Want to visit Dubai? – Here's a list of 40 fun and adventure places to visit in Dubai

 

The first thing that comes to everyone’s mind when they think about Dubai is the luxury and the record-breaking spree it has been on for the better part of a century. But, when you actually come here, you’ll know that it’s so much more than that.

Dubai is an eclectic mix of vast and unexplored deserts, lush green farmlands, soaring skyscrapers, and white sand beaches. 

There are more things to do in Dubai than you can ever imagine.

1. Burj Khalifa- Be on top of the world

Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest man-made structure and an iconic landmark of the UAE. From the observation decks on top of the tower, one can witness the full splendor of downtown Dubai. The observation decks ‘At the Top’ on the 124th floor and the newly opened ‘At the Top Sky’ on the 148th floor bring in a large crowd of visitors every day. A splurge of record-breaking followed the completion of Burj Khalifa in 2009.

The entry fee to the observation decks depends on the time of day you choose. Surprising numbers of visitors flock around early morning and sunset hours though tickets cost more during these times. Whether you want to see the city in broad daylight or twilight glimmer of the night sky, you will be blown away by the panorama from 555m above the ground. It is said that for people at the top of Burj Khalifa, sunset happens four minutes later than for those at the ground level.

The whole building is 830m tall, almost three times higher than the Eiffel Tower. The tip of it can be seen from as far as 95km away if the weather allows.

Anyone who comes to Dubai should witness this world wonder at least from the outside.

2. Desert Safari – An adventurous trip back in time

Most of the other things to do in Dubai are in the cities. That’s what makes a desert safari different from everything else out there. It is the only way to explore the Arabian dunes up close. The safari lets you discover the forgotten traditions of desert-dwelling Arabs.

Safari has something up its sleeve to satiate the intrepid souls too. The dune bashing ride in a 4×4 SUV can be best described as a roller coaster ride through the desert dunes. Tall red dunes of Lehbab desert are the perfect place for a dune bashing ride. But it’s also carried out in Margham desert as well.

The thrilling ride lasts for half an hour with a few sunset-photo stops in between and a stopover near the tallest dunes to try out sandboarding. Sandboarding is the desert version of ice skiing.

Before the sunset, the desert activities are wound up, and the convoy moves to the Bedouin camp. The rest of the fun is hosted in this traditionally styled desert camp. It includes opportunities to get a henna tattoo, dress up in Emirati attire, take a picture with the Falcon, and Quad biking.

Then as the night falls, the camp is livened up by traditional folk dances and a scrumptious barbecue dinner buffet. The whole desert safari trip lasts for 6-7 hours immersing you in the desert aura the whole time.

This is a great getaway option in Dubai. Suitable for family trips as well as for bachelors.

3. Dhow Cruise Trip in Dubai Marina

A cruise dinner on a boat in the Marina is the romantic trip through the pristine waters of Marina Canals amidst the tall buildings and glam and glitter. The traditional Arabic wooden dhow has two decks, the lower one which is air-conditioned and the alfresco top deck.

The top deck will let you enjoy the air and look up at the people waving at you from the walkways across the canal and the gravity-defying skyscrapers that line Marina. The large windows in the lower deck ensure the sightseeing fun to those who prefer an air-conditioned experience.

The trip offers mouthwatering food starting from the welcome drinks and Gahwa that are served as soon as the guests are seated on board. Then the floor will be open for the five-star buffet of intercontinental cuisine.

Along with everything else, live performance of a Tanoura dancer will light up the evening. Tanoura dance, which originated from Egypt centuries ago, is always performed by a male dancer. His long and colorful skirt form amazing patterns as the dancer twirls from start to finish.

The Best way to experience Dubai at night with your loved ones, friends and family. Dhow Cruise is a great alternative to restaurant eat outs. A dhow cruise dinner can be way more romantic than a regular one.

4. Dubai Water Canal

Opened towards the end of 2016, this is the most important addition of recent years to Dubai’s list of waterfront attractions. 2.7 billion AED was spent to construct the 3.2 km canal which passes through the middle of the busiest part of the city. The canal even cuts Sheikh Zayed Road before it meets Arabian Gulf.

The waterfront has a jogging track and a 12 km cycling path. This place is perfect for a romantic outing in the evening. However, you might not want to visit here when the sun is high above. Also, after the sunset, the whole promenade and bridges across the canal are drowned in lights. Sides of Sheikh Zayed Road bridge has a mechanical waterfall, which again is drenched with purple lights. This waterfall makes use of sensors to make way for boats and ferries as they move beneath the bridge.

Dubai Water Canal has changed the face of Business Bay forever. Unlike all the other marinas, this one is at the center of a busy downtown. For Dubai, this presents an immense opportunity for huge developments.

In the coming years, the waterfront will witness astounding growth with 80,000 square meters of space planned for entertainment and housing.

The canal looks stunning at night. The streetlights along the canal are powered by solar panels which charge up the batteries during daylight hours. All of these lamp posts have charging stations and wifi. There are a few bridges to walk across; one of them looks like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Fransisco.

The water canal has excellent accessibility due to its proximity to the metro. This place is best visited in the evening.

5. Dubai Mall – More than enough reasons to shop

Like pretty much all the other superlatives, the largest mall in the UAE is in Dubai. Located at the foot of Burj Khalifa and spanning over an area equal to fifty soccer fields, Dubai Mall nearly qualifies as a city in and of itself. The mall gathers more visitors a year than Los Angeles, or Newyork does.

There are all the crazy things inside the mall. Even a genuine dinosaur skeleton. If you want to, you can spend a year and a half browsing around in those hundreds and hundreds of stores.

Dubai Mall is home to a little over 1200 shopping outlets. Many of which are dedicated to gold jewelry. And on the top floor is the Kidzania.

There weren’t as many reasons in one place to spend money than ever before. Even if you don’t have the hunger to eat out (pun intended) or hunt for couture, the gigantic aquarium or the ice skating rink will beckon any jovial soul.

It is also easy to get lost inside the mall. If you don’t really watch out, you will end up spending a long time searching for the entrance you came in through.

Best place for shopping visits. Even you can spend hours window shopping and strolling inside the mall.

6. JBR and Dubai Marina – The east meets the west

Marina is an artificial canal city situated along the Arabian Gulf, styled like Venice. But the buildings here soar to the sky. Most of the buildings here are at least 300 meters tall. There are a great many architectural feats all over the water city. Cyan tower stands outs with its twisted construction.

A 7-kilometer promenade lines the length of the canal. Though thousands of people come here every day, the wide walkways do not make it look crowded. Marina walk is made to be explored by foot.

Innumerable restaurants and branded outlets adorn the entire walk. Marina walk is an upscale market place with luxury clothing brands and international restaurants. If you are here on weekends, head towards the cobblestone avenue to catch a glimpse of street performances.

The Beach is another open-air mall in Marina. But this one is in the beachside near JBR. Though not as expansive as the marketplace in the promenade, The Beach has a cheerful vibe to it being next to the sea. The Bluewaters Island and the towering Ain Dubai, the tallest Ferris Wheel in the world, can be seen from Marina beach.

If you want to witness the poshest neighborhood in Dubai, then this is the place to go. And there are numerous opportunities for shopping and eating.

7. Dubai Frame – Picture perfect

A recent addition to Dubai’s list of architectural marvels is the Dubai Frame. The one that adds a golden tinge to the city’s skyline. The tower is located in Zabeel Park, dividing between the Old and New Dubai.

The photo frame shaped landmark is, in fact, two towers each measuring 150 meters tall connected by a 93 meters long bridge. The exterior of the frame is covered in gold-colored stainless steel cladding as a throwback to Dubai’s rise as a gold trading center.

The mezzanine floor of the frame showcases the past of Dubai as you enter it. With the use of mist, projectors, and screens, the gallery explains the humble beginnings of Dubai. You can see the expanding horizons as you move up through the glass windows of the elevator from the mezzanine floor to the Skydeck.

On the Skydeck, the two sides of the frame give us two completely distinctive perspectives of Dubai. On one side is the Old Dubai, which includes Karama, Bur Dubai, and Deira. Faraway, the quintessential creek can be seen winding in the middle of low-rise buildings.

On the other side is the new Dubai with the broad and busy Sheikh Zayed Road and iconic Burj Khalifa soaring into the sky in downtown Dubai. You should try walking over the acrophobia inducing glass bridge.

There is yet another museum on the mezzanine floor, but this time on your way back and also this one is about the future of Dubai equipped with state-of-the-art Augmented Reality presentations.

Definitely worth visiting along with your family. Children will enjoy all the galleries and visual elements.

8. Palm Jumeirah – An incredible island

Who would have thought about the idea to build an island in the shape of a palm tree? But Dubai did. They are just ingenious like that. Not only that but they also made it the largest man-made island ever built. So big that it can even be seen from space.

The Palm Island (or Palm Jumeirah) is a center of luxury private residences and hotels. There are over 30 hotels on this island alone. The most prominent among these hotels is the Atlantis.

You can board a monorail from the station near the internet city located at the base of the Palm’s trunk. The monorail will take you to the crescent at the end of Palm Island and offer a brief visual tour of the Island.

The lagoons on the island are a great place for yachting. The white sand beaches in the palm is a water sport destination for adventure seekers. An eleven-kilometer boardwalk stretches along the shore behind the Atlantis. This boardwalk is teeming with food trucks and souvenir stands. Sip a mug of coffee under the parasol feeling the sea breeze.

This is a man-made wonder you should see. You can get a good view of all of the Palm Jumeirah if you go on the Palm Monorail. But to really appreciate the design of the island you will need to get on a helicopter.

9. Dubai Fountain – The dancing water

Everyone knows that the tallest building in the world is in Dubai. But there is more to it. Right below Burj Khalifa, in the middle of the 30 acres Burj Lake has the world’s tallest fountain — Dubai fountain. It is also the world’s largest choreographed fountain.

The fountain can shoot 22,000 gallons or 83,000 liters of water over 140 meters high, almost as high as a 50 storey building. It has five circles of varying sizes and two arcs that stretches 275 meters across the lake. The same creators of Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas were behind the design of the Dubai Fountain.

At night, 6,600 WET lights and 25 colored projectors give the fountain a spectacular image. One thing that draws people to it is the choreography that is synchronized with music. The light, the sound, and the undulating water thrill the onlookers for hours on end.

Because it is located between Dubai Mall and Souk AI Bahar, there are a lot of great vantage points. But if you want to have a closer look, you can get a pass and go to the boardwalk which extends 272 meters into the lake. There you will be standing just 9m away from the soaring water, which means there is no escape from getting wet.

If you wish for an entirely new perspective, take an Abra ride through the lake. The ride goes through the fountain as it performs.

The fountain has three types of shooters with the ability to throw water at three levels of height. The most powerful of them can create 500 ft tall jets, which make the fountain visible even from far away.

One of the easiest to visit places in Dubai. Grab a coffee from a restaurant with a nice view of the fountain and enjoy the show.

10. Yacht Cruise – Best thing to do in Dubai

Set off on a magical journey across the rippling waters of the Arabian Gulf with the cool sea breeze blowing around you. Get up close to Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, and Palm and World Islands.

Go deep-sea fishing or relish a dinner on a yacht. You can also think of a catamaran party for a group of 30 or, even better, a corporate fishing trip.

Fishing cruise

The sudden flash of excitement when you feel a tug on your line and as you reel in your catch! Deep-sea fishing is a sought after thing to do in Dubai. The most common fish are the Sailfish, Barracuda, Grouper, Tuna, Queenfish and the Snapper.

A fishing cruise will take you to the best fishing locations, on a boat with fishing equipment and fish-finding Sonars. Catch the fish, cook them, and have them on board!

Romancing a sunset

As soft waves rock the yacht and the sun glides down the horizon, you will witness one of the most beautiful sunsets of your life. An ideal moment to share with someone special. The mesmerizing sight, as the setting sun paints the city orange and pink, will be one of the most cherished moments of your cruise experiences.

Leisure in luxury

Organize a yacht cruise that no one will forget. Whether a small gathering of friends or family or a grand bash for a larger group of people, there is a luxury boat to cater to your needs. From the smallest boat for eight people to a grand 85 ft luxury yacht that can host a party of 37, there is a yacht for any occasion. So don’t wait up and try out the best yacht charter Dubai has to offer.

Yachting is a sought after pastime in Dubai. It is best for medium to large groups of people, like five and above, and families and weddings. There are yacht cruise packages suitable for many activities. So plan yours and pick the one that suits you.

11. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Discover a whole world of underwater species at the Dubai Aquarium — one of the major attractions inside Dubai Mall.

The largest water tank which is home to 33, 000 of animals, once held the Guinness World Record for ‘The Single Largest Acrylic Panel’. Go scuba diving in the water and take a swim with sharks. If shark dives are too terrifying for you, you can go cage snorkeling or ride a boat with a glass bottom.

You can just observe the fish from the outside too. Walk past the mesmerizing wall of water with hundreds of fish gliding by. Completely immerse yourself into the wonders of the marine life by walking through the underwater tunnel; take a stroll with the sharks and rays swimming centimeters from you just behind the glass.

There is also an underwater zoo. There are three sections to it; the Rainforest, the Rocky Shore, and the Living Ocean featuring three different environments each homing otters, giant catfish, penguins, and even a crocodile. You can even get up-close to some animals and maybe even pet some of them.

Dubai aquarium is a fantastic place to take your children. Even grown-ups can enjoy it a lot, especially if you are interested in diving into the water.

12. Al Fahidi Historical District – Alleys of Heritage

Walk the narrow alleys of history at Al Fahidi Quarter in Bur Dubai, formerly known as Bastakia. The place is soaked with Emirati heritage with its traditional houses having wind towers, galleries, and museums.

Bastakia was established back in the 1890s by merchants, later on becoming housing for immigrant workers. At one point in history, the city’s municipality wanted to demolish the heritage quarter. However, legend has it that Prince Charles, during his visit to the UAE in 1989, suggested preserving the area. The plans of demolishing the neighborhood were canceled.

In 2005 the Dubai Municipality started a major restoration campaign making Al Fahidi Historic District what it is now — an iconic heritage site of old Dubai.

It is particularly interesting to see numerous galleries and old houses with wind towers – which were the earliest forms of air conditioning. Only the richest traders would have wind towers. The architecture and intricate designs on different elements of the houses will fascinate you.

There are more than 50 buildings, including art galleries, a guest house, a museum, a café and Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.

To explore the local culture, visit the cultural center, have some tea and snacks at the café, see the artworks of local and international artists, and just explore on your own.

Take a look inside the Dubai Museum, which is located in the Al Fahidi Fort and buy a few souvenirs at the souq nearby.

Al Fahidi historical district will let you understand the forgotten heritage of Dubai. It’s suitable for educational visits and even a family outing in the evening. Children will enjoy the quaint houses and maze-like alleyways.

13. Dubai Garden Glow – Light it up

A place where kids can have fun and learn at the same time. That is what Dubai Garden Glow is. Located next to Sheikh Zayed Road inside Zabeel Park, it is divided further into sections based on the theme. There are Glow Park, Dinosaur Park, Ice Park, and Art Park. Each of them has a different atmosphere from each other and a purpose to it.

Dubai Garden Glow is the biggest glow park in the world. During the day time, the garden looks like any other garden with sculptures of dinosaurs and other characters, but after sunset, the place totally transforms.

The Glow park has models of wildlife and trees, which sends a message about the importance of protecting the environment. These artistic shapes glow after the nightfall emanating an otherworldly aura.

With more than 120 dinosaur sculptures, the Garden Glow has a Dinosaur park that is bigger than any other of its kind. The entire park is aimed at children, but this one especially so. They will enjoy the interactive elements in the park, like Dinosaur Lab, which showcases the life of these prehistoric creatures.

You will need to buy an additional pass to enter Ice Park. But if you are into arts and modeling, the money is worth it.

This place is designed for children. The most interesting bit in the Garden Glow is the dinosaur park.

14. La Mer – The artful side of a beach

La Mer, which literally means ‘The sea’ in French, is the latest addition to Dubai’s list of beautiful beaches. This is not just like other beaches, though. Situated on Jumeirah beach and spanning a whopping 1.24 million square kilometers, La Mer is packed with shopping centers, eateries, cinemas, and amusement parks for a perfect day out. Laguna water park is also located in La Mer.

This place is divided into two zones; north and south. There isn’t much in these names. North and south just differentiates this extensive beachfront into smaller zones for convenience.

You are sure to get a lot of Instagram worthy pictures near the Banksy-style murals sprinkled across the beach.

Many major international brands — clothing, beauty care, restaurants — have their stores in La Mer. Parker’s restaurant here does not require you to find a key.

There is something for everyone here. If you are into sunbathing or spending some time in a beach house, book a cabana and enjoy for a whole day. Rates of these cabanas (or day rooms) depend on the size of the group. The beach has plenty of watersports option too, from paddleboarding to kayaking and boat cruises. You can get inside a buggy and see around the whole place because waking across La Mer will be too tiring due to its sheer vastness.

What makes La Mer attractive to tourists is that it’s not as expensive as other beachfront locations in Dubai.

A place to go if you like to shop, sunbathe, and swim. There are many restaurants and cafes for dining overlooking the sea. In the winter, it is nice to for lazy strolls and to snap pictures.

15. Quranic Park – Curating the history

The Quranic park was opened in March of 2019. This 64-hectare park, located in Al Khawaneej, near Mushrif Park, is free to enter for anyone. The park exhibits the events, histories, and plants mentioned in the Islamic holy scripture — the Quran. This is the first-ever Quran inspired park in the world. This one fares well as a place for edutainment visit both for the kids and grown-ups.

The Glass House and Cave of Miracles can only be visited with a ticket which is nominally priced. The Glass House has the trees and plants mentioned in the Quran with their scientific names along with their medicinal properties. The Cave of Miracles illustrates some of the miracles narrated in the Quran such as Prophet Moses splitting the sea, and Prophet Muhammad splitting the moon in half.

The Quranic park highlights the message of peace, love, and tolerance, which are very much emphasized in the Islamic faith.

The park also showcases Islamic calligraphy and art. The trunk of the solar panels trees with WIFI and phone charging station, which also doubles as shades for visitors, are engraved with breathtaking Arabic calligraphy. This serves as an example of how to integrate technology into our lives without looking too out of place at the same time. The AC vents inside the Glass House are also made like tree trunks so as to blend in with the design of the facility.

There are shops in the park that sells herbs and plants in the Quran. Water fountains in the nearby lake also add to the scenic attraction.

This park has only been opened recently. Though it is a large park, some things need more development, and we hope it will be in the coming months. But considering the cheap ticket price, the place is worth a visit.

16. Burj Al Arab – Seven-star luxury

The definition of luxury, Burj Al Arab, has been a landmark of Dubai for many years. No one leaves this city without at least capturing a picture of this hotel. It was voted the world’s most luxurious and the Middle East’s leading hotel several times in a row.

Andre Agassi and Roger Federer played a tennis game 212m above the sea on the helipad on top of the Burj Al Arab. 

Each suite in the hotel has 24-hour private butler service, there is a reception on each floor, and even a Rolls-Royce fleet to take guests around the city.

The monumental wonder is built 300m away from shore, and the only means of getting there is via a private bridge. Built over five years, this is the tallest all-suite hotel in the world towering 321m high. It resembles a traditional Arabian dhow sail, portraying strong connection of the nation to its sailing heritage.

While Burj Al Arab can be seen from both land and sea, getting inside the hotel itself for sightseeing is impossible. Unless you are staying at the hotel or want to go for dinner, there is no way to get past the security. If you are going, be sure to reserve beforehand.

Burj Al Arab is a major landmark in Dubai. It is one of a kind hotel with facilities and luxury way above the five-star standard. To visit there, you will either need a restaurant or hotel reservation, which can be quite pricey.

17. The House of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum

The house of Saeed bin Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum is one of the oldest buildings in Dubai and the home of the former ruler of the emirate — the grandfather of the current ruler of Dubai. Built back in 1896, it was the seat of the government when Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum resided there. He passed away in 1958, leaving behind a great heritage, which was the evidence of the evolution of Dubai as an emirate, and UAE as a country. The house stands as a legacy of Dubai’s roots, making it a great place to visit.

Today the historic residence is transformed into a museum housing iconic old photographs, coins, stamps and documents that preserve the short but great history of the country. The photography exhibition narrates the art of pearl diving, historical moments, and the first school and hospital in the country.

Another interesting thing to explore about the household of his highness is the architecture of the house. The structure is made of coral stones and mud, like every building in the area in those days. The typical Arabian courtyard with small rooms and wind towers has a special charm. Located right next to Creek, the house offers a great view from its top floors.

Being an old palace, this place is drenched in history. Though there is nothing to spend a lot of hours, it is something to see in Old Dubai. The ticket price is really low.

18. Aquaventure Water Park – Water adventure

Located near the famous Atlantis-The Palm hotel is an astounding world of a waterpark called Aquaventure. The lavish 42-acre water park boasts a 700-meter private beach, mind-blowing slides, fun rides, and numerous other attractions. How about a quick rush through a shark lagoon or zip down the biggest slide of the planet? There are enough activities for both adrenaline seekers and lazy tanners.

Feel the rush as you slide down from the towers of Poseidon and Neptune or fly free as a bird on the longest zip line in the region at Atlantean Flyer Zi.

Record-breaking water slides, lazy rivers, special areas for kids, underwater tunnels of rays and sharks — all this will make up a unique and fun-filled experience under the sun.

The lush setting of the park is reminiscent of a tropical jungle with azure blue pools at every step. The private beach is a separate area for some relaxation.

A great place to spend a summer day in the water having fun. Everyone from children to teenagers and adults can have fun here.

19. Gold Souk – City of Gold

It is Dubai’s famous Gold Souk (Souk is the Arabic term for market) that earned Dubai the name ‘City of Gold’, and rightly so. Gold Souk is in Deira, near Baniyas Square. The gold market has been a major attraction for years, bringing people from all over the world to buy gold, diamonds, and jewelry for cheap.

Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, you should definitely pay a visit to the glittering souk. Walk down the alleys with the glimmer of gold, reflecting out of each shop window.

Prices on gold at Gold Souk are among the lowest in the world. One of the jewelers in the souk houses the largest ring in the world — Najmat Taiba (Star of Taiba) — which weighs a whopping 64kg. It’s on display behind a glass window for tourists to take pictures with.

Besides gold, you will find silver, precious and semi-precious gemstones, and breathtakingly beautiful jewelry.

This place may feel like a regular marketplace to you, but this was where Dubai begin its incredible growth a few decades ago. Best for shopping at cheap rates and to dive into 70s Dubai.

20. IMG World of Adventures

IMG World of Adventures is the first-ever fully air-conditioned indoor theme park in Dubai. It spans over an area of 140 thousand square meters. That’s the size of 28 soccer fields. Located near Global Village, it is a considerable distance away from the city. Therefore, you will have to either go there by car or take a taxi.

The park is divided into 4 zones: Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard, Lost Valley Dinosaur Adventure, and Marvel Comics. These names might make it look like this place is for young children, and rightly so. However, grownups too will find at least a few things to enjoy.

Rides like ‘The Velociraptor’ and ‘Predator’ will give you many stomach-churning, heart-stopping moments. And if you have kids with you, then definitely visit the cartoon network zone. They also have some really cool rides; Mojo Jojo’s Robot Rampage for example. But if you are prone to motion sickness or have a weak stomach, it will be better to stay away from them.

Kids will enjoy ‘The Adventure Fortress’ where they can climb rope ladders and hang around like monkeys in a safe environment. ‘The Haunted Hotel’ inside IMG Boulevard is favored by most of the visitors. For the same reason, you will have to go through a long queue to get inside it.

This is a must-visit spot if you are a fan of Marvel characters. It is also suited for a family outing on a summer day when you don’t want to be out under the blazing sun.

When summer hits hard, indoor theme parks like these are your go-to places. Bring the kids here and let them have fun. And there are a few exciting rides for you too.

21. Motiongate

Motiongate, opened in 2016, is a part of Dubai Parks and Resorts. It came later than IMG world of Adventures but is different from it because unlike IMG, Motiongate is an open-air park. Therefore, it is best explored during colder weather.

The park consists of four parts; Columbia Pictures, Lions Gate, Smurf’s Village, and DreamWorks. Even though the place is more fit for the kids, grown-ups can also enjoy it nonetheless.

As you enter through the gates, you are greeted by Studio Central. This section is for shops, restaurants, and refreshments. You won’t find any rides here. Inside Columbia Pictures, some of their famous movie characters are brought to life. Zombieland Blastoff here is not for the faint-hearted. The ride takes you 58 meters above the ground and drops you from there when you least expect it.

You must visit Smurfs village if you have kids younger than 14 with you. There are Smurf houses and larger than life Smurf characters here. Smurfs Village Express is a roller coaster for kids. If your kids are into climbing over things and swinging around, take them to Woodland Play Park.

Dreamworks is an indoor section of the park with interiors modeled after movies like How to Train Your Dragon, Madagascar, and Shrek. Lions Gate is the last of them which is not any less exciting, though. The major attractions in Lions Gate are Capitol Bullet Train and 4D aerial tour of Panem.

This one is a recently opened theme park in Dubai which is a part of Dubai parks and resorts. Just like any other theme park, this one is also aimed at the younger ones. If you are young at heart, there are some amazing roller coasters which you can enjoy.

22. Legoland

This is another of the attractions in Dubai parks and resorts. But this one is mainly intended for children. Although the park claim to be for children aged 2-12, it will be better enjoyed by kids between 4 and 9.

Legoland has many parts including Factory, Miniland, and four more themed portions; Imagination, Adventure, Lego City, and Kingdoms. The process of making legos are shown in Factory. Take a quick stroll through this part and go to the Miniland. Replicas of skyscrapers and metro in Dubai made entirely of Lego blocks are a sight to see. The models of metro trains actually move over their tracks. This might not be as interesting to your kids as much as to you, though.

‘Kingdoms’ is for the adventurous ones. The thrilling rides here are not meant for the younger kids as there is a height requirement to enter them. Some of the rides are interactive like Merilyns flying Machine; a carousel, shaped like a plane, in which the rider can push a joystick and move the plane up and down as it rotates.

The rides inside ‘Adventure’ will be fun for the parents as well. Submarine adventure is a unique ride which takes you to the bottom of a pool and let you look at the fish and lego models through the glass window.

Kids who love to build with legos will love ‘Imagination’. They can create things of their own with legos and find new things to make from Master Builders Academy. Finally comes Lego City, where they can play real-life roles at ‘Driving School’, ‘Boating School’, ‘Police Headquarters’ and ‘Rescue Academy’.

Legoland is a part of Dubai Parks and Resorts. This one is most suitable for younger children who are between 4–9 years of age or those who are still in love with legos.

23. Alserkal Avenue – For the sake of art

Alserkel Avenue is really unique. It wouldn’t be hyperbolic in the slightest to say that there exists nothing similar to it anywhere else in the UAE. Opened first in 2007, it is a cluster of warehouses in Al Quoz — an industrial district in Dubai — repurposed to host art and pop culture. The complex was designed by the Dutch Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate Rem Koolhaas.

This is fast becoming the center of expressionism. Expressionism is the art movement which focuses on connecting with the human mind and emotions. Since its beginning, this art hub has attracted famed talents from all over the world. Among them is eL Seed, the artist who rose to fame from his masterpiece work ‘Perception’ in which he painted 50 buildings in a Cairo neighborhood.

‘Third Line’, one of the many art galleries in Alserkal, showcases the creations of more than 30 Middle Eastern artists like Lamya Gargash and Fouad Elkoury. Chi-Ka is an art and fashion house which was inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics and middle eastern culture. One of their works is a blend of Japanese Kimono and Arabic Abaya.

‘The Good Life’, Alserkel’s resident designer footwear makers, is frequented by sneakerheads. There is also a place for offbeat and artistic international movies called ‘Cinema Akeel’, which was launched in 2014 and has held more than 60 pop-up cinemas since then.

Every year during the winter months, the area is filled with art enthusiasts who come to see Quoz arts fest. But it is not all about arts, though. You can find shops that sell some exquisite coffee, burgers, and desserts in every other corner.

This place is for the art lovers to stimulate the creative part of their brain. This place can be a bit polarising. You will love it if you are into art and will find it boring if you are not.

24. Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque is one of the two mosques open for a visit for non-muslims in Dubai, other being Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque. It is located near Jumeirah beach, an up-market neighborhood.

The mosque is iconic in Dubai and is also said to be the most photographed one. Five hundred dirhams banknote of the UAE features this mosque. The mosque with white walls and traditional Fatimid architecture seems like a historic building even though it was completed in the 1970s.

Two slender minarets flank the large central dome. At dusk, the intricate carvings on the dome and minarets become more prominent, adding to its overall beauty.

The mosque offers a guided tour which lasts 75 minutes starting from 10 AM every day except on Fridays. There is no prior booking required for the tour, but you have to be there before 10 AM. It is an opportunity to get to know about the culture and religion of the United Arab Emirates.

Modest dressing is mandatory to enter the mosque. Women are supposed to wear headscarves, and men should not wear trousers that are shorter than knee length. Appropriate clothes can always be borrowed at the entrance.

Visitors are encouraged to ask questions about anything. Ask about Islamic holidays, rituals, clothing, and Ramadan and even cuisines and customs. The curator will explain the purification ritual called ‘wudu’ near the water fountain. Children have programs that are appropriate for their ages. The tour program also lets you taste the local dishes and sweets.

A must visit to everyone who comes to Dubai. A tour of this mosque will help you understand the Islamic heritage and traditions.

25. Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a shopping mall built like traditional Arabic souks with stands, barrows, and wind towers. But everything else about it is modern. There are outlets of international luxury brands, restaurants and cafes, and numerous entertainment centers like Madinat Theatre.

The souk is part of Madinat Jumeirah resort on Jumeirah beach. From here, you will get a great view of Burj Al Arab. A 5-kilometer long Venetian-style canal runs along the resort connecting various hotels within the resort. You can take a leisurely trip through this canal on an Abra — a traditional Arabic boat used to ferry people. Walls of the souk are earth-colored, and the wooden ceiling is festooned with antique chandeliers. You might have to walk more than you expected because it is easy to get lost in the winding maze-like alleyways.

The mall is open seven days a week, usually from 10 AM to 11 PM. You will find some interesting shops on either side of alleyways selling homeware, fashion, jewelry, souvenirs, and refreshments. There are more than 20 restaurants offering cuisines from all over the globe.

Anyone can go visit the souk for free. There are no metro stops nearby, but the nearest of them is Mall of the Emirates though it will take ten minutes’ drive to get to the souk.

This is an old-style souk built in the modern part of Dubai. One of the many interesting shopping malls in Dubai. Visit it for the experience and shopping opportunity.

26. Ski Dubai – Snow-time fun

From sand dunes to snow slopes, Dubai can take you from blazing heat to sub-zero temperatures in no time. Meticulous care is taken to keep the inside temperature between -1 and 2-degree Celsius. Try out skiing. It’s, literally, one of the ‘coolest’ things to do in Dubai. Play in the snow, slide down the tube, and roll down in a zorb ball.

Ski Dubai is the largest indoor ski resort in the Middle East. The slope boasts five runs depending on one’s skiing level. And it’s not even a problem if you don’t know how to ski. They offer skiing lessons as well.

Relax at the snow park and meet Ski Dubai’s permanent residents — the snow penguins — or go sightseeing in the chairlift. Chairlifts are used to carry people up the slope. Skiiers can choose to ski on any of the four slopes. Each slope varies in length and slopes with different difficulty levels.

The longest of the Runs measures 400 meters with a 60-meter drop. The world’s first indoor black diamond run is also in Ski Dubai.

Given the intensity of the cold, protective clothes are mandated to ensure visitors’ safety. Therefore, all the necessary protective gears are included in the ticket price, which means you don’t have to lug any of them when you come.

The snow park is inside the Mall of the Emirates; so you can go shopping after your skiing session. However, it is more likely that you would want to get a cup of hot chocolate from the mountain-themed cafes.

A unique place to visit in Dubai. Suitable for both family fun and adventure.

27. Wild Wadi – Water Adventure

Spend an entire day splashing in the pools, riding crazy slides, and chilling on a float in the lazy river. Seated on Jumeirah beach near Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi is the first-ever water park to open in Dubai.

Themed around the tale of Juha, the friend of Sindbad the sailor, the park spans over 12 acres packed with more than 30 brightly colored rides.

There are two lazy rivers in Wild Wadi; Juha’s Journey and Flood River. From the top of Juha’s Journey, a 360-meter leisure ride, you can take in all the beachside vista. Flood River is, on the other hand, one tad rougher but still a calm flowing water.

Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon has Sindbad joyriding the magical carpet and a large bucket which dumps water over anyone that stands below it every two minutes.

Wild Wadi has the tallest free-fall water slide and also the largest wave pool in the Middles East. The slide, Jumeirah Sceirah, measures 120 meters tall from the ground and propels riders at a mindblowing speed of 80 km/hr. The wave pool is called Wipeout Flowrider, where you can try boarding.

White Water and Master Blaster carry you around the park. The strong waves in these rides can lift people up the slides.

If you are staying in Jumeirah Beach hotel, you get complimentary entry to the water park. Wild Wadi is a great place for family recreation in hot summer days. They keep opening new slides and renovating to stay up-to-date with the fun-demanding crowds.

One of the first waterpark in Dubai. Though old, the place is well maintained and constantly updated. A good place to take kids.

28. Dubai Miracle Garden

Delve into a world of a million flowers at the Miracle Garden in Dubai. A unique and stunningly beautiful destination with more than 50 million blossoms on display. It has over 120 varieties in addition to sunflowers, petunias, and marigolds.

Miracle Garden holds the Guinness World Record for the largest structure made out of flowers. A life-size model of Boeing A380 made up of 500,00 flowers. Every season, new flowers bloom, bursting with colors and breathing new life into the park.

There is a Burj Khalifa of flowers and a little house overflowing with florets. Other attractions are Disney Avenue, Trampoline park, Amphitheatre, Floral clock which actually works, Heart Passage, and the dazzling Floral pyramids.

Dubai Butterfly Garden is a part of Miracle Garden which homes 15000 butterflies from 26 different species. The indoor sanctuary made of 10 domes provide these tiny creatures a climate-controlled environment to thrive.

The Miracle Garden is nearly circular in shape. It will take about an hour just to see all the attractions if you are not in a rush.

The completion of this garden was an unparalleled feat, given that it is in a desert. The garden takes advantage of drip irrigation using recycled wastewater. A team of botanists, florists, and environmental engineers ensure a gorgeous and eco-friendly garden.

An attraction that boasts many Guinness records. Visiting the Miracle Garden is one of the most romantic things to do in Dubai.

29. Skydiving – Conquer the Sky

Try out one of the most adventurous things to do in Dubai! Skydiving is done at specific locations called drop zones or at a diving center. From there, an aircraft will take you up into the air so you can perform your jump and safely land on to a special designated area. The aircraft depends on the drop zone. Good weather conditions are vital for safe skydiving, so drop zones can suspend normal operations during inclement weather.

For newbies, there are three options to make that exhilarating first jump: The tandem, static line training jump, and the accelerated free fall or AFF.

Tandem jump is the most common way for first-time diving. Basically, you have nothing to worry about as you are strapped to a professional — the Tandem Master — who will take care of everything. Freefall will last about 45 to 60 seconds and around a four-minute canopy ride while landing. Tandem skydiving doesn’t require much training since the master handles all the technical parts of the skydive.

In an accelerated freefall, you jump on your own… with a little help. After a special ground training, you get to jump with your own parachute finally. Two instructors will hold on to you in your jump to assist you in positioning your body correctly and setting of your parachute at the right time! Another instructor on land will assist you in landing via the radio.

The least popular method of a beginner jump is the Static line jumps. Here you dive on your own, except that a special ‘rope’ attached to the aircraft automatically blows up your parachute for you.

You have to be at least 18 years old to skydive. Also, you should be in good health and physical condition to do it. You should not take any medication that will cloud your mind, judgment, or performance.

This is for the adventurous souls. Remember that not everyone can do the skydiving. There are some guidelines and fitness levels you have to meet, which are not that tough.

30. Falconry – Wings of tradition

Falconry is a very strong part of Emirati culture that has been kept alive to this day. Bedouin tribes living in the vast desert terrains, used falcons for hunting. The art of taming the wild bird and training is passed on from generation to generation.

Falcon is the national bird of the UAE. You can see it everywhere in this country from its passport to coat of arms.

Every year, during winter months, the UAE holds falconry tournaments called Fazza Championship, bringing thousands of falconers together to compete and show off their birds. The skill of the falconer is greatly appreciated as it requires tremendous effort, while the beauty and strength of the bird are very prized too.

Owning falcons requires a license from the government. Every year millions of dirhams is spent for the protection of these birds. There is even a hospital dedicated to taking care of these birds in the capital city.

From being an age-old tradition, falconry has evolved into a popular hobby and a sport that is practiced purely for competition reasons. There are laws protecting the bird and special hospitals to take care of them in the UAE. With the same popularity as horseracing and camel racing, falconry brings the thrill of competition and attracts more and more people to this exceptional sport.

If you’re lucky, you can attend one of the seven falconry championships during your visit to Dubai, or at least take a photo with the magnificent bird.

Falconry is a heritage sport of the UAE. If you go for it hoping for a nail-biting fun, you will be disappointed. Go see it to appreciate the traditional aspect of the region.

31. Dubai Autodrome

5.39 kilometer Race & Drive Centre and F1 track is where some of the world-renowned motor sporting events are held. This is the first racing circuit built following the stricter design guidelines by FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile), like asphalt run-off areas and digital surveillance system.

Every year Dubai Autodrome becomes host to Emirates Motorsport Expo. Located in the heart of Motor City, Autodrome was built to promote racing as a sport in the UAE.

Kartdrome located here offers leisure rides to people above seven years of age. The 620-meter indoor track is often used by groups of tourists and companies for leisure sporting fun with their buddies and colleagues. You can enjoy two races each lasting for 15 minutes for a ticket, and then compare your race records with that of your friends. Children between twelve and eighteen can also have a first-drive experience. Helmets and other safety gear will be provided at the track.

For motorheads, this place presents a plethora of options to explore. From Audi TT to Audi R8 V10 and to real single-seater race cars, you can feel the power of supercars in this track around its 17 corners and 1.2 km track. 

Great opportunity to drive a real sports car on a real race track. Young people don’t miss this.

32. Go jet skiing

There are a number of places offering Jet Skiing in Dubai like Marina, Mamzar, Jumeirah beach, etc. One jet-skiing session is at least 30 minutes. However, there are rental packages for more than that.

Two people can ride on a jet ski at a time, but it is not a must. If you like to ride alone, you can. A training session and a briefing of Dubai maritime rules are mandated before the ride to reduce the chances of accidents.

There are not many requirements for one to be able to ski. People of any size, shape, and fitness level can go for it if they are at least 13 or above. But riders under 16 are required to have an adult companion on the ski.

Yellow floats mark the areas in the sea where skis are allowed. Don’t go beyond those. It is also dangerous to speed along the coastline where there will be swimmers.

One should wear a life jacket even if they know how to swim. Jet skis have no breaks. So be very wary and be at a safe distance from anything and anyone. If you want to stop, slow down to the lowest speed and shut off the motor.

There is a cable connecting you to an emergency switch, and in case you are thrown off the vehicle, it will automatically shut off. Unlike normal driving, on a jet ski, you have to press gas as you make a turn. If the engine doesn’t give out enough thrust, the ski won’t turn.

A thrilling water sports which is common in Dubai beaches. The great thing about it is that, if you are old enough, you can go for a spin on a jet ski on your own.

33. Hot Air Balloon Ride – Up above the world so high

To view Dubai or the whole of the UAE from a new perspective, float your way over stunning views of the desert.

Depending on your preference and the weather, the perfect timing to be high in the sky is either during sunrise or sunset. What would you like to cherish more; new dawn or fantastic dusk?

For the sunrise session, the trip starts early in the morning because you have to be up in the sky when the rising sun sets in.

The flat balloon needs to be inflated before it is ready to carry passengers. A balloon can take 4-8 people depending on its size and type. Everyone on board must belt up and assume a squatting position before the lift-off. With a few more blasts of flame, the balloon uneventfully rises inch by inch at first and gradually gaining momentum.

Along with the passengers, there is the resident rider on the balloon — the falcon. When the balloon reaches the zenith, the falcon is let free to fly. The sight of the magnificent bird toing and froing from the basket will arouse awe and curiosity of the riders. Looking down from high above, you can see the desert teeming with animals, birds, and desert vegetation. The ride lasts for one hour.

A nice and affordable option to get a bird’s eye view of Dubai.

34. Touring Dubai on a helicopter

Fly over the landmarks of Dubai! No matter how far and wide you have explored the city, nothing will beat the aerial view of Palm Jumeirah, Sheikh Zayed Road, and the World Islands.

The duration of the helicopter flight ranges from 10 minutes to over an hour, although the most popular ones are usually between 25 and 30 minutes. There are a variety of packages and routes to fly above the heritage sites along Creek, around Burj Khalifa and Atlantis, and all the way across Palm Jumeirah. However, the flight route has to be approved by the air-traffic control and therefore bad weather, or any other factor might lead to a change in the pre-planned route.

Lastly, be mindful of arriving at least half an hour before the trip schedule to allow room for the formalities and carrying your passport with you. A chopper will carry 5 to 6 passengers at a time. So you can bring your family or friends along.

A helicopter tour brings you the complete picture of Dubai with all the tall buildings and sprawling urban cityscape.

There are a few companies in Dubai that offer helicopter tours like Emirates Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tour Dubai, HeliDubai, and more.

Good for seeing Dubai from the sky and also if you haven’t been on a helicopter before give it a try.

35. Horse ride

Did you secretly wish that you could saddle a horse like a professional jockey? Yes, you can try this out at any of Dubai’s numerous equestrian clubs.

Horses have an indisputable place in Emirati society, and they have glorified these magnificent beasts in their paintings and poems. Unsurprisingly, Dubai hosts the most eminent and anticipated horse racing championship in the world — the Dubai World Cup. Among the horses, Arabian horses are the rage for their beauty and powerful muscles.

Even if you are a novice in horse-riding, you can go to any of the equestrian clubs or a private stable to learn dressage, to saddle up the steed, reining the horse, and how to ride and tend them. There are some parklands in the desert natural reserves where you can canter your gelding under the twilight glow and spot desert fox and gazelle.

There are public stables which offer riding lessons. You should choose a horse that goes well with you. Mares are easier to handle and therefore right for beginners while stallions are usually used by professionals due to their roughness and difficulty in taming.

Also, horse riding is more than a hobby. It develops balance, muscle strength, blood circulation, and increases agility and reflex.

Horses and especially Arabian Horses are marvelous creatures. This is your opportunity actually to ride them. Traveling on something that has a mind of its own is very different than being in a car. Definitely worth experiencing.

36. Quad Biking- Tearing up the desert sand

Desert sand is impossible to tread on. That’s why the Bedouin folks resorted to camels. Nowadays, we have large SUVs to conquer these terrains at mind-blowing speeds. If you want to make it more stylish, there is a Quad bike.

Quad bikes are a beast of off-road biking in the uneven desert landscape. This fully all-terrain adaptation of a motorcycle will give you the freedom and speed to explore the sand.

There are many places where you can rent a quad bike; especially if you take the many roads towards Hatta from Dubai. But there are many desert safari packages as well which let you tool around with All-Terrain Vehicles (i.e., quad bike) along with other desert adventures. Rental shops will require you to pay a refundable deposit.

For people familiar with the terrain and comfortable with riding a quad bike, renting is a good option.

Before your ride, you’ll receive a safety briefing. It is best to wear sneakers or trainers for a comfortable ride. One must be 15 years and above to drive an ATV.

Ensure that you put on your protectiveattire and equipment like goggles, crash pads, and helmets. It’s not pleasant to have sand blowing against your face. Most importantly, don’t compare your speed with that of the others in the group. Always keep at least 20 meters distance between you and the other riders. Sand is quite treacherous, and you can quickly lose control.

ATVs have utterly incredible performance. They are sturdy and provide balance more efficiently. They also have a large diameter and surface area that guarantees better safety during the exercise.

Quadbiking is a sport. Quadbiking in Dubai takes that to a whole new level by letting you do it in the desert. But if adventure sport is not your forte, then don’t bother with it.

37. Hatta mountain safari

Take a fascinating off-road trip to Hatta — an enclave of Dubai tucked high in the Hajar Mountains. Hatta mountain safari is distinct from a typical safari as it combines the thrill of both sandy and mountainous terrains.

The trip takes you to a world of natural pools, rugged mountains, and beautiful valleys. The scenery switches hues from the color of barren rocks to green as you get closer to Hatta. The rugged mountain passes are a stark contrast to the pristine streets in Dubai.

You can take in the serenity of the oases choking with palm trees and explore the wadis in search of the buried past. Bluegreen waters inside canyons will entice you to take a dip. So bring your swimsuits.

The 16th-century village has many historic buildings. Apart from those buildings, there are eccentric shopping opportunities at the local street markets and carpet shops.

You need to take your original passport and ID for the trip because you have to go through Oman to get to Hatta.

A desert safari that combines the sand dunes, rocky mountains, and green vegetation of Hatta. A different kind of experience worth going for.

38. Kidzania – It’s a Kiddie World

Dubai has a city built exclusively for kids. On the top floor of Dubai Mall is Kidzania – a safe and unique environment where kids can have loads of fun and develop real-life skills at the same time. Kidzania is spread over an area of 80,000 feet with buildings, airports, banks, hospitals, and everything that a modern city has. The mini-city is scaled for children from 4 to 16 so that they can live a real grownup life getting a job, earning money and spending it.

Kids arrive at Kidzania through an ‘airport’ and have to pass through customs. Upon entering the city, they get a check which they have to cash at the bank and start making a living. The play center offers around 80 jobs in several categories, from medicine to entertainment.

In a fun and engaging manner, kids get a better understanding of real-life as they are paid a salary for their work.

Kidzania has its own currency called Kidzos, so kids can spend only as much as they earn. Or they can save their personal bank accounts and use the money during their next visit. And the companies that offer jobs are real corporations like McDonald’s, Dubai Police, Emirates airlines, and so on – it doesn’t get more real than that.

In a glance into the city, you will see little ones walking the streets, a mini fire truck rushing around followed by an ambulance and more amusing real-life role-play. Parents can safely leave their kids in Kidzania.

The ultimate role-playing destination for kids. It is also in the convenience of the Dubai Mall.

39. iFly – Defy gravity

Experience skydiving and free fall in a safe environment without boarding an airplane or going up thousands of meters above the ground. iFly gives you the opportunity to try flying indoors without all the fear and dread of safety issues.

Gear up with a flying suit, helmet, and goggles. Before you embark on this gravity-defying feat, take notes on the instructions. Master the flying techniques and learn the sign language of skydivers. After the training session, you get two one-minute-long flying sessions.

The machine uses huge and powerful fans to keep you mid-air. Two gigantic fans with a combined force of 800 horsepower set you off the pressurized staging area with wind blowing as fast as 200kmph. Be, literally, blown away!

All these happen inside a see-through acrylic tube. There are cameras to capture your wild excitement.

The flying tube is located in the convenience of a mall, so you can take a break from your shopping tour to try out flying. Everyone from 5 to 65 can have fun at Mirdif City Centre’s Playmania. iFly is cool for a first try. However, nothing will compare to the mesmerizing views you see when you go for real skydiving in Dubai!

iFly lets you experience sky diving without actually going for it. Unlike the real sky diving, it so much more affordable and even kids can do it.

40. The Lost Chambers Aquarium of Atlantis

Walking through the mesmerizing hallways with a huge window like aquariums, you will feel like you are in the midst of a sunken city. It is amazing to see the gigantic aquarium filled with 65,000 different sea creatures. Thousands of exotic marine species glide past behind the glass. If you come early, you might even be lucky to witness a feeding session.

See sharks attacking raw meat that the intrepid divers feed them. The sharks are not the only exciting monsters here; there are huge catfish and all types of lobsters! You can even touch some of the residents like the baby stingrays, small crabs, and starfish at the Touch Pools.

It is both fun and educational experience to walk the mystic passageways of the chambers. A guide will reveal to you the myth of the long lost ancient civilization while the interior décor and special props combined with the water aquariums, create an uncanny atmosphere.

This aquarium is smaller than the aquarium in Dubai Mall, but offers a distinctive theme and atmosphere.