’t miss that!

In addition, no trip to Dubai would be complete without ascending to the 124th and 125th floors for breathtaking views of the city skyline, coastline, and desert. For an extra price, you can also visit the SKY Level on the 148th floor.

Good to know: Standard tickets include timed-entry access to 124-125th floors. However, even with a dedicated time slot, be prepared to queue for a long time. The SKY Level 124,125, and 148th floors ticket is more expensive, but includes skip-the-line access for the security check and elevator. It also includes access to the lounge with snacks and drinks.

PRO TIP: Whatever option you choose, be sure to book your tickets online in advance or you may not be able to visit at all. If you want to catch the sunset at the top, be sure to book a time slot at least 1.5 hours before the sunset time (just beware that those time slots are also more expensive).

2. Dubai Mall

You might be wondering why in the world we list a shopping mall as one of the must-see places in Dubai… Well, the Dubai Mall is not just a shopping paradise, but a destination in itself. Plus, it’s located right at the Burj Khalifa so you’ll come here anyway.

The largest shopping mall in the world, Dubai Mall has over 1,200 shops, including high-end designer stores and flagship fashion brands. In addition, you can choose from more than 200 restaurants and food outlets. But it’s worth coming here even if you are not interested in shopping and dining.

You can’t miss the gigantic Dubai Aquarium – the centerpiece of the Mall, or you can get a ticket and visit inside. There are also huge waterfalls, a 155 million-year-old dinosaur skeleton, an Olympic-size ice skating rink, a mini-city for kids KidZania , and countless other attractions. You could literally spend several days in here and still not see it all…

TIP: If you want to visit the aquarium, opt for a combo ticket that includes Burj Khalifa + Dubai Aquarium. Otherwise, the aquarium price is really steep for what it is.

3. Dubai Fountain Show

The captivating Dubai Fountain Show can be seen on the Burj Lake right outside the Dubai Mall, at the foot of Burj Khalifa. It’s a mesmerizing water, music, and light show that takes place multiple times a day and is FREE to watch.

The world’s tallest performing fountain, it dances for a few minutes to a selection of different melodies ranging from popular hits to traditional Arabic and classical music.

Good to know: The Dubai Fountain shows run every half an hour from 6 PM to 11 PM. There is also a performance at 1.30 PM, plus at 1 PM on weekdays and 2 PM on weekends.

PRO TIP: If you are looking for something nice to do in Dubai, book a boat ride on Burj Lake during a fountain show . It takes just 30 minutes and is not expensive (definitely for Dubai standards). Everyone in our family really enjoyed it.

4. Old Dubai & Traditional Souks

Dubai has more to offer than its modern landmarks and one of the best places to experience the authentic side of Dubai is its Old Town .

Be sure to visit the historic neighborhood of Al Fahidi (formerly known as Bastakiya), cross Dubai Creek on a traditional  Abra boat , and don’t miss the best traditional markets in Dubai – the Gold Souk and Spice Souk .

To be completely honest, the Al Fahidi neighborhood is not that authentic, but has the feel of an overly nicely restored open-air museum. You can wander through a few picturesque narrow alleyways lined with wind-tower houses, art galleries, and quaint cafes. There are also several tiny museums and some traditional shops selling souvenirs to tourists.

Nevertheless, it’s the best place to catch a glimpse of old Dubai and get a better understanding of the fascinating journey of the fascinating expansion of the UAE in just a few decades. The transformation of a few tiny fishing villages in the desert to the global metropolises of the 21st century is nothing short of remarkable.

PRO TIP:  Visit the old town  with a local guide ! That way, you can be sure to see all the musts but also learn more about the history of Dubai. The tours are very affordable and some also include local food and drinks. We visited the Dubai old town and traditional markets on different occasions, most recently with this highly-rated tour and I can highly recommend it as one of the top experiences in Dubai.

5. Dubai Marina

Surrounded by towering skyscrapers and filled with luxury yachts, Dubai Marina is one of the must-see places where you can experience the glitz and glamour of Dubai.

The best way to explore the area is by taking a leisurely stroll along the promenade known as Marina Walk. It’s almost 3 kilometers long and is lined with upscale restaurants, trendy cafes, and luxury boutiques. If you don’t want to walk the entire length, focus on the area close to Marina Mall or join a guided  e-scooter tour .

For a unique perspective, hop on a luxury yacht cruise – it’s a great and very relaxing way to see some of the most impressive skylines. If you are looking for a more traditional experience, you can also opt for a dhow dinner cruise to admire the dazzling skyline illuminated against the night sky.

There is so much more to do at the Dubai Marina than just enjoy the scenery! You can go  jet skiing , parasailing , zip line across the Marina , or even dine in the sky .

6. Dubai Desert

Dubai has grown into a huge ultra-modern metropolis, but its roots are still in the desert. So no trip would be complete without seeing the Dubai desert. Even if just for the contrast and to get a better understanding of how remarkable the journey of the UAE has been.

Let me be very honest with you – the desert around Dubai is not that impressive, especially if we compare it to places like e.g. Sossusvlei in Namibia or Death Valley in the USA. However, there are many exhilarating desert safari experiences, such as dune bashing in a 4×4 , quad rides , camel riding , hot-air balloon flights , etc. and these are well worth your time.

In addition, most Dubai safari tours include a visit to a desert camp, built in a traditional Bedouin style. Here, you can indulge in Arabian BBQ dinner and taste all kinds of local food, see the national bird of the UAE – the falcon, or get a henna tattoo. In the evenings, you can also see all kinds of traditional performances such as Tanoura dance, belly dancing, or fire shows.

Good to know: There are  many desert tour options and most of them last 4 to 7 hours. The desert camp experience is similar on all evening tours, but be sure to read the tour description to choose the main activity (jeep, quad, camel, etc.) that best aligns with your interests. For example, most desert tours include a very short camel ride (for a picture), but only a few offer a longer camel ride experience.

Our experience:  We have been on two desert tours in Dubai (on different trips) and really enjoyed them both. One of them included dune bashing in a jeep and the other one – camel riding . They both included dinner and other desert camp experiences.

READ ALSO: Best Tours in Dubai

7. Dubai Museum Of The Future

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

The Museum of the Future is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai. The remarkable building is a must-see, but the museum itself is quite interesting and well worth a few hours of your time.

The museum is very interactive and showcases Dubai’s vision of the future and what it will look like some 50 years from now. They cover all kinds of topics like space travel, artificial intelligence, and robotics, but also climate change, healthcare, spirituality, etc.

PRO TIP:   Reserve tickets for the museum at least a few weeks before your trip. When we traveled, they were sold out for almost 3 weeks, not even to mention being able to pick a time slot that fits your itinerary. Also, if you can, book the first time slot in the morning so that you can enjoy the interactive exhibits before it gets too crowded.

8. Sky Views Observatory & Sky Edge Walk

Sky Views Observatory  offers a great view of Dubai’s Downtown. It’s also one of the best places to admire the iconic Burj Khalifa from a higher angle at a rather close distance.

In addition, you can also walk over a glass-bottom walkway, slide down a transparent tube at the side of the building, or – for an additional fee – do the Sky Edge Walk on an open-air platform on the 52nd floor.

Good to know:  Regular tickets are very affordable and much cheaper than the Burj Khalifa tickets. But if you are not afraid of heights and have some extra time, we highly recommend a ticket that also includes the Edge Walk – it’s one of the most unique things to do in Dubai!

9. Global Village

Global Village Dubai  is one of the most popular attractions in Dubai, popular with locals as well as international visitors. Just as the name suggests, it’s a place where you can experience a wide variety of cultures from all over the world.

With over 90 countries represented, it’s a unique opportunity to get acquainted with different countries, sample traditional foods, or purchase some interesting souvenirs. There are also cultural shows and live performances.

It’s a bit like a big country fair, but very unique because of its global character.

Good to know:  A visit to Global Village is very affordable and  entry tickets  cost just around $6. However, you’ll have to pay extra for most of the rides and attractions inside.

PRO TIP:  Avoid weekends and try to arrive around the opening time (usually around 4 pm, but during Ramadan around 6 pm). Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest.

10. Palm Jumeirah

The Palm Jumeirah  is a man-made palm-tree-shaped island in the Arabian Gulf and connected to the city via tunnels and bridges and tunnels. The Palm is home to upscale residences, luxury hotels, and beachfront resorts, including the famous Atlantis, The Palm .

There are several places of interest to see at the Palm including the best water park in Dubai, Atlantis Aquaventure and Dolphin Bay, Lost Chambers Aquarium, and several luxurious sky pool experiences.

If you just want to catch a glimpse of this remarkable feat of engineering, visit The View at The Palm Observatory . From here, you can enjoy 360° views of the city and the Arabian Gulf, including an elevated view of this unique palm island.

PRO TIP: For the best aerial views and to fully appreciate The Palm, opt for a  sightseeing helicopter tour .

11. Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab  is one of the most recognizable symbols of Dubai. The sail-shaped luxury hotel was opened in December 1999 and was the first one in a series of Dubai’s most remarkable landmarks that were built in the 21st century.

One of the world’s most luxurious and most expensive hotels, Burj Al Arab is not only impressive from the outside. Inside, you can admire its lavish interiors and find some extravagant experiences such as its world-famous gold cappuccino.

Good to know: A stay at this hotel will quickly cost you over $1,500 per night. But a tour of the interior is much more affordable. For an additional fee, you can upgrade to the luxury tour to include a visit to the 25th floor (where the Royal Suites are located) and a sip of the gold cappuccino.

12. Souk Madinat Jumeirah

NICE TO SEE

Located just near the Burj Al Arab,  Souk Madinat Jumeirah  is a bustling indoor market that combines traditional Arabian architecture and Middle Eastern charm with modern-day comforts such as air conditioning and meticulously clean facilities.

You will find an array of little shops here selling all kinds of traditional merchandise and souvenirs. There are also bakeries, cafes, and a variety of restaurants.

With small rivers, little bridges, and traditional Arabian architecture, the area feels like a charming little town. You can walk around or take a boat on the picturesque waterways offering nice views of the Burj Al Arab.

Good to know: You can easily combine a visit to the Souk with that of Burj Al Arab. Boat rides can just be booked and paid at the spot.

13. Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame  is another remarkable landmark that you have to see in Dubai. This colossal picture frame is visible from afar so you can’t really miss it. But it’s also possible to visit it inside.

The 150-meter-high observation deck has a glass-bottomed walkway and also offers panoramic 360° views of both old and new Dubai.

The views are quite nice, but not nearly comparable to those from Burj Khalifa, Sky Views, or the View at The Palm. On the other hand, the structure is absolutely unique and we personally found it worth a visit.

Good to know:  Depending on the season and time of day, it can be very busy here. Be sure to  book tickets online  and if you can, try to visit either early in the morning or in the evening.

14. Miracle Garden

Miracle Garden  is a must-see in Dubai for everyone who loves flowers, colors, and all kinds of quirky displays. From cartoon characters like the Smurfs to gigantic swans and from colorful castles to a life-size A380 Airbus plane – everything here is covered in flowers.

The world’s largest natural flower garden, Dubai Miracle Garden features over 150 million flowers. However, don’t expect a big variety of flowers here. There are not many plants that do well in such a hot and dry climate, so the majority of floral displays are created using petunias.

Good to know:  Buy skip-the-line tickets online and plan an hour or two for a visit. It’s quietest in the morning. However, many people combine a visit here to that of the nearby Global Village, and the latter only opens late in the afternoon, so keep that in mind if you want to visit both attractions on the same day.

15. Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark & Lost Chambers Aquarium

NICE TO SEE (MUST DO if visiting with kids)

Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark is the biggest water park in the world and by far the best one in Dubai. Featuring over 100 water rides and attractions from splash pools to adrenaline-rushing water slides, Aquaventure is great for all ages.

In addition, you can also meet sea lions or swim with dolphins, and enjoy all kinds of water sports. You can visit the Lost Chambers Aquarium which is located at the same place.

This is a must-do if you are visiting Dubai with kids (especially teenagers!), but it’s definitely not just for families.

PRO TIP:  Atlantis Aquaventure tickets are cheaper if booked online, and you can save a bit more if you book at least a week in advance. We recommend  a combo ticket  that includes entry to the Lost Chambers Aquarium. Here you can find more ticket options , including dolphin experiences.

LEARN MORE:  Tips & Tricks for Visiting Atlantis Aquaventure

16. AYA Universe

AYA Universe  is one of our family’s favorite places to visit in Dubai. It’s not a must-do, but it’s also a very unique experience that will leave you speechless.

A visit to AYA is like stepping into a series of different fairytale-like worlds, with colorful light displays and captivating high-tech experiences. Some of the rooms reminded us of the beautiful dreamy universe created in Avatar films .

We visited AYA Universe with our teens who are hard to impress, and they loved it. We spent much more time than expected here, wandering through different rooms and simply sitting down and enjoying the moment. It’s such a nice and positive experience. We loved it!

Good to know:  Book your  tickets online and count about 45-60 minutes for a visit. If you want to enjoy it without too many people around, we recommend booking the earliest time slot.

17. Dubai Beaches

Dubai has many beaches and since the temperatures are suitable for swimming the whole year round, you may want to plan to spend some time at the beach. By far the best way to do this is by choosing a hotel that has its own private beach or is located near one of the public beaches.

One of the nicest public beaches in Dubai is Marina Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence. There is a very nice waterfront area here with tons of cafes and restaurants and lots of hotels. Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach is one of the most popular options here.

We once stayed at Doubletree by Hilton JBR Beach nearby which has its own private beach, but we walked to this area all the time because it was so nice. We had most of our lunches and dinners at Marina Beach unless we were away sightseeing.

Jumeirah Public Beach is another beautiful Dubai beach that is well worth visiting. In addition to white sands and swimming, here you can also enjoy a view of the iconic Burj Al Arab which makes a great backdrop for your vacation pictures. Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a very nice place to stay in this area and all guests enjoy free access to the adjacent Wild Wadi Waterpark.

La Mer Beach further north and closer to the city center is also worth checking out. This area is still developing but already has a nice hip feel. We recently stayed at the Rove La Mer Beach Hotel and really enjoyed it. The location is also great for sightseeing since it’s so close to the downtown area.

More Ideas for Things to Do in Dubai

There is SO MUCH to see and do in Dubai that it’s impossible to cover all those experiences in one article (or visit in one trip). Nevertheless, I want to highlight some additional places and attractions that I think are certainly worth it.

So here are some additional recommendations for fun things to do in Dubai:

• La Perle by Dragone is the #1 show in Dubai. This is a mind-blowing acrobatic show in, on, and above water and in the air. If you enjoy Cirque de Soleil shows, you’ll love this one!
• The Green Planet   is an indoor rainforest with a wide variety of tropical plants, birds, and animals such as sloths, squirrel monkeys, etc. It’s great for families but is enjoyable for all age groups.
• Dubai Butterfly Garden is a great place to see all kinds of colorful butterflies from all over the world. It’s located just next to the earlier-mentioned Miracle Garden so you can easily visit both.
• iFly Dubai is an indoor skydiving center. If you ever wanted to try skydiving but didn’t dare, this is your chance to give it a try in a safe and controlled environment. Our kids loved this!
• Skydiving . If you rather try the real thing, there are quite a few possibilities to go skydiving in Dubai. The views are amazing!
• Skiing and snow experiences . If you want to experience winter in the desert, you can go skiing in Dubai. But that’s not it! They have other snow experiences as well such as a Giant Ball, Bobsled, Tubing Run, and Bump Car to mention a few.
• Water sports , jet skiing , parasailing , etc.
• Theme parks and water parks. There is no shortage of all kinds of theme parks in Dubai. Some of the best include IMG Worlds of Adventure and LEGOLAND Dubai (this one also has a water park). If you are looking for more water parks, check out Wild Wadi as well – it’s a lot smaller than Aquaventure if you want to avoid the big crowds.
• Day trips to the other Emirates. The most popular are day trips to Abu-Dhabi , but you can also visit Al Ain ‘Garden City’ or go on a snorkeling day trip to Fujairah .

READ ALSO: Best Abu Dhabi Day Tour from Dubai

Map of Top Dubai Attractions

To help you get a better idea of where all the main Dubai attractions are located, we created a  map  indicating all the main points of interest and top sights mentioned in this article.

This should help you plan your time in Dubai. However, please keep in mind that distances between places are big and traffic is very busy. Even with the skip-the-line tickets, you’ll often need several hours for the main attractions and can only visit a few of them per day. So plan your time well!

In addition, remember that Dubai can get scorching hot, and not just during the summer months. So dress appropriately, stay hydrated, and plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day.

TIP:  For more information and helpful tips, please also see our guide with top travel tips and things we wish we had known before visiting Dubai via the link below. It’s an essential read when planning a first trip!

READ ALSO: Dubai Travel Tips

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, this is our guide to the very best things to do in Dubai. I hope it gives you a better idea of what to expect and helps you plan an unforgettable trip.

If you are still wondering whether Dubai is worth a trip… Yes, it is! Even though it feels quite artificial and polished, it’s also a very unique destination that will impress even the biggest skeptics. It’s well worth seeing (and experiencing), at least once!

More tips for visiting Dubai:

• What to Wear in Dubai
• How Expensive is Dubai
• Public Transport in Dubai
• What It’s Like to Visit Dubai in February
• Best Things to Do in Dubai with Kids
• Best Free & Cheap Things to Do in Dubai
• 1-2 Days in Dubai
• Dubai Itinerary for up to 7 Days
• Fun read: Interesting Facts About Dubai

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

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150+ Amazing Places to Visit in Dubai in 2024

When we started this list of best places to visit in Dubai, we were aiming for 50, but it didn’t take us long before we reached 100 popular places… and the list kept going! We’ve been adding to this huge Dubai attractions list for five years now!

Here it is… your ultimate list of places to visit in Dubai – over 150 ideas!!!

We’ve tried to make it as readable as possible by breaking it into categories and keeping as much as possible to places and activities we think are interesting to tourists. Where we have more details, we’ve linked to these so we can keep this list as concise as possible and get you ready to plan your Dubai adventure .

Popular Tourist Attractions in Dubai

Theme parks & water parks in dubai, historical and cultural sites in dubai, dubai’s best indoor attractions, dubai’s best beaches and outdoor experiences, dubai’s best foodie experiences, shopping in dubai, seasonal events in dubai, only in dubai – some extreme experiences to try, dubai emirate – beyond the city, day trips from dubai.

So get your pen and paper ready…. or you can save this to Pinterest or bookmark it in your browser for later.

Worried about how you’ll fit it all in?

We have a dedicated section of our website for itineraries so you can fit in everything you want to see in the length of time you have in Dubai.

We also recommend in a number of places on this page booking your tour tickets with Get Your Guide – online ticketing agent. We have chosen GYG as our partner due to their outstanding customer-first approach and a great range of experiences on offer, most with free cancellation up to 24 hours before to maximise flexibility.

Before you dive into your Dubai trip planning, you may also want to check out:

• Essential Planning Information for your first trip to Dubai
• When is the best time to visit Dubai?
• What are the best areas to stay in Dubai?
• What should I be packing for a Dubai vacation?

So let’s jump into the ultimate list of Dubai activities and best tourist places to visit in Dubai!

We’re going to start with those Dubai attractions that almost certainly feature on everyone’s Dubai itinerary. You can click on these links to go to our more detailed guides on how to visit these top attractions in Dubai :

• The Burj Khalifa – World’s tallest building with an observation deck and dining experiences
• The Dubai Mall – the largest mall in the Middle East
• The Dubai Fountains – spectacular free nightly display on Burj Lake
• The Dubai Frame – panoramic views of old and modern Dubai
• Dubai Miracle Garden – largest flower garden by number of blooms in the world
• Ain Dubai – the world’s largest observation wheel (currently closed)
• Global Village Dubai – winter months evening fun fair highlighting 70+ different countries
• Dubai Garden Glow – art installation
• Burj Al Arab – proclaimed “7-star” luxury hotel
• The Palm Jumeirah – the largest artificial archipelago in the world!
• Dubai Marina – modern side of Dubai city with dhows and modern cruise options
• Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood – a preserved area of old Dubai (previously called Bastakiya)

Visiting Dubai’s major attractions with kids?

We suggest you head over to our tailor-made Dubai attractions list especially for families – though nearly everything on this list will work for families too!

TOP TIP If you will be in Dubai for several days and want to visit multiple popular attractions, check out the Dubai Pass of Go City Dubai to save on multi-attraction tickets.

• IMG Worlds of Adventure – entirely indoor theme park
• Wild Wadi Water Park – in Jumeirah (currently only partially open to Jumeirah hotel guests)
• Aquaventure Waterpark – now the largest water park in the world with countless water slides and extreme attractions, attached to Atlantis the Palm
• Laguna Water Park – now looks to be permanently closed as the La Mer beach area is being rebuilt
• Legoland Dubai
• Legoland Dubai Water Park
• Motiongate Dubai
• Play DXB (formerly VR Park) – Virtual Reality Park in Dubai Mall

Read More – Don’t miss our guide to Dubai’s best water parks

The best place to start is in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood . Don’t miss the highlights, including:

• Arabian Tea House – beautifully presented Emirati Cuisine
• Dubai Museum and al Fahidi Fort (entry only 3AED – currently closed for renovation s)
• Coffee Museum
• Coin Museum
• XVA Gallery, Cafe & Hotel
• Bayt Al Khanyar (Dagger) Museum (5 AED)
• Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
• Take a traditional abra ride across Dubai Creek (1AED)

Once you have crossed the river to the Deira (Al Ras) area of Dubai, it’s time to enjoy the traditional souks , including:

• Deira Gold Souk
• Perfume Souk
• Textile Souk
• Naif Souk – general market

For more cultural emerging, take a guided tour of a Dubai mosque:

• Jumeirah Mosque
• Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre
• Day trip to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi
• Al Noor Mosque in neighbouring Sharjah

Why not try a Heritage Express tour which will take you to many of these famous cultural sites with guided commentary.

(NB – Non-Muslims should not otherwise enter inside a mosque in Dubai, only as part of a cultural tour is this permitted)

Read more: A complete guide to the beautiful mosques of Dubai (and which ones tourists CAN enter)

Further museum exploration in Dubai:

• Etihad Museum (25 AED)
• Majilis Ghorfat Umm Al Sheif
• Salsali Priv ate Museum – Free
• Dubai Police Museum (Naif Museum) – Free
• Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeology Museum (20 AED)
• Museum of the Poet Aqeli
• Pearl Museum – private collection of Emirates NBD
• Al Shindaga Museum – Story of the Creek and Perfume House
• Museum of the Future

And a few others we definitely would not leave off your list:

• See a show at the Dubai Opera
• Explore the Alserkal Avenue arts & culture hub
• Drop by Dubai Design District
• Check out the program for Jameel Arts Centre and wonder the Jaddaf Sculpture Park on the up-and-coming waterfront
• See our complete guide to Dubai’s art galleries

You can find a complete guide to Dubai’s best FREE activities here

In a city where temperatures regularly sit above 40 ° C for months on end, it’s no surprise how many of Dubai’s attractions are indoors, largely attached to the mega shopping malls.

Whether you want action-packed activities or just to cool off, there are plenty of fun things to do in Dubai for an unforgettable vacation. 

Get your adrenaline pumping with a high-octane go-kart race or bounce and back-flip in a mega trampoline park — all indoors. Worth adding to your list:

• Ain Dubai – the world’s largest observation wheel, Bluewaters (still shut since early 2024 – will it ever reopen or just there for looks now?)
• Bowling Centres – we’ve rounded up the best across town, from huge bowling alleys to sports bar additions
• Deep Dive Dubai – the world’s deepest indoor swimming pool for scuba diving
• Dubai M all ice skating rink – Olympic-sized ice rink in Dubai Mall
• Kidzania – Kids Edutainment in Dubai Mall
• Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo – marine life and giant glass tank (free to observe outside), Dubai Mall
• The Green Planet – Indoor tropical biosphere in City Walk
• Ski Dubai – Skiing and snow park in Mall of the Emirates
• The Lost Chambers – Aquarium inside Atlantis the Palm
• Emirates A380 Experience – Flight Simulator in Dubai Mall
• Oli Oli Experiential Children’s Play Museum – Al Quoz
• Museum of Illusions – Al Seef Trick Eye Museum
• 3D World Dubai Selfie Museum – Sheikh Zayed Road
• Dubai Butterfly Garden – Dubailand, adjacent to Miracle Garden
• La Perle by Dragon – sensational stage show in Al Habtoor
• Madame Tussauds -famous wax works on Bluewaters
• The View at the Palm – Observation deck with panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah
• Storm Coaster – Dubai Hills Mall, a roller coaster in a shopping mall!

Beaches in Dubai

Dubai is famed for its glorious beaches (though truth be told, a lot of its man-made) it does, however, have an amazing wide, here are 8 to try open to the public.

• Sunset Beach – also known as Umm Suqeim Beach or Burj al Arab Beach
• La Mer – a trendy beachfront area of the city for foodies and beachfront, modern, fun and funky day and night (presently being demolished/completely rebuilt, expert to reopen as J1 Beach)
• The Beach & The Walk JBR – a beautiful and trendy waterfront area of the city adjacent to Jumeirah Beach Residence; it includes a splash pad area for smaller children and, offshore, the giant Aqua Fun inflatable water park
• Mamzar Park Beach – in “Old Dubai” this is a great place for combining the beach with family picnic
• Jumeirah Beach – Park and beach are all newly renovated, perfect for picnicking
• Dubai Night Beaches – look out for 3 new locations on Jumeirah Beach and Umm Suqeim designated for evening swimming with floodlights and lifesavers patrolling
• Mercato Beach – a small and lesser-known community beach opposite Mercato Mall
• Kite Beach – a popular community beach including water sports and lots of kids’ adventure activities, including a freshwater pool with an obstacle course, Aqua Adventure
• Black Palace Beach – a more rustic beach with nothing but glorious sand and none of the fancy trappings (currently closed to the public)

Read More: Our complete guide to the best public beaches in Dubai

You can also enjoy many of Dubai’s more luxurious beaches and resorts – even if you are not staying at one of the city’s luxury hotels – on a day pass. You can check out our favourite Dubai Beach C l ubs here .

Other Parks and Outdoor Attractions in Dubai

Beyond the beaches, check out these amazing green spaces in Dubai; most are free or have a very minimal municipality charge:

• Al Seef – the waterfront area that extends beyond Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and along the Creek
• IMAGINE – free light, fire & water show nightly at Dubai Festival City
• Dubai Creek Park – a large green area along the creekfront, close to DXB, small entry fee
• Mushrif Park – including outdoor ziplining park Aventura Parks , small entry fee
• Zabeel Park – is home to Dubai Garden Glow and the Dubai Frame but includes other extensive parklands in the city centre.
• Burj Park and Burj Plaza – in the heart of town Burj Park is a popular events venue surrounded by Burj Lake, and the Burj Plaza is home to the Wings of Mexico statue – ideal photo spot for the Burj (and see if you can find the hidden super slide!)
• Umm Suqeim Park – close to Sunset Beach in Jumeirah
• Al Barari Playground – a splash play and playground delight hidden in the suburbs with an entry fee
• Quranic Park – dedicated to the Holy Quran, small entry fee
• Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary – an urban wetland home to migratory birds
• Al Marooom Desert Conservation Reserve – exciting up-and-coming eco-project incapsulating about 10% of the Emirate of Dubai
• Al Qudra Lakes – a man-made lake system for wildlife, including the famous Love Lake (now part of Al Marmoom)
• Golf in Dubai – more than a dozen lush green courses wait to be played

Find our complete collection of Dubai’s best parks and gardens here

Oh wow, where do we start?!  There are literally thousands of restaurants across the city, from street food to fine dining, so rather than listing individual restaurants here, we will share top dining experiences.

You can see our complete guide to Dubai’s Foodie and nightlife scene here

• Classic Weekend Brunch   – an all-afternoon dining affair. Things have certainly diversified over the years, though, and if you are looking to mix things up, it’s possible to Brunch on a Sunday, or try a traditional Sunday Roast , or even in the evening – check out these other Brunch options.
• Afternoon Tea – Proving High Tea is not just a British speciality; there are plenty of amazing afternoon tea experiences across Dubai that mix classical plates with a modern twist.
• Boutique breakfast – so many amazing small cafes around the city. Skip the hotel buffet and try these unique breakfast spots.
• Try traditional Emirati Cuisine – so many visit Dubai without ever experiencing real Emirati.
• Walking tours of Dubai – there’s no better way for foodies to get in touch with the place they are visiting than to take to the streets. Frying Pan Adventures is widely acclaimed as one of the best, or try this tour offered by Dubai By Foot .
• Soak in a rooftop sunset – all the most beautiful rooftop venues across the city for dinner and drinks.
• Nightclubbing scene – a very active and vibrant nightclubbing scene exists across the city. Some roll from evening brunch into dancing, whilst others are strictly dance clubs catering to all sorts of musical tastes.

As well as the traditional souks we mentioned above, there are DOZENS of large shopping Malls in Dubai. Some of the largest you are likely to come across are:

• The Dubai Mall
• Mall of the Emirates
• Mirdif City Centre
• Time Square
• Dubai Festival City
• Dubai Hills

On the hunt for more souqs? As well as the traditional souqs, check out these modern souqs with a traditional twist:

• Souk Madinat Jumeirah – stunning canals and Burj Al Arab backdrop, indoor and outdoor stalls along with many restaurants
• Souk Al Bahr – adjacent to the Dubai Mall

Or traditional bargain hunters who want to explore further than just the old Souks may be interested in the likes of:

• Al Karama – one of the best places to go in Dubai for side street bargains as well as the Karama Centre and Karama Shopping Complex in Bur Dubai (aka Old Dubai)
• The Gold & Diamond Park Al Quoz – for series jewellery purchasing

Depending on when you time your trip, you may be able to join In the fun and festivities of many of these amazing events :

• Dubai Food Festival – held around Feb/March every year
• Horse Racing at Meydan Racecourse – Regular Friday meets from November to March, concluding with the Dubai World Cup held at the end of March
• Al Marmoom Heritage Festival – April (TBC this year)
• Dubai Comedy Festival – held over May
• Dubai Summer Surprises – over July & August
• Diwali in Dubai – celebrated in late October/early November
• DP Tour World Championship – European Tour Golfing event in November
• Dubai Rugby Sevens – popular sporting tournament held in early December
• National Day – enjoy celebrating the nation’s birthday alongside Emiratis and residents alike 2/3 December
• Ramadan & Eid – enjoy Suhoor & Iftar with Muslims in marking the Holy Month and the breaking of the fast (dates vary)

There are plenty of extreme experiences to enjoy in Dubai, including:

• Sky Views Dubai for the most incredible urban landscapes over Downtown Dubai, including the Sky Observatory, Sky Glass Slide and Sky Edge Walk
• Sky Dive over the Palm Jumeirah or the desert drop zone
• Xline Dubai – more for adrenaline junkies, the world’s longest urban zipline through the highrises of Dubai Marina
• Scuba Dive in the world’s deepest swimming pool, Deep Dive Dubai
• Hot Air Balloon over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
• Suit up for Diving with the sharks at the Lost Chambers
• Join a Jet Ski tour around the Palm Jumeirah
• Take a Helicopter ride over the city
• Or try a tandem paraglide in the Hatta Mountains!

More sedate but uniquely interesting:

• Attend a camel racing event at the Al Marmoom Race Course

Still within the Emirate of Dubai, there are plenty of fabulous places to visit.

The Dubai Desert

Most visitors will be curious about visiting the desert during their trip to Dubai.  There are so many different ways to experience the sand dunes and desert ecosystem, from short “ desert safaris ” in organised tour groups to camping and glamping .

One of the best things a first-time visitor to Dubai should experience is at least one trip into the desert. You can whet your appetite with:

• An evening safari and dinner under the stars in a tented Bedouin camp 
• An early morning desert experience
• Join a camel riding trek through the dunes
• A more unique way to get closer to nature is to try a desert safari with Platinum Heritage with a focus on the desert itself over the sand sports
• Explore the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve , including Al Qudra Lake and Love Lake
• 4×4 to the deserted town buried under the desert of Al Madam
• Join a night of astrology and stargazing
• Enjoy the extreme sport of Desert Dune Buggy in Dubai
• Take a sunrise hot air balloon journey over the desert with a falconry display thrown in

Read More: Our detailed guide to undertaking a Dubai desert safari

For those who might not be so keen on desert camping or seek a unique way to enjoy the Dubai desert, we can suggest:

• An ultra-luxurious private tented resort Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
• Family-friendly desert resort Bab Al Shams
• Self-camping in the Dubai Desert past Al Madam
• Visit the Camel Farm

Read More: Our complete guide to Dubai’s desert glamping experiences

Head to the Mountains!

Yes, the UAE has mountains! The Hajar Mountain range runs from the tiny Omani exclave of Musandam, pointing into the Strait of Hormuz, all the way down the tip of the Arabian Peninsula to Muscat. Most of the mountains pass through other Emirates in the UAE , but a small Dubai enclave exists called Hatta .

Sitting 90 minutes by car south of the city, in Hatta you can experience:

• The Hatta Heritage Village
• Hatta Dam (undergoing extensive works at present to bring new attractions)
• Hatta Honey Bee Discovery Centre
• Hatta Wadi Hub activity centre
• Mountain trails galore – from biking to horseback riding or simply on foot
• Stay onsite glamping at the Hatta Sedr Trailers Resort or try the newly opened Hatta Caravan Park or Hatta Dome Park

Let’s look beyond the actual Emirate of Dubai and into the other 6 Emirates of the UAE ( You can see our complete guide to all 7 Emirates of the UAE here ). 

This list is not exhaustive – there are so many incredible things to do beyond Dubai , so we have tried to narrow it down to those activities we know are achievable within 1 day and have tours/drivers that can take you.

Abu Dhabi Day Trip

If your itinerary permits the time, a day trip to the UAE capital is a must! We have a complete guide on our Abu Dhabi Travel Planner Site here . The must-see main attractions in Abu Dhabi include:

• An Abu Dhabi Cultural Tour on a personalised day trip, see The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque , Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr al Watan (the country’s new Presidential Palace) in just a day. (You can even catch a free bus that takes you to the Louvre and Qasr al Watan).
• The Falcon Hospital – a fabulous insight into the ancient and modern tradition of falconry, including up-close encounters
• Qasr al Hosn – a heritage experience built on the site of the original Hosn Fort, the oldest building in Abu Dhabi
• A drive-by of the beautiful Founders Memorial
• High tea at Observation 300 , Etihad Towers or the stunning Emirates Palace
• Take kayaks or an eco-boat into the Eastern Mangroves
• Strolling the famous Corniche beach
• Abu Dhabi theme parks – there are now 3 amazing theme parks on Yas Island , each could demand your full attention or the best part of a day, though you could arguably fit in two if you are savvy – Ferrari World (home to the World’s Fastest Roller Coaster), Warner Bros World – the world’s largest theme park and Yas Waterworld , the Middle East’s best waterpark.
• Al Ain – Abu Dhabi – the second largest city in Abu Dhabi, also known as the Oasis city is among the country’s most historic and fascinating places to visit – home to the country’s jointly listed UNESCO sites.

Dubai Day Trip to the Northern Emirates

Sitting to the northeast of Dubai Emirate, explore a further five emirates of the United Arab Emirates:

• Sharjah – the cultural capital of the UAE has no distinct border with Dubai.  It seamlessly blends with the outskirts of the Deira and the city’s eastern areas. In fact, Dubai buses spread into Sharjah, even a public ferry making it the easiest place to visit from Dubai on a day trip.
• Most focus from tourists goes into the Heart of Sharjah , the arts and culture district.  But increasingly, there is a focus outside of the main city, too, with the utterly stunning new Sharjah Mosque and Mleiha archaeological site in the desert.
• Ras al Khaimah – often thought of as the country’s adventure playground, it is home to the world’s longest zipline and the country’s tallest peak in the rugged Hajar Mountains, Jebel Jais.
• Fujairah – for even more spectacular mountain views, historic forts, and arguably the region’s oldest mosque still in use today. Also popular for its wide sandy beaches and diving opportunities .
• Musandam Peninsula – we’re totally cheating calling this one in the Emirates – because it’s actually an exclave of Oman! BUT!!! It is one of the most stunning landscapes within easy reach of Dubai, and whilst, yes, it does cross an international border, it can be done on a day trip from Dubai.

See our guide to transport around the UAE for more information on how to get to these incredible destinations.

We are sure to have missed some favourites as there’s simply so much going on in Dubai. We are constantly updating this list as new things open up. Let us know in the comments below if there’s more you think we should add.

Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai

• Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai , a handy guide on what to pack , and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
• Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai .
• Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
• Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance !!!
• Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai , or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:

Take me back to the Dubai Travel Blog

Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links . Dubai Travel Planner

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I was never aware that there can be more than 150 places to visit in Dubai; I just thought that Dubai is famous for 10 to 15 important things. This blog has changed my perspective towards Dubai, I am glad that I read this blog before I made my trip to Dubai. Otherwise I would have regretted a lot for missing these things to visit in Dubai.

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Latest List of Tourist Attractions in Dubai

Dubai, the land of awe and amazement welcomes you with open arms. As a matter of fact, none of the fun element is unattainable in Dubai. This golden desert city has some of the world’s best ski slopes, huge skyscrapers, and beautiful human-fabricated islands. This Middle-East Emirate has all the components that make it one of finest, and most attractive global holiday destinations.

The city is known for its golden sunshine, skyscrapers, and sand dunes. Situated right at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa, Dubai attracts business travellers all year long. The city offers highest living standards in the most lavish hotels. It presents all the new-age blended in authentic Arab Islamic culture.

The Creek divides Dubai into two parts. The contemporary sightseeing locations of Dubai engage the tourists in their tours. The ancient heritage attractions here are all of historic importance. Apart from the ancient attractions, Dubai Government has emphasised on launching new tourist spots in the past few years. The planning is on and people are really looking forward to the all-new attractions. 

Apart from the age-old tourist spots of Dubai, the city has recently come up with a list of new attractions for its visitors. We have made a list of 16 top picks of Dubai for you to visit on your next Dubai tour:

  Dubai Safari Park

The Dubai Safari Park is located at Al Warqa, which happens to be in the southeast of Dubai Creek. The park will be opened for visitors from January 2018. Director General of Dubai Municipality, Mr. Hussain Nasser Lootah has been keen on this project and made this possible in a short time. 

Ticket Costs of Dubai Safari Park:

Source: Photograph by wam.ae

The entrance fees of the Dubai Safari Park are Dh20 for children and Dh50 for adults for people from Africa and Asia. Other than these two continents, people visiting from other places have to bear Dh30 for children and Dh85 for adults as the entry fee. However, it is absolutely free for children below the age of three. People above the age of 60 can also enter the Safari Park for free.

The glass roof entrance of Dubai Safari Park is worth a watch. There are souvenir shops across the baffle doors. Kids would definitely like this place. The animal world of the Park surely will attract more crowds every year.

The park covers a total area of 119 hectares. There are arrangements for electronic vehicles to roam inside the park. There are toy trains for people to enjoy the safari ride with their friends and family.

The Safari Village inside the park is brilliantly created. You can see a hippopotamus right inside the water at the village as you enter it. As we keep on mentioning in all our articles, Dubai is the place for luxury and comfort. It leaves no stone unturned to give you that ultimate comfort. So, here in the Safari Village, you can roam with air-conditioned cars. This will protect you from the scorching sun heat.

The Safari Theatre is made for kids to learn about the animal world through videos. There are many restaurants and cafeteria inside the campus for the tourists to refresh themselves. 

There is a lot of variety of animals in the safari zoo. 70 baboons have been brought here for the visitors to see. There are 4 Siberian tigers that catch the most attention. One of the Siberian tigers is white in colour, whereas, the other three are of orange colour. Other than these, there are Ostriches, Nilgais, Arabian Oryx bull-elephants, meerkats and crocodiles in the safari zoo. There are separate aviary and reptile sections. 

The Waadi area is perfect for the families to sit and enjoy the nature. The greenery around you calms all your senses. 

Most animals, birds, and reptiles are bought from the Dubai Zoo in Jumeirah. There is a veterinary hospital opened with all world-class medical devices and techniques for the well-being of the zoo animals. The hospital will also work as a research centre to work on the medical advances in the treatment of these beautiful lives.

When designing the green project, Dubai Municipality ensured that Dubai Safari Park has integrated solar power for the in-house production of energy. It also has introduced water recycling and waste disposal facilities to control environmental pollution.

 Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre

Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre is a new attraction for people interested in science and astronomy. This observatory is built with a sum of Dh40 million! The centre is situated Mushrif Park in Mirdif. 

It has a space museum that features the entire universe and all solar systems. It provides knowledge on the astronomical researches going on in the country. The research scholars of Dubai on this subject put forward their thesis to present in front of the interested people. It also tells us about the previous and on-going space expeditions. The gallery inside the observatory holds pictures from around the space. Those are collected by space-expeditors in their journeys. The theatre inside the astronomical institute shows various video shows on space journeys. It tells about the stars and galaxies. The shows have definite timings. These are conducted in English and Arabic Languages. The authorities are evaluating on opening shows in other languages as well. Hopefully, we will be able to see them in near future. The lecture theatre of the centre hosts conferences on the subject for various academic institutions. This is a landmark astronomy resort of Dubai that has already gained so much popularity amongst visitors. Built in the Marmoun desert, this recently opened research house is a fascination for star and space lovers.

  Dubai Frame

The 150 meters high and 93 meters wide Dubai Frame is built for Dh160-million by Dubai Municipality. The frame gives a panoramic view of the entire Dubai city. There are two main towers of this frame. These two are connected by a bridge that is some 100-square-meter in length and 25-square-meter in breathe. The panel is made of glass and it reflects the grand view of the city. The world-famous architect Mr. Fernando Donis has designed this frame. He has previously stunned us with his designs of the Dubai’s Porsche Design Towers, and the Dubai Renaissance Tower.

There is a museum on the ground floor of this tower that depicts the evolution of Dubai as a global wealthy metropolis from a mere fishing village. Located at Zabeel Park, this tower is soon expected to gain similar popularity like the Burj Khalifa and the Burj Al Arab.

  Dubai Ferris wheel  

Astonishment at its peak! Yes, the Dubai Ferris Wheel is the world’s largest Ferris wheel and accommodates 1, 400 passengers at a time. The giant wheel of the Blue waters Island project, costing Dh6-billion is 210 meters high. The wheel is actually a part of the Jumeirah Beach Residence. The beautiful design of this wheel and technical executions are done by Meraas Holding. There are 48 capsules in the Ferris wheel that can carry 1,400 enthusiasts at a time. You can have a grand view of Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and the beautiful Palm Jumeirah from this ride.

  IMG Worlds of Adventure

IMG Worlds of Adventure is a newly built indoor amusement park that covers an area about 1.5 million square feet. The theme park is divided into four zones. They are:

•    Cartoon Network
•    Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure, and
•    IMG Boulevard

There are near about 30 restaurants inside the park campus. You will find cuisines from all over the world here. The eateries are all brilliantly decorated with specific themes. There are also many shops selling various souvenir items. This place is great for tourists who want to collect gift items for their family and friends back home.

  Dubai Parks and Resorts  

Dubai Parks and Resorts is an upscale themed park is an amazing experience for all luxury enthusiasts. Life is nothing but a grand splendour here. The monumental hotels, grand bars, dance stages and awe-inspiring celebration of the resort are an experience of a lifetime. The theme park is expected to open in October 2016. The resort opens at the River land Dubai and connects Motion gate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Park and the Lapita Hotel. This place attracts people enthusiast about grand nightlife. It provides all the fun and joy of awesome night recreation in the authentic Arabic style.

  Deira Fish Market  

The iconic Deira Fish Market has been replaced by the new Waterfront Market, located near the Hamriya Port. This market is one of the biggest suppliers of vegetables, fish, and meat in the city. It’s a two-story building with more than 150 fruit shops, 70 meat stalls, 770 kiosks and 70 spice outlets. There have been many instances when tourists personally buy meats and fishes from this market for the hotel chefs to cook for them. The fresh sea fishes are most liked by tourists visiting Dubai.

  Dubai Opera House  

Dubai Opera House is a newly opened multi-format centre for performing art. The auditorium is beautifully architecture by the very popular name in the business, the Emaar properties. It hosts performances based on song and dance. The banquet hall resembles a sailing boat, popularly called the Dhow in the UAE. It is beautifully decorated and represents true Arabian legacy. The cultural folk songs and dances are practiced here by various musical groups of the country. They hold regular seminars on development of art and culture at this venue. This is certainly one proud choice for global performers to participate in such big stage.

  Dubai Metro extension  

The Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai have recently moved the work-in-progress of the Dubai Metro Extension. There is 15-kilometre extension of the Dubai Metro sanctioned and executed that has connected seven more stations. This has also connected the Dubai World Central Airport Al Maktoum International Airport with metro railways now. The objective of such extension is to prosper the city connectivity before the Expo 2020. Three new stations that have recently started operation are the Discovery Gardens, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Dubai Investments Park.

    Dubai Water Canal  

The Dubai water canal extends from the Business Bay, passes through the Safar Park and Jumeirah, and finally falls down in the Arabian Gulf. This 3 kilometre long water canal was unveiled in the year 2013 and finally inaugurated for people to see in the year 2016. Here you can find private marinas for special road rides with your family. You can book them for you to have your exclusive time. The canal is adjacent to 4 hotels, a shopping centre, cycling pavement and over 400 restaurants serving foods from all over the world.

    City Walk Phase 2  

City Walk Phase 2 is the extension of Meeras Holdings’ retail space. This beautiful new development has planned hotels, residential accommodations and retail outlets in it. Located in Jumeirah, this residential and commercial unit hosts grand dine-out arcades for the visitors and residents. 

  Used Furniture Market  

The used furniture market is the newest attraction of Dubai for the tourists. It is opened in June, 2017 and is already a favourite place for home-makers. The market is located at Nad Al Sheba 3 on the Manama Street. Mr Khalifa Hareb, the honourable director of the municipality assets management department of the United Arab Emirates has initiated this project. The objective of this project is to locate all the scattered furniture shops of the city at one place. The administrative office of this 6 blocked market campus governs the regulations of the 120 stores in operation. 

    Palms Park  

When in Dubai, nothing can win your heart but dates! Yes, Dubai now has a brilliantly built Palms Park that offers more than 300 types of dates and 1,400 palm trees. The 10.8 hectares palm tree-shaped park located in Al Awir projects the true image of the nation’s culture. Dates from this park are sent to the Date Souqs for people to buy. The date is the symbol of the UAE’s culture and heritage. This park has over 150 varieties of date palms. There are separate counters for ethnic cooking in the park. Apart from that, you can find handicraft exhibitions and traditional dance shows. 

  Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk  

The Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk is built with a gross budget of Dh150-million. This beautifully designed waterfront attraction extends over an area of almost 11kilometres in length and 6 kilometres in width. The pavement is strictly for pedestrians. Cycling or any other vehicle is strictly prohibited. You can see a grand view of The Palm, Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline from this boardwalk.

    Marina 101 Tower  

Marina 101 Tower is recognised to be the second tallest tower of Dubai. The 426 metres high tower a Marina 101 Tower Marina 101 Tower Marina 101 Tower at the Dubai Marina. The tower hosts the Middle East’s first Hard Rock Hotel. This super tall structure has beautiful visuals on the exteriors and is visible from the Dubai airport during night.

    Nikki Beach  

Nikki Beach is the newest man-made beach in Dubai by one the global beach club. The beach at the Pearl Jumeirah covers an area over 52,000 square metres. There are many exotic restaurants and clubs on the beach. Nikki Beach has won millions of heart in Spain, Thailand, Miami, France, Italy, Greece and many more places. It’s time for it to rock the people of Dubai and its visitors.

So here we have discussed the new venues that have to be on your list for your next Dubai visit. The UAE never leaves a stone unturned to excite you. The nation believes in high luxurious lifestyle and offers the same to its visitors. The new ventures opened by Dubai government tempt people around the world to make a quick visit to the city. Visit Dubai to see the amazing new spots and enjoy to the fullest.

TravelPlanDubai welcomes you to have a grand holiday celebration at this gorgeous land. We provide private and customised touring solution at the comfort of your serenity. We plan tours for you for your corporate meet ups and conferences here in Dubai. Our tailor-made plans are for you to enjoy the city tour at your work breaks. You can get city tours at your own choice of time to fit in your business travels. We also assist in hotel bookings and travel solutions.

Write us to get customised offers for your Dubai visit. We cater travel solution to see the entire city at your desired plan. Our plans include old Dubai heritage places and these new ones. Go through our blog pages to know about the sights we cover in our trips. All the trips could be adapted as per your selection of sites and desired timeline. Contact us to get the latest season offers. Early birds would be offered special discounts on each trip.

Visit Dubai: Top 31 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in dubai: the 31 best places to visit (all highlights).

You’re planning to visit Dubai during your next trip?

Great idea!

With its impressive skyscrapers and the numerous activities you can do in Dubai , you will for sure enjoy your trip to one of the trendiest destination in the world.

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this guide of the 31 best things to do in Dubai , with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

In addition to this list of things to do and activities, I will also give you itineraries to visit Dubai in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days (or even 1 week!) as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Dubai? Where to stay?

1. The Burj Khalifa

2. the dubai mall, 3. the dubai fountain, 4. deira district and its souks, 5. bur dubai, 6. atlantis hotel / the palm jumeirah / aquaventure waterpark, 7. the palm jumeirah / the pointe / the view at the palm, 8. dubai marina, 9. the burj al-arab, 10. dubai museum / al-fahidi fort, 11. dubaï garden glow, 12. dubai frame, 13. dubai aquarium and underwater zoo, 14. the walk and the beach / jumeirah beach residence, 15. the madinat jumeirah souk, 16. mall of the emirates / ski dubai, 17. global village, 18. etihad museum, 20. dubai canal walk, 21. the financial district, 22. jumeirah mosque, 23. miracle garden, 24. dubai creek park, 25. shopping in dubai, 26. img worlds of adventure, 27. dubai parks and resorts, 28. ain dubai and more activities in dubai, 29. excursion in the desert, 30. abu dhabi, visiting dubai with your family, how many days to spend in dubai, 1 day in dubai, 2 days in dubai, 3 days in dubai, 4 days in dubai, 5 days in dubai, 1 week in dubai, where to stay in dubai, where to eat in dubai, flying to dubai: airfares, tourist map of dubai, you’re traveling to dubai these articles will help you , visit dubai: all must see attractions.

The Burj Khalifa is for sure THE place to visit in Dubai!

The tallest skyscraper in the world (828 meters) has been open to the public since 2010 and has quickly become the symbol of the city.

Every day, thousands of visitors flock to the tower and take one of the fastest lift in the world up to the viewing platforms located on the 124th and 125th floors .

From there, you can enjoy an extraordinary panorama over the whole city!

And that’s not the highest point yet!

You can even go up to the 148th floor , to reach the highest viewing platform in the world (555 m high).

You should visit the Burj Khalifa in the evening , to enjoy the view over the illuminated city from the highest observation deck in the world .

To visit the Burj Khalifa , you should really book your skip the line ticket online in advance .

This will allow you to choose your visit time slot and avoid the long waiting lines to buy your tickets.

Another important advantage is that tickets are cheaper online than directly at the counter. And that’s the same for all the activities you can do in Dubai!

There are different types of tickets available (click on the orange link for information and to book):

• Ticket At The Top Burj Khalifa – Access to 124th and 125th floors.
• Ticket VIP At The Top Sky – Access to the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa + 124 and 125 floors + quick access to the security checkpoints and elevator.
• Ticket The Lounge – Access to floor 152 + 153 + 154, the lounge bar of the Burj Khalifa
• Ascent to the 124th floor + lunch or dinner at the Burj Club restaurant.

If you plan to visit the Dubai Aquarium as well , you should choose the Burj Khalifa combined ticket (access to 124 and 125) + Aquarium. It’s much cheaper than buying the 2 tickets separately!

To visit Dubai , you can also purchase the Dubai Explorer Pass .

With this pass, you have access to 3, 4, 5 or 7 tourist attractions (depending on your choice). The following activities are offered:

• Burj Khalifa
• Excursion in the desert
• Dinner cruise in the marina
• Access to the world famous Aquaventure Waterpark of Atlantis Hotel
• Ticket for the Hop on Hop off bus.

Since all these attractions are among the best things to do in Dubai, this City Pass is really the best way to save money!

For more information about this pass and the activities included, click on the button below :

In the city center , right next to the Burj Khalifa, there is the Dubai Mall .

This huge mall is the most visited shopping center in the world!

With more than 1200 shops and hundreds of restaurants, you will for sure find something that fits your taste and your budget.

And there is more:

This shopping temple also houses indoor waterfalls, an aquarium (more about it below), an ice rink , a go-kart track , a flight simulator , cinemas , arcade games and a lot more!

The Dubai Mall is open every day from 10am until midnight . Restaurants and food court until 1am.

If you want to prepare your visit, you can have a look to the official website to see all the existing shops, restaurants and attractions.

The Burj Khalifa is only accessible via the Dubai Mall on the LG level . You will need to follow the signs “At The Top Burj Khalifa”.

To get to the Dubai Mall , simply get off at the metro station of the same name . But don’t be surprised, you will have to walk about 10 minutes (inside) to reach the mall.

You need to cover your shoulders and legs in public places in Dubai. Signs of affection like kissing or holding hands aren’t allowed.

This fountain (the largest water fountain in the world) is one of Dubai’s main tourist attractions.

The fountain show takes place several times a day on the artificial lake located at the exit of Dubai Mall, at the foot of Burj Khalifa.

You must attend it during your trip to Dubai!

The best is to go there at nightfall, when the tower is illuminated. It’s simply magical to watch the ballet of water jets dancing to music.

The show takes place every 30 minutes between 18.00 and 23.00 (there are also a few during the day).

The access is free of charge.

Quick tip: To get a great viewpoint, try to be there as early as possible, as the fountain show attracts thousands of tourists!

If you want to admire the sound and light show up close , then you should take an abra (traditional boat) on the artificial lake. You need to click here to book your tickets.

One of the best places to view the Dubai fountain show is from the terrace of the Apple store located in Dubai Mall.

Near the lake, you can also visit Souk Al Bahar , another gallery with a few shops , cafés and restaurants with terraces and fountain view . It’s worth to go have a look, even if only for its beautiful interior.

Dubai isn’t just about luxury and excess: there are still traditional and authentic neighborhoods to visit!

During your stay, you should really take a stroll through Deira district , a picturesque and popular place featuring several souks :

• The Gold Souk and its large number of shops with magnificent jewellery displays. It’s the largest of its kind in the Middle East.
• The Perfume Souk , in Sikkat Al Khail street.
• The Spice Souk and its colourful stalls to stock up on curry, saffron, cinnamon and more.

To visit the Old Dubai and Deira , the best is clearly to book a guided tour!

During this 3-hour tour , your guide will show you the souks as well as Dubai Museum , which I mention a bit further down this article.

The guide is really amazing, he will teach you everything about the culture, religion, daily life and history of Dubai.

You simply need to click on the button below to book your tour of ancient Dubai :

In Dubai, Friday is a holy day (equivalent to Sunday in Europe). Some places, such as the shops in Deira, are usually closed in the morning and do not open until late afternoon.

In the souks, don’t hesitate to negotiate prices : the prices quoted are often crazy (between 20 and 50 AED for a magnet!), but can easily be reduced to something more reasonable.

Deira is the best place to change money in Dubai . The exchange offices in this part of the city offer better rates than at the airport or in the shopping malls.

Bur Dubai is the other typical district you should definitely visit in Dubai.

This neighborhood is also one of the oldest in the city. It’s located just opposite Deira, on the other side of Dubai Creek.

To get there, you will have to take an Abra , a small traditional wooden boat (1 AED per person).

The short crossing will allow you to enjoy a beautiful view and see “Dhows”, the old ships with bright colors supplying the souks with goods.

Here are the best places to visit in Bur Dubai:

• Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House: The old house of the Al Maktoum family until 1958. You will see photos and documents about the history of the city.
• Old Souk, one of the oldest in Dubai. You can find everything there: slippers, souvenirs, fabrics, traditional lamps…
• Meena Bazaar, a market where you can buy Indian goods: fabrics, spices, jewelry.
• Hindi Lane and its Indian stalls. The best place to try traditional dishes at a reasonable price.
• Sheik Mohamed Cultural Center: Here you can have lunch with an Emirati in a traditional house. The center was opened by the Sheikh to allow tourists to learn more about United Arab Emirates (UAE) traditions. Reservation is required, click here.
• Al Seef Market , where you can admire replicas of traditional houses, with restaurants and shops.
• Dubai Museum: I will tell you more about it in section 9 of this guide.

From Bur Dubai you can also take an evening cruise in the bay of Dubai .

You have 2 options. Simply click on the links below for more information and to book:

• A cruise on a traditional boat + buffet dinner + demonstration of local folk dances
• A luxury cruise with gourmet dinner .

Let’s continue this Dubai travel guide with the very famous Atlantis The Palm Hotel. It’s clearly another landmark of the city!

Located on the the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah , this luxury hotel architecture was inspired by the myth of Atlantis.

This man made island in the shape of a palm tree (visible from space!), is mainly home to luxury villas and upscale hotels .

Even if you are not staying at Atlantis Hotel , you can access shops and restaurants in the lobby and enjoy the following attractions:

• Aquaventure Waterpark : Dubai’s most famous water park, where you can take some of the world’s best water slides and slide through a shark infested tunnel.
• Lost Chambers Aquarium and its thousands of animals: Sharks, rays, piranhas…
• Dolphin Bay, a lagoon where you can swim with the dolphins. Booking your “encounter with dolphins” automatically grants you access to the Aquaventure Waterpark on the same day. Buy your tickets here in advance to get the best price!

If you only want to visit the Aquaventure Waterpark and Lost Chambers Aquarium , you should buy this ticket in advance :

The Aquaventure Waterpark is one of the attractions that are included in the Dubai Explorer Pass.

To get to Atlantis Hotel and Aquaventure Park:

• Take the subway to DAMAAC Properties station
• Then take the tram to the Palm Jumeirah station
• Follow the signs to reach the monorail – 5 minutes on foot
• Take the monorail – 30 AED (round trip). There is a monorail every 15 minutes between 9:00 and 22:00.

If you want to stay at Atlantis The Palm Hotel during your trip to Dubai, you can check here for availability and prices.

To get a great view over the Atlantis hotel , you should go to the small beach at “The Pointe”, a shopping center with shops and restaurants on the waterfront .

The surroundings are very beautiful and the place is quiet.

The Pointe is also famous for hosting the largest musical fountain show in the world, with water jets reaching 105 meters high!

Just like the fountains of the Burj Khalifa, the sound and light show takes place every evening from 6pm. It’s really a must-see in Dubai at night!

You can get there by taxi (less than 10 minutes from Atlantis Hotel) or, when the station will be ready, with the monorail.

In Palm Jumeirah , you should also go to the brand new tourist attraction of Dubai: “The View at The Palm Observatory”. Located on the 52nd floor, a t 204 meters high , you will enjoy an extraordinary 360° panorama over the Palm Jumeirah and Dubai’s skyline!

As always in Dubai, it’s best to book your ticket for “The View at The Palm” in advance to avoid hours of waiting. You just have to click on the button below to book:

Access to The View is through level 2 of Nakheel Mall.

And if that’s not enough, on the 50th floor of The Palm, at 200 meters high , you can also swim in the world’s highest infinity pool! (It actually dethroned the famous Marina Bay Sands pool in Singapore ).

To take a dip and enjoy the sumptuous view of Dubai from the AURA Skypool , you must make a reservation on the official website .

You’re going to Dubai?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

And that’s even worse in big touristic cities like Dubai 😅.

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Tens of thousands of people will be visiting Dubai on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Dubai.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Dubai, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Dubai!

Let’s continue our visit of the city with a walk in Dubai Marina district.

There, you can take a walk on a pedestrian promenade along the waterfront and admire the yachts and buildings.

You will pass by Dubai Marina Mall , a big shopping center featuring brands stores such as Levi’s, H&M, Guess or Balmain.

A great way to discover the Marina is to opt for a cruise on a luxury yacht. A VIP moment you will never forget! Simply click here to book your VIP boat trip .

This boat tour is also included in the Dubai Explorer Pass.

During your visit to Dubai Marina, you should definitely try the Xline, the longest urban zip line in the world !

You will start 170m above the ground, from the top of a building and then fly amidst buildings and over Dubai Marina at more than 70 km/h.

I really loved it, adrenaline rush guaranteed 😁!

Of course, photos and the video of your heroic deed are included in the price: A superb souvenir of your flight among the skyscrapers in Dubai!

If you want to do something extraordinary and unique in Dubai, this is undoubtedly the right activity for you.

To book your zip line over Dubai Marina and enjoy an extraordinary experience, simply click on the button below:

If the ticket isn’t available, you can also check on this other website (click here).

The Burj al-Arab, in Dubai, is one of the few 7* hotels in the world .

Of course, staying in a luxury suite with sea view is pretty expensive ( Click here to see the rates )!

But even if this hotel isn’t for everyone’s budget, I have good news: You can enter the most luxurious hotel in the world for a few hours by reserving a lunch, a snack or dinner at the Burj al-Arab restaurant .

Here are the different options available (click on the links for more info and to book):

• Snack and tea at the SkyView Bar on the 27th floor – Enjoy the view with pastries and cakes.
• Lunch or dinner at the Al Yam ball – The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the Burj Al Arab and offers a breathtaking view over the Persian Gulf.
• Access to the SkyView Bar + 2 free drinks
• Lunch or dinner at the Al Mahara Aquarium Restaurant – Enjoy the unique experience of tasting the dishes of an award winning chef in the middle of an aquarium!

To admire the architecture of the Burj al-Arab , you can also opt for a boat tour. The tour will also pass by the other emblematic hotel of Dubai: the Atlantis The Palm Hotel .

Book your speedboat tour around the Burj al-Arab and Palm Jumeirah by clicking on the button below:

Dubai Museum is located in Bur Dubai, in Al Fahidi Fortress .

It traces the entire history of Dubai , from the first tribes who lived there through the economic boom in the 1960s, to the future plans for the coming years.

There, you will discover former fishing boats, objects from the nomads’ daily life , weapons and archaeological remains .

The museum is very interesting and allows you do get a good grasp of how the city looked like before its impressive development.

The entrance fee to the museum is 3 AED . It’s open every day except Friday morning.

You’re looking for things to do in Dubai in the evening?

Then I would recommend you to go take a walk in Dubai Garden Glow .

This park features hundreds of sculptures coming to life every evening during light shows with musical backgrounds .

It’s really impressive to see!

The entrance to the Garden Glow costs 65 AED and includes access to:

• Dinosaur Park, a park with several animated dinosaurs that move and growl. Kids will love it! It’s best to visit this park 1 hour before dusk and then go to the Garden Glow.

For another 30 AED, you will also be able to go to Magic Park , a place where you can take funny pictures, thanks to the optical illusions of the 3D decors.

There is also an ice park with a few ice sculptures, but the entrance fee (45 AED) is in my opinion a bit expensive for what it is.

Dubai Garden Glow is open every day from 4pm to 11pm.

The Dubai frame , one of Dubai’s newest tourist attractions, is already very popular!

You can go to the top of this huge 150 meters high photo frame and enjoy a panoramic view over the 2 parts of the city: Dubai Old Town on one side and Downtown Dubai (the Burj Khalifa) on the other.

To make things even more exciting, part of the floor is made of glass . You can see everything that’s happening under your feet!

Tickets for the Dubai Frame needs to be booked directly here :

The aquarium is located in Dubai Mall .

You can admire one side of the shark aquarium for free in the shopping mall and need to pay for the rest of the visit.

As the tickets are sold cheaper on the Internet than on site, you should buy your tickets in advance by clicking on the link below:

• Tickets for Dubai aquarium and the underwater zoo

And if you also plan to visit the Burj Khalifa, you can save even more money by purchasing a combined ticket:

When entering the aquarium, you will first go through a tunnel filled with sharks and other fishes. Then, you will go to the underwater zoo located on the second floor to discover different species of fishes, seahorses and jellyfishes.

The highlight of the visit is the star of the zoo: King Croc, one of the largest living crocodiles in the world with 5 meters long for 750 kg.

Where can you go to the beach in Dubai?

If you want to spend some time at the beach or have a swim, you should go to the public beach called “The Beach ” (original, right? 🤪). Here you can rent deck chairs and umbrellas for the day and enjoy the sun and nautical activities .

Along the entire promenade called “ The Walk” , you can take a stroll along the sea or enjoy the many restaurants with terraces and chic boutiques.

To reach The Walk and The Beach , take the subway to DAMAC and then the tram to Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR).

If you like to go to the beach, either for sunbathing or swimming, you can also go to one of the following beaches of Dubai:

• Sunset Beach and its breathtaking view of the Burj Al-Arab.
• Kite Beach , very popular among kite surfers.
• Black Palace Beach, located near the Al Sufouh Road and much less known.
• Al Mamzar Beach, north of the city, bordered by a large park with a playground, picnic areas, swimming pools and a skate park.

Let’s now head to another beautiful place to visit in Dubai: Madinat Jumeirah souk .

This large shopping area is especially worth a look for its traditional architecture and oriental atmosphere.

With its canals and restaurants on the waterfront, the place is quiet and really beautiful. If you feel like it, you can even go on a boat tour on an abra.

From the outdoor areas of the souk, there are several beautiful viewpoints over the Burj Al Arab.

From Madinat Jumeirah souk, you can enjoy beautiful views over the Burj Al Arab.

In Madinat Jumeirah, there are also several luxury hotels: some parts of the souk are therefore only accessible to guests.

A great wait to discover the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, is to opt for a guided tour with pickup directly at your hotel!

It lasts 5 hours and also includes a visit to the old town of Dubai and an Abra boat tour.

Book your guided visit of the Old and New Dubai by clicking here.

In addition to the Dubai Mall, the Mall of the Emirates is another shopping mall you should visit during your stay in Dubai.

This is actually where Ski Dubai , the famous indoor skiing area is located!

Yes, in Dubai, you can even enjoy a ski or snowboard ride when it’s 40 degrees outside.

You simply need to book your ticket for Ski Dubai by clicking here, all equipment and clothing is provided.

And if you don’t want to ski, you can simply enjoy shopping or try one of the dozens of restaurants.

If you are traveling to Dubai with your children , you should take them to “ Magic Planet “, an indoor amusement park with arcade games.

If you’re going to visit Dubai in winter, you will be able to discover the Global Village .

Located outside the city, the Global village features reconstructions of world-famous monuments (the Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum of Rome or the Taj Mahal) and dozens of pavilions, each dedicated to a different country : Thailand , China , Japan , United States , Egypt and a lot more!

In each pavilion you will find dozens of stands with local specialties: Food , clothes and objects.

The Global Village is pretty big, so plan at least 3 hours for your visit .

Practical information about the Global Village:

• Open only from the beginning of November to the beginning of April – Daily from 16.00 to midnight
• Entrance fee: 15 AED for a single ticket or 100 AED for the Wunderpass with 4 activities (fair, motorcycle show…)
• On Mondays, it’s open for families with children and women only
• There is a small fountain show every evening at 20h and 22h
• To get there: Take the Metro to Mall of the Emirates station and then bus 106 (20 AED round trip, 1/2 hour bus ride).

You should visit the Global Village in the evening , it’s much more beautiful and impressive when the lights are on!

Be careful for the return trip, there is only one bus per hour.

Let’s continue this list of the best things to do in Dubai with Etihad Museum, dedicated to the foundation of the United Arab Emirates .

Thanks to several films, testimonies and interactive terminals , you can discover the entire process that led to the creation of the Union Treaty and learn more about the 7 sheikhs founders of the nation.

If you’re interested in history, it’s a very good complement to the visit to Dubai Museum.

Plan about 1 hour for your visit. The entrance fee is 25 AED .

To get to the Etihad Museum, take the subway to World Trade Center station and then a taxi.

La Mer is another nice place to walk next to the sea in Dubai.

There, you can find many restaurants as well as a long promenade and several beaches . You can also rent deck chairs for 100 AED/person.

La Mer also features a water park: Laguna Waterpark, with several slides , a wave pool etc.. An excellent idea if you are visiting Dubai with your children!

Click here to get your tickets for the laguna Water Park (cheaper than on site).

The Dubai Canal Walk is, as its name suggests, a very pleasant walk alongside the canal.

The walk starts near Business Bay subway station and allows you to follow the Dubai Canal for about 3 km. You can walk on both sides of the canal, crossing by one of the 3 very beautifully designed bridges along the way.

Although the place is still under construction, it already offers a wonderful panorama over skyscrapers and the Burj Khalifa tower .

Tip: you should do this walk at night! Undoubtedly one of the best free viewpoints on Dubai’s skyline .

On the canal, you can also enjoy a diner cruise and Abra tours .

The boats pass under an artificial waterfall , whose “curtain” opens automatically to let the boats pass!

The financial district and its skyscrapers are one of the iconic places of Dubai.

The DIFC (Dubai International Financial Center) not only houses offices, but also restaurants, luxury hotels (Fairmont, Radisson), art galleries and more.

Here are the best points of interest:

• Jumeirah Emirates Tower, 2 skyscrapers over 300 meters high
• Gate Building, a 60-meter arch housing the Dubai Stock Exchange
• Gate Avenue, a new shopping center
• World Trade Center, Dubai’s first skyscrapers
• Galleries of the DIFC , with renowned art galleries.

Jumeirah Mosque is one of Dubai’s main attractions for good reason: it’s the only mosque in the city that is open to non-Muslims .

Guided tours are organized daily (except Fridays) at 10.00 and 14.00 . You should be there half an hour before to make sure you get a seat. The tour lasts about 1h15.

You will of course need to be properly dressed: Arms and legs must be covered (that applies to everyone), and women should cover their hair as well.

You can visit the inside of the mosque and learn more about the rites and the 5 pillars of Islam . Photos are allowed.

More than 150 million flowers are waiting for you at Dubai Miracle Garden !

You know it, in Dubai, when they do something, they are really pushing it it far. So you can imagine that the Miracle Garden is much more than just a garden.

During your visit, you will be able to admire impressive structures representing Disney characters and even a replica of an A380 completely covered with flowers .

The Miracle Garden is listed several times in the Guinness Book of Records, notably as the largest flower garden in the world.

The park is only open from November to May, every day from 9am until 9pm (10pm on weekends).

To get there: Take the subway to the Mall of Emirates + bus 105 (20 min. ride). The entrance ticket costs 55 AED and needs to be purchased online by clicking here!

If you prefer, you can opt for package “entrance ticket + pick up at your hotel” by clicking on the button below. This ticket also gives access to the Butterfly Garden , which includes a dozen domes with thousands of butterflies .

Combined Miracle Garden + Global Village tickets (section 16 of this article) are also available:

During your holidays in Dubai, you can also take a walk in Dubai Creek park , one of the largest parks of the city.

This huge park , located directly on the waterfront , is very popular among locals on weekends. They come here to picnic with their families, and children can play in the many playgrounds available .

The entrance fee to the park is 5 AED.

There are 2 more attractions in the park (not free):

• The Children’s City: It includes a planetarium and several areas dedicated to the universe and the mysteries of the human body.
• Dubai Dolphinarium , where you can swim with dolphins.

Can you imagine going to Dubai without doing a bit (or a lot!) of shopping during your stay?

Here are the best addresses in the city to go shopping :

• Dubai Mall, Dubai’s largest and most popular shopping center
• Mall of the Emirates and its hundreds of shops
• The Walk promenade and The Beach at JBR
• Souks of Deïra
• Old Souk and Al-Seef market in Bur Dubai
• City Walk, a pedestrian-only zone with chic and trendy shops
• Souk Madinat Jumeirah
• Outlet Village , where you can find the biggest Italian and American brands.

IMG Worlds of Adventure is the second largest indoor amusement park in the world, just behind Warner Bros Park in Abu Dhabi .

In the park, you can for example ride a roller coaster , visit a haunted house or watch a 4D movie.

It’s divided into 5 zones:

• Marvel and its attractions featuring Hulk, Thor and other heroes!
• Lost Valley , dedicated to the world of dinosaurs
• Cartoon network
• IMG-Boulevard, with its restaurants and shops
• Novo Cinemas, a cinema equipped with the latest technologies.

The park is open daily from 11 am . More information about the prices and schedules can be found on the official website.

The entrance to IMG Worlds of adventure is included in the Dubai Explorer Pass ( click here for more info )

In Dubai, you can also visit an other amusement park: Dubai Parks and Resorts .

This leisure complex includes several theme parks and a hotel :

• Motiongate Dubai and its movie-themed attractions: Hotel Transylvania, Underworld, Zombieland, Kung Fu Panda or even the Smurfs!
• Bollywood Parks Dubai and its various environments inspired by Indian films.
• Legoland Dubai , dedicated to Lego bricks! You can even see a miniature representation of Dubai made with Lego.
• Legoland Waterpark, a water park with slides and wave pools.
• Riverland Dubai, an area with shops and restaurants. Accessible free of charge even without an entrance ticket.
• Lapita Dubai Parks and Resorts : an hotel inspired by Polynesian themes. You can book your stay at Lapita by clicking here.

There are several options for 1 day, with tickets granting you access to 1 park, 2 parks or all of them.

If you plan to spend 1 day there, you should in my opinion choose the “2 parks” bundle ticket. It includes access to Motiongate (the main park) + 1 other park (choose between Bollywood and Legoland Dubai).

2 parks are easily doable in a day and it’s a great way to save money!

Book your Dubai Parks and Resorts Pass for 2 parks here:

And if you just want to go to 1 park, click on the link of your choice:

• Ticket for Motiongate Dubai
• Ticket for Bollywood parks
• Admission ticket for Legoland

You’re looking for even more activities in Dubai ?

Here they are!

Here are the best activities to enjoy in Dubai (click on the links for more information and to book):

• The Green Planet, a biodome that recreates a tropical forest with its animals and plants.
• Tandem parachuting over Palm Jumeirah – Amazing!
• Helicopter flight above the main attractions of Dubai (Atlantis, the Burj Al Arab).
• Seaplane , scenic flight over Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah.
• A Jet-ski tour , to discover the main sights of Dubai from the sea: the marina, JBR and Atlantis Hotel.
• Dinner in the Sky , 50 meters above the ground
• Flyboard, a new trendy activity
• Introduction to scuba diving
• Parasailing
• Simulated freefall in a wind tunnel
• Horse riding in Dubai National Park.

And for those who are not afraid of heights, I highly recommend you to try one of the new tourist attractions in Dubai: Ain Dubai . It’s nothing less than the biggest Ferris wheel in the world!

The cabins go up to 250 meters high , so you can enjoy a fantastic view over the whole city during 40 minutes.

Book your ticket for the Dubai Ferris wheel by clicking on the button below:

For one of your evenings in Dubai, you can also go to “La Perle by Dragone ” show!

This is the most popular show in the city: the staging, the performances of the artists, the light shows and special effects: everything is outstanding!

You should really book your tickets as early as possible as there are only 2 shows a day :

The 3 best places to visit around Dubai

Now that you know everything about the best things to do in the city, it’s time to discover the 3 best places to visit around Dubai.

You can get there with organized day trips from Dubai or by public transport.

The most popular excursion around Dubai is an excursion into the desert .

Suggested day program:

• Pick up at your hotel and drive to the desert
• Jeep tour in the dunes
• Sandboard rides
• A camel ride
• Lunch or dinner (barbecue) in a Bedouin camp, with shows and entertainment: henna skin tattoo, belly dance.

To be sure that you are booking with a serious and reliable agency , you should book your desert tour in advance by clicking on the button below.

It’s clearly the best excursion into the desert: It’s so great that they will give you a full refund if you don’t enjoy your time!

And if you prefer a bit more action, you can opt for one of the 2 following tours:

• Excursion in the desert + Quad bike tour in the dunes
• Excursion in the desert + Buggy tour in the dunes

Both of them are really awesome, so choose the one that you prefer!

The excursion into the desert is one of the attractions that are included in the Dubai Explorer Pass.

If you prefer to admire the desert from above, you can also opt for a hot air balloon tour .

This will give you the opportunity to fly over the desert for an hour and admire the sunrise over the dunes! A magical and unforgettable show , completed by a falconry demonstration .

After your flight, you will also enjoy a gourmet breakfast with smoked salmon, caviar and fresh fruit.

This hot air baloon flight needs to be booked here in advance:

Abu Dhabi is the most famous city near Dubai.

You should really visit it during your trip, as it’s only 1h30 away from Dubai by car or by bus.

If you want to rent a car, you should check all car rental agencies rates on Rentalcars.com (click here). It’s the best way to get the best price!

Here are the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi :

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: this masterpiece of architecture is the symbol of the city, you need to visit it!
• Louvre Abu Dhabi, a modern museum with works from antiquity to the 21st century. The modern architecture of the building is also worth a look.
• Fortress Qasr Al Hosn : now converted into a museum about the city’s history
• Emirates Palace, the 7* hotel in Abu Dhabi. You can visit the inside free of charge.
• La Corniche, a long seafront promenade with beaches.
• Qasr Al Watan, also called the “Presidential Palace”: a magnificent palace both inside and outside, everything is covered with gilding and mosaics.
• Yas Island , where the Warner Bros amusement park and Ferrari World are located.

In order to organize your stay in the capital of the UAE , you should read my detailed article: The 17 best things to do in Abu Dhabi

If you don’t have much time to visit Abu Dhabi, the best is clearly to opt for an organized day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai!

Depending on your interests, you can choose one of the following:

• Great Mosque + La Corniche + Emirates Palace + Ethihad Towers + Marina Mall + Qasr Al Watan – My favorite to get a good overview of the city!
• Visit the Great Mosque and the Louvre Museum from Dubai – This tour allows you to explore 2 of Abu Dhabi’s must-see attractions in one day.
• Mosque visit only (1/2 day)
• In the morning excursion to the mosque + in the afternoon excursion to Ferrari World or Warner Bros .

Near Dubai, you can also visit the City of Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The journey by car or by bus takes about 2 hours .

In Al Ain, you can visit:

• Palace of Sheikh Zayed, the first president of the UAE. Today it’s a museum.
• Camel and dromedary market , held every day except Mondays.
• The oasis, for a walk among the palm trees.
• Al Ain National Museum, dedicated to local traditions.
• Al Jahili Fort
• Jebel Hafeet mountain , which offers a magnificent view over Al Ain.

To book your trip to Al Ain, simply click on the button below:

If you’re planning to visit Dubai with your family , here is the list of the best things to do with children:

• Visit to the Burj Khalifa combined with a visit to the aquarium and underwater zoo Book your tickets here!
• Kidzania (tickets for sale here!) in the Dubai Mall
• The Aquaventure Waterpark of Atlantis Hotel
• Dubai Garden Glow and its wonderful and colorful lit sculptures
• Discover and enjoy the beaches of Dubai
• Global Village, the perfect place for a great family evening!
• Laguna Waterpark
• Miracle Garden and its millions of flowers
• Dubai Creekside Park, one of the few places where your children can enjoy a bit of nature!
• IMG Worlds of Aventure
• Dubai Parks and Resorts
• Green Planet

As you have certainly noticed when reading this travel guide, there are many places to visit in Dubai!

You should thus plan at least 3 days to discover the city.

In my opinion, a one-week stay is really ideal to have enough time to see everything, enjoy the activities and even explore the surroundings.

In order to help you plan your stay, I will now give you optimized itineraries to visit Dubai in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days or a week.

Don’t forget that you can save money with the Dubai Explorer Pass!

It includes access to 3, 4, 5 or 7 tourist attractions.

To get more information about the activities included, click here:

If you only have one day to visit Dubai, then you should focus on the 2 main parts of the city :

• Visit Deira and the souks
• Cross the bay of Dubai on an Abra (traditional boat)
• Walk in Bur Dubai district
• Shopping at Dubai Mall
• Fountain show
• Go to the top of the Burj Khalifa

To get an overview of the city in 1 day , you can also take the Hop on Hop off bus. The tickets need to be booked here!

Another option can be to hire a driver for the day: he will take care of driving you everywhere.

It’s a great alternative if you don’t want to waste time on public transport!

You can book your private tour of Dubai by clicking here.

If you only plan a 1 day stopover in Dubai , then you should book the following guided tour . It’s specially designed to allow you to explore the city in a few hours .

You will be picked up and dropped off directly at the airport!

Simply click here to book your private tour of Dubai with pick up and drop off at the airport.

If you plan to spend a 2 days in Dubai , you should follow this itinerary:

• Visit Deïra and the souks
• Cross the bay of Dubai on an Abra
• Stroll through Bur Dubai district
• Visit the Dubai Museum, dedicated to the history of the city
• Go to the top of the Dubai Frame : it offers a magnificent view over the whole city!
• Visit Dubai Garden Glow , an enchanting garden with many illuminated sculptures.
• Visit Etihad Museum to learn everything about the history of the UAE
• Pass by Jumeirah Mosque
• Discover La Mer: take a dip, have lunch on a terrace, enjoy the good weather and the warmth of Dubai!
• In the afternoon, head to the Dubai Mall , the best shopping place in Dubai!
• Visit the Aquarium and the underwater zoo
• Attend the fountain show
• Go to the top of Burj Khalifa and enjoy the magnificent panorama from the viewing platforms at night!

For more info about this itinerary, you should read my detailed guide: 2 days in Dubai

You plan to stay 3 days in Dubai?

For the 2 first days, you can follow the program I mentioned above . And for your third day in the city, you will have 2 options :

1) Spend 1 day in Palm Jumeirah to discover the Atlantis Hotel, the Lost Chambers aquarium and the Aquaventure Park (book here) . Don’t forget to go to The Pointe in the afternoon to admire the view!

In the evening, you should see La Perle , the most famous show in Dubai.

2) Explore Dubai Marina district

• Start the day with a walk along The Walk . You can also go for a swim or relax by the sea.
• Go to the Marina and head to Dubai Marina Mall
• In search of thrills? Then you should really try the amazing Dubai Zip Line , starting from the roof of a skyscraper!
• And if you prefer a more relaxing activity, you should instead opt for a cruise through the marina .
• Go to the Mall of the Emirates
• Visit the Global Village and its pavilions from all over the world
• Attend the spectacular La Perle show .

To organize your 3-day trip to Dubai, you should read my detailed article: 3 Days in Dubai.

For a 4-day stay in Dubai , you can do the 3 days itinerary I mentioned above and add an excursion into the desert for your 4th day!

4WD vehicle tour in the dunes, sandboard , camel ride , dinner in a Bedouin camp and animations: you will have a wonderful day!

You’re planning to spend 4 days in Dubai? You should thus read my detailed itinerary: How to visit Dubai in 4 days.

If you are lucky enough to travel to Dubai for 5 days , you can add for your 5th day:

1) Spend the day at an amusement park: IMG Worlds of Adventure or Dubai Parks and Resorts .

2) Visit Dubai’s points of interests you haven’t seen yet:

• Stroll through the blooming avenues of Dubai Miracle Garden
• Do some shopping or, why not, ski in the Mall of the Emirates .
• Go to the Souk Madinat Jumeirah
• Admire the view over the Burj Al Arab
• Spend the rest of the day at one of the nearby beaches.

You can have a look at my detailed 5-day itinerary by clicking here : 5 days in Dubai .

If you also want to explore the interior of Burj Al Arab , don’t forget to book your lunch , snack or dinner . It’s the only way to get inside in if you’re not staying overnight.

You’re gonna spend one week in Dubai?

Then you can add the following:

• 1 day in Abu Dhabi
• 1 day in Al Ain

And if you don’t want to leave Dubai , you can enjoy the city a bit more and do amazing activities:

• Do the Canal Walk or opt for a dinner cruise on the canal
• Discover the skyscrapers of the financial district
• Relax in Creekside Park
• You want to see the city from above? Then opt for a helicopter flight or Seaplane Tour !
• Enjoy a dinner cruise in Deira on a tradional boat.

The best way to easily plan your 7-day stay in Dubai is to read my detailed article: How to spend one week in Dubai.

There are hundreds of hotels in Dubai, and choosing the best for your stay can be a bit complicated.

In order to help you out, I have selected for you the best hotels in Dubai for each district, depending on your budget. I have also made a special list of the most beautiful luxury hotels in Dubai.

As always, to get the best prices, you should book your hotel as early as possible!

The best hotels in Downtown Dubai (near the Burj Khalifa)

• DoubleTree of Hilton Dubai – Business Bay: Located 1.5 km from Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. Very spacious and comfortable room, well decorated and equipped from 110€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: free shuttle to the Dubai Mall, good breakfast, comfort, tranquility. This my favorite hotel in Dubai for its exceptional value for money!
• Rove Downtown: Only 600 meters from the Dubai Mall. Bright and clean double room with view on Burj Khalifa, from 150€, breakfast for 15€. Strong points: Access to the Dubai Mall on foot, helpful staff, free shuttle service to the beach, Dubai Museum or Madinat Souk.
• Taj Dubai: Located 800 meters from Burj Khalifa. Modern and luxurious room with bay window overlooking the city and marble bathroom starting at 220€ per night, breakfast at 32€. Strong points: The magnificent view from the roof, the Indian decoration, the large swimming pool. An excellent hotel in Dubai city center, perfect for a romantic stay!
• Palace Downtown: Located on the lake at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, this 5-star hotel offers magnificent rooms with balcony, with an exceptional view of the Burj Khalifa. From 380€ per night, breakfast at 39€. Strong points: the exceptional location, the beautiful surroundings, the very attentive and helpful staff. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Downtown Dubai!

The best hotels in old Dubai (Deira and Bur Dubai)

• Golden Sands Hotel Apartments : Located in Bur Dubai, 1.5 km from the Dubai Museum. Apartment equipped with kitchenette and washing machine, from 80€ per night, breakfast from 11€. Strong points: Cleanliness, the heated swimming pool, the comfortable apartments
• Swissôtel Al Ghurair Dubai: Located in Deira district. Warm and spacious room from 115€, breakfast at 27€. Strong points: the pleasant staff, the view, the good breakfast. It’s my favourite in Old Dubai for its excellent value for money!
• Hyatt Regency Creek Heights Residences: Located next to Creekside Park. Very spacious, super comfortable and very well equipped rooms starting at 130€ per night, breakfast at 33€. Strong points: 5 minutes walk from the metro, the warm welcome, the quiet location, the spa.
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek : 5* hotel located in Deira bay. Double room with balcony overlooking the bay from 150€, breakfast at 29€. Strong points: The proximity of the metro and the shops, the beautiful swimming pool, the comfortable bed and the amazing view. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Old Dubai!

Dubai’s best beach hotels

• Delta Hotels by Marriott Jumeirah Beach, Dubai: Located 300 meters from the beach. Rooms and apartments with sea view from 125€, breakfast at 27€. Strong points: The view, the comfortable beds, the location near the beach and the harbor.
• Amwaj Rotana, Jumeirah Beach – Dubai: Located along “The Walk”. Rooms with balcony overlooking the Gulf and Palm Jumeirah from 175€, breakfast at 24€. Strong points: the exceptional view, the proximity of the tram and metro, restaurants and shops at the foot of the hotel.
• Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach: Located 150 meters from the beach. Contemporary room with balcony and sea view from 230€, breakfast at 22€. Strong points: the infinity pool, the very good breakfast, the spa, the ideal location to enjoy the sea.
• Grosvenor House Hotel and Apartments: Located on the port promenade. Elegant and bright double room from 290€, breakfast at 42€. Strong points: Comfort, access to the private beach, the quality of the food.

The most beautiful luxury hotels in Dubai

• Atlantis The Palm, Dubai : One of the emblematic hotels of the city, located in Palm Jumeirah. Room from 300€, breakfast from 42€. Strong points: Includes access to Aquaventure Park and The Lost Chambers aquarium, private beach, swimming pools.
• Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites – Ultra All Inclusive: Also located in Palm Jumeirah, this luxury hotel offers all inclusive rooms (all meals included) from 452€. Strong points: the quality of the meals, the setting, the amazing rooms.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai: Located directly on the beach of JBR Walk. Elegantly furnished rooms with balcony and sea view from 500€ per night, breakfast at 39€. Strong points: 6 swimming pools, a private beach, the spa, the very helpful staff.
• Armani Hotel Dubai: Located in the Burj Khalifa Tower! Rooms decorated by the fashion designer Giorgio Armani, starting at 550€ per night, breakfast at 41€. Strong points: the privilege of sleeping in the Burj Khalifa, the refinement of the place, the view.
• Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah: Located in Palm Jumeirah. Luxury suite with living room and dining room starting at 750€, breakfast included. Strong points: The private beach, the huge swimming pool and the beautiful gardens.
• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah: THE luxury hotel, one of the rare 7* hotels in the world! The “smallest” suite is 170m² and prices start at 1290€, breakfast at 74€. I can assure you that your stay in Dubai will be truly exceptional and unforgettable!

You didn’t find your dream hotel in this selection?

You should thus have a look at my article about the best hotels in Dubai by clicking on the following link: Where to stay in Dubai?

In every shopping mall or touristic place in Dubai, you will find dozens of restaurants offering cuisines from all over the world .

The hardest thing will be to choose one!

If you feel like dining on a terrace with a beautiful view , you should go to Madinat Al Jumeirah souk and eat in one of the restaurants along the canals.

La Mer or The Walk and The Beach are also great locations to enjoy a meal close to the sea.

As restaurants are quite expensive in Dubai, if you want to spend less money, you can also eat in the food courts of the shopping malls.

You will find the classic Mc Donald’s, KFC, Burger King etc.. as well as small fast foods offering Chinese or Indian cuisine for example.

The old districts of Dubai (Deira/ Bur Dubai) are also an excellent choice to enjoy “real” traditional cuisine at low prices!

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices.

To check the rates and schedules for flights to Dubai, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

To help you get a better idea of the city, I have created a tourist map of Dubai that lists all the tourist attractions I mention in this guide. You can view the legend of the map by clicking on the upper left button with a small arrow.

And you, what do you plan to do in Dubai?

Discover all my articles about Dubai : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Dubai are listed there.

• Dubai: The 30 best places to visit – All best things to do and activities!
• 2 days in Dubai – The perfect itinerary for 48h!
• 3 Days in Dubai – The best 72h itinerary
• 4 Days in Dubai – The defitinive guide to plan your trip
• 5 Days in Dubai – How to spend 5 days in Dubai
• 1 Week in Dubai – The best itinerary to visit Dubai in 7 days!
• Burj Khalifa: The definitive guide to all tickets + Tips
• Dubai Aquarium: discover one of Dubai’s must see attraction
• Dubai Mall: How to plan your visit of this huge shopping center!
• Dubai Old Town: 10 best things to do
• Dubai Fountain Show: all my tips to enjoy it to the fullest!
• Palm Jumeirah: the 15 best things to do!
• TOP Activities in Dubai – The 30 best activities and excursions to do in Dubai!
• Dubai Zipline – Price, info and reservations for the best experience in town!
• The best desert safaris in Dubai – my 7 favorites! (4WD, quad, buggy and more)
• Where to stay in Dubai? The guide to the best hotels by district, for all budgets
• Dubai Pass: The best way to save time and money in Dubai!

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

Related Stories

One week in Dubai: The best 7 days itinerary

5 Days in Dubai: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

4 Days in Dubai: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

Discussion 3 comments.

Thank you so much for making this list. It was very helpful!

Thanks Manith!

I’m glad that my article about the best things to do in Dubaï helps you to plan your trip.

Enjoy your stay in Dubaï.

Dubai is spectacular! I made a solo trip to this city and had a great time. Though I haven’t visited all the places or did all the things, the three days and four nights I spent there were fabulous.

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• Visit Dubai

99 things to do in Dubai

Experiences

Tue, September 5, 2023

If you’re looking for inspiration on your Dubai holiday, here are 99 great ideas to get you started.

Jump to section

Start by the sea, shop for superb experiences, sights and sounds to last, hit reset and relax, discover history and culture, get ready for new adventures, taste the best of the city.

The best of Dubai shore to shore

Kayaking in Hatta

Aquaventure Waterpark

Scuba diving

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Mega malls to magic souks, we've got it all

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Textile Souk

Dubai Frame

Dubai Water Canal

Balloon Adventures

Dubai Miracle Garden

Treat yourself to something new

Spa at One&Only Royal Mirage

Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve

Palm West Beach

Yoga in Dubai

Stargazing in the desert

Al Shindagha Museum

Alserkal Avenue

Al Marmoom Bedouin Experience

Dubai Creek

Hold on tight, there's more in store

Skydiving in Dubai

Aventura Parks

Dubai Autodrome

Desert experiences

Sweet surprises worth savouring

Luqaimat at Logma

folly at Madinat Jumeirah

3Fils at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour

Emirati food at Al Fanar Restaurant

Zuma at Dubai International Financial Centre

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10 New Tourist Attractions in Dubai That Will Amaze You

Dubai, a city synonymous with opulence and innovation, constantly evolves as a global tourist haven. This blog post explores the latest ‘New Tourist Attractions in Dubai’ unveiled in 2024, offering captivating experiences.

Dubai’s allure is timeless, but the excitement never ceases as it introduces fresh wonders. Let’s explore the recently surfaced treasures, each more enchanting than the one before. Brace yourself for a voyage into the unexplored—Dubai’s newest tourist attractions that promise to mesmerize.

Overview of Dubai’s Tourism Evolution

Dubai’s journey from a modest trading post to a bustling metropolis is nothing short of extraordinary. As we explore the evolution of new tourist attractions in Dubai , it’s crucial to understand the city’s dynamic transformation into a global tourism hub.

A. Overview of Dubai’s growth as a Global Tourism Hub

Over the years, Dubai has metamorphosed into a beacon of modernity, attracting millions of visitors annually. Its strategic location, coupled with visionary leadership, has propelled it into the ranks of the world’s top tourist destinations. From the historic Al Fahidi district to the futuristic cityscape, Dubai seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, creating an unparalleled travel experience.

B. Historical context leading to the emergence of new attractions

To appreciate the significance of the latest attractions in Dubai, one must delve into the city’s past. Dubai’s evolution has been marked by strategic investments in infrastructure, cultural initiatives, and a commitment to pushing boundaries. This historical foundation sets the stage for continually unveiling captivating attractions that redefine Dubai’s tourism landscape.

C. Statistics or notable achievements in Dubai’s tourism sector

Dubai’s success in attracting tourists isn’t just luck. Recent statistics underscore the city’s prowess, showcasing substantial growth in visitor numbers, hotel occupancy rates, and revenue from the tourism sector. This success proves that Dubai is committed to giving all tourists, whether they’re first-time visitors or coming back, amazing experiences.

New Tourist Attractions In Dubai

Dubai’s landscape continually evolves, and the latest attractions in Dubai unveiled in 2024 showcase the city’s commitment to pushing boundaries and offering unparalleled experiences. Let’s explore each of these ten remarkable attractions that redefine the charm of Dubai.

1. Cityland Mall

Cityland Mall

Situated at the crossroads of luxury and entertainment, Cityland Mall stands as a beacon of modern retail. The architectural marvel is a testament to Dubai’s dedication to providing visitors with an immersive shopping and leisure experience.

Also, get insights into the smart travel guide of Dubai to enhance your exploration.

Unique Features or Experiences Offered

Cityland Mall integrates nature with architecture, featuring expansive green spaces and the world’s largest indoor garden in a shopping mall. Beyond shopping, visitors can indulge in a cinematic experience or enjoy thrilling theme park rides within the confines of the mall.

Why It’s a Must-Visit for Tourists

Cityland Mall is more than a shopping destination; it’s a sensory journey that captures Dubai’s commitment to innovation, luxury, and entertainment. For those seeking an all-encompassing retail and leisure adventure, this attraction is an absolute must-visit.

Read More: Cheap Places to Travel from Dubai

2. Cloud 22

Photo by Christian Lambert on Unsplash

Elevating the Dubai experience to new heights, Cloud 22 offers a unique perspective from one of the city’s tallest structures. This attraction promises an unforgettable experience, transcending traditional observation decks.

Highlighting Distinctive Elements

Cloud 22 introduces an exclusive dining experience with panoramic views, inviting guests to savour exquisite meals amidst the clouds. Visitors can revel in uninterrupted views of Dubai’s iconic skyline, creating a visual symphony that is both breathtaking and awe-inspiring.

Any Cultural or Historical Significance

Cloud 22 not only showcases Dubai’s architectural prowess but also pays homage to the city’s vision of reaching new heights, both metaphorically and literally. It stands as a symbol of Dubai’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence.

3. Dubai Islands Beach

Dubai Islands Beach emerges as an oasis of tranquillity amid the vibrant urban landscape. With pristine shores and world-class amenities, this beachfront destination exemplifies Dubai’s commitment to providing diverse leisure options.

Connecting It to the Overall Theme of Amazement

Dubai Islands Beach is a testament to the city’s ability to seamlessly blend natural beauty with modern luxury. Its crystal-clear waters and golden sands create an idyllic setting that captivates visitors, adding a touch of amazement to the Dubai experience.

Tips or Interesting Facts About This Specific Attraction

Visitors can engage in a myriad of water sports, from jet skiing to parasailing, ensuring an action-packed day at the beach. Dubai Islands Beach transforms into a vibrant venue for evening events, adding a touch of nightlife to the coastal charm.

4. Dubai Crocodile Park

Crocodile Park

Step into the heart of Dubai’s wild side with the Dubai Crocodile Park, where nature meets thrill in a spectacle like no other. This attraction promises an encounter with one of the world’s most formidable creatures, seamlessly blending education with awe-inspiring experiences.

The Dubai Crocodile Park introduces visitors to the wonder of the animal kingdom, fostering a sense of amazement as these prehistoric predators come to life. The juxtaposition of the modern city and the raw power of these creatures creates a truly astonishing experience.

Gain insights into the world of crocodiles through informative exhibits, shedding light on their behaviour, habitats, and the conservation efforts in place. Experience the sheer power and precision of these creatures during live feeding shows, providing an up-close encounter with nature’s apex predators.

5. Dubai Mall Chinatown

Transport yourself to a cultural enclave within the bustling city at Dubai Mall Chinatown. This attraction is a celebration of the rich traditions, flavours, and colours of Chinese culture, adding a unique and enchanting dimension to Dubai’s cosmopolitan tapestry.

Dubai Mall Chinatown invites visitors to marvel at the intricate beauty of Chinese art, cuisine, and traditions. The fusion of Eastern allure with Dubai’s modernity creates an amalgamation of amazement, offering a truly global and immersive experience.

Indulge in a gastronomic journey through authentic Chinese cuisine, curated by renowned chefs, making it a haven for food enthusiasts. Experience traditional Chinese performances and festivities that bring the streets of Chinatown to life, adding vibrancy and energy to the heart of Dubai.

Tips for cost-effective travelling: Assist others with transporting their luggage to various destinations you are moving within or outside of Dubai by using the Lifti app , and earn money for your services. Use the payment you receive to visit multiple places while staying within your budget.

6. Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

Enter the realm of knowledge and architectural splendour at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library. This attraction is not just a repository of books; it is a testament to Dubai’s commitment to intellectual pursuits, innovation, and the power of ideas.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is a marvel that transcends the conventional perception of libraries. Its futuristic design and the wealth of knowledge within its walls create an atmosphere of intellectual wonder, inviting visitors to explore the boundless realms of human understanding.

Marvel at the iconic design of the library, inspired by the open book, symbolizing the city’s dedication to literacy and education. Engage in interactive exhibits and workshops, fostering a love for learning among visitors of all ages.

7. Dubai Harbour

Dubai Harbour, a maritime marvel, beckons visitors to its shores, offering an unrivalled fusion of luxury, entertainment, and nautical splendour. This attraction is a testament to Dubai’s seamless integration of modernity with its maritime heritage.

Dubai Harbour mesmerizes with its breathtaking skyline views, luxury yachts, and vibrant promenades. The juxtaposition of the tranquil harbour against the dynamic cityscape creates a sense of amazement, inviting visitors to indulge in the epitome of coastal sophistication.

Embark on a journey along the Dubai coastline with luxury yacht cruises, providing a unique perspective of the city from the sea. Experience culinary delights at waterfront restaurants, offering a gastronomic experience amidst the captivating ambience of Dubai Harbour.

8. Museum of the Future

Step into the future at the Museum of the Future, an architectural masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of conventional museums. This attraction is a captivating exploration of innovation, technology, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.

The Museum of the Future immerses visitors in a world of cutting-edge exhibits, interactive displays, and visionary ideas. It serves as a beacon of inspiration, igniting a sense of amazement by showcasing the limitless potential of human innovation.

Engage in immersive virtual reality experiences, allowing visitors to step into the forefront of technological innovation. Marvel at the stunning architecture of the museum, designed to reflect Dubai’s commitment to embracing the future while preserving its rich cultural heritage.

9. Palm Tower

Rising majestically on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, the Palm Tower stands as a symbol of luxury and sophistication. This attraction offers a lavish escape, combining panoramic views with opulent living and leisure experiences.

The Palm Tower’s opulence and architectural brilliance redefine the Dubai skyline. It creates a sense of amazement as visitors indulge in the epitome of luxury living, surrounded by the beauty of the Palm Jumeirah and the vast expanse of the Arabian Gulf.

Ascend to the observation deck for unparalleled views of Dubai’s skyline, showcasing the city’s dynamic urban landscape. Experience the pinnacle of luxury with residences that offer a harmonious blend of comfort and sophistication.

10. Hatta Wadi Hub

Escape the urban bustle and discover the natural wonders of Hatta Wadi Hub. This attraction invites adventure seekers to explore the rugged beauty of the Hajar Mountains, promising an adrenaline-fueled escape into the heart of nature.

Hatta Wadi Hub embodies the spirit of adventure, offering an amazement-inducing blend of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes. It stands as a testament to Dubai’s diverse offerings, showcasing not only urban sophistication but also the untamed beauty of its natural surroundings.

Embark on thrilling mountain biking trails, winding through the scenic Hajar Mountains and providing an exhilarating outdoor experience. Immerse yourself in the heritage of Hatta with cultural experiences, including visits to traditional villages and heritage sites.

Practical Information for Visitors

As the allure of Dubai’s new attractions beckons, it’s crucial to equip yourself with practical information to make the most of your visit. Also prepare yourself with crucial information regarding luggage reg ulations at Dubai Airport when travelling by air, ensuring a smooth and delightful exploration experience.

A. Best Times to Visit These Attractions

Dubai’s climate can be diverse, impacting the best times to visit specific attractions. Plan your trip accordingly to make the most of each experience.

Cityland Mall, Dubai Crocodile Park, and Dubai Mall Chinatown : These attractions are ideal year-round. However, consider visiting during the cooler months from November to March for a more pleasant outdoor experience.

Cloud 22 and Dubai Islands Beach: Opt for early morning or late afternoon visits to Cloud 22 to witness the stunning sunrise or sunset. Dubai Islands Beach is perfect for year-round visits, with cooler temperatures during winter.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Library and Museum of the Future : Explore these indoor attractions any time of the year, but consider visiting during summer to escape the heat.

Dubai Harbour and Palm Tower : Enjoy the breathtaking views from these attractions during the cooler months, from November to April.

Hatta Wadi Hub : For outdoor adventures at Hatta Wadi Hub, the winter months offer pleasant temperatures for activities like mountain biking and hiking.

B. Ticket Prices and Any Available Discounts

Understanding ticket prices and potential discounts ensures you make informed decisions while planning your budget. Explore cheap last-minute flights to expand your travel options on a budget.

Cityland Mall and Dubai Mall Chinatown : Entry to these areas is often free, but individual attractions within, such as theme park rides, may have separate charges.

Cloud 22, Dubai Crocodile Park, and Dubai Islands Beach : Check for combo tickets to visit multiple attractions. Discounts may be available for advance online bookings.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Library and Museum of the Future: Ticket prices vary based on the type of access and exhibitions. Look for special packages or discounts for students and seniors.

Dubai Harbour and Palm Tower : Observation deck tickets may have tiered pricing. Consider purchasing tickets online in advance for potential discounts.

Hatta Wadi Hub : Adventure packages may include various activities. Look for bundled options to save on individual activity costs.

C. Accessibility and Transportation Options

Dubai’s metro, buses, and water taxis provide affordable and convenient ways to travel between attractions. Apps like Uber and Careem offer convenient door-to-door transportation, especially for attractions not directly accessible by public transport.

For attractions like Hatta Wadi Hub, renting a car provides flexibility and convenience, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Consider water taxis or ferries to reach attractions like Dubai Harbour, enhancing your journey with scenic views.

Armed with these practical insights, your expedition to new tourist attractions in Dubai is sure to be a well-informed and memorable adventure.

In conclusion, Dubai’s 2024 attractions offer captivating experiences for intrepid travellers. From the architectural marvels of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library to the adventures at Hatta Wadi Hub, each site embodies Dubai’s commitment to innovation. As you plan your visit, include these gems in your itinerary. Let the allure of Cityland Mall, the majesty of Cloud 22, and the serenity of Dubai Islands Beach inspire your journey. Dubai, with its metropolis, cultural enclaves, and natural beauty, invites you to immerse yourself in a world of wonders. 

Explore, savour, and create lasting memories in these extraordinary locales. Make sure these destinations top your must-visit list for an extraordinary journey through Dubai’s wonders. Safe travels, adventurers. Until we meet again, beyond the horizon.

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Dubai Travel Blog

23 Best Tourist Attractions in Dubai

Dubai is one of the most visited travel destinations in the world with endless number of wonderful things to do and see for every type of traveler. If you are planning to visit Dubai, here are some of the best tourist attractions you must not miss out in your trip.

Note: We will keep this list updated as we share more adventures and stories of our experiences in the emirate. For now, let this list help you decide as you create your itinerary when exploring Dubai.

Related Post: 48 Hours in Dubai: 2-day Budget Itinerary

Top Attractions in Dubai

This list will be updated in time once we find new places to recommend and share with our readers.

• Burj Khalifa

Looking at the Dubai skyline, one of the structures that really stand out is the Burj Khalifa . This 828m high skyscraper currently holds the record for the tallest building in the world. This world-class attraction also draws in people due to the spectacular views of Dubai that can be seen from the observation decks in the 124 th and 148 th floors of this building.

BOOK AN AT THE TOP EXPERIENCE AT BURJ KHALIFA – SKIP THE LINE

Burj Khalifa, view from Burj Plaza

Located just a few minutes’ walk from the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall is a massive complex and home to a whole range of entertainment, shopping and dining experiences. Among the favorite spots in the Dubai Mall include the huge cinema complex, the ice skating rink and the gaming zone. There are also events like concerts and fashion shows that are held in the mall.

Perhaps the most notable feature of the Dubai Mall is its Aquarium and Underwater Zoo . It offers the tourists a view of how 140 species of marine creatures live underwater. Visitors may go through the aquarium tunnels in the Aquarium Zoo if they want to be conservative about their activities. If they want to go daring, cage snorkeling and shark diving are also available.

inside the Dubai Mall

• Dubai Desert Safari

Try out dune bashing, sand-boarding and camel riding in the Emirati desert through a desert safari in Dubai . Book overnight desert safari to enjoy the dancers performing while you eat a barbecue and shawarma dinner.

• Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi

If you are into museums, the Dubai Museum will be a perfect stop for you. Both the Emirati national and Dubai local governments invested heavily in preserving this fort that served as a prison, garrison and seat of government at different points in its lifetime. A few of the displays in the museum are old maps, ancient musical instruments and weaponry.

Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi neighborhood

• Bastakiya (Old Dubai)

This historic quarter in this city is a must-visit for many reasons. One, the old homes made from limestone and coral in this area are a blast from the past that evoke Dubai’s pre-economic boom background. It also has wind towers that once served as some form of air conditioning for homes. There are now lots of stores and shops in Bastakiya where you can purchase traditional and contemporary products.

Photowalk: Exploring Al Bastakiya

• Jumeirah Mosque

Considered by a lot of tourists as the most beautiful mosque in Dubai, the Jumeirah Mosque is a prime specimen of the best of Islamic architecture. Bearing some similarities with the Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo, it successfully marries traditional design with modern sensibilities through the tours, classes and cultural meals offered inside.

• Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina

Want to experience a classy end to your day? The dhow cruise Dubai Marina offers a luxurious dinner experience and a wonderful evening for you. The highly decorated dhow cruise will always have a festive and entertaining environment for the guests. You can enjoy delectable food on board and enjoy traditional Middle Eastern music. The view of the Dubai skyline from the dhow cruise ship too is simply stunning.

tanoura dancer inside a dhow cruise in Marina

The Deira, located in the northern bank of the Dubai Creek, is where visitors will be able to find souks or traditional markets. Arguably the most popular of these souks is the Deira Gold Souk, which is known for being the world’s largest gold bazaar. You may also go to the Deira Spice Souk to purchase almost every available spice imaginable.

riding an abra in Deira Creek

Gold Souk display in Deira

Spice Market

• Sheikh Zayed Road

This eight-lane road runs through this urban metropolis and gives access to the best destinations within the city limits. Among the attractions that line up on its sides include the Gold and Diamond Park and the Dubai World Trade Tower.

Sheikh Zayed Road as viewed from Level 43 Sky Lounge

• Heritage and Diving Village

Before the explosion of the oil and petroleum industry in Dubai in the late 1970s, Dubai was just a quaint fisherfolk community. The Heritage and Diving Village represents years of efforts to make sure that the maritime, architectural and cultural history of Dubai is not forgotten. Two of the popular display themes are those of industries associated with pre-metropolitan Dubai like dhow building and pearl diving.

• Burj Al Arab

Popularly known as the world’s only seven-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab offers luxury accommodation like no other. Located on a dedicated artificial island on the coastline, the hotel has a recognizable sail-like structure that has become one of the symbols of Dubai’s economic success. Inside the Burj Al Arab, people can enjoy the Al-Mahara underwater restaurant or the Skyview Bar at the 27 th floor.

Burj Al Arab as viewed from a seaplane

Related Post: 42 Aerial Photos of Dubai

• Jumeirah Beach

The Jumeirah Beach is the recipient of a lot of the praise thrown the way of Dubai due to the variety of activities that can be done there like picnics, water sports and sun bathing. Visitors also do not have to pay a big amount of money as it is publicly owned.

• Mall of the Emirates

The Mall of the Emirates is perhaps the Dubai Mall’s biggest competition for the city’s most popular mall. What makes the first mall unique is the Ski Dubai facility inside, where people can view penguins and do skating. It also has its own set of entertainment, shopping and dining options.

MOE – Mall of the Emirates

• Dubai Theme Parks and Waterparks

Not long ago, Dubai suddenly became host to various new theme parks such as Legoland Dubai, Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks, IMG Worlds of Adventure , Legoland Waterpark. These family theme parks opened to the public in the same year and have added to the list of attractions for families to have a fun experience together. This is on top of the Aquaventure and Wild Wadi waterparks that have been in Dubai for some time. Just take your pick among these various places as each of them is a destination for the whole family to enjoy.

Related Post: 5 Family Theme Parks to Visit in Dubai

• Dubai Opera

The Dubai Opera is a new addition to the wide range of entertainment venues in the city. So far, it has become host to many concerts and theater productions like ballet, classical music and even comedy events. Be awed by its theater building, which can be occupied by up to 2,000 people at any one point.

The Dubai Opera

• Alserkal Art District

Craving for some contemporary art? A portion of the Al Quoz, Dubai’s old industrial district, has become the city’s hub for the arts. Art galleries dot this district and both established and emerging talents from the Middle East and neighboring regions are flocking to this arts center.

• Luxury Yacht Cruise Experience

Dubai is a place where you can enjoy luxury yacht cruises and have the best views of the Dubai skyline from the waters of Dubai. Hire a yacht in Dubai to enjoy some cool, calm and relaxing hours with your loved ones.

• La Perle by Dragone Show

One of the newer attractions of Dubai is the amazing aqua-based theater conceptualized by the legendary Franco Dragone. This is a 1.5 hour show that promises acrobatic stunts, light and water displays, and a high-tech show that can rival shows from Las Vegas and Macau.

La Perle show tickets

• Dancing Water Fountain in Burj Lake

At the base of the Burj Khalifa is the lake which houses the largest choreographed fountain. The Dancing Water Fountain plays every night starting at 6:30pm and with different tunes. There’s a joke that everytime people drop by the fountain, they would always whip out their cameras to take a photo or video even if they’ve been to the area countless times. This is a must-visit place especially for your tourist friends who visit Dubai.

Water Fountain at Burj Lake

• Dubai Miracle Garden

The largest flower garden in the world can be found in a desert! The Dubai Miracle Garden is a popular tourist attraction and stays true to its name considering how so many flowers are in full bloom and prepared for a few months for families to visit. The size of the area and the number of followers planted here during winter season is good enough reason to visit the place.

• Dubai Frame

Another new attraction, you can visit the Dubai Frame and have a view of the Dubai skyline from both Old Dubai and New Dubai. This is located in Zabeel Park and offers a glimpse as you go through past, present and future Dubai.

The Dubai Frame

• Dubai Marina

Aside from the Sheikh Zayed Road, another area to visit that is the water district of Dubai Marina. Take a leisurely stroll as you explore this water district and amazing architecture. There are plenty of restaurants in the area so you can grab a bite to eat there, while you admire the towering skyscrapers around.

Dubai Marina at night

• Palm Jumeirah Island

This is a group of islets shaped into a palm tree which features several luxury hotels and resorts as well as residences. In terms of visiting it, this is a bit tricky because when you travel to Palm Jumeirah, you cannot really see the shape of the island unless you see it from afar. Either viewing it from a tower in Dubai Marina, or riding a seaplane , helicopter, or by skydiving .

view of Palm Jumeirah Islands from a seaplane tour

————–

The above are only some of the places that are worth a visit. Dubai, as it constantly evolves, offers plenty more attractions for the budding tourist. In it’s goal to have 20 million visitors by 2020, there’s still more places under construction, and for sure, more developers building properties as it houses various structures and recreational places.

Stay tuned as we might add a few more attractions in this list.

7 thoughts on “23 Best Tourist Attractions in Dubai”

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Eid Al Fitr 2024: Last chance to visit Dubai's top 3 outdoor attractions before summer

Living in uae.

Closing for the summer - find out the dates, timings, ticket costs and location details

Dubai: Want to visit some of Dubai’s famous outdoor attractions before they close for the summer? Eid Al Fitr is the ideal time to experience these must-see places before they take a break during the summer months, before they reopen around September or October.

Get exclusive content with Gulf News WhatsApp channel

1. global village - closes on april 28, 2024.

This month, one of the UAE’s most famous outdoor attractions, Global Village , will end its 28th season after opening its doors six months ago in October 2023.

Explore the country pavilions, street food, entertainment shows, restaurants, weekly fireworks, and the Global Village Carnaval, which boasts over 195 rides, games, and attractions.

You can buy the tickets at the location but if you buy them online through the Global Village website - www.globalvillage.ae, you will get a 10 per cent discount . - Any day tickets – Dh30 (Dh27 online) - Weekday tickets – Dh25 (Dh22.50 online)

Timings - from 4pm to 2am during the Eid Al Fitr holidays.

Location - The attraction is located on Mohamed Bin Zayed Road (E311) between the Arabian Ranches residential development and the IMG Worlds of Adventure theme park.

You can also reach Global Village by public transportation. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) operates direct bus routes to the family destination. Here are all the bus routes on the dedicated Global Village service within Dubai:

1. Route 102 - From Al Rashidiya Bus Station Gate 5 in Rashidiya 2. Route 103 - From Union Square Bus Station in Deira 3. Route 104 - From Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Al Fahidi 4. Route 106 - From the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station 5. Route 107 - From Al Nahda (behind Sahara Centre)

If you are planning to come from Ras Al Khaimah, there is another bus route operated by the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), the details for which you can find here .

2. Dubai Miracle Garden - closes on June 2, 2024

In two months, Dubai Miracle Garden , the world’s largest natural flower garden, will end its 12th season.

The park boasts more than 150 million flowers and at least 120 varieties of plants, with the entire park spanning 72,000 square metres, filled with sculptures covered in flowers.

One of the most famous attractions at Dubai Miracle Garden is the Guinness World Record-breaking floral sculpture, which is in the shape of an Emirates Airbus A380. Another record-breaking attraction is the 18-metre sculpture of Mickey Mouse made with 100,000 plants and flowers.

- Dh95 for individuals above 12 years old. - Dh80 for children from three to 12 years old. - Free for children below three years old and People of Determination. There is also a 50 per cent discount on ticket fares for one adult accompanying the Person of Determination.

Timings - Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm and 9am to 10pm on weekends.

Location - Dubai Miracle Garden is in Al Barsha South, Street 3 in Dubailand, at the cross-section of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Umm Suqeim Road (D63).

If you want to reach Dubai Miracle Garden by using public transport, you can first take the Metro to the Mall of Emirates (MOE) Metro Station and take the bus route 105 from MOE to Dubai Miracle Garden.

3. Dubai Safari Park - Closes on May 31, 2024

Dubai Safari Park, which is home to around 3,000 animals on a 119-hectare site will also end its 2023-2024 season soon, after opening in October 2023. According to the park's website, visitors can only book tickets till May 31, 2024.

The park is divided into different enclosures, representing wildlife from around the world. While you are there you can spot the African lion, Arabian Oryx, Sand Gazelle, cheetahs, hippos, giraffes, impalas, elephants, and zebras.

There are various packages offered by Dubai Safari Park, based on what the visitors would like to do. The normal individual tickets start from: - Dh50 for adults - Dh20 for children from the ages of three to 12 years old.

For more information on the other packages, click here .

Timings - from 10am to 6pm  during the Eid Al Fitr holidays.

Location - The Dubai Safari Park is in the Al Warqa 4 district, off E44 (Ras Al Khor Road). If you want to take public transportation, you can take the bus route F10 from Rashidiya Bus Station.

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