Things to do in

Dubai

At The Top provides panoramic views of Dubai from the world's tallest building. Visitors access the main observation decks on levels 124 & 125 (At The Top) and the premium At The Top SKY experience on level 148. High-speed elevators whisk guests up in less than a minute; the decks feature floor-to-ceiling glass, outdoor terraces, interactive telescopes and multimedia exhibits that explain the building and city's skyline.

The Dubai Fountain Show is a large-scale choreographed fountain performance set on Burj Khalifa Lake at the base of the Burj Khalifa. Combining water jets, LED and spot lighting, and a varied soundtrack (classical to contemporary), the display reaches heights of up to 150 metres and is visible around Downtown Dubai. The show is free to watch from multiple public vantage points, with paid options for closer viewing from the lake (boat rides).

The Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in the world, located in the heart of Downtown Dubai adjacent to Burj Khalifa. It combines high-end retail, family-friendly attractions, dining and iconic sights (like the Dubai Fountain and the Dubai Aquarium) under one roof, making it a must-visit for first-time and repeat visitors.

Located inside The Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the world's largest suspended aquariums and a top family-friendly attraction. Visitors can view a massive aquatic habitat from the Aquarium Gallery, walk through a long acrylic tunnel, explore themed zoo levels housing freshwater and marine species, and book optional experiences such as cage snorkeling, shark dives, and glass-bottom boat rides.

Museum of the Future is an iconic, torus-shaped cultural landmark on Sheikh Zayed Road (Trade Centre), Dubai. Opened in 2022 and developed by the Dubai Future Foundation, it showcases immersive, design-led exhibitions exploring possible futures for society, technology and the environment. The building itself — covered in Arabic calligraphy — is as much an attraction as the exhibits.

Dubai Frame is an iconic architectural landmark located within Zabeel Park that frames sweeping views of both Old and New Dubai. The attraction combines a panoramic sky deck, a glass-floored walkway and an immersive museum exhibition that tells the story of Dubai’s past, present and future. The structure itself resembles a giant picture frame and is a popular spot for photos at sunrise and sunset.

The View at The Palm is an observation deck on the upper floors of Palm Tower on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. It offers panoramic 360° views of the Palm Jumeirah fronds, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai Marina skyline, the Arabian Gulf and, on clear days, the Downtown Dubai skyline. The experience combines indoor viewing galleries, an outdoor terrace and interactive exhibits, with a high-speed elevator lift to the observation level.

Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm is one of Dubai's largest and most famous waterparks, combining high-speed slides, rivers, a private beach, and marine animal encounters. Set on Palm Jumeirah, it offers attractions for thrill-seekers and families alike, plus access to the Lost Chambers Aquarium (depending on ticket type).

Experience the Arabian desert on a thrilling dune-bashing safari combined with cultural activities in the protected landscapes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) or the nearby Lehbab Desert. This activity blends high-adrenaline driving across red dunes with traditional desert experiences — camel rides, sandboarding, sunset photography, Arabian refreshments, and an evening BBQ with live entertainment. Tours in the DDCR emphasize eco-conscious practices and require licensed operators and permits.

Experience the desert at sunrise aboard a hot air balloon drifting over the dunes of Margham Desert. This serene, panoramic flight offers bird’s-eye views of rolling sand, occasional desert wildlife (oryx, gazelles, camels), and the Dubai skyline on the horizon. Flights are typically at sunrise to take advantage of calm winds and spectacular light. The experience usually includes pickup/return transfers, a short safety briefing, a 45–60 minute airborne flight, and a light breakfast or celebratory refreshment after landing.

Tandem skydiving experience over Palm Jumeirah offering spectacular aerial views of the Palm, Dubai coastline, and iconic landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab and the Dubai skyline. Participants are securely harnessed to a professional instructor who controls the freefall and parachute. The Palm dropzone is known for lower-altitude jumps (around 13,000 feet), delivering an exhilarating freefall followed by a serene canopy glide with panoramic photo/video opportunities.

XLine Dubai Marina is a high-adrenaline urban zipline that sends riders across the iconic Dubai Marina skyline. Launched by XLine, it is one of the fastest and longest urban ziplines in the world, delivering exhilarating speeds and panoramic views of skyscrapers, the marina canal, and the Arabian Gulf. The experience combines professional safety procedures with an unforgettable, short high-speed flight between two towers in Dubai Marina.

Experience a leisurely evening aboard a traditional wooden dhow as it glides along Dubai Creek, linking the historic districts of Bur Dubai and Deira. The cruise combines scenic views of old souks and modern skyline reflections, a buffet dinner featuring Arabic and international dishes, and live onboard entertainment (e.g., Tanoura dance, soft Arabic music). It's a relaxed cultural experience ideal for couples, families, and first-time visitors.

Traditional wooden abra ride across Dubai Creek connecting the historic districts of Bur Dubai and Deira. A short, authentic and very affordable crossing used by locals and visitors alike — perfect for a quick transport experience, photography, and combining with visits to the Gold and Spice Souks.

A leisurely cultural walk through one of Dubai's oldest preserved neighbourhoods. Explore narrow winding lanes, restored wind-tower (barjeel) houses, art galleries, small museums and traditional cafes. The walk offers a window into Dubai's pre-oil past, local architecture, Emirati culture and photographic streetscapes, with easy connections to Dubai Museum and the Creek.

Al Shindagha Museum & Perfume House is a cultural attraction located in the historic Shindagha district on Dubai Creek. Housed in a restored traditional Emirati building, the site showcases the region's maritime, social and olfactory heritage — with a special focus on traditional perfumery, oud, attar and incense. Visitors can explore sensory exhibits, watch live demonstrations of perfume-making, and learn about the role of fragrances in Gulf culture while enjoying views of Dubai Creek.

Jumeirah Mosque Guided Tour offers visitors a chance to explore one of Dubai's most iconic mosques while learning about Emirati culture and Islamic traditions. Run by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), the tour includes a guided walkthrough of the mosque, an informative discussion on Islam and Emirati customs, a Q&A session, and traditional Arabic tea with dates and light snacks. The experience is designed for non-Muslim visitors and emphasizes cultural exchange and respectful dialogue.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a reconstructed traditional Arabian market set within the Madinat Jumeirah resort complex in Dubai. It blends classic Arabic architecture, meandering waterways and wooden abra (water taxi) rides with modern boutiques, artisan shops and a wide range of restaurants and cafés. The souk offers a scenic, family-friendly experience with views of the Burj Al Arab and an atmospheric combination of shopping, dining and entertainment.

The Deira Gold Souk is Dubai's historic jewellery market located in the old trading district of Deira beside Dubai Creek. Famous for its narrow lanes lined with hundreds of shops offering a vast range of gold, diamond, and precious-stone jewellery, the souk mixes traditional Arabian market atmosphere with competitive modern pricing. Visitors come to browse, compare prices, and practise bargaining while enjoying the vibrant local scene.

Deira Spice Souk is a historic, open-air market in Dubai’s Deira district, a sensory maze of narrow alleys lined with stalls selling whole and ground spices, herbs, teas, incense, dried fruits, nuts, Arabic coffee and traditional remedies. Located close to Dubai Creek and the Gold Souk, the Souk is as much a cultural experience as a shopping destination — expect strong aromas, colourful displays and friendly bargaining with long-established merchants.