Dubai stands in line with cities like Paris, Milan, London and New York, so you can never be bored of this city. There are a million of things to see, try, and taste! So start checking off the list. We give you 50 top things to start with.
1. Go up on a hot air balloon
Soar over the majestic dunes of the desert and watch the breath-taking sunset or sunrise! Be sure to take photos: A hot air balloon will definitely leave a long lasting impression on you.
Location: Al Ain
For more info: Call 04-2950009 or visit www.apttdubai.com (Asia Pacific Travel and Tourism)
Price: Dhs 1,200
2. Desert dune bashing
Go for some extreme desert driving. Dune bashing will give you a wild adrenaline rush to remember! The thrilling activity is best done with professional drivers behind the wheel, so book a desert safari for the ultimate experience.
Location: Al Awir, Hatta Road
For info: Call 04-2959948 or visit www.oasispalmdubai.com (Oasis Palm Tours)
Price: Dhs 200
3. Night crab hunting
This thrilling activity is something out of the ordinary! Gear up with a spear and torchlight and try your luck in striking a crab during low tide. Fun and thrilling experience, it’s a tasty one too as you can grill and eat your catch after the hunting is over.
Location: Umm Al Quwain
For more info: Call 04-2950009 or visit www.apttdubai.com (Asia Pacific Travel and Tourism)
Price: Dhs 400
4. Conquer At The Top
You cannot miss the chance to stand on the world’s highest observation deck! Located 555 metres above land, Burj Khalifa’s At The Top offers world-record breaking views of the city.
Location: At The Top, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
For more info: Call 04-3673333 or visit www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/
Price: Dhs 125 (advance tickets); Dhs 400 (on the spot)
5. Helicopter ride over the Palm islands
Nothing beats the view of the Palm from a helicopter. The best part is you get to see Dubai’s landmarks in one go from the sky! Be ready for some epic scenes!
Location: The Palm
For info: Call 04-295 0009 or visit www.apttdubai.com (Asia Pacific Travel and Tourism)
Price: Dhs 1,400 per adult for a 25-minute ride up in the air
6. Unleash your drumming spirit in the desert
Try out drumming under the full moon. You will have a hard time not breaking out into a wild dance in the magical desert setting. If the desert seems too outstretched just head to Ductac for some sensational drumming that will raise your spirits to another level!
Location: Ductac, Mall of the Emirates every Monday at 7.30pm
For more info: Call 056-7442129 or visit www.dubaidrums.com
Price: Upon request
7. Explore rich marine life with scuba diving
Head out to the East Cost for a serious swim with the fishes. Baby sharks and barracudas will not be the only creatures you see as you go discovering stunning seascapes.
Location: Fujairah
For more info: Call 04-2950009 or visit www.apttdubai.com (Asia Pacific Travel and Tourism)
Price: Dhs 625
8. Desert Camping
Friends and family gathered around the fire, a starry sky above and golden dunes around you – the desert is the perfect camp setting. Not to deal with all the tent packing, just take an overnight desert safari.
Location: Dubai desert
For more info: Call 04-2959948 or visit www.dayoutdubai.ae
Price: Dhs 300 per person
9. Ride a cable car over the creek
Visit the Dubai Creek Park for some old Dubai and take the cable car ride. The ride is 30 metres above the land, so nice views are on the menu.
Location: Oud Metha, Dubai Creek Park
For more info: Call 04-3367633
Price: Dhs 25
10. Set off from sea into the sky
A 40 minute ride on a seaplane will take you on a complete journey of the Dubai skyline. Fly from dock-to-dock to see what this city is all about!
Location: Jebel Ali
For more info: Call 04-2950009 or visit www.apttdubai.com (Asia Pacific Travel and Tourism)
Price: Dhs 1,325 per adult
11. Discover UAE wadis
The top two wadis to visit are the Wadi Bih and the Wadi Wurrayah, with exotic wildlife and mountain ecosystems. These unique channels are for the adventurous explorers out there!
Location: Fujairah, 5km away from Snoopy Island
For more info: Call 050-6259165 (Absolute Adventures)
Price: Dhs 350
12. Have a floating dinner on a dhow
Leave your typical dinning and take a ride down the Dubai Creek. A dinner on a traditional wooden dhow makes up a very special atmosphere. Food, live entertainment and gorgeous views, what more can you ask for?
Location: Dubai Creek
For more info: Call 04-2959948 or visit www.alwasldhow.com
Price: Dhs 150
13. Fish a big catch
Whether you are a pro in fishing or never fished in your life, you’ll still enjoy a deep sea fishing trip. In the waters of Arabian Gulf you’ll definitely get lucky with a good catch!
Location: Dubai
For more info: Call 04-239 4760 or visit www.partycruisedubai.com / www.alwaslyachts.ae
Price: Varies, starts from Dhs 500 per person
14. Dive into the sky
Throw yourself out of a plane and experience the exhilarating feeling of free fall. A tandem jump in Sky Dive requires no experience, just pure bravery. Cool video of your crazy deed will be handed to you after your jump. Feel free to show off.
Location: Sky Dive Dubai, Palm Dropzone in Dubai Marina
For more info: Call 04-3778888 or visit www.skydivedubai.ae
Price: Dhs 1,999 for a tandem jump with an instructor
15. Visit a wildlife sanctuary
Leave the city life for a day and explore the amazing wildlife of UAE. See everything from pink flamingos to other wild animals all in their natural habitat. With a camera in hand, you will feel like a National Geographic photographer.
Location: Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary and Arabian Wildlife Centre
For info: Call 04-6066822 and 06-5311999 respectively
16. Become a horse rider
Check out your equestrian abilities on a horse riding trip and if you love it, go head on in training. Learn to hold yourself with confidence on horseback and tell the difference between a canter and a trot. A great time and a boost of confidence are guaranteed.
Location: Palm Riding Club, Desert Palm Hotel, International City, Dubai
For info: Call 050-451 7773
Price: Dhs 150 - Dhs 300 (per class)
17. Walk through a shark tunnel
Only in Dubai can you see sharks, crocodiles and even penguins in the mall! Walk through the underwater tunnel of the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, and stare in wonder at the inhabitants of the 10-million litre tank. It’s like dry scuba diving.
Location: Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, The Dubai Mall
For info: Call 04-4485200 or visit www.thedubaiaquarium.com
Price: Dhs 50 - Dhs 100
18. Take on falconry
Have a go and try to master the art of falconry – a cherished sport in the UAE culture. The 90 minute session will show you why these animals are real desert hunters.
Location: Dubai
For info: Call 04-4356550 or visit www.shaheenxtreme.com
Price: Dhs 225 (for one session)
19. Skiing and snowboarding at Ski Dubai
Take a break from the sunny hot weather and spend a fun day in the snow! You can play around in the snow park or go skiing or snowboarding down the huge slope. Sip the best hot chocolate in your life in the sub-zero temperatures!
Location: Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates
For more info: Call 800386 or visit www.skidubai.com
20. Enrich yourself with UAE heritage
Learn the UAE history in a fun way by exploring the streets of Bastakia and the Old Fort. You can also go for some shopping at the souq near the Dubai Museum. It will be a culturally enriching day out with some unique shopping souvenirs.
Location: Al Bastakia, Dubai Creek
Price: Dhs 3 to enter Dubai Museum
21. Go for a swim with the dolphins
Enjoy a swim session with the world’s friendliest creatures! You will feel like a kid playing with bottled-nose dolphins but the fun is unmatched. If you have kids, you will make their day with this experience!
Location: Dubai Dolphinarium, Creek Park
For more info: Call 04-3369773 or visit www.dubaidolphinarium.ae
22. Jet ski
Bash the waves on the glorious beaches of the UAE. No experience is required to have a blast, so don’t wait for it! Get on a jet ski and go full throttle.
Location: Sharjah Mamzar Beach
For more info: Call 04-295 0009 or visit www.apttdubai.com (Asia Pacific Travel and Tourism)
Price: Dhs 325 for 30 minutes
23. Go-karting
Race your heart out on a 1.2 km world class racing track. The adrenaline junkies will love go karting at the Dubai Autodrome. There are both indoor and outdoor tracks to try out.
Location: Dubai Autodrome
For more info: Call 04-367 8744
Price: Dhs 120 per 15 minutes timed session
24. Discover Hatta
The border between Oman and the UAE, holds astounding mountains and scenic wadis that should be seen. Take a Hatta mountain safari for a day full of mountain trekking, wadi bashing and visiting historic villages.
Location: Hatta
For more info: Call 04-2950009 or visit www.apttdubai.com (Asia Pacific Travel and Tourism)
Price: Dhs 300 adults and Dh260 children
25. Desert Biking
Uncover a cool way for desert sightseeing on the wheels of your bicycle. A 50 km desert stretch off the Al Qudra Road is a cycling heaven with scenic views and wildlife.
Location: Al Qudra Road
26. Photo session near the Burj Al Arab
Spend an entire day at the sandy Sunset beach and watch the sun go down near the iconic Burj Al Arab. The picturesque view will make a perfect background for your Dubai photos.
Location: Sunset Beach, off Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim
27. BBQ in the Hajar Mountains
Gather friends and family for a road trip to the scenic East Coast. The untouched nature is a perfect setting for some great time. Cook up a BBQ feast and enjoy the wild beaches!
Location: Route E611 to E102 (Sharjah-Kalba Road), turn off onto E84
28. Slide down water slides
In Dubai, Wild Wadi is one of the most fun attractions. A must visit for anyone whether a tourist or resident. The water park has some thrilling rides as well as chilling spots, make a day of it from 10am to 6pm.
Location: Wild Wadi, Dubai
For more info: Call 04-3484444
Price: Dhs 205
29. Desert Conservation Reserve getaway
Indulge on a weekend with oryx, foxes, gazelles and even hedgehogs roaming outside your luxury room. You will find some great peace away from the rush of the city.
Location: Al Maha Desort Resort & Spa, Dubai-Al Ain highway
For more info: Call 04-3034222 or visit www.emirateshotelsresorts.com/al-maha/en
30. Watch a race
Dubai has a lavish racing diversity. Horseracing and F1 Grand Prix being the biggest, there is also camel racing and dhow (traditional wooden boat) racing. So just take a pick!
Locations: Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, or Yas Marina F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
31. Go art-seeing and art shopping
Uncover a whole art world in the Al Quoz area. Home to numerous galleries and host of cool art exhibitions, the Alserkal Avenue will have your eyes running from one masterpiece to another.
Location: Alserkal Avenue Street 8, Al Quoz 1,
For more info: www.alserkalavenue.ae
Check out: Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde, Iranian contemporary art gallery (04-3535052)
Mojo Gallery,design studio that features a roster of quirky artists (04-3477388)
Ayyam gallery, works of artists from the Levant (04-3236242)
Carbon 12, contemporary European focus gallery (050-4644392)
32. Watch a dancing fountain
Let the beauty of this stunning sight completely overtake you as you watch cascades of lights, water and music shoot up into the sky. With the constantly changing musical compositions, be sure to be stunned every single time.
Location: Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
33. Gaming park
Arcade games, wild rides and other fun gamming attractions all await you at Sega Republic. Both kids and parents will have a blast shooting zombies, dancing on lights and going for scary rides.
Location: Sega Republic, The Dubai Mall
For more info: Call 04-448 8484
Price: From Dhs 10 for pay and play or Dhs 175 for a day pass
34. Shop for treasure
There’s a reason Dubai is dubbed as the ‘City of Gold’. Shop for the best deals on gold and jewellery, but be ready to bargain for it! The amount of the sparks and glitter on display is simply stunning.
Location: Gold Souk, Khalid Bin Waleed Road, Dubai
Gold and Diamond Park, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
35. Seven star cinema experience
The Platinum Suites at Reel Cinema will change your perception of cinema forever. It’s not just the super comfy leather armchairs and restaurant food delivery, the whole experience is pampering. Best movie experience you will ever have.
Location: Reel Cinema, The Dubai Mall
For more info: Call 800-38224 6255
Price: Dhs 130 for Platinum Suites
36. Jogging day
For some healthy lifestyle and a great mood, get jogging on the beach. The special track on Jumeirah Open Beach stretches all the way to Umm Sequim – good distance and great views.
Location: Off Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1
37. Bounce your stress away
UAE’s biggest trampoline arena will make you forget all your worries! Leave your reputation worries and jump away like the kids; you can consider it a fitness workout. The most fun cardio you will ever do!
Location: Bounce, Al Quoz, Dubai
For more info: Call 04-321 1400
Price: Dhs 80
38. Golfing
Practice golfing on the lush green lawns and head for drinks afterwards – a perfect day outdoors.
Location: The Address Montgomerie Dubai, Emirates Hills
For more info: Call 04-390 5600
Price: Dhs 120
39. Color war – Paintball
Several teams, guns filled with paint and only one flag. Mission? To capture the flag. If you get shot with paint, you’re out. Strict rules yet, a hell lot of fun.
Location: Jebel Ali Shooting Club and Centre of Excellence: Pursuit Games, Paintball Dubai
For more info: Call 04-3244755
Price: Dhs 90 (100 paintballs)
40. Wild shopping frenzy
The grandest and biggest malls are in Dubai, so the city is an absolute haven for shopping lovers. With hundreds of international outlets and local brands you are bound to find what you need and make a few extra purchases on the way.
Location: Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall, Marina Mall, BurJuman, etc
41. Clubbing
There is always something new on the clubbing arena. International DJ’s fly in almost every week, and the local talent rocks the stage too. There are some mind blowing venues and great offers every week.
For more info: Visit www.dubainight.com/dubai/ for the latest and biggest gigs out there
42. Go to the theatre
Dress up and make it a royal theatre evening. Whether you prefer the Classic Russian Ballet or stand-up comedy, you will always find something interesting to see.
Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah, Dubai
Ductac, Mall of the Emirates
43. Friday live entertainment
Some talented performers will add a sparkle to your Friday dinner, in an outdoor venue –it is sheer pleasure to listen to live music in such settings. So go ahead and add some live music to your usual outings.
Location:The Fridge, Wafi Rooftop Gardens, Wafi Pyramids, Oud Metha
Friday 7.30pm-11.30pm (free entry), for more info call 04-324 4100
For regular performances:
Location: The Music Room, Majestic Hotel Tower, Bur Dubai
For more info: call 04-5012534
For big name acts:
Location: The Irish Village, Garhoud, Dubai
For more info: call 04-2824750
44. Ultimate relaxation
Get a complete body and spirit rejuvenation with a spa day. There are some luxurious sessions out there that will make you feel like a million bucks! Think diamond pounding, chocolate spa massage and the list goes on…
Location: One & Only Royal Mirage Spa, Dubai
For more info: Call 04-3999999
45. Beach boot camp
If you are lazy, this is exactly what you need! One session will boost your fitness levels and as you continue you will see the fast and great results! Plus the fact that it is on the beach and in a group makes it even more motivational.
Location: Original Fitness Co, Dubai
For more info: Call 04-3116571
Price: Dhs 900 (per month for 12 sessions)
46. Stand-up comedy
Cry with tears of laughter as names like Dara O Briain, Jack Whitehall and Michael McIntyre perform in various shows. You are guaranteed to have a great time!
Location: All over Dubai
For more info: www.thelaughterfactory.com
47. Take a journey across world cultures
The Global Village is open for six months of the year and is definitely a place to visit. Pavilions of different countries sell some really cool stuff; there are fun rides to try and small snack shops to dig into some tasty treats.
Location: Global Village, Dubai
For more info: 04-3624114
Price: Dhs 15 (general admission)
48. Karaoke
Take the stage and be the superstar. If you’re not a singer, bring some friends and dare them to sing for you, whatever happens, you’ll have great fun!
Location: Harry Ghatto's, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road
For more info: Call 04-3198088
49. Watch the stars
Just observe the desert night sky! A group of astronomers will help you locate the biggest and the brightest stars out there. Don’t forget to make a wish in case a shooting star comes your way.
Where: Dubai Astronomy Group
Contact: Hasan on 050-6246172 or visit www.dubaiastronomy.com
50. Fancy dining
There is nothing more than eateries in Dubai. You can try any cuisine of the world, both at fancy restaurants and at small cafes. So go taste exploring!
Location: Unlimited options
Contact: Visit www.thecommunityuae.com for some exclusive restaurant reviews