Luxury and elegance are two words that define Dubai in the best possible way. Apart from this, Dubai is adventurous, fun and entertaining too. All these things make Dubai one of the most popular cities in the world for people who love to travel. If you are planning a trip to Dubai, here are the top 10 things that you must do in this Emirate city of UAE.
Top Things to do in Dubai: Must See Attractions and Activities
1. Dhow Cruise :
Going on a dhow cruise is the best way to spend a relaxing day in Dubai. Dhows are traditional boats that were used for transportation. Today, they are used in the form of floating restaurants. When in Dubai, you must go on a dhow cruise dinner on Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina to not only enjoy a delicious meal but also to view the beautiful sights of the city. The dhows, completely decorated with lights, look ravishing in the darkness of the night and so do the beautifully lit buildings on the coast. Moreover, while having your food and drinks, you can enjoy some entertainment activities like Tanura dancing by experts.
2. Desert Safari :
What is a visit to Dubai without a visit to its beautiful, vast desert? Quite incomplete! A desert safari is one of the top things to do in Dubai which is enjoyed by tourists, residents and expats alike. The regular desert safaris begin in the evening and end late in the evening. You spend your time with some adventure activities like dune bashing, camel riding, quad biking, etc. Also, do not forget to get your camera along to capture some amazing pictures of the desert, especially during sunset. Once the sun sets, you can enjoy entertainment activities like henna painting, belly dancing, shisha smoking, etc. The BBQ dinner is another highlight of the desert safari.
3. City Sightseeing :
Dubai is rich in culture and heritage. At the same time, it is a city that has undergone massive growth and development in just a few decades. All this makes it an interesting city for sightseeing. Some of the places that you must check out in Dubai are the Burj Khalifa, the Jumeirah Beach, Gold Souk, etc. The Jumeirah Mosque is also a great place to go to if you want to check out the Arabic architecture. Moreover, this is the only mosque in Dubai which is open to non-Muslims. There are also hop-on and hop-off tour buses which are a great way of sightseeing in the city.
4. Adventure Tours :
If sightseeing is not your cup of tea, Dubai offers several adventure tours for those who love an adrenaline rush. As Dubai is a coastal city, you can try out several water sports including deep sea cruising, deep sea fishing, diving, kayaking, etc. There are several tour companies that offer water adventure sports for those interested. Dubai is also a place where you go sky diving. Even if you have tried sky diving before, you must do it at least once in Dubai too as you get to see a bird eye view of the largest manmade island in the world, the Palm Jumeirah.
5. Skiing :
You may wonder how skiing is possible in a land which is covered with desert and water. However, Dubai is a city that has made the impossible possible! In the middle of the enormous Mall of Emirates is a ski park which is as large as five football grounds put together. The ski park is connected with a snow world where you can enjoy playing with snow. The ski park is a great way of learning skiing. You can rent all the winter and skiing gear at the entrance and have a great time.
6. Helicopter Ride :
If you do not want to go sightseeing in Dubai in the regular way, do it in a unique way and go for a helicopter ride. There are many tour companies that offer helicopter rides over the city as well as the desert of Dubai. The chance of viewing the skyscrapers, monuments and other important places of Dubai from a bird’s eye view is definitely a rare chance.
7. Hot Air Balloon Ride :
Another thing that you must try in Dubai is a hot air balloon ride. This ride usually takes place early in the morning, over the vast desert area. It is a great way of viewing the sunrise as well as the sun-kissed dessert dunes. It is one of the most romantic things to do in Dubai. So if you are in the Emirate city with your spouse for your honeymoon, it is something you must do.
8. Theme Parks :
Like everything else in Dubai, the theme parks of the city are the best. The water based theme parks are creative and built with state-of-the-art technology. Some of the water parks that you must visit in Dubai are Wild Wadi Water Park, Aquaventure Waterpark, Atlantis the Palm, etc. Apart from this, the Miracle Garden is a must visit place if you want to take a look at the biggest natural flower garden in the world with more than 45 million flowers organized in various creative ways. Dubai Mall also houses an aquarium and underwater zoo.
9. Clubs and Pubs :
While Dubai is city that is highly religious, it offers a great nightlife with several clubs and pubs. Most of the clubs and pubs are associated with four and five star hotels. Most of them offer great entertainment, awesome food and the best alcoholic drinks. Some of the places that you must try to enjoy the nightlife of Dubai are the Buddha Bar, 360o, Boudoir, C-Bar, Infinity, etc.
10. Shopping :
If you love shopping, Dubai would probably drive you crazy. Dubai has several traditional markets and souks as well as many huge malls which have stores of almost all international brands. You must definitely visit the Gold Souk, where you would find maximum gold at one place. Here, you can bargain with the store keepers and get great deals too. For great shopping fun, you must go to Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates, etc. To enjoy the actual shopping mood of Dubai, you must visit the city during the infamous Dubai Shopping Festival, which is usually conducted during the beginning of the year.
The top 10 things to do in Dubai would make your Dubai trip truly memorable. Whatever might be your likes and dislikes, Dubai is city that would not fail to surprise you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1) What unique experiences await in the desert in Dubai?
Sign up for a thrilling desert safari that lets you ride camels, experience dune bashing, and
enjoy a traditional Bedouin-style dinner under the stars. The desert landscape provides a
dramatic backdrop for adventure seekers.
2) Are there any underwater attractions in Dubai?
Dive into the aquatic wonders of the Dubai Mall Aquarium, home to thousands of marine
species. For a more immersive experience, visit the Atlantis – The Palm and explore The Lost
Chambers Aquarium, an awe-inspiring underwater world.
3) How can one experience traditional culture in Dubai?
Immerse yourself in the rich Emirati culture at Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, a hub for
contemporary art. Visit the Souk Madinat Jumeirah for a traditional market experience, or
attend a performance at the Dubai Opera, a perfect place for art enthusiasts.
4) What is the best way to explore Dubai’s culinary scene?
Indulge your taste buds in the diverse culinary landscape of Dubai. From fine dining at
Pierchic, on a pier in the Arabian Gulf, to experiencing local flavors in the Al Fahidi
Historic District, Dubai offers a gastronomic adventure.
5) Can you recommend family-friendly activities in Dubai?
Enjoy family-friendly attractions like the Dubai Miracle Garden, a vibrant floral paradise, or
the IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park. KidZania Dubai
offers an educational and entertaining experience for children from two to 16 years.