Top 12 Attractions In Dubai, UAE

Putri
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 4 min read

Known for its luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture, and lively nightlife scene, Dubai is home to the world’s highest buildings including Burj Khalifa and Burj Al-Arab. In fact, staying in a hotel with a Burj Khalifa view is a popular thing in itself amongst tourists. The largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates is the hub for a cultural experience, with so many attractions that will never be enough to explore. Whether you go alone, in couples, or bring the whole family, there will be no dull moment in this city. Pump your adrenaline from the tallest point on earth, enjoy an unforgettable safari in a desert, embrace opulence at all-inclusive resorts, or immerse yourself in an underwater world to get the best adventure in Dubai. Scroll down to see the top attractions in Dubai, UAE.

From transportation tips to medical essentials and everything in between, the Dubai local guides share all the must-know information to help you plan your trip.

1. Al Shindagha Museum

Located within the Dubai Creek area, the Al Shinsagha Museum is one of the most popular places to visit in Dubai. It pays homage to the development of the world’s most popular Middle Eastern city. If learning the trade history, local culture, and popular traditions is one of your goals, make sure to stop by this museum.

Here, you’ll discover carefully curated collections that depict how a small fishing village became the centre of wealth and luxury in the 21st century. Moreover, special workshops and exhibitions are conducted from time to time within this space. If you time your visit right, you might be able to catch one of these popular showings.

Tip from tour guide

For an enriching dive into Dubai's maritime legacy, head to Al Shindagha Museum. This immersive museum offers a captivating journey through Dubai's maritime history, from the traditional construction of dhows to the pearl diving industry.

Explore informative exhibits and visually stunning displays that bring the marine heritage of Dubai to life in an engaging way. Plus, with admission priced at only AED50 (13.61 USD), it's an affordable way to discover the city's rich cultural tapestry. Don't miss out on this educational and fascinating experience!

2. Dubai Frame

attractions in dubai | dubai frame

If you’re in Dubai for sightseeing, this is one place that you absolutely can not miss. Over 150m (492.13 ft) tall, Dubai Frame is a monumental landmark offering a vantage point of the entirety of Dubai. Take the elevator to the top of this 48-floor structure and witness visibly the old city of Dubai, once a fishing village, turn into the epitome of opulence and luxury.

Watch the oldest part of the city transcend into the commercial hub it is today as you cross over the glass bridge to the other side of the Frame. Click stunning pictures of the city right beneath you and view the exhibition featuring the cultural history of the city.

Tip from tour guide

Dubai Frame Dubai Frame View from Dubai Frame

Visit the breathtaking Dubai Frame, which has a bridge connecting its two towers. Its innovative design resembles a colossal picture frame, offering visitors a unique perspective. Explore Dubai's past, present, and future while enjoying panoramic city views from this iconic landmark.

3. Palm Jumeirah

The jet ski tour to Palm Jumeirah is an adventurous and fun thing to do in Dubai. Take this breathtaking Jet Ski excursion to explore spectacles unreachable by a boat cruise. Get your life vest on and enjoy the 1.5-hour ride with experienced guide-riders who will take you across the waves to the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah. With a quick operating instruction, riders from all levels can dash along numerous hotels on the man-made island using Yamaha jet ski and admire the skyscrapers of the Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Marina, and Burj Khalifa.

4. Ferrari World

Have a hassle-free day out at the iconic supercar brand at Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World Theme Park. Set in Yas Island, it is a popular tourist spot in Dubai, where you can browse a collection of Ferraris in the on-site museum, explore the interactive play zones, and ride one of the world’s fastest roller coasters, the Formula Rossa. Whether you are a first-timer or a dedicated fan of Ferrari, this park is worth a visit for everyone.

Dubai Tour Guide

Dubai Local Tour Guide Local Tour Guide

Dubai Local Tour Guide Local Tour Guide

Welcome, Hello, bonjour, Hola, Namasty, Salam! It brings me great joy to extend a warm welcome as you embark on your journey to explore our vibrant city during your visit to the United Arab Emirates. Here, in this land of hospitality, you are not just a guest; you are welcomed as a member of our extended family. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Rafiq, a seasoned professional in the realm of t... Read more

Tours by Dubai local tour guide

5. Aquaventure Waterpark

Aquaventure’s water rides and adventures are made for all ages. In this part of the Atlantis The Palm resort, you can jump into the water, slide down the Corkscrew Chutes, ride through Shark Tunnels, and let the children play at Splasher’s Island while you relax on the lazy rivers. Pump your adrenaline by trying the Poseidon’s Revenge to get the sensation of plummeting 75 feet (22.8 meters) downwards before soaring up in loops.

6. Burj Al-Arab

burj al-arab

Indulge yourself in the finest Arabic lunch or dinner at Al Iwan Restaurant while witnessing the spectacular views of the Arab Gulf. From the staggering seascapes during the day to the romantic flicker of candlelight by night, get the chance to enjoy the wide range of Arab cuisines in beautiful settings. Step through the golden columns and savour the aromas while you feel the luxury in tablewares containing real gold with water served in beautiful red crystal glasses.

7. Kidzania

Bring your children in and let them build their dreams by trying multiple professions in this town replica. KidZania is not an everyday playground; it gives a taste of grown-up life in a safe, entertaining, and educational role-playing experience for kids aged between 4 and 16 years. It’s a great place to teach your children essential life skills needed in the future, including teamwork, communication, and independence while having fun in a safe environment.

8. Burj Khalifa

burj khalifa
Source: www.viator.com

When you are in Dubai, be sure not to miss the chance to see the bird-eye view of the man-made island from one of the highest outdoor observation decks in the world. On the way to Level 124, you can enjoy the visual display of the story behind the Burj Khalifa while riding a moving sidewalk and sophisticated elevator. Grab the tickets from this link to visit at half-hourly slots from 8 am - 11 pm, according to your preference. Use the advanced telescopes to get a closer look at the desert, ocean, and prominent landmarks during the day, or illuminated Dubai in the evening.

9. Bedouin camps

bedouin camps
Source: www.viator.com

In this six-hour excursion, you can get an exhilarating drive up and down on the beautiful desert dunes. Enjoy the amazing sunset on the way to the Bedouin-style camp and savour the Arabian welcome of coffee and dates. Don’t forget to get henna tattoos and experience authentic Emirati culture with a camel ride before closing it with a delectable buffet and barbecue accompanied with exciting live entertainments including a belly dancing show, ‘tanoura’ spinning dances, and music.

10. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

dubai aquarium & underwater zoo
Source: www.viator.com

Bring the whole family to get the underwater experience in this gigantic aquarium tank containing huge sharks and rays. Get a VIP experience by prebooking the tickets in this link to bypass the lines and enjoy access to nine of the aquarium’s attractions and activities. Enjoy the world’s first interactive digital shark cage, before moving towards the main feature, a beautiful hybrid of digital technology and living aquarium.

Book Tours : VIP Dubai Aquarium

11. Ski Dubai

Who says that Dubai is all about deserts and beaches? In this indoor Snow Park, you can roll down the ski slopes and even watch a penguin parade! Get a Ski Dubai Polar Pass to dive into an all-day fun with a chairlift ride, cold-weather clothes, plus a helmet for children under 13. Don’t forget to play interactive games in the snow cavern and polish your snowballing skills with the whole family.

12. The Green Planet by Meraas

This Dubai’s only biodome brings a tropical wonder in an indoor setting. With more than 3,000 plants and animals on site, you can learn how a rainforest is made of multiple layers. Follow the walkways from the forest floor, through the dense middle, right up to the treetop canopy, and spend as long as you like in your own pace. Save time by getting a prepaid entrance ticket to avoid queues and explore the incredible wildlife sightings including sloths, monkeys, and snakes in a self-guided tour.

A city for everyone

As a major global city and business hub in the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf, no doubt that people keep coming despite its hot desert climate. Dubai is a dynamic place for everyone to explore and enjoy, including your kids with a bunch of attractions, entertainments, and worldwide food. This world’s eighth safest city is always ready to welcome you! So, why wait? Plan a trip for the whole family to get an enchanting experience of Middle East hospitality and luxury.

Frequently asked questions about the top attractions in Dubai, UAE

Which places to visit in Dubai are ideal for families?

Which activities in Dubai during a tour are a must-try for adventurous tourists?

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Starting her dream to travel the world by staring at The Encyclopedia of the Nations, Putri now enjoys the beauty of visiting places she only saw on papers as a kid. Foreign lands with languages...View profile

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