Dubai is a city like no other – a place where futuristic skyscrapers stand beside ancient souks, where luxury meets tradition, and where the desert meets the sea. Whether you’re here for a short vacation or a long stay, Dubai promises unforgettable experiences. Here are the top 10 most exciting and must-do activities in Dubai, explained in detail to help you plan your perfect trip.
1. Visit Burj Khalifa – The Tallest Building in the World
No visit to Dubai is complete without experiencing the Burj Khalifa. Standing at a jaw-dropping 828 meters, it is the tallest structure on Earth. Head to the 124th or 148th-floor observation decks for a 360-degree panoramic view of Dubai’s skyline, the Arabian Gulf, and even parts of neighboring Emirates on a clear day. Try to visit during sunset hours for a magical view of the city lighting up beneath you.
2. Explore the Dubai Mall – More Than Just a Shopping Center
Located next to Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall is not just about shopping—it’s an indoor city. It has over 1,200 shops, ranging from luxury brands to affordable fashion. Inside, you’ll also find the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, an Olympic-sized ice rink, and a Virtual Reality Park. You can easily spend an entire day here without getting bored.
3. Go on a Desert Safari – Adventure in the Sand
Escape the city and head to the Arabian Desert Safari Dubai for an unforgettable safari. These usually include:
- Dune bashing in a 4×4 vehicle
- Camel rides
- Sandboarding
- Henna painting
- Traditional Emirati BBQ dinner
- Live belly dancing and Tanoura shows
The best time for a desert safari is in the late afternoon, so you can catch the sunset over the dunes and enjoy a cool evening in the desert camp.
4. Stroll Along Dubai Marina – Modern Luxury
The Dubai Marina is a beautiful waterfront area filled with modern skyscrapers, luxury apartments, restaurants, and cafes. Walk along the Marina Walk, enjoy a dhow cruise dinner, or take part in exciting water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, or yacht tours. The area is especially vibrant at night with shimmering lights reflecting off the water.
5. Explore Palm Jumeirah – Man-Made Wonder
The Palm Jumeirah is a massive artificial island shaped like a palm tree. It’s home to luxury hotels, including the iconic Atlantis The Palm, which houses the Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium. You can also take a helicopter tour or speedboat ride around the palm to see its impressive layout from above.
6. Visit the Dubai Frame – Old Meets New
The Dubai Frame is a 150-meter-high structure shaped like a giant photo frame, located in Zabeel Park. One side of the frame shows views of “Old Dubai” (like Deira and Karama), while the other shows the modern skyline (like Downtown Dubai). Walking on its glass-bottom bridge is both thrilling and a great photo opportunity.
7. Discover Old Dubai – Culture and Heritage
To understand the city’s roots, visit Old Dubai in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. Here, you’ll find:
- Traditional wind-tower architecture
- The Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort
- An abra ride across Dubai Creek
- The Gold Souk and Spice Souk, offering traditional shopping experiences
This is a perfect place to see the contrast between Dubai’s past and present.
8. Watch the Dubai Fountain Show – Free & Fabulous
Located at the base of Burj Khalifa and beside Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system. The water jets reach up to 150 meters, dancing to a mix of classical, Arabic, and pop music. Shows happen every 30 minutes in the evening, and it’s completely free to watch.
9. Visit Global Village – A Cultural Extravaganza
Open from October to April, Global Village brings together cultures from around the world. It features country pavilions, street food from over 90 nations, cultural performances, rides, and shopping for local crafts. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and full of entertainment.
10. Ride Ain Dubai – The World’s Tallest Ferris Wheel
Located on Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai stands at a height of 250 meters, making it the tallest observation wheel in the world. Each capsule gives you a 360-degree view of landmarks like Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and JBR Beach. It’s a slow, smooth ride that lasts about 38 minutes, offering excellent photo opportunities.