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.
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!
Book Tours : Al Shindagha Museum Admission Tickets, Dubai, UAE
2. 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
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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.
Book Tours : 90 Minutes Dubai Palm Jumeirah Jetski Tour
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.
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
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.
Book Tours : Skip the Line: KidZania Dubai Ticket
8. Burj Khalifa
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
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.
Book Tours : Bedouin Style Desert Camp Safari from Dubai
10. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
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.
Book Tours : Snow Classic - General Admission Ticket
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.
Book Tours : Skip the Line: The Green Planet Entrance Ticket
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
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