Dubai is the jewel of the Middle East. Traveling here and experiencing the best things to do in Dubai are said to be on the expensive side, so visiting this emirate is considered a luxury. But, you will realize your investment will be worth it. 

It was once a small fishing village in the Arabian Gulf, but today, Dubai, one of the seven emirates making up the United Arab Emirates, is regarded as one of the most cosmopolitan and upscale cities in the world. 

Whether you find yourself by the banks of Creek, or at the top of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, Dubai will offer possibilities and innovation. And with such a beautiful coastline, breathtaking desert, and magnificent cityspaces, memories here are just waiting to unfold. So let’s take you on a journey to the best things to do in Dubai, from the most luxurious to the most thrilling.

The Best Things To Do In Dubai

Join us as we present to you the best things to do in Dubai. Your luxurious travels begin right now. 

1. Visit The World’s Tallest Building, Burj Khalifa

The first of the best things to do in Dubai is your visit to Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. You may be very familiar with it. Standing tall at 828 meters high, Burj Khalifa is one of the must-visit attractions in this United Arab Emirates city. 

This majestic skyscraper is located right in the heart of the emirate, and it bustles with so many activities day in and day out. Just looking up in awe at and taking photographs of the sheer scale of this magnificent structure is already memorable in itself, but taking a look at what’s inside will always be part of the experience. 

You can head over to the observation deck located on the 124th and 125th floors to catch a good glimpse of the city’s skyline. There’s also the At The Top Sky Lounge if you want to grab some food, and if you want a luxurious lounge session, head over to The Lounge, the highest lounge in the world at 585 meters. 

2. Dubai Is The Perfect Place For Skydiving

Not many have tried it, because they’ll never know what might happen, but Dubai is, hands down, one of the best cities to try skydiving. Not only you’ll be treated to awesome views from above, but of course, the gift of the thrill is there. Not for the faint of heart. 

Skydiving refers to the method of transiting from a high point in the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface with the help of gravity, involving controlling speed during the descent using a parachute. It is one of the most riveting adventures one can take. 

And if you are in Dubai and do not mind all the risks, sign up for the skydiving experience here. It is one of the things to do in Dubai you will never forget. Skydive Dubai provides tandem skydive opportunities, so you will be supervised by trained professionals, making sure everything will be alright. 

The experience is about diving through the clouds from 13,000 feet, and taking in the views of Palm Jumeirah or the rolling dunes of the desert. Just have fun. You’ll also have the Skydive Dubai team taking videos of your adventure.

3. The Thrills Do Not Stop With Dinner In The Sky

If you’ve seen pictures or videos on social media where people are dining while being hoisted up in the air, those images are probably the Dinner in the Sky in Dubai. If the thrills from the skydiving did not satisfy you, and if you consider yourself a foodie but want the adrenaline rush, you can sign up for the Dinner in the Sky. The thrills certainly do not stop in Dubai. 

Another of the best things to do in Dubai that you’ll remember for life, Dinner in the Sky Dubai requires you to have a seat at the table while buckling up the seatbelt. You should because you’ll dine while getting hoisted 165 feet in the air. Aside from experiencing the delicious food (hoping that you won’t get motion sickness), you’ll also be treated to impressive views of the Gulf.

The menu comes from famous Dubai restaurants, Artful Dining by Le Meridien Mina Seyahi and The Westin Dubai. You’ll be served with burrata salads, Middle Eastern mezzes, and so much more delights. 

Welcome to our “things to do in Dubai” guide. Be sure to also check out the other stories from our blog.

4. Live The Arabian Life At The Dubai Desert 

The Arab world takes pride in its vast deserts, and some of the most beautiful ones are in Dubai. Less than a 20 minute-drive from the modern streets of Dubai’s downtown is the resplendent Arabian desert, or Dubai desert. The things to do in Dubai here are wide-ranging.

You can start exploring the desert, go on a Dubai-style desert safari tour, or if you are feeling active, you can enlist to more thrills with quad biking and sandboarding. We tell you, the thrills in Dubai do not stop. Of course, there are also camel rides and henna painting here, trademarks of Dubai.

If you are looking for luxury, you can book a desert tour with leading tour companies. Or, feast with the local cuisine under the stars. For those who loved the desert and wish to stay longer, you can treat yourself to an unforgettable night amidst the dunes, such as at Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa. 

5. Watch One Of The World’s Largest Choreographed Fountain Displays

And if you are looking for some romantic things to do in Dubai, you can head over to the Dubai Fountain, located at the base of Burj Khalifa. This attraction presents one of the world’s largest choreographed fountain displays, where powerful water jet streams soar as high as 150 meters in the air, dancing and swaying with the music. 

Displays start at sundown, and take place every 30 minutes until the last show at 11 p.m. The Dubai Fountain is also viewable from the restaurants at Dubai Mall, if you wish to fill your stomach while reeling in all the beautiful views.

6. Go On A Dubai Marina Yacht Tour With Breakfast Or BBQ

When you are in this United Arab Emirates city and enjoying the things to do in Dubai, you’ll realize that it is a place for thrills and some luxury. Continue your luxurious experiences by taking on a marina yacht tour with food already on board. 

With this tour, you can admire panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline while settling aboard a yacht, gliding over the Persian Gulf, and passing by Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, and many other attractions. There are also seating decks and areas on the yacht where you can sunbathe. 

Plus, you will be treated with a breakfast or some barbecue while on board, depending on the time of your tour.

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7. Take A Selfie With The Famous Burj Al Arab

Overlooking the Persian Gulf from its perch between the Palm Islands and Jumeirah Beach is the famous Burj Al Arab. You may be familiar with it as the building in Dubai shaped like a sail, as it is patterned after the sails that have graced the emirate’s waterways for so many years.

Burj Al Arab is not an office building, but actually a world-class and super-luxurious hotel located on its very own man-made island. It is also one of the tallest hotels in the world. Several blockbuster movies have also been filmed here.

If you are checking in, you can try the revolving beds in some of its suites and arriving on the helipad. But you don’t have to spend money to stay at Burj Al Arab to enjoy this wonder. You can at least gain entry to the building by grabbing a bite at one of the on-site restaurants, such as Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara – featuring floor-to-ceiling windows guarding a gigantic fish tank, and Al Muntaha, a sky-high restaurant located on Burj Al Arab’s 27th floor. This is one of the top things to do in Dubai you should include on your itinerary.

8. Explore Palm Jumeirah, One Of The Largest Man-Made Islands In The World

Call it a “frustrated archipelago,” and Dubai would admit to it. The city isn’t endowed with so many islands, so it made its own, such as at Palm Jumeirah.

Palm Jumeirah is one of the largest man-made islands in the world, and a living proof of human ingenuity. Both locals and tourists explore the islands through the high-end hotels on them, such as Atlantis, one of the most notable. It is easy to get here. You can take the monorail that connects to the tram system from the mainland. 

9. Bask In The Sun And Engage In Water-sports At Kite Beach

Dubai’s weather is warm all year around, so it is normal for people to look for things to do in Dubai by the beach. One of the most popular beaches here is Kite Beach. It is the perfect place to engage in some water-sports, but if you do not intend to, there are plenty of other things to do here. You can grab a refreshing smoothie from its open-air cafés and restaurants, watch skaters and bikers roaming around the beach, or enjoy a game of beach volleyball with your friends or family. 

Plus, you can also get a good view of Burj Al Arab in the distance. It is perfectly alright to spend the whole day here at Kite Beach. 

Can’t get enough of this “things to do in Dubai” guide? Read more guides of this kind from our website. 

10. Experience Luxury Shopping At Dubai Mall

If you feel that the things to do in Dubai you have tried so far are all so outdoorsy and adventurous, slow things down and take a relaxing stroll at Dubai Mall. 

Skirting Burj Khalifa in downtown Dubai is Dubai Mall, a shopper’s paradise. It is one of the largest shopping centers in the world, home to more than 1,300 stores. 

Yes, it can get really expensive here. But even if you are not interested in buying stuff, you can enjoy the other activities here, such as its ice rink, movie theater, and kid-friendly attractions, such as an aquarium that houses thousands of underwater creatures. And if the night reaches you in this mall, you can go and watch the Dubai Fountain located just outside the mall. 

11. You’ve Tried Skydiving – Now, Go Deep Diving

If you are still game for more thrilling things to do in Dubai, you can go deep diving at Deep Dive Dubai. The ideal place for all aqua enthusiasts, Deep Dive Dubai is the latest addition to the city’s thriving adventure and sports activities scene. 

This recreational center is where you can find a 60.02-meter deep pool the Guinness World Records has certified as the world’s deepest swimming pool for diving. But there’s more in here than it meets the eye. You can also visit a “sunken city” as you dive down, and avail of its freediving and scuba diving courses.

12. Learn Dubai’s Islamic Heritage At Jumeirah Mosque

You’re already here in Dubai, so why don’t you make the most out of the things to do in Dubai by learning the city’s Islamic heritage? One of the places you can do so is at Jumeirah Mosque. 

Jumeirah Mosque is known for its intricate white façade, mimicking the architectural styles of the medieval Fatimid period, where a dynasty ruled an empire in North Africa and the Middle East. 

You don’t have to be a Muslim to get inside the mosque. Non-Muslims are welcome inside to marvel at its ornate décor, which features detailed painted panels against bright blue and yellow backgrounds. 

However, everyone who intends to visit inside must wear long sleeves, and long pants or skirts. Women will also need to cover their heads with a scarf. If you are not wearing the proper attire, the mosque can provide you with the necessary clothing. 

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Things To Do In Dubai, Gastronomic-Style: Best Dubai Restaurants

Dubai’s culinary scene is one-of-a-kind. Being a city that’s renowned all over the world, Dubai’s culinary scene is a vibrant fusion of flavors and cultures, both local and international dishes. Its culinary scene is a mix of traditional Emirati dishes, Middle Eastern delicacies, and an influx of international tastes, making the city an eclectic landscape of aromatic spices, succulent meats, fresh seafood, and indulgent desserts. 

Make the most out of the things to do in Dubai. Get to know the city’s best restaurants. 

• Orfali Bros Bistro
• STAY by Yannick Alléno
• Il Ristorante – Niko Romito
• Hakkasan
• Al Muntaha
• And so much more!

Dubai: Travel In Luxury

Once you are in Dubai, you’ll get to experience the true Arabic culture. Dubai’s Arabic culture is a fusion of tradition and modernity, reflecting the emirate’s rich heritage without forgetting the influences from across the globe. The Arabic culture in Dubai is evident in the warm hospitality extended to tourists, its family values and community, its skyline adorned with towering minarets and sophisticated mosques, and of course, its cuisine.

Dubai offers a multitude of exciting experiences and activities for travelers to indulge into. From its iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah to its desert safaris and world-class malls, there is something for everyone in this stunning city. Now is the perfect time to enjoy the myriad of things to do in Dubai.

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