dubai tourist attractions tickets

Select Language

Accounts Menu

• English United Kingdom £ GBP
• English Ireland € EUR
• English Australia $ AUD
• English Netherlands € EUR
• Deutsch Deutschland € EUR
• English United States $ USD

9.00am-7.00pm Monday to Friday

9.00am-5.00pm on Saturday and Sunday

10.00am-4.00pm bank holidays

• Always Cheaper than the Gate Save time and money by pre-purchasing your attraction tickets in advance and enjoy great savings versus the gate as well as guaranteeing admission on your chosen date. Our price promise ensures that you are getting the best value attraction tickets - AttractionTickets.com will not be beaten on price!
• Gate-Ready Theme Park Tickets Receive Gate-Ready Digital Tickets for the major theme parks and attractions - Enjoy speedy, hassle-free entry using your smartphone.
• Change or Cancel for Free We don't charge amendment fees for changes, although new selling prices may apply. Most bookings can be cancelled for free or can be protected against cancellation fees with Flex Plus protection.
• Bypass Ticket Lines Enjoy faster access to the attractions everyone wants to visit. Most tickets include skip-the-line privelleges so you can by-pass the long ticket and voucher lines.
• Instant Ticket Delivery Receive gate-ready tickets instantly and enjoy direct fast-track entry to the parks as you bypass the ticket and voucher lines!

Dubai excursions and attraction tickets

• Attractions & Sightseeing
• Excursions & Experiences
• Abu Dhabi Theme Parks

Atlantis Aquaventure Day Pass

Burj Khalifa 124th Floor Observation Deck Tickets

Dubai Desert Safari and Sunset Barbecue

Go City: Dubai Explorer Pass

Atlantis Aquaventure One Day Super Pass

Dubai Parks and Resorts 1 Day/2 Park Ticket

Royal Dhow Dinner Cruise at Dubai Marina

Wild Wadi Waterpark Day Pass

MOTIONGATE™ Dubai One Day Ticket

Inside Burj al Arab Tour

Dolphin Encounter at Atlantis Dubai

Green Planet™ Dubai Admission Ticket

Go City: Dubai All-Inclusive Pass

Dubai City Tour

Platinum Desert Safari Dubai

Wild Wadi Waterpark Day Pass + Meal

90-minute Speedboat Tour: Marina, Atlantis, Palm & Burj Al Arab

Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Share Sunset Cruise with BBQ

Dubai Hot Air Balloon Flight with Land Rover Drive & Desert Breakfast

Burj Khalifa Sky 148th Floor Observation Deck Tickets

Dolphin Swim at Atlantis Dubai

LEGOLAND® Dubai One Day Ticket

Abu Dhabi City Tour from Dubai

The Lost Chambers Admission Ticket

IMG Worlds of Adventure Admission Ticket

Ski Dubai Slope Pass

Big Bus Dubai Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Dubai Helicopter 12-Minute Sightseeing Flight

Dubai Helicopter 15-Minute Sightseeing Flight

Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Share Morning Cruise with Breakfast

Heritage Safari Dubai

Bedouin Culture Safari Dubai

Dubai Helicopter 25-Minute Sightseeing Flight

Dubai Deep Sea Fishing

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi

Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi

Yas Waterworld

Yas Island Theme Parks 2 Park Ticket

Yas Island Theme Parks 3 Park Ticket

Yas Island Theme Parks 4 Park Ticket

Other activities to enjoy while in dubai, desert safaris (5), dubai attractions (13), dubai excursions (10), dubai sightseeing (12), dubai airport transfers (1), dubai experiences (5), dubai dining cruises (2), top attractions, burj khalifa observation deck tickets.

4.6 stars: Independently verified from 196 reviews

No trip to Dubai would be complete without heading to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Rising over 800 metres, the ...

Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

4.5 stars: Independently verified from 84 reviews

Journey into the heart of excitement at Aquaventure, one of the world's largest and most thrilling waterparks. Discover record-breaking water...

Wild Wadi Waterpark™

4.3 stars: Independently verified from 25 reviews

Dive into a world of aquatic thrills and family fun with a Wild Wadi Waterpark™ Ticket.  With shallow paddling for the smallest visitors to e...

MOTIONGATE™ Dubai

4.8 stars: Independently verified from 12 reviews

Are you in the mood for excitement? What about jaw-dropping shows, adrenaline-pumping rides and endless movie-themed fun for the entire famil...

Dolphin & Sea Lion Experiences at Aquaventure’s Atlas Village

4.6 stars: Independently verified from 36 reviews

Set within 11 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with lagoons, pristine beaches and dramatic waterfalls, Aquaventure’s Atlas Village is ...

The Green Planet™ Dubai

Experience a stunning, indoor rainforest housed within an enchanting bio-dome. The Green Planet™ Dubai recreates the enchanting world of a tr...

LEGOLAND® Dubai

4.4 stars: Independently verified from 7 reviews

LEGOLAND® Dubai brings the well-known LEGO® brick to life in a unique interactive world of LEGO themed rides, shows and attractions specifica...

4.2 stars: Independently verified from 12 reviews

Unleash the thrill of speed at Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi! Home to the fastest roller coaster on Earth and a range of exhilarating a...

LEGOLAND® Water Park

4.3 stars: Independently verified from 4 reviews

Splash your way through a full day of LEGO-themed family fun with a LEGOLAND® Water Park. Discover over 20 LEGO-inspired water slides and att...

Book your splash-tastic adventure now at Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi's premier waterpark! With thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions and...

Step into the wonder of Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, one of the world's largest indoor theme parks! From high-flying superheroes to whimsic...

4 stars: Independently verified from 2 reviews

In a country where temperatures can soar to over 40 degrees, skiing, snowboarding and err... hanging out with penguins are perhaps the last a...

IMG Worlds of Adventure

5 stars: Independently verified from 2 reviews

Enjoy thrilling rides, rollercoasters, live shows and attractions crammed into four action packed zones: MARVEL, Lost Valley - Dinosaur Adven...

Dubai Parks and Resorts

4.6 stars: Independently verified from 23 reviews

Ultimate thrill-seekers can discover the largest integrated theme park resort in the Middle East with 3 world-class theme parks including MOT...

Top Experiences

4.6 stars: Independently verified from 46 reviews

Riding in a luxury 4-Wheel Drive vehicle experience the wild majesty of the Arabian Desert as you enjoy an exciting roller coaster-of-a-drive...

5 stars: Independently verified from 1 reviews

Buckle up for a thrilling 90-minute speedboat sightseeing tour along Dubai's famous coast line. Departing from the famous Dubai Marina, take ...

Dubai Helicopter Sightseeing Flight

4.9 stars: Independently verified from 24 reviews

This exhilarating helicopter adventure offers unparalleled bird's eye view of Dubai’s magnificent skyline and its most iconic buildings inclu...

Experience the most luxurious desert safari in the United Arab Emirates, meticulously created for guests seeking the finer things in life.

4.5 stars: Independently verified from 4 reviews

Although hot air ballooning is a truly impressive experience, this Dubai hot air balloon flight takes it to the next level for a complete ‘wo...

Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Share Cruise

Starting from Dubai Marina, this luxury shared sightseeing cruise takes you around the Palm Jumeirah offering picture postcard views of the f...

4.4 stars: Independently verified from 16 reviews

The Dubai City Tour is a great introduction to the city and highlights both old and modern Dubai, from the towering skyscrapers to the old me...

4 stars: Independently verified from 12 reviews

Enjoy a 5-star luxury Dhow Dinner Cruise with a gourmet 5-star dinner as you gently cruise around historic Dubai Marina.

4.4 stars: Independently verified from 28 reviews

Discover Dubai on this fun and leisurely hop-on, hop-off tour which gives you panoramic views of Dubai's dramatic skyline, perfect sandy beac...

Embark on the most awarded desert safari in Dubai. Ideal for the whole family as this educational, yet fun desert safari is unique from other...

Latest News for Dubai

5 Things To Do in Dubai this Winter

18 Dec 2023 | AFordyce

3 Reasons to Visit Dubai Parks and Resorts During Halloween

17 Oct 2023 | AFordyce

There’s Dino Mania at Dubai Parks and Resorts This Winter!

14 Feb 2023 | AFordyce

Christmas Has Arrived at Dubai Parks and Resorts

13 Dec 2022 | AFordyce

Guide to Visiting the Burj Khalifa

12 Dec 2022 | eleanor.c

Atlantis Aquaventure Breaks Guinness World Record!

19 Oct 2022 | AFordyce

Read all news items for Dubai

Your Basket

It's in the bag!

30 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Dubai

Written by Jess Lee Updated Mar 21, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Jess Lee is a travel writer who has specialized and lived in the Middle East for over 15 years.

Glitzy Dubai is the United Arab Emirates' holiday hot spot. This city of high-rises and shopping malls has transformed itself from a desert outpost to a destination du-jour, where tourists flock for sales bargains, sunshine, and family fun.

Dubai is famous for contemporary sightseeing attractions such as the Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building) and shopping malls that come complete with mammoth aquariums and indoor ski slopes. But this city has many cultural highlights and things to do, as well as all the glamorous modern add-ons.

Take a wander around the Al Fahidi quarter, and you'll discover the Dubai of old, then cruise along Dubai Creek in a traditional dhow, and you'll soon realize there's more to this city than its flashy veneer.

Learn more about the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Dubai.

1. Shoot to the Top of Burj Khalifa

2. view the dubai fountain display, 3. sneak in some shopping at dubai mall, 4. visit an underwater world at dubai aquarium, 5. cool off at atlantis aquaventure waterpark, 6. head out into the desert, 7. take afternoon tea in the burj al-arab, 8. ski indoors at mall of the emirates' ski dubai, 9. explore dubai creek, 10. wander through colorful dubai miracle garden, 11. walk through history in al fahidi quarter (old dubai), 12. experience global village's culture & entertainment, 13. cruise around madinat jumeirah on an abra, 14. soak up the sun on jumeirah beach, 15. discover uae history at dubai museum, 16. snap sunset pics at dubai frame, 17. swim & sunbathe at la mer beach, 18. family time at motiongate & legoland in dubai parks, 19. tour jumeirah mosque, 20. take to the water at kite beach & umm suqeim beach, 21. stroll sheikh zayed road, 22. fuel up on thrills & spills in img worlds of adventure, 23. haggle in the souks of deira, 24. skydive over dubai's palm jumeirah, 25. enjoy world-class theater at dubai opera, 26. savor a nature break in dubai butterfly garden, 27. explore local culture in the heritage and diving village, 28. spot flamingos at ras al khor wildlife sanctuary, 29. view traditional architecture at sheikh saeed al-maktoum house, 30. browse cutting-edge art in alserkal avenue, best things to do with kids in dubai, where to stay in dubai for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to dubai, map of tourist attractions in dubai, best time to visit dubai, united arab emirates.

Highlight: The world's tallest building and Dubai's best panoramic city views

Dubai's landmark building and major tourist attraction is the Burj Khalifa , which at 829.8 meters is the tallest building in the world and the most famous of the city's points of interest.

For most visitors, a trip to the observation deck on the 124th floor here is a must-do while in the city. The views across the city skyline from this bird's-eye perspective are simply staggering.

The slick observation deck experience includes a multimedia presentation on both Dubai and the building of the Burj Khalifa (completed in 2010) before a high-speed elevator whizzes you up to the observation deck for those 360-degree views out across the skyscrapers to the desert on one side and the ocean on the other.

Nighttime visits are particularly popular with photographers due to Dubai's famous city-lights panoramas.

Buy your Burj Khalifa "At the Top" Entrance Ticket in advance to avoid long line-ups, especially if you are planning to visit on a weekend.

Highlight: A family-friendly evening entertainment spectacle

Wrapping around the Burj Khalifa are the gardens of Burj Park, with walkways dotted with modern art sculptures. Burj Park is where you come to see the Dubai Fountain display on Burj Lake.

Modeled on the famous Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, this is the world's tallest performing fountain, with water displays shooting up to 150 meters high into the air.

The 30-minute-long displays take place regularly after dark, and although the display itself is free, there are entrance charges to access the add-on experiences.

The floating platform of the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk is one of the most popular experiences for close-up views, while there are also opportunities to take an abra (traditional wooden boat) onto Burj Lake to see the fountains from the water.

Highlights: Dubai Aquarium, plenty of family activities, dining options, and brand-name shopping

Dubai Mall is the city's premier mall and one of the city's best places to visit for a day of shopping and indoor activities to keep the kids busy. It provides entry to the Burj Khalifa as well as the Dubai Aquarium.

There is also an ice-skating rink, gaming zone, and cinema complex if you're looking for more entertainment options.

The shopping and eating are endless, and there are nearly always special events such as live music and fashion shows within the mall. The most famous of these are the annual Dubai Shopping Festival in January and February and the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival in July and August.

Location: Doha Road, just off Sheikh Zayed Road

Highlights: An awe-inspiring introduction to the underwater world

One of the city's top tourist attractions, the Dubai Aquarium houses 140 species of sea life in the huge suspended tank on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall.

Although there is free viewing from the mall, the highlight of a visit here is entering the Underwater Zoo, with its three-story high, 270-degree views along the length of the glass-panel tunnels.

As well as viewing the vast amount of marine life, the Dubai Aquarium offers plenty of aquatic experiences and things to do for visitors who want a close-up encounter with some of the aquarium's inhabitants, from hand-feeding eagle rays to diving with reef and tiger sharks.

Address: Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road

Highlight: Water-based theme park fun for a day devoted to family entertainment

Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark , based at Atlantis, The Palm on the Palm Jumeirah—Dubai's famous man-made island development—is a great place to cool off after a few days of hectic shopping and sightseeing.

The waterslide action here is excellent and world-class, with the Aquaconda, the world's longest water slide; a nine-story-tall slide, aptly named the Leap of Faith; and water coaster rides.

There's also underwater safaris using Sea TREK helmets; a dedicated water play area for smaller children with slides; and for when all your energy has been used up, a 700-meter sweep of white-sand beach.

Address: Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Highlight: See the UAE's dramatic interior of sweeping dunes on Dubai's best day trip option

You don't have to travel far from Dubai's coastal skyline of skyscrapers to reach some of the UAE's desertscapes of rippling dunes.

Both the dune fields and desert of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and the orange-hued dunes of Maleha (actually in the Emirate of Sharjah ) are within day-tripping distance of the city.

Desert adventure tours can combine a range of activities, from sandboarding, camel rides, and 4WD safaris to traditional Arabian falconry displays and desert dinners under the stars. There are also options for overnight camping under the stars.

The typical tour itinerary, giving visitors a taster of desert life, is easily slotted into even a short trip to Dubai, taking around six hours door to door, with a mid-afternoon departure from the city.

The Dubai Desert 4x4 Safari offers a half-day desert adventure and includes a camel ride, sandboarding lessons, a sunset barbecue, and a belly dancing show.

For a less rushed tour experience, choose one of the companies that operate inside the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where trips can include wildlife drives to spot the reserve's free-roaming herds of gazelles and, if you're lucky, Arabian oryx.

Highlights: Treat yourself to one of Dubai's most famous dining experiences

The Burj Al-Arab is the world's tallest hotel, standing 321 meters high on its own artificial island on the Dubai coastline.

Designed to resemble a billowing dhow sail, the exterior of the building is lit up by a choreographed, colored lighting show at night.

Decadent in every way possible, the Burj Al-Arab is one of the most expensive hotels in the world, with the most luxurious suites costing more than $15,000 for one night.

For those without unlimited credit, the way to experience the over-the-top opulence is to book afternoon tea at Sahn Eddar (a minimum spend is required) in the soaring atrium lounge.

Non-guests can also book dinner at the Ristorante L'Olivo at Al-Mahara where floor-to-ceiling glass panels in the dining room walls allow you to view sea life while you eat, or you can enjoy French and Italian classics for lunch or dinner with city vistas at the Michelin starred Al Muntaha .

Address: Jumeirah Road, Dubai

Highlight: Cool off from the desert heat with some winter sports then shop till you drop in the mall

Mall of the Emirates is one of the city's most famous malls, with the spectacular (and surreal) Ski Dubai facility inside.

The indoor ski slope is complete with chairlifts and a penguin enclosure, all at a continuous temperature of -4 degrees Celsius.

There's also a cinema complex and a family entertainment center with a whole host of rides aimed at both the big and small.

The shopping opportunities are boundless, as are the eating options, offering every conceivable world cuisine.

Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

Highlight: Abra rides across the creek for city skyline views

Dubai Creek separates the city into two towns, with Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south.

The creek has been an influential element in the city's growth, first attracting settlers here to fish and pearl dive. Small villages grew up alongside the creek as far back as 4,000 years ago, while the modern era began in the 1830s when the Bani Yas tribe settled in the area.

The creek is where you come to capture city views from the water, either by taking a trip on one of the many dhows that have been restored as tourist cruise boats or by hopping on an abra (small wooden ferry) between the ferry points on the creek's Bur Dubai and Deira banks.

On the Bur Dubai side of the creek, rubbing up against the Bastakia neighborhood, the waterfront has been regenerated as the Al Seef district, with a waterfront promenade backed by traditional coral-block and limestone buildings, a floating market, and shops selling crafts. It's a great place for a stroll with excellent water views.

Farther southeast down the creek, on the Deira bank just north of Al-Maktoum Bridge, is the Dhow Wharfage. It's still used by small traders from across the Gulf who sail their dhows onward to Kuwait, Iran, Oman, India, and down to Africa's horn.

This tiny remnant of Dubai's traditional economy is a fascinating place to wander around and watch cargo being loaded and unloaded on and off the dhows.

At the southeastern end of Dubai Creek, just before the creek joins with Dubai Canal, is the newly developed Dubai Creek Harbor with a waterfront marina walkway, which offers excellent vistas of the city skyline.

Highlight: Colorful photography options amid Dubai's most creative gardens

This is the zaniest garden ever. Not content with constructing the world's largest buildings and malls, Dubai has created the world's largest flower garden. Dubai Miracle Garden spans 2,000 square meters and is home to a reputed 100 million flowers.

Everything that can be covered with flowers has been, from twee English-style cottages to windmills and trucks. There's even a flower version of the Burj Khalifa.

Stroll the walkways and enjoy the riot of color and the wacky flower displays.

Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Rd, Al Barsha

Highlight: Admire Dubai's vernacular Gulf architecture amid the lanes of the tiny old town quarter

The Al Fahidi Quarter (previously known, and sometimes still referred to as the Bastakia neighborhood) was built in the late 19th century to be the home of wealthy Persian merchants who dealt mainly in pearls and textiles and were lured to Dubai because of the tax-free trading and access to Dubai Creek.

Al Fahidi occupies the eastern portion of Bur Dubai along the creek, and the coral and limestone buildings here, many with walls topped with wind-towers, have been excellently preserved.

Wind-towers provided the homes here with an early form of air conditioning—the wind trapped in the towers was funneled down into the houses. Persian merchants likely transplanted this architectural element (common in Iranian coastal houses) from their home country to the Gulf.

Lined with distinct Arabian architecture, the narrow lanes are highly evocative of a bygone, and much slower, age in Dubai's history.

Inside the district, you'll find the Majlis Gallery , with its collection of traditional Arab ceramics and furniture (housed in a wind-tower), and the Al Serkal Cultural Foundation with a shop, café, and rotating art exhibitions (located in one of the historic buildings).

Highlight: Evening entertainment hub with a global cultural focus

From October through April, this entertainment park provides family-friendly entertainment themed around taking visitors on a journey around the world.

Global Village's 26 country pavilions, ranging from Iraq to Japan and Russia to South Korea, each offer an individual experience of that country's culture, entertainment, and heritage. It's a unique option in the city for evening entertainment for families with little ones in tow.

As well as the pavilions, there are plentiful dining and shopping options on-site. Younger members of the family will enjoy the fun-fair-style Carnaval with plenty of rides, such as bumper cars, carousels, Swiss swings, and a big wheel, along with faster rides and a roller coaster.

Address: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road, Dubai

Highlight: Scenic canal cruises on traditional abra boats for easygoing sightseeing

The development complex of Madinat Jumeirah is a dining and retail district with a couple of five-star hotels, all set along the palm-tree-fringed banks of an artificial canal network.

All of Madinat Jumeirah has been styled to mimic traditional Gulf architecture, with wind towers and mashrabiya detailing.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah here offers easygoing shopping, with a large variety of traditional craftwork and souvenirs from the Gulf and across the wider Middle East, but the main reason to head here is to hop on an abra (small wooden ferry) and cruise down the canal.

Abras leave regularly from Souk Madinat Jumeirah's promenade and loop around the waterway, providing plenty of photo opportunities of the lush gardens and traditional architecture of Madinat Jumeirah, with the tall swooping sail of the Burj Al Arab in the background.

Address: King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Dubai

Highlight: Dubai beach life summed up with everything you need at your fingertips

This long, wide strip of sandy white bliss is the number one beach destination for Dubai visitors .

Some of Dubai's most popular beach resorts are strung out all along its length, making this one of the most popular places to stay for visitors who want to make hitting the beach a major part of their Dubai stay.

The large areas of the beach have excellent facilities, with plenty of sun loungers, restaurants, lifeguards patrolling the stretches designated for swimming, and water sports operators offering jet skiing, kayak rental, parasailing, and boat rides.

This is a safe beach choice for families traveling with tots, as the turquoise water of the Gulf lapping the shore is shallow and calm.

Address: Dubai Marina, Dubai

Highlight: Delve behind the high-rise facade to discover Dubai's heritage

Dubai's excellent museum is housed in the Al-Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 to defend Dubai Creek. The fort's walls are built out of traditional coral blocks and held together with lime. The upper floor is supported by wooden poles, and the ceiling is constructed from palm fronds, mud, and plaster.

In its history, the fort has served as a residence for the ruling family, a seat of government, garrison, and prison. Restored in 1971 (and again extensively in 1995), it is now the city's premier museum.

The entrance has a fascinating exhibition of old maps of the Emirates and Dubai, showing the mammoth expansion that hit the region after the oil boom. The courtyard is home to several traditional boats and a palm-leaf house with an Emirati wind-tower. The right-hand hall features weaponry, and the left-hand hall showcases Emirati musical instruments.

Below the ground floor are display halls with exhibits and dioramas covering various aspects of traditional Emirati life (including pearl fishing and Bedouin desert life), as well as artifacts from the 3,000- to 4,000-year-old graves at Al Qusais archaeological site.

Address: Al-Fahidi Street, Al-Fahidi

Highlights: Aerial vistas of the modern cityscape below and galleries focused on Dubai's history

Sitting slap-bang between Dubai's older neighborhoods clustered around the creek and the city's modern sprawl, this ginormous 150-meter-high picture frame is one of Dubai's latest sights.

Inside Dubai Frame , a series of galleries whisk you through the city's history and explore Emirati heritage before you travel up to the Sky Deck, where there are fantastic panoramas of both old and new Dubai to be snapped on the viewing platforms.

Afterwards check out Future Dubai gallery, which imagines what a futuristic vision of the city will look like.

Address: Zabeel Park, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road

Highlight: Take a day off sightseeing and head to the white sand for a relaxed break beside the sea

Backed by a fringe of palm trees, the stretch of La Mer Beach in Jumeirah is an easygoing spot for a full day of sun and sea.

Water sports operators here offer Jet Ski trips, boating, fly-boarding, and kayaking for beachgoers who itch to get off the sand, but for those who simply want to sloth out between swimming, there's plenty of sun lounger rental and a wide variety of cafés and restaurants just a hop from the sand for snacking and full meals.

La Mer is a sheltered bay with tranquil water, so it's a safe choice for both families and less-confident swimmers. Like all of Dubai's main beaches, it is regularly patrolled by lifeguards during the day.

If the sea and sand aren't enough, at the beach's northeast point, you'll find Laguna Waterpark, with several waterslides, a lazy river, and a surf pool.

Address: Jumeirah Road, Jumeirah

Highlight: Family-centered fun is the focus at these interconnected theme parks

At Dubai Parks and Resorts , your entertainment needs are all rolled together into one location. The only problem here is choosing what you want to do.

This mammoth project incorporates a swag of world-class theme parks providing something for everyone, whatever your age.

Motiongate takes its theme from Hollywood productions, with rides based around movie blockbusters; Bollywood Parks brings the world of India's famous movie industry alive on its rides; and Legoland Dubai and Legoland Waterpark provide younger visitors with a fun-packed day out on its interactive rides, water slides, and wave pool.

The district's attached Riverland Dubai dining hub means that there's no need to leave after you've exhausted yourself with theme park pursuits, as there's plenty of evening entertainment here as well.

Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Jebel Ali

Highlight: Gain greater insights into Islam on a tour of Dubai's most famous mosque

Jumeirah Mosque is considered by many to be the most beautiful of Dubai's mosques. An exact copy of Cairo's Al-Azhar Mosque, which is eight times its size, the Jumeirah Mosque is a fine example of Islamic architecture.

This stone structure is built in the medieval Fatimid tradition, with two minarets that display the subtle details in the stonework. It is particularly attractive in the evening when lit with floodlights.

The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding (which also runs a program of tours, lectures, Arabic classes, and cultural meals) organizes guided tours of the mosque designed to try to foster a better understanding of the Muslim faith.

Tours begin at 10am daily, except Fridays.

Address: Jumeirah Road

Highlight: Learn to kitesurf on one of Dubai's best water sports beaches

Thanks to its surf and prevailing wind, the northern section of Umm Suqeim Beach is Dubai's top spot for kitesurfing.

The beach is home to an array of water sports operators offering equipment hire, as well as kitesurfing lessons, along with paddleboarding and kayak rental.

This long stretch of yellow-sand beach sweeps south along the coast (becoming Umm Suqeim Beach), with plenty of space for sunbathers looking to lap up a lazy day of swimming and soaking up the rays on the sand and excellent facilities and dining choices. There are good views of the Burj Al Arab from the southern end of the beach.

While in the Jumeirah area, it's well worth brushing off the sand for an hour to visit the Majlis Ghorfat Um Al-Sheef just a three-kilometer hop from the beach. Built in 1955, this was the summer residence of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al-Maktoum.

The residence, made out of gypsum and coral block, has been restored and maintains much of the original beautiful decor, giving you a better understanding of the opulent lifestyle of Dubai's rulers.

The Majlis Gardens feature a reproduction of an impressive Arab irrigation system, and many shady date palms.

Address: Jumeirah Road, Jumeirah, Dubai

Highlight: Take in central Dubai's skyscraper views from ground-level

Sheikh Zayed Road is the main thoroughfare running through Dubai's modern downtown business district.

This wide, eight-lane highway is rimmed with towering glass, chrome, and steel high-rises along its entire length. It's one of the best on-the-ground vantage points for Dubai's famed skyscraper views.

Main attractions are along, or just off, the strip between the roundabout and the first intersection, and most of Dubai's famous malls are located along the road's route.

The Dubai World Trade Tower has an observation deck on its top floor, which offers visitors panoramic views (a cheaper option than the Burj Khalifa), and the Gold and Diamond Park (Sheikh Zayed Road) is a one-stop shop for jewelry lovers, with 118 manufacturers and 30 retailers all under one roof.

Highlights: Adrenaline-packed rides and hours of fun for kids of all ages

The IMG Worlds of Adventure theme park, near Global Village, is immersive entertainment at its finest and has thrills and spills for both kids and big kids.

With one zone devoted entirely to Marvel's iconic characters; another to dinosaur-themed rides; and a zone where the Cartoon Network takes the helm, with gentler rides and activities for younger children, there's something here for every age.

Whether you want to help the Avengers battle Ultron, scare yourself silly in a haunted house, or join Spider-Man as he swings through the city, this is heaven for families looking for a fun-filled day out.

Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Dubai

Highlight: Shop the traditional way amid the heritage souks of Deira

Deira lies on the northern bank of Dubai Creek and the winding streets here unveil the melting pot of different nationalities that have come to call Dubai home. On the shore, ancient dhows load and unload with modern banks, hotels, and office buildings as a backdrop.

For travelers, Deira is most famous for its traditional souks (markets), which bustle with shoppers at all times of the day.

Deira Gold Souk is world-renowned as the largest gold bazaar in the world.

The Deira Spice Souk sells every imaginable spice, with stalls overflowing with bags of frankincense, cumin, paprika, saffron, sumac, and thyme, as well as the fragrant oud wood, rose water, and incense.

The fish market provides a much less touristy experience.

While in the district, culture lovers shouldn't miss two of Deira's finely restored architectural gems. Heritage House was built in 1890 as the home of a wealthy Iranian merchant and later became the home of Sheik Ahmed bin Dalmouk (a famous pearl merchant in Dubai). Today, it's a great chance to see the interior of a traditional family home.

The Al-Ahmadiya School, constructed in 1912, is the oldest school in Dubai and is now a museum of public education.

Highlight: Get the best aerial views of the city with Dubai's best thrill-seeker activity

For the ultimate sightseeing adrenaline rush while you're in the city, tandem-skydive over Dubai from Skydive Dubai's Palm Drop Zone.

There are bird's-eye views of the city's skyscraper coastline, Dubai Marina, and the artificial islands of Palm Jumeirah, all the way down the 3,900-meter-high plunge.

The entire experience takes around 90 minutes and includes the flight; an instructor you'll be harnessed to during the skydive; and a skydiving camera operator, who'll take pictures during your dive.

If you prefer desert dune scenery, Skydive Dubai also operates a separate tandem-skydiving experience in the desert, about 35 kilometers out of the city.

Skydiving in Dubai is an activity you need to book as far in advance as possible due to limited numbers and the high popularity of the experience.

Highlight: Enjoy the best of Dubai's cultural life while on your trip

For nighttime attractions, look no further. Opened in mid-2016, Dubai's classy new opera building is the centerpiece of the waterfront district in downtown Dubai and is a major cultural hub and main entertainment venue.

The Dubai Opera hosts a year-round program of famous musical theater productions, concerts by world-class musicians, opera, ballet, and classical music, as well as smaller productions, comedy nights, and concerts.

The 2,000-seat theater building itself is an astonishing piece of architectural mastery and one of Dubai's new landmarks, with its highly-contemporary glass and steel walls jutting out over the waterfront, built to resemble the curves of a traditional dhow.

Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road

Highlight: Take a nature break without leaving the city

Escape the city's skyscrapers for an afternoon at the Dubai Butterfly Garden . For a slice of nature, this vast butterfly garden, with around 15,000 butterflies flitting under the domed enclosures, can't be beaten.

It's a great chance for kids to get close-up views of butterflies as they often land on visitors' shoulders and hands.

There's a museum here, too, with plenty of information on butterfly varieties, their habitats, and life cycle.

Highlight: Explore Dubai's sea-going heritage and life along this coastline before the contemporary city

Dubai's architectural, cultural, and maritime heritage is showcased at the Heritage and Diving Village, with displays related to pearl diving and dhow building—two of old Dubai's historic economic mainstays.

There are also recreations of traditional Bedouin and coastal village life, with Persian homes, a traditional coffeehouse, and a small souk where potters and weavers practice their handicrafts at the stalls.

Local music and dance are performed from October to April, and visitors can get advice from practitioners of traditional medicine.

Location: Shindagha, Bur Dubai

Highlight: Spend an early morning spotting flamingos and other birds amid the city's wetlands

You don't have to go too far away from the skyscrapers to soak up a more natural vista. The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary incorporates the mangrove forests and wetlands of Dubai creek.

An important stop-off on the migration routes, it's a prime place to spot flamingos in winter when massive flocks of these majestic pink birds wade through the lagoons, backdropped by soaring high-rises.

Various hides in prime spots have been set up within the park to allow bird watchers good views of the birdlife.

Address: Ras Al Khor Street, Dubai

Highlight: Delve into Dubai's history amid the museums of this royal complex

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum was the Ruler of Dubai from 1921 to 1958 and grandfather to the current ruler. His former residence has been rebuilt and restored as a museum that is a fine example of Arabian architecture.

The original house was built in 1896 by Sheikh Saeed's father, so he could observe shipping activity from the balconies.

It was demolished, but the current house was rebuilt next to the original site, staying true to the original model by incorporating carved teak doors, wooden lattice screens across the windows, and gypsum ventilation screens with floral and geometric designs.

Thirty rooms are built around a central courtyard with wind-tower details on top.

Inside are the exhibits of the Dubai Museum of Historical Photographs and Documents with many wonderful old photographs of Dubai from the period between 1948 and 1953.

The marine wing of the museum has photos of fishing, pearling, and boat building. Throughout the building there are many letters, maps, coins, and stamps on display showing the development of the Emirate.

Nearby is the Crossroads of Civilizations Museum , which explores the United Arab Emirates' historic role as a trading center between Asia, Africa, and Europe long before oil became this region's most prominent industry.

Located inside the old residence of Sheikh Hashr bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, who was a member of Dubai's ruling family, the exhibits trace this coastal area's history as part of the global trade routes, with displays of artifacts and manuscripts.

Also on-site are the Rare Books and Manuscripts Museum and the small Armory Museum.

Address: Al Khaleej Road, Bur Dubai

Highlight: Explore Dubai's burgeoning contemporary art scene

Part of the old Al Quoz industrial district, Al Serkal Avenue has been regenerated to become Dubai's main arts hub and is home to some of the city's most important contemporary art galleries.

Established gallery names such as the Green Art Gallery , The Third Line and the Ayyam Gallery have made their home here, while a host of smaller gallery start-ups have also moved in.

The district's program of rotating collections focuses both on the work of major artists, as well as highlighting new Middle Eastern talent.

This emerging district is also the place to come for fashion and accessory boutiques by local designers, pop-up restaurants, and café life, and it showcases the energetic and youthful buzz of a city, which is usually more noted for its corporate face.

Address: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz Industrial District

As well as Dubai's glut of theme parks, a stay in the city can incorporate plenty more active things to do.

There are plentiful desert tours that head out beyond the skyscrapers if you want the kids to sample more natural scenery. Many of the tours include sandboarding or camel riding.

To stick to the coast, the beaches and resorts offer kayak hire, as well as a bundle of other water sports to get the kids working off some energy in the sea.

And for those who enjoy the complete oddity of having some snow-fun amid the heat, the indoor ski run at Mall of the Emirates can't be beaten.

For easy access to Dubai's top tourist attractions, the best place to stay is Downtown Dubai.

Prime attractions nearby include the landmark Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building; Dubai Mall; and the Dubai Fountain. You'll also find plenty of shops, restaurants, and art galleries in this vibrant precinct.

If you're seeking some sun, sand, and sea, Jumeira and Dubai Marina lay about 15 minutes by car from Burj Khalifa and are also popular bases for tourists.

Below are some highly rated hotels in convenient and central locations for touring the city:

Luxury Hotels:

• The Palace Downtown Dubai is a five-star resort right in the heart of Downtown Dubai, combining traditional Arabic design features with contemporary facilities, all overlooking Burj Khalifa Lake. There's a pool, spa, and restaurants on-site.
• Armani Hotel offers rooms decked out in sophisticated luxury. It's set in the Burj Khalifa, for a stay in the top address in Downtown Dubai, with a pool and spa on-site.
• Burj Al Arab is Dubai's most iconic stay, set on its own manmade island, with palatial interiors, world-class restaurants, and suite-style rooms that overlook the waters of the Gulf.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai is in a top-notch location in Downtown Dubai, neighboring the Dubai Opera. There's excellent in-house facilities, including a pool, restaurants, and gym, and the spacious, modern rooms all come with balconies.
• Manzil Downtown by Vida is a classy, contemporary boutique hotel option with a large outdoor pool area and white-on-white rooms that incorporate modern Arabesque design features into their interiors. It's in a handy, central location in Downtown Dubai.
• Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach sits on Dubai's The Walk promenade, in Jumeirah so it's a top choice for those who want a waterfront location. There's a large pool area, private beach and plenty of resort facilities. It's about a 12-minute drive to the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai from here.

Budget Hotels:

• XVA Art Hotel offers contemporary boutique-hotel style within a traditional Dubai building, right in the heart of the historic Al Fahidi (Old Dubai) district.
• Ibis Dubai Al Rigga is a great budget choice thanks to its central Deira position, close to Dubai Creek and the city's major historic tourist attractions, as well as its well-equipped, small rooms and in-house facilities, including two restaurants and a gym.
• Ibis Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel , next door to the namesake mall with Ski Dubai, is a popular option with both business and leisure travelers thanks to its modern, good-value rooms and solid facilities, including two on-site restaurants.
• See the Sights : Dubai Private Modern or Traditional Dubai Tour is one of the most convenient ways to see the city's sights. This half-day guided tour takes you to the main attractions, including Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai Museum, Deira Gold Souq, and more.
• Soar over the City: Dubai Helicopter Tour offers incredible views across the city and desert surroundings on a 15-minute or 25-minute helicopter ride. There is no better way to see the famous Palm Jumeirah or the manmade archipelago created in the shape of a world map, known as The World, than from the air.

By far, the best times to visit Dubai are the months of November, December, January, February, March, and April when the weather is, in general, at its most pleasant. This is peak tourism season, though, so prepare for hotel prices to be at their highest.

Keen shoppers after discounts galore should head here during January when the entire month is devoted to the Dubai Shopping Festival. Be aware that January is Dubai's coldest month, though, with an average high of 23 degrees Celsius and temperatures dropping as low as 14 degrees.

For the best weather, particularly if you're going to hit the beach or head out into the desert during your trip, plan to travel here during the months of November or April when the average daytime temperatures sit between 25 and 26 degrees Celsius, and only peak as high as 31 degrees.

These two months usher in plenty of blue skies and sunshine for outdoor activities, but without the scorching heat of summer. Whichever month you choose, pack a warmer layer. You will need it to counter the ferocious air conditioning of Dubai's many indoor venues.

Other Considerations When Timing Your Visit to Dubai

Before deciding on which month to visit, check out when Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting is happening. During this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sundown every day. The Islamic calendar is lunar, so the dates for Ramadan shift every year.

Ramadan in the UAE is strictly followed, and eating, drinking, chewing gum, and smoking in all public spaces is forbidden from daybreak to sunset for everyone, including non-Muslims.

Although some restaurants, mostly those based in international brand hotels and usually one designated café in a mall, will still serve food during the day (with blinds pulled down across the restaurant windows, so that those fasting don't need to see people eating) nearly all restaurants and cafés shut during daylight hours and only open up at sunset.

From sunset onwards, it's feasting time, with many hotels and restaurants putting on special Iftar (the Ramadan after sunset meal) menus, which need to be pre-booked due to high demand.

Businesses, including tourist sights and shops, are open, but keep shorter hours for the entire month.

A benefit of visiting during Ramadan is that the city is less busy than usual, as many Dubai locals decide to head on holiday during this month, and the city also receives fewer tourists.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Beyond Dubai: To dive into the UAE's other cities, check out our articles on things to do in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah . If you want to learn about the beach resorts beyond Dubai, have a look at our feature pieces on Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman .

More on United Arab Emirates

Welcome to a sun-soaked metropolis like no other

Plan your dream wedding in an unforgettable destination

Discover the city's insiders, influencers and innovators

Every district in Dubai tells its own unique story

Admire the city's traditional arts, crafts and cultural gems

Get more out of your holiday with these guides

Escape to the hills and explore nature

Answer the call of the wild and experience desert thrills

Uncover the city’s rich heritage and vibrant arts scene

Embark on thrilling new adventures for all ages

Taste award-winning world flavours and local cuisine

Visit the latest hotspots, openings and attractions

Find new surprises at modern malls and traditional souks

Marvel at record-breaking venues and iconic landmarks

Unwind at Dubai's luxury spas and wellbeing havens

What do you travel for? Find inspiration with our itineraries

Book a table at these fresh hotspots

Taste a deliciously different side of Dubai

Discover our homegrown culinary heroes

See all the restaurants unveiled in the Dubai selection

Weekends in Dubai are for feasting

Explore Dubai's plant-based concepts that impress

Reserve a table at top restaurants for incredible prices

Browse through our listing of restaurants

Don't miss a beat – live concerts, festivals, activities and more

Follow the flavours to the city's most-awaited feast, featuring your foodie favourites

Enjoy unbeatable sales, special offers and prize draws

Plan ahead for a hassle-free travel experience

From etiquette to currency, we answer all your questions

Use our tool to book flight tickets to Dubai and plan your trip to the city

Dubai has an incredible range of stay options for every budget

From take-off to touchdown, navigating Dubai is a breeze

Your complete guide to enjoying one of the world's safest cities to the fullest

Find out all about Dubai’s climate throughout the year with our weather guide

All you need to know about the dirham, from exchange rates to helpful tips

Helpful information for travellers with special needs

Unlock huge savings with pre-paid access to top spots

Get our apps for the latest attractions, events & itineraries

Save big with great offers on Dubai's top sights and activities

Indulge in retail therapy for less with big discounts

Enjoy a trip to Dubai with incredible accommodation offers

Sign up for kid-friendly activities or attend a live show with the entire family

Get tickets to the best concerts featuring A-list artists at world-class venues

Join Dubai's community sporting activities and race to the finish line

See the maestro perform his hits live at the Coca-Cola Arena

Watch the superstar perform his chart-topping tracks

Related Sites

Add items to your Top Picks by clicking the heart icon as you navigate through the website

This is now in your Top Picks!

Login or create an account to save your favourites and receive personalised recommendations.

Login to like

Sign in or register to like this content

• Visit Dubai
• Top attractions

Trip ideas made for you and sent straight to you

Subscribe to Visit Dubai's newsletter for seasonal updates on all the top things to do in Dubai – personalised to your interests and travel tastes.

*By clicking ‘submit’ you agree to the terms and conditions

All information provided will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Notice

Thank you for subscribing.

Keep an eye on your inbox for all the best updates on Dubai.

Things to do

31 Amazing things to do in Dubai for the ultimate holiday

Sun, August 14, 2022

Tick off the city's top things to do and places to visit.

Burj Khalifa

Standing 828m high, the  Burj Khalifa  is the tallest building in the world and one of Dubai's must-visit attractions. The majestic building is located in the heart of the city and is a hub of activity day and night. Just looking up in awe at the sheer scale of this magnificent structure is memorable in itself, but it's definitely worth venturing inside too. You can capture perfect views of the city from the  observation  deck at levels 124 and 125, or have a bite to eat in the  At The Top Sky Lounge . For special occasions, treat yourself to a sunset session at The Lounge, Burj Khalifa ,  the highest lounge in the world at 585m. 

Opening hours - At The Top:  8am - 12am, daily

Price - At The Top: from AED169

• 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai

The Dubai Fountain

Located at the base of Burj Khalifa  is one of the world's largest choreographed fountain displays, where powerful jet streams soar as high as 150m in the air and sway in time to musical numbers. Stop by in the evening when displays begin at sundown and take place every 30 minutes, until the final song plays at 11pm. Diners can also sit back and enjoy the show at an array of restaurants at Dubai Mall  or Souk Al Bahar , both commanding prime positions near the fountain arena.

Opening hours:  6pm - 11pm, daily

Price:  free

• Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai

Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is one of the largest manmade islands in the world and a triumph of human ingenuity. Locals and tourists alike flock to its vast array of high-end hotels – Waldorf Astoria, Fairmont, One&Only, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray  and, perhaps most notably, Atlantis, The Palm . Getting here is simple, thanks to the monorail running down the 'trunk', which connects to the mainland's tram system.

• Palm Jumeirah - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Dubai Creek

• Baniyas Rd, Deira, Dubai

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in Bur Dubai is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. Best seen on foot, this area offers nostalgic views of a bygone era with traditional windtowers and a maze of winding alleyways, positioned along the historic waterways of Dubai Creek. Visit Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) to appreciate local culture with Arabic classes, heritage tours and guided mosque visits. After exploring, take an atmospheric abra  boat ride  to the souks on the other side of the creek. 

• Al Fahidi St, Al Souq Al Kabeer, Bur Dubai

The Dubai desert

Less than a 20 minute-drive from the modern streets of Downtown Dubai lies the mystique-filled Arabian desert. Go on a Dubai-style desert safari, complete with thrilling activities  such as quad biking and sandboarding. Those looking for luxury can book a safari with leading tour companies  Platinum Heritage  and Arabian Adventures . From the unforgettable offroad drive to cultural fun with henna painting and camel rides, and a feast of local cuisine under the stars, it's an only-in-Dubai treat. Want to stay a little longer? Treat yourself to an unforgettable night amid the dunes at Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa .

• Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai-Al Ain Rd - Dubai

Dubai Mall is the world’s largest destination for shopping, entertainment and leisure, located next to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Featuring over 1,200 retail stores, two major department stores and hundreds of food and beverage outlets, Dubai Mall covers more than 1 million sqm – an area equivalent to 200 football pitches. Even an entire day spent here is not enough to see it all. Along with its 1,200-plus shops and 150 restaurants, the venue  is home to a range of other fun attractions.

Opening hours: 10am - 1am, daily, except Wednesday (closes at midnight)

• Financial Centre Road, Downtown Dubai

Skydive Dubai

If there's one thing every adventure-seeker must sign up for, it's a skydiving experience. Skydive Dubai provides tandem skydive opportunities, supervised by trained professionals. You'll have to book well in advance to secure a spot, but it's worth it as you dive through the clouds from 13,000 feet and take in views  of the landmark Palm Jumeirah or rolling dunes of the desert. And you can keep reliving the epic experience thanks to perfectly-captured videos by the Skydive Dubai team. It's one for every braveheart's bucket list.

• Al Seyahi Street, Dubai Marina - Dubai

Madinat Jumeirah

Literally translated as 'City of Jumeirah', the Madinat Jumeirah complex is inspired by an ancient citadel. Housing luxury hotels and private enclaves designed to reflect traditional Arabian architecture, it's a great spot to indulge in a therapeutic day at the world-class Talise Spa , splurge on local trinkets and boutique brands at the Madinat Souk , or immerse yourself in the work of famous artists at the high-tech Theatre of Digital Art . And, with over 40 restaurants and lounges featuring cuisines from around the world, it's also an ideal place to refuel.

Opening hours & price: vary, depending on venues within the complex

• 6 King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Dubai

Dubai Frame

Since opening in 2018,  Dubai Frame  has become a cultural landmark that connects the Dubai's past with its present and represents a remarkable engineering feat.  Located within Dubai's famous Zabeel Park , this attraction lets you experience the transition between Old and New Dubai thanks to sweeping panoramic views of the city from 150m high. One of its striking features is the state-of-the-art clear glass bridge walkway, which connects parallel vertical towers so that, from the outside, the structure perfectly resembles a giant picture frame.

Opening hours:  9am - 9pm, daily

Price:  from AED20

• Zabeel Park, Za'abeel 1 - Dubai

The aptly-named Kite Beach is the perfect place to test out your watersports skills , although there's plenty to do out of the water at this popular spot too. Grab a smoothie from one of the many open-air cafes and restaurants, watch bikers and skaters fly by at the skate park, or enjoy a game of volleyball with friends on the sand. With plenty of beach activities, plus an incredible view of Burj Al Arab  in the distance, you can easily spend a whole day here.

Opening hours: 24 hours, daily, although sporting and dining venues at the beach have varying timings.

• Umm Suqeim, just off Jumeirah Beach Road

Dubai Water Canal

Dubai Water Canal is a 3.2-kilometre-long waterway extending from the Creek in Old Dubai  through Business Bay before finding its way to the Arabian Gulf. With 80,000sqm of public space and facilities and a 12km cycling path, the Canal has become a popular visitor attraction. There are also five pedestrian bridges that snake their way across the iconic waterway, so it's the perfect spot to stroll and take in classic views of the city at its best. Nearby is the Al Habtoor City  development, home to the thrilling  La Perle by Dragone  show, five-star hotels and an array of trendy restaurants.

• Dubai Water Canal - Al Safa - Dubai

If you'd like to shop, dine, watch a movie and swim in the sea all in one place, consider a trip to The Beach, opposite Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). With guest DJs playing on most weekends, a cinema and plenty of trendy boutiques , The Beach is always buzzing with activity. Take your pick from the range of dining options, try the exhilarating watersports on offer or just enjoy some relaxation time in a cabana with your favourite book. The Beach is also connected to the trendy new  Bluewaters Island  district by a pedestrian bridge.

Opening hours - F&B outlets: 10am - midnight, Saturday - Wednesday, extended to 1am on Thursday and Friday 

• Opposite JBR, Dubai Marina - Dubai

City Walk offers European-style pedestrian streets alongside a host of shopping and entertainment options – perfect for a pleasant day out. Take a walk along tree-lined avenues with shops and restaurants and spot artwork etched by some of the world's finest urban artists . Afterwards, treat your family to an afternoon of fun and head over to The Green Planet  to see real wildlife in an indoor tropical rainforest setting. You can also catch a concert, live sports or a comedy show at the nearby  Coca-Cola Arena , the Middle East's largest indoor arena.

• Al Wasl and Al Safa Road Junction, Sheikh Zayed Rd - Al Wasl - Dubai

Dubai Miracle Garden

A world of floral wonder awaits you at Dubai Miracle Garden, the world's largest natural flower garden. The 72,000sqm park has an impressive line-up of famous buildings and structures completely transformed into colourful flower displays. You can immerse yourself among more than 50 million blooming flowers throughout the different exhibits. The nearby Dubai Butterfly Garden  is also worth a trip. Here, children can explore over 15,000 species of butterflies whilst learning more about them in a fun setting.

Opening hours:  9am - 9pm on weekdays, extended until 10pm on Saturday and Sunday

Price:  from AED60

• Al Barsha South 3, Dubailand Area, Dubai

Dubai Opera

Located in the Downtown district, Dubai Opera offers an enticing performing arts schedule from the likes of London’s West End and Manhattan’s Broadway. With views of  The Dubai Fountain  and located next to Burj Khalifa , the eye-catching exteriors are inspired by Arabian dhow ships while the stage area is designed to easily convert into three different event platforms: theatre, hall or concert hall. Want to know what's playing at Dubai Opera while you're holidaying in the city? Visit  Dubai Calendar .

Opening hours:  10am - 9pm, daily (show timings may vary)

Price:  from AED145

• Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Near Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai - Dubai
• Dubai Marina

A 130km drive south-east of Downtown Dubai is Hatta , a not-to-be-missed scenic getaway. In this mountain town you can try kayaking along the serene Hatta Lake, or traversing rocky mountains on foot with specially-crafted hiking experiences . Recent additions to the area include Hatta Dome Park ,  a glamping experience that takes advantage of  Hatta’s mountainscape  views and back-to-nature vibes, plus  a chic lodge-style hotel and trailer parks. Indulge in a host of adventure activities such as zorbing, mountain biking and more at Hatta Wadi Hub. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit, as the Hub is also home to Asia’s first ever water jump park, Hatta Drop-In.

• Hatta Wadi Hub, located off the Dubai-Hatta road

IMG Worlds of Adventure

Unlimited fun, excitement, speed and 5D entertainment – you can expect it all at IMG Worlds of Adventure. This enormous theme park  is the same size as 28 football pitches put together. With the most up-to-date and exciting rides , IMG Worlds of Adventure brings your favourite characters to life. Give your little ones the best time with rides featuring Ben 10, Powerpuff Girls and LazyTown, while older kids can delve into the world of Spider-Man, Hulk, Iron Man and The Avengers.

Opening hours : noon - 10pm, Sunday to Thursday, extended to 11pm on the weekend

Price - general admission:  AED345

• E311, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, City of Arabia Dubai Land, Dubai

Dubai Parks and Resorts

Dubai Parks and Resorts adds to the city's reputation as an entertainment paradise. Children are bound to get excited in the labyrinth of magnificent theme parks, which includes  Motiongate , Real Madrid World  and Legoland and Legoland Water Park . Adults can relax at the Riverland Boulevard , home to restaurants and a range of open-air entertainment. Don't want to leave? Check in to the luxury Polynesian-style hotel, The Lapita, or the region's first and only Legoland Hotel, both located within the theme park destination.

Opening hours:  10am - 11pm, daily

Price - One Park Pass:  from AED295

• Sheikh Zayed Rd, Opposite Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai

The View at The Palm

Enjoy incomparable views of one of Dubai’s most talked about landmarks at The View at The Palm. Located 240m high, the observation deck presents never seen before 360-degree panoramas of  Palm Jumeirah  alongside the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline  in the distance. The View at The Palm is located on level 52 of The Palm Tower, which also houses a café, a creative exhibition that showcases the development of the island, interactive aquarium-themed tunnels and a gift shop. 

Opening hours : 9am - 10pm, weekdays, extended to midnight on weekends

Price:  from AED100

• Level 52, The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Deep Dive Dubai

The latest addition to the city's thriving sports and adventure activities scene, Deep Dive Dubai is the place to be for all aqua enthusiasts . The recreational centre's 60.02m-deep pool is certified by Guinness World Records as the world's deepest swimming pool for diving. Aside from its remarkable depth, the pool features other unrivalled underwater additions, such as a 'sunken city', alongside year-round freediving and  scuba diving  courses and guided experiences.

Opening hours : 9am - 6pm, except on Friday (closed)

Price:  from AED400

• Deep Dive Dubai, NAS Sports Complex, Dubai

Sky Views Dubai

Thrill-seekers can try a trio of epic experiences at Sky Views Dubai, perched 219.5m above ground on top of the Address Sky View hotel. The Glass Slide allows visitors to zoom down a transparent tunnel on the 53rd floor, while the Observatory features a glass elevator and bridge to further test your head for heights. Meanwhile, true risk-takers will look forward to the Edge Walk – as they dangle off the building's side while strapped to a safety harness. All three experiences allow participants to enjoy phenomenal views  of Downtown Dubai's iconic landmarks, including the nearby Burj Khalifa .

Opening hours : 10am - 10pm, weekdays, extended to midnight on weekends

Price:  from AED70

• Address Sky View hotel, Emaar Square Area, Downtown Dubai

Burj Al Arab

For the first time since its launch, Dubai's famed Burj Al Arab  has opened its doors to visitors, granting access to the hotel's ultra-luxurious interiors on an immersive 90-minute tour. Not only will you get to explore the landmark’s gilded suites, and enjoy its incomparable views of the city , but you'll also uncover the hotel’s history and wealth of untold stories. You can also delve deeper and make the most of your experience with tour customisations.

Tour timings: 9:30am - 8:30pm, daily Price: from AED249

• Jumeirah Road - Umm Suqeim 3 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Museum of the Future

One of Dubai's most famous architectural landmarks , the Museum of the Future  takes pride of place along the city's superhighway, Sheikh Zayed Road. Founded by the Dubai Future Foundation, the museum explores how society could evolve in the coming decades using science and technology. Termed a 'living museum', it incorporates elements of traditional exhibitions, immersive theatre and themed attractions, so visitors can look beyond the present and towards the future's limitless possibilities.

Opening hours : 10am - 9:30pm, daily

Price:  from AED149

• Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre - Dubai

Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

Built along the historic Dubai Creek and designed in the shape of a traditional Islamic lectern, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is the latest cultural hotspot to open its doors in the city. A landmark  unique to Dubai, the library is the largest in the region and representative of its collective cultural wisdom, educational milestones and continued forays in research and academia. Aside from enjoying the remarkable architecture and exploring the library's nine levels, visitors can discover a fully digitalised laboratory and several specialised collections inside.

Opening hours : 9am - 9pm, daily, except on Friday (opens 2pm) and Sunday (closed)

Price:  free

• Dubai Creek, Al Jaddaf

Serious foodies can’t possibly visit Dubai without making a stop at the  MENA 50 Best Restaurants  top spot, 3Fils. Its chic yet casual setting, coupled with calming harbourside views and a no-reservations policy, makes this one of Dubai's most unassumingly spectacular dining hotspots . Serving modern Asian cuisine, you’ll find tantalising dishes such as salmon carpaccio, wagyu sushi and fire-grilled octopus on the menu.  Opening hours : noon - 11:30pm, daily

• Shop 2, Jumeirah Fishing Harbour 1, Al Urouba St, Jumeirah - Dubai

Aura Skypool

Unwind in the world's highest 360-degree swimming pool as you gaze out at landmarks including Burj Al Arab  and Ain Dubai. Situated 200m above ground, AURA Skypool is the perfect place for an unforgettable swim. Visitors to the Palm Jumeirah venue can also relax in its chic lounge area and sample a menu filled with delicious sharing plates and Pan-Asian flavours . Standouts to try include the glazed miso salmon, chilli honey cauliflower popcorn and matcha tiramisu. 

Opening hours : 10am - 7pm, daily

Price:  from AED150

• The Palm Tower, 50th Floor, Palm Jumeirah

Prepare to be amazed by Dubai's first permanent show, which combines acting, acrobatics, aquatic feats and aerial stunts across an exhilarating 90 minutes. All the action takes place inside a tailor-made, 1,300-seat theatre in the heart of Al Habtoor City , featuring a high-tech ‘aqua-stage’ that can fill with 2.7 million litres of water. Watch from the edge of your seat as performers dive, fly and defy gravity, as they tell a story which pays homage to the UAE's pearl diving history .

Show timings : 6:30pm - 8pm & 9pm - 11:30pm, daily

Price:  from AED209

• Al Habtoor City, 260 Sheikh Zayed Rd, Business Bay - Dubai

Alserkal Avenue

Once an industrial area in the centre of Dubai, Alserkal Avenue now comprises around 40 warehouses, converted into galleries, dance studios, artisanal cafes and more. The neighbourhood has nurtured a culture of creativity and is now one of the region’s leading art hubs. Since its humble beginnings as a standalone gallery in 2008, word caught on and similar concepts soon moved into the area. Popular spots include arthouse theatre  Cinema Akil , the hipster-inspired  Nightjar Coffee  and Leila Heller Gallery.

• 17th Street, Al Quoz 1, Dubai

Expo City Dubai

Building on the legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai , which welcomed 192 nations and more than 24 million visitors, is the future-centric Expo City Dubai. Explore popular country pavilions including the falcon-inspired UAE Pavilion, award-winning Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion and reworked spaces for Luxembourg, Pakistan and Australia. Alif – the Mobility Pavilion and Terra – the Sustainability Pavilion have been transformed into interactive educational experiences, while the Opportunity Pavilion is now the Expo 2020 Dubai Museum.  Al Wasl Plaza , the Dubai Exhibition Centre, the Garden in the Sky observation tower and the Surreal water feature also remain at Expo City Dubai, which has its own metro station. 

Opening hours: 24 hours daily, though attraction timings vary Price: free to enter, though attraction tickets vary

• Expo Road Dubai South, Jebel Ali

Frequently asked questions

What can you do for free in Dubai?

What can't you miss in Dubai?

What can I do in Dubai at night?

Where can I go to the beach for free in Dubai?

Do you like it? Share it

Recommended reads.

• HOW IT WORKS
• Sample Itineraries
• Store Locator
• Dubai Flexi Attractions Pass
• Dubai Select Attractions Pass

Dubai Unlimited Pass

• Dubai Theme Park Pass
• Dubai Stopover Pass
• ATTRACTIONS
• INTERACTIVE MAP

Please enter your pass code

Duration Options:

3 or 5 Days

from date of first use

Expiry Period:

from date of purchase

• Included Attractions
• Show & Save

Package Inclusions

• Your choice of over 30 top Dubai experiences. Choose from the City Sightseeing 24-hour ‘Hop On Hop Off’ Tour, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Dolphinarium and many more…
• Opt for a 3 or 5 day Pass
• Free travel App with helpful information on participating attractions.
• Enjoy savings of up to 50% on Dubai's must see attractions!

Package Conditions

• Tours, transfers and some attractions may require prior booking or separate ticket collection, please see attraction information for full details
• Pass is to be used within 3 or 5 consecutive calendar days
• Single admission only, no repeat visits allowed
• A period of one hour must pass between redeeming benefits (Hop-On Hop-Off Bus tour excluded)
• Benefits may be redeemed once per attraction for any offer at participating attractions.

CART SUMMARY

Dubai unlimited - 3 day.

Regular Price*:

Detailed Dubai Itinerary for up to 7 Days (+Map & Planning Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 26, 2024

Visiting Dubai in the United Arab Emirates for the first time and wondering how to plan your trip so that you can see most of the top sights in Dubai?

What are the ‘must-sees’? How many days do you need? And how to plan your time so that you can make the most out of your trip, no matter the duration…

In this guide, we share  a recommended Dubai itinerary for 7 days.  Why 7? Because this is about the minimum amount of time you need if you want to see most of the top places in Dubai, take a day trip to Abu Dhabi (must-do!), and keep your trip somewhat relaxed and enjoyable.

Our suggested one-week Dubai itinerary is described below in detail, including the map indicating all the top sights and attractions. We also included our experience-based tips to help you with the practical side of planning a trip (such as which tickets to pre-book in order to avoid disappointment).

If your trip is shorter and you have less than a week in Dubai, you can simply adjust our recommended Dubai itinerary based on your interests and the time that you have. To make it easier to decide what to see, we listed the very best places and top attractions first. So for example, with three days in Dubai, follow the itinerary described on days 1, 2, and 3. With 5 days in Dubai, follow the recommendations for the first 5 days, etc.

Of course, you can also ‘mix and match’, pick the activities that interest you the most, switch the days around, and plan your own perfect trip. Use this just as inspiration for the top places to see and what can actually be done in Dubai in a week. And if your trip is shorter, you can also find some suggestions for half a day, a day or two in our guide on planning a stopover in Dubai .

Dubai Itinerary Overview & Map

Here you can see our recommended Dubai itinerary in a nutshell as well as the map indicating all the top sights mentioned in our article.

Further below, you can find a detailed day-by-day itinerary with more info, tips, and photos. It will give you a better idea of what to expect and how to plan your time so that you can see the very best of Dubai in a week or less.

This is our recommended 7-day itinerary for your first trip to Dubai:

• DAY 1: Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa) + Museum of the Future
• DAY 2: Old Dubai + Desert Tour
• DAY 3: Burj Al Arab, The Palm, Marina
• DAY 4: Abu Dhabi Day Trip
• DAY 5: Dubai Miracle Garden + Global Village or IMG Worlds of Adventure
• DAY 6: Waterpark (or an alternative day trip)
• DAY 7: Dubai Frame + AYA Universe + iFly Dubai

Good to know: In this itinerary, we grouped the best places to see in Dubai and top activities based on their location and the time that you need in order to visit them and to travel in between. Traffic can be really busy, so it’s important to keep that in mind when planning your Dubai sightseeing itinerary! For more tips, be sure to also read our Dubai travel tips .

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Practical Info & Planning Tips

Here is some practical information to help to plan your trip to Dubai:

Getting around: The cheapest and fastest way to cover big distances in Dubai is the metro. However, depending on where you are staying/going, a taxi is a very good and affordable option as well. See our guide to Dubai public transport for more info.

Renting a car is quite affordable, but parking can be a real hassle in Dubai. Plus, most guided tours include pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation, so renting a car is not really a must.

Where to stay: For a short trip to Dubai with sightseeing as the main focus, stay close to Dubai Mall (e.g. Sofitel Dubai Downtown ). If you are staying for a week or longer, consider the Dubai Marina area (e.g. JW Marriott Hotel Marina ) or Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) near the Marina (e.g. Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach ).

Our experience: We tend to stay on the beach when visiting Dubai. Once we stayed at Doubletree by Hilton JBR Beach , and recently we stayed at Rove La Mer Beach Hotel which is at the beach, but also close to the Dubai Mall area. This area is still under development but has a very hip and relaxed feeling.

Tickets and tours: If you wonder whether you need to pre-book anything/everything, my advice is simple: if you don’t want to miss it, be sure to book it in advance. Tickets to the most popular attractions in Dubai often sell out, some even weeks upfront. And even if you can get them on the spot, they are usually (a lot) more expensive than online. For tours, it depends. Usually, you should be able to book last minute, but if you find a tour you like, just reserve it.

Good to know: Most of the attraction tickets and tours we recommend can be booked via the GetYourGuide website which offers very flexible cancelation so you have nothing to lose. This is the website we personally used for all our tickets and tours in Dubai. In our detailed day-to-day itinerary below, you can find more information about tickets and tours that we recommend.

Please note that all the hours in our itinerary are only indicated for your reference so that you have a better idea of how much time approximately you need everywhere. Don’t forget to foresee plenty of buffer time between the attractions that work with timed entry slots!

Museum of the Future – Sky Views Observatory – Dubai Mall – Burj Khalifa – Dubai Fountains.

Day 1 – planning info/tickets to book:

• Museum of the Future – timed entry tickets (book at least a few weeks in advance!).
• Sky Views – timed entry tickets or tickets + Edge Walk .
• Burj Khalifa – timed entry tickets (book well in advance!).
• Optional: Burj Lake boat ride , Dubai Aquarium .

Good to know: Some of these attractions can also be booked together, as a combo deal. For example, Burj Khalifa + Dubai Aquarium ticket can save you about $20 per person. You can find more options and bundle deals here .

Here’s what your first day in Dubai could look like:

Museum of The Future

9.30 – 11.30 AM.

Start your day with one of the most popular attractions in Dubai – the Museum of the Future . The iconic building is one of the most remarkable landmarks of Dubai and the museum is the most sought-after ticket in the UAE.

A visit to this museum gives you a peek into the future of space travel and climate change, but also health, robotics, and AI. With lots of interactive displays, it’s an interesting place that the whole family will enjoy. But frankly, a lot depends on your expectations – some people love it, others say it’s over-hyped. Either way, it’s worth visiting even if just for the remarkable architecture.

PRO TIP: Book your tickets for this museum well in advance. They are usually sold out at least 2-3 weeks upfront. In addition, if you want to be able to pick a time slot as well, you really should book at least a month in advance.

Practical info: The museum is open from early morning and you will need a couple of hours for a visit. So ideally you start your day here and keep the afternoon for the Dubai Mall area. Booking the first time slot is also the best way to enjoy the exhibits without a big crowd!

12 – 1.30 PM

Next, take a metro to Dubai Mall. It’s just two metro stops from the Museum of the Future and as you exit the station, you’ll be right at the next place we recommend visiting – Sky Views. Alternatively, you can also take a taxi, just be sure to ask them to drop you off at the right place depending on what you decide to visit first (the Dubai Mall area is huge!).

Sky Views is an observatory at 720 ft (219.5 meters), offering some of the best 360° views of Downtown Dubai. From here, you have an unparalleled view of the iconic Burj Khalifa, which is located just nearby but also at a nice distance to admire it to the fullest.

In addition to the viewing platform, there is also a glass-bottom walkway , a bit like at Dubai Frame (more about it on day 7 of this itinerary).

Plus, all tickets include one go on the Sky Glass Slide , a short transparent tube that ‘floats’ at the side of the building. Don’t worry – it’s not nearly as exciting as it sounds, and frankly, I’m still not sure if I would queue for it for almost an hour again… But if it’s not too busy, be sure to give it a try. It’s fun!

Good to know: At an additional cost, you can get a ticket that includes the Sky Edge Walk . Attached with a harness, you walk on an open platform on the 52nd floor. This looks so cool and could easily become one of the best experiences you do in Dubai.

Since one of our kids has a serious fear of heights, I couldn’t try the Sky Edge yet (on the most recent trip, I was in Dubai alone with the children, so hanging on the side of a building while the kids waited inside wasn’t really an option ;)). But if you are up for it, give it a try – it looks amazing and everyone we talked to who did it was very enthusiastic.

Talking about heights, the same kid was totally ok with the glass slide, but he wouldn’t step on a glass-bottom walkway… Go figure…

Practical information: Book timed-entry tickets (with or without the Sky Edge Walk option) in advance. To be on the safe side, give yourself at least half an hour to get to Sky Views Observatory from the Museum of the Future. The metro ride is just 3 minutes, but you also need to walk to the metro and find your way around the Dubai Mall station, etc.

AFTERNOON + EVENING.

Next, time to visit the famous Dubai Mall . Inside, you will find plenty of places for lunch . From fine dining options and pricier restaurants overlooking Dubai Fountains to lower-budget fast-food chains, the choice is overwhelming.

The entrance to Burj Khalifa is also located here, at the lower level of the Mall. Depending on your preference for daytime or nighttime views and/or which time slot you can get for Burj Khalifa (more info below), you can explore the Dubai Mall first or after visiting the tower.

The Dubai Mall complex is so huge and has so much to offer that you could easily spend an entire day and still not see part of it! In addition to hundreds of stores and restaurants, you will also find all kinds of family-friendly attractions here, including an indoor ice skating rink, KidZania , MirrorMaze, cinemas, indoor playgrounds, and many others.

TIP: Do not miss the Dubai Mall Waterfall and Dubai Aquarium. Both can be admired for free, but if you want to visit the aquarium inside, you’ll need a ticket (and it’s really expensive for what it is and even worse if you didn’t think to get your tickets online…). So if you want to visit here, consider this combo ticket with Burj Khalifa (and book in advance!).

Good to know: Dubai Mall is huge and overwhelming for a first-time visitor. There are multiple levels, interconnected with countless staircases and elevators, plus multiple entrances and exits. So foresee plenty of time for everything and don’t plan too many attractions on the same day. Or do the things you absolutely want to do first and then see if you still have time and energy left for the rest.

Burj Khalifa

The highest building in the world, Burj Khalifa is the most popular tourist attraction in Dubai. While you can admire this iconic building from outside as much as you like, you will need a ticket to visit the ‘At the Top’ experience.

There are several options for which levels you can visit, and ticket prices vary depending on that, but also on the time of the day when you come.

The standard ticket includes levels 124 and 125 and gives you access to unparalleled 360° views over Dubai and the Arabian Gulf. You can also opt for this ticket that includes levels 124 and 125 as well as lunch or dinner at Rooftop, The Burj Club.

PRO TIP: We recommend getting this ticket that includes access to SKY Level 148 (in addition to standard levels). This ticket also gives you priority access to security and the elevator, which will save you a lot of time and stress. That’s worth a higher price in itself. It also includes an introductory tour with a guest ambassador and access to the lounge with snacks and hot drinks (except during the daytime in the month of Ramadan).

Practical information: The busiest and most expensive time to visit Burj Khalifa is ‘around’ sunset, which in practice means the entire late afternoon. For example, if the sunset is at 6.30 PM, ticket prices are higher between 3 PM and sunset time… But if you only enter at 6.30, the sun will long be gone by the time you get to the top, so I see no point in paying more for the time slots that are too close to the actual sunset time…

TIP: If you want to enjoy daytime views, the sunset, and night views, book a time slot about 1.5-2 hours before the sunset. That way, you should be able to get to the top in time, even if there are long queues. Alternatively, as already said before, get priority tickets which will save you a lot of queueing.

Dubai Fountains & Burj Lake Boat Ride

+-15-30 MINUTES.

No trip to Dubai would be complete without seeing the famous Dubai Fountains show at Burj Lake . You can find these fountains outside of the Dubai Mall, at the foot of Burj Khalifa.

While this area is always nice to explore and walk around, the best time to be here is in the evening, when you can see a musical show and the fountains dancing with the backdrop of Burj Khalifa.

The fountain schedule is as follows: daily at 1 PM and 1.30 PM, plus every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 11 PM. On Fridays, there is no show at 1 PM, but there is one at 2 PM. The shows are always slightly different and if you come here in the evening, you’ll likely catch a few of them.

TIP: In addition to seeing the fountains from land, you can also opt for a short scenic boat ride on Burj Lake . These boats also give you a front-row seat during a fountain show. It looks very touristy, but the kids wanted to do it on our recent trip and we all enjoyed it more than I expected. It’s quite affordable for Dubai standards and we all found that it was well worth it. It’s also a nice way to rest your legs a bit after all the sightseeing.

Spend the rest of your day/evening in the Dubai Mall area. Afterward, take a metro or a taxi back to your hotel.

Good to know: The taxi and Uber stands at the Dubai Mall are located at one of the underground levels, quite far from the Dubai Fountains, and are very confusing to find (plus, the taxi stand is not the same as the one for Uber).

So if you want to call it a day after visiting the fountains, simply walk to any public road on either side of Burj Lake and call a taxi from there – it’s so much easier! For example, there is a taxi drop-off point on the main road behind the Dubai Opera.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood – Dubai Creek – Traditional Souks – Dubai Desert.

Day 2 – planning info/tickets to book:

• Old Dubai – we recommend visiting with a guided tour .
• Dubai Desert tour – there are many options including various activities .

When you think of Dubai, you probably associate it with skyscrapers and all the iconic modern-day landmarks. However, no trip to Dubai would be complete without exploring its old town and the desert.

So on your second day, we recommend that you spend some time getting to know the more traditional side of Dubai.

Here is what your day could look like:

9.30 AM – 12.30 PM.

In the morning, take a couple of hours to explore the Old Dubai.

Start at the nicely restored Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood . Here, you can find several low-key museums and a few traditional restaurants, but the best thing to do is simply walk around the area. Here, you will find a completely different Dubai, as it used to look in the not-so-distant past.

Afterward, take a ride on a traditional Abra boat to the northern side of Dubai Creek. Here, you will find the two most popular traditional markets in Dubai: the Spice Souk and Gold Souk .

TIP: We recommend visiting this area with a local guide . Not only because it’s easier and you don’t need to plan anything, but it’s also a nice way to get to know more about the history of the UAE and learn about local traditions and customs. Plus, you can get some tips for haggling at the markets.

Good to know: There are many tours that visit the Old Town. They all cover pretty much the same places, including the boat ride. Most tours take about 3 hours, are very affordable, and have great reviews. The main difference is that some of them include some/more local food and drinks.

Frankly, it’s really hard to choose a tour. I wasted hours reading descriptions and reviews and was still none the wiser… So save yourself the trouble and just pick any highly-rated tour that suits your itinerary and you should be fine.

In the end, we chose this guided tour because it includes quite a lot of local food at one of the best traditional restaurants (in addition to the markets and other sights that all tours visit). But if you are less interested in food and more in the area, you can find plenty of cheaper tours as well. Most of them include at least one local snack too.

On our first visit to Dubai many years ago, we opted for a bit longer city tour that included a few other areas as well. The old town part of both these tours was very similar.

After visiting the old town, get back to your hotel and take some time to relax and enjoy the pool. Depending on the location of your hotel, which desert tour you booked, and the pick-up time for the tour, you should have a couple of hours of free time.

Good to know: When booking a tour that includes a pick-up/drop-off at your accommodation, keep in mind, that they will usually pick you up about 30-45 minutes before the official starting time. If you book tours online, they will usually reach out to you via WhatsApp either the evening before or in the morning.

TIP: Don’t eat too much for lunch if you book a desert tour that includes a BBQ dinner. There is so much food on these tours (and it’s delicious) – you won’t be hungry. Plus, if you opt for a dune-bashing in a jeep, it’s better that you haven’t eaten too much just before that…

Desert Safari

3 – 10 PM.

A visit to the desert is another experience that should be in any Dubai itinerary. No matter which tour you choose, you are in for a good time, but be sure to read tour descriptions so that you know what exactly to expect!

There are  many desert tour options , either about 4 or 7 hours. Unless you want to go on a hot air balloon (in which case it will likely be in the morning), we recommend looking into afternoon/evening tours that include a BBQ dinner.

On these longer tours, there is usually one main activity, such as a 4×4 dune safari in a jeep, a quad bike ride, or a camel ride. The rest of the time is spent in a Bedouin camp where you can find all kinds of different experiences (sandboarding, taking pictures with falcons or camels, traditional dance shows, henna painting, etc.) which are all included with the tour.

The food on these tours is usually very good and plentiful. Water is included and most of the time, soft drinks and local warm beverages are included as well.

Our experience:  We have been on two different desert tours in Dubai (on different trips). They were both evening tours including dinner, had very similar itineraries, and were both very good. The main activity on  the first tour we did was dune bashing in a jeep. Other activities included sandboarding, a very short camel ride, a traditional Tanoura dance show, etc.

On a recent trip, we opted for  this highly-rated tour . The main activity this time was a 45-minute camel ride. Other activities included taking pictures with falcons, henna tattoos, shisha pipe, traditional dance shows, a fire show, etc.

Good to know: Just like with the old town tours, there are so many desert tour options that it can be overwhelming to pick one. First, decide what you want to do – for example, quad biking , a camel ride , etc. Then, read the description so that you know what’s included. For example, many tours include a short camel ride (for a picture), but only very few do a longer trek through the desert.

In general, all these tours are quite similar, and – at least in our experience – very good. Just be sure you know what you are booking so that you don’t end up on a quad bike while you were expecting to sit on a camel…

Burj Al Arab – Souk Madinat Jumeirah – The Palm – JBR Beach – Dubai Marina.

Day 3 – some ideas for activities on this day:

• Inside tour or a Royal Suites tour + gold cappuccino .
• The View at The Palm Observatory
• Sightseeing Helicopter Ride
• Luxury Yacht Sightseeing Tour .
• Zip Line Across Marina .
• Marina E-scooter Tour .

On your third day in Dubai, we recommend visiting the area around Burj Al Arab, The Palm, and Dubai Marina and potentially also the nearby JBR Beach .

If you just walk around without visiting many attractions, then you can easily see all these places in a day. If, however, you opt for any of the activities, you will have to adjust your itinerary depending on the place/time of whatever you decide to do.

There are a lot of attractions that you can choose from on this day, but none of them are ‘must-do’. So a lot depends on your interests and budget. Also, don’t book too many different activities at different locations for the same day, and keep traffic in mind.

Here is what your third day in Dubai could look like:

Burj Al Arab & Souk Madinat Jumeirah

+-10 AM – 1 PM.

The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Dubai. It’s renowned as one of the world’s most luxurious hotels with lavish interiors and extravagant experiences.

You can just see the hotel from the outside, or you can also book a tour of the interior . If you want to get a taste of true luxury, upgrade to this luxury tour which includes their world-famous gold cappuccino and a visit to the 25th floor where you can see the Royal Suites.

Set against the backdrop of the Burj Al Arab, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a bustling souk with traditional Middle Eastern charm. This area also has some picturesque waterways offering nice views of the Burj Al Arab.

Good to know: Depending on what you decide to do in this area, you can visit both places in about half an hour. If you book one of the tours, you’ll need at least 2 hours. In that case, we recommend booking the earliest tour, at 10 AM, and having lunch at the souk.

+- 1.30 – 3 PM.

The Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island shaped like a giant palm tree. Stretching into the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, The Palm is connected to the mainland with bridges and tunnels. The island is home to a large number of luxurious hotels and opulent residences.

One of the most famous attractions here is Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis Hotel, but since you need at least a day for it, we recommend visiting the water park separately – see day 6 of our itinerary.

On this day, I would just focus on sightseeing. The best place to be is The View at The Palm Observatory from where you can enjoy nice 360° views including a good overview of this unique island. Alternatively, for even better aerial views, you can also opt for a sightseeing tour by helicopter .

If you are looking for nice views and want to relax at the pool, you could also check out the Aura Skypool . Keep in mind that no kids are allowed and that you will need to reserve a specific time slot in advance.

Good to know: Also here, the timing will depend on the activities you choose to do. If you just visit The Palm Observatory (and prebook timed entry tickets in advance!), 1 – 1.5 hours should be sufficient. A helicopter tour takes less time and is better organized, but you also need to arrive a bit earlier, etc. so to be on the safe side, I’d plan about an hour as well.

Dubai Marina

LATE AFTERNOON & EVENING.

Next, head to Dubai Marina , just 10 minutes drive from The Palm. Or – if you want to make the most out of your day – visit Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR Beach) first and then the Marina after that (the two areas are just next to each other).

The JBR – Marina Beach has a very nice waterfront area with access to a public beach and many cafes and restaurants. In the distance, you can also see the Dubai Eye (Ain Dubai), the world’s largest Ferris wheel. However, it’s been closed for years. The area is nice, but since it’s on a separate ‘island’, you would need quite a lot of extra time to visit there.

Dubai Marina is one of the nicest walkable areas to explore in Dubai. There is not one specific place that you ‘must’ see here and the best thing is to simply walk around along the Marina Walk (see our map for details). On the way, you can also visit the Marina Mall . Alternatively, consider joining a guided e-scooter tour – it’s a great way to see a lot of this vast area without having to walk.

In addition, there are quite a lot of activities that you can do at Dubai Marina. The most popular are luxury yacht sightseeing tours . If you are interested in water sports, you can go jet skiing or parasailing . Adrenaline seekers will love the zip line across the Marina …

TIP: Dubai Marina is also very nice in the evening. The atmosphere is great, there are lots of good restaurants, etc. So no matter how you plan this day of your Dubai itinerary, I recommend that you end it at the Marina. Scenic boat cruises in the dark are also really great, offering wonderful night-time views of the Marina skyline.

Good to know: We recommend at least an hour or two for the Marina Walk. In addition, boat tours in this area are really worth your time and some of them can take 2-3 hours. All in all, I would plan a good half a day in this area.

Day 4 – planning info/tickets to book:

• Abu Dhabi day tour – there are tons of options .

No trip to Dubai would be complete without visiting Abu Dhabi , the capital city of the UAE. It’s about 1.5- 2 hours drive from Dubai, so doable as a day trip.

Just to be clear – there is a lot more to see and do in Abu Dhabi than you could possibly see in a day.

Half a day tour is a good option if you are really short on time and just want to visit the main landmark – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. But with a week in Dubai, you could definitely spare a day. So we recommend taking a full-day tour to Abu Dhabi. That way, you can see several other places and get a much better idea of what Abu Dhabi is like.

Abu Dhabi Day Trip

Our experience: We booked this highly-rated day tour and I can highly recommend it. It’s one of the most complete Abu Dhabi tours I could find.

It includes a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Etihad Towers observation deck, and the Royal Palace, Qasr Al Watan.

For more information, the best tour options, and tips for planning a day trip to Abu Dhabi, please see our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Abu Dhabi Day Tour From Dubai

Days 1-4 of our recommended Dubai itinerary include most of the must-sees. But there are quite a few other attractions that are also very popular and considered ‘must do’. However, I find that a lot depends on who you are traveling with, what your interests are, and also on your budget.

Anyway, to help you plan your time, we highlight several of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai on days 5-7 of this itinerary. We grouped them taking into account their location so that you can make the most out of your time. Take a look below!

Day 5 – planning info/tickets to book:

• Dubai Miracle Garden – ticket .
• Global Village – tickets .
• Optional: Dubai Butterfly Garden .
• Alternative for families: IMG Worlds of Adventure .

Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village are located very close to each other and can be easily visited on the same day/evening. There are also tours/private transfers that can bring you to both places (in about 6 hours).

Good to know: The Miracle Garden is open from 9 AM until 9 PM (11 PM on weekends) so could be visited at any time. However, Global Village is only open from 4 PM (6 PM during Ramadan) until midnight (1 AM on weekends). Furthermore, Tuesdays are reserved for families and women.

TIP: You could spend a good part of this day at the pool/beach and only do sightseeing in the late afternoon/evening. Or, if you absolutely want to make the most out of your time, you could also visit the Dubai Butterfly Garden which is located just next to Miracle Garden.

Alternatively, families might enjoy a visit to IMG Worlds of Adventure , one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world. The tickets are pricey so if you opt for this, you’ll likely want to spend the whole day here.

Miracle Garden

+- 1-2 HOURS.

Miracle Garden Dubai is a huge floral wonderland with over 150 million flowers. It boasts a breathtaking array of meticulously crafted floral displays, sculptures, castles, and all kinds of structures, all adorned with millions – yes, millions – of blooming flowers.

Some of their sculptures have won various Guinness World Records. You probably already get the vibe in the UAE – everything is big, bigger, the biggest… This impressive garden is no exception. They even have a flowery version of the Emirates A380 airbus, covered in more than 500,000 fresh flowers and plants. 

However, remember that you are in the middle of a desert so it’s difficult to keep most plants alive in a climate like this. That’s probably the reason why the overwhelming majority of flowers are petunias, in just a few different colors.

Good to know: Book tickets in advance and count about 1-2 hours for a visit here. The morning hours are the quietest, but if you want to visit Global Village as well, then it’s best to come in the afternoon and visit both places together.

Global Village

+- 3-4 HOURS.

Global Village Dubai offers an immersive cultural experience taking you on a journey ‘around the world’. The name pretty much says it all – it’s a place where you can experience different cultures while exploring pavilions, each representing another country.

Over 90 countries are represented, showcasing their unique heritage, traditions, products, and traditional foods. From sampling diverse cuisines to shopping for handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs from around the globe, there’s something for everyone. In addition, they also have live performances, cultural shows, carnival rides, etc.

Good to know: Global Village is one of the most affordable attractions in Dubai and regular tickets cost just a few bucks. However, this is just a ticket to get inside and you’ll have to pay extra for most of the attractions – a bit like visiting a country fair. Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours here.

TIP: Global Village is one of the most visited attractions in Dubai, popular with locals as well as international tourists. So avoid weekends and try to be at the entrance a bit before it opens because it quickly fills up. Friday and Saturday evenings can get crazy busy.

Day 6 – planning info/tickets to book:

• Atlantis Aquaventure – various ticket options .
• Wild Wadi – entry ticket .
• Dubai LEGOLAND – water park or theme park .

Alternative ideas for this day:

• Snorkeling day trip to Fujairah .
• Al Ain ‘Garden City’ day trip .
• Half-day camel trekking .
• Half-day falconry safari .

If you have a week in Dubai, we highly recommend visiting at least one of the water parks, especially if you are traveling with children or teenagers and there’s only that much sightseeing they can handle in the hot desert climate.

But no worries if you are not interested in spending a day on water slides, there are tons of other amazing things to do in and near Dubai. In that case, see our alternative suggestions above . For more info about waterparks – see below.

Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark & Lost Chambers Aquarium

There are several water parks in Dubai. By far the best and most popular is Aquaventure at Atlantis The Palm , the biggest water park in the world. With over 100 rides and attractions, Aquaventure has something to offer for the whole family. You can also meet dolphins and sea lions, and enjoy all kinds of water sports. In addition, you can visit the Lost Chambers Aquarium which is located just near the water park entrance.

Wild Wadi and LEGOLAND Water Park are also nice water parks. They are much smaller, with about 30 rides and attractions at Wild Wadi and about 20 at LEGOLAND.

These water parks are nice for families with younger kids and are incomparably less busy than Aquaventure. But if you want to experience the very best waterpark in Dubai, Aquaventure wins every time.

Good to know: You can spend the entire day at any of these water parks.

PRO TIP: Atlantis Aquaventure tickets are cheaper if booked online and over a week in advance. We recommend a combo ticket that includes entry to the Lost Chambers Aquarium (it’s open late in the evening so you can easily visit after you leave the water park). For more tips and helpful information for your visit, see our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Tips & Tricks for Visiting Atlantis Aquaventure

Day 7 – planning info/tickets to book:

• Dubai Frame – timed-entry tickets .
• AYA Universe – timed-entry tickets .
• Optional: iFly Dubai and/or Green Planet Indoor Rainforest .

On the last day of this itinerary, I want to highlight some additional experiences that we personally really enjoyed on a recent trip to Dubai. They are located not too far from each other in the northern part of the city (not too far from the airport) and could be done on the same day.

If you want to take it easy on your last day in Dubai, you could also just visit one or two of these attractions and spend the rest of the time chilling by the pool.

The two places that we recommend the most are Dubai Frame and AYA Universe. Our kids also LOVED iFly Dubai , but it’s located quite a bit further away and is probably also not for everyone’s interests. The Green Planet indoor rainforest is also amazing (and definitely not just for kids). You can find more info about each of these below.

Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame cannot be missed (quite literally). You will see this architectural landmark towering in the city skyline when driving around the city and from many other places. But if you want to visit it, you’ll need to allocate a few hours.

Looking like a gigantic picture frame, this iconic structure consists of two vertical towers connected by a glass-bottomed bridge. From its observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic 360° views of the city’s evolving skyline on one side and the historical old town on the other.

The views are ok but – in our opinion – not as good as from the other observation platforms which we mentioned earlier in this itinerary. Still, we found a visit here quite worth it, because the building itself is truly remarkable.

Good to know: Depending on how busy it is, you’ll need 1-2 hours for a visit. Be sure to book tickets online or you may not be able to enter at all (we saw a few disappointed families turned away at the entrance). Even with timed tickets, the queues are still long, especially in the afternoon. So if you want to visit without wasting too much time, I recommend booking an early morning time slot.

AYA Universe

One of the more recent attractions in Dubai, we stumbled upon AYA Universe by coincidence. And so glad we decided to visit because it became one of our favorite experiences in the city!

It’s difficult to describe this unique attraction. It’s like stepping into a dreamy world with captivating light displays and mesmerizing high-tech experiences. If anything, I could compare it to the worlds you see in Avatar movies. A colorful, fairytale-like universe that guarantees lots of positive emotions. Recommended!

AYA Universe is located inside WAFI City Mall. The interior of this shopping center is inspired by an Egyptian theme and is quite interesting to see as well.

Good to know: Count about 45 minutes for a visit here, an hour if you also want to walk around the Mall (it’s very small compared to most others in Dubai). Book your tickets online if you want to be able to visit AYA Universe at a specific time slot. There were just a few people when we arrived here in the morning but quickly got much busier. It’s a rather small facility and I think they cap the number of visitors that are allowed inside at the same time.

iFly Dubai is an indoor skydiving center located in Mirdif City Centre Mall. This is your chance to experience skydiving in a safe and controlled environment. Btw, they have the real thing in Dubai too – see skydiving tours here .

Before you start, you get a short training session explaining some basic techniques. The regular experience includes two 1-minute flights. It may not sound like much, but they say that when you leap from a plane when actually skydiving, the free-fall time is even shorter than a minute.

Good to know: They work with time slots and allow about 10 people per half an hour, so it’s best to book in advance . iFly Dubai says that it’s suitable for all ages. Most people in our group were children and teens, but also a few adults. Count about an hour for the whole experience.

Despite the name, City Centre Mirdif Mall is not located in the center at all. It’s actually quite a drive from most other attractions in Dubai (about 15-20 minutes from Dubai Frame or AYA Universe). This shopping center is quite big and has many nice restaurants, so you can also have lunch here.

The Green Planet

+- 2 HOURS.

The Green Planet is an indoor rainforest featuring several thousand tropical plants and a variety of birds and animals freely roaming inside. If you’ve ever been to a rainforest in Costa Rica , the plants and the animals you can see here are similar.

The Green Planet has several sloths, squirrel monkeys, and all kinds of reptiles. You can also visit a bat cave, see all kinds of colorful birds, and admire the world’s largest man-made and life-sustaining tree.

It’s particularly nice for families with children but is very enjoyable for adults as well. Recommended.

Good to know: The Green Planet is located next to the City Walk Mall in the center, not far from the Dubai Mall area. You can get tickets online . Plan about 2 hours for a visit. The Green Planet closes at 6 PM (much earlier than most other attractions), so keep this in mind when deciding which places to visit on this day and in which order.

So, this sums up our recommended Dubai itinerary. As you can see, there’s A LOT to experience in Dubai and a week will fly by before you know it.

The nice thing about planning a trip to Dubai is that it has such a wide variety of activities and attractions allowing you to personalize your trip and find something that everyone in your group/family will enjoy.

I hope that our suggested itinerary gives you some inspiration on what to see and do in Dubai and helps you plan a perfect holiday.

READ ALSO: What to Wear in Dubai

More info & travel inspiration for Dubai:

• Dubai Travel Tips
• How Expensive is Dubai
• Dubai Public Transport
• Dubai in February
• Best Things to Do in Dubai
• Best Tours in Dubai
• Abu Dhabi Tour from Dubai
• Best Things to Do in Dubai with Kids
• Free & Cheap Things to Do in Dubai
• Interesting Facts About Dubai

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Best Dubai Attractions: Tours & Tickets

Dubai, also known as the 'Venice of the Gulf', is home to many popular attractions. Book Thrillophilia's hand-picked Dubai tours get a chance to explore the best Dubai attractions .

Visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. It is more than 2700 feet tall and has 160 storeys. Admire the views of the city skyline from the observation deck on the 124th or 125th level. You could also enjoy a delicious meal at 'Atmosphere', the highest restaurant in the world. Beat the heat at Ski Dubai, which is an indoor ski resort located in the Mall of Emirates. You could enjoy many activities like snowboarding, skiing, and chairlift rides.

Explore the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo , another tourist favorite on the list of Dubai's tourist attractions . You will get a chance to see more than 32,000 aquatic creatures. Did you know? The aquarium is home to more than 400 varieties of sharks. Admire the futuristic architecture of the MOTF (Museum of the Future) which will make you fall in love with its innovative and unique design. Check out the interesting exhibitions, interactive displays that feature cutting-edge technology. 

So, get ready to explore Dubai's top attractions with Thrillophilia and immerse yourself in its culture and innovation.

Dubai Attractions Packages

Museum of the future tickets, dubai, burj khalifa tickets at the top 124th 125th floor, dubai miracle garden tickets, dubai aquarium & underwater zoo tickets, global village dubai tickets, dolphin show dubai tickets, dubai frame tickets, qasr al watan abu dhabi tickets, the lost chambers aquarium tickets, dubai, burj khalifa and dubai aquarium ticket combo, sky views observatory tickets, dubai, the view at the palm tickets, dubai, best attractions destinations.

Our Partners

Newly added experiences, tourism board alliances, dubai attractions reviews.

More Things to do in Dubai

Dubai tourism, popular dubai attractions.

More Dubai Attractions

Popular related destinations.

Why Choose Thrillophilia

Dubai travel guides, best domestic packages, best international packages, domestic honeymoon packages, international honeymoon packages, places to visit in india, international places to visit, international things to do, popular on thrillophilia.

• Top Things to do
• Dubai Tours
• Attractions
• Burj Khalifa Tickets
• Aquaventure Tickets
• Dubai Miracle Garden
• IMG Worlds of Adventure Tickets
• Dubai Frame Tickets
• Dubai Desert Safari Tours
• Dubai Aquarium Tickets
• Ski Dubai Tickets
• The View at The Palm Tickets
• Dubai Safari Park Tickets
• Xline Dubai Marina Zipline Tickets
• Museum of the Future Tickets
• Green Planet Dubai Tickets
• AYA Universe Tickets
• Jebel Jais Zipline Tickets
• Dubai Dhow Cruises
• Dubai Garden Glow Tickets
• Motiongate Tickets
• Sky Views Observatory Tickets
• Walking Tours
• Guided Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Theme Parks
• Water Parks
• Religious Sites
• Observation Decks
• Things to do

Experience the best of   DUBAI   United Arab Emirates

Top Attractions

Popular Categories

Explore Dubai

Landmarks in dubai.

Museums in Dubai

Theme Parks in Dubai

Adventure in Dubai

Dubai travel inspiration straight to your inbox

Explore new cities with curated experiences, instant cashback, exclusive deals and essential travel tips!

Best Value Dubai Attraction Tickets in 2024

With an overwhelming choice of tourist attractions in Dubai, which will be top of your list? And where can you get hold of the best value tickets?

Dubai is a great sun-filled family destination, but it doesn’t take too many outings before the costs start staking up. There seem to be so many options it can be almost overwhelming deciding what to see and do, especially if your time is limited.

When researching what to do in Dubai ( there is an absolutely bumper list of ideas here! ) we recommend that you look at booking your big attractions and day tours with a ticketing app.

Why you should use a ticketing app to buy attraction tickets in Dubai

We’ve worked with several tour and ticketing company’s over the years but delighted to see KLOOK now have a huge selection of Dubai partners. A ticketing app like Klook has several advantages for the independent traveller:

• Keep all your tour and attraction bookings in one spot, no more losing emails or reservation numbers.
• Getting tickets often at BIG discounts to face price or at the door.
• Many options for instant booking (so even when you might be stuck in a line!).
• Often pre-purchase tickets let you skip lines on arrival.
• Many options to cancel 24-48 hours in advance if plans change.
• “Klook price guarantee” which gives you surety you are getting the best possible online price or they’ll refund double the difference.

New to Klook? Book using our code FAMILY10 and get 10AED off the first 200AED you spend on Dubai Attraction Tickets .

Where applicable, we’ve also provided you with information on how to book directly with the venue as I know some travellers still prefer this method. We found in the vast majority of cases though, Klook’s price was cheaper.

NOTE: 1USD = $3.67AED | 100AED = $27.20USD

Places to visit in Dubai with your Family

Dubai mall & downtown dubai., at the top – burj khalifa.

Visiting the world’s tallest tower is at the top of a lot of Dubai visitors’ lists but the one you also need to give the most thought and planning to. On-the-spot tickets to the Burj Khalifa observation deck “At The Top” can be as much as 4x the online prepurchased price. And slots to popular sunrise and sunset timings can go fast over busy school holiday periods.

Because of the popularity of this attraction, it is difficult to get CHEAP tickets, but you can get value by combining your Burj Khalifa tickets with other attractions.

• At The Top Observation Deck Level 124 & 125 only
• At The Top Observation Deck & Dubai Aquarium
• At The Top Observation Deck & 3 course lunch

Compare to prices offered by At The Top direct. Note your vouchers still need exchanging for actual tickets on arrival so there will always be a little (or a lot!) of queuing at this attraction no matter what.

You can read a detailed review here of what to expect from At The Top and Burj Khalifa here.

Around Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa observation deck entry is attached to the Dubai Mall. You can easily spend a whole day, if not 2 or 3 just in the Dubai Mall, especially over the hot summer months.  Other attractions well worth checking out include:

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

This 10-m illion litre water tank makes it the largest of its type in the world and home to more than 140 different species of aquatic animals. A brilliant indoor and educational experience in Dubai.

• Buy discounted Basic Entry Dubai Aquarium tickets .
• Buy Explorer Experience Dubai Aquarium tickets (includes submersible simulator and glass bottom boat)
• The basic tickets are the cheapest you can get but you may prefer the add-on experiences to get the most of your visit. There are resident-only deals that include only basic entry but Klook is still cheaper.

You can read a detailed review here of what to expect at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

Kidzania Dubai

Always a great indoor day option in Dubai, this life-like city is perfect for kids around 5 to 10 years old and like KidZania’s around the world has it’s own unique UAE touches.

• Buy your discounted KidZania Dubai Tickets Here
• Klook advance purchase tickets are on average 10% cheaper than buying at the venue.

We have a detailed review of what to expect at Kidzania here.

VR Park Dubai

An indoor theme park with a real twist, take on Dubai’s first virtual reality and augmented reality park. You can choose to buy credits only, or their popular “Super 7” Pass which includes the 7 most popular rides in a one-day pass.

• Buy VR Park Dubai Super 7 Pass
• Slightly cheaper to buy through Klook than VR Park online & 20% cheaper than door price.

Use code FAMILY10 and get 10AED off the first 200AED you spend on Dubai Attractions .

Dubai Theme Parks

Dubai has a growing collection of world-class theme parks to choose from. They are all slightly outside of the city so you will need to factor in transport, but the good news is, off-peak times you can get virtually no queuing at these venues and endless rides!

During weekends and peak holiday times however, advance booking to skip the line is a good idea.

Dubai Parks & Resorts

Legoland dubai.

Designed for your 2 to 12 year old crowd with some moderate thrills and spills and plenty of interactive experiences. The park is partly indoors and also connected to Legoland Water Park (separate entry fee). You can read full reviews of what to expect at Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park here .

Motiongate Dubai

Motiongate is a bit of a hidden gem. Based on Hollywood favourites it has both indoor and outdoor rides and entertainment. Think Dreamworks characters, Hunger Games, Smurfs, Ghostbusters and other childhood classics. Other than on the busiest peak days, queues tend to be short.

Your best value comes from combining tickets, here are a few options:

• Discounted Legoland Dubai 1 Park Pass
• Discounted Motiongate Dubai 1 Park Pass
• Discounted Dubai Parks & Resorts 1 Day: 1 park & 2 park passes
• These deals are 40-50% cheaper than buying direct through Dubai Parks & Resorts

NOTE: Stay on-site at Lapita Hotel – Dubai Parks & Resorts and you can purchase ticket packages with your room – check out Lapita room options here.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

This entirely indoor theme park has 17 interactive rides and adventures, suited to slightly older children and adult thrill-seekers.

• Discounted IMG Worlds of Adventure tickets
• A huge 60% cheaper than buying through IMG Worlds of Adventure direct !

Dubai Water Parks

Dubai has two major water parks –  Aquaventure  at Atlantis The Palm and  Wild Wadi near Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. There are also smaller water park and splash park options including Laguna and Legoland Dubai Water Park .

We have a detailed guide comparing UAE waterparks here.

All have areas to accommodate smaller kids though do check height limits before booking anywhere to avoid disappointment (tickets are discounted by height rather than age). Definitely one worth having your tickets ready in advance to avoid queuing in the heat.

• Dubai Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark & Lost Chamber Aquarium Tickets
• Dubai Wild Wadi Waterpark Full-Day Entry Ticket

NOTE: If you are staying at Atlantis the Palm your Aquadventure ticket is included. If you love your waterparks and you are coming for a beach and sun holiday it may, in fact, be better value to stay at the hotel. Here are the latest deals for staying at Atlantis the Palm .

The same applies to guests of the Jumeirah Hotels group in Dubai and Wild Wadi Waterpark. If you are staying at Jumeirah Beach Hotel (family-friendly) Burj Al Arab (super lux!) or any of the Madinat Jumeirah Hotels (that also have awesome splash parks and kids clubs within their grounds) you will get entry included to Wild Wadi Waterpark.

Other not-to-miss Dubai Experiences

Dubai garden glow.

An annual seasonal event held in Zabeel Park. Watch the gardens come to life every evening with terrifying real-to-life dinosaurs and a stunning visual display of art instalments. A quirky, colourful and fun way to experience Dubai

• Buy your discounted Garden Glow entry tickets here
• Tickets on Klook are 20% cheaper than at the door

The Green Planet Dubai

Based in the City Walk complex in the heart of the city, this indoor experience transports you to a whole new biosphere filled with tropical rainforest, the world’s largest artificial tree and favourite animals from sloths to toucans!

You can read a detailed review here of what to expect at The Green Planet

• Purchase discounted FAST TRACK Green Planet tickets here
• Klook tickets are currently about 35% cheaper than buying at the door !

Boat Around Palm Jumeirah

What better way to see the world’s largest inhabited artificial archipelago! A boat ride in the mild winter and spring weather is a tourist favourite as you get to take in Atlantis the Palm, the Burj Al Arab and Dubai Marina on a fun and informative sightseeing cruise.

• Buy your discounted Yellow Boats sightseeing cruise tickets here
• Save up to 60% booking with Klook vs via Yellow Boats themselves

Dubai Desert Safari

There are so many options in Dubai when it comes to visiting the desert. (We will have a more in-depth review of desert safari options coming soon).

You need to decide what sort of experience you are looking for; some will give you a taster of everything from Dune Bashing and Quad Biking to camel riding and an evening dinner & dance show. Others focus more on nature and the desert environment.

The great part is, many companies have realised that high adrenaline isn’t for everyone, whilst some like their trip to the desert dunes to be even more adventurous, so take your pick!

• Normal and high-intensity evening dune adventure
• Morning desert safari
• Sunset tour with longer camel trek
• Al Maha Evening Desert conservation reserve

Use code FAMILY10 and get 10AED off the first 200AED you spend on KLOOK Dubai Attractions .

Popular Day Trips from Dubai

If you have more than a couple of days in Dubai, it’s a great idea to get beyond the city and the immediate desert to experience more of the UAE. We suggest you try:

Abu Dhabi & The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

If time won’t allow for a few days in the UAE capital, at the very least a day trip to see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must.

You can learn more about visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque here.

Although there is a relatively cheap bus service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it is not door to door so we do recommend you organise a tour or private driver, then you can take in several of the city’s highlights.

• Full day tour to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque & Abu Dhabi
• Small private group tour to Abu Dhabi
• Group tour to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre & Emirates Palace

We have more information about the best ways to transit between Dubai and Abu Dhabi here.

Musandam Safari

The Musandam Peninsular is the region’s most beautiful and dramatic natural landscape. You actually cross over an international border as it’s an enclave of Oman, so don’t forget to pack your passports for this stunning day trip.

• Full day Musandam Sea Safari Zighy Bay

Hatta Heritage Village Day Trip

Although Hatta has been a leisure destination in the Emirates for many years, they have recently really lifted the level of infrastructure here to make it a great place to day trip for outdoor adventures. Explore some of Dubai’s fascinating Dune formations before taking in the Hatta Mountains and Heritage Village.

• See ticket prices for day tours to Hatta Heritage Village

Things to note before booking attraction tickets in Dubai

• Weekends in the UAE run from Thursday evening through Saturday – everything is MUCH busier at these times.
• School holidays are MUCH busier times too, particularly winter around Christmas (which coincides with UAE school holidays) and April/Easter (not always at the same time depending on dates).
• Resident rates advertised by attractions direct only apply to full-time UAE or GCC residents with valid Emirates ID cards that must be presented on ticket collection – no being clever and asking friends to buy on your behalf!
• Dates and opening change can change significantly over the Holy Month of Ramadan.
• Always check you’re getting the best value! We’ve done the best we can spotting the deals that are available for SPRING 2019 but read the fine print and make sure it’s the best option for your group.
• Using a well-regarded booking app such as Klook gives you a lot of flexibility, instant confirmation and a Price Guarantee making it our preferred way to book tickets and not lose track of things when visiting a big city like Dubai.

Further resources and reading for your Dubai adventure

• Tackling Dubai with a baby and young children
• Best Dubai family hotels
• UAE with Kids
• UAE Eco-tourism hotspots

Save this for later

This page contains affiliate links which may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you. Discounts have been calculated based on Klooks online price versus the venue’s online advertised price as at March 2019. Our full terms of use can be found here. 

The Family Travel in the Middle East team of travel writers are all parents based in the Middle East, sharing first hand experiences and reviews from across the region to help you plan your next family adventure.

Find me on: Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

You may also enjoy:

Ultimate guide to dubai with toddlers in 2024, can my child fly to dubai with …, what should i expect taking a baby …, 90+ indoor activities for kids in dubai – 2024 family ….

Dubai’s Ultimate Bucket List: Must-See Attractions and Hidden Gems

Dubai. Just the name evokes thoughts of futuristic architecture, endless deserts, and opulent luxury.

But, ever wondered why everyone seems to be packing their bags for this desert oasis? Why is this city such a magnetic draw for globetrotters?

• Dubai boasts a stunning juxtaposition of futuristic marvels and historic charm.
• From the world's tallest skyscraper to golden sand dunes, the experiences are unparalleled.
• Dive in for the ultimate guide to making the most of your Dubai trip .

Why Dubai Captivates Travelers Worldwide

According to the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, a staggering 16.73 million tourists visited in 2019.

It's not just about the luxury shopping or the desert safaris, though they're incredible. It's the spirit of the city, a blend of the old and the new, that truly captivates.

The Towering Majesty: Burj Khalifa

Rising from the heart of Dubai like a silver needle piercing the sky, the Burj Khalifa stands as an emblem of human tenacity and vision.

Holding the record as the world's tallest structure, this colossus reaches a vertiginous height of 828 meters , dwarfing every other man-made edifice on Earth. Visitors venturing to its observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors are rewarded with panoramic vistas that are nothing short of ethereal.

On a clear day, the sweeping views extend far into the horizon, giving a bird's eye perspective of the ever-evolving metropolis below.

But the Burj Khalifa isn't just about height. It embodies the essence of Dubai – a city that dreams big and stops at nothing to realize those aspirations.

The tower's shimmering facade, resembling a lattice of diamonds at sunset, mirrors the audacity and glamour of the city it calls home.

For travelers, it's more than just a tick on their bucket list; it's an experience, a realization of what humanity can achieve when imagination meets ambition. Indeed, the Burj Khalifa is not merely a building; it's a testament to the limitless possibilities of the human spirit.

The Desert's Song: A World Beyond the Skyscrapers

As Sarah Khan, travel writer for The New York Times, aptly put it:

"Dubai is... a city that's shaped by a futuristic vision, yet rooted in a rich past. It's a place where you can ride a camel in the desert, explore spice markets and gold souks, and eat cuisines from around the world, all within a day."

Beyond the glitz and glamor of its soaring skyscrapers, Dubai offers a mosaic of experiences that beckon the traveler to dive deeper. The echoing calls to prayer, the scent of fragrant oud wafting through the air, and the intricate tapestries of traditional Emirati life are as integral to Dubai's fabric as its contemporary marvels.

Experience the serene beauty of the deserts . It's not just sand; it's a landscape that tells a story, from the time when Dubai was just a small fishing village. The desert whispers tales of Bedouin tribes, of ancient trade routes, and of the spirit of resilience that transformed this arid landscape into a global hub.

Venture out on a moonlit night, and you might just hear the rhythmic beats of traditional drums and see the fluid movements of the Tanoura dancers, painting a picture of a culture that's as vibrant today as it was centuries ago.

Dive Deeper: Unconventional Dubai Delights

Culinary wonders.

Dubai is a veritable melting pot of global flavors, a testament to its cosmopolitan flair. Begin your gastronomic journey savoring Emirati delicacies under the starlit desert sky.

Relish the aromatic Al Harees, cooked in clay pots and traditionally served during festivals, or the succulent Lamb Ouzi, a lavish dish typically reserved for grand celebrations. But Dubai's culinary landscape doesn't stop at local delights.

At Atlantis, The Palm, dine at Ossiano for an underwater experience, with exotic marine life swimming by as you savor sumptuous seafood.

From high-end restaurants with celebrity chefs at the helm to humble street food stalls churning out mouth-watering Shawarmas, every meal in Dubai is an exploration in itself.

Art Galleries in Al Fahidi District

The winding lanes of Al Fahidi District are a cultural treasure trove.

Whitewashed walls house numerous art galleries that showcase the city's burgeoning artistic talent.

Majlis Gallery, for instance, offers a peak into traditional Middle Eastern art, while the XVA Gallery delves into contemporary pieces that challenge and intrigue.

The district is a testament to how Dubai respects and nurtures its rich history while embracing modernity with open arms.

Secret Beaches

While Dubai is famed for its glitzy waterfront resorts, there's a side to its coastline that remains unsung.

These are the serene, lesser-known stretches of sandy bliss, untouched by the footprints of mass tourism.

Locals cherish these hidden havens, and they're hesitant to share their secrets. But here's a tip: strike up a conversation with Kevin Erickson if you happen to bump into him.

With a little persuasion and a shared love for sun, sand, and surf, he might just whisper the coordinates of his cherished beach spot, away from the bustling crowds—a piece of unspoiled paradise in a city of marvels.

Getting Around: Tips from Kevin Erickson

Dubai's public transportation is top-notch, but consider renting a car if you want to explore outside the city.

Remember, Friday mornings are quiet since it's the local weekend, making it perfect for sightseeing.

A Personal Conclusion

This desert jewel, once a humble trading post, has metamorphosed into a beacon of modernity and luxury, a testament to what vision, ambition, and determination can achieve. It's easy to be swayed by its glittering skyline and opulent shopping centers, but the heart of Dubai pulses in its old neighborhoods, its bustling souks, and the tales of its inhabitants.

There's a harmony here, a balance between the ancient and the ultra-modern. Where else can you find robot jockeys racing camels in the morning and attend a world-class opera in the evening? Where the echoes of age-old Bedouin chants seamlessly blend with the beats of international DJs?

The intricacies and nuances of this city are what make it extraordinary. It's a place that challenges perceptions, shatters expectations, and invites you to experience a mosaic of cultures, traditions, and innovations. As you wander through its streets, sail along its creek, or soar above its skyscrapers , you begin to grasp the true essence of Dubai.

For Kevin Erickson, and indeed many of us, Dubai is a reminder of the limitless boundaries of human creativity and the timeless allure of history.

It's more than just a stopover or a vacation spot; it's a journey through time, an adventure that leaves an indelible mark on the soul. And like all great tales, it beckons you to return, to uncover another layer, another story, in its ever-evolving narrative.

Is Dubai safe for American tourists?

Absolutely! Dubai is one of the safest cities globally, with a very low crime rate.

What's the best time to visit Dubai?

While Dubai is a year-round destination, the cooler months from November to March are most popular.

Do I need to dress conservatively in Dubai?

It's respectful to dress modestly in public areas. However, at beaches, pools, or clubs, regular western attire is acceptable.

How many days do I need to explore Dubai?

A week is ideal, but even in 3-4 days, you can cover many major attractions.

Is English spoken widely in Dubai?

Yes, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and businesses. 

• Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
• The New York Times - Travel Section
• Atlas Obscura - Dubai's Hidden Gems

• Hi, My Account Subscriptions --> My KT Trading Contact Us Privacy Notice Sign Out

Sat, May 11, 2024 | Dhu al-Qadah 3, 1445

Dubai 20°C

• Expo City Dubai
• Emergencies
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Umm Al Quwain

Life and Living

• Visa & Immigration in UAE
• Banking in UAE
• Schooling in UAE
• Housing in UAE
• Ramadan 2024
• Saudi Arabia
• Philippines
• Cryptocurrency
• Infrastructure
• Currency Exchange
• Horse Racing
• Local Sports

Entertainment

• Local Events

Dubai World Cup

• Track Notes
• Big Numbers
• Daily Updates
• Arts & Culture
• Mental Health
• Relationships
• Staycations
• UAE Attractions
• Tech Reviews
• Motoring Reviews
• Movie Reviews
• Book reviews
• Restaurant Reviews
• Young Times

Supplements

• Back To School
• Eid-Al-Adha
• It’s Summer Time
• Leading Universities
• Higher Education
• India Real Estate Show
• Future Of Insurance
• KT Desert Drive
• New Age Finance & Accounting Summit
• Digital Health Forum
• Subscriptions
• UAE Holidays
• Year of the 50th
• Latest News
• Prayer Timings
• Cinema Listings
• Inspired Living
• Advertise With Us
• Privacy Notice

KT APPDOWNLOAD

Dubai safari park to remain open throughout summer with limited tickets, in 2023, a trial was conducted to study the sleeping and feeding patterns of the animals.

Nasreen Abdulla

• Follow us on

Embracing the bright side: A guide on how to cultivate optimism

The power of solitude: Why you should go on a solo trip

How to get your kids to read: Essential tips for parents

Published: Mon 6 May 2024, 1:42 PM

Last updated: Mon 6 May 2024, 11:07 PM

The Dubai Safari Park has introduced a special summer pass ticket and for the first time the facility will remain open to public during the summer months. This was revealed by the Dubai Municipality on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) on Monday.

“Last year we trialled this experience and studied the sleeping and feeding patterns of our animals,” said Ahmed Ibrahim AlZarouni, Head of Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Department at Dubai Municipality.

“It was a success last year, so this year we wanted to open it to public. We wanted to choose the best time of the day for the animals to come out without being affected by the heat. Based on that, we are opening just limited daily batches of tickets available to small groups of up to 10 people.”

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

The summer pass will operate in the non-seasonal months from June to September, featuring three experiences- Summer Tours, Summer Safari Journey, and Walk In The Wild. The tours are a two-hour private experience hosted once in the morning and evening. It includes the safari experience as well as different animal encounters.

The Safari Journey offers two adventures in a private, air-conditioned vehicle accommodating up to 10 guests. It is the 90-minute guided Walk in the Wild tour that will give thrill-seekers the opportunity to have an up-close encounter with wildlife in the early morning. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, observe animals in their natural habitats and capture memorable photos.

Soaring visitor numbers

Home to over 3,000 animals and 300 different species, Dubai Safari Park has seen a huge surge in visitor and sales number. During 2023, the park witnessed 755 per cent growth in travel trade sales.

Encompasses six zones- Al Wadi, African Village, Explorer Village, Arabian Desert Safari, Asian Village and Kids’ Farm- the 119 hectare park also hosts daily educational presentations at scheduled times throughout the day.

Dubai Safari Park also undertakes a wide range of welfare and conservation strategies to help animals and native fauna thrive. The park also contributes to the conservation of endangered and vulnerable species through international breeding programmes and external rescue missions, while numerous innovative technologies are integrated into the Park’s physical infrastructure to ensure animals are comfortable throughout the year.

Animals' comfort

According to Ahmed, a lot goes into making sure that the animals stay comfortable throughout the year. “Our animals come from all over the world from various habitats, temperatures and parts of the world,” said Ahmed. “We try to recreate that here. Their areas are temperature controlled and specifically designed to make sure they have everything they may need to stay comfortable.”

He gave the example of the elephants in the park. “We have built a huge pool built for them to play around in,” he said. “They need the mud to play in so this pool mimics the actual animal habitat.”

• UAE's first gaming resort to open in early 2027; Wynn Resorts releases new photos
• Dubai: La Mer beach to reopen as J1 Beach with 13 luxury dining spots
• UAE: Activities to experience this summer season
• Newsletters

• [email protected]

More news from Travel

Uae: flights, hotel rates go up by 30% but only 3% of residents may cancel travel plans.

Multiple factors have sparked a surge in costs, but they have not dented consumers’ insatiable demand for post-pandemic globe-trotting

travel 2 months ago -->

Travel: Discover Brunei through these must-visit places

Located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, the place is known for its pristine rainforests, Islamic architecture, and thriving oil industry

UAE: Packages for Umrah during Ramadan soar up to Dh40,000

Cooler weather during the holy month is expected to attract more faithful to embark on their spiritual journey

travel 3 months ago -->

Travel: Inside the Celebrity Edge ocean liner

Today, cruise ships have become elegant floating citadels that offer a taste of the good life on the waves…

UAE travellers wake up to 'sleep tourism', picking destinations where they can rest

Trends are shifting away from experiences to sleep as people want to switch off and spend time away from gadgets

UAE travel trends: Long-haul destinations back in demand in 2024

Survey reveals names of top cities residents want to visit this year, with 97% keen to explore new places

Eid Al Fitr, summer holidays in UAE: Book Schengen visa appointments in advance, residents told

Entry permit applications for the 27 EU countries can be submitted up to 180 days before the intended travel date

List of countries granting visa-free entry or visa on arrival to Indians, Pakistanis in 2024

Both the South Asian passports have weakened in the past ten years, dropping from respective positions

Type your keywords

• Middle East

© 2024 - All rights reserved. Designed and developed by Fork Media Group

Now Save AED 90 On Dubai Safari Park Tickets With Cool Farewell Deal For Families

Beat the heat with dubai safari park's new discounts..

As temperatures soar in Dubai, outdoor attractions bid farewell to visitors with enticing offers. Among them, Dubai Safari Park is rolling out a cool family pass promotion to make your final visit before summer closure an unforgettable experience.

A Cool Farewell Deal At Dubai Safari Park

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Dubai Safari Park (@dubaisafari)

Dubai Safari Park understands the heat-induced urge to seek shelter indoors. Hence, it’s offering a family pass deal that’s as cool as an ice cream cone on a scorching day. For just Dhs105, two adults and three children can enjoy a day filled with adventure and wildlife encounters. This unbeatable offer is a lifesaver, saving you a whopping Dhs90 from the usual Dhs195 price tag.

Unmissable Attractions & Wildlife Adventures

Bid goodbye to Dubai Safari Park with a bang as you explore its six captivating zones. From the enchanting African Village to the vibrant Arabian Desert, each zone promises unique experiences that will leave you craving for more. Plus, with unlimited access to the air-conditioned train shuttle service, you can hop from one attraction to another without breaking a sweat.

Embark on a 10-minute Arabian Safari tour and witness local animal species thriving in their natural desert habitat. But the excitement doesn’t end there. Prepare to be enthralled by live presentations, educational workshops, and wildlife talks that offer fascinating insights into the animal kingdom. And don’t forget to catch the complimentary feeding sessions—it’s a treat for both you and the animals!

Dining And Retail Delights

Feeling hungry during your safari adventure? Fret not! Dubai Safari Park spoils you with a plethora of dining options to refuel and recharge.With an array of retail outlets, you can snag souvenirs to commemorate your wild escapade.

Also Read:  Dubai To Get An Artsy And Retro-Futuristic Paint In The Dark Experience; Tickets And More Details Here

Extended Opening Hours

To ensure you make the most of your visit, Dubai Safari Park has extended its opening hours from 10 am to 6.30 pm. So, whether you’re an early bird or a sunset chaser, there’s ample time to soak in the safari magic before bidding adieu.

With less than a month left before summer closure on June 2, time is of the essence. Book your tickets and packages now to embark on an unforgettable safari journey.

As Dubai Safari Park prepares to close its doors for summer, seize the chance to experience its wonders one last time. With exciting attractions, unbeatable deals, and extended opening hours, your safari adventure awaits at Dubai Safari Park. So, gather your tribe and embark on a wild journey before the summer sun takes its toll.

Cover Image Courtesy: Dubai Safari Park Dubai/ Instagram

Join The # CT Squad!

Sign up for our daily email and get the best delivered straight to your inbox. We pinky promise to make it awesome!

• Environment
• Road to Net Zero
• Art & Design
• Film & TV
• Music & On-stage
• Pop Culture
• Fashion & Beauty
• Home & Garden
• Things to do
• Combat Sports
• Horse Racing
• Beyond the Headlines
• Trending Middle East
• Business Extra
• Culture Bites
• Year of Elections
• Pocketful of Dirhams
• Books of My Life
• Iraq: 20 Years On

UAE showcases Middle East tourism as it hosts Arabian Travel Market

When the region plots the future of travel, it comes to dubai.

Visitors to the Abu Dhabi stand at last year's Arabian Travel Market, at Dubai World Trade Centre. Pawan Singh / The National

One of the Middle East's annual big-ticket industry events, the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), takes place this week in Dubai, while the UAE continues to attract visitors from around the world. Just this year, Dubai was ranked first in the Top 100 City Destinations Index 2023 by Euromonitor International.

This comes against a backdrop of the world recovering from Covid-19, high inflation rates affecting travel, and turmoil in the region. Although the global travel market continues to r ecover, few can doubt that the dark clouds that have hovered over the Middle East since the Israel-Gaza war broke out in October of last year have taken a toll on tourism and business travel alike in countries like Egypt and Jordan.

Gathering the industry’s stakeholders to work through some of its challenges, however, is part of what the ATM is about. This year, the number of exhibitors is up to 2,300, and they will attend a range of panel discussions about subjects such as strengthening the sector’s resilience, future proofing it from global economic disruptions and reinforcing security.

The Abu Dhabi stand at Arabian Travel Market, at Dubai World Trade Centre. All pictures: Victor Besa / The National

By the time the event concludes, participants will have heard from 200 speakers, on subjects such as innovation and entrepreneurship (this year's theme is “empowering innovation: transforming travel through entrepreneurship”), and about 41,000 people from 165 countries would have attended some of these sessions, concluded significant deals and drawn up business plans for the next year.

The ATM provides an important opportunity for destinations to update the world on their latest tourism developments, whether it’s Abu Dhabi displaying the variety of experiences the emirate has to offer, Sharjah putting forwards its innovation projects, Saudi Arabia attracting visitors to its lesser known leisure attractions, or Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism presenting the best of the country's tourist sites.

While the UAE and the GCC are desirable destinations on their own, with much to offer in terms of retail, heritage and hospitality, they become all the more of a draw to travellers in the current context as they remain untouched by fears of war.

For those from growing markets such as China and India, the UAE and GCC are appealing repeat destinations that are not too far, and have all of the comforts.

The situation for other parts of the Middle East is more challenging. The Israel-Gaza war stretches on, its many, varied repercussions become even clearer. Beyond the tragic and needless loss of lives, the economic effects of the war have not been contained in the war zone. Many of these have been felt in neighbouring countries. One consequence has been the disrupted livelihoods, an impact of the dip in tourism to countries in the Levant, including Lebanon and Jordan, and Palestinian territories especially East Jerusalem. A ceasefire and permanent peace would ultimately bring back the tourists to those historically rich places with abundant natural beauty.

As when travel rebounded after Covid-19, there will be plenty of lessons in how to ride over the turbulence that hit the livelihoods of tour operators and employees of the hotel and airline industries due to the conflict. While countries can learn from each other's strategies to cope with economic distress or geopolitical conflict, and help tourism, we can also all get behind the idea of travelling to new places and broadening horizons.

Dubai Gains Ground In The Tours And Activities Market

Jesse Chase-Lubitz , Skift

May 10th, 2024 at 1:04 PM EDT

Dubai is skyrocketing in popularity as a destination for tours and activities and operators are quickly hopping on the trend.

Jesse Chase-Lubitz

Two online tour marketplaces say Dubai is far surpassing its pre-pandemic popularity. The city now ranks alongside Paris and Rome as a tourism hotspot.

One marketplace, GetYourGuide , said that Dubai has ranked fourth after Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam in tickets sold among American and German travelers so far in 2024. A top attraction, the Burj Khalifa , is the fifth-most booked activity for those travelers. 

Viator , TripAdvisor’s online marketplace, has around 6,500 tours in Dubai. It said it has seen triple the bookings compared to pre-pandemic 2019.

“Demand for Dubai has grown quickly as the rebound in international travel continues,” said Laurel Greatrix, vice president of brand and communications at Viator. “While the bounce in Europe came first, Dubai is now seeing comparable growth to popular destinations like Rome, Paris, and Amsterdam – with bookings to Dubai tripling versus 2019.”

Greatrix added that Dubai as a source market is also growing. “We’ve seen a sharp increase in demand this year, with bookings out of the region doubling year-over-year,” she said.

The Dubai Government also saw an 11% increase in the number of overnight tourists in early 2024. This builds off the city’s record growth in 2023, when it welcomed 17.15 million international overnight visitors.

Why the spike?

The UAE is investing heavily in tourism, from building resort islands to hosting some of the world’s biggest sports tournaments.

Dubai is also leaning into its status as a “stopover” city, according to GetYourGuide. “Some attractions already have extended hours or explore 24/7 opening hours to enable visits from guests with night layovers,” said Julia Randow, GetYourGuide’s director of sales for the Middle East and North Africa..

Beyond its attractions and events, Dubai is a comfortable destination for Western travelers, according to tour operator smarTours .

“Our Deluxe Dubai & Abu Dhabi tour appeals to many first-time international travelers,” said Carolyn Shaul, director of tour product and development at smarTours. “The UAE is very Westernized in terms of comfort and infrastructure.”

A budding industry trend

Other companies are making moves to capitalize on the rising popularity in Dubai and the Middle East.

On May 1, Holibob , an experiences booking provider announced a new partnership with a regional online travel agency, Travelwings .

Intrepid Travel is also expanding in the region. It opened its inaugural office in Jordan on May 8 and announced women led tours in Saudi Arabia in April.

Trip.com Group said Wednesday it’s expanding its presence in the Middle East.

“Establishing our office in Dubai is a critical step in our regional strategy,” said Siddharth Sudhakar, general manager for the Middle East and Africa at Trip.com.

Get Skift Research

Skift Research products provide deep analysis, data, and expert research on the companies and trends that are shaping the future of travel.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: dubai , getyourguide , intrepid , middle east , middle east report , online travel , online travel newsletter , sports tourism , tour operators , Travel Experiences , Travel Trends , tui , viator

Photo credit: GetYourGuide's speedboat tour operating from Dubai's marina. The company is looking at rolling out new products as popularity grows. GetYourGuide