Dubai - Attractions & Things to do

Top Things to do in Dubai

Best Dubai Attractions

Burj Khalifa - The world's tallest building

Don’t miss the chance to stand at the top of the world's tallest building! Burj Khalifa’s 'At the Top' observation deck sits on the the 124th floor of this iconic skyscraper and affords the most incredible views over Dubai. Being one of Dubai’s most popular attractions, tickets sell out weeks or even months in advance, so it’s important to book ahead – plus on-the-door prices become more expensive closer to the date.

Dubai Fountain

If you must do one thing on your holiday, it has to be Dubai’s #1 attraction - the Dubai Fountain Show ! Right at the heart of Downtown Dubai, sitting in the stunning 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake is the largest choreographed fountain system in the world. The view will leave you speechless! 

Dubai Waterparks

With Dubai’s temperatures hitting nearly 40°C, a fun and refreshing day in a waterpark doesn’t sound like a bad idea at all. If you’re all about the thrills, head to Wild Wadi, Dubai’s first water park - it’s jam-packed with extreme rides and slides.

Adrenaline’s good but chilling out is at the top of your holiday priorities list? Then you’d like to know that in addition to lots of fun rides, the 42-acre Aquaventure at Atlantis the Palm has a 700-metre private beach for you to unwind on.

Travelling with the children? Then head off to Dubai's LEGOLAND Waterpark - with entertainment designed for kids between 2 and 12, it's just the place for you.

Must-do activites in Dubai 

Desert Safari

This is definitely not one to miss when you visit Dubai! The Desert Safari is easily one of our most popular activities, and boy do they fit a lots in! With a jeep safari across the desert landscape, camel rides, sandboarding and traditional Arabian entertainment, not to mention a tasty BBQ in a campsite under the stars, you’ll have plenty of stories to take home with you.

Dubai Sightseeing Tours & Cruises

If you’re in Dubai on an overnight stopover or have limited time, a Dubai Dinner cruise is the perfect way to experience the city! Over an international 4-course meal you’ll sail down the magnificent Dubai Creek past some of the most famous sights and landmarks.

Another easy way to see the most sights in the space of an afternoon is to take a City Tour.

Shop til you drop!

Dubai alone has more than 70 shopping centres, so if retail therapy is on your agenda you’ll be more than spoilt for choice! These include the world's largest shopping centre, the Dubai Mall, as well as the Mall of the Emirates, the world’s first “shopping resort” which is also home to the world-renowned indoor ski resort and snow park Ski Dubai.

Head to Burjuman if you’re looking for more high-end designer items, and don’t miss a walk around Al Karama Market – not so much a market but a series of shops selling quality “designer fakes”. Al Karama is a favourite with shoppers who want the thrill of showing off the label without the heart-stopping price tag!

Dubai Famous Places

Jumeirah Beach Walk

Known as “The Walk”, this bustling waterfront promenade is one of Dubai’s most popular areas, located in the heart of Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR). Take a stroll down the Boulevard and you’ll find beautiful hotels and eateries, ranging from big international chains to local restaurants, bars and coffee shops, as well as stalls selling exclusive local handicrafts, bags and jewellery plus bigger branded shops.

Dubai Marina

Built along a two-mile stretch of Persian Gulf shoreline, Dubai Marina Is set to a backdrop of the amazing buildings of Jumeirah Beach Walk (see above). It's a popular place to relax and enjoy a meal, drink or a traditional shisha as you watch the sleek super-yachts of wealthy visitors and residents glide in and out of the harbour. There you could also take a boat cruise, or even a speedboat sightseeing tour. The Marina is also home to Infinity Tower, the world’s tallest twisted tower.

 

Dubai – Quick Facts

Language:

Arabic is the official language in Dubai, and English is used as a second language..

Flight Time from UK:

Approx. 7 hours

Currency:

Dirham (AED)

Airports:

Dubai International Airport, located 4 km (2.5 miles) southeast of Dubai.

Rules & Restrictions:

• Many visitors are surprised to discover that Dubai is very “westernised” and laid-back. However, you should remember to be respectful of laws and customs that may be a little different to your own.
• It’s not necessary to completely cover up, except in religious and certain other buildings. Many hotels and restaurants have a smart dress code, so it’s best to play it safe and dress smartly when you’re out to dinner.
• Bear in mind that walking around in your bathing suit is only allowed on the beach. Always put some clothes on if you decide to leave the beach to grab a drink or a snack.

Weather:

• Summers in Dubai are extremely hot, windy, and humid, with an average high around 41 °C (106 °F) and overnight lows around 30 °C (86 °F) in the hottest month, August.
• Winters are warm with an average high of 24 °C (75 °F) and overnight lows of 14 °C (57 °F) in January, the coldest month.
• Most days are sunny throughout the year, and the summers have a high humidity level.

Telephone:

• Country code: +971
• Area code: 04

Electricity

220/240 AC

Getting Around in Dubai

Taxis

• Taxis are pretty cheap and can take you pretty much anywhere, so they’re a great way to easily get around Dubai.
• It’s more usual to have your hotel or restaurant call you a taxi when you’re ready to leave, so there’s no need to try and hail one on the street.

Dubai Metro

• This monorail service travels all along the coast and connects the airport with the rest of the city.
• Runs from 6am-11pm, Saturday to Thursday, and from 2pm-midnight on Fridays. During Ramadan, train times are from 6am to midnight, Saturday to Thursday and 2pm to midnight on Fridays.
• During peak hours trains run every 3-4 minutes, and the rest of the time every 10 minutes.
• The Metro is a great way to get around Dubai during rush hour as it avoids getting stuck in any traffic congestion.
• Travelling the length of the metro line (ie. from the airport to Jebel Ali) takes around 1 hour 15 minutes – but it’s always expanding!
• You can find out more about Dubai Metro here.