Things to do in Dubai

One of the top Dubai attractions, the Burj Khalifa at 828 metres is the world’s tallest building and has become one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks. At the Top, Burj Khalifa tickets sell out quickly so we suggest booking early to avoid disappointment as one of the most popular things to do in Dubai today.

Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai next to The Dubai Mall, a visit to one of the observation decks is one of the top things to do in Dubai. Our team of adventure experts have listed out the options available when visiting the iconic landmark.

The Burj Khalifa is home to a wide variety of restaurants, residential areas, a club and a hotel. It’s possible to visit the observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors.

At The Top, on the 124th and 125th floors has both an indoor observation deck and outdoor terrace boasting 360-degree views of the city. Take a look at the city through the high-powered telescopes and step onto the glass floor with a twist. Definitely one of the fun things to do in Dubai!

One of the top Dubai attractions, the Burj Khalifa at 828 metres is the world’s tallest building and has become one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks. At the Top, Burj Khalifa tickets sell out quickly so we suggest booking early to avoid disappointment as one of the most popular things to do in Dubai today.

Visit the exclusive At the Top Sky on level 148 with a Guest Ambassador for a personalised tour and enjoy the SKY lounge and signature refreshments. The At the Top Sky ticket allows access to the main observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors, to continue your journey. One of the highly recommended attractions in Dubai.

Tickets for each experience vary with peak and off-peak visit times. Contact Arabian Adventures for more information.

From cobbled streets in the Al Fahidi Neighbourhood to the Gold Souk and Spice Souks, one of the most popular Dubai city tours, the Traditional Dubai City Tour explores the area around the Dubai Creek. Explore the Al Fahidi Neighbourhood, known for its’ iconic wind tower architecture, local art galleries and coffee houses. Visit the Dubai Museum for a glimpse at times gone by; take an abra (or water taxi) across the Dubai Creek and explore the must-see Spice Souk and Gold Souk. This is a half-day packed with Dubai sightseeing. At the end of the tour, why not enjoy a sightseeing dhow dinner cruise? Book online at Arabian-adventures.com

What are the things to do near me, you might ask? Get out and do some Dubai sightseeing. Take in the modern skyscrapers and awe-inspiring sights around Dubai Marina and The Palm, Jumeriah on Arabian Adventures’ Modern Dubai City Tour. Stop close to the Burj Al Arab for a photo and continue on to Downtown Dubai. The tour ends at The Dubai Mall next to the famous Burj Khalifa, one of the highly recommended attractions in Dubai. Spend some time exploring The Dubai Mall with its many shopping, dining and leisure options that are ideal for the whole family to enjoy. Choose to visit At The Top, Burj Khalifa, the famous observation deck and in the evening, dine with a view of the Dubai Fountains.

Enjoy a 360-degree view of Dubai Creek from the sleek, all-glass, Seine-designed Bateaux Dubai boat while you dine. This dinner cruise is a relaxed and refined way to see the lights of Dubai by night and do some Dubai sightseeing. Highlights include:

• A welcome drink and canapés on arrival
• An international four-course, à-la-carte menu freshly prepared on board
• Choice of fine adult beverages package for those aged 21 and over is available
• Luxurious, air-conditioned, enclosed Bateaux with live music (except during Ramadan)
• Spectacular photo opportunities as you cruise and dine
• Opt to upgrade to the Premium package (includes house beverages white/red wine and beer)

Cruises last around 2 hours and depart daily.

Set sail along Dubai Marina or the Dubai Canal and soak in the spectacular view of Dubai modern skyscrapers aboard a luxury Glass Boat. Spectacular photo opportunities as you cruise and dine.

Another one of the top things to do in Dubai this weekend for residents and recommended for visitors too is to hire a yacht. Relax and enjoy a leisurely sail with spectacular views of Dubai’s coastline and The Palm, Jumeirah. Private hire of a crewed yacht includes:

• Leisurely cruising and sightseeing along the Dubai coastline
• Close views of The Palm, Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab
• Swim in the warm Arabian waters
• Add lunch or dinner on board
• Choose from an array of different passenger capacity yachts and packages

Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy deep-sea or big-game fishing on board custom speedboats off the Dubai coastline.

• Depart in the early morning or in the afternoon for a four-hour Deep Sea Fishing tour aboard a 31-foot speedboat
• Big game fishing
• Try trolling, the traditional sports fishing method, on board a 33-foot speedboat during the Big Game Fishing tour
• Learn about Dubai’s offshore areas and some well-kept secrets of the seas from your captain

See the heritage of Dubai by night on a traditional dhow cruise on Dubai Creek and relax on the Arabic majlis-style seating on board where traditional lanterns amplify the ambience. The cruise is one of the top things to do in Dubai this weekend. Sip on aromatic Arabic coffee and enjoy a buffet dinner as you take in the sights of the Old Souks, Al Fahidi and Al Seef Marina.

Choose to go on a dhow cruise in Dubai Marina, where the traditional dhow sails past modern skyscrapers. The dhow dinner cruise in Dubai Marina passes through not only the Marina, but sails along the coastline to The Palm, Jumeirah. Enjoy a buffet dinner as you take in the sights.

Prices start from AED295 per person for a dhow dinner cruise at the Dubai Creek.

Looking for what to do in Dubai when you have limited time to see all of the sights? Take a thrilling sightseeing boat ride for some Dubai sightseeing. Start your trip at the Dubai Marina and set sail into the open water, where you will cruise around The Palm Jumeirah, taking in Instagram-able views of the Dubai skyline, Atlantis, The Palm, the Burj Al Arab and more.

Tickets for sightseeing boat rides in Dubai are available.

Seawings is a breath-taking aerial experience over city and coastline. Experience an on-water take-off and landing – just one of the fun things to do in Dubai. Take a flight filled with panoramic views and photo opportunities. Choose from a variety of flights to see different scenic views. Private charter flights available on request.

A variety of flights at different departure times are available.

Enjoy the thrill of a helicopter tour over Dubai. A once-in-a-lifetime experience and a great way to do some Dubai sightseeing in a short time. Unparalleled photo opportunities of The Palm, Jumeirah and other iconic landmarks. Choose from a variety of flight options. Private charter flights are available on request.

A variety of flights at different departure times are available.

A visit to the UAE isn’t complete without seeing the desert dunes to compliment your Dubai sightseeing within the iconic city. Choose the Evening Desert Safari with Arabian Adventures, that takes place in an actual nature reserve, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and you will have the chance to see desert wildlife too. Watch the sunset at the beautiful star-tent sunset stop and head to the camp where a three-course BBQ dinner is served. Try out all of the desert activities from sandboarding to a camel ride and henna hand-painting at the camp. Of all desert safaris available, this is a top one of the things to do in Dubai.

Arabian Adventures is committed to sustainable tourism with a number of initiatives towards sustainable desert safaris in Dubai. A portion of the fee for each excursion with Arabian Adventures supports local conservation projects at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve underlying the sustainability practices. By choosing Arabian Adventures, you will not only have the opportunity to visit the reserve but support the conservation efforts too.

Visit arabian-adventures.com for more information and to book.

For the thrill seekers, the desert dune buggy safari with Arabian Adventures is the go-to desert safari. This desert safari is one of the fun things to do in Dubai. Take an exhilarating ride across the dunes in the latest four-seater dune buggies. An ideal way to take in the desert scenery and to have some serious fun! Ride as a passenger, take turns in the driver’s seat or hire a private buggy with friends and family. Everything that you need is included, from safety gear and a safety and driving talk to refreshments and hotel pick-up and drop-off. Don’t forget to take memorable photos to share on this desert safari, one of the top things to do in Dubai.

Visit Arabian-adventures.com for more information and to book.

What to do in Dubai when you have already been on an Evening Desert Safari? Well, how about taking a morning desert safari with Arabian Adventures? Pick-up and drop-off is included from your location in Dubai. Take an exciting dune drive in to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and capture desert scenes in the early morning light. This safari is all about the action with sandboarding and a camel ride – great for those action shots. After working up an appetite, a light breakfast at one of Arabian Adventures modern Bedouin desert campsite is included. This is one of the most popular things to do in Dubai today.

Book online at Arabian-adventures.com

Spend a peaceful morning (in the winter) or sunset (in the summer) experiencing a camel ride desert safari in Dubai. On this camel trek in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, look out for desert gazelles and Arabian oryx. Relax on a 45-minute ride to the lake where a picnic breakfast with bubbles (in the winter) or strawberries and bubbles (in the summer) await. The return ride is 45-minutes, giving you a full 90-minute camel ride, which is over all too fast. Pick-up and drop-off from your location in Dubai is included. This is one of the traditional desert activities and one of the top things to do in Dubai.

Book online at Arabian-adventures.com

If you’re wondering what to do in Dubai to make the most of the sunshine, a visit to Aquaventure Waterpark should definitely be on your list. Located at Atlantis, The Palm, Aquaventure Waterpark has a labyrinth of rides and slides. Shoot through dark tunnels, pass fish-filled lagoons and float along the lazy river. Try the zip line and relax on the private beach. Ideal for a fun-filled day out. With more than 30 attractions, you’ll need more than one day at Aquaventure Waterpark! If you’re looking for Dubai places to visit, be sure to add Aquaventure Waterpark to your list.

Choose from a variety of tickets and passes.

Be amazed as you encounter 65,000 marine animals in Dubai’s largest aquarium. Located at Atlantis, The Palm, a visit is ideal for all ages. Choose to visit the aquarium, or to combine with your visit to Aquaventure Waterpark. Another top Dubai attraction.

A variety of tickets are available

Wild Wadi Waterpark, located next to the Burj Al Arab, has 30 rides for the whole family. The park is themed around the tale of Juha, a known character from Arabian folklore. Follow the adventures of Juha as you relax on the lazy river, surf the barrel wave on the Wipeout Flowrider and swim in the largest wave pool in the Middle East, Breakers Bay. Another one of the top things to do in Dubai this weekend.

A variety of tickets are available as well as seasonal offers.

One of the must-see attractions in Dubai! See the underwater world through the largest aquarium viewing panel in the world at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, walk through the underwater tunnel or explore the Underwater Zoo. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is home to thousands of aquatic animals, comprising over 140 species. Over 400 sharks and rays live in our 10 million litre tank, including Sand Tiger Sharks, Giant Groupers, and a host of other marine species. A series of carefully designed experiences will allow our visitors to come face to face with our aquatic residents for memorable moments with friends and family. A visit to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the top things to do in Dubai this weekend.

A variety of tickets are available

Enjoy a day of splashes, slides and smiles at Laguna Waterpark – Dubai’s ultimate family destination that’s great fun and great value. Immerse yourself into the thrill factor of exciting surf simulator, the WaveOz 180 FloRider, discover five amazing slides including the Mad Racer, Aqualoop and the family raft ride Manta before unwinding on the Lazy River or diving into the Infinity Pool. There is also a dedicated children’s zone featuring Splash Pad and AquaPlay Rainfortress and much more, Laguna Waterpark has something for the whole family to enjoy.

A variety of tickets are available.

The attraction is one of the top things to do in Dubai. It houses three world-class theme parks and one water park with over 100 activities. Dubai Parks and Resorts is one of the top tourist attractions in the UAE, where you can visit MOTIONGATE™ Dubai, BOLLYWOOD PARKS™ Dubai, LEGOLAND® Dubai and LEGOLAND® Water Park. Definitely one of the fun things to do in Dubai.

Build your way through non-stop interactive fun at LEGOLAND® Dubai. With over 40 LEGO® themed rides, shows, building experiences and attractions. It’s the perfect day out for families with children aged 2-12. At LEGOLAND® Water Park splash your way through a full day of LEGO® themed fun with 20 water slides and attractions designed especially for families with kids aged 2-12. Best-in-branded entertainment from three of the largest and most successful motion picture studios in Hollywood – DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures and Lionsgate – complete your visit to a world of innovation and creative storytelling by visiting MOTIONGATE™ Dubai theme park; one of the highly recommended attractions in Dubai. Bollywood Parks™ Dubai is the first park of its kind in the world. In five fascinating zones, you can experience different environments inspired by the greatest Bollywood blockbusters.

Take a walk along the river on a journey through time, where four different zones give a fascinating look into some of the greatest eras of our time. This Dubai attraction is not to be missed and another venue for your Dubai places to visit list.

Tickets to each of the Parks as well as combo tickets are available.

Take the family to this indoor theme park with four areas: Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley and IMG Boulevard. Exciting rides include Avengers Battle of Ultron and The Haunted Hotel. Movies, dining and shopping complete the venue. A visit to IMG Worlds of Adventure is one of the fun things to do in Dubai, with rides, movies, shopping and dining at the park.

Don’t miss IMG World tickets offers available today.

Ski Dubai is one of the most unique Dubai attractions, located in Mall of the Emirates, it is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. The first indoor ski resort in the Middle East, is located in the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. A ski slope, snow park and penguin encounters is a go to place for family fun and a magical experience not to be missed.

Ski Dubai offers a variety of activities and gives you a chance to ski, snowboard, toboggan, zip line, take a chairlift ride and enjoy the views or just take part in a friendly snowball fight with friends and family in the Snow Park and experience a penguin encounter all under one roof. Outfit and equipment rental is included in the ticket price. Without a doubt one of the Dubai places to visit.

A variety of passes with different inclusions are available.

What to do in Dubai in the evenings if you’re looking for art and culture? Embark on an adventure to discover Dubai’s iconic cultural destination, blending visionary architecture with moments of magic. Dubai Opera offers guided tours offers a glimpse of life inside one of Dubai’s newest cultural landmark, a truly multi-functional venue, combining heritage and historical with entertainment and moments of art magic. Located in DownTown Dubai, the opera house is close to many dining option and The Dubai Mall. Dubai Opera is one of the art and culture-rich attractions in Dubai.

Current performances and show times are available.

Visit the region’s first permanent show housed in a 1,300 seat, state-of-the-art aqua-theatre. From the creative director, Franco Dragone, who brought us Le Rêve (in Las Vegas) and The House of Dancing Water (in Macau) comes the latest show La Perle, right here in Dubai. La Perle features a cast of 65 world-class artists performing breath-taking aqua and aerial feats with the assistance of 70 specialised technicians in a theatre that features an ‘aqua-stage’ filled with 2.5 million litres of water, making it one of the top attractions in Dubai.

Current performances and show times are available.

An adventure awaits for those who visit KidZania®, an interactive children’s sized city that encourages education through play. Learning and entertainment combine perfectly in our 7,000 m2 scaled replica of a real city. KidZania is packed with over 70 role-playing activities for children aged 2-16, where they’ll learn all about jobs, money and the real world while developing life skills that simply cannot be taught in the classroom. This is one of the fun things to do in Dubai for younger ones.

A variety of ticket are available.

If you visit The Dubai Mall and search for things to do near me, the Dubai Ice Rink will definitely be highlighted. Enjoy a cool ice-skating session at the Dubai Ice Rink. Dubai Ice Rink is one of the key leisure attractions at The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination. Located on the ground floor of the mall next to The Souk, the Olympic-size Dubai Ice Rink has become a social hotspot, appealing to the entire spectrum of the society, both to young and old alike.

A variety of ticket are available.

You might ask what to do in Dubai if you’re a fan of aviation? Take flight as captain of the Emirates A380 and experience what it’s like to fly the world’s largest aircraft at the Emirates A380 Experience. This state of the art simulator experience is located at The Dubai Mall.

Book your session today.

Turn your world upside down in the ultimate Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality theme park, though mind blowing rides and experiences that span horror adventure, sport and leisure; located at The Dubai Mall. One of the popular things to do in Dubai this weekend.

A variety of tickets and combo passes are available.

Ready. Set. Ekart! Drive the latest electric go-karts for the ultimate driving experience at The Dubai Mall. Ekart is the perfect place for a challenge with friends and family, or for a memorable afternoon with your co-workers. A safety briefing is included before your experience and a jumpsuit and helmet are provided. Challenge your friends and family with all lap times recorded.

A variety of tickets and combo passes are available.

Explore and interact with a whole new world of exotic flora and fauna in this fully immersive vertical tropical forest. Designed as an enclosed ecosystem, The Green Planet recreates the enchanting world of the tropical forest. The Green Planet is located in City Walk, an outdoor shopping and dining esplanade.

The Green Planet is the largest indoor man-made and life-sustaining tree ecosystem, with over 3,000 plants and animals. Explore four levels of the forest – The Canopy; The MidStory; The Forest Floor and the Flooded Rainforest. An ideal educational and recreational facility for the entire family. One of the Dubai attractions ideal for nature lovers.

A variety of tickets are available.

Looking for insights into the culture and heritage in one of the Dubai attractions? In the Dubai Creek area is the Shindagha Museum, where visitors experience the vibrant history of Dubai. Shindagha Museum tells the tale that shaped Dubai, highlighting Dubai’s shared heritage with the region and the wider world. Next door is The Perfume House where you can explore the enticing world of Emirati perfume making.

A variety of tickets are available.

Immerse yourself in Dubai's authentic flavours and stories on our 4-hour walking food and culture tours. A food tour is a wonderful way to do some Dubai sightseeing. We show you what old timers would vouch for, in parts of the city that few tourists and newer expats visit. These food tours are one of the most popular things to do in Dubai today. Choose from a variety of food tours:

• Middle Eastern Food Pilgrimage
• Little India On A Plate
• Dubai Souks & Creekside Food Walk

Places are limited so be sure to book early.

If you visit the Motor City area and search for things to do near me, the Dubai Autodrome will definitely be highlighted. The Dubai Autodrome is the region’s first fully integrated motor sports facility. Take the driver’s seat or ride along as a passenger with a variety of thrilling experiences on the main track. Alternatively, visit the Kartdrome, RaceRoom or enjoy a game of Laser Tag.

There is also an opportunity to drive sports and F1 style cars on a race track or to drive performance sports car track experience with an instructor. A range of experiences are available: Easy Drift and Formula DXB.

At the Kartdrome, drive karts on the indoor or outdoor track against your friends or against the clock.

For the thrill-seekers, this is one of the top things to do in Dubai this weekend.

A variety of tickets and combo passes are available.

Experience an adventure in the trees, glide down zip-lines, cross high rope obstacles, and leap off Tarzan Swings, all whilst enjoying breath-taking scenery. Aventura features the longest series of thrilling zip lines in the region, and over 80 climbing, tree-surfing, zip-lining, rope-crossing challenges spread over 5 different levels, off the ground and between the trees. Sports, adventure and fun is guaranteed for all ages and abilities. Aventura is a place to experience an unforgettable day in the great outdoors where safety is our priority. Another one of the fun things to do in Dubai for younger visitors.

A variety of tickets and combo passes are available.

Situated on La-Mer's stunning beach, are a number of safe and supervised water-based activities for the whole family to enjoy. From stand-up paddle-boarding to Jet Skiing, kayaking, water biking, paddle boating, surfing, fly-boarding, donut riding, boat cruising and more, there is something for everyone.

• Jet Ski tour available
• Bespoke events can be arranged
• Dubai Souks & Creekside Food Walk
• Change-rooms available

A variety of tickets and combo passes are available.

Choose from a number of experiences from traditional to signature teas and delicious pastries at a variety of venues in Dubai, from the iconic Burj Al Arab to At The Top, Burj Khalifa and Al Qasr at Madinat Jumeirah. A high tea in Dubai is one of the top things to do in Dubai and a highlight in the things to do near me search options. At the Burj Al Arab, choose an Asian style seven-course, loose leaf tea ceremony, or a traditional afternoon tea, high tea with pastries, scones and cream, in the majestic lobby lounge or Skyview Bar.

High tea with city skylines views of DownTown Dubai with pastries, savouries and more is served daily at the top of the Burj Khalifa.

Relax in the lounge with friends and tasty treats and hot beverages at Al Qasr in the Madinat Jumeriah.

Whatever you choose, you’re assured of an elegant afternoon with friends.

Contact Arabian Adventures for more information and to book your place.

Dubai’s shopping malls are known for not only the retail options, but for the leisure and dining options too. With so many options, a search of things to do near me will highlight all of the shopping destinations in your area.

The Dubai Mall features dedicated areas for fashion, jewellry, electronics and dining – so it’s best to have your shopping list ready. It houses the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and the Dubai Ice Rink along with a range of leisure options. The must-see Burj Khalifa is at The Dubai Mall and it is well worth allowing some time to visit the observation deck, At The Top.

Mall of the Emirates is located on Sheikh Zayed Road and is one of the top Dubai attractions. It features about 630+ brands, in an area of 233,467 sqm. It includes department stores, fashion and lifestyle. It also has sports, electronics, home furnishing and the largest Carrefour in the city. The mall is the perfect destination for families. It offers fun attractions and activities such as Magic Planet, VOX Cinemas and Ski Dubai. On top of that, with more than 100 dining and café selections, the mall has something for everyone. Mall of the Emirates provides an unmatched luxury, with more than 80 of the world’s most renowned designer brands.

Shopping is one of the most popular things to do in Dubai today.