Must-see activities in Dubai

The capital of the Middle East, the most influential city in the Persian Gulf or the city of gold - whatever you want to call the city, Dubai deserves the praise of all. So there's no denying that it's one of the most amazing and visited places in the world. With a vibrant multicultural environment, breathtaking architecture, exciting accommodation and dining options and incredible entertainment venues, Dubai offers many incredible attractions. We've mentioned a few that you shouldn't miss here. After all, knowing where to go or what to do here makes it easier for you to plan and make the most of your stay in Dubai.

A day in the desert, the must-do activity in Dubai!

The Desert is the ideal solution when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai. But it's not just an alternative experience, it's a necessity in itself. It's only a 30-40 minute drive to the Dubai Desert, but you'll feel like the whole world is far away from the big side of Dubai. Surrounded by pristine golden sand, it is secluded, unspoiled and best enjoyed with a reliable desert safari company. Standard desert tours include 4WD dune rides, camel rides and sandboarding, as well as countless cultural experiences such as henna tattoos, hookah, etc.

View Dubai from Burj Khalifa

As the most iconic landmark in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates and the world, the Burj Khalifa in the heart of Dubai is a must-see on your Dubai vacation. With three different levels of observation decks and several world-class dining and lodging options, it's easy to see why the Burj Khalifa is worth a visit. If you don't want to try them all, be sure to add the observation decks to your wish list - they'll give you unparalleled panoramic views of Dubai's skyline as well as the desert, ocean and more.

Dubai Mall, the XXL shopping center

Adjacent to the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall is home to the best shopping, dining and entertainment. But beware, shoppers, it takes you an average of 250 hours to visit more than 1,200 stores, even if you plan to spend 15 minutes in each store. Needless to say, for avid shoppers, advance planning is a must.

If you just hang out there and click on pretty pictures, this is also for you; take a picture with the Dubai Dinosaur Skeleton and take a picture of the popular waterfall. In addition, there are attractions such as the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, KidZania Dubai, Dubai RV Park and much more. Making it an ideal place for individuals and groups. Best of all, there are over 200 restaurants throughout the mall, so you'll never go hungry and you'll keep your energy up.

Experience all the action and fun and set aside time for the final feast - a spectacular choreography performed at the Dubai Fountain on the shores of Burj Lake outside the Dubai Mall.
outside the Dubai Mall. This is a free attraction and if this is your first show or you've never seen it before, you absolutely must see it!

At the foot of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, don't miss this magnificent fountain show. The fountains are projected at 150 meters high and accompanied by music from around the world. The show takes place every 30 minutes from 6pm.

Spend a day exploring Palm Jumeirah and its surroundings

Like other parts of Dubai such as Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah is a dining, shopping and leisure destination, but with a stunning water view and atmospheric ambiance. For good reason, this man-made island is one of the world's greatest wonders, thanks to the intricate shape of the palm trees topped by a crescent moon.

It's up to you whether you decide to spot them on a guided tour, a quick ride or a relaxing monorail. But if you want the rawest and most accurate majesty of this island, take a helicopter ride or dive to the top level. In addition to this, you can also see many popular attractions such as Atlantis, The Palm and the Palm Fountain, which is also the largest fountain show in the world.

Better yet, combine your expedition with Palm Jumeirah, extending your trip to legendary nearby attractions including the seven-star Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah.

Amusement and water parks

For theme park lovers, there is no place like Dubai in the Middle East. Yes, it's a true paradise for those looking for Hollywood, cartoon and superhero inspired rides and activities. There's IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world's largest indoor amusement park, and even a snow amusement park in the form of Ski Dubai, where you can try out all your favorite activities in the snow or in winter. But most importantly for theme park fanatics, Dubai Parks and Resorts is the largest; and the region's first integrated resort with four theme parks: Bollywood Parks Dubai, Motiongate Dubai, LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park.

The water parks in Dubai are breathtaking. There is no better place on earth for little and big kids. For example, you can cool off in water parks (wave pools, giant slides, waterfalls, etc.) like the Wild Wadi Water Park near the entrance of the Burj al Arab Hotel.

Even higher with a helicopter ride

Nothing better for an incredible view than a helicopter ride. Discover Dubai as you've never seen it before, the sea on one side, the desert on the other, and in between, the magnificent city that is Dubai.
Enjoy bird's eye views of Dubai's most beautiful buildings.

Visit the historic district of Dubai

No list of activities and attractions in Dubai is complete without a mention of this ethnic neighborhood. Otherwise known as the historic Al Fahidi district, it lies in the heart of old Dubai, and a visit here is like entering a completely different era. In this quaint part of the city, you can expect simple but charming buildings that the merchants of the Bastak area built in the 19th century.

What makes these structures a strange pleasure to look at is the subtle shade of the sand, complemented by wind towers that once kept residents cool naturally against the desert heat (without the use of air conditioners). Most of them now serve as large museums, art galleries, traditional art cafes, etc.

So don't miss your walk this quarter and be sure to visit the Dubai Museum and the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding for a quick overview of the region's history, culture and traditional way of life.

The world's largest Ferris wheel, Ain Dubai
Since October 2021, the city of extremes offers the world's largest observation wheel. Ain Dubai, which means Eye of Dubai, is a must-see during your stay in the metropolis!

Perched more than 250 meters above Bluewater Island, this Ferris wheel offers a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the city and its iconic landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, Marina, Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah Island. In 50 minutes, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the view (and many photos) from the smart, air-conditioned observation pod.

The Museum of the Future

The recently opened Dubai Future Museum is already one of the most beautiful in the world. A marvel of architectural and technological innovation, the site features 30,000 square meters of exhibits on a variety of themes: ecosystem and space resource development, health, and well-being. There are also film screenings, artworks, workshops and public events designed to imagine a better future.