Things to Do in United Arab Emirates

While often overlooked in favor of the newer Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, Wafi City Mall is one of the most architecturally interesting (and least crowded) of Dubai’s shopping centers. The exterior of the Egyptian-themed mall borders on kitschy, but once inside, visitors find 350 shops and more than 30 restaurants, many of them international luxury brands. 

A highlight of a visit to Wafi City Mall is the Souq Khan Murjan, a modern recreation of a traditional fourteenth century bazaar where 150 additional vendors sell arts and crafts from across the Arab region. 

Within the mall, families can play 18 holes of glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Tee and Putt and kids can run off some energy at Kids Connection, a large indoor play center and arcade. Each evening, the mall hosts a free light and sound show in its central courtyard.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the central place of worship for citizens of the United Arab Emirates. This massive white structure is the largest mosque in the country, accommodating roughly 40,000 people. Inside you’ll find white marble columns with mother-of-pearl engravings, expansive Iranian carpets, and intricate crystal chandeliers. 

The Grand Mosque is one of the UAE’s most famous attractions. Entrance is free and complimentary guided tours run throughout the day, including an evening sunset tour. The mosque also features on most city sightseeing tours, whether you want to explore on a full-day or half-day excursion, and many city tours also visit other notable points of interest such as the Corniche, Yas Island, Ferrari World, and the Heritage Village. It’s also possible to see the mosque, along with other Abu Dhabi highlights, on an action-packed day trip from Dubai.

The Grand Mosque sits on Abu Dhabi’s eastern edge, between the three main bridges connecting the city to the mainland. The easiest way to get there is by taxi, but multiple city buses stop nearby as well. 

The mosque is open daily, except on Fridays which are reserved for worship. Due to the heat, it’s best to visit early in the morning or in the late evening. Golden hour, just before sunset, is the best time to capture photos of the magnificent structure. 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is home to the world’s largest carpet, the world’s largest marble mosaic, and one of the world’s largest chandeliers—a 24-carat gold gilded piece measuring 39 feet (10 meters) in diameter. It also boasts 82 domes and more than 1,000 columns.

With 45 rides and slides Yas Waterworld is the ideal destination for thrill-seeking adrenaline junkies, active families and daredevil day-trippers. Adventurous visitors can navigate the high-speed Bubble Barrel atop of an aquatic skateboard, spiral down the terrifying Dawwama, or soar along the notorious Rush Rider. Yas’ jaw-dropping waterslides, like the Liwa Loop, Jebel Drop and Hamlool’s Humps tempt travelers with speeds that are found only at one of the world’s wildest adventure parks.

Newbies will also find plenty of fun at Yas Waterworld, where Falcon’s Falaj, Sebagand, and a handful of floating rivers provide a training ground for some of the park’s big attractions. Even the little ones can enjoy splish slashing in the Marah Fortress or cruising down the slopes of Yas’ tiny Yehal. Whether it’s high-speed adventure or laid back family fun, Yas Waterworld has the wet and wild set completely covered. 

Overlooking the Burj Al Arab hotel on Jumeirah Beach in Dubai, Wild Wadi Water Park boasts 30 water attractions and draws almost a million visitors annually. Adrenaline-junkies, water lovers, and families wanting a fun day out flock here to enjoy everything from white-knuckle chutes to lazy rivers, play pools, surf waves, and more.

Themed around the Arabian character Juha, Wild Wadi appeals to all ages. Thrill-seekers will love the super-steep Jumeirah Sceirah capsule slide and spiraling Burj Surj tube ride, as well the surf waves of the Wipeout and Riptide Flowriders. Families and other guests who want to take things slowly will prefer tamer attractions such as the kids’ zone and wave pool.

Travelers keen to save vacation time in Dubai can pre-book entry tickets or tours that also include admission to Wild Wadi. Options include ticket packages that also include return transport to the park from Dubai hotels, as well as combos that take you sightseeing first before dropping you at the park.

Wild Wadi is on Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Road, next to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Take the metro to the Mall of the Emirates station and grab a cab—it’s a short ride to the gates. Otherwise, take a cab from your hotel or choose a tour that includes return transport.

Wild Wadi is open daily, although times vary with the season and day; generally, though, it’s 10am-7pm Sunday-Wednesday, 10am-6pm Thursdays, and 10am until late on Fridays and Saturdays. If you’re visiting during the peak period (November-April), arrive as early in the day as possible to avoid the longest ride lines.

If you’re bringing the kids to Wild Wadi, head for the water slides and tipping bucket at Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon or float along the lazy river. Then, enjoy a family meal at the restaurants; there’s everything from pizzas and burgers to ice cream.

Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort with five slopes of varying difficulties, lengths, and gradients, including the world's first indoor black run and largest indoor snow park. Aside from the sporting opportunities, the park offers plenty of snow-centric fun for non-skiers as well.

The idea of skiing on real snow in the desert is so very Dubai, and when it's over 100°F (38­°C) outside, stepping into this indoor winter wonderland can be a hugely surreal relief. Skiers can choose between five runs and a freestyle zone outfitted with rails and jumps, and while the vertical drop is only 196 feet (60 meters), even advanced skiers will appreciate the novelty of the site's lift-accessed "mountain." Non-skiers can ride toboggans or the giant ball run, take a spin on the ski lift, observe Ski Dubai's resident colony of gentoo penguins and king penguins, or soar above the faux mountain on the Snow Bullet zip line. Two cafes offer areas to relax and sip hot chocolate in the 25°F (-4°C) weather.

Ski Dubai is inside the Mall of the Emirates, one of the largest malls in the world. The easiest way to get there is by riding the metro red line to the Mall of the Emirates station.

Ski Dubai is open and snow-covered throughout the year, so there isn't really a bad time to visit. As one of Dubai's most popular attractions, especially when outdoor temperatures start to soar, it's a good idea to book in advance. Guests interested in the penguin encounter should plan to book at least 24 hours in advance.

Skiers and non-skiers alike should set aside some time to visit the site's Avalanche Cafe. Located mid-slope and accessible via the chairlift or a short uphill climb, this alpine-themed eatery is the perfect setting for people watching and sipping hot chocolate. The St Moritz Café, located at the Ski Dubai entrance, serves heartier fare, including burgers and French onion soup.

Overlooking the mouth of Dubai Creek, the Sheikh Saeed al-Maktoum House was home to Dubai’s rulers during the early 20th century and is now a museum. Dating from 1896, the house is composed of wind towers (barjeel), courtyards, and rooms featuring exhibitions on Dubai and its ruling al-Maktoum clan from the late 1800s to the 1960s.

Located in Al Shindagha, south of Dubai Creek, the house was home to Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum, Dubai’s ruler from 1912 to 1958, and the childhood home of his grandson, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s current ruler. Expanded several times, it offers fascinating insight into Dubai before the city’s 1960s oil boom. Highlights are the traditional courtyards, teak-doored rooms, upper receptions (majlis), and wind towers that were designed to maximize Gulf breezes. Inside, photos chart the royals’ lifestyles and Dubai’s days as a pearl-trading port, while stamp, coin, and document collections spotlight its humble beginnings.

Travelers can explore on a guided tour or independently. It’s also a stop on the city’s hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Many Dubai tours feature a photo stop or brief visit—entrance fees are modest—while more culturally oriented tours provide time for a longer look around.

To get here, catch a cab or drive—the house is off Al Khaleej Road near Dubai’s Heritage Village. Other options include taking the metro or bus to its respective Al Ghubaiba stops and then making the 10-minute or so walk from either. Otherwise, catch one of the ferries that run from Dubai Marina to the Al Ghubaiba terminal.

The house is open Saturday–Thursday, 8am–8:30pm, and Fridays, 3pm–9:30pm. A good time to visit is early evening, when the house is cooler and you can enjoy sunset views over Dubai Creek from the upper rooms. Double-check opening times, as the house is often closed for maintenance.

The photo displays are the biggest draw, largely because they highlight the incredible contrast between mid-20th century and today’s Dubai. Sepia photos show it as a modest Arabian port of bustling dhow yards, and others chart events, such as the swarms of locusts that descended on the city in 1953.

Located in the middle of New Dubai on busy Sheikh Zayed Road, the Jumeirah Lake Towers comprise one of the city's large developments "” a series of 64 residential and commercial towers interspersed with hotels, shops and restaurants spread out over 500 acres (200 hectares).

The lakeside community houses a growing population of about 35,000 residents, but visitors often come to enjoy the four artificial lakes, four covered children's play areas and abundant shopping and dining.

Founded by Sheikh Mohammed and opened in 1998, the Centre for Cultural Understanding in Dubai serves to promote awareness of Emirati culture, including food, customs, and religion, with the aim to educate visitors and expats and remove cultural barriers. Situated within the Emirati wind tower house in Dubai's Al Fahidi district, the SMCCU run guided tours of this historic area, including local mosques such as the Jumeirah Mosque.

The center operates under the motto, "Open Doors, Open Minds" and organizes various activities in addition to tours, including lectures and educational programs, cultural awareness events, Arabic classes, and Iftars during Ramadan. It also offers visitors the opportunity to learn about and experience Emirati food by hosting Cultural Breakfasts and Cultural Lunches, where guests are free to ask questions and exchange ideas with locals while sampling authentic Emirati cuisine.

E 11, also known as Sheikh Zayed Road, is the main artery passing through the city of Dubai, running north to south parallel to the coast. Named after the beloved first president of the United Arab Emirates, the road exits Dubai and runs all the way to Abu Dhabi, but the segment stretching between the Emirates Towers and the Dusit Thani Hotel serves as the main access point to almost everything in the city.

Lined with towering skyscrapers and prestigious hotels (World Trade Centre, The Fairmont Dubai, Shangri-La Hotel and Millennium Tower to name a few), the road has six lanes running in each direction, with the Red Line of the Dubai Metro running parallel for most of its length through the city.

Built on a man-made island, Yas Mall is the shiny new addition to the Abu Dhabi Shopping scene. The massive shopping complex encompasses 2.5 million square feet (235,000 square meters) of retail and entertainment space, including three floors of shopping and dining, a 20-screen movie theater operated by VOX Cinemas, a family entertainment zone, a snow park, flight simulators and parking for 10,000 vehicles.

International brands with retail space as Yas Mall include Adidas, Converse, Diesel, American Eagle Outfitters and Zara, among others. French retailer Géant operates an anchor hypermarket in Yas Mall — the largest in the region.

Opened in 2001, Marina Mall is Abu Dhabi's biggest and best shopping complex, encompassing 1.3 million square feet (122,000 square meters) of retail space. A major destination for fans of luxe shopping, the complex houses more than 400 shops and 48 restaurants. Standouts include an IKEA, Carrefour supermarket and a Manchester City FC store. 

For non-shopping travelers, the mall houses an ice rink, nine screen VOX Cinemas, a 32-lane bowling alley, Fun City arcade and family entertainment center, musical fountains and a viewing platform for people watching. 

Yas Island is a man-made, 40 billion dollar project that the sheiks have launched in 2006. Today it hosts spacious living complexes, villas and hotels, theme parks, sports facilities and a port facility and has been winning awards left and right. Yas Island is maybe most well known for being the home of the Yas Marina Circuit, one of the most glamorous Formula 1 tracks on the racing calendar. It is the only venue in the world that offers covered grandstands throughout the facility, a necessity in the heat of the United Arab Emirates. Also relating to motor sports is the Ferrari World, a park whose most famous attraction is the Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world. If accelerating to 240kph or 149mph is not enough, visitors can also find a karting academy, simulators and several more rides. 

Yas Waterworld is another popular attraction on the artificial island and has consistently dominated the global rankings of best waterparks in the world. All in all it offers 43 rides, slides and other attractions for adrenaline junkies, such as an exhilarating tornado ride with the ominous name Dawwama, as well as slides and shallow pools for those taking it slow with the family. A relaxing oasis for those looking to swim and sunbathe is Yas Beach, a private beach club for the guest staying at the hotels on the island. Visitors not staying on the island will have to pay an admission fee. 

The Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum is based in the residence of the founder and first president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The palace complex was built in 1910 on the western side of the mighty Al Ain Oasis and was home to Sheikh Zayed and his family from 1937 until 1966. It later became a museum in 1998.

The building is set around attractive courtyards and gardens where guests can wander around while learning about Sheikh Zayed and his life. Visitors have access to the meeting rooms, or majlis, where the president met with dignitaries and other visitors to the palace. There’s also the chance to take a peek at the palace’s sleeping quarters, including the canopied bed of the ruler’s wife. 

Part of Dubai’s luxe Madinat Jumeirah resort, the Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a modern re-creation of a traditional Arabian souk, with an upscale touch. In place of higgledy-piggledy stalls, a web of alleyways echoes a classic bazaar filled with boutiques, souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafés.

 

The Souk Madinat Jumeirah replicates classic Arabian market architecture, with earth-toned wind towers, and carved timber ceilings and arches. Inside, about 75 outlets await, from gift emporiums to boutiques, jewelers, and international chains. Dozens of restaurants and bars serve an array of different cuisines, and their tables spill out beside the palm-lined waterways that lend the souk its “Little Venice” nickname. The final touch is the Madinat Theatre, which offers evening shows.

 

The souk appears on many Dubai city tours that include time to roam the shops and enjoy the Burj Al Arab views from the waterside terraces. Evening tours let you enjoy the complex at its prettiest, when its waterways and wind towers are illuminated and music adds to the ambience. The souk is also featured on many Dubai shopping tours as a contrast to glitzier malls.

 

 

The Souk Madinat Jumeirah lies south of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai’s Jumeirah district, where Jumeirah Street meets Umm Suqeim Street. Ride the metro to the Mall of the Emirates station—the nearest metro stop—and catch a cab or one of the regular buses that run to the souk.

 

The Souk is open all week, year-round, with its shops open 10am-11pm and its restaurants 8am–2am. Tourists flock here during Dubai’s winter (Dec. to March), so expect crowds at peak times. Things quiet down come summer, although the air conditioning makes the souk an ideal refuge from the heat.

 

Be sure to ride a wooden abra boat along the souk waterways while you’re here. Follow the signs to the abra station and hire a boat to cruise the turquoise channels, admiring the palms, wind towers, and views of the Burj Al Arab en route.

Travelers finding themselves in need of some retail therapy while in the Jumeirah Beach Road area will find the strip's most luxurious shopping complex in the Mercato Shopping Mall. Fashioned in the style of an Italian village, the mall is relatively small for Dubai standards "” it only houses 140 shops in 643,067 square feet (59,743 square meters) "” but it wins points for its ambience. 

At the heart of the two-floor shopping complex, which also houses a Spinneys supermarket, VOX Cinemas, Virgin Megastore and Fun City family entertainment center, is the Piazza Grande, an indoor "square" lined with cafes and European restaurants. Since it doesn't get as crowded as some of Dubai's bigger malls, it's a great place to escape the heat during the afternoons.

Located in Diera, the Burjuman Centre is one of Dubai's oldest malls, popular for its selection of high-street fashions. Built in 1991 and expanded in 2004, the shopping center now boasts more than 300 luxury and high end stores located across 2.8 million square feet of mixed-use space. Alongside the high-street brands, shoppers will find Saks Fifth Avenue, Dior, Versace, Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Valentino, among others.

The mall is currently undergoing another round of upgrades that will bring a multiplex movie theater, Carrefour supermarket and an expanded food court to the complex.

Come face-to-face with 65,000 marine creatures, dive with sharks, and walk underwater at The Lost Chambers Aquarium in Dubai’s Atlantis, The Palm hotel. This state-of-the-art aquarium is themed around the mythical Lost City of Atlantis and consists of illuminated underground chambers brimming with sea life from across the world.

The Lost Chambers is a maze of tanks and tunnels decorated with the mock ruins of mythical Atlantis, and centered on the vast Ambassadors Lagoon, one of the world’s 10 biggest aquariums. Exploring the tunnels gets you up-close to multitudes of marine creatures, from sharks, rays, eels, and seahorses to piranhas and reef fish. You can also enjoy an array of exciting marine adventures separately or in addition to your visit. 

Visitors can purchase a day pass or any one of several underwater activities—booking them online in advance to save time. Adventures include scuba diving, snorkeling, and underwater walks in the Ambassador Lagoon, plus behind-the-scenes tours to learn more about the marine life. Another popular option is to upgrade a day pass with admission to the hotel’s Aquaventure Water Park.

The Lost Chambers is part of the Atlantis, The Palm, on Dubai’s The Palm island. Take The Palm monorail from the mainland Gateway station—trains run daily. Alternatively, take the metro to the Mall of the Emirates stop and hail a cab.

The aquarium is open 10am-10pm daily, although times vary according to the season. If you’re visiting during Dubai’s peak season—November to April—aim to arrive just after opening time to avoid the main crowds, not just in The Lost Chambers, but the hotel itself. Fridays and Saturdays are also extra busy.

While you’re at the Atlantis, indulge in some retail therapy at The Avenues—the hotel’s arcade of upscale boutiques and shops—or savor a meal at one of the stylish buffet restaurants. Alternatively, combine a visit to The Lost Chambers with lunch or dinner at the seafood restaurant Ossiano, whose tables overlook the fish-filled tanks.