Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Dubai

Looking for things to do in Dubai? Beyond the skyscrapers and shopping malls, there are many Dubai attractions that will surprise you. Albeit, the malls and skyscrapers are very impressive. From desert adventures to cultural encounters, beach escapes, and luxury experiences, Dubai has it all! Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and is one of the most exciting cities in the Middle East to visit.

Dubai is a city of the future, to say the least. It boasts the world’s tallest building, the world’s tallest hotel, and the world’s tallest residential building. It houses the largest shopping mall globally, the largest aquarium, and the second-largest man-made marina on earth. Dubai is a city everyone should see at least once in their lifetime, and there are numerous things to do in Dubai that will leave you amazed beyond the megacity malls and skyscrapers.

Top Things to do in Dubai

Dubai offers a rich mix of beaches, desert safaris, adventure activities, and cultural experiences. More importantly, Dubai is undoubtedly a city built for the future of tourism. It leads the way with luxury hotels and super malls where families can find everything they desire on their vacations without leaving the complex.

However, there is considerably more to Dubai than just shopping and manufactured experiences. We spent a week exploring and discovered plenty of entertaining, exciting, and fun things to do in Dubai.

1. Go Up the Burj Khalifa

Whenever we have the chance to go somewhere high, we seize it. You cannot miss going up the world’s tallest building for a view of the city. The Burj Khalifa is at the top of all Dubai attractions. Located in the heart of the city, it offers gorgeous views. Take the high-speed elevator up 160 stories to see awe-inspiring vistas of Dubai. Be warned though; it can be crowded, and once you’ve had a look at the city, there’s not much else to do up there.

Notably, this is that iconic building that Tom Cruise climbed during Mission Impossible, and while standing outside the viewing platform, you gain a lot of respect for such a feat. While the experience isn’t as exhilarating as other high-rise attractions worldwide, you cannot visit Dubai without taking the elevator ride. Get your skip-the-line tickets to the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors of the Burj Khalifa to optimize your visit.

2. Explore the Dubai Marina

Downtown Dubai isn’t particularly pedestrian-friendly, but when you venture to the Dubai Marina, it’s your opportunity to stroll along the promenade. There are numerous coffee shops and restaurants surrounding the second-largest man-made marina in the world, where you can also book boat tours and dinner cruises. This was definitely our favorite evening spot in Dubai.

As always in Dubai, you’ll find yourself surrounded by magnificent skyscrapers and shopping malls that astonish. For a thrilling activity in Dubai, make your way to the Amwaj Towers and take a zip line over the marina to the Dubai Marina Mall. Dubai does everything bigger and better, and this zip line is one of the steepest and fastest globally, reaching speeds of 80 km an hour and soaring through the air for one kilometer.

3. Go to the Beach

Dubai offers fabulous sandy beaches. As with many beach destinations, there are various water sports to choose from, and numerous beach chairs or free patches of sand to set up for the day. The iconic Burj Al Arab towers over a public beach. If you are in the position to stay there, go for it! It’s Dubai’s most luxurious accommodation, boasting a 7-star rating.

Habtoor Grand Resort

We booked a hotel directly on the beach and quickly realized that Dubai makes for an amazing beach vacation. The warm waters of the Persian Gulf are welcoming.

The Habtoor Grand Resort Autograph Collection features a private beach and is within walking distance to the Dubai Marina and The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). This hotel includes a private beach, infinity pool, and plenty of amenities while also offering ample public access.

4. Explore the Dubai Mall

While we didn’t emphasize malls earlier, they truly are a spectacle worth seeing. The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world, offering so much more than just shops.

Within the Dubai Mall, you’ll find the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, where you can even dive with sharks, along with a skating rink, waterfalls, and numerous high-end boutiques where you can spend an entire day.

5. Mall of the Emirates

A visit to the Mall of the Emirates allows you to experience snowboarding or skiing at Ski Dubai, catch a movie, or partake in shopping. The vast number of malls in Dubai often feature free shuttles from many hotels, making it easy to indulge your spending whims. One of the coolest attractions in Dubai is Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort that offers a unique experience.

Consequently, Dubai elevates everything to the next level, with its malls offering everything imaginable for a holiday destination, from skiing and ice-skating to water parks and even scuba diving in extensive fish tanks. You truly never have to leave the mall!

6. Dubai Fountain Show

Similar to the Bellagio in Vegas, Dubai has its own spectacular fountain show. However, the fountain show in Dubai is grander, making it the most remarkable fountain show globally. Ensure that the Dubai fountain is on your list of must-see attractions.

Each evening, a display of water and light occurs for 10 minutes every half an hour until midnight. The songs, light shows, and choreography vary, providing a unique experience each time you see it. Take a seat and enjoy a drink at one of the lakeside cafés or arrive 10 minutes early for a premium spot right at the fence.

7. Take a Scenic Flight

A scenic flight offers breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline and the Persian Gulf. We found that Dubai is so expansive that it can be hard to appreciate its architectural marvels from the ground, but a flight allows for a broader perspective. Enjoy views of the city’s stunning modern architecture and attractions.

8. Palm Jumeirah

Dubai is a city meant to be experienced from above. The bird’s-eye view of Palm Jumeirah is astounding, showcasing an engineering feat that expands the coastline for its residents to enjoy. There’s also a map of The World with hundreds of man-made islands waiting to be developed, located 14 km off the coast of Dubai. The Palm Jumeirah is a modern wonder, providing an exclusive beach-like experience.

9. Atlantis The Palm Dubai

The Palm hosts the world-renowned Atlantis – The Palm, which is a destination in itself. Attractions include jet boat rides and a variety of water sports, but one of the exhilarating experiences in Dubai is to skydive over The Palm. The Atlantis resort has everything a five-star destination should offer, catering to both families and couples.

10. Aquaventure Waterpark

While many wish to see Atlantis Dubai up close, they need not break the bank to enjoy the luxury. Visitors can purchase a pass for Dubai’s top-rated attraction, which is the world’s largest waterpark featuring record-holding waterslides and the largest aquarium. Be sure to avoid swimming with dolphins; that is not a favored experience.

Dubai Water Parks

Dubai is renowned for its water parks, possibly due to the heat or the enormous wealth flowing through the city. Here are some of the top water parks in Dubai:

• Wild Wadi – The original Dubai water park located beside Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab.
• Laguna Waterpark – Located on the beach in La Mer, with four zones for fun, relaxation, slides, surf, and splash.

11. Wander Through the Souks

Despite being a modern city, you can find areas that evoke the past. The souks located in the old town present a nostalgic atmosphere similar to other souks in the Middle East. The souks are distinctly divided, and during a tour of Dubai, you can easily visit attractions like the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk to pick up fantastic souvenirs.

The souks are bustling and vibrant, as about 20% of the world’s gold passes through the Gold Souk. Discover the winding alleys and streets where you can explore a quickly disappearing Middle Eastern culture in Dubai.

12. Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque is the only mosque open to non-Muslims in Dubai, making it one of the top attractions. You can join an organized tour which features guided tours daily at 10 and 2 pm (closed on Fridays). Ensure appropriate attire that covers both legs and shoulders when visiting any mosque or sacred place.

13. Dubai Creek

Taking a water taxi along Dubai Creek is an affordable way to explore the old part of town. The creek divides into two parts, Deira and Bur Dubai. We took a full-day tour of the city that included many highlights, showcasing the historic charm of Dubai.

This area is rich in culture, featuring mosques, the Dubai Heritage Village, and delightful bazaars, providing an enjoyable afternoon getaway. Our guided walking tour of Old Dubai included visits to the Spice Souk, Bur Dubai Souk, and the Fahidi district, allowing for an authentic experience.

14. Al Fahidi Historical District

For a deeper exploration of Old Dubai, the Al Fahidi Historical District is a must-visit. Dating back to 1900, this district was established by Persian traders who settled in Dubai.

Thanks to local efforts, including those from King Charles, the area avoided demolition, providing a glimpse into Dubai’s rich past amidst the modern skyline.

15. Visit the Dubai Museum

We thoroughly appreciated our time at the Dubai Museum located in the historic area of the city. The museum offers displays of Dubai’s early days, tracing its evolution from pearl diving to an oil-rich metropolis.

16. Visit the Desert

If you’ve never seen the desert, this unique excursion will fulfill your adventurous desires. Not all Dubai attractions are situated in the megacity. Visiting the desert and escaping the bustling city might just be the most thrilling thing to do in Dubai! The Dubai Desert is part of the world’s largest sand desert, providing countless desert safari options.

17. Dune Buggy Tour

We adore dune buggy adventures. There’s nothing more exhilarating than gearing up and racing over rolling sand dunes. Our sunset excursion provided panoramic views of the stunning desert landscape, followed by a traditional Bedouin meal with captivating belly dancers and mesmerizing Tanoura dancers.

18. Desert Conservation Reserve

Witness Arabian oryx at the watering hole during a visit to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Though camels wander through the desert, they are domesticated, yet their presence adds to the charm. Our tour featured a birds of prey demonstration; while not entirely appealing, observing wildlife in their natural habitat was rewarding.

19. Falcon Show

Despite not enjoying the birds of prey demonstration, learning about their training was intriguing. Utilizing falcons for hunting is a traditional practice in Dubai, though opinions vary on captive birds. Watch our video documenting our exciting desert experiences in Dubai.

20. Bedouin Dinner Show – Al Jabal Village

The highlight of our desert adventure was dining at Al Jabal Village, where we enjoyed an engaging cultural experience with captivating performances, including mesmerizing belly dancers and authentic Tanoura dance.

21. Take a Camel Ride

Though we don’t typically favor touristy camel rides, if you haven’t experienced one, taking a brief ride in the desert might be just what you need. This highly-rated tour guides you across desert dunes to an oasis within Al Marmoom Reserve, where traditional hospitality awaits.

If you seek a unique excursion in Dubai, consider a hot air balloon ride over the desert. Experience breathtaking views as you float over the Arabian Desert, where you can marvel at both the natural landscape and the Dubai skyline, possibly spotting wildlife like gazelles and camels.

22. Dubai Frame

To capture striking images of Dubai, don’t miss this recent attraction, a colossal picture frame standing 500 feet high. Visitors can take the elevator for stunning panoramic vistas as they walk along the transparent glass bridge spanning 313 feet.

23. Dubai Theme Parks

Dubai features numerous family-friendly attractions. Here are some amusement parks that promise fun for all:

• IMG World of Adventure – The world’s largest indoor amusement park.
• Dubai Parks and Resorts – The largest integrated amusement park in the Middle East offering four distinctive themes, including Motionland and Bollywood Parks.

24. Dubai Miracle Garden

Botanical enthusiasts will adore the Dubai Miracle Garden, showcasing millions of flowers, with 150 million blooms in total. This expansive garden, spanning 72,000 square meters, features striking displays that appeal to Instagram enthusiasts.

25. Day Trip to Abu Dhabi

Exploring Abu Dhabi from Dubai is a simple day trip. You can arrange a tour that encapsulates the capital’s top landmarks, such as:

• The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – One of the largest mosques in the world.
• The Observation Deck of Etihad Towers.
• Qasr Al Watan Palace – Showcasing Arabian heritage.

The nations of the United Arab Emirates certainly enjoy claiming titles for being the best in the world! (both Ferrari World and IMG World of Adventure assert their dominance as the largest indoor theme parks). Who am I to argue? They certainly are impressive.

Where to Stay in Dubai

When visiting Dubai, choose your accommodation wisely. The city boasts hundreds of options, spread across various districts. Here are the three main areas to consider:

• The financial district is in downtown Dubai near shopping malls and skyscrapers.
• The marina is ideal for beach enthusiasts and proximity to the Marina.
• Old Dubai provides an authentic ambiance, giving a different flavor to your stay.

Taxis are surprisingly reasonable in Dubai, and we frequently used them to navigate the city.

JW Marriott in the Financial District: The JW Marriott in the Financial District is the tallest hotel in the world, offering luxurious accommodations. We loved our stay here, enjoying magnificent views and modern upscale suites. Complimentary shuttles assist in accessing Dubai’s malls and beaches.

Habtoor Grand Resort – The Marina: Located directly on the beach and just a short walk from the Marina, Habtoor Grand Resort is perfect for a beach getaway, with shuttle services to malls and metro access.

Dubai is immense, and we have merely scratched the surface of this exhilarating city. This remarkable destination continues to evolve rapidly, unveiling new attractions with each visit. If you seek an extraordinary escape, consider Dubai for your next Middle Eastern adventure.