Top 10 Things to Do in Dubai to Add to Your Itinerary
Dubai is a mega-Arabic metropolis where unmatched modernity and timeless culture are bundled into an exciting package. You can endlessly shop at its colossal malls, throw yourself into heart-racing amusement and thrills at its theme parks, or relax your inner soul by heading to its lush gardens or venturing out on a desert safari. In fact, narrowing down a list of things to do in Dubai can be overwhelming. But this read covers everything, allowing you to plan your perfect Dubai program.
Top things to do in Dubai
1. Witness Dubai from the world’s tallest structure
Burj Khalifa, topping off at over 828 meters in Downtown Dubai, is the world’s tallest building. This gleaming, steely structure itself is an architectural fineness, and its observation decks on the 124th, 125th, and 148th levels offer an unequaled standpoint to absorb the magical city skyline views.
A swift elevator ride and a fascinating multimedia display on Dubai’s transformation into a global city are all part of your visit here. Depending on your Burj Khalifa tickets, you can savor sumptuous dining and gain access to its lounge and rooftop club.
2. Admire Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah probably needs no preface; it’s the world’s largest man-made island with a one-of-a-kind palm-tree-like design. Catch the breathtaking views of this island on an exhilarating skydiving session or a helicopter ride.
Looking for a cost-effective alternative to soak up this view? Make your way to the View at the Palm (observatory) on the Palm Tower’s 52nd level to treat yourself to the unhindered and panoramic 360-degree views of Palm Jumeirah and beyond.
3. Step into Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood
Wandering the narrow alleys of this quaint quarter in old Dubai will transport you to a bygone era. Immerse yourself in its old-world aura and watch in awe the early 20th-century structures (with wooden courtyards and wind towers) still preserved in their original state.
Be sure to enter them, as most now function as an art gallery, a museum, or a cultural attraction, like the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU).
4. Admire cutting-edge art at TODA
Dubai is now home to the Arab world’s ultimate art and culture hub, TODA (Theatre of Digital Arts). Spanning a 1,800 sqm facility within the iconic Madinat Jumeirah, it is where you can appreciate creative art through various formats as diverse as virtual reality, multimedia presentations, digital shows, and extraordinary art installations.
5. Discover the multicultural dining scene
Navigating the region’s gastronomy itself is an integral part of exploring Dubai. More than 200 nationals from different parts of the world call Dubai their second home, thus reflecting its dining culture. So, what better way to feast your taste buds with diverse cuisine?
Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, grab a quick bite with street foods during sightseeing or shopping, or heighten your culinary experience with sky-high views or even a dine in the sky experience. Precisely, you just imagine; it’s all possible in Dubai!
6. See the Middle East’s largest crocodile park
Dubai recently unveiled one of its most awaited wildlife attractions, Dubai Crocodile Park, the largest of its kind in the region. It is so meticulously created that this 20,000 sqm park immaculately recreates crocodiles’ natural ecosystem, featuring waterfalls, climate-controlled waters, shaded areas, and huge basins.
All these make it a safe abode for over 250 crocodiles, such as the mighty Nile crocodiles. You will also encounter over 60 fascinating juvenile crocodiles at its themed aquarium and further learn about its lifecycle and rich history as you enter the park’s museum.
7. Feel thrill and tranquility on a desert safari
If you want to retreat from everything on your Dubai holiday, simply take a quick 30- to 40-minute drive away to the region’s secluded desert landscape. You can best do it on a guided desert safari, such as a morning desert safari tour or a more elaborate evening desert safari.
One of the most electrifying segments of a desert safari is a 4×4 dune bash, followed by a camel ride and other activities like quad biking, sandboarding, etc. Moreover, subject to your desert safari, you can relish BBQ dining, take in traditional Tanura and belly dance shows, and even camp under the desert stars.
8. Shop to your heart’s desire
The city is hands down a haven for shopaholics. From the latest designer attire and bags to next-generation gadgets, you’ll find all these and beyond in the hundreds of branded shops and outlets within over 100 malls across Dubai. Each of these malls, including the Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall, WAFI Mall, etc., is a world unto itself.
That said, don’t overlook the traditional Arabian bazaars, known as souks, dotted across the old Dubai in the Bur Dubai and Deira areas. Experience a sensory overload as you stroll the Gold Souk, Perfume Souk, and Spice Souk. Unlike top-notch retail sessions in malls, you can haggle in the souks, allowing you to return with some rare finds at bargain rates.
9. Enjoy a relaxed dhow cruise
A dhow, or an Arabian sailing vessel, is an epitome of Dubai’s humble past. While its existence may no longer serve its original purpose of fishing and pearl farming in the pre-oil era, it is a favorite of those who want to treat themselves to a sightseeing cruise like no other.
It mostly comes with food, unlimited refreshments, and entertainment (like a Tanura performance) onboard, promising a delightful evening on Dubai’s water at the bustling Dubai Creek or the classy Dubai Marina.
10. Experience adventure and amusement at every turn
Dubai’s vast repertoire of attractions and activities in every category makes it a thrill-seeker’s paradise and an adventurist’s playground.
Theme park lovers are spoilt for choices with the largest-of-its-kind IMG Worlds of Adventure, the innovative-ever Ski Dubai, and the region’s first-of-its-kind Dubai Parks and Resorts (which alone boasts three parks under its roof).
If water activities excite you, head to its water parks like Atlantis Aquaventure or Wild Wadi, or sign up for the most exceptional water activities like flyboarding, jet skiing, parasailing, etc. What’s more, you can even take to the skies on an exciting paramotor tour or a serene hot air balloon ride.
Whatever you plan to experience or indulge in Dubai, there is one thing definite: you’ll never get bored here, thanks to its history-steeped and ultra-stylish neighborhoods, vibrant food scene, and extraordinary leisure attractions. But determining what to do in Dubai depends on your preferences, budget, and holiday duration. Make sure you arrive at the land of possibilities with an immaculate itinerary to make the most of your Dubai getaway.
*This article is contributed by Neha Singh of Dubai Wikia.
