Are you preparing to explore Dubai but still unsure where to start? Do you want to make the most of your time during your trip and avoid disappointments? Here are the 10 most popular attractions you must experience before leaving the largest city in the United Arab Emirates.
Dubai’s attractions form a list that stretches for miles. The city where the impossible doesn’t exist is a hub of parks, museums, out-of-this-world buildings, and other surprises. And that’s why this destination attracts millions of tourists every year.
Since new attractions in Dubai appear on the horizon in the blink of an eye, it’s not so easy to determine which of the many options will best meet your expectations. That’s exactly why we’ve created our list of the city’s ten most popular attractions, which will certainly help you make the right decision.
Burj Khalifa and its surroundings
Topping the list of “Must-See Attractions in Dubai” is, of course, the city’s crown jewel – the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. After all, it’s unlikely that any visitor leaves Dubai without snapping at least one photo or taking a quick glance at this architectural marvel. Resembling the desert flower native to the Arabian Peninsula, this skyscraper stands at an astounding 828 meters with 163 usable floors.
When looking at this colossal structure, you can’t help but feel a deep sense of awe. And if you want to picture its size before arriving in Dubai, let me spark your imagination. The facade of the tower alone covers an area equivalent to 17 football fields, and cleaning the glass panels surrounding the building takes a team of professionals not days or weeks, but a full 3 to 4 months!
Inside the Burj Khalifa, you’ll find offices, warehouses, restaurants, and an exclusive hotel designed by none other than Giorgio Armani. However, most tourists visiting Dubai have their sights set on one key experience – the incredible observation deck. From this vantage point, you can spend hours gazing at the picturesque views of Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and the entire Persian Gulf. You’ll also catch a glimpse of the entertainment and shopping complex nestled at the base of the Burj Khalifa, often the next stop for visitors exploring Downtown Dubai.
Dubai Mall and the Dancing Fountains
At the base of the Burj Khalifa lies the world’s largest entertainment and shopping center, the Dubai Mall. Many visitors stop here either before or after their visit to the top of the iconic skyscraper. If you think a shopping mall doesn’t qualify as an attraction, wait until you see the Dubai Mall. It’s not just a place for shopping, dining, and catching a movie. The mall also boasts an ice rink, a haunted house, an enormous children’s play area, and a park where you can embark on a virtual reality adventure.
And if the massive mall isn’t enough to catch your interest, perhaps the 12-hectare artificial lake known as Burj Lake will do the trick. The Dubai Fountain show, held every 30 minutes, is one of the world’s largest spectacles of lights, music, and choreographed dancing water.
Museum of the Future
Arguably the most extraordinary museum in Dubai, the Museum of the Future breaks away from the traditional focus on history to celebrate innovation and the future of Earth. Even the museum’s building stands out, resembling a futuristic icon rather than a conventional structure. The Arabic calligraphy that adorns the outside symbolizes human creativity, while the hollow center represents a blank canvas and the limitless possibilities the future holds.
The interior of this architectural marvel is equally astonishing, with exhibits that guide you straight into Dubai in the year 2070. A special space station tackles questions about extraterrestrial life, a rainforest simulation emphasizes the need for environmental protection, and the “Oasis for the Senses” zone highlights the critical role of spiritual well-being and mental health in our future.
Additionally, the museum ensures children are entertained as well. For those who live by the motto “the future starts today,” there is a dedicated area showcasing innovations already helping us build a better tomorrow.
Dubai Frame
Dubai is home to numerous architecturally fascinating buildings, but only one resembles a massive picture frame. Dubai Frame, a golden border around the city’s skyline, stands 150 meters tall and 95 meters wide, embodying the “golden ratio,” a composition that has been ensuring artistic harmony since ancient times.
It’s hard to say whether the gleaming building itself, perfectly complementing the Dubai skyline in the background, or the Sky Deck observation platform, draws the most attention. The glass walkway atop the frame offers unparalleled views, not only of the ultramodern Downtown Dubai, but also of the city’s entire landscape, including the old parts of Dubai and the Creek.
However, what may surprise some visitors is that Dubai Frame isn’t just about showcasing the current skyline. It actually takes guests on a fascinating journey through time. Before reaching today’s Dubai, visitors walk through an interactive exhibit narrating the city’s history and its incredible transformation. The visit concludes with a trip to the future, where special effects in the exit tunnel help visualize Dubai’s hypothetical future.
Global Village – The whole world within reach of Dubai
Dubai has also crafted a special attraction for those dreaming of a journey around the world. To experience a taste of such an adventure, you don’t need to leave the UAE. The answer to this dream is Global Village—an extraordinary venue where visitors can enjoy new culinary experiences, cultural encounters, amusement park attractions, and authentic handicrafts representing over 90 cultures from across the globe.
This one-of-a-kind destination allows you to purchase traditional Iranian carpets, sample dried fruits from Thailand, savor authentic Italian pasta, watch performances of Georgian dance, and, just a few steps later, find yourself by a miniature version of the Taj Mahal or hop on a thrilling roller coaster.
Before planning your visit to Global Village, remember that this attraction operates under slightly unique conditions. It’s open only outside the summer season, from October to April, during afternoon and evening hours. Additionally, every season brings new artists, craftsmen, chefs, and creators from around the world, which means that each year offers different attractions, stalls, and restaurants. This constant change keeps the place fresh, even for those enjoying their fifth vacation in Dubai.
Dubai Miracle Garden
Here’s another attraction whose gates open outside the hottest months of the year. One of Dubai’s most visited attractions is the largest natural flower garden in the world. Dubai Miracle Garden is a must-see for plant lovers, especially those who admire blooming flowers. Spread across 72,000 square meters, the garden is home to nearly 150 million plants. However, don’t be fooled by the image of traditional gardens—here, flower beds and patches are just the backdrop for the real masterpieces.
As you stroll through the garden, you’ll encounter a flower clock, fairy-tale castles, sculptures, and an entire village made from vibrant flowers. You can walk through a petunia tunnel, wander among sunflower fields, or pass under a ceiling of hundreds of rainbow-colored umbrellas. The garden’s star attraction is a life-sized floral replica of an Airbus A380. This massive botanical plane, located at the heart of Miracle Garden, is made from over 500,000 fresh flowers and living plants, earning it a spot in the Guinness World Records as the largest floral installation in the world.
Atlantis Aquaventure
For those who can’t resist the allure of water fun, Dubai offers a kingdom of beaches, pools, and slides. Atlantis Aquaventure is a popular spot, especially during the peak season when the intense heat can make sightseeing difficult. However, the park has ensured it stands out not just as a refreshing escape from the sun but also as a thrilling destination. It boasts the tallest water slide in the world and the longest lazy river in the Middle East, stretching over two kilometers.
Atlantis Aquaventure is a place every tourist will love. There are plenty of spots to relax, soak up the sun, or nap in the shade of palm trees. But for those seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, the park is filled with wild slides featuring twists, turns, tunnels, and unexpected surprises sure to satisfy even the most daring thrill-seekers. If that’s not enough, you can also try out some of the most unique and extreme water sports.
Families with kids, even the ones who tend to get bored easily, will find endless hours of fun here, as the park caters to younger and older children alike with a wide variety of attractions.
Additionally, the park offers experiences beyond the typical water park. A separate section of Atlantis Aquaventure is home to stingrays, sharks, dolphins, and sea lions. You can visit an aquarium housing over 65,000 marine creatures, dive with stingrays, or even kayak alongside dolphins. However, for a more ethical and enjoyable alternative to such interactions, keep reading to discover another option!
The Underwater World Without Entry Tickets
While attractions like the Atlantis park, Dubai Dolphinarium, or the aquarium in the Dubai Mall offer tempting opportunities for close encounters with marine life, we encourage you to embrace Dubai’s natural wonders. Instead of supporting the confinement of stressed sea creatures in artificial environments, why not opt for a dive in the open waters of the Arabian Gulf?
Swap your aquarium ticket for an underwater adventure under the guidance of an experienced diver, and witness the vibrant marine life in its natural habitat. This way, you’ll forego the glass walls separating you from colorful fish and other marine marvels, and instead, see these incredible creatures up close in their true environment. If the idea of an underwater dive seems daunting, you can always enjoy boat tours that offer dolphin-watching, where you can observe these joyful creatures swimming freely in the bay.
GOOD TO KNOW: If you’re keen to make diving and marine observation a central part of your vacation, consider a full-day trip to the Emirate of Fujairah, located about 120 km from Dubai. This region is a diver’s paradise, renowned for its kaleidoscope of colorful marine life along its coast. You can book such trips, including transport from Dubai, through various providers, such as on this website.
Palma Jumeirah
When discussing Atlantis Aquaventure, we can’t overlook its iconic location – at the very tip of Palm Jumeirah, one of Dubai’s most recognizable symbols. This massive, man-made island, shaped like a palm tree, is a testament to Dubai’s limitless imagination, extending beyond just towering skyscrapers with bold designs. From a practical standpoint, this palm-shaped island adorning the coastline of the Persian Gulf is a hub for luxury hotels, upscale restaurants, exclusive boutiques, and elite clubs.
While in the past, the only way to truly admire the entire island was from an airplane, today there’s a new option. The View at the Palm, located on the 52nd floor of The Palm Tower, offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, providing sweeping views of both the island and the surrounding azure waters of the Persian Gulf, as well as the sprawling cityscape of Dubai. This spot is especially captivating for romantics, particularly during the enchanting sunset.
Motiongate Dubai
Dubai boasts numerous theme parks, but only one transports you straight to Hollywood. Located on the outskirts of the city, Motiongate Dubai is part of the Dubai Parks and Resorts complex, offering a staggering 29 rides and attractions. The park’s most popular areas are three zones dedicated to Hollywood giants—DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures, and Lionsgate—whose productions have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Whether you’re seeking thrilling rides alongside characters from “Shrek,” “Madagascar,” “The Hunger Games,” or “Ghostbusters,” there’s fun to be had for both adrenaline-seeking adults and children looking for less intense adventures.
In Motiongate Dubai, you can enjoy exhilarating roller coasters, carousels, and rides, all while strolling down red carpets or watching special effects-filled shows. If you’re still craving more excitement after this, be sure to explore the other attractions at Dubai Parks and Resorts. Right next to Motiongate lies the colorful kingdom of LEGO bricks, a world of inflatable castles, and an entire zone dedicated to football fans – the Real Madrid Experience, filled with football-themed attractions.
The Old Face of Dubai
The historic districts of Dubai may no longer be the city’s defining symbol, but they are certainly worth a visit. Neighborhoods like Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai, Creek, and Deira offer a striking contrast to the modern skyline and provide curious tourists a glimpse of how the city looked before its construction boom. Interestingly, these older areas are not just worth visiting for their unique atmosphere, but also for the treasures they hold.
Many of these districts are home to attractions that differ from Dubai’s usual luxury parks and museums. Among the low-rise buildings, you’ll find several markets that capture the essence of traditional Dubai. Visit the Perfume Souk, easily recognized by the fragrant air, the Textile Souk, the Gold Souk in Deira, or the Spice Souk, which dazzles with a vibrant palette rivaling the hues of Dubai Miracle Garden. The old part of Dubai is also the best place to skip the high-end dining scene and savor the traditional flavors of local cuisine.
Desert Safari
Contrary to what some skeptics might believe, Dubai offers more than just fascinating museums and extravagant buildings—it’s also home to many other thrilling experiences, and a desert safari is one of the most exciting. Being so close to the vast desert and not exploring its breathtaking landscape would be a missed opportunity, even for non-adventurers. A desert safari is not just an adventure but also a chance to witness the majesty of endless sands and discover Dubai’s unique flora and fauna. The best part is that you can customize this trip to suit your interests, so no matter what you’re into, you’ll find a desert experience that captures your heart.
Imagine a wild ride behind the wheel of a 4×4, drifting across the dunes and kicking up clouds of sand in your wake. Such an exhilarating journey often ends at a desert camp, where refreshments or a traditional meal await. Once on the desert sands, the only limit is your imagination. You can book dance performances, henna sessions, or even sandboarding down the dunes. If off-roading isn’t your thing, hop in the guide’s vehicle for a wildlife-spotting tour or spend the night under the stars, marveling at the vast, sparkling sky.
GOOD TO KNOW: One of the attractions offered during desert safaris is camel riding. The picturesque image of these desert creatures trekking across tall dunes may tempt you to hop on their backs, but it’s best to resist. Even if the animals appear well-treated on the day of your trip, there’s no way to know if they endure stress or mistreatment in their daily lives. It’s worth refraining from supporting this type of business and instead appreciating these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
Luxury Yacht Cruise
For a fresh perspective on Dubai’s stunning Arabian Gulf coastline and its iconic skyline, a luxury yacht cruise is the perfect way to take in the sights. This experience not only offers the chance to capture breathtaking shots of landmarks like the iconic Atlantis hotel or the sail-shaped luxury hotel Burj al Arab, but also allows you to indulge in the exclusive, luxurious atmosphere that Dubai is famous for. After all, holding a glass of champagne while gazing at the city of the future from the deck of a yacht truly embodies the essence of Dubai’s opulence.
There are countless options for yacht cruises. You can join a group tour, charter a private yacht, hop on a small, intimate boat, or even experience a cruise on a 60-meter mega-yacht, complete with a buffet, hot tubs, a cinema, and onboard parties. The choices don’t stop there—you can opt for a short trip, a full-day tour, or sail during the morning, afternoon, at sunset, or even by night to see Dubai sparkle under the glow of vibrant city lights.
Entry Tickets and Tips
Regardless of which attractions have caught your eye and earned a spot on your personal must-see list, it’s highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance to make the most of your time exploring Dubai. Buying tickets online will not only help you avoid potential queues (especially during peak season), but will also allow for better planning of your visit to the jewel of the United Arab Emirates.
If you’re planning a packed itinerary full of exciting experiences, you might want to consider the Dubai Pass. This combined ticket grants access to numerous attractions while significantly lowering overall costs. Both the Dubai Pass and individual tickets to attractions, as well as organized tours, can be purchased through the GetYourGuide platform.
