Best Things To Do in Dubai

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest structure in the world and a global icon. Truly a feat of engineering, the building represents the conceptual heart and soul of the city of Dubai. At 828m tall, this magnificent structure is located next to Dubai Mall and has drawn visitors from all over the world since opening in 2010. The unmatched Burj Khalifa view can be taken in from not one but two observations decks – the two-storey At the Top on the 124th and 125th floors, as well as one of the world’s highest observation decks (555m) on the 148th floor.

Fancy escaping the confines of the city? Then book yourself onto a Dubai desert safari adventure and enjoy an adrenaline-fuelled ride across the terracotta dunes. Safaris typically start with a hotel pick up from where you will be taken to your start point. Once there you will either be shown how to safely use your quad bike or climb in the back of your 4x4 vehicle. Brace yourself for an exhilarating off-road journey up and down the dunes. Depending on your package, you might also enjoy a camel ride, sandboarding, and a desert BBQ.

Sitting at the base of the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa is the equally impressive Dubai Mall, less a retail outlet and more an adventure. This massive indoor, air-conditioned complex is home to over 1,200 stores from well known high street brands to a whole section dedicated to luxury goods. In addition, there are many great places to eat, including an outside area with dancing fountains, and lots of fun activities to entertain everyone, such as cinemas and bowling alleys. The star of the show is the aquarium and underwater zoo. Holding 10 million litres of water, this giant fish tank is home to 140 different marine species, and you can even go diving inside.

Everything in Dubai is bigger and better and its waterparks are no exception. Aquaventure is the world’s largest waterpark and offers guaranteed fun for everyone. Located next to the Atlantis, the Palm, this impressive waterpark is also home to the world’s tallest waterslide, the odyssey of terror, which as the name suggests isn’t for the faint-hearted.

If you’re looking for something slightly less daunting, you’ll be spoilt for choice from the wide selection of slides on offer, ranging from the vortex to the river rapids. If this isn’t enough entertainment already, then the park is also home to a zipline that flies 66 feet (ca. 20 m) in the air across the waterpark. There is also a private beach, surf area and the splasher’s kid’s play area that caters to the younger ones. There are also opportunities for you to interact with stingrays, dolphins, and sea lions.

If you’re the ultimate adrenaline junkie, then you can’t leave Dubai without going skydiving. Trained professionals take care of the whole thing, meaning that both experienced and inexperienced skydivers are catered for throughout.

Choose from one of two stunning locations that you wish to view from 13,000 ft (ca. 4 km) up in the air: Palm drop zone or Desert campus drop zone. Palm drop zone provides stunning views over the Palm Jumeirah and its impressive coastline as well as the Burj Khalifa and even adjacent Abu Dhabi.

Alternatively, Desert campus zone offers magnificent views over the Arabian desert, Dubai’s coastline and many of the city’s spectacular landmarks, such as the Burj al Arab and the Burj Khalifa.

You’ll also get the chance to relive the magical moment again and again with the well captured videos of your whole experience.

We’re sure it’ll come as no surprise to you that Dubai is home to the largest indoor theme park in the world, IMG Worlds of Adventure. Split into four themed adventure zones, you’ll get the chance to meet all your favourite Marvel and Cartoon Network characters as well as the opportunity to get up close to life-sized dinosaurs.

Take an adrenaline fuelled ride on the velociraptor as you’re thrown 100 km into the air in 2.5 seconds or view the incredible hulk in 3D in the immersive experience. If you can still stomach any food after all the excitement, then check out one of the 28 food and drink establishments on offer.

Only in Dubai could you go skiing in the middle of a scorching hot summer. Ski Dubai is a massive indoor snow themed park with over 6,000 tonnes of pristine snow on which to play. Beginners can take some ski or snowboard lessons, while the more experienced can practice on a range of easy, intermediate and difficult slopes, there is even a ski lift to get you back to the top. Other activities include a snow cinema and a Penguin encounter where you can get close to King and Gentoo penguins.

Dubai adds another record-breaker to its collection with the Dubai Miracle Garden, the world's largest natural flower garden. Encompassing over 18 acres and boasting 50 million flowers, this floral paradise features stunning displays of famous buildings, life-sized houses, and sculptures – all crafted entirely from blooms!.

One attraction not to be missed is the Guinness World Record-breaking version of an Airbus A380 superjumbo aircraft, the largest floral structure ever built at the garden, covered in over 500,000 flowers.

Smurfs Village comprises four immersive zones and the flower parade that travels through the garden featuring live music and street dancers adorned in brightly coloured costumes are also more than worth viewing.

Keep in mind that the Dubai Miracle Garden closes during the summer months for maintenance and to prepare new floral creations for the upcoming season.

Need a break from Dubai's dazzling modern bling? Immerse yourself in history at Dubai Creek, a natural saltwater inlet that cuts 14 kilometres inland. This area has served as a vital harbour and trading centre for centuries.

Explore the charm of the old-fashioned streets, homes and bustling traditional souks. Grab a bite of local cuisine at a waterfront cafe, or hop on a dhow (boat) trip for a unique perspective of the creek.

Completed in 1979, the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai stands as a remarkable religious edifice open to people of all faiths. Adorned with two towering minarets and capable of accommodating 1,200 worshippers, this architectural marvel is captivating both inside and out, making it a must-visit during your time in Dubai. Guided tours are available twice daily and include a comprehensive package. Alongside exploring the mosque, visitors can indulge in an authentic Emirati buffet, gain entry to the Once Upon a Time Museum and Mosque of the World gallery, and even have the opportunity to pose for a photo with a falcon. As a mark of respect for this active mosque, female visitors are kindly asked to bring a headscarf for covering their heads, while male visitors should don long trousers.