25 Best Tourist Attractions Destination in Dubai
The United Arab Emirates are one of the youngest countries in the world. The UAE borders the Oman gulf with the Persian gulf. Traditional art and culture forms are preserved while modern architecture and the pace of development blend old and new. Desert climate, warm seas and beautiful beaches make this a popular destination for tourists.
Glitzy Dubai is the hot spot for holidays in the United Arab Emirates. This town of high-rises and shopping malls has evolved from a desert outpost to a tourist destination where tourists flock for sales, sunshine and fun for the family. Dubai is famous for attractions such as the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world) and shopping malls with mammoth aquariums and indoor ski pistes.
But this town has many cultural highlights, as well as all the
glamorous modern additions. Take a walk around the Bastakia district and you
will discover the ancient Dubai, then cruise along the Dubai Creek in a
traditional dhow and soon realize that this city has more to offer than its
flashy veneer. Learn about the best attractions in Dubai with our list of top
attractions.
1. Burj Khalifa
Dubai's
landmark building is the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at
829.8 meters and the most famous of the city's attractions. A trip to the
observation deck on the 124th floor is a must-do for most visitors in town.
From this bird's eye perspective, the views through the city skyline are simply
stunning. The slick observation deck experience includes a multimedia
presentation on both Dubai and the Burj Khalifa building (completed in 2010) in
front of a high-speed elevator for those 360-degree views across the
skyscrapers to the desert on one side and the ocean on the other.
Night
visits are especially popular with photographers due to the famous panoramas of
Dubai's city lights. Purchase your Burj Khalifa "At the top "ticket
in advance to avoid long line-ups, especially if you are planning a weekend
visit.
On the
ground, wrapped around the Burj Khalifa, there are the beautifully designed
gardens of the building with winding walks. There are many water features,
including the Dubai Fountain, the highest performing fountain in the world,
which is modeled on the famous Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas.
2. Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is the city's leading mall and gives access to both the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Aquariums. If you are looking for more entertainment options, there is also an ice skating rink, gaming area and cinema complex. Shopping and eating are endless and special events like live music and fashion shows are almost always held in the mall. The most famous are the annual January and February Dubai Shopping Festival and the July and August Dubai Summer Surprises Festival.
3. Dubai Museum
The excellent museum of Dubai is housed in the fort of Al-Fahidi, built in 1787 for the defense of Dubai. The walls of the fort are built from traditional coral blocks and kept with lime. The upper floor is supported by wooden poles and the ceiling is made of plaster, mud and palm fronds.
The
fort has served in its history as a residence for the ruling family, a
government seat, a garrison and a prison. It was restored in 1971 (and again
extensively in 1995) and is now the first museum in the city. The entrance
features a fascinating display of old maps of the Emirates and Dubai, showing
the mammoth expansion after the oil boom in the region.
There are a number of
traditional boats in the courtyard and a palm leaf house with an Emirati wind
tower. The right hall has arms and the left halls show Emirati musical
instruments. Below the ground floor are exhibition halls with exhibits and
dioramas covering various aspects of traditional Emirates ' life (including
pearl fishing and desert life in Bedouin), as well as artifacts from 3,000 to
4,000-year-old tombs in Al Qusais.
4. Bastakia (Old Dubai)
The Bastakia Quarter (also known as the Al-Fahidi neighborhood) was built in the late 19th century to be the home of wealthy Persian merchants who dealt mainly in pearls and textiles and were lured to Dubai because of the tax-free trading and access to Dubai Creek.
Bastakia occupies the eastern
part of Bur Dubai along the river and the coral and calcareous buildings, many
of which have walls surrounded by wind towers, have been perfectly preserved.
Wind towers provided the houses with an early air conditioning system— the wind
caught in the towers fell into the houses. Persian merchants have probably
transplanted this architectural element from their home country to the Gulf
(common in Iranian coastal houses).
With its distinctive Arab architecture, the narrow lanes
are highly evocative of a former and much slower age in the history of Dubai.
Within the district there is the Majlis Gallery with a collection of traditional
Arab ceramics and furniture (housed in a wind tower) and the Al Serkal Cultural
Foundation with a shop, café and rotating art exhibitions.
5. Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House
Sheik Saeed Al Maktoum was the Dubai ruler between 1921 and 1958 and the current ruler's grandfather. His former home was reconstructed and restored as a museum which is a fine example of Arab architecture.
The
original house was built in 1896 by the father of Sheik Saeed in order to see
shipping from the balconies. It was demolished, but the current house was
rebuilt next to the original site and remained true to the original model by
incorporating carved teak doors, wooden window lattice screens and floral and
geometric gypsum ventilation screens. Thirty rooms are built on the top of a
central courtyard with details of the wind tower.
The exhibits of the Dubai
Museum of Historical Photographs and Documents, with many wonderful old Dubai
photographs from 1948 to 1953, are on display. The museum's naval wing features
pictures of fishing, pearling and boat construction. There are many letters,
maps, coins and stamps displaying the development of the Emirate throughout the
building.
Nearby
is the Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House, restored
with displays of traditional interiors.
6. Dubai Creek & Al Seef District
Dubai Creek divides the town into two towns north of Deira and south of Bur Dubaito. The creek was an influential factor in the growth of the city, attracting first settlers to fish and dive. Small villages grew along the river four thousand years ago, while the modern era began in the 1830s when the Bani Yas tribe settled in the area.
The
Dhow Wharfage is located north of Al-Maktoum Bridge on the bank of Dubai Creek.
Some of the dhows anchored here are still used by small traders from across the
gulf and are well over 100 years old. You can visit here to see the loaded and
unloaded cargo on and off the dhows. Dhow workers often invite visitors to the
boats for a tour, where they can learn about the lives of these traditional sailors.
Many of the dhows here go to Kuwait, Iran, Oman, India and to the horn of
Africa. This small remnant of the traditional economy of Dubai is still a busy
and fascinating place to wander.
On the Bur Dubai side of the river, facing the Bastakia
neighbourhood, the waterfront was regenerated as the Al Seef district, with a
waterfront promenade backed by traditional coral blocks and calcareous
buildings, a floating market and craft shops. It's a great place for a walk
with excellent views of the water.
To cross the creek, you can either take a trip to one of
the many dhows restored as tourist cruise ships or take an abra (small wooden
ferry) between the ferry points on the Bur Dubai and Deira banks of the creek.
7. Jumeirah Mosque
Many regard the Jumeirah Mosque as the most beautiful mosque in Dubai. The Jumeirah Mosque is a fine example of Islamic architecture, an exact copy of Cairo's Al-Azhar Mosque that is eight times its size. This stone structure is built in the Fatimid medieval tradition, with two minarets showing the subtle details of the stonework. It's especially attractive in the evening when the floodlights are lit.
The Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Cultural
Understanding( which also runs a program of tours, lectures, Arabic classes and
cultural meals) organizes guided Mosque tours aimed at promoting a better
understanding of the Muslim religion. Except Fridays, tours start at 10 am
daily.
8. Deira
Deira lies on the northern bank of Dubai Creek, and the winding streets here unveil the melting pot of different nationalities that have come to call Dubai home. On the shore, ancient dhows load and unload with modern banks, hotels, and office buildings as a backdrop.
Deira is best known to
travelers for its traditional souks (markets) that bustle with shoppers all day
long. Deira Gold Souk is world renowned as the world's biggest gold bazaar. The
Deira Spice Souk sells every imaginable spice, with stalls filled with bags of
frankincense, cumin, paprika, saffron, sumac and thyme, oud wood, rose water
and incense. The fish market offers much less tourism.
Culture enthusiasts should not miss two of the finely
restored architectural gems of Deira in the district. Built in 1890 as the home
of a wealthy Iranian merchant, Heritage House later became the home of Sheik
Ahmed bin Dalmouk (a famous Dubai perl merchant). It is a great opportunity
today to see the inside of a traditional family home. Built in 1912, the
Al-Ahmadiya School is Dubai's oldest school and now a public education museum.
9. Dubai Frame
Situated between the old neighborhoods of Dubai and the modern stream of the city, this ginormous 150-meter high picture frame is one of Dubai's newest sights. Inside, a series of galleries take you through the history of the city and explore the Emirati heritage before you travel to the Sky Deck, where you can enjoy fantastic views of both old and new Dubai.
Afterwards
check out Future Dubai gallery,
which imagines what a futuristic vision of the city will look like.
10. Sheikh Zayed Road
Sheik Zayed Road is the main road through Dubai's modern business district downtown. This large, eight-lane highway is bordered by high lengths of glass, chrome and steel. It is one of the best viewpoints on the ground for Dubai's famous skyscraper views.
The main attractions are on or off the road between the
roundabout and the first intersection, and most of the famous malls of Dubai
are located along the road. The Dubai World Trade Tower has an observation deck
on its top floor with panoramic views (a cheaper option than the Burj Khalifa),
and the Gold and Diamond Park (Sheik Zayed Road) is a one-stop jewelry shop.
11. Heritage and Diving Village
The architectural, cultural and maritime
heritage of Dubai is displayed in the Heritage and Diving Village, with
displays related to pearl diving and dhow building— two of the historic
economic cornerstones of Dubai. There are also recreations of traditional
Bedouin and coastal village life, with Persian homes, a traditional café and a
small souk where potters and weavers practice their crafts at the stalls. Local
music and dance will be performed from October to April and visitors will
receive advice from traditional medical practitioners.
12. Dubai Aquarium
The Dubai Aquarium is one of the city's top tourist attractions and houses 140 species of marine life in the large suspended tank on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall. As well as free viewing from the mall, you can walk through the aquarium tunnels if you enter the Underwater Zoo.
Various
activities help you get a closer look at the life of the sea. Bottom glass boat
tours (tank tops) are especially popular. Cage snorkeling and shark diving are
also available.
13. Burj al-Arab
Burj Al-Arab is the highest hotel in the world with a height of 321 meters on its own artificial island on the Dubai coast. Designed to resemble a dhow sail, the exterior of the building is illuminated by a choreographed, colorful night lighting show. Decadent in all ways, Burj Al-Arab is one of the world's most expensive hotels, with the most luxurious suites costing more than $15,000 per night.
For those without unlimited credit, the way to experience
the over-the-top opulence is to go for dinner at the underwater Al-Mahara
restaurant, where floor-to-ceiling glass panels in the dining room walls allow
you to view sea life while you eat, or you can enjoy lunch at California-style
fusion restaurant Scape. For the ultimate panoramic view of the city, book the
afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar on the 27th floor (minimum spending is
required).
14. Jumeirah Beach
This band of white sand is the number one beach destination for visitors to Dubai. Hotels are long-lasting, being one of the most popular places to stay for tourists. The beach offers excellent facilities, with plenty of sun loungers, restaurants and jet skiing operators.
Brush off the sand for an hour while in the area and visit
the Majlis Ghorfat Um Al-Sheef, only a short hop from the beach. Built in 1955,
this was the late Sheik Rashid bin Saeed al-Maktoum summer residence. The
residence was restored and maintains much of the original beautiful décor,
giving you a better understanding of the opulent lifestyle of the rulers of
Dubai. The Majlis Gardens have an impressive Arab irrigation system and a large
number of shady date palms.
15. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
You don't have to leave the skyscrapers too far to take a
more natural view. The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary incorporates the Dubai
creek 's mangrove forests and wetlands. An important stop on the migration
routes, it is a prime place to spot flamingos in winter when massive flocks of
these majestic pink birds wade through the lagoons, surrounded by upsurges.
Several hides in the park have been set up to give bird watchers a good view of
bird life.
16. Crossroads of Civilizations Museum
This museum explores the historic role of the United Arab
Emirates as a trading center between Asia, Africa and Europe long before oil
became the most prominent industry in this region. Located in the old residence
of Sheik Hashr bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, a member of the ruling family of Dubai,
the exhibits trace the history of this coastal area as part of the global trade
routes, with artifacts and manuscripts on display. The Rare Books and
Manuscripts Museum and the Small Armory Museum are also on site.
17. Mall of the Emirates
The Mall of the Emirates is one of the most famous malls in
the city, with a spectacular (and surreal) ski resort in Dubai. The indoor ski
slope has chairlifts and a penguin enclosure at-4 degrees Celsius continuous
temperature. There is also a cinema complex and a family entertainment center
with a variety of rides for children and adults alike. The shopping
opportunities are unlimited, as are the food options, which offer every
imaginable world cuisine.
18. IMG Worlds of Adventure
This theme park in the vicinity of the Global Village is
immersive entertainment and has thrills and spills for children and children
alike. With one area entirely dedicated to the iconic characters of Marvel;
another area dedicated to dinosaur rides; and an area where the Cartoon Network
takes the helm, with gentler rides and activities for younger children, there
is something for all ages. Whether you want to help the Avengers fight Ultron,
be stupid in a hunted house, or join Spider-Man as he swings through the city,
this is a paradise for families who are looking for a fun day out.
19. Dubai Opera
Look no further for nighttime attractions. Opened in mid-2016, the classy new Opera House in Dubai is the centerpiece of the Opera District in downtown Dubai and will become the main cultural hub and entertainment venue of the city. The Dubai Opera hosts a year-round program of famous musical theater productions, world-class musicians ' concerts, opera, ballet and classical music, as well as smaller productions, nights for comedy and concert.
The 2,000-seat theater building itself is an amazing piece
of architectural mastery and one of the new landmarks of Dubai, with its highly
contemporary glass and steel walls overlooking the waterfront, built to
resemble the curves of a traditional dhow.
20. Kite Beach
This long stretch of white sand beach, south of Jumeirah
Beach, is not only a top destination for sunbathers who want to spend a
relaxing day swimming and soak up the rays on the sand. Kite Beach is known as
Dubai's leading kitesurfing destination and is home to a wide range of water sports
operators. This is where you can go out on the water kitesurfing or try
standing up paddleboarding with equipment rental and beach lessons.
21. Alserkal Art District
Part of the old industrial district of Al Quoz, centered on Alserkal Avenue, has been regenerated into the main arts hub of Dubai and is home to some of the most important galleries of contemporary art in the city. There have been established gallery names such as the Green Art Gallery, The Third Line and the Ayyam Gallery, whereas a host of smaller start-ups have also moved in. The district's rotating collection program focuses both on the work of major artists and on the development of new talent in the Middle East.
This
emerging district is also the place to come for fashion and accessory boutiques
by local designers, pop-up restaurants, and café life, and it showcases the
energetic and youthful buzz of a city, which is usually more noted for its
corporate face.
22. Dubai Parks and Resorts
In parks and resorts in Dubai, your entertainment needs are all combined in one place. Choosing what you want to do is the only problem. This mammoth project includes a variety of world-class theme parks that offer something for everyone, regardless of your age. Motiongate takes its theme from Hollywood productions with film blockbuster rides; Bollywood Parks brings the world of India's famous film industry alive on its rides; and Legoland Dubai and Legoland Waterpark offer younger visitors a fun day of interactive rides, water slides and a wave pool.
The
district's attached Riverland Dubai dining
hub means that there's no need to leave after you've exhausted yourself with
theme park pursuits, as there's plenty of evening entertainment here as well.
23. Aquaventure Waterpark
This Atlantis-based water park, The Palm on the Palm
Jumeirah — Dubai's famous man-made island development— is a great place to
relax after a few days of hustle and bustle shopping. The slide action here is
excellent and world-class, with the Aquaconda, the longest water slide in the
world; a nine-story slide, aptly named the Leap of Faith; and rides along the
water coaster. There are also underwater safaris using Sea TREK helmets; a
dedicated water playground for smaller children with slides; and a 700-meter
white sand beach when all your energy has been used up.
24. Dubai Miracle Garden
This is the most beautiful garden ever. Not content with
building the largest buildings and malls in the world, Dubai has created the
largest flower garden in the world, covering 2,000 square meters and home to a
reputed 100 million flowers. All that can be covered with flowers is from twee
cottages in the English style to windmills and trucks. There's even Burj
Khalifa 's floral version. Take a walk through the walkways and enjoy the riot
of color and the spectacular flowers.
25. Dubai Butterfly Garden
Escape the skyscrapers of the city here for an afternoon.
This large butterfly garden with about 15,000 butterflies flowing under the
domed enclosures can not be beaten for a piece of nature. It is a great
opportunity for children to have a close look at butterflies, as they often
land on the shoulders and hands of visitors. There is also a museum with a lot
of information about butterfly varieties, their habitats and their life cycle.
Things to Do with Kids in Dubai
In addition to the glut of theme parks in Dubai, a stay in the city can include a lot more active things to do. There are plenty of desert tours that go beyond the skyscrapers if you want to experience more natural scenery for your children. Many tours include sandboarding or cycling on camels.
To stay
close to the coast, the beaches and resorts offer kayak rentals as well as a
bundle of other water sports to get the children to work on the sea. And the
indoor ski run at Mall of the Emirates cannot be beaten for those who enjoy the
complete oddity of having some snow fun in the heat.
Where
to Stay in Dubai for Sightseeing
For easy access to Dubai's top tourist attractions, Dubai city
center is the best place to stay. The Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest
building, the Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain are the main attractions
nearby. In this lively area there are also many shops, restaurants and art
galleries. If you are looking for sun, sand and sea, Jumeirah Beach is a
15-minute drive from Burj Khalifa and is also a popular tourist destination.
Below are some highly regarded hotels for touring the city in convenient and
central locations:
- Luxury
Hotels: Blending
luxury with a handy location, The Palace
Downtown Dubai lies within walking distance of the Burj
Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain, and the Souk Al Bahar. Also in
Downtown Dubai, the Armani
Hotelresides in the Burj Khalifa itself and ensconces guests in
sophisticated elegance. For those seeking luxury on the water, the
exquisite sail-shaped Burj Al
Arab Jumeirah is a Dubai icon and one of the most
luxurious hotels in the world.
- Mid-Range
Hotels: A
10-minute walk from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, Ramada
Downtown Dubai is a popular mid-range option, as is the
boutique Manzil
Downtown Dubai with a modern Arabesque design. About a
12-minute drive from the Burj Khalifa, the Sofitel
Dubai on Jumeirah Beach sits on Dubai's most famous
promenade, "The Walk," and lies just across from "The
Beach," a waterfront leisure precinct packed with shops and
restaurants.
- Budget
Hotels: If
you're watching your wallet, a popular budget hotel option is Ibis Mall
of the Emirates, next door to its namesake mall with Ski Dubai.
It's also close to a metro station and about 13 minutes by car to Burj
Khalifa. Also near a metro station, the Ibis Al
Rigga is closer to the international airport. If you're
seeking a more historic feel, the XVA Art
Hotel offers excellent value in the heart of Bastakia (Old
Dubai).
Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of
Your Visit to Dubai
- See the
Sights:
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to see the city is on a Dubai City
Half Day Sightseeing Tour. This guided tour takes you by coach
to the main attractions, including Jumeirah Mosque, Bastakiya (the old
quarter), the Spice Souq, Deira Gold Souq, and more. For a more in-depth
tour that combines the city and desert, try the two-day Super
Saver: City Sightseeing Tour and Desert Safari. Spend the first
afternoon seeing the sights of Dubai and the second afternoon and evening
on a desert safari, including a camel ride, sand boarding lessons, a
sunset barbecue, and a belly dancing show.
- Take a
Flight:
For incredible views over the city and surroundings, take a 15-minute or
25-minute Helicopter
Flight over Dubai. There is no better way to see the famous
Palm Jumeirah or the manmade archipelago created in the shape of a world
map, known as The World, than from the air.
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