Category: UAE

The Middle East’s capital, the most influential city in the Gulf region, or the city of gold – whatever sobriquet you would want to give this city, Dubai lives up to all and hence no refuting that it’s one of the world’s most amazing and visited places. With a pulsating multicultural environment, breathtaking architectures, exciting accommodation and culinary choices, and astonishing entertainment scene, there are many amazing things to do in Dubai. And we’ve mentioned here some of the most unmissable among them. After all, knowing where to go or what to do here let you better plan and make the most of your time in Dubai.

1. View Dubai from the world’s tallest building 

The most iconic structure not only in Dubai or UAE but also in the world itself, Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai is a must-visit on any Dubai vacation. With three observation decks on its diverse levels and several world-class dining and accommodation options, it’s easy to see why Burj Khalifa is well worth a visit. If you don’t want to try all, be sure to add its observation deck on your bucketlist – they leave you in awe with the most unparalleled and comprehensive views over Dubai’s skyline and naturescape covering desert, ocean and more.

2. Shop, Dine and Stroll at the Dubai Mall 

Situated next to Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall is a destination packed with the most fabulous in shopping, dining and leisure choices. But attention shoppers – you’ll need an average of 250 hours to check out its 1200 plus shops even if you plan to spend a maximum of 15 minutes in each of them. So it goes without saying prior planning is a must for hardcore shoppers.

If you’re here just to wander and click some cool pictures, it caters to you too; pose with the 155-million-year-old skeleton of Dubai Dino and capture some images against Human Waterfalls.  Moreover, attractions such as Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, KidZania Dubai, VR Park Dubai etc make it an absolute destination for individuals and groups alike. And the best thing is that you’ll never go hungry with 200 plus dining outlets across the mall to fuel your energy.

Post all action and fun, reserve some time to savor the final treat – the spectacularly choreographed water display of Dubai Fountain show at the Burj Lake outside the Dubai Mall. It’s a free attraction and a definite must-see whether it’s your debut spectacle or even you’ve already seen it.

3. Desert Safari 

When you crave for a retreat from Dubai’s bustling noise and vibrant crowd, a perfect remedy is to take a desert safari. But, this is more than a substitute experience and a must-do in its own right. To get to Dubai’s desert, all it takes is a 30 to 40 minutes ride but you’ll feel a whole world away from Dubai’s glamorous side.  Surrounded by pristine golden sands on all sides, it’s isolated, untouched and you can best enjoy it through a reliable desert safari company.

Encompassed in a standard desert safari are 4X4 dune bash, camel ride, and sandboarding, together with a myriad of cultural experiences such as henna tattooing, Shisha smoking etc. Further, depending on whether it’s evening or overnight desert safari, you’ll be able to taste a flavorsome BBQ dinner supplemented by traditional live shows like belly dance or Tanura show.

4. Go back in time at Al Bastakiya Quarter 

No list of activities or attractions in Dubai is complete without a mention about this ethnic quarter. Otherwise called Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, it lies in the heart of Old Dubai and a visit here is like stepping your foot into an altogether different era.  In this antiquated part of the city, you can look forward to see simple but charming structures which merchants from Bastak region built in the 19th century.

What makes these structures a quirky delight to watch is its subtle sand-color tone rounded out by wind towers which used to keep dwellers cool from the desert heat naturally (without the use of any air conditioners).  Most of them now serve as delightful museums, art galleries, traditional art cafes etc.

So don’t miss a stroll down this quarter and further make sure you that drop into Dubai Museum and Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding for a quick dose of the region’s history, culture, and traditional lifestyle.

5. Spend the day discovering Palm Jumeirah and surroundings 

Just like Dubai’s other neighborhoods such as Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah too is a dining, shopping and leisure hotspot, but with the perks of stunning water views and ultra-refined ambience topped off by all makings of an island retreat. Rightly so, this man-made island is one of the world’s greatest wonders, thanks to its intricate palm-tree shape finished by a crescent on its top.

It’s up to you whether you opt to discover it via a guided tour, a quick drive or a relaxed monorail ride. But if you wish to have the most unhindered, exact majesty of this island, take to skies on a helicopter ride or take it to next level with a sky dive session. That apart, you can check out its many popular attractions like Atlantis, The Palm and the Palm Fountain which is also the world’s biggest fountain show.

Along with this, pair your Palm Jumeirah expedition by extending your trip to legendary points of interest nearby, mainly the seven-star hotel of Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah.

6. Dine cuisines from all over the world 

Being in Dubai is not all about trying authentic or traditional Arabian dishes. The city is a safe second home for nationals of over 200 countries across the globe. Unsurprisingly, this gives you the rare chance to try the signature dishes of different parts of the world. So be it London’s iconic fish n’ chips, the Italian pizza, the spicy Indian Tandoor chicken or the French crepes, you’ll get to devour all and beyond here.

7. Visit a Theme Park  

For theme park lovers, there is no place in the Middle East like Dubai. Yes, it’s a true haven for those with an itch for Hollywood, cartoon and super hero inspired rides and attractions. There is IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park, and even a snow theme park in the form of Ski Dubai where you can try all your beloved snow or winter activities.  But of all, the ultimate can’t miss for theme park fanatics is Dubai Parks and Resorts; it’s the region’s first integrated resort complete with four theme parks: Bollywood Parks Dubai, Motiongate Dubai, LEGOLAND Dubai, and LEGOLAND Water Park.

8. Enjoy dhow cruise 

Mixing classic with classy, this is one of the most popular things to do on your Dubai holiday.  More than a sightseeing cruise offering the most astonishing views over Dubai’s lit up skyline (from water), there is a lot of character and history behind the dhow or traditional wooden vessel used for this cruise. It was once staple (in the pre-oil phase) for then prime occupations of the region, such as pearl farming, fishing etc. So be it for a slice of Dubai’s past or a relaxed cruise, go on a dhow cruise which mostly comes with amazing dining and breathtaking traditional entertainment onboard.

9. Explore Dubai’s Latest Neighborhoods and Newest Attractions

Have you already been to Dubai and seen or enjoyed almost all above attractions or experiences? Let’s not forget that Dubai is a destination that looks ahead with its uncompromising vision to surprise the world. So even if you’ve visited here a year or six months before, you can expect to see a fresh band of landmarks, hotels, and dining choices. What’s more; you can further look forward to check out brand-new neighborhoods and the latest to join this league are the uber trendy City Walk Dubai with attractions like Green Planet Dubai, and Bluewaters Island which alternatively hosts the world’s largest observation wheel and first Madame Tussauds Museum in the Middle East, among others.

10. Be part of exclusive festivals and watch Live Entertainment Shows

From an ever-changing list of shows to the iconic permanent shows, live entertainment is everywhere in Dubai no matter when you plan to visit here. You’ll find it in malls, parks (like Dubai Creek Park with Dubai Dolphinarium show), and in the city’s swankiest of spots such as Al Habtoor’s Atrium where the jaw-dropping La Perle by Dragone show. Moreover, a Dubai trip during winter months, particularly Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Dubai Shopping Festival or DSF, allows you to be a part of an exciting repertoire of events including live performances at Global Village, streets etc.

Conclusion 

There is just something about the charm and vibrancy of Dubai that it’s not easy to express them in a few words and so isn’t to condense or narrow down the things to do in Dubai to a list of 10 or 15. But we’ve still managed to do it and we hope that this would serve as a source of inspiration to get you ready for your upcoming Dubai holiday.