Dubai is a city of superlatives, home to the world’s tallest tower, one of the world’s largest shopping malls and one of the world’s largest human-made marinas. On a smaller scale, this emirate is still tied to its days as a modest port town.
Atlantis The Palm – is sprawling and full of activities and top-notch restaurants. There’s everything from helicopter rides, tennis and scuba diving to dolphin encounters and stingray feeding sessions. It’s also home to The Lost Chambers Aquarium, as well as the massive Aquaventure Waterpark, which features thrilling rides.
Burj Khalifa – Whether you’re taking in the world’s tallest building from the ground (on the bridge between Souk Al Bahar and The Dubai Mall) or from the At The Top observation deck on the 124th floor, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is a must-see for all.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – Dubai’s Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is one of the most iconic buildings in the Middle East, if not the world, making it a must-see attraction in the city. The sail-shaped building opened in 1999 and has been a symbol of opulence and exclusivity ever since.
Desert safari – Dubai lies directly within the Arabian Desert and the sandy dunes on the city’s outskirts are a must-see.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo – for fans of sea life, take on a shark encounter, meet the aquarium’s resident crocodile, and marvel at the piranhas, crabs, water rats and the swarms of fish that inhabit the huge tank inside The Dubai Mall.
Dubai Creek – from the city’s newest attractions to one of its oldest, Dubai Creek has served as a lifeline for the community for centuries. Embrace Dubai’s past with a sail across Dubai Creek and get ready to be taken back to everything Dubai is really about.
Dubai Frame – It isn’t just a stand-out structure that captures the city in a colossal-sized frame, visitors can actually go inside and up to the bridge of Dubai Frame over at Zabeel Park. And, the views of ‘old’ and ‘new’ Dubai from a 150-metre-high sky glass bridge look superb whether you’re there for the day, sunset or at night. The bridge has a completely see-through bottom to it – walk across it and be labelled one of the bravest of the bunch.
Dubai Miracle Garden – If you’re yet to pay a visit to Dubai Miracle Garden, then it’s about time you get this spectacular attraction on your list. Located just outside Jumeirah Village Circle,
Dubai Safari – see animals from across the world in one place, this is where to head for a really wild time. Dubai Safari Park is home to more than 3,000 animals and is split into four sections. The Asian Village houses tigers, moon bears, and gibbons, African Village is home to animals including lions and giraffes, and in Arabian Village, you’ll find Arabian Oryx, camels, Arabian wolves and mountain gazelles. There’s an Explorer Village where visitors are taken on a safari bus tour around the park. This glorious wildlife experience is unmissable, especially for animal lovers.
Jumeirah Mosque – is one of the few mosques in town open to non-Muslims, and it’s well worth immersing yourself in the city’s culture and learning about Islam. You can join a tour with the Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding every day and you can get a full mosque visit, where a guide will explain the wudu – cleansing process before prayers – with a tour of the mosque and Arabic coffee afterwards.
Shindagha Museum – Get a bit of culture in this summer and visit the UAE’s largest heritage site, where you can learn more about the tales of the first residents of Dubai Creek. Get a flavour for Emirati life in years gone by.
The Dubai Fountain – delightful by day and enchanting in the evening. The fountain is more than 900ft in length – the equivalent of two football pitches – and shoots water into the sky to a range of different songs, from classical music to contemporary Arabian tracks and classic pop songs.
The Green Planet – Yes, it’s exactly what it says on the tin. The Green Planet is Dubai’s indoor rainforest, walk through the different floors of the rainforest as you make your way up to the canopy. Home to thousands of cute and creepy creatures from bats and monkeys to birds and even piranhas, it’s a great place to make some forest friends and learn about their habitat.
The View at the Palm – Catch stunning 360-degree views 240 meters above the world-famous Palm Jumeirah. From level 52 of the iconic Palm Tower, the viewing deck sees you spying Dubai’s iconic landmarks around the city and discovering hidden gems. Look around your favourite city with an eye you’ve never used before.
Al Marmoon Heritage Festival Camel Racing in Dubai – The desert-dwelling beasts can reach speeds of up to 65kmh and races are every bit as entertaining as you’re picturing right now. Dubai’s famous camel racetrack, Al Marmoom is open every winter if you want to watch camel racing – a centuries-old tradition – in Dubai.
Al Seef is an area of Dubai steeped in history, with a huge amount of Emirati culture. The must-see area leans heavily on the contemporary elements of life in Dubai but also has a nostalgic twist. There are plenty of things to do by the waterfront from sightseeing to shopping.