Choose from 55 Fun Things to Do in Dubai
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Dubai Dolphinarium
Enjoy a dolphin and seal show, dolphin encounters, tropical bird shows, a mirror maze, trampolines, and more at Dubai Dolphinarium at Dubai’s Creek Park. The venue was the Middle East’s first indoor air-conditioned dolphinarium when it opened in 2008, and remains a popular Dubai attraction today.
The Basics
Dubai Dolphinarium offers an array of family-friendly activities. Topping the list are the three-times-daily 45-minute dolphin and seal shows, where the marine creatures perform juggling, hoop-jumping, ball games, and even painting. Other attractions include dolphin encounter experiences, a show featuring exotic birds, a mirror maze, a 5D and 7D movie theater, trampolines, and a virtual reality experience.
Travelers who want to save time and fuss while they’re in Dubai can pre-book tickets for the shows or purchase UAE sightseeing passes that includes admission the dolphinarium as well to numerous other Dubai attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Dubai Dolphinarium is a must for fun-loving families.
- Prebook for the dolphin and seal show; buy tickets for the trampolines, maze, and other entertainments direct from the venue.
- To access the dolphinarium, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee at the main gate of the Creek Park complex.
- The venue has a restaurant, gift shop, and restrooms with baby-changing units.
- Facilities for wheelchair users are good: the dolphinarium and the shows are all wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
Dubai Dolphinarium is located in Creek Park in Dubai’s Umm Hurair district, just south of Dubai Creek. To get here by cab, ask the driver for the Health Care City at Creek Park—the dolphinarium is next door. Otherwise, hop off the metro at the Health Care City stop and go on foot from there. Be aware, however, that it’s a half-mile (1-kilometer) walk.
When to Get There
The dolphin and seal shows start at 11am, 3pm, and 6pm Monday-Saturday, and tickets give you access to any of the three. It’s sensible to arrive 15 minutes before the start; standard seats are on a first-come, first-served basis. The dolphinarium is open 10am-7:30pm, Monday-Saturday.
What Else to Do at Dubai Dolphinarium
Why not make the most of your trip by seeing the Creek Park Bird Show? Tickets are available at the dolphinarium; performances follow the dolphin shows, with a short break in-between to relax. The 30-minute interactive shows feature parrots, macaws, cockatoos, toucans, and more.
Address: Gate 1 in Creek Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Varies
From $ 31
Aquaventure Waterpark
Brave water rides, see marine animals, and much more at the Aquaventure Waterpark in Dubai. One of the Middle East's biggest and best water parks, it sits next to Atlantis, The Palm resort on Palm Jumeirah island. Visit for record-breaking slides, river rides, multiple pools, and a private beach spread over 42 acres (17 hectares) of seafront.
The Basics
Aquaventure offers everything from daredevil flumes, such as the near-vertical Leap of Faith, to the world’s biggest waterslide, kids’ areas, pools, and a super-long zipline. Visitors can relax between rides at the beach, restaurants, and shops, and enjoy an optional range of marine encounters.
You can choose a standard all-day admission ticket or combine your entry with a marine encounter, such as a shark safari or ray-feeding adventure, or admission to the Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis. Other options include city tour and park admission combos and ticket-and-transfer deals that include return transport to the park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Aquaventure is a must for water- and thrill-loving families, couples, and groups.
- Choose from multiple tickets: from all-day access to admission combined with experiences, such as ray feeding.
- Life vests are supplied, but bring your own swimwear and towels.
- Wear swimwear that’s respectful of local customs: See-through swimsuits, for instance, aren’t allowed.
- Don’t bring selfie sticks—they’re not permitted on any rides.
- Save time by prebooking tickets to avoid the often-long lines at the main ticket counter.
How to Get There
Aquaventure neighbors Atlantis, The Palm hotel, on the outer crescent of the Palm. Drive here along Crescent Road and The Avenues, or hire a cab from the nearest metro station, the Mall of the Emirates. Alternatively, ride the monorail here from Al Sufouh’s Gateway station, or book a tour that includes entry and round-trip transport from Dubai hotels.
When to Get There
Aquaventure is great for cooling off year-round. It’s busiest during Dubai’s peak November–April season, but whenever you visit, it’s sensible to arrive early to reduce waiting times. The park opens at 10am daily and closes at sunset—usually between 5:30pm and 7pm.
Finding the Top Attractions at Aquaventure
Thrill-seekers should hotfoot it to Aquaventure’s high-speed slides. Plunge down the Leap of Faith into a tube surrounded by sharks, and brave Poseidon’s Revenge: hurtling through a trapdoor into a 75-foot (23-meter) slide. Find the Leap of Faith at the Tower of Neptune and Poseidon’s Revenge further on, at the Tower of Poseidon.
Address: Crescent Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Varies
From $ 30
Dubai Fountain
Everything’s bigger in Dubai, and that includes the Dubai Fountain on Burj Khalifa Lake in the heart of downtown. Designed by WET, the people behind the famous Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas, the Dubai Fountain holds the record for the world’s largest dancing fountain system.
The fountains extend 900 feet (275 meters) along the manmade lake, and during the dozen daily shows, high-powered water jets propel water up to 500 feet (150 meters) into the air -- the same height as a 50-story building. During a performance, as much as 22,000 gallons of water will be airborne. The sheer amount of water isn’t the only impressive feature of the fountains; the system uses 6,600 incandescent fountain lights and 25 projectors to paint images on the dancing water.
Performances take place every 30 minutes each evening, and each “dance” is different from the last, with different Arabic and world music and different water movements. You’ll find the Dubai Fountain just outside of the Dubai Mall.
Address: Financial Centre Road, Dubai Mall, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $ 26
Dubai Creek (Khor Dubai)
The seawater Dubai Creek (Khor Dubai), flowing between Deira and Bur Dubai in the historic center of the United Arab Emirates city of the same name, is the reason for Dubai's very existence. When trade with the outside world began over a century ago, this protected inlet was the obvious choice to develop a commercial seaport. The creek has been widened many times during the last century, and today, it's often busy with abra—small wooden water taxis—ferrying passengers between the souks of Deira on the northeastern bank and the historic district of Bur Dubai on the southwestern bank.
The Basics
The Basics
While water taxis are often included as part of guided sightseeing tours and serve as a practical way to see the sights of Dubai Creek while getting from Point A to Point B, the waterway can also be enjoyed via a sunset dinner cruise aboard a traditional Arabian wooden sailboat known as a dhow. Many comprehensive tours of Dubai city include a cruise on Khor Dubai or a dhow dinner cruise (Bateaux Dubai is a popular one) with visits to the Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al-Arab, the Dubai desert, the Dubai Marina, and the Old City area.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to the Dubai Creek
- Take a water taxi as a form of transportation to use Dubai Creek as the locals do.
- Take your Dubai Creek experience up a notch with a dinner dhow cruise.
- Handicap accessibility is not guaranteed on creek tours.
There are four stations where travelers board water taxis—two on the Deira side and two on the Bur Dubai side. From the creek, it's possible to spot palaces, mosques and other Dubai landmarks, including the Gold Souk and the Dubai Heritage Village.
When to Get There
If visiting on your own, arrive in the early morning or evening to enjoy some peaceful moments, or during the hectic middle of the day to see bustling life all around you. Expect temperatures of up to 110°F (43°C) in summer.
Dhows and Abras on the Dubai Creek
Dhows are wooden boats with long, thin, hulls, typically used to carry heavy cargo for trading. Lateen-rigged sails on one or more masts help power the boats carrying fruit or fresh water. Abras are the traditional motor-powered water taxis used in Dubai.
Address: Creekside Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Free
From $ 23
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
The first national park in the United Arab Emirates, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve offers visitors a stunning landscape of sand dunes and desert fauna. Once a huge camel farm, the land it occupies was bought by Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 1993, who, inspired by the national parks of South Africa, decided that Dubai needed its own reserve. The reserve is a must-visit for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, with its rolling dunes setting the scene for thrill-seekers to experience fat-bike riding, off-roading, camel trekking, sandboarding, and falcon demonstrations.
The Basics
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve offers one of the the UAE’s best opportunities for viewing native wildlife and experiencing the adventure possibilities of the inland desert. Options are plentiful, including morning dune drives, hot air balloon flights over the Arabian desert, private desert safaris, and outdoor dinners in a Bedouin-inspired camp. To visit, you must book a guided tour with round-trip transportation from an approved operator—both half-day and full-day tours are available.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Guided tours from Dubai last anywhere from two to seven hours, depending on the option chosen.
- Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the reserve offers very little shade.
- Drink plenty of water—it’s easy to get dehydrated in this arid environment.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, particularly if you’re participating in adventure activities.
How to Get There
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is situated about 37 miles (60 kilometers) outside of Dubai, a journey of about 45 minutes by road.
When to Get There
For the best weather—temperatures around 80°F (27°C)—visit the Dubai Desert (or anywhere in the United Arab Emirates for that matter) between November and March. Occasional rain showers occur from January to March, but they rarely last for long. Those who opt for a summer visit should expect highs well over 80°F (38°C).
Flora and Fauna of the Desert Reserve
While it may not look like it at first glance, the desert is teeming with life. Among the many critters that call the dunes home are the sand cat, Gordon’s wildcat, Arabian red fox, sand fox, gazelle, Arabian hare, hedgehog, and the pygmy shrew. Even the plants are colorful and diverse, with several species of trees, flowering shrubs, herbs, and grasses. The true success story of the national park is that of the Arabian oryx, a species of antelope. Before the park was established in 2003, the Arabian oryx was close to extinction. Today, well over 100 live here.
Address: E-66, Murqqab, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Varies
From $ 79
Badiyah Mosque
Located in Fujairah Emirate, Badiyah Mosque is the oldest existing mosque in the United Arab Emirates. Archaeologists are unsure when exactly the place of worship was built, but expert estimates date buildings anywhere from 1446 BC to 640 AD. The small, squarish mosque was constructed from local materials — stone and ruddy mud — and despite its age, it continues to function as a working mosque with regular prayer services.
While visiting the Badiyah Mosque, leave some time for a quick trip up to the Al Bithnah Fort, notable for its beautiful vistas over the surrounding scenery. Visitors are required to wear conservative clothing (no shorts or bare shoulders) to get inside.
Practical Info
Badiyah Mosque can be visited on a day trip from Dubai.
Address: Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
From $ 64
Bait Al Banat Women's Museum
Located in the Gold Souk area of Dubai, the Bait Al Banat Women’s Museum opened in 2012 as a project of Emirati Professor Rafia Ghubash with the aim of preserving and sharing the history of women in the United Arab Emirates and breaking down cultural stereotypes and misconceptions about women’s role in the development of the country.
Three floors of exhibit space celebrate women throughout the nation’s history, including many female artists who were pioneers in their fields. An entire hall is dedicated to Emirati poet Ousha Bint Khalifa, nicknamed ‘The Girl of the Arabs.’ Highlights of the exhibit include her hand-written poems. The Women’s Studies Centre on the second floor of the museum maintains a library and database of documents available for research in the field.
Practical Info
The Bait Al Banat Women’s Museum is closed on Fridays.
Address: Al Sabkha, Gold Souq, Near Al Khor St, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Sat-Thur 10am-7pm
From $ 45
Atlantis Palm Hotel
In Dubai, a hotel can be considered a top tourist attraction, and that’s certainly the case with the extravagant Atlantis Palm Hotel. The 1,539-room, ocean-themed resort occupies the top portion of the crescent of land surrounding the man-made Palm Islands, just off the coast of Dubai, and it includes 42 acres (17 hectares) of amusement and entertainment space. Even if you’re not a resort guest, it’s worthwhile to spend a day enjoying everything it has to offer.
The Basics
Many of the attractions are aquatic in nature. Prebook tickets to Aquaventure Waterpark, which houses 42 rides and attractions, including a near-vertical body slide. Dolphin Bay brings guests face-to-face with some of the ocean’s most endearing creatures, while a ticket to the Lost Chambers Aquarium sends you on a journey through mythical Atlantis, surrounding by thousands of marine animals, with upgrades available to scuba diving and ray feeding experiences. The Atlantis Palm Hotel also hosts some of the world’s top luxury brands in its extensive retail space, and more than a dozen restaurants, a pair of nightclubs, and a spa with 27 treatment rooms round out the offerings.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The hotel is a must-see for animal lovers and first-time visitors to Dubai.
- Choose among a range of activities and tour options, including aquarium entry, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
- Experiences at the Atlantis Palm Hotel can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a full day.
- Out of respect for local customs, a cover-up over swimwear is requested when visitors are walking around the resort.
How to Get There
To get to the Atlantis Palm Hotel, take the Dubai metro to Mall of the Emirates Station. From there, it’s a short taxi ride to the hotel.
When to Get There
Dubai’s warm weather means there’s no bad time to visit the Atlantis Palm Hotel. Many of the attractions are indoors and air-conditioned, and the waterpark offers ample opportunity to cool off on a hot day.
Things to Do on Dubai’s Palm Islands and the World
Dubai’s offshore islands have become some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, and there are plenty of ways to experience them. See them from above aboard a helicopter or seaplane, or gaze down from the Burj Khalifa Observation Deck. From the Dubai Marina, speedboats, Jet Skis, and rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) zip visitors out to the Palm archipelago to see the islands and the towering Atlantis Palm Hotel from the water.
Address: Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $ 30
Bedouin Camps
The Bedouin people are a desert-dwelling ethnic group found throughout the Arabian peninsula. Located in the dunes of the Dubai Desert far from any signs of permanent human habitation, Bedouin camps offer visitors a glimpse into what it might have been like for a Bedouin family trying to survive in the harsh desert landscape up until about 40 years ago.
The Basics
While rapid modernization throughout the region has led a majority of the former Bedouin herders and nomadic traders to seek new livelihoods in the cities, these camps make it possible for visitors to continue to learn about Bedouin heritage. A typical family-friendly evening will include a barbecue dinner, shared while seated on Arabian rugs, Bedouin tea, a belly dancing performance, and a group conversation while smoking a hookah (a water pipe used to smoke shisha, a molasses-based tobacco). Those who want to extend the experience can spent the night sleeping under the stars in a Bedouin tent. To make the most of your desert experience, combine your camp visit with a camel ride or sand-boarding excursion.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A visit to a Bedouin camp is a must for adventure travelers, families, and first-time visitors to Dubai.
- Bedouin camp tours from Dubai can last anywhere from five hours to overnight, depending on which option you choose.
- Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially for daytime activities in the desert.
- Don’t forget a light jacket; the desert often cools significantly once the sun goes down.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to a traditional Bedouin camp is by booking a guided tour that includes roundtrip transportation from Dubai.
When to Get There
With high temperatures around 80°F (26°C), winter is the ideal time for a desert safari. In summer (April to October), expect high humidity and daytime temperatures upwards of 100°F (38°C).
The Bedouin People of the UAE
The Bedouin, a group that adapted to the harsh conditions while herding camels, goats, and sheep, are the earliest known inhabitants of the UAE’s vast desert regions. They often used camels both for transportation and for milk. To learn more about Bedouin history before your camp experience, visit the Dubai Museum.
Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $ 60
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Within the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is no stranger to superlatives, including the world’s largest collection of sand sharks and one of the world’s largest acrylic panel viewing platforms. Numerous marine habitats, including an underwater tunnel, house 33,000 marine animals, from crocodiles to tropical fish.
The Basics
The Dubai Aquarium, home to the world’s largest suspended aquarium, also ranks among Dubai’s most popular family attractions. You can choose between two admission packages: the Researcher Experience, which includes a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the Underwater Observatory, or the Explorer Experience, which includes a glass-bottom boat tour and a submersible simulator experience. Add-ons offer the opportunity to interact with sea otters, rays, or King Croc, the aquarium’s most famous resident. Guided tours of Dubai that include aquarium entrance might also feature the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Creek, and the Burj Al-Arab, depending on the option you choose. The aquarium is also an option on the Dubai Explorer Pass.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Dubai Aquarium is a must-visit for families and animal lovers.
- Much of the aquarium is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Give yourself at least two hours to see everything the aquarium has to offer.
- Consider booking any special experiences ahead of time to avoid lines and disappointment.
How to Get There
The Dubai Aquarium is located on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall. The easiest way to get there is to take the Dubai Metro to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station. Buses 27 and 29 also stop at the mall.
When to Get There
The Dubai Aquarium is open daily from 10am to 12am. As one of Dubai’s most popular attractions, expect long lines during the high season, from November to March. If you’re visiting Dubai in the summer months, consider visiting in the afternoon to enjoy an air-conditioned respite from the heat.
Educational Presentations
The Dubai Aquarium puts on regular presentations throughout the aquarium, where you can learn more about the animals you’re seeing. Popular sessions include ray, shark, and crocodile feedings, as well as short presentations at the otter, piranha, and penguin exhibits. Be sure to check the schedule upon arrival.
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Open daily from 10 am to midnight
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building on the planet, soaring 2,717 feet (828 meters) high with more than 160 stories set in a stepped design that narrows as it climbs, syringe-like, to the sky. The design is patterned after the repetition of a single geometric shape, meant to echo Islamic art. Bringing a new meaning to the term skyscraper, the building is part of the massive downtown Dubai complex of offices, hotels, shopping malls, entertainment precincts, and apartment buildings.
When to Get There
The Basics
With a Burj Khalifa admission ticket, travelers can ride the high-speed elevator to the 124th-floor At the Top observation deck for stunning 360-degree views over Dubai and the Persian Gulf. It's also possible to ride to the exclusive, 125th-floor and then go even higher to the 148th-floor At the Top SKY deck (the tallest viewing platform in the world at 1,821 feet or 555 meters), watching a multimedia presentation on the way and then taking in the sights through the deck's floor-to-ceiling glass walls. If you'd rather not get so high, wander through through the gardens and fountains of Burj Khalifa Park, or shop till you drop at the Dubai Mall, located inside the building. Along with a huge variety of shops such as Galeries Lafayette, Bloomingdale's, and Marks & Spencer, the mall features an aquarium, ice rink, Sega theme park, and movie theater.
With a Burj Khalifa admission ticket, travelers can ride the high-speed elevator to the 124th-floor At the Top observation deck for stunning 360-degree views over Dubai and the Persian Gulf. It's also possible to ride to the exclusive, 125th-floor and then go even higher to the 148th-floor At the Top SKY deck (the tallest viewing platform in the world at 1,821 feet or 555 meters), watching a multimedia presentation on the way and then taking in the sights through the deck's floor-to-ceiling glass walls. If you'd rather not get so high, wander through through the gardens and fountains of Burj Khalifa Park, or shop till you drop at the Dubai Mall, located inside the building. Along with a huge variety of shops such as Galeries Lafayette, Bloomingdale's, and Marks & Spencer, the mall features an aquarium, ice rink, Sega theme park, and movie theater.
Just about every Dubai city tour stops at the exterior of the Burj Khalifa, with some including tickets to the Burj Khalifa observation decks. Comprehensive tours of Dubai, the most modern city in the United Arab Emirates, often also stop at other top Dubai attractions such as the Dubai desert (for a desert safari or dune bashing), Ski Dubai, the Dubai Aquarium, the Dubai Fountain, and the Burj Al-Arab.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to the Burj Khalifa
Previously known as Burj Dubai, the iconic Burj Khalifa is located at the First Interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road, not too far from the central business district. Taxis and buses run along Sheikh Zayed Road, the Red Line metro stops here and a free shuttle runs from major hotels.
- Burj Khalifa tickets are required to access the structure's observation decks.
- An At the Top admission ticket includes access to levels 124 and 125, while an At the Top SKY ticket allows access to levels 124, 125, and 148.
- Kids under 4 years old enter free.
Previously known as Burj Dubai, the iconic Burj Khalifa is located at the First Interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road, not too far from the central business district. Taxis and buses run along Sheikh Zayed Road, the Red Line metro stops here and a free shuttle runs from major hotels.
When to Get There
Both ticket options have prime and non-prime hours, with higher prices during prime hours. For At the Top tickets, prime hours are from 3:30pm to 6pm daily; for At the Top SKY, prime hours are from opening until 6pm.
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Daily
Admission: AED 125-300
From $ 17
Dubai Cruise Port
Shimmering skyscrapers and towering condos rise high above smooth desert sands at this unique port in the heart of the Middle East. While indoor ski resorts, luxury hotels, white sandy beaches and duty-free shopping have made Dubai an adult wonderland, travelers can still experience some of the city’s former charm (and the natural beauty of the nearby desert) on a day excursion to this popular port.
How to Get to Dubai
Free shopping shuttles leave every hour from the port and take travelers to Mercato Mall or City Center Drive. Otherwise taxis are easy to find near the berth and can be hired for a day rate.
One Day in Dubai
Start the day exploring Dubai’s past at Dubai Creek. This landmark divides the business district from touristy sections of the city and is an ideal spot for witnessing where old meets new. Stop at the Eheikh Saeed al-Maktoum House, for a taste of Dubai before the oil trade took off. Then head to the observation deck on the 124th floor of Nurj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world—for unmatched views of the city skyline. Round out the day with a stop at Burj Al Arab, the only seven-star hotel on the planet. Visitors aren’t always welcome, but scoring a table at the chic underwater restaurant is sure to be a memorable experience.
How to Get to Dubai
Free shopping shuttles leave every hour from the port and take travelers to Mercato Mall or City Center Drive. Otherwise taxis are easy to find near the berth and can be hired for a day rate.
One Day in Dubai
Start the day exploring Dubai’s past at Dubai Creek. This landmark divides the business district from touristy sections of the city and is an ideal spot for witnessing where old meets new. Stop at the Eheikh Saeed al-Maktoum House, for a taste of Dubai before the oil trade took off. Then head to the observation deck on the 124th floor of Nurj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world—for unmatched views of the city skyline. Round out the day with a stop at Burj Al Arab, the only seven-star hotel on the planet. Visitors aren’t always welcome, but scoring a table at the chic underwater restaurant is sure to be a memorable experience.
Port Information
Dirham is the official currency of Dubai and although Arabic is the national language, English is widely spoken. The cruise terminal, much like the city itself, answers all the needs of travelers. ATMs, free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and shopping shuttles for visitors make the port a perfect spot for jumping off into the city or the desert.
Address: Cruise Terminal, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $ 47
Al Jahili Fort
Al Jahili Fort is one of the most historic buildings in the UAE and one of the region’s largest forts. Built at the end of the 19th century, it served as a summer residence for Sheikh Zayed I, the ruler of Abu Dhabi at the time.
The fort has been well preserved and carefully restored and is now a popular cultural attraction for many visitors. It’s set in beautifully landscaped gardens and is home to exhibitions dedicated to both Sheikh Zayed and Sir Wilfred Thesiger, the British explorer, writer, and photographer who crossed the ‘Empty Quarter’ desert twice in the 1940s. There is also a visitor information center on-site.
Practical Info
Al Jahili Fort is located in the southeast of Al Ain, not far from the the Al Ain Palace Museum. It’s open from 9am until 5pm from Tuesday to Thursday, and 3pm until 5pm on Fridays. The fort is closed to visitors on Mondays.
Address: Al Mutawaa, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Tue-Thur 9am-5pm, Fri 3pm-5pm
From $ 41
Chillout Ice Lounge
With temperatures in Dubai often reaching heights of 50 degrees Celsius the opportunity to relax in subzero temperatures in the middle of the city is a unique one. The Chillout Ice Lounge is located inside the famous Times Square Center in the city. Refurbished in 2014, it features dramatic ice sculptures, seating and tables made of ice, plus ambient diffused lighting to set the tone in the minus-six-degrees climate.
On arrival at the Chillout Ice Lounge all visitors are issued with a complimentary welcome drink and thermal clothing. You will also be advised to spend a few minutes acclimatizing in a buffer zone area set to five degrees before venturing into the main lounge. Once in the lounge, you can order soup, sandwiches, juice, hot chocolate, tea and coffee, plus a variety of desserts and mocktails.
The lighting in the Chillout Ice Lounge changes color intermittently, filtering through blocks of ice and making it a romantic setting for couples. The venue also holds a magic show for children on several days of the week, making it ideal for families, although it is not advisable to take infants under the age of one.
The most convenient way to enjoy Dubai's Chillout Ice Lounge is by joining an organized tour that includes entrance fees and hotel pickup and drop off.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, reservations are recommended and can be made via the venue’s website. Be sure to wear clothing that covers your legs for your visit as thermal pants are not provided.
Did You Know? Launched in 2007 by Sharaf Hospitality, the Chillout Ice Lounge in Dubai is the first ice lounge in the Middle East.
Address: Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Sat-Wed 10am-10pm; Thurs-Fri 10am-midnight
Admission: Adults: AED 75; Children: AED 35
From $ 185
Abu Dhabi Corniche
The Abu Dhabi Corniche stretches along the northwestern shore of the island city, a popular spot for beachside recreation. The 5-mile (8-kilometer) stretch of attractive waterfront includes walking paths, cafes, playgrounds and bicycle rentals, and no matter what you decide to do along the coast, you’ll have an excellent view of Abu Dhabi’s skyline. In the evenings, the promenade is the perfect place for a stroll.
The Corniche’s crowning jewel is its public white sand beach. With numerous lifeguards on duty during swimming hours and floating fences keeping swimmers within 130 feet (40 meters), the Corniche Beach is great for families traveling with children. Come on a weekday, and you’ll usually find an umbrella.
The Corniche’s crowning jewel is its public white sand beach. With numerous lifeguards on duty during swimming hours and floating fences keeping swimmers within 130 feet (40 meters), the Corniche Beach is great for families traveling with children. Come on a weekday, and you’ll usually find an umbrella.
Practical Info
Besides the free public beach, you’ll also find singles and family sections, each charging a small admittance fee. Abu Dhabi remains conservative, so stick with modest swim wear and be sure to cover up before leaving the beach area. It’s not unusual to see local families fully covered while playing in the sand.
Address: Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Open daily, swimming restricted after 6pm
From $ 25
Bur Dubai Village
Bur Dubai Village, located near the mouth of Dubai Creek, takes visitors back in time through a series of heritage villages complete with recreated architecture and local artisans practicing their crafts using traditional techniques. For shoppers, the village is a great place to find unique, handmade items to take home as souvenirs or gifts.
Long before the skyscrapers and palm-shaped islands, Dubai’s economy relied heavily on pearling. Teams of men would spend months at a time at sea diving for the rose-colored pearls produced in the Persian Gulf. One of the most unique experiences at the Bur Dubai Village is the opportunity to learn more about the city’s pearl diving culture and watch a demonstration of how it’s done.
Bur Dubai Village is open every day of the week, but Friday hours are limited and many of the shop will be closed. After you’ve toured the heritage village, set aside some time for a meal or drink by the waterside.
Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $ 39
Burj Al-Arab
The sail-like silhouette of the Burj Al-Arab has become a symbol of Dubai's opulence and affluence, standing at 1,053 feet (321 meters) as the third-tallest hotel and one of the most luxurious hotels in the United Arab Emirates. Opened in 1999, the landmark boasts plenty of superlatives, including its five-star status.
The Basics
Besides shelling out to stay the night at the Burj Al-Arab, visitors have plenty of other options for viewing and touring the sumptuous landmark, which can be spotted from numerous spots around Dubai. Snap a shot of the soaring Jumeirah Beach hotel jutting out to sea on a city sightseeing tour or on a boat cruise.
When to Get There
Entering the Burj Al-Arab requires reservations, and grabbing cocktails at the Skyview Bar proves the most budget-friendly way to get inside (must be booked in advance).
Dubai's Sky-High Attractions
The Basics
Besides shelling out to stay the night at the Burj Al-Arab, visitors have plenty of other options for viewing and touring the sumptuous landmark, which can be spotted from numerous spots around Dubai. Snap a shot of the soaring Jumeirah Beach hotel jutting out to sea on a city sightseeing tour or on a boat cruise.
To get inside, choose from the hotel's many bars and restaurants available for reservation. The Sahn Eddar Lobby Lounge offers a decadent seven-course afternoon tea service, set to the sounds of live classical music with views of the hotel's amazing atrium, while the 27th-floor Skyview Bar and its floor-to-ceiling glass windows mix cocktails with stellar views over the Dubai skyline and Persian Gulf. Hungry visitors can book a traditional Arabic lunch inside the world's tallest atrium at Al Iwan, or go for a more international menu with views over the city at the 27th-floor Al Muntaha. For a romantic dining experience, book a three-course seafood dinner at Al Mahara, a restaurant with its own floor-to-ceiling aquarium. Tours of Dubai city often include a stop for photos at the Burj Al-Arab, or you can book a tour that includes afternoon tea or lunch at one of the restaurants. For a different take on the views of the UAE city, book a helicopter tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to the Burj Al-Arab
One of the most popular Dubai attractions, the Burj Al-Arab hotel stands on its own island promontory, linked to the mainland by a private bridge—you can't miss it. It can be reached by taxi or Red Line metro via Jumeirah Road.
- The hotel is most often admired from the outside; reservations are required to enter, and overnight bookings come with a hefty cost.
- The Burj Al-Arab's dress code is smart casual; no flip flops, shorts, or beachwear allowed.
- Most guided tours allow only an outside photo stop.
One of the most popular Dubai attractions, the Burj Al-Arab hotel stands on its own island promontory, linked to the mainland by a private bridge—you can't miss it. It can be reached by taxi or Red Line metro via Jumeirah Road.
When to Get There
Entering the Burj Al-Arab requires reservations, and grabbing cocktails at the Skyview Bar proves the most budget-friendly way to get inside (must be booked in advance).
Dubai's Sky-High Attractions
Although the Burj Al-Arab is known for its height, it technically only has 28 inhabited stories. If it's views you're after, only a visit to the world's tallest building, the nearby Burj Khalifa, will suffice.
Address: Jumeirah Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $ 23
Al Bithnah Fort
Al Bithnah Fort, located in the village of Al Bithnah 8 miles (13 kilometers) west of Fujairah City, was built in 1735 in response to Wahhabi invasions and to protect the strategically important trade route through Wadi Ham in the eastern region of the United Arab Emirates. The original fort was destroyed and rebuilt at least twice during its long history and has recently been renovated to its former glory.
Bigger than many of the other forts in Fujairah Emirate, the views of the surrounding mountains from the top of the circular Al Bithnah Fort tower make it worth a visit.
Practical Info
Al Bithnah Fort is free to enter, and sometimes the gate guard will show visitors around.
Address: Al Bithnah, United Arab Emirates
From $ 64
Bastakia Quarter (Bur Bastakia)
South of Dubai Creek, the Bastakia Quarter—aka the Al Fahidi Historic District—is comprised of wind tower (barjeel) houses, courtyards, and lanes dating from the late 1800s when Persian merchants first settled the area. As Dubai’s oldest district, it’s filled with museums and cultural attractions.
The Basics
Named after the south Iran town of Bastak by its Persian settlers, Bastakia is a web of restored mud-and-stone houses, squares, and narrow alleys. Among them are wind tower houses, whose towers circulate breezes around the interiors, plus museums, art galleries, shops, and cafes. Explore for an authentic feel of bygone Dubai, when the city was little more than a small pearl-trading port.
Many city tours that encompass Old Dubai include Bastakia, often as a brief stop after Dubai Museum, in the nearby 19th-century Al Fahidi Fort. Tours devoted to Dubai’s heritage usually incorporate a stroll through Bastakia, while others focus wholly on walking tours around the enclave. Other travelers come here independently to relax and explore.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bastakia is a must for history fans, art buffs, and souvenir hunters keen on uncovering Old Dubai.
- Opt to explore on a guided walk, as part of a tour, or independently.
- Bring comfy shoes and sunscreen to browse the lanes and squares.
- Combine a walk here with a visit to Dubai Museum, located in nearby Al Fahidi Fort.
- Admission to Bastakia is free, so you can come and go as you wish.
How to Get There
Driving to Bastakia isn’t ideal as there’s only limited parking nearby. Cabs are best: Ask for a drop-off where Al Mankhool Road meets Al Fahidi Street in Bur Dubai. Alternatively, catch the metro or bus to its relevant Al Fahidi stops, or ride an abra water taxi from Deira Old Souk dock to Bur Dubai dock. Bastakia is a 15-minute walk from all three, which may be too much in summer’s heat.
When to Get There
Bastakia is open all day, every day, although its museums and shops follow their own opening times. To enjoy the quarter at its best, visit between 9am and 2pm, Sundays–Thursdays, when the museums and attractions are open. It’s also good for evening strolling, when some cafes are still open and you can admire the creekside sunset.
Tips for Exploring Bastakia
While in Bastakia, you can also visit the Coin Museum, explore the roots of Arabic coffee at the Coffee Museum, or peruse the craft shops and galleries that showcase local artists. Finish with a lemon-and-mint drink—a Dubai classic—at a cafe.
Address: Al Fahidi Street, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Free
From $ 26
Dubai Gold Souk
Dubai’s internationally famous Gold Souk has its roots in the 1940s, when Indian and Iranian traders began setting up stalls in the area. Today it’s one of the world’s busiest jewelry markets, with hundreds of shops and stalls selling just about everything that glitters—namely, gold. An estimated 20 percent of the world’s gold passes through the souk, with a whopping 10 tons for sale in the market at any given moment.
The Basics
While visitors shopping for gold can land some incredible deals in the Dubai Gold Souk, even non-shoppers will be impressed by the sheer spectacle of it. The souk is a popular stop on guided city shopping city tours, which help visitors navigate the more than 300 retailers. Many comprehensive city tours include a visit to the Dubai Gold Souk along with trips to the Dubai Museum, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Burj al Arab, and Burj Khalifa; the souk is also a stop on double-decker, hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Dubai Gold Souk is a must for shopping enthusiasts.
- Be prepared for a bit of friendly haggling to land the best deals.
- Combine your visit to the Dubai Gold Souk with a sightseeing tour of the city or a visit to the nearby Spice Souk.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes—you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet.
How to Get There
Centrally located in Dubai City, the Gold Souk is easily reached via the Green Line to Al Ras metro station. It’s also a stop on hop-on hop-off tours.
When to Get There
The Gold Souk is open from 10am to 10pm Saturday through Thursday with limited (if any) hours on Fridays. The shops within the market often close between 1 and 4pm, so plan your visit accordingly.
Getting the Best Deals
There are plenty of deals to be had at the Gold Souk if you know a few key things. Before you go, look up, or ask your hotel concierge for, the current price of gold, as this fluctuates daily. As long as you stick to the shops rather than the street vendors, there’s no need to worry about the authenticity of the gold for sale; the Dubai government maintains strict regulations. Don’t be afraid to shop around a bit before you buy, and remember that friendly haggling is expected—and you can often negotiate a better price by paying in cash.
Address: 54 Al Khor Street, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Sat-Thurs 10am-10pm, Fri 4pm-10pm
From $ 27