Top 5 Best Tours in Dubai
Five outstanding Dubai tours from desert safaris and Burj Khalifa visits to traditional dhow cruises and Abu Dhabi day trips.
Dubai is a city of superlatives: the tallest building, the largest shopping mall, and some of the most ambitious architecture on earth. But beyond the modern glitz, there is a fascinating desert culture, traditional souks, and historical areas that reveal a different side of this extraordinary city. These five tours cover both worlds.
1. Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and Entertainment
The desert safari is Dubai's most iconic experience. An afternoon of dune bashing in a 4x4 across the Arabian desert is exhilarating, followed by a sunset stop for photos, camel rides, and sandboarding. As evening falls, you arrive at a traditional Bedouin-style camp for a BBQ dinner under the stars with belly dancing and fire shows.
This tour gives you a taste of the Arabian desert that balances adventure with cultural immersion. The dune bashing is thrilling without being terrifying, and the camp atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed. Henna painting, shisha, and traditional costumes for photos are all included. It is the single most popular tour in Dubai for good reason.
Duration: 6-7 hours | From: ~£40 per person
2. Burj Khalifa At the Top Observation Deck
Standing on the observation deck of the world's tallest building, 555 metres above the city, is an experience you will never forget. The views stretch endlessly across the desert on one side and the Arabian Gulf on the other. This skip-the-line ticket takes you to the 124th and 125th floors via high-speed elevators, with multimedia displays explaining the tower's record-breaking construction along the way.
Sunset visits are the most popular (and sell out fastest) because you see Dubai transform from a sunlit skyline into a glittering carpet of lights. Booking in advance is essential since walk-up prices are significantly higher and peak time slots disappear quickly.
Duration: 1-1.5 hours | From: ~£30 per person
3. Dubai Marina Dhow Dinner Cruise
A dhow cruise is the quintessential Dubai evening experience. Gliding through Dubai Marina on a traditional wooden dhow, surrounded by illuminated skyscrapers, creates a stunning contrast between old and new. The international buffet dinner is generous, and the two-hour duration is perfectly paced for a relaxing evening on the water.
The Marina route passes some of Dubai's most impressive buildings, including the twisting Cayan Tower and the Marina Mall. Live entertainment on board adds to the atmosphere, and the open-air upper deck is ideal for photography. It is an elegant, affordable way to experience Dubai's famous skyline from a unique vantage point.
Duration: 2 hours | From: ~£35 per person
4. Old Dubai Walking Tour: Al Fahidi, Creek and Souks
This walking tour reveals the Dubai that existed before the skyscrapers. The Al Fahidi heritage district features restored wind tower houses from the 1890s, the Dubai Museum tells the story of the emirate's transformation from fishing village to metropolis, and crossing Dubai Creek by abra (traditional water taxi) costs just one dirham and is one of the city's most authentic experiences.
The Gold Souk and Textile Souk are genuinely dazzling, with shop windows overflowing with gold jewellery. Your local guide explains the trading traditions that built Dubai long before oil was discovered, and helps you navigate the souks without the usual tourist markups. This tour is the perfect antidote to the modern glamour, showing the real cultural heart of the city.
Duration: 2.5 hours | From: ~£25 per person
5. Abu Dhabi Day Trip with Grand Mosque Visit
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is one of the most beautiful buildings on earth, and this day trip from Dubai combines it with a tour of Abu Dhabi's key attractions. The mosque accommodates 40,000 worshippers and features the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, Italian marble floors, and gold-plated chandeliers that weigh up to 12 tonnes each.
The tour also covers the Corniche waterfront, the Heritage Village, and a photo stop at the Emirates Palace. Transport between Dubai and Abu Dhabi (about 90 minutes each way) is included, along with a knowledgeable guide who explains the cultural significance of each site. Modest dress is required for the mosque (abayas are provided).
Duration: 9-10 hours | From: ~£45 per person
Dubai Tour Tips
- Book the desert safari for a day when you have a free evening, since you return quite late (around 9pm).
- Burj Khalifa sunset slots sell out weeks ahead. Book early for the best experience.
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques and the Old Dubai district. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
- The best months to visit are November to March when temperatures are pleasant. Summer can exceed 45 degrees Celsius.
Read our Dubai Things to Do guide and explore all Dubai tours and experiences.
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