26 Best Dubai Tourist Attractions
Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Dubai tourist attractions consists of spectacular skyline, amazing mix of ethnicities and culture, delectable food, unlimited adventures, world-class shopping centers, and unmatched luxury. There are so many crazy things to do in Dubai.
1. Burj Khalifa
One of the main reasons why people flock to Dubai is the fact that the city possesses the world’s tallest building. Standing at 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa is one good way to view the spectacular Dubai skyline. There are two observatory decks in the building, both offering a vantage point to the one of the few places in the world where urbanization meets the sea and the desert. Those who are not comfortable with heights may also spend their time in the cosmopolitan greenery of the Burj Khalifa Park at the building’s base.
2. Burj al-Arab
The sail-like structure of the Burj al-Arab is one of the most iconic images associated with Dubai. The Burj al-Arab is a luxury hotel that every visitor should check out as it offers luxury accommodation like no other. After all, it is the only seven-star hotel in the world. Another plus in its favor is the fact that the Burj al-Arab was built in its own artificial island.Also Read:10 Best Family Friendly Activities in Dubai
3. Dubai Desert Safari
Among the popular activities and attractions in Dubai is the desert safari. In a Dubai Desert Safari tour, tourists will have the chance to experience luxury desert exploration and adventure. Once they are in the middle of the desert, visitors can do various activities like traditional henna tattoo, sand boarding and camel riding. Once the sun sets, you will be able to savor in the tasty barbecue dinner prepared while you are watching belly dancers shake their hips.
4. Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame completed and opened in January 2018 and has been titled as “the biggest picture frame on the planet”. Dubai Frame is located in Zabeel Park. It was positioned in such a way that from one side you can see the modern and developed Dubai and on from the other side you can view old city of Dubai. Dubai Frame is 150 meter tall and 93 meter wide connected with 100 square meter bridge which has a 25 square meter glass panel in the middle gives amazing 360 degree view. It is expected that Dubai Frame will become another icon of Dubai like Burj al Arab and Burj Khalifa very soon. The whole project costed AED 160 million.
5. Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise
If you want to have a relaxing evening in Dubai, a good thing to do would be to go on a cruise on one of the dhows in the Marina. A dhow cruise dinner in Dubai Marina will give you a front seat to the magnificent skyscrapers and high-rise buildings that dot the coast. While onboard, enjoy the topnotch buffet dinner that is offered as you settle in to watch the view. You will also be entertained with traditional Middle Eastern music.
6. IMG Worlds of Adventure
The IMG Worlds of Adventure is the largest themed park of its kind in Dubai. It is divided into four zones, two of which are occupied by the global brands Cartoon Network and Marvel. In the other quarters, visitors can play with animatronic dinosaurs, enter haunted houses or experience themed rides. It is definitely a Dubai must-do that every tourist should go to.
7. Alserkal Art District
If you want to immerse yourself in the contemporary art tradition of the Middle East and South Asia, the Alserkal Art District is a good place to do that. Found in the old industrial district of the city, it is fast becoming the center of arts for Dubai. Multiple art galleries display crafts, paintings and sculptures from both emerging talents and established professionals in the district.
8. Dubai Parks and Resorts
Dubai Parks and Resorts is the first and largest integrated leisure resort and theme park in the region. Dubai parks and Resorts spreads over 25 million square feet with three major world class theme parks (MOTIONGATE, LEGOLAND, BOLLYWOOD PARKS) and one water park (LEGOLAND WATERPARK). It also has retail and dining area called RIVERLAND and Polynesian-themed family resort called LAPITA HOTEL.
Dubai Parks and Resorts is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, Opposite to Palm Jabel Ali and opened on December 18, 2016. Developers are now currently working on expanding the project to 30 million square feet by developing fourth theme park, SIX FLAGS DUBAI. The development is expected to be completed in late 2019.
9. Ferrari World
Ferrari world is the first ferrari-branded amusement and theme park in the world. Ferrari world was opened on November 4, 2010 and covers an area of 86,000 square feet. Ferrari World is located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and has bagged many records like Ferrari World has the record for the largest space frame structure ever built, Worlds fastest roller coaster called Formula Rossa, Flying Aces (world’s tallest non-inverting loop), named “Middle East’s leading Tourist Attraction” and “Middle East’s leading Theme Park” at the World Travel Awards for last three years now.
10. XLine : Zipline in Dubai Marina
XDubai opened a new Zipline in Dubai Marina and it is stated as the world’s longest urban zipline. It is also one of the fastest and steepest zipline with the speed of 80KM/hour and inclined at 16 degrees. However, bad news is that it is introduced for a limited time period like Zipline was first installed over Dubai Fountains at Downtown Dubai in 2015. Xline new zipline was opened after His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared a video on his Instagram on December 3, 2017.
11. Jumble : Worlds first indoor Urban Maze
Dubai opens another new attractions to tourists and locals in middle of December 2017, Jumble. Jumble opens up as the world’s first indoor urban maze near the Ibis Hotel in Al Barsha. Jumble probably be like the nothing experienced before with full of physical and mind-bending challenges. I strongly recommend everyone to experience this before getting more reviews on internet
12. Dubai Safari
Dubai Safari alongside Dubai Frame was the most anticipated new tourist attractions in Dubai. A project by Dubai Municipality spreads over an area of 119 hectors and home of more than 2500 animals from all around the world. Dubai aims to make dubai Safari as the one of top 10 zoo in the world and expecting it to become the leading Dubai tourist attractions very soon. Dubai Safari is divided into four main villages: Safari Village, Arabian Village, African Village, Asian Village to provide the best habitat environment that suits various animals. It also has an area of Safari Theater and Kids Farm for the children. Dubai Safari also features the world’s first drive-through crocodile exhibit and UAE’s only drive-through tiger and hippo exhibit.
13. Dubai Global Village
Since 1996 Dubai Global Village has become one of the Dubai’s leading shopping, tourism, family entertainment and leisure destination. More than 7 million visitors visits Dubai global Village every year. Dubai Global Village opened in 1996 at Creek side opposite to Dubai Municipality then moved to Oud Metha near Wafi City for five years. Then in 2005 it is shifted to current location of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road Exit 37 in Dubailand. Dubai Global Village is consists of more than 30 pavilions each representing different countries. Also it offers largre variety of dining options, rides for both adults and children at the Carnival Funfair area.
14. Aquaventure and Wild Wadi Waterpark
There are two waterparks in Dubai which can make anybodies day full of fun. One is the Wild Wadi Waterpark and the other is largest in the region Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark. Both are rated very high among the best waterparks in the world. Wild Wadi waterpark is the first ISO certified waterpark in the world. Since its opening in 1998 it has won many local and international awards. Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark on the other hand has won the title of “Middle East’s leading Waterpark 2016” by World Travel Awards and “2016 and 2015 Hotel Winner of Best Waterpark” by Time Out Kids Award. Wild Wadi Waterpark is located adjacent to the Burj al Arab and Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark besides Atlantis Hotel.
15. Al Bastakiya Traditional Village
Al Bastakiya Village is the one of the oldest residential area in Dubai and was constructed in 1690s. Back then it was the residence of Rich Persian merchants who used to live here for the business purposes. In 2005 Dubai Municipality initiated a project to preserve the village and restore the old buildings and since then it has become one of the must visit places in Dubai.
16. Deira Gold Souk
Dubai is known for its gold trades and there is not better places in Dubai then the traditional Gold Souk located in Deira. Gold Souk has become one of the most popular Dubai tourist attractions with more than 300 retailers. Even if you are not planning to buy gold its still a must visit place when you are in Dubai. According to Wikipedia, 10 tons of gold is presented in the souk at any given time.
17. Green Planet Indoor Rain-forest
In the middle of desert Green Planet was opened for public in September 2016 with more than 3000 species of plants, animals, insects and free flying birds. Green Planet is located inside 150 feet tall glass building at City Walk complex. The center piece of the indoor tropical rain-forest is a 82 feet tall tree with artificial trunk, the largest in the world. The main purpose of the Green Planet is to offer different educational programs where adults and kids can learn about wildlife. It is getting very popular tourist attraction in Dubai every year.
18. KidZania
If you are planning to visit Dubai with kids you should add kidZania in your list of Dubai attractions. KidZania is located in Dubai Mall and offers a safe place to have fun for the children from age four to sixteen. KidZania Dubai is a part of Mexican chain which is currently operating in 24 locations around the world. The basic concept is to replicate real city life for the children where perform different jobs and get paid through KidZos.
Since its opening first branch in Mexico City, More than 31 million visitors have visited all KidZania branches that makes it one of the worlds fastest growing edutainment brand.
19. Dubai Opera
Dubai Opera is the popular tourist attraction in Dubai for a night activities. The place in the city for music entertainment like opera shows, comedy nights, ballet performances, concerts and classical music shows. Good thing is that you can visit it in any time of the year. Everyday various performances are held in different musical theaters. There is also a roof top dining area serving multiple delicious cuisines. Dubai Opera is located in opera district in Downtown Dubai.
20. iFly and Fly-boarding Dubai
In recent years fly-boarding and indoor skydiving called iFly becomes very popular activities in Dubai. If you love thrill and adventure sports then these two would be your best options in the city. fly-boarding is already very popular among celebrities included HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. iFly is comparability a new sports in the town in which you will be suspended four meter high above the ground in a tunnel. iFly features the worlds first ever double and vertical wind tunnel. iFLY Dubai is located in City Centre Mirdif and Fly-boarding can be experience at Dubai Marina.
21. SkiDubai
Ski Dubai was opened in November 2005 as the first ever indoor Ski resort in Middle East. SkiDubai is located in the Mall of Emirates covering 22,500 square meter area. It features 85 meter high mountain with five slopes each varying different steepness and difficulty level. With slopes there is also a 3,000 square meter snow park play area. Ski Dubai also features the worlds first indoor black diamond run. Ski Dubai is also the home of number of penguins. They are let out of their complexes several times a day. You can also booked the Penguin encounter in advance to interact with the penguins. Good thing is that Winter Clothing, Ski and snowboard equipment are all included in the ticket.
22. Dubai Mall And Dubai Aquarium
The Dubai Mall is among the biggest malls in the world. But its beauty goes beyond that distinction. Due to the massive number of retailers and stores in this structure, it has become a shopping haven for many tourists coming from every corner of the globe. There is an ice skating rink, a gaming zone and a cinema complex that can be found within the complex. It also does not hurt that is not too far from other tourists attractions like the Burj Khalifa.
Nowhere else in Dubai will you be able to see as much as 140 marine creatures in one place. The Dubai Aquarium offers a gorgeous view of how these creatures are living underwater. There are aquarium tunnels in the facility that you can go through to get close to the rays and sharks. If you want to be even more daring, you can also have the chance to do some cage snorkeling and shark diving that will put you in close proximity to these animals.
23. Jumeirah Mosque
One of the most notable and most stunning mosques in Dubai is the Jumeirah Mosque. It is basically the exact copy of Al-Azhar Mosque of Cairo but 8 times larger than the original mosque in Cairo. This stone structure is a treat to watch in the sure eyes and you should not miss the opportunity.
24. Dubai Museum
For those into cultural and heritage preservation, the Dubai Museum is surely something interesting. The building that the museum is housed in is full of history as it was a garrison, a seat of government, a prison and a royal home at different points in time. For the displays in the museum, visitors will be delighted by the sight of old weaponry, ancient maps and traditional musical instruments.
25. Jumeirah Beach
People who are not from Dubai probably think of the city as something that is full of sand due to being in the middle of the desert. Most of them get surprised when they see that Dubai actually has a lot of good beaches too. Among the most popular is the Jumeirah Beach, the largest of the public beaches in the city. There, tourists can lounge and sunbathe. Or if they are feeling adventurous, they can also do one of the many water sports done on the beach.
26. Dubai Miracle Garden
No list of Dubai tourist attractions is completed without the mention of Dubai Miracle Garden. Dubai Miracle Garden is one its kind not only in the region but also in the world. Dubai Miracle Garden is the worlds largest flower garden with the home of more than 109 million flowers. Garden is spread over 72,000 square meter and located in Dubailand, Dubai. Due to high temperatures in summer Dubai Miracle Garden remains closed from June to September.
The thing is that there are so many things to do in Dubai that it is almost impossible to cover in one article.
