If you’re not familiar with Dubai, it is the largest emirate (city state) in the United Arab Emirates, and has grown quickly over 40 years. It is an exciting city full of marvels, money and a bit of magic.
It also features one of the most recognizable man-made structures anywhere, The Burj Khalifa, which stands as tall as 829 meters and is one of the tallest buildings on Earth.
Below are our best picks for the top 12 things to do when visiting Dubai for the first time.
Featured Image Credit: Paulofcosta /Depositphotos.com.
1. Dubai Fountain
Dubai’s showpiece dancing light fountain at the front of Dubai Mall sits on a nine-acre man-made lake, shooting water into the air over 150m with music that is choreographed by some of the world’s most prominent international DJs. The Dubai Fountain will drop your jaw even more than the way the Bellagio fountain in Vegas does.
Which shows are the most loved at Dubai Fountain?
There are seven awe-inspiring shows each day, from classical to electronic contemporary music, lasers and searchlights transform the night into day every 30 minutes for five minutes from sunset until midnight. Our advice is to head along early to ensure you get a good spot. It gets crowded.
2. Dubai Mall
Dubai is so famous for shopping, and Dubai Mall is the biggest mall in the world. The world’s largest mall is every shopper’s paradise with over 1200 stores that offer products from the best designers and excellent anchor department stores – as well as more than 300 food outlets to hang out.
The Dubai Mall also has an ice rink. If you want some luxury brands, you can find the top designer stores, such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, or Prada.
3. Dubai Aquarium
Dubai aquarium is one of the world’s remarkable underwater zoos. It has 32,000 marine creatures of more than 100 species. The aquarium’s long walk-through tunnel makes it unique. It has a length of 125 meters and a height of five storeys.
It has a wonderful attraction, namely The Lost Chamber. With more than 400 fish, including sharks, swimming around, The Lost Chamber is a wonderful experience. Feeding time is a must for the youngsters, which happens three times daily, in which divers feed stingrays and sharks.
Another attraction is the incredible experience of coming face-to-face with a great white shark by dropping into the Aquarium in a cage! Perfect for the perfect family day out, the ticket price includes access to Dubai’s underwater zoo, home to over 33,000 marine animals.
4. Burj Khalifa
A feat of engineering and architecture, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. Completed in 2010, it has since played host to a ton of world records: from being the first building with over 100 floors, the tallest structure ever created, and even having the fastest elevator. This behemoth is a must-visit attraction just next door to Dubai Mall and protruding out towards the sprawling Dubai Fountains at its feet.
Above all do not miss the 124th floor observation deck, which gives a breathtaking view of the Dubai skyline on every side.
5. Jumeirah Mosque
A visit to the Jumeirah Mosque is essential on your Dubai itinerary as it is one of the few attractions in Dubai not related to shopping or pleasure. Its rich architecture with a golden dome has secured it as one of the largest and attractive mosques of the city.
The mosque can host up to 1000 worshippers at the same time and they also have free guided tours for visitors, which are recommended.
6. Souk Al-Bahar and Shindagha Souks
The souks (markets) of Dubai are a must see if you are visiting Dubai. It gives a real taste of the Dubai culture and it’s the best place to buy souvenirs.
The most famous and more traditional are the Gold and Spice souks – where you can find a mind blowing array of jewelry and spices to choose from.
In Downtown Dubai by the waterfront, you will find the very lively and modern Souk Al-Bahar. While it’s more modern than the Gold and Spice Souks, the atmospheric Souk Madinat Jumeirah, with traditional Arabian architecture and labyrinthine alleyways, is also worth a visit.
7. Deira
Dubai is situated on the inlet of Arabian Gulf- Dubai Creek. Deira, on the eastern side of Dubai Creek and home to much of the city’s old heritage Deira, with its still standing wind towers and traditional souks.
One of these historical buildings was converted into the Dubai museum where you can learn about the history of Dubai up to 5,000 years ago!
Deira has some important mosques as well, like the 400 year old Al-Raudh Darbar. This golden palace has been renovated now, but retains much of its old charm.
Spice Souk and Gold Souk: For those who like to go shopping with a specific aim in mind, We suggest taking a stroll through the Spice Souk and Gold Souk in Deira as well.
8. Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeirah is another wonder of engineering in Dubai – it consists of man made islands created artificially to look like a Giant palm tree. The island houses some of the most exclusive residential and luxury hotel accommodations, including the Atlantis Resort & Waterpark where Beyonce did a show recently.
While on Palm Jumeirah, visitors can engage in activities such as swimming, sun bathing, wind surfing, sailing and fishing among other things. The island has numerous restaurants and bars that enjoy views over Dubai’s skyline.
9. Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is home to Dubai’s most iconic skyline with some of the most beautiful architectural creations. It also has the third tallest residential building in the world – Princess Towers. Dubai Marina offers activities such as swimming, fishing, sunbathing, jogging along its promenade or at the touristy Marina Beach for breathtaking sunset views over the sea.
10. Ski Dubai
Dubai’s Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort situated inside the Mall of Emirates. Opened in 2005, this ski resort is the largest indoor skiing area on Earth. Ski Dubai has activities to offer its visitors all year round, from skiing and snowboarding to tobogganing or just playing in the snow. The mountain offers 5 runs with varying levels of difficulty, and also a beginners slope. Ski Dubai also offers a host of restaurants and cafes too.
11. Exploring Bedouin culture at the desert safari tour
Dubai is a desert country with some magnificent natural scenery. You can rent a 4WD to do dune bashing, sand skiing and camel riding as part of a cultural tour to the desert – it’s one of the most popular activities when visiting Dubai. All the tours provide an opportunity for souvenir shopping, traditional food, and entertainment like fire breathing and belly dancing.
12. Skydiving Dubai
When in Dubai, you should jump at the chance to fly like you’ve only done in your wildest dreams befor – by skydiving over Dubai’s deserts or islands with an expert instructor right next to you. Appropriate for all levels, from beginners to master skydivers, skydiving is one of the most popular activities to do in Dubai.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.