Most people come to Dubai for its fantastic sights, endless shopping options and out of this world leisure attractions. While you can definitely experience all of these amazing things in Dubai, these are barely the tip of the iceberg in terms of what this amazing Arabian destination has to offer.
From the world’s grandest ever Expo Show, to the one of a kind wildlife centre and inspiring historical landmarks, Dubai is an incredible city that goes beyond your imagination. So, if you wish to update your Dubai bucket list, come take a look at this list of the top things to do in Dubai.
1. Enjoy a Spin on Ain Dubai
The recently opened Ain Dubai is the world’s largest and highest observation wheel. Located at the center of the Bluewaters Island waterfront, an exciting rotation in one of its air-conditioned cabins gives you the chance to admire the views across JBR, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and other places, from a height of over 250 meters.
It takes 38 minutes to complete a loop meaning you will get ample time to wander around the pod and take fabulous snaps. You can choose to further enrich your Ain Dubai adventure with dining and VIP lounge access.
2. Catch Stunning Views over Palm Jumeirah
Don’t want to board a helicopter or seaplane to catch views over the legendary Palm Jumeirah? An affordable yet cool alternative is to ascend the observation deck on The Palm Tower’s 52nd level.
True to its name the ‘View at the Palm’, it is sure to blow you away with the most comprehensive and unparalleled views across the island, water and architectural treasures that dot Palm Jumeirah.
3. Watch the Palm Fountain Show
The classic Dubai Fountain in Downtown Dubai is an attraction that never fails to impress. But, if you wish to see its higher-up format, simply travel to the Pointe on Palm Jumeirah. With the Atlantis, The Palm Resort in the surrounding area, Palm Fountain is the world’s largest fountain.
The main highlight there is its stunning aquatic performance that is incredibly choreographed in tune to world-class music and light. It is also the region’s first colored fountain performance.
4. Discover the Vast Dubai Expo 2020 Site
For your next Dubai holiday, a trip to the Dubai Expo 2020 site should be at the top of your checklist. Running from 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022, it is the most prestigious event that Dubai has ever hosted.
The first event of its kind to take place in MENASA, Dubai Expo site lives well up to its theme (Connecting Minds, Creating the Future) and sub themes (Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability). It comprises pavilions of over 190 countries, each showcasing amazing science and technology.
5. Have Aquatic Fun at Laguna Waterpark
Don’t know how to swim but still want to have the utmost water thrill? Find your way to one of Dubai’s best water parks, especially the new Laguna Waterpark at Dubai’s hip La Mer area. With four segments, its major draw is the WaveOz 180 FloRider which is the ultimate surfing attraction.
Now, if you don’t like the idea of getting wet during your holidays, there are more alternatives like the Dubai Dolphinarium Dolphin Show (where you can watch the captivating dolphin and seal show) and Dhow Cruise (which lets you see Dubai’s sights from water on a traditional cruise).
6. See the Whole of Dubai from Burj Khalifa
It may be well known that the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building on the planet. But, did you know that it is also the most remarkable place to take in the whole of Dubai? Take to its observation deck on the 124th level with your ‘At the Top’ ticket or upgrade your ticket to go higher up on its Sky Level on the 148th level which boasts the world’s highest observation deck.
Besides enjoying the most striking views over Dubai’s skyline, you get to enjoy the swiftest elevator ride and watch an intriguing presentation depicting Dubai’s history as well as the construction facts of this building.
7. Check Out The Dubai Mall
From its location next to Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall radiates a style and energy that no other mall in Dubai can. After all, it is one of the world’s largest malls, housing over a thousand high-end outlets, more than 200 dining choices and most of all, a world of leisure and amusement.
It is where you will find over 33,000 marine creatures within a 10-million liter tank at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and get to enjoy ice skating at Dubai Ice Rink. Kids will be delighted to walk into KidZania, while teens will enjoy Ekart Zabeel. It is also a destination for art lovers, thanks to the Infinity Des Lumieres – the GCC’s first digital art gallery.
8. Learn about Dubai’s Past at Al Bastakiya Quarter
The 19th century Al Bastakiya Quarter or Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood remains as a stalwart for inspiring Emirati culture. The narrow alleys and the traditional sand-colored structures built by the merchants from Persia’s Bastak region are still preserved to its original form.
Interestingly, most of them now serve as a museum or an art gallery, mainly Dubai Museum which is within the city’s oldest of its kind Al Fahidi Fort. There is also Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, one of the bonafide places to learn about culture, religion and the past.
9. Dive into Record-Breaking Depths
Diving enthusiasts can now dive and swim during any part of the year in Dubai, with the opening of Deep Dive Dubai that is fully set indoors. But it’s specialty doesn’t end here. It is so enormous that it is equal to six Olympic size swimming pools and can hold over 14 million liters of fresh water.
It is the world’s largest and deepest pool where one can dive 60 meters. Whether you want to sharpen your diving skills or want to experience the fun of exploring an underwater city, the facility has an ideal package for you. They all are backed by the most up to date safety measures.
10. Go on an Epic Desert Safari
A desert safari in Dubai escapes you to a world away from the city’s flamboyant side. Yes, get ready to acquaint yourself to a side of Dubai (that you never imagined) as you explore the unharmed desert sands on an adventurous 4X4 dune bash and enjoy a spectrum of cultural activities including camel rides, henna tattooing, Shisha smoking and falconry.
Apart from a morning desert safari, you can amplify your desert fun by opting for evening or overnight desert safaris with BBQ dining, traditional shows and camping facilities in the desert. This is well worth paying for!
11. Enjoy a day at Dubai Parks and Resorts
The first integrated resort in the Middle East attracts visitors to its theme parks: Motiongate Dubai (Hollywood themed), Bollywood Parks Dubai (Hindi movie themed), LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park. They collectively offer over 100 rides, so all we can say is theme park entertainment in Dubai can’t get any better than visiting Dubai Parks and Resorts.
12. Visit Dubai Safari Park
If you think Dubai lacks a proper attraction for wildlife enthusiasts, be ready to change this perception by visiting the vast 119–hectare Dubai Safari Park with over 2,500 animals. It has four unique sections such as the Arabian Desert Safari, the African Village, the Asian Village and the Explorer Village.
All of these places promise you an eco-adventure like no other in the UAE. A not to miss here is the thrilling drive-through safari which brings you closer to its freely roaming inhabitants like lions and tigers.
13. Sign Up for a Sky-High Adventure
Dubai is one of the best places for enthusiasts of airborne activities. In other words, the city’s offerings in this category are so diverse that you will get to experience the world’s longest and fastest urban zipline (with XLine Dubai) and the world’s fastest human slingshot (XDubai Slingshot). For more adventure, you can sign up for a skydive over the desert or Palm Jumeirah.
14. Experience Nature and Adventure at Aventura Parks
Lying amidst the ghaf trees inside Mushrif Park, Aventura Parks is where you can connect with nature through refreshing, adventurous experiences. After all, it is the Middle East’s largest treetop adventure park, featuring a variety of circuits perfect for all age groups including your tiny ones.
15. Throw Snow in the Desert City
If you want to add an unmatched wintry or icy blast to your Arabian holiday, Ski Dubai is the place to go. Located inside the Mall of the Emirates, it is an authentic winter destination where you can enjoy real snow activities like skiing, snowboarding, sledging and more year-round. You can even get up close with adorable penguins on your visit here.
Conclusion
Dubai is a city with plenty of attractions and activities to experience both indoors and outdoors. So come take your pick from this extensive list of Dubai things to do and have the most memorable Arabian getaway ever.
