99 Things to Do in Dubai
If you’re looking for inspiration for what to do on your holiday to Dubai, here are 99 great ideas to get you started.
Start by the sea
The best of Dubai shore to shore
1. Swim, surf or laze by the beach – pick from the city’s most popular spots such as Sunset Beach, Kite Beach or The Beach, JBR.
2. Explore Dubai’s azure waters by taking a fishing trip out to sea with the experts, like Deep Blue Fishing.
3. Tear yourself away from our beachy shores to cross the historic Dubai Creek onboard a traditional wooden abra.
4. Gather the family for a chance to walk underwater (figuratively) at Dubai Aquarium’s magical tunnel and say hi to the rays.
5. Chase the wind and go all out with jetskiing at sea – the team at Seawake are one of the best in the city.
6. Sleeping with the fishes takes on a whole new meaning at Atlantis, The Palm’s luxe underwater suites.
7. Scare-seekers will want to take a ‘leap of faith’ at Aquaventure Waterpark and plunge through shark-filled waters.
8. Getting fit doesn’t need to be boring. Slip and slide your way into fun at the AquaFun inflatable waterpark at Jumeirah Beach Residences.
9. Escape the bright lights of the city and go kayaking in a shimmering lake nestled amid the mountainscapes of Hatta.
10. Take the plunge into the world’s deepest pool and explore depths of up to 60m at Deep Dive Dubai.
11. When you’d like to combine a sea and sky experience, hop aboard a seaplane that takes off on water and then rewards you with aerial views of the city.
12. As a city with a famed coastline, there’s nothing like seeing the sights from the water, especially since water taxis are an official mode of public transportation. Choose the route from Dubai Festival City Mall to Jumeirah to see what we mean.
Shop for superb experiences
Mega malls to magic souks, we’ve got it all
13. Dubai is an excellent place to get a custom suit or bespoke dress. Head to the decades-old tailoring shops in the Satwa neighbourhood for styles that are a cut above.
14. Looking for the perfect fabric? You’ll find everything from soft cotton to pure silk at Textile Souk in Bur Dubai where eager owners offer bargain prices the more you order.
15. Looking for some thrills with your retail therapy? Dubai Hills Mall is home to The Storm, a record-breaking indoor rollercoaster that promises the ultimate rush.
16. The bright lights of the city’s malls are irresistible but, if you’re looking for special deals on the best designers, make time for a trip to the Dubai Outlet Mall.
17. A visit to Dubai’s atmospheric Gold Souk is a must with storefronts filled with intricate, bejewelled designs that are worth every dirham.
18. Explore big name brands and indie boutiques at Souk Madinat Jumeirah – you’ll find gifts galore, including custom name pendants and Aladdin-inspired lamps.
19. Find the weird and wonderful for sale at Dragon Mart, one of the largest trading centres for Chinese products outside mainland China.
20. Every serious shopper’s dream come true, there’s nothing quite like Dubai Mall. With over 1,000 stores, you’re bound to find it all here.
21. When you want to combine shopping with a bit of sun, head to City Walk. This outdoor destination is a treat for all ages and presents a curated selection of boutiques.
22. Create your own bespoke scent at the Perfume Souk in Dubai and take it home in colourful glass bottles – they make great souvenirs!
Sights and sounds to last
Make time for our must-see list
23. An obvious recommendation – but one that always bears repeating – is taking in the sights from At The Top, Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
24. Whether you want to sing along with A-list stars, watch world-class theatre or catch a comedy performance, there’s always something fun on at the Coca-Cola Arena.
25. Play spot the turtle at the serene lagoons of Jumeirah Al Naseem hotel. The setting is unique and it’s surrounded by a slew of award-winning restaurants.
26. Watch the sunrise while horse riding at Al Jiyad Stables. It’s a transformative experience and, once you try it, you’ll want to book your next ride immediately.
27. See the world during a stroll around Global Village. Taking place every year from October to early May, it’s an outdoor amusement park like no other.
28. Take the kids to Dubai Garden Glow, a magical world where glowing sculptures astound and dinosaurs roam free.
29. Marvel at the exotic wildlife in The Green Planet’s bio-dome. That’s right, it’s an indoor rainforest in one of the world’s most exciting desert cities.
30. Walk along Dubai Water Canal. One of the greatest urban transformations, this historic waterway has effectively made parts of the city into an island.
31. See more things built out of plastic bricks than you could ever imagine at Legoland Dubai.
32. Go for a memorable jog at Kite Beach and watch colourful kite surfers liven up the sky with tricks and flips.
33. Enjoy incomparable vistas at The View at The Palm. Located 240m high, the observation deck presents never seen before 360-degree panoramas of Palm Jumeirah.
34. It’s worth setting the alarm early for the chance to cycle at dawn at Al Qudra Cycle Track, winding along the desert with endless views of rolling sands.
35. Enjoy a round of golf at The Montgomerie, a spectacular 18-hole championship golf course set in the tranquil Emirates Hills community or head to Topgolf Dubai for a driving range within a three-level entertainment venue.
36. See record-breaking flower sculptures at Dubai Miracle Garden and don’t forget to pose at the popular ‘Hearts Passage’.
37. Get lost in the bustling streets of Old Dubai. The residential neighbourhoods of Al Karama and Bur Dubai thrum with activity at all hours of the day and night.
38. See the flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. There are three free bird hides dedicated to viewing these majestic creatures dotted around the sanctuary’s edge.
39. Take a walk in the past, present and future at the Dubai Frame where themed exhibits and an incredible ‘sky bridge’ are sure to spark delight.
40. Experience indoor skiing in the desert at Ski Dubai. If skiing is not your thing, there’s also a fun snow park packed with activities.
41. Discover a manmade archipelago across four isles. Dubai Islands is known for its family hotels, marinas and retail thrills, plus 21km of pristine beachfront.
42. Head to Expo City Dubai to explore a future-centric mini-city that builds on the legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai – the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region.
43. Be wowed by the death-defying acrobatics, grand visuals and a dramatic soundtrack at the La Perle show, masterminded by the late great Franco Dragone.
44. Bamboozle your brain at the Museum of Illusions, located in the popular past-meets-present destination of Al Seef.
45. Go hot air ballooning in the cool of a desert dawn. The team at Balloon Adventures can even arrange a private experience, just for two.
46. Watch The Dubai Fountain’s stunning choreographed displays that bring the magic of sound, water and light alive every evening.
Hit reset and relax
Treat yourself to something new
47. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or still practising your downward dogs, there’s nothing quite like the full moon yoga experience at Talise Spa.
48. Sprawl out on the shores of The World Islands, an archipelago made up of several manmade islands designed to resemble the world map.
49. Chill out in XVA Gallery’s shady courtyard, surrounded by contemporary art, the call of the birds and a blissful state of mind.
50. Go stargazing in the desert with Platinum Heritage, one of the city’s luxe tour operators that presents an irresistible array of desert experiences.
51. Indulge in a traditional Moroccan hammam experience at the One&Only Royal Mirage spa – you’ll leave feeling brand new.
52. See native gazelle and Arabian oryx roam free at the protected Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
53. Relive childhood memories or instill new ones as you fly a kite on the pristine greens of the beautiful Creek Park.
54. Lounge and unwind at Palm West Beach, with all-day seaside entertainment and the best Dubai skyline views along a buzzing beachfront promenade.
Discover history and culture
Secret spots and local haunts
55. Brush up on history at Etihad Museum, located on the site where the nation’s rulers first signed the constitution of the United Arab Emirates.
56. Admire next-generation science, technology and innovation at one of Dubai’s most famous landmarks, the Museum of the Future.
57. Explore the winding alleyways and charming courtyards of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
58. Swap horses for camels and travel along the desert dunes like the ancient bedu with the Al Marmoom Bedouin Experience.
59. Learn about Emirati culture and centuries-old traditions at the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding.
60. Discover trendy new artists alongside established names at the warehouses-turned-galleries of Alserkal Avenue.
61. Take a closer look at the Dubai’s maritime heritage at Al Shindagha Museum.
62. Head to the historic Dubai Creek to lose yourself in one of Mohammed Bin Rashid Library’s million titles.
63. Book the Jumeirah Mosque tour – it’s one of the few mosques in the city that’s open to non-Muslims.
64. Savour the aromas of the Spice Souk, a traditional market that offers an unimaginable variety of foodie treats.
65. Learn about ancient civilisations at the famed Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeology Museum with artefacts dating back to the Iron Age.
66. Immerse yourself in culture at Jameel Arts Centre – home to an impressive outdoor sculpture park.
Get ready for new adventures
Hold on tight, there’s more in store
67. Get your hair blown back by IMG Worlds of Adventure’s epic rides. We dare you to not scream while on The Velociraptor.
68. Book a heart-pounding desert safari with Arabian Adventures to see Dubai’s majestic dunes from every angle.
69. Take a break from shopping to try go-karting on the rooftop of Dubai Mall Zabeel.
70. Pedal to the top of Hatta’s mountains at your own pace or push yourself to new limits, there’s a mountain biking trail for every taste.
71. Go tree-surfing with the family at Aventura Parks, the home of rope swings and zip lines big and small.
72. Enjoy Hollywood-themed thrills at Motiongate Dubai, the theme park that brings blockbusters to life.
73. Follow in the tracks of Jenson Button by taking a spin round the world-class motorsports circuit at Dubai Autodrome.
74. The ultimate braveheart experience? There’s nothing like freefalling with Skydive Dubai.
75. Not quite ready to jump out of a plane? Experience indoor skydiving at iFly Dubai.
76. Literally walk underwater with an AquaTrek experience at Atlantis, The Palm where you’ll get to see marine life up close.
77. Feel the rush at Wild Wadi Waterpark’s Tantrum Alley ride – expect two waterslides, three tornadoes and a final splash that will leave you screaming for more.
78. Add a spring (or more) to your step at Riverland Dubai’s JumpX – the world’s largest inflatable park, it boasts 15 colourful areas and promises lots of energetic activity.
79. If you’re a fan of heights then head around 220m above ground with Sky Views Dubai and try the Glass Slide and thrill-inducing Edge Walk.
Taste the best of the city
Sweet surprises worth savouring
80. Try the Emirati delicacy luqaimat at Logma. Crunchy and sweet, it’s like a dollop of happiness.
81. Dine amid a dreamy Arabian fairytale-like setting at folly in Madinat Jumeirah. Watch the sunset and then settle in for a memorable meal under the stars.
82. Have a picnic with the family at Al Qudra Lakes, a popular spot surrounded by desert dunes.
83. Take a foodie tour of the city’s hidden street food gems with the experts at Frying Pan Adventures.
84. Raise the roof at some of Dubai’s hottest lounges, such as The Penthouse and White, that combine views with electric vibes.
85. Tick some of the World’s 50 Best MENA restaurants off your foodie bucket list. From French favourites to authentic Japanese experiences, there is something to suit every taste in Dubai.
86. Visit Deira’s Waterfront Market where residents in the know pick up the freshest seafood, honey, dates and more.
87. Sample incredible and inexpensive Pakistani food at a Dubai institution. Ravi Restaurant in Satwa has been delighting the city’s diners since 1978.
88. Visit one of Dubai’s Michelin-starred restaurants, including Trèsind Studio for creative Indian fare on the rooftop of Nakheel Mall.
89. Sample the traditional flavours of Levantine cuisine, reimagined by the lauded trio behind Orfali Bros Bistro.
90. Short on time but keen to try a wide variety of the city’s best flavours? You’ll find a great selection of homegrown eateries at Time Out Market.
91. Treat your partner to a dinner like no other at Burj Al Arab. The hotel’s underwater-themed Al Mahara restaurant sees colourful fish glide past your table in giant aquariums.
92. Come for the sunset scenes, stay for a meal at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour. This working harbour sees a collection of restaurants along the water’s edge, including the celebrated 3Fils.
93. Sample the city’s gourmet food truck fare at the Last Exit – a park dedicated to foodies, with flavours near and far.
94. Visit Mirzam Chocolate Factory in Al Quoz to see how chocolate is made (and eat some). The dreamy venue regularly hosts fun workshops too.
95. Order the best chicken shawarma and wash it down with a creamy avocado milkshake at Al Mallah, a humble eatery in Satwa that draws in the crowds every evening.
96. The glasshouse-inspired Pavilion at The Beach promises 365 days of irresistible beachside bites.
97. Swap eggs for extravagance with weekend brunches in Dubai. The city goes all out with feasts at top restaurants such as Coya and Zuma.
98. Dubai’s cafe culture is always brewing something special. Follow your nose to Nightjar in Alserkal Avenue for a taste of the city’s best roasts.
99. Get on the list of one of the city’s pop-up supper clubs where talented local chefs impress with themed, one-off menus.
Original Aricle Published @ VisitDubai – https://www.visitdubai.com/en/articles/99-things-to-do-in-dubai
