Dubai Things to Do: Top Tours and Attractions

Dubai is a city of superlatives. It has the world's tallest building, the world's largest shopping mall, man-made islands shaped like palm trees, and an indoor ski slope in the desert. But beyond the headline-grabbing developments, Dubai also offers fascinating cultural heritage, incredible food from around the world, and desert landscapes that feel a million miles from the gleaming towers.

Burj Khalifa

At 828 metres, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest structure humans have ever built. The observation decks on floors 124/125 (At the Top) and floor 148 (At the Top SKY) offer views that stretch to the horizon in every direction. Book sunset timing for the most dramatic experience, watching the city transition from golden daylight to a sea of twinkling lights.

Tickets sell out quickly, especially for sunset slots. Book at least a few days in advance, and consider the premium SKY experience if you want a less crowded viewing platform with complimentary refreshments.

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Desert Safari

A desert safari is the quintessential Dubai experience. Most tours include dune bashing in a 4x4 (thrilling and slightly terrifying), sandboarding, a camel ride, and an evening barbecue at a desert camp under the stars. Some include belly dancing performances and henna painting.

Morning safaris are available too, which include a sunrise experience and tend to be less crowded than the popular sunset versions. The desert landscape outside Dubai is genuinely stunning, with rolling red-gold dunes stretching to the horizon.

Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame is a 150-metre-tall picture frame-shaped building that offers one of the most clever viewpoints in the city. From one side you see old Dubai (the creek, souks, and traditional neighbourhoods). Turn around and you see the futuristic skyline of new Dubai (Burj Khalifa, Downtown, and the Marina). The glass-floor walkway at the top is not for the faint-hearted.

Old Dubai: Souks and the Creek

Cross the Dubai Creek on a traditional abra (water taxi) for just 1 dirham. On the other side, explore the Gold Souk (staggering quantities of gold jewellery), the Spice Souk (saffron, frankincense, dried fruits), and the Textile Souk. This is the Dubai that existed before the skyscrapers, and it offers a fascinating contrast to the modern city.

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Dubai Marina and JBR Beach

The Dubai Marina is a dazzling waterfront neighbourhood surrounded by some of the tallest residential towers in the world. Walk the Marina Walk promenade, take a dinner cruise, or relax on JBR Beach (Jumeirah Beach Residence), which has a lively beachfront strip with restaurants, shops, and watersport rentals.

Atlantis and Aquaventure

Located on the Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis The Royal and Atlantis The Palm are resort destinations in themselves. Aquaventure Waterpark is one of the largest waterparks in the world, with record-breaking slides, a lazy river, and a private beach. The Lost Chambers Aquarium houses over 65,000 marine animals.

Dubai Mall and Fountain Show

The Dubai Mall is not just shopping. It contains an aquarium (with a walkthrough tunnel), an ice rink, a virtual reality park, and over 1,200 shops. Outside, the Dubai Fountain performs a free choreographed water show every 30 minutes in the evening. It is 275 metres long, shoots water 150 metres into the air, and is genuinely spectacular.

Practical Tips for Dubai

• The best time to visit is November to March when temperatures are comfortable (20 to 30 degrees). Summer (June to September) is extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees.
• Dubai is a Muslim city. Dress modestly in public areas (especially malls and the old town). Beachwear is fine at the beach.
• The Metro is clean, cheap, and efficient. A day pass costs 22 dirhams (about 5 pounds).
• Friday brunch is a Dubai institution. Hotels and restaurants offer lavish all-you-can-eat-and-drink brunches for 200 to 500 dirhams.
• Alcohol is available in licensed hotels and restaurants but not in public areas.

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