New or moving to Dubai? We know there's so much to see and do so we've put together our 'favourites' list of the best things to do.
Whether you're a resident entertaining visitors, or even a tourist yourself, you'll be able to pull together a fabulous itinerary using our guide to Dubai's iconic and top attractions.
1. Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab (Tower of the Arabs) is the world's only 7 star hotel and designed to resemble a billowing sail, the Burj Al Arab soars to a height of 321 metres, dominating the Dubai skyline making it the fourth tallest hotel in the world.
It truly is one of the most iconic symbols of Dubai and is a majestic building. No trip to Dubai would be complete without at least seeing it!
SEE ALSO: See the photos from our annual Burj Al Arab High Tea!
There are various view points you can take photos from but one of the best is from the public beach next to it... there you will get that Dubai shot of you on the beach with The Burj in the back ground.
It is one of the most photographed structures in the world, and consistently voted the worlds most luxurious hotel. It is illuminated at night by choreographed lighting making it an impressive building day or night!
2. Burj Khalifa
The high point of any Burj Khalifa experience is the view from At The Top. Located on level 124 of the world's tallest tower, this observatory is destined to be the highlight of any visit to the Middle East.
The journey begins in the lower ground level of The Dubai Mall. Throughout the journey to the top, visitors are entertained by a multi-media presentation of the exotic history of Dubai and the marvel that is the Burj Khalifa.
EW top tip is to buy your tickets online in advance as you can save about 300 Dhs per person doing this. The slots sell out fast though- especially the sun set ones so make sure you get booked in in time!
3. The Dubai Fountains
Set on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake, the fountain shoots water jets as high as 500 ft, equivalent to that of a 50-storey building. The fountain is 900 ft long and has five circles of varying sizes and two central arcs. It is designed by California-based WET, the creators of the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas.
The Dubai Fountain performs daily, with the performance repertoire including Sama Dubai; Baba Yetu, an award-winning song in Swahili; the Arab world’s top-selling dance number Shik Shak Shok; and the signature piece of world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, Con te partiro (Time to Say Goodbye).
Over 6,600 WET Superlights and 25 colour projectors create a visual spectrum of over 1,000 abstract attractions. The beam of light shining upward from the fountain can be seen from over 20 miles away, and will be visible from space making it the brightest spot in the Middle East, and quite possibly in the entire world.
Dubai Fountain Show Timings:
Sunday to Wednesday
1.00pm and 1.30pm
6:00pm - 11:00pm every 30 minutes
Thursday to Saturday
1pm and 1:30pm
6:00pm to 11:30pm
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- The Best Places in Dubai to Propose
- New & Up Coming Tourist Attractions
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4. Atlantis Hotel
Atlantis is the majestic resort in Dubai situated on the Palm, a man-made island that has captured the world’s imagination with its magnificent scale and ingenuity.
From the moment you arrive, you will be immersed in a dazzling world of imagination, pleasure and luxury of 5-star hotels.
The resort offers relaxation and thrills for couples and families alike, including:
- Unique marine habitats- The Lost Chambers
- An exhilarating water park- Aquaventure
- Pristine white beaches
- World-class cuisine in 18 restaurants,
- An indulgent spa (ShuiQi) to awaken your senses
- Cosmopolitan boutiques to shop until your heart is content
5. Global Village
For the past 15 years, Global Village has been providing cultural entertainment along with an international shopping experience to millions of visitors.
Breathtaking live performances, mouth-watering cuisine, authentic handicrafts and merchandise from different countries await you at the many national pavilions in Global Village.
There are many more attractions, including thrilling rides, games and firework displays, to complete your visit. Global Village is open from November to March every year, some year's the extravaganza is extended sometimes well into April - it's worth checking their website for more details if your trip falls over the March / April cut off.
6. Palm Island
Visitors will come to enjoy the magnificent sunsets, unwind in the spas, pools and gardens and eat out at the fine selection of restaurants. There's a wide range of daytime activities, including water sports, aquariums, theme parks and of course miles of beautiful beaches. And at night, the bars, clubs and shows will offer plenty of fun and amusement.
7. Dubai Creek
The natural seawater inlet that cuts through the centre of the city is the historical part of Dubai where visitors can take an abra (small water taxi) and view the old trading port and the dhows from the water.
A cruise to Al Maktoum Bridge will pass many of the city's historic as well as modern landmarks. A stroll around the wharf offers a picturesque glimpse of Dubai's trading heritage, where dhows bound for distant places dock to unload their goods.
SEE ALSO: Click here to see our Dubai Creek photo gallery>>
The Creek, a natural sea water inlet which cuts through the centre of the city, is the historic focal point of life in Dubai. A stroll along its banks evokes the city’s centuries-old trading traditions.
Visitors will be captivated by the colour and bustle of the loading and unloading of dhows which still ply ancient trade routes to places as distant as India and East Africa.
8. Ski Dubai
You don't have to worry about ski clothing or equipment either. Ski Dubai has thought of it all and offers guests the use of winter clothing, ski and snowboard equipment. Your skis will carry you down the slope and our quad-chairlift and tow lift will promptly carry you back to the top for another run.
9. Dubai Marina
Set in the heart of ‘new Dubai’, Dubai Marina Yacht Club (DMYC) has rapidly gained a reputation as one of the renowned private yacht clubs of the region, with a purpose built clubhouse forming the centre-piece of four distinctive marinas. Arrayed along the length of a remarkable 3.5km canal, the marinas provide sheltered berthing for over five hundred yachts, in a setting that is simply unrivalled.
With a choice of casual or fine dining restaurants, a lively Sports Lounge, or the tranquillity of the club lounges, all ensure that the clubhouse is a place of refuge throughout the week and not just simply a weekend get-away. For the keen yachting enthusiast, the club organises the increasingly renowned ‘Cruising Club’, which offers exclusively to DMYC members the opportunity to explore regional yachting destinations, and to join the regular series of workshops and seminars with fellow yachtsmen.
10. Wild Wadi
Located in front of the Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi offers 30 rides and attractions for all the family.
Wild Wadi is themed around the tale of Juha, a known character from the Arabian folklore.
Wild Wadi Timings:
November to February: 10am - 6pm
March to May: 10am - 7pm
June to August: 10am - 8pm
September and October: 10am - 7pm
