Top 10 Things to Do in Dubai

Feb 23

Feb 23 Exploring the Wonders of Dubai - Top 10

Dubai is a city that truly needs no introduction. Known for its glitz, glamour, and larger-than-life persona, this vibrant metropolis in the United Arab Emirates is a traveler's paradise. Whether you're looking to explore the city's iconic landmarks, soak up the sun on its pristine beaches, or indulge in some serious retail therapy, Dubai has something for everyone. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the top things to do in Dubai and why it's a must-visit destination for any avid traveler. After a 10-day trip to the glorious city, we have compiled a list of the top 10 things you must do in Dubai.

1. Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain Show

One of the first things that comes to mind when people think of Dubai is the world-famous Burj Khalifa, which stands at a towering height of 828 meters. A visit to the observation deck on the 124th floor is an absolute must for anyone visiting Dubai. From here, you'll get a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city, as well as the surrounding desert and coastline. We recommend going to the Burj during sunrise to skip the line and the hot afternoon sun.

The Dubai Fountain is a popular attraction located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, right under the iconic Burj Khalifa. The fountain show runs daily, starts in the afternoon, and continues until late evening, with performances every 30 minutes. Watching the Dubai Fountain show is a must-see attraction in Dubai, and it's free of charge. You can view the fountain show from various vantage points around the fountain, or you can book a ticket on a nearby boat tour to get a closer look at the fountain's spectacular display. We highly recommend that you rent a boat. It is an extra-special way to see the fountains! You get a little boat ride around the lake, which provides lots of photo opportunities of the Burj Khalifa. Then, just before the show starts, the boat stops, giving you an amazing view of the show.

2. Dubai Safari

Dubai is home to a variety of desert safari experiences that allow visitors to explore the vast expanse of the desert and experience the traditional Bedouin culture. There are several companies that offer desert safari experiences in Dubai, with a range of different activities and packages to choose from.

Typically, a Dubai desert safari experience will involve a 4x4 dune bashing ride, which takes you on a thrilling and bumpy ride through the sand dunes. After the dune bashing, you'll have the opportunity to try sandboarding, which is similar to snowboarding but on the sand dunes. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, you can also book a quad bike or dune buggy ride in the desert, or even try hot air ballooning over the sand dunes.

You'll then be taken to a desert camp, where you can enjoy a traditional Arabic buffet dinner, live entertainment, and activities such as henna painting, camel rides, and falconry demonstrations. There may also be opportunities to dress up in traditional Arabic clothing and take photos. It was one of our best days there.

3. The Palm Jumeirah

View from Top of the Palm observation deck

Another must-see landmark in Dubai is the iconic Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island that's shaped like a palm tree. This man-made marvel is home to some of the city's most luxurious hotels and resorts, including the famous Atlantis, The Palm. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, relax on one of the island's many private beaches, or enjoy a thrilling waterpark experience at Aquaventure.

We highly recommend you do a jet ski tour around the island. We chose Nemo WaterSports ($150 per hour per jet ski) and had the best time. During our stops, we had full-on photo shoots where our guide took photos and videos of us, which he sent to us when we returned, also complimentary. It was a great way to see the island, especially since I wanted to see Burj Al Arab (7 Star Hotel) up close.

For dinner, we booked a reservation at Saffron Restaurant at Atlantis, The Palm. This was one of the best meals we have eaten in Dubai. There was a wide selection of food, with over 20 live cooking stations. The selection and quality would rival any restaurant in the world. The sushi, Peking duck, and lobster stations were worth the price of admission alone.

4. Global Village

Global Village is a seasonal attraction that operates from November to April each year and features pavilions and exhibits from countries around the world. The Global Village is designed to showcase the diversity of cultures and traditions from different countries. It features various pavilions, each representing a specific country or region, which are decorated with traditional architecture, art, and crafts. Visitors can explore these pavilions and experience the food, music, dance, and customs of different countries.

In addition to the cultural exhibits, Dubai Global Village also hosts a variety of entertainment shows, including concerts, street performances, and circus acts. There are also carnival games, amusement rides, and shopping opportunities, with vendors selling products ranging from clothing to handicrafts.

We were pleasantly surprised by how much fun this place was. It was overwhelming in a good way. We walked around for about 5 hours and still did not see half of all the stalls.

5. Miracle Garden

The Dubai Miracle Garden is a flower garden that opened its doors on Valentine's Day 2013. With over 250 million plants and over 50 million flowers, it is the largest natural flower garden in the world and covers over 72,000 square meters.

The miracle garden is stunning, brimming with vibrant flowers, and generally only accessible in the winter. Huge models of flowery dancing women, castles, penguins, horses, and the Smurfs' town, which seems like it sprang out of a fairy tale, are just a few fantastic additions to the beauty. The size and scale of the gardens are pretty impressive; we loved the flower-covered Emirates airplane and castle. It’s a nice enough place to wander around for a couple of hours and try to go early to avoid the crowds

6. Dubai Mall

For those looking to indulge in some retail therapy, Dubai has no shortage of shopping options. The Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the world, boasts over 1,200 stores, an indoor theme park, restaurants, and an aquarium with over 33,000 marine animals. Massive would be an understatement. A colossal structure, making it worthy of being right next to the Burj Khalifa. You can't visit the world's tallest building without stepping foot inside the world's largest mall. From upscale dining to quick food, every possible type of cuisine is available. Restaurants can be found both within and outside the mall, where you can take in the scenery and watch the amazing fountain show. It's hard to name a shopping brand that's not present here. But unfortunately, it won't come cheap. Since everything here is of the finest quality, the prices may seem a little over the top. Just know, you'd spend quite a lot if you were planning on going on a shopping spree.

If you're looking for a more traditional shopping experience, head to the bustling souks in the old part of the city, where you'll find a vast array of textiles, spices, and other exotic goods.

7. Expo City Dubai

The bad news is that most of the pavilions are now closed except for four (Women’s, Sustainability, Mobility, and Vision). The good news is that the four pavilions, along with other attractions, still make Expo City a worthwhile visit. As the exhibition ended in March 2022, the area is essentially deserted, giving you the impression that you have the site to yourself to explore. There are still free buggy rides to go around, which is an amazing service since the whole place is huge. The place is very stunning after dark when it is lit up. You will learn a few things and see some spectacular futuristic marvels on this day trip, which should not be too far from Downtown Dubai.

8. Abu Dhabi Day Trip

Qasr Al Watan world’s largest chandelier

If you have time, we highly recommend going to Abu Dhabi. A day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is a great way to explore the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Abu Dhabi:

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: This stunning mosque is one of the largest in the world and features impressive architecture and design. It's a must-visit attraction in Abu Dhabi.
Emirates Palace: This luxury hotel is a great place to stop for a photo op and to admire the opulent design and architecture.
Qasr Al Watan: This recently opened cultural landmark features a stunning palace and gardens, along with exhibits showcasing the history and heritage of the UAE.
Yas Island: This entertainment district is home to several theme parks, including Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld. It's a great place to spend the day if you're traveling with kids.
Louvre Abu Dhabi: This museum is a must-visit for art lovers, with its impressive collection of art and artifacts from around the world.

To get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai, you can take a taxi or hire a private car, or you can take the bus. Buses depart regularly from the central bus station in Dubai and take about two hours to reach Abu Dhabi. Alternatively, you can take a guided tour that includes transportation and admission to top attractions.

9. Dubai Frame and Museum of Future

Flying Mechanical Dolphin at Museum of the Future

The Dubai Frame is an iconic structure located in Zabeel Park that offers stunning views of the city's skyline from a height of 150 meters. The structure is shaped like a giant picture frame and provides visitors with panoramic views of Dubai's modern architecture on one side and its older, more traditional neighborhoods on the other. The Dubai Frame also features an interactive exhibition that showcases the city's transformation from a fishing village to a global metropolis.

The Museum of the Future is a cutting-edge institution that explores the latest advancements in science, technology, and innovation. The museum is designed to inspire visitors with futuristic exhibits and interactive displays that demonstrate how emerging technologies are changing the world we live in. Visitors can experience a range of exhibits, including virtual reality experiences, 3D-printed exhibits, and artificial intelligence demonstrations.

Both attractions are located in the Zabeel Park area and can be easily accessed by public transport or taxi. If you're interested in visiting both attractions in one day, you can easily combine them into a single itinerary. Allow at least two hours for a visit to the Dubai Frame and an additional two hours for a visit to the Museum of the Future to fully explore the exhibits and enjoy the experience. Tickets for the Museum of the Future are booked one month in advance, so be sure to get those tickets before you get there.

10. IMG World

IMG Worlds of Adventure is a great choice for families with kids looking for a fun day out in Dubai. With its wide variety of rides, attractions, and experiences, it's sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. The park features a range of rides and attractions that are designed to appeal to different age groups, so there's something for everyone to enjoy.

The Cartoon Network zone is perfect for younger kids, with gentle rides and fun attractions based on popular characters like The Powerpuff Girls and Adventure Time. Meanwhile, older kids and teenagers will enjoy the thrilling roller coasters and action-packed attractions in the Marvel and Lost Valley zones.

In addition to the rides and attractions, IMG Worlds of Adventure also has a variety of dining and shopping options, making it easy to spend a full day at the park. The park is also designed to be accessible for visitors with disabilities, with wheelchair-friendly attractions and facilities available.

IMG Worlds of Adventure is located in Dubailand, about a 30-minute drive from downtown Dubai. The park is open daily from 11 am to 8 pm and offers a range of ticket options, including general admission and fast-track access. To fully enjoy all the rides and attractions, plan to spend at least four to five hours at the park.

In conclusion, Dubai is a city that truly has it all, from world-class shopping and dining to stunning natural landscapes and iconic landmarks. Whether you're traveling solo, with your family, or with a group of friends, Dubai is a destination that will leave you awestruck and wanting more. So why not add it to your travel bucket list and start planning your next adventure today?