Under the Patronage of H.h. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai
Dubai is a city that must be seen to be believed. More than 200 different nationalities call Dubai home, and everyone who visits is guaranteed an amazing experience. Below are some the top places to tick off your sightseeing list when you’re in town.
From Burj Khalifa to Palm Jumeirah, explore Dubai’s best things to do and must-see tourist attractions.
One of Dubai’s most famous landmarks, the Museum of the Future (MOTF) takes pride of place along the city’s superhighway, Sheikh Zayed Road. The museum explores how society could evolve in the coming decades combining elements of traditional exhibition, immersive theatre and themed attractions so visitors can look beyond the present and towards the future’s limitless possibilities.
A thrilling addition to the city’s thriving sports and adventure activities scene, Deep Dive Dubai is the place to be for all aqua enthusiasts. The recreational centre is 60.02m-deep pool is certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s deepest swimming pool for diving.
Aside from its remarkable depth, the pool features other unrivalled underwater additions, such as a ‘sunken city’; with its abandoned urban streetscape, divers can explore this modern Atlantis-like immersive zone and discover intricate details.
Shaped like an oyster, the building’s design pays homage to Dubai’s pearl diving heritage and the bravery of Emirati pioneers. With an onsite dive and gift shop, a restaurant and meeting spaces that can host up to 100 guests, Deep Dive Dubai is also a dynamic venue for events.
At Global Village, they bring the world to Dubai where 90 cultures come together with the best entertainment, shopping, dining experiences, and attractions designed to keep you enthralled all season long! Discover a more wonderful world each time you visit to enjoy myriad cultures, cuisines and conversations. A world of entertainment awaits you with over 40,000 Dynamic Shows. 200+ Restaurants & Cafes. Unlimited Fun. Over 170 Rides and Games.
It’s ideal for Instagrammers looking to light up their social media feed, but AYA, situated in the atrium of WAFI City Mall, offers much more than just an opportunity for photography. From the moment you enter this sprawling 40,000 square foot space, you’re surrounded by high-tech sound, lights and graphics with 12 distinct zones that together comprise the AYA universe, each telling a different story.
Ushers escort you through different rooms, starting from Aurora—which is the heart of the whole experience and features touch technology—before you interact with other worlds in areas like the blooming Flora, Tides and The River.
Dubai Parks and Resorts offers a thrilling experience like no other. Visitors can discover more than 100 fun-packed indoor and outdoor rides and attractions at Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park.
At Motiongate Dubai—the largest Hollywood-inspired theme park in the region—explore the best from legendary film studios such as Columbia Pictures, DreamWorks Animation and Lionsgate. Witness popular animated characters including the Smurfs and Shrek, and experience incredible rides, including the world’s first roller coaster inspired by action film “John Wick” and the world’s fastest single-car spinning roller coaster themed after heist thriller “Now You See Me.” Meanwhile, budding filmmakers can visit a real set at Studio Central.
Just over an hour away from central Dubai, there’s much to do here, from conquering the dramatic terrain on a mountain bike to kayaking along the teal waters of Hatta Dam and exploring generations-old cultural highlights.
Hit the open road and head towards Dubai’s Hajar range, literally translated as ‘rocky mountains’. Red-grey rock outcrops contrast against blue gleaming bodies of water in an ethereal setting that has to be seen to be believed. Hatta was once known only for its historic fort and small desert farms, but now attracts a wide range of adventure sports enthusiasts, in particular bike riders and keen hikers.
A trip to Dubai isn’t complete without a visit to the famous Gold Souk, one of the oldest and most fascinating traditional markets in the emirate. Whether you’re just browsing, or genuinely on the hunt for even the smallest amount of precious gold, walk through the glittering bazaar to find designs from around the world crafted with a variety of carats.
The salty sea breeze, the sun on your face and views of endless blue – beach life in Dubai always delights. From five-star lounging at the city’s most exclusive beach resorts and spectacular islands that entice sun seekers, to the communal warmth of Dubai’s popular public beaches, there’s always a stretch of sand to call your own.
For a taste of the luxe life, book a day pass at a private beach club. They are mostly found at luxury hotels and present a premium take on sunbathing—think sleek daybeds and loungers, temperature-controlled pools, service with a smile, gourmet bites and upbeat tunes. A few city favourites include Nikki Beach Dubai located on the waterfront of Pearl Jumeira, DRIFT Beach at One&Only Royal Mirage and WHITE Beach Dubai at Atlantis, The Palm.
Look beyond hotels and resorts and you’ll discover the best beaches in Dubai. That’s right, the city is home to exceptional, high-standard public beaches that are free for everyone. Along the Jumeirah coastline, make sure to stop by Kite Beach and La Mer, while The Beach opposite JBR is also especially popular in the Dubai Marina district. Al Mamzar Beach is another top recommendation. While it involves a nominal AED5 entrance fee, it is pristine with beach chalets available for hire, a park area and barbecue spots, so you can really make a day of it. See you on the sand!
These are just the few of the many things to do and places to visit when in Dubai.
Dubai enjoys a warm climate year-round given the location in the Arabian Desert. The winter months from October through to May are the mildest, with average temperatures ranging from around 20 degrees centigrade to the mid-30s. During the summer months of June to September, the weather heats up, ranging from high-30s to mid-40s. This is when Dubai’s plethora of indoor attractions and facilities come to the fore, making Dubai a year-round destination.
Dubai is a very tolerant, cosmopolitan and multicultural city. Its residents are made up of more than 200 different nationalities – all living together harmoniously. Demonstrating a heritage of rich Arabian hospitality, Dubai is a very welcoming city. Just when visiting any foreign destination, the local customs and culture should be respected.
Being largely a Muslim country, it is recommended to dress modestly, particularly within the workplace. The new work week runs from Monday to Friday and Saturday and Sunday being the weekend. The usual business hours are adhered to in most private enterprises, but government buildings may close around 2.30pm each day.
Related websites: www.visitdubai.com