12 things to do (and 3 NOT TO DO) in Dubai - 2024 Emirates Tourist Guide

Are you ready to leave for your holiday in Dubai but don't know what to do once you arrive at your destination? Here is a list of the 10 most interesting things to do and see in Dubai for you!Show more

1. Burj Khalifa.

The Burj Khalifa, "The Center of Now", with its 828 meters, is considered the skyscraper of the records. In addition to being the tallest building in the world, it is also the one with the most floors, with the highest observation point in the world, and with the elevator that travels the longest distance in the world.

Located in the heart of the prestigious Downtown Dubai district, a favorite destination for shopping and entertainment lovers, the Burj Khalifa offers its visitors a unique experience: from its At The Top and at The Top SKY, located at 124th, 125th and 148th floor, it offers a breathtaking view of not only the area below, but the entire city.

What is the best time to visit it? Definitely at sunset, to admire the sun that caresses Dubai for the last time with its rays, before giving way to the darkness of the night, and to the thousand and one lights that light up one of the world's entertainment capitals.

2. Desert Safaris.

If it weren't for the heat, many would probably forget that Dubai is located a stone's throw from the desert.

Anyone who wants to experience Dubai at 360° cannot avoid spending a day in the middle of the spectacular sand dunes of the Arabian Desert: get on board an off-road vehicle, a dune buggy, a quad or a camel, and leave at a time of one of the most spectacular adventures of your life!

Desert safaris, in fact, include various activities: the more adventurous can try their hand at a session of sand boarding, "surfing on the sand", while romantics will certainly not be able to resist the call of a tour in the desert at sunset, followed by a candlelight dinner in a traditional camp.

3. The Burj Al Arab.

This spectacular sail-shaped hotel, which rises 321 meters above sea level from its artificial islet in front of the Jumeirah district, is one of the most famous symbols of the Emirati city.

Also known as the most luxurious hotel in the world or the 7-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab is like a capricious lady, who is not easily admired, except from a distance, and does not grant her favors indiscriminately.

In short, to see its opulent interiors you have to be a paying customer; pity that not everyone can afford to spend almost 2000 dollars for a night in a hotel.

4. Dubai fountains.

Located inside the Dubai Mall, at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, in Burj Lake, the Dancing Fountains of Dubai offer a unique show in the world: the water games made up of five circular fountains and two in the shape of an arc are equipped with powerful jets of water that create very high sprays, colored by special lights that manage to create dozens of different chromatic combinations.

To make the experience even more spectacular, the performances of the dancing fountains are accompanied by various musical pieces ranging from classical to contemporary and Arabic music.

To better enjoy the show offered by these wonderful fountains, you must stop on the Waterfront Promenade, or you can opt for a cruise on Burj Lake aboard a traditional abra.

5. Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis.

Everything in Dubai has been created to amaze and impress, including the small artificial archipelago of Palm Jumeirah, made up of a series of islets which, seen from above, resemble the shape of a giant palm tree.

The most interesting part of Palm Jumeirah is found right on its tip: in Atlantis, The Palm, the luxury resort of the archipelago, you can spend hours and hours of absolute fun at Aquaventure Waterpark, admire the species housed in The Lost Chambers aquarium Aquarium and meet the friendly marine mammals that live in Dolphin Bay.

6. Dubai Frame.

Located in the heart of Zabeel Park, the Dubai Frame is one of the relatively newest attractions in Dubai, having opened in 2018!

This huge monument, 150 meters high, has the shape of a gigantic golden frame, and allows those who decide to go up to the 48th floor to see the city from a privileged point of view: when you are on the central walkway, in fact , the gaze extends both in the direction of the new city and in the direction of the old city.

Those who aren't afraid of heights can also choose to look down, because part of the walkway has a glass floor, and watch the world go by below.

7. Dubai Mall.

The Dubai Mall is a veritable paradise for shopping and entertainment!

If you are looking for a place to buy from the best luxury brands at competitive prices, have fun and have fun, the Dubai Mall, at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, is the right place for you: here you will find 1,200 stores, ranging from fashion to electronics, as well as the Dubai Aquarium, theme parks dedicated to children and the Dubai Ice Rink.

The heart of this covered shopping town is Fashion Avenue, where you will find the boutiques of the biggest names in high fashion, from Armani to Stella McCartney, from Burberry to Versace and many more.

8. Skiing at Mall of the Emirates.

The Mall of the Emirates is another address that lovers of shopping and entertainment must absolutely mark on their agenda.

What makes it an essential destination for anyone who decides to visit Dubai, however, are not only the over 500 boutiques and shops it houses, but its ski slope.

Yes, you read that right: a ski slope in a city that has an average annual temperature of around 26°!

Ski Dubai is a real high mountain resort, only that it is indoors and in a desert area; the snow, however, is really there, even if it is artificial snow, as there are also real ski slopes, a ski lift and even real penguins.

9. Go shopping in the souks.

You can't say you've seen the real Dubai if you haven't visited at least one of its souks.

Despite the presence of very tall skyscrapers with futuristic shapes and ultra-modern shopping malls, in fact, even the city of Dubai, with its souks, keeps alive a spark of tradition.

At the Dubai Mall you will find a more modern-looking souk, with the products of local artisans; just outside the Dubai Mall is the Souk Al Bahar, where you can find traditional fabrics, incense, clothes and gastronomic products.

To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a real Middle Eastern-style market, however, you have to leave the more glamorous and glossy Dubai, and enter the older areas of the city, in particular Deira and Bur Dubai, near the Dubai Creek.

10. Museum of the future.

Dubai is a futuristic city and where else could the Museum of the Future have opened? And to reimagine the future, you need to go there.

The museum will take you on a journey to 2071 to discover new ways of living and be a pioneer in the new world and then return to the present and shape a better world.

11. Dubai eye.

Another of Dubai's new attractions is the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel, also known as the Dubai Eye, the eye of Dubai like the famous London Eye, even though the one in Dubai is almost 2 times higher.

It is the tallest Ferris wheel in the world and is located on Bluewaters Island, a new man-made island in front of the Jumeirah Beach Residence area.

Going especially at sunset will give you fantastic views and an unforgettable experience.

12. Dubai Creek Abra Cruise.

Everyone should cross Dubai Creek in an abra - it's a truly unique experience!

The abra, a type of traditional wooden boat, has been the main means of transport for the city's inhabitants for hundreds of years. Today, motorized or electric abras continue to carry their passengers along the course of Dubai Creek, and are the perfect means of transport for those wishing to discover the oldest part of the city.

13. Warnings

Don't drink in public… ever!

Drinking alcohol in public is never allowed, not only during Ramadan, and walking around with glasses, cans or bottles in hand is always a despicable behavior, prohibited by law, which will only bring you trouble and fines.

Alcohol can be consumed in some clubs and restaurants, but you will not be able to buy it in liquor stores and supermarkets. Furthermore, the minimum age to drink alcohol is set at 21 years.

Do not wear inappropriate clothes.

Forget shorts, miniskirts, necklines and dresses that make your shapes stand out too much.

This dress code concerns women in particular, but it does not spare men either who must maintain a certain decorum and absolutely avoid going around bare-chested or in a bathing suit, outside the specifically equipped bathing areas.

The temptation to discover you can be strong, for example, during the hottest hours, that is, when temperatures exceed 40°.

Furthermore, not even singlets are allowed to visit holy places and mosques and women must have shoulders, arms and legs, from the knee up, absolutely covered.
Don't indulge yourself in public effusions.

It is always better to avoid excessive displays of affection in public when you are in a couple, even if it is common kisses and simple hugs.

In fact, these behaviors can be interpreted as a symptom of a lack of respect and a desire to show off that can soon border on the indecent and inappropriate.

This is even more true if you are not married. Therefore, try to avoid all those behaviors that risk attracting attention and being branded as provocative.