The glamorous and magnificent Dubai is the vacation capital of the United Arab Emirates.
This city of skyscrapers and malls has evolved from a desert outpost into a popular vacation spot, drawing visitors in search of great deals, warm weather, and family-friendly activities.
Dubai is renowned for its contemporary tourist destinations, like the Burj Khalifa, the tallest structure in the world, and gigantic shopping malls that feature a wide range of brands for shopaholics, enormous aquariums and indoor ski slopes.
But in addition to all the dazzling modern elements, this city boasts a lot of cultural attractions and things to do.
Here’s a list of the best places to enjoy a trip in Dubai.
Get mesmerized by The Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa, a landmark structure and a main tourist draw in Dubai, is the city’s most well-known landmark and the highest structure in the world at 829.8 meters. Most people consider visiting this city’s observation deck, which is located on the 124th level, a must-do activity. From this eagle’s eye view, the vistas across the metropolitan skyline are just breathtaking. You can even buy apartments in Dubai facing the Burj Khalifa and witness the most spectacular views.
Before a high-speed elevator whisks you up to the observation deck for those 360-degree views out across the skyscrapers to the desert on one side and the ocean on the other, the slick observation deck experience includes a multimedia presentation on both Dubai and the construction of the Burj Khalifa (completed in 2010). Due to Dubai’s famed panoramic views of the city’s lights, nighttime excursions are especially well-liked by photographers.
Experience serenity at the JBR Beach
Dubai tourists’ favorite beach is this huge, lengthy stretch of pristine white sand.
This is one of the most well-liked areas to stay for travelers who wish to make hitting the beach a key part of their Dubai stay because some of Dubai’s most well-liked beach resorts are spread out all along its length. If you love beach views, you can even buy an apartment in Dubai that is sea-facing for the ultimate holiday experience.
The beach’s expansive public portions are well-equipped with sun loungers, eateries, lifeguards who watch over the areas set aside for swimming, and businesses that offer boat rides, jet skiing, kayak rentals, parasailing, and other water sports.
Families with young children should consider staying at this beach since the shallow, quiet, and emerald Gulf water that laps the shore is safe.
Go off-roading in The Dubai Desert
You don’t have to go very far to get to some of the UAE’s rippling dune desert landscapes from Dubai’s skyline of skyscrapers along the coast.
Both the orange-hued dunes of Maleha (actually in the Emirate of Sharjah) and the dune fields and desert of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve are reachable by day trip from the city.
Sandboarding, camel rides, 4WD safaris, traditional Arabian falconry performances, and desert dinners beneath the stars are just a few of the things that can be included in desert adventure excursions. Additionally, there are choices for spending the night camping outside.
A short vacation to Dubai can easily fit the normal tour itinerary, which takes visitors on a taste of desert life and lasts about six hours door to door with a mid-afternoon departure from the city.
Enjoy Ski Dubai at The Mall of Emirates
One of the most well-known malls in the city is Mall of the Emirates, which also houses the magnificent (and fantastical) Ski Dubai complex.
With chairlifts, a penguin habitat, and a constant temperature of -4 degrees Celsius, the indoor ski slope is fully equipped.
Additionally, there is a theater complex and a family entertainment area with a variety of rides for both children and adults.
Both the shopping and dining options are limitless, offering every imaginable type of international cuisine.
Explore The Dubai Creek
Deira and Bur Dubai are located north and south of Dubai Creek, which divides the city into two towns.
The city’s expansion has been influenced by the creek, which initially drew people for its excellent fishing and pearl diving.
Small settlements appeared alongside the stream as early as 4,000 years ago, but the modern era didn’t start until the Bani Yas tribe moved into the region in the 1830s.
You may take in city views from the water at the creek by either taking a ride on one of the many shows that have been repaired and converted into tourist cruise ships or by taking an abra (a little wooden ferry) between the ferry stops on the creek’s Bur Dubai and Deira banks.
Skydiving
Tandem skydiving over Dubai from Skydive Dubai’s Palm Drop Zone will provide you with the city’s greatest sightseeing rush while you’re there. All the way down the 3,900-meter drop, there are aerial views of the city’s skyscraper shoreline, Dubai Marina, and the man made islands of Palm Jumeirah.
The entire experience lasts about 90 minutes and consists of the flight, a skydiving instructor to whom you will be attached, and a camera operator who will capture images of you while you are in the air.
Skydive Dubai also offers a different tandem skydiving experience in the desert, around 35 kilometers outside of the city, if you like the view of the desert dune landscape.
Due to limited availability and the activity’s high demand, skydiving in Dubai requires advance reservations.
Take a tour to Jumeirah Mosque
Many people believe that Dubai’s Jumeirah Mosque is the most beautiful mosque. The Jumeirah Mosque is a remarkable illustration of Islamic architecture and is an exact replica of Cairo’s Al-Azhar Mosque, which is eight times larger.
With two minarets that highlight the intricate stonework, this stone building was constructed in the Fatimid style of the Middle Ages. When illuminated by floodlights in the evening, it is quite appealing.
The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding organises tours of the mosque to try to promote a better understanding of the Muslim faith (along with running a programme of tours, talks, Arabic classes, and cultural feasts).
Cruise around Madinat Jumeirah
A few five-star hotels are located in the Madinat Jumeirah development complex, which is situated along the palm-tree-lined banks of a system of artificial canals and includes an eating and shopping area.
All of Madinat Jumeirah has been designed with wind towers and mashrabiya features to resemble traditional Gulf architecture.
You can even buy an apartment in Dubai at Madinat Jumeirah Living (MJL), which is a prestigious community of freehold residences situated just across the icon of luxury – The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. You have the opportunity of choosing between elegantly constructed 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroom apartments.
The main reason to visit Souk Madinat Jumeirah is to board an abra (a small wooden ferry) and go down the canal. It provides casual shopping and a broad selection of traditional crafts and mementos from the Gulf and the wider Middle East.
Abras frequently depart from Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s promenade and circle the waterway, offering numerous possibilities for photographs of Madinat Jumeirah’s beautiful gardens and traditional buildings with the Burj Al Arab’s towering, swooping sail in the distance.
Explore the Dubai Aquarium’s Underwater World.
The Dubai Aquarium, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, is home to 140 different kinds of marine life in the enormous hanging tank on the Dubai Mall’s first floor.
The Underwater Zoo, with its three-story high, 270-degree views throughout the length of the glass-panel tunnels, is the highlight of a visit to this location, however free viewing is available from the mall as well.
The Dubai Aquarium offers a wide range of aquatic activities and experiences for guests who want to get up close and personal with some of the aquarium’s inhabitants, from hand-feeding eagle rays to scuba diving with reef and tiger sharks.