The Best Things to Do in Dubai

Are you planning a trip to the UAE and wondering what to do in Dubai? Is this skyscraper city in the desert interesting? Whether you are heading to Dubai for one night or a longer time, you will remember your visit. Let’s see what you can do and experience in Dubai.

Dubai is the capital of the emirate of the same name located in the United Arab Emirates. The city is almost on the Tropic of Cancer, so there is extreme heat, which in summer, can reach a height of over 40°C. Thanks to oil, the world’s tallest skyscrapers have grown almost overnight in the middle of the desert, and Dubai has become a spectacular synonym for luxury and wealth travel destination. The city is also known for its world records. There is the tallest building in the world, the largest shopping mall, the most luxurious hotel in the world, and much more. You will either love Dubai or hate it. Yet this place has its unique charm and story that is almost like a fairy tale from One Thousand and One Nights – check out our favourite photos from UAE. Find out if there are any Last min flight deals!

Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world

What to do in Dubai? You must not miss a visit to the world’s tallest building in Burj Khalifa. It measures a respectable 828 meters and holds its lead. Nowadays, Dubai Creek Tower is being built, which should soon overcome the Burj Khalifa. Still, this amazing building is worth a visit. The upper floors offer stunning views of the desert surrounding Dubai. Buy the ticket in advance and try to get there in the morning. Outside, it is not so hot yet, and you can avoid most of the tourists as the prime time is during the evening.

Burj Khalifa just before sunrise

Dubai Mall – the largest shopping centre

Even if you are not passionate about shopping, visit Dubai Mall. In 2011, it was even the most visited building in the world. It is right next to the Burj Khalifa, and the shopping centre is so huge that you can’t go through it in just one day. There are over 1,200 shops and 150 restaurants. There is also an amusement park, a huge covered waterfall, a dinosaur skeleton, a large aquarium and an underwater zoo.

One of the artificial waterfalls in Dubai Mall

Dubai Fountain – Dancing water

Right next to Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa is a sophisticated system of water fountains spread over two football pitches. When you plan what to do in Dubai, don’t miss out on this unique show. During the performance, which takes place several times a day at regular intervals, the water will dance to a height of 150 meters. If you would like to watch the show from a different perspective, then you can use Dubai Fountain Lake Ride. You get on the boat, and it will take you closer to the fountain jets, so you won’t miss any drop.

The size of the Dubai fountains stand out even when viewed from above

Visit the beach and enjoy sun-bathing

Dubai is a great attraction for lovers of hot days and warm sea because of its high temperatures all year round. So you can visit Kite Beach, where there are ideal conditions for Kitesurfing and other water sports. It also offers stunning views of Burj Al-Arab, the most famous sailing ship shape hotel. Another popular beach is Jumeirah Beach, located roughly 20 km from Dubai Mall. The beach offers amazing relaxation, white sand and crystal clear sea.

Jumeirah Beach during sunset

Stroll through the historic Al Fahidi district

If you are thinking about what to do in Dubai and would like to see and visit some history, then head to the historic Al Fahidi district. There is a fortress of the same name from 1787, which is considered the oldest building in Dubai. Now, there is a museum. The entire district includes historic buildings that currently serve as restaurants, cafes and museums. It is also worth mentioning Sheikh Mohammed’s Center for Intercultural Understanding. This educational institution aims to bring Muslim culture closer to all interested people.

The historic center of Dubai – Al Fahidi

Dubai Airport (DXB) is one of the largest in the world. It is an important transport hub to the Middle East, and it handles about 90 million passengers every year. Dubai Airport often serves as a transit point for those travellers who head from Europe or North America to Asia or Australia. It is also home base for Emirates Airlines. The airline has one of the largest fleets of aircraft in the world.

Trip to the desert

When you think about what to do in Dubai, how about going outside the city? The desert landscape is kind of beautiful and offers many possible activities. You can choose to ride a camel, a quad bike trip, favourite sandboarding or a private guided tour. You might just want a walk and watch the night sky full of stars. The agencies offer desert tours with exploring Arab culture, including local dances and Arabic dishes. There is definitely a lot to choose from. You can do similar desert tour in other countries in Gulf too.

The desert is beautiful especially during sunset

Dubai Marina – the largest port in the world

Construction of Dubai Marina, which lies on an artificial bay, started in 2003 and has not yet been completed. When this happens, Dubai Marina should be the largest port in the world. Therefore, a walk along the harbour promenade is one of the experiences you should not miss in Dubai. When temperatures are dwindling in the evenings, Dubai Marina is lively. While walking along the sea, you will pass luxury restaurants, hotels, boutiques, residential buildings, and, above all, skyscrapers.