50 Best Things to Do in Dubai

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).

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

Operational Hours: 3.30 PM to 9.30 PM seven days a week.

Approximate Price: 150 AED to 300 AED

The 10-million litre 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 metres in length, 20 metres in width and 11 metres in height.

Location of the Activity: Located within The Dubai Mall, come experience one of the largest Aquariums in the world.

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.

Operational Hours:

10:00am - 11:00pm on Sundays and Wednesdays

Last admission: 10:30pm

10:00am - 12:00 midnight on Thursdays - Saturdays

Last admission: 11:30pm

Approximate Price: The prices for this activity varies depending on the package availed and also depending on if you’re a member. Prices range from 100 AED to 250 AED.

Check out some cool cruise sailing rides in Dubai!

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? Going on a dinner cruise is one of the best places to visit in Dubai.

Dinner cruises or dhow cruises are quite famous in Dubai and each one outdoes the other with amazing ambience, entertainment and vibes. These are a few of Dubai’s most popular and frequented cruises each unique in its own way.

 On Verra 6, Al Mansour Dhow, Cruises Dubai, Relax Tours, BBQ Donut.

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

Other Inclusions: 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.

Approximate Price: 250 USD to 500 USD

The fast and furious amusement park in Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World in Dubai is the first Ferrari branded theme park and has the record for the largest space frame structure ever built.

Housing the Karting Academy, The Ferrari Store, The Junior Grand Prix, The Mamma Rossella, The turbo Track, The Formula Rossa, The Flying Aces, and much more, Ferrari World has its own adventure to offer.

From the highest loop on the planet to the fastest rollercoaster in the world, twist and turn yourself upside down on these fantastic rides designed to let you have a thrilling experience. The La Pizza Show is guaranteed you make you smile as the street performers rule the stage in their own style. This is among one of the best things to do in Dubai.

Price: The price depends upon the package you avail. Approximate price starts from AED 295. There are no charges for children under 3 years.

Location: Located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE

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 motorised taxi’s called Abras. They can hold around 20 people and offer the cheapest and fastest means of transport between Deira and Bur Dubai.

Forget expensive cruises this is the real way to see the Creek.

Location of the Activity: Motorised abras currently play 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.

Operational Hours: The Bur Dubai route operates 24 hours and the Deira route operates from 5 am to midnight.

Approximate Price: The fare of the abra is just 1 dhiram and is paid to the abra driver.

Nearby Attractions: 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. 

How about having an unforgettable trip to the city of wonders? Dubai is famously known for its wonderful landscapes and adventurous thrills around the city. From having a look at the magnificent Jumeirah Mosque to the authentic Dubai museum, from the luxurious Burj Al Arab to the exotic Palm Island, from Sheikh Zayed road to AL Fahidi fort, from Dubai Creek to Dubai Mall, the Dubai City Tour is sure to entertain and excite people from all groups. This is among one of the best things to do in Dubai.

Drive through the popular skyscrapers, shop your heart out the largest mall in the world, get photo zoned at some of the amazing destinations, watch out the famous Dubai fountains, play adventure sports, as you unveil the city of wonders. Do not forget to be wonderstruck.

Price: The price depends upon the package you avail and the service provider you concert. Approximate price starts from AED 40.

Location of the Activity: Embedded inside the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo are 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.

Best Time to Visit: 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.

Approximate Price: Numerous different packages try and cater to all tourists, with prices starting from 100 AED per person. A membership programme is also one of the main draws of the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

Difficulty level: Easy

Wild Wadi Water Park in Dubai is one of the best recognised outdoor water parks in West Asia. 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. Visiting this amusement park is among one of the best things to do in Dubai.

Location of the Activity: Located in Jumeirah and facing the splendid Burj Al Arab, the Wild Wadi Water Park offers 30 thrilling rides and other attractions.

Best Time to Visit: Currently undergoing an annual maintenance programme, Wild Wadi Water Park is scheduled to reopen on 11th February 2016. Themed around the tale of Juha, a character from Arabian folklore, the outdoor water park is designed to be a delight.

Approximate 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.

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

Dubai Creek offers magical views, exquisite dining and luxury accommodations. Drive along Dubai Creek, the lifeline and pulse of the city, and make your evening extra special with this stunning dinner cruise. 

Enjoy magnificent views, see the true heritage of the city, feast on the dishes from the buffet, admire the city lights, and dance on the beats of Arabian style music as you glide along the waterway on this stunning Dubai Creek cruise. This is among one of the best things to do in Dubai.

Relish the cooling evening breezes as your boat glides beneath the Maktoum and Floating bridges. The Dubai Creek also houses a golf and yacht club.

Soar over the spectacular Dubai desert away from all the glamour 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 sightsee comfortably as you soar up and away.

There are various companies that offer hot air balloon tours in Dubai, best being Viator. Balloon Adventures Emirates also offers spectacular hot air balloon adventures. This activity can be availed all year round.

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

Approximate Price: This one of a kind activity start at a price of 1000 AED. 

Showcasing the wonderful skyscrapers, water parks, shopping malls, hotels, cafes, apartment buildings, gyms, swimming pools, beaches, sports and golf clubs, Dubai Marina is a high rise. With stunning beachfront locations and luxury accommodations, offering panoramic views, good and cheap food Dubai Marina is a breathtaking attraction. 

Highlights include Rixos Premium, Rhodes W1 Restaurant, Amwaj Rotana, Dusit Residence, Grosvenor House, Habtoor Grand Resort, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, JA Oasis Beach Tower, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa, Moevenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, Radisson Blu Residence, Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, The Ritz Carlton.

If coming to Dubai this is a must visit as it probably has the most action happening in town. Also popular for supercars, Dubai Marina is a watch out for Lamborghinis, Maseratis, and Ferraris in abundance.

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 as one of the best things to do in Dubai.

Location of the Activity: 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.

Best Time to Visit: 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.

Approximate 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.

Difficulty level: Easy

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 for the region. Another niche component of the mall is The Souk, an elegantly designed precinct featuring jewellery shops, accessory outlets, traditional Arab clothing and handicraft stores, among others.

Location of the Activity: Downtown Dubai

Operational Hours:

Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00am - 11:00pm

Thursday to Saturday: 10:00am - 12:00am

Other Inclusions: The Dubai Mall features the world-class Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo featuring thousands of aquatic animals and a 270-degree walkthrough tunnel.

The strong family entertainment components include KidZania , an innovative children’s ‘edutainment’ concept; 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.

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.

Location of the Activity: The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding organizes visits to the grand mosque, six days a week. It is a wonderful way to absorb Emirati culture and religion.

Best Time to Visit: The visits are organized start at 10.00 AM from Saturday till Thursday. 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.

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

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.

Continue your flight over the World to see how its islands mark out countries and continents from above, and fly over Jebel Ali, Dubai Marina and other landmarks

Approximate Price: $ 466.00

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

If you are looking for a resorts, then check our list of amazing resorts in Dubai curated just for you!

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. Two companies that provide pristine helicopter rides/tours are Helidubai and Atlantis the Palm Hotel. It is amongst the most exhilarating things to do in Dubai.

Location of the Activity: 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.

Approximate Price: Price range starts from 220 USD

Other Inclusions: Check in at the helipad and settle into the comfortable lounge. Sip on a complimentary soda, tea or coffee as you listen to a safety briefing, and when the time comes, meet your experienced pilot.

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.

Kidzania in Dubai is a boom for kids. An award winning children’s edutainment concept, this 80,000 sq ft interactive mini city, combines inspiration, fun and learning. It also offers different themes for kids depending upon the occasion. Visiting Kidzania is one of the best things to do in Dubai with kids.

Present in over 20 countries including Mexico, Japan, Indonesia, Turkey and London, a family day out at Kidzania is truly a fun trip. Enjoy a day with your family, click amazing pictures, be a kid with your kids, relive your childhood, and have ultimate fun at Kidzania located inside the largest mall in the world.

Price: The price of the ticket depends upon the age of the person. Children from 0-1 age are given free entry. Approximate price starts from AED 50.

Location: Located at level 2 in Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai

With performances of the most friendly and highly intelligent bottlenose dolphins and playful seals on stage, Dubai Dolphinarium is one of the most fascinating and unique indoor attractions in Dubai. If you will ask a local about what to do in Dubai? They will answer " visit Dubai Dolphinarium".

Offering a variety of shows featuring adorable dolphins, playful seals and talented birds, Dubai Dolphinarium is sure to amaze and give you one of a lifetime experience. 

Watch and be dazzled by these mind-blowing spectacular showcases, be captivated with one of the most exotic birds in UAE, dive into the pool with dolphins, have photo sessions with pretty seals, enjoy an unforgettable experience, kiss, hug, dance, sing, play with the most lovable creatures of the ocean.

Price: The price varies on the type of show and program or activity you choose. Approximate price starts from AED 30 for children.

Location: Located at Creek Park, Gate 1, Umm Hurair 2, and can be reached by any local transport including metro.

Dubai's best museum occupies the sturdy Al Fahidi Fort, built around 1800 and considered the city's oldest structure. 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 souk 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. The latter includes a small section on the tough life of pearl divers, who made up to 50 deep dives daily equipped with nothing but nose clips and leather finger gloves.

Location of the Activity: Al Fahid Street

Approximate Price: Adult-3 AED, Child 1AED

Operational Hours: 8.30am-8.30pm on Saturdays to Thursdays and 2.30-8.30pm on Fridays.

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, snowboarding is bound to fascinate endlessly.

Location of the Activity: Dream Explorer in Dubai offer Dune Buggies, are one of the best-reviewed adventurers in the category.

Best time to take the Dune Buggy out on a spin: 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.

Approximate Price: Dune Buggies can be availed from 545 AED onwards, with both single-seater and twin-seater vehicles offered to suit all preferences. All Dune Buggies include roll cages, seat belts, bucket seats, night lights, fire extinguisher, and constant mechanical support during the drive.

Difficulty level: Easy

Are you tired of driving in a car? Are you looking for an adventure or a challenge? Are you dreaming of one of a kind experience? Whether it be enduro riding, dune bashing or desert riding, Dubai offers fun for all kinds of dirt biking.

Enthusiasts from all over the world visit Dubai to have this once in a lifetime experience of dirt biking. 

So get into this stuff and pump up your body with the overwhelming feeling of riding while rushing towards adventure. Enjoy and feel the thrill like never before while you take back precious memories.

Price: The prices for Dirt Biking can fluctuate depending on the different packages. Various companies offer exciting packages to the travelers.

Location: Amidst the desert sand of Dubai, hop on your KTM Desert Motorbike, and have a blast trying to showcase your skills.

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.

Location of the Activity: Fossil Rock or Jebel Maleihah, Um Al Quwain beach, Liwa are among the widely acclaimed camping hotspots across the United Arab Emirates. If pitching a tent might seem like too much work, clamping is tailored for you. Head to Dubai’s Desert Conservation Reserve to camp amid animals in the wild!

Best Time to Visit: Each camping experience is unique, and can be availed throughout the year, as long as the weather permits. Enjoy the varied flora and fauna of the Arabian desert landscape.

Approximate Price: The average price starts from $289, and varies according to the terrain and season.

About: Sunsets are an amazing way to show that even endings can be beautiful. Once the sun has set, the moon and the stars showcase their brilliance and the sky becomes a spectacular beauty to behold. Now imagine what this night light will bring up to your eyes when it falls on a desert. Taking this overnight safari in Dubai is one of the best things to do.

Explore the secrets of this golden, sandy paradise with an evening desert safari. And to add the cherry on the cake, these desert safaris are even accomplished with amazing performances from stunning entertainers.

Price: Desert Safari can be as cheap as AED 30, but then it depends on what kind of package you avail and from which provider.

Location: Set mostly in the Arabian deserts of Dubai, a desert safari is the finest way to enjoy the whimsical charm.

For those crunched for time in the evenings, the morning desert safari in Dubai is a boon. Allowing the traveller to explore the desert in one of the most thrilling ways, a few desert safaris even allow for a camel ride and sand-boarding!

Best Time to Visit: 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.

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

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

Here’s a whimsical opportunity for those with vertigo to experience the raw thrill of sky diving, 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.

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

Location of the Activity: 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.

Best Time to Visit: Being an indoor activity, this unique skydiving experience can be availed on any given day of the year.

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

Difficulty level: Easy

An incredible way to explore the rugged landscape and experience the picturesque desert scenery of Hatta, bounded by the magnificent Hajar Mountains is to go on a Hatta Safari Tour.

The Hatta mountain safari is considered as a famous destination for youth as it known to offer lifetime experience which will be filled of thrill and fun. Touring along the meandering mountain trails, Hatta Mountain Safari is an exciting and convenient way to explore the beauty of breathtaking enclaves. 

So if you are looking for an experience encountering a much more natural and wilder side of Dubai, Hatta Safari is a perfect natural outing for you. It hits both sandy and mountainous terrains in the outskirts of Dubai.

Do not wait more, discover the wild outdoors with Hatta Safari.

Price: The price completely depends upon the service provider you approach. Approximate price starts from as low as AED 80.