Dubai is upscale, classic and an engaging Arabian city. Whether you visit here for one night or a whole week, there are endless amount of things to keep you occupied, thanks to its breathtaking attractions, high-end performance venues, and exotic dining choices, among others. But we’ve still created this list of 15 ultimate things to do in Dubai just in case you ever become short of ideas while planning your upcoming holiday.

1. Admire Dubai from the world’s tallest building

Burj Khalifa, Dubai

An ascend to the observation deck (124th or 148th level) at the tallest of its kind Burj Khalifa lets you take in the city’s unrivaled architectural delights, pristine desert, and sparkling ocean all lying several hundred meters beneath your foot. It also promises you the fun and thrill of experiencing one of the world’s fastest elevator rides, along with the chance to watch an enlightening presentation on the region’s unpretentious past. 

2. Explore the Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall

It’s the world’s biggest shopping mall with over 1200 outlets, representing almost all renowned brands from around the world. But even if not for shopping, just wandering around this massive structure is a must-do in Dubai. After all, it nearly hosts some of Dubai’s top-rated leisure attractions including Dubai Ice Rink, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, VR Park, and KidZania which is an exclusive fun edutainment park for kids from 2 to 16 years. That’s not all; it has some 200 plus culinary choices which make it perfect for every taste bud.

3. Ride Dubai Metro

Dubai Metro

This is not only one of the most affordable and reliable ways to get around in Dubai, but also an absolute must-experience due to its extraordinary features. It’s driverless, fully automated, and also an amazing alternative to discover prime spots. With two lines to select from (red and green), the brief, convenient spots along the way add to its flexibility and convenience.

4. Visit Dubai Miracle Garden

A trip to this botanical wonder is one of the top things to do on your winter visit to Dubai. Filled with millions of colorful flowers arranged in a vast spectrum of shape, size, pattern, and designs, this biggest-of-its-kind natural garden offers a dramatic backdrop to give a perfect boost to your Insta feed.

5. Catch an upbeat event or show

Global Village Dubai

Visit Dubai any part of the year; it’s certain that you can expect to participate in an exciting show. From the one-month-long Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), Christmas and New Year’s Eve festivities to the exuberant Global Village events and Dubai Opera shows, this list is seemingly endless.

Now if you don’t want to waste time researching about Dubai events but still want to experience its terrific entertainment scene, watch the city’s permanent shows such as La Perle by Dragon. It’s upbeat, frenetic and supremely amusing where the gripping show takes place in an aquatic stage and the hair-raising acts of its brilliant performers take this show to the next level.

6. Watch Dubai Fountain Show

Dubai Fountain show

This is one of Dubai’s marvelous free attractions which never cease to enliven and enthrall you. Played in every 30 minutes (after 18:00 hrs) at Burj Lake set close to Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, this is a breathtaking extravaganza of water, music and light. The dancing or choreographed water shoots up to 500 feet during the show, making it the highest fountain in the world.

7. Go Desert Safari

Desert Safari Dubai

The glamor, sparkle and fancy life of Dubai appear to be a far-off thing when you venture away to its untouched side on a desert safari. It’s surprisingly just 40 minutes’ drive from the city centre, but it unfolds before you a version of Dubai that is flawlessly guarded from any kind of development or sophistication.

Besides its compelling and pristine beauty, the unparalleled sands become a giant adventure playground where you’ll be able to experience the thrill of a lifetime. Enjoy an expertly guided 4X4 dune bash, ride a camel, and hit dunes on your own with a sandboard or quad biking session. Take a brief morning safari, or prolong the fun with an evening / overnight safari complete with dining, traditional shows, and cultural activities.

8. Souvenir Shopping at Souks

Dubai Souks

Think about shopping in Dubai – its massive malls would instantly dominate your imagination. Agreed, they are some of the best in the world. But, to unearth some real Arabian treasures at bargain rates, visit Dubai’s traditional bazaars, locally known as souks. Souks stand as a symbol of the region’s rich heritage, and hence is a great place to pick some inimitable Emirati souvenirs such as high quality Arabian coffee set, beautiful carpets, heavenly perfumes etc. If you don’t have time to visit all Dubai souks, make sure that you at least make a trip to the Gold Souk.

9. Do Brunch Dubai way

Don’t overlook brunch in Dubai as just a late breakfast. It, especially Friday Brunch, is a lavish affair and a tradition in itself; almost every dining venue (both small and big) across the city lures you with the most delicious brunch. Options are so vast here that they are sure to delight every budget and all types of cuisine lovers. Be it Sushi, Asian, American, traditional Spanish, or authentic Arabic, you’ll find it all in Dubai’s brunch scene.

10. Strike a pose at the iconic Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab, Dubai

This is particularly a must do on your first trip to Dubai. This iconic hotel is by far one of most luxurious and carries the tag of the world’s only seven-star hotel. You’ll need a really heavy pocket to stay here. That said, it’s something to see and admire, with its classic sail-shaped structure and regal settings on its own private island. So do visit here and click a picture against its background. However, if you can’t resist catching a glance of its imperial interiors, the most inexpensive way is to book a culinary session at one of its posh dining venues.

11. Ski in the Middle of Arabian Desert

Ski Dubai

To experience it, head down to Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates! The biggest of its kind indoor ski resort is a true sanctuary for snow lovers with exceptional facilities made available for all your favorite winter activities including skiing, tobogganing, sledding and more. So when Dubai’s heat becomes unbearable for you, just take to this snow haven and have some unbelievably chilling fun!

12. Fly over Dubai

Skydiving over Palm Jumeirah

Those who love heights are in for an adventure like no other while in Dubai. For this, all you’ve to do is to choose from your favorite landscape and desired mode of airborne thrill. Go on a helicopter ride above Dubai’s sparkling sights, soar over golden sands with a hot air balloon ride, or make it more exciting by taking a sea plane tour. But if you want to do in the most extreme manner, consider a sky dive tour over the epic man-made islands of Palm Jumeirah or sign up for XLine Dubai which is the world’s longest and fastest urban zipline.

13. Have fun at Dubai Parks and Resorts

Legoland Dubai

Theme park fun and thrill can’t get any better than with a trip to Dubai Parks and Resorts. It’s the first integrated resort in the region where you can make the most of its three distinct theme parks and a water park, besides several accommodation choices and an exclusive retail and dining section. This includes Hollywood-themed Motiongate Dubai, Hindi-cinema-inspired Bollywood Parks Dubai, LEGOLAND Dubai, and LEGOLAND Water Park.

14. Head to Al Bastakiya Quarter

Al Bastakiya Quarter

Get a taste of Dubai’s humble yesteryears by finding your way to Al Bastakiya Quarter. Also known as Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, this preserved quarter, with ancient structures, insightful museums and other heritage attractions, remains as a majestic epitome of the inspiring Emirati culture and history.

15. Enjoy Dhow Cruise

15 ultimate things to do in Dubai
Dhow Cruise

A dhow cruise down Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina is one of the exciting ways to marvel at the resplendently lit up night skyline of Dubai. More than this, it’s a traditional experience! It lets you glimpse into Dubai’s past glory as the dhow or Arabian vessel used for this cruise was once a staple source of livelihood during the city’s pre-oil era. Besides unobstructed views from water, you can enjoy great food and live traditional shows onboard.  


As the Middle East’s entertainment capital, Dubai never disappoints anyone traveling here. But if you wish to cover as much as possible in a limited time frame, bookmark this guide- 15 ultimate things to do in Dubai; it has enough of ideas and inspiration to make your next trip truly memorable.

Categories: Travel Guide

Neha Singh

A postgraduate in Mass Communications, Neha loves everything about life. Traveling is extremely close to her heart and writing came to her naturally. An avid trekker & explorer, who often takes off some time from her busy life for mountaineering, she loves meeting new people & gets attached to their culture very easily. Her ambition is to explore as many places as she can in her life. She strongly believes in Gandhian principle – “simple living high thinking”. Neha writes about Dubai at http://dubaiwikia.com.

2 Comments

Image Earth Travel · October 6, 2020 at 12:05 pm

Enjoyed the walk through Dubai!
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    Abhinav · October 6, 2020 at 7:07 pm

    Glad that you enjoyed the post.

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