35 Best Things to Do in Dubai

The Burj Khalifa is a stunning feat of architectural wonder, with two observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors and a restaurant-bar on the 122nd. Visiting the iconic Burj Khalifa is definitely one of the best things to do in Dubai which help you bring even distant developments into focus and cleverly simulate the same view at night and 35 years back in time. Access to the deck means passing various multimedia exhibits until a double-decker lift shoots you up at 10m per second. 

To truly be on the world's highest observation deck, you need to spring for tickets on the 148th floor. A visit here is set up like a hosted elite experience, with a, guided tour refreshments and an interactive screen. Afterwards, you will be escorted to the 125th floor to be drizzled with interesting facts about Dubai and the Burj and to indulge in another virtual tour of major sights in an interactive attraction called A Falcon's Eye View.

Price: Prices vary according to timings and age but approximate pricing ranges from 125 AED to 500 AED

Timings: Opens daily from 9 AM to 11 PM

Dubai is everyone’s number one destination for an amazing time, what better way to enjoy your Dubai getaway other than taking a giant leap through the sky. Skydiving in Dubai is famous as it covers the beautiful Dubai skyline as you dive through the sky. It’s the ultimate adrenaline rush. This activity can be done all year round. Feel the thrill of the wind speeding through your entire body. With all the necessary training and safety instructions given by a qualified and professional instructor before you take your flight, and with all the equipment provided this experience leaves you breathless but smiling from ear to ear. 

Location: Skydive Dubai, the world’s premier skydiving location, neighboring the luxurious man-made island, The Palm Jumeirah, and the Dubai Marina. With these beautiful and breathtaking views.

Price: Approximate price ranges from 199 AED to 120 AED depending on package availed

Difficulty Level: Skydiving can prove to be challenging for beginners but professional guides will help you at every step of the way

Crossing the Dubai Creek is a really popular mode of transport for the city’s residents and it’s tourists, the boats used are small motorized taxi’s called Abras. They can hold around 20 people and offer the cheapest and fastest means of transport between Deria and Bur Dubai. Forget expensive cruises this is the real way to see the Creek. 

Location: Motorized abras currently operates in two main routes across Dubai Creek - Deira route and the Bur Dubai route. There are four stations: two on the Deira side to the north of the creek and two on the southern Bur Dubai side.

Highlights: Attractions and places of interest near the abra routes include Dubai Museum, the Heritage and Diving Village, the Old Souk, Perfume Souk and the Spice Souk.

Price: The fare of the Abra is just 1 AED and is paid to the abra driver

Timings: The Bur Dubai route operates 24 hours and the Deira route operates from 5 AM to midnight. 

Scuba diving in Dubai gives you the opportunity to explore the underwater life in the Arabian Gulf. Rich in bio-diversity, it is home to several species of fishes and is a paradise for underwater photographers. Several hotels, as well as tour agencies, have scuba diving packages for scuba diving novices and professionals too. You can indulge in beach scuba diving and shore-based scuba diving in Dubai. Explore the lagoon's stunning underwater world, home to 65,000 marine habitats. See rays, sharks, and shoals of exotic fish as you drift around the phony ruins.

Location: As Dubai has no natural diving location, the Gulf is the only diving location used by many companies and schools. 

Price: Approximate price range from 150 AED to 200 AED depending on the level applied for from advanced to beginners. 

Difficulty Level: The difficulty level for scuba diving is moderate and depends on the course availed. The scuba guides are plenty informed and helpful.

Soar over the spectacular Dubai desert away from all the glamor and glitz of the city and take a peaceful and relaxing ride in a hot air balloon while you can marvel various attractions of the Dubai deserts. Gaze in awe at some spectacular desert vistas while enjoying an hour in the air, and then return to the ground to celebrate the flight. 

Each basket holds a maximum of 24 people and there’s plenty of room for you to sight-see comfortably as you soar up and away. There are various companies that offer hot air balloon tours and this activity can be availed all year round.

Location: Most of these amazing hot air balloon tours take off from Al Ain Road of the area of the Dubai Desert Conservative Reserve. 

Price: Approximate price starts from 1000 AED.

Desert Safari Dubai is undoubtedly the only and best safari provider in Dubai. A must for everyone who is visiting UAE. A memory to share with your family and friends back home, we recommend it highly and it will be worth every penny spent. This tour departs in the afternoon across the desert of Dubai with several photo-stops during an exciting dune drive to the first destination, a camel farm. Stop to watch the beautiful sunset before reaching the campsite where you will have the opportunity to camelback ride, sand boarding and trying out a henna design. After working up an appetite enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner and Shisha (the famous Arabic water pipe). 

Highlights: Belly dancing shows and lavish buffet dinner with veg and non-veg options.

Operational Hours: Daily from 3.30 PM to 9.30 PM.

Price: Approximate price ranges from 150 AED to 300 AED

The 10-million liter Dubai Aquarium tank, located on the Ground Level of The Dubai Mall, is the largest suspended aquariums in the world. It houses thousands of aquatic animals, comprising over 140 species. Over 300 sharks and rays live in this tank, including the largest collection of Sand tiger sharks in the world. There are numerous ways for visitors to experience the main Aquarium tank, which measures 51 meters in length, 20 meters in width and 11 meters in height. Walk through the 48-metre Aquarium Tunnel on Ground Level, and explore the Rainforest, rocky shore living ocean environments and UAE night creature at the Underwater Zoo on Level 2.

Timings: 10 AM to 11 PM on Sundays and Wednesdays and 10 AM to midnight on Thursdays - Saturdays 

Price: Approximate price for this activity varies depending on the package availed and  range from 100 AED to 250 AED.

Dubai is entirely a coast line city and fishing has been a major part of the heritage of the country. Considered to be one of the biggest sailfish destinations of the world, Dubai has played host to numerous renowned mariners and sea fishing enthusiasts in the Middle East. This trip guarantees fishing and use special fishing techniques and equipment’s that can assist you in finding the biggest catch and give you the best results. 

Fishing is a perfect mix of a meditative state interjected with flashes of adrenalin dumps that makes it a perfect way to relax from the busy lives that most of us lead. This enables you to lure different species of fishes such as Barracuda King Fish, Trevally, Cobia, Blue Fin Tuna, Sherri, Sultan Ibrahim and much more.

Location: Deep sea fishing usually takes place in Dubai Harbour

Price: Approximate price starts from 119 AED

No trip to Dubai is complete without a Desert Safari and what better way to tour the beautiful deserts other than in a monstrous hummer. Get a whiff of the ultimate adventure while you maneuver through the exciting and panoramic deserts of Dubai. There are a favorite few who offer amazing hummer desert safari’s in Dubai. Board an H2 Hummer off-roader with an expert driver, and take an exciting drive across the sands, tackling rugged terrain and rolling dunes. Stop to snap photos of a glowing desert sunset, and then return to camp for a scrumptious barbecue dinner of Arabic dishes as you’re entertained by spinning ‘tanoura’ dancers and a sparkling belly dancing show.

Timings: This is an activity that can be availed all year around and can be done both in the night and day. 

Price: Approximate price ranges from 350 to 500 AED

Taking a helicopter ride through the scenic and modern city of Dubai is a privilege. Marvel at the Dubai skyline from an aerial view and visit various iconic destinations like the Burj Khalifa and The Palm Jumeirah. Sip on a complimentary soda, tea or coffee as you listen to a safety briefing, and when the time comes, meet your experienced pilot. With an experienced pilot at the controls, settle into a 5-passenger helicopter and soar above the best sights. Glide over The World, the man-made archipelago in the Persian Gulf shaped like a map; and snap photos as your pilot points out the main landmarks. You can also use these helicopter services for other than sightseeing, you can arrange a private pick up for your CEO or even gift it to someone for their birthday.

Highlights: You will soar over the skies and visit various destinations like the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, The World Islands, Wild Wadi and much more.

Price: Approximate price starts from 600 AED.

Experience ultimate luxury while you engage in a dinner cruise. What can be better than cruising on a beautiful boat, exploring the city of Dubai from the waters and indulging in a lavish dinner? Dinner cruises or dhow cruises are quite famous in Dubai and each one outdoes the other with amazing ambiance, entertainment, and vibes. Pass top Dubai attractions including the Clock Tower and Al Maktoum Bridge, and the dinner cruises offer a whole lot more apart from lavish delicious dinner, you are in store for live music shows, breathtaking sightseeing and much more.

Location: Dubai Marina and Dubai Creek are the two locations where these cruises headline. 

Price: Approximate 700 AED to 1000 AED for two.

Located in the heart the prestigious Downtown Dubai, described as ‘The Centre of Now,’ is The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest and most-visited retail and entertainment destination, has welcomed more than 80 million visitors in 2014. The Fashion Avenue, the precinct dedicated to high fashion, positions The Dubai Mall as the fashion capital of the region. Another niche component of the mall is The Souk, an elegantly designed precinct featuring jewelry shops, accessory outlets, traditional Arab clothing and handicraft stores, among others. 

Highlights: The Dubai Mall also features the world-class Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo featuring thousands of aquatic animals and a 270-degree walk through the tunnel. The strong family entertainment components include KidZania an innovative children’s ‘edutainment’ concept; the SEGA Republic, a 76,000 sq ft high adrenaline indoor theme park; the 22-screen Reel Cinemas megaplex with a total capacity of 2,800 seats; and the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink.

Timings: Opens  from 10 AM to 11 PM on Sunday to Wednesday. 10 AM to 12 midnight on Thursday to Saturday.

Dubai's best museum occupies the sturdy Al Fahidi Fort, structured around 1800 and considered the city's oldest monument. The exhibit charts the emirate's turbo-evolution from fishing and pearling village to global centre of commerce, finance and tourism in engaging, multimedia fashion. A walk-through mock souk, exhibits on Bedouin life in the desert and a room highlighting the importance of the sea illustrate the days before the discovery of oil. The last room showcases archaeological findings from nearby excavation sites. The main exhibit kicks off at the end of a spiralling ramp with a 10-minute video featuring historical Dubai highlights from the 1930s to the 2000s. From here, you cross the deck of a dhow to enter a mock souq with dioramas depicting shopkeepers and craftsmen at work, enhanced by light and sound effects as well as film footage. Other scenes show life at home, at Quran school, in the desert and at sea.

Timings: Opens from 10 AM to 11 PM on Sunday to Wednesday. 10 AM to 12 midnight on Thursday to Saturday.

Dubai is a city of fascinating contrasts, offering a distinctive blend of old and new; it's where east meets west. In less than a century, the city has been transformed from a small fishing village into a modern vibrant city full of surprises. There is no better way to see Dubai than on a double-decker, hop-on-hop-off Big Bus! This comprehensive tour incorporates sights of top Dubai attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Beach Park, Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai Creek and more. 

Get to travel by open-top double-decker bus and enjoy unbeatable views as you travel around Dubai on two different routes. In addition to unlimited circuits during your chosen time period (24-hour or 48-hour ticket), your tour ticket also includes a range of ‘extras’ including admission to Dubai Museum and Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s House, Arabian dhow cruise and much more.

Price: Approximate price starts from 222 AED

Ride over the majestic dunes of Dubai in possibly the most inventive ways to off-road in the desert! The powerful Dune Buggy is a customized vehicle to tread the desert, and is compulsory on the trip to Dubai and to add to the exciting mix. The activity is up for grabs throughout the year, and can vary according to persisting weather conditions. Backed with safety convoys, off-roading here is an uninterrupted experience. All Dune Buggies include roll cages, seat belts, bucket seats, night lights, fire extinguisher, and constant mechanical support during the drive.

Price: Dune Buggies can be availed from 545 AED onwards, with both single-seater and twin-seater vehicles offered to suit all preferences.

Experience spectacular views of Dubai’s skyscrapers, beaches and architectural wonders on a 40-minute seaplane flight. Step aboard a state-of-the-art Cessna seaplane and thrill as you swoop around top Dubai attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al-Arab and palm-shaped island archipelago of the Palm Jumeirah. The flight takes you over the World Island to witness how its islands mark out countries and continents from above and fly over Jebel Ali, Dubai Marina, and other famous landmarks.

Location: Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, Jebel Ali or Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club; option selected at booking. 

Price: Approximate price starts from 1700 AED

Located in Jumeirah and facing the splendid Burj Al Arab, the Wild Wadi Water Park offers 30 thrilling rides and other attractions and is one of the best recognized outdoor water parks in West Asia. Themed around the tale of Juha, a character from Arabian folklore, the outdoor water park is designed to be a delight.The park had featured on The Amazing Race 5 and The Amazing Race Asia 1 and boasts of high-adrenaline rides. It also holds the distinction of having housed the largest water slide outside of the North American continent.

Price: All entry charges are decided according to physical specifications like height, and Wild Wadi Water Park’s rates and opening hours are subject to the discretion of the management.

Situated inside the behemoth shopping mall that is the Mall of the Emirates, this indoor ski resort sprawls over 22,500 square metres for fun in excess. Imagine skiing in the snow in Dubai! Ski Dubai is the very first indoor ski resort in the Middle East, and the massive area is set in a mountain-theme. Here’s the best opportunity to get rollicking in the snow all year round, with great rides and even penguins making this indoor resort their home. Ski Dubai, the indoor ski resort is open throughout the year, where the 5 runs offer a unique experience to suit different levels of expertise. The themed restaurants are a delight in their own fashion.

Price: Starting from 250 AED onwards, the resort offers a wide array of activities for a gala time in the snow. A ski school on the premise is a wonderful way to support the participants.

It is a commonly-held belief that sand-boarding is relatively easier than snowboarding.To experience the majesty of the dunes first-hand, sand-boarding is an activity tailored for that very purpose. Steer through sand, and learn to control the board before trying out new ways to glide effortlessly. Once you master sand-boarding, a race with fellow sand-boarders might be on the cards. Hop into a Hummer and drive through the sandy acres before unleashing an adrenaline blitz! Generally held on all days of the year, unless the weather decides to play a spoilsport.

Price: This scintillating experience can be availed from 275 AED onwards, while rates vary for children.

The only mosque in Dubai that allows non-Muslims to enter, offers a refreshing glimpse into Islam’s rich heritage, which is often marred in the current world. This iconic mosque is built on the lines of the medieval Fatimid tradition, and when illuminated, the minarets and other ornate details simply come to life. Each tour lasts for 75 minutes approximately, and bringing a camera along to the most-photographed mosque in the region, might be a great idea and is a wonderful way to absorb Emirati culture and religion.

Timings: The visits are organized and start at 10.00 AM on Saturdays to Thursdays. 

Price: To enter the holy mosque, prepare to shell out 10 AED, while children under the age of 12 are not charged an entry fee.

Another must-do activity while in Dubai, camping in the desert is said to be a surreal experience. Under the sky’s vast expanse, watching the innumerable stars is an unforgettable sight. Many places lie in close proximity to Dubai, where camping is strongly recommended for tourists. Each camping experience is unique, and can be availed throughout the year, as long as the weather permits.

Here’s an opportunity to discover another facet of Dubai, besides the usual touristy fare. Hop onto a yacht and sail on the balmy Arabian waters, even as the skyline from the sea astounds. Sail along pristine beaches, and host brilliant parties for gatherings of all sizes atop a chartered yacht. Depending on the size of the group, yacht charters are the best means for a quaint retreat or an exhilarating activity offing all year round, and the activities are subject to persisting weather conditions.

Price: An array of yachts are available and price start from 1250 AED onwards. Prices may vary according to season or availability.

Flyboard is an amphibious invention that allows you to surf, swim underwater and enjoy the limitless possibilities it offers. Easy to learn, the extremely exciting activity is definitely a must-do activity when visiting Dubai. Rocket 10 meters above the sea and get the adrenaline pumping! With a coach and Jet Ski in tow, flitting between flying and swimming was never this easy. Conditions for Flyboarding are favorable on all days of the year and is in the offing on demand. This adventure activity is not held in very deep waters and is a safe bet indeed.

Price: A 30-minute experience is priced at 300 AED per person, with varying durations warranting different rates. Or, you can even have your own Flyboard show at an event for a spectacular display.

One of the largest aquariums in the world, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo also holds the record for housing the world’s largest acrylic panel. A gigantic crocodile is a resident here and is one of the major attractions in the underwater zoo. Embedded inside the Dubai Mall, the facility is home to the mysterious Cephalopods in the Kraken’s Lair, and a selected assortment of animal species that thrive in desert environments are on display at UAE’s Night Creatures.The well-maintained underwater zoo is open to thronging tourists throughout the year. The world famous aquarium and zoo figure on most itineraries of tourists flocking to Dubai.

Price: Price start from 100 AED per person. A membership program is also one of the main draws of the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

One way to delve into the Arabian heritage is through a thorough culinary exploration. There are innumerable restaurants dishing out a combination of Arabian food and shisha. So, sit back and indulge in the delicacies in true Arabic style.Out of all the places serving the famed cuisine, a few stand out for the ambiance. Khan Murjan is one such Middle Eastern restaurant, chiselled in Umawi architectural style with an exquisite Marble courtyard to boot. The Kana Café is another hookah bar that has been reviewed favourably so, alongside Zahr El Laymoun. Indulgence knows no constraint, and rightfully so. Arabian cuisine coupled with shisha can be enjoyed on any day of the year.

Price: A decent fare and hookah can be enjoyed from 200 AED onwards. However, prices are bound to vary according to the restaurant in question.

For those crunched for time in the evenings, the morning desert safari is a boon. Allowing the traveler to explore the desert in one of the most thrilling ways, a few desert safaris even allow for a camel ride and sand-boarding! Many operators offer an array of tours in and around Dubai, while the safari in the morning begins the day on a whirlwind ride.The activity is open on all days of the year if the weather permits. It also includes more than a few things to satiate the adventurer's heart. For those wishing to give the dining and camping experience a miss, to just enjoy the thrill of a desert safari, this is it.

Price: The exciting activity kicks off from AED 250, where one can indulge in dune bashing, quad biking, camel ride, and sand-boarding.

Following travelers’ fascination with polo, Dubai has reinvented the game to suit the region. Camel polo has caught the imagination of enthusiasts, with the same old rules which are sprinkled with a few surprises. Suiting all skill levels, camel polo is perfect for a leisurely day out with interaction with the animals of the desert. You can embark on this special camel polo game with groups of eight to 60. A polo mallet swing technique training is given to those willing to participate. This is perfect for corporate team building, or for a fun day with friends and family, camel polo is a game that one can play on any day of the year.

Price: A minimum of eight people are required to kick-start the game of camel polo, with rates starting from 840 AED per person. What’s more! There are prizes given away to the winning team.

Learn to ride a horse, and be around these beautiful animals. For the equine-inclined, horseback riding is a close-to-the-heart affair. Regardless of one’s skill level of riding horses, it promises to be a fun exercise, one that promotes bonhomie between humans and animals.The Emirates Equestrian Centre is the only fully-approved British Horse Society in West Asia and boasts of hosting the most important equestrian events in and around Dubai. With instructors from the British Horse Society, the center also has a training school within the premises.

Timings:  Lessons are held from 07.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 04.00 PM to 07.00 PM daily. 

 Price: Approximate price starts from 100 AED, although prices may vary according to the duration and type of activity availed. Emirates Equestrian Centre also allows one to have a go at the competitions, or to just loaf around the sprawling campus.

Located in City Centre Mirdiff, the indoor skydiving activity at IFLY breaks the notion that Dubai’s gargantuan malls offer only shops and gigantic food courts. Here’s a whimsical opportunity for those with vertigo to experience the raw thrill of skydiving, without any danger at all. One is lifted in the air in a wind tunnel and the feeling of weightlessness in a controlled environment provides a taste of the real deal. Being an indoor activity, this unique skydiving experience can be availed on any given day of the year.

Turn and move around freely in mid-air in this tempting indoor skydiving experience in Dubai.

Price: Approximate starts from 220 AED, with prices rising according to the package availed. A must-do experience while in Dubai, and especially when inside the mall.

An adventurous blend of water skiing, snowboarding, and surfing, wake-boarding involves coasting over water on a wakeboard. Usually towed by a motorboat, the rider has ample opportunities to learn and master the art of wakeboarding. Many operators in Dubai offer wakeboarding sessions which are backed by the in-house award-winning instructors. Both professional wakeboard enthusiasts and beginners are supported in an exclusive manner. This sport can be availed on all days of the year, however, subject to persisting weather conditions. Also, this extreme water sports action is open to all age groups.

Price: Proffering both coaching and the ensuing wakeboarding session, the prices start from 250 AED. Prices are subject to changes according to the management’s discretion.

When in Dubai, there are certain activities you cannot miss out on and bungee jumping is one of them. You can try out your adventure skills in several locations in Dubai and some of them are at the Gravity Zone, a company that specializes in adventure activities like this. Bungee jumps are also popular in Dubai Kartdrome in Motor City. The place has attracted for 500 jumpers since its inception in 2012. You can experience a jump of over 50 meters and you need to ensure you are not above 120 kg for this activity.

Location: Gravity Zone and Motor City 

Price: You can avail this activity at different rates such as Single jump can be availed at 339 AED and a Tandem Jump will be priced at 499 AED depending on the location of the activity.

Dubai offers spectacular views of the sea and the popular downtown that has some of the best buildings that the Middle East has had the pleasure to witness. There are several exciting boat cruises that you can avail such as the Yellow boats cruise located at the Dubai Marina Walk, the Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina that will allow you to see some breathtaking views of the coastline. The Mussandam sea safari allows you to take a dip in the Arabian Gulf. This activity is available throughout the year. The summers in Dubai are harsh so make sure you book a cruise in the colder months from October to December.

Location: Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach 

Price: The prices vary on the basis of the type of cruise that you opt for. The fishing cruises range from 50-90 AED and the luxury cruises will soar from 100-190 AED depending on the type of cruise you opt for.

If you like the waters, then you need to explore them irrespective of which country you are in and if you are enjoying a holiday in Dubai, then there are options for you here in this luxury desert as well. Surfing in Dubai is one of the best things to do in Dubai if you love scouring the waters of Jumeirah Beach and the Arabian Gulf. You could register or make your bookings at the surf house Dubai and get a good offer for an amazing surfing course where you can greet some amazing waves while the coastline of Dubai falls behind you.

Location: Dubai Marina, Arabian Gulf, and Jumeirah Beach 

Price: The cost of a one and a half hour surfing session is around 150 AED and advanced surfing session is around 275 AED (prices are subject to getting modified as per seasons and availability). 

Best Time: Anytime between December to May