Are you ready to experience everything you ever hoped for in the middle of the Arabian Desert? Your trip to Dubai will surprise you.
What was once mostly desert is now one of the premier transport, financial, and entertainment hubs in the world.
In fact, the top 10 reasons to visit Dubai listed here are underselling the experience. But if you have limited time, those found in the list are a couple of activities you can’t afford to miss.
#1 – See the World’s Tallest Building
You’ve seen it in pictures, movies, ads, and everywhere in between. But seeing the Burj Khalifa up close is a different experience. In fact, it’s by far one of the best things to do in Dubai.
The city’s landmark structure is the hottest tourist attraction in the area. Besides, the observation deck sitting 124 floors above street level will give you an unparalleled view of the cityscape.
Visiting at night is even better if you have a mind to take pictures.
#2 – Explore the Culture
The Heritage and Diving Village is a must-visit attraction if you’re looking for a cultural Dubai tour.
It showcases displays of dhow building and some related to pearl diving as, in the past, these two industries were the backbone of Dubai’s economy. You can also see accurate reproductions of traditional coastal village life.
Check out the Persian homes, Bedouin lifestyle, and relax at a traditional coffeehouse. You can even catch local shows if you visit between October and April.
#3 – Walk With the Fish
Everyone knows that Dubai has a way of making everything grandiose. The Underwater Zoo is no exception.
The ground floor of the Dubai Mall features a massive suspended tank with over 140 marine life species living there. But that’s not even the crazy part.
You can go to an Underwater Zoo – a truly unique experience. Tourists dub this one of the best things to do in Dubai because it allows you to walk among the aquarium’s tunnels, making you feel like you’re part of the environment.
Of course, you can also get in on the action and go shark diving or cage snorkeling if you want to interact with the underwater world’s inhabitants.
#4 – Do Retail Therapy and Entertainment
Dubai has the world’s largest retail center in terms of square footage. With around 1,300 stores, it’s an excellent place to visit as it’s not as crowded as other giant malls. The stores here offer everything from trinkets to high-end clothing and accessories.
Various entertainment facilities are also available, such as an aquarium, movie theaters, and a large ice rink. You’ll also find a couple of attractions dedicated to kids. Furthermore, given the scorching temperatures in Dubai, the mall offers an easy escape from the heat.
#5 – Tour the Jumeirah Mosque
It may come as a surprise that people of any denomination can visit this majestic mosque. You may already know what it looks like as it’s featured on the 500-dirham note. The architecture resembles that of typical buildings during the Fatimid period.
Needless to say, touring the Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most incredible things to do in Dubai.
It’s not only a towering coastal building, but it’s also among the few mosques that welcome non-Muslim visitors, giving them a chance to see some aspects of Islamic faith for themselves. It even provides traditional acceptable attire for tourists who want to enter.
#6 – Cool Off on a Manmade Island
Dubai shaped its landmass like no other country in the world. In fact, one of the top Dubai attractions is the Palm Jumeirah.
This palm-shaped island features the amazing Aquaventure Waterpark at the Atlantis, The Palm resort, which has water slides that are out of this world. The park even has the Aquaconda, the world’s largest water slide for groups.
You can also enjoy frolicking on a white sand beach, seeking shade under the palms, or going on an underwater safari.
#7 – See More of the World’s Largest
So far, Dubai has built the largest mall and tallest building in the world. It’s unsurprising, really, as pretty much everything else the city created aims to be the biggest in the world in one shape or form.
How does the idea of seeing about 100 million flowers of various species sound to you?
A tour of the Dubai Miracle Garden is one of the most relaxing things to do in Dubai. It’s the most extensive flower garden anywhere on Earth. The flowers cover every structure, thus creating unique flower displays.
Anyone can enjoy a stroll in the garden and admire a flower replica of the Burj Khalifa from its colorful walkways.
#8 – Go on a Desert Tour
The city doesn’t contain all of the action to be had here. Book your desert tour early to get an authentic experience. The natural scenery in the desert is just as spectacular as the artificial scenery in the city.
Some of the best things to do with kids include camel riding and sandboarding. The latter is both fun and a lot easier to master than you think.
#9 – Explore the Gold and Spice Souks
There are many of these souks, or bazaars, in Dubai, given the history of trade in the area. And when visiting the local souks, you can almost experience commerce as it was centuries ago.
The Gold Souk is perhaps the most jaw-dropping of them all. It’s all about the glamour and glittering displays of gold accessories. Reportedly 20% of the world’s gold may pass through the market year in and year out. Of course, you can also check out other jewelry – diamond, silver, and even platinum.
Meanwhile, the Spice Souk on the northern bank of Dubai’s Creek is a great spot for any foodie. This market is worth a visit if you want to buy some excellent but affordable saffron or stock up on other exotic spices.
#10 – Go Dune Riding in Complete Comfort
Of the many things to do in UAE, dune riding is one of the most popular. If you’re not one to enjoy a bumpy camel ride or sit too long in the heat, you can ride the dunes of the Arabian Desert inside a comfortable rover.
Driving on sand is unlike anything you can imagine until you do it. It’s fun, sometimes dangerous, and somewhat of a roller coaster ride.
There’s no way you can’t enjoy a couple of hours in a desert safari, as it comes with no risk of dehydration or getting hit with sand everywhere.
Dubai – Where Everything is Big
The Emirates builds giant buildings and artificial islands and is located on one of the largest deserts – need we say more?
Everything is on a fantastic scale, whether it’s the attractions, landmarks, shopping facilities, hotels, or entertainment. It may not be the cheapest vacation spot, but it certainly delivers tons of fun.