25 Unforgettable Things To Do In Dubai

Updated On: November 24, 2023 by   Dina Essawy

Dubai is popular for being one of the urban miracles of the modern world. A futuristic city rise in the middle of a desert is something that our ancestors 100 years ago could only imagine in a science-fiction film. It is hard to imagine that this fascinating location used to be just a tiny fishing village. It seems almost logical that a small town in a very challenging climate zone could become one of the world’s biggest business and financial hubs.

Dubai is one of the fastest-expanding cities in the world. Dubai is the city of superlatives, home to the tallest building, largest fountain show, the fastest roller coaster, the largest mall the tallest hotel and many more. The city’s pioneering infrastructure and warm hospitality attract over 16 million visitors every year. The Dubai International Airport is the main airport in the city. It is located within the city and is well connected via public transportation to every corner of Dubai. 

Dubai is the fourth most visited place in the world, the entertainment city of the world. With year-round sunshine, sandy beaches, stunning attractions, and exhilarating theme parks, Dubai has something for everyone to enjoy. Dubai became a culture no-man’s land of a sort. Everyone in Dubai can feel at home.

When is the Best Time to Visit Dubai?

Apart from when you visit Dubai,  the weather is expected to be warm. During winter from November through March, temperatures dip to their coolest, making it Dubai’s peak holiday season. While the beaches may be crowded, don’t let that deter you as Dubai has plenty of sand to accommodate its visitors. If you are not a fan of the heat, it is recommended you avoid travelling in the summer. On the flip side, if the heat doesn’t bother you, you can score some great discounts, get amazing deals and also avoid the crowds. 

High season: November to April is the best time for outdoor urban adventures. Dubai is blossoming in winter. Modern temperatures bring in major festivals and events and alfresco dining last late into the night. Accommodation rates are high, and outdoor activities and excursions into the desert are best done at this time of year. 

Shoulder season: May, September and October are the best time for quiet beach holidays. The daytimes are hot and the nighttimes are warm. Because the winter crowds have disappeared, these months are good for quiet beach holidays with a sea temperature average of 28C. A pleasant temperature also means that it is still possible to camp in the desert. 

Low Season: June to August is the best time for budget travellers and indoor shopping. During the hot and humid summer months, travellers on a budget can more easily book Dubai 5-star hotels because of steep discounts. Life moves indoors and summer sales lure shoppers into the air-conditioned malls. 

Burj Khalifa: Visiting the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, is a must in Dubai. It is just a unique thing to do and something the whole family will enjoy. The kids will be so impressed with this experience. With a height of 829.8m 2722 feet just over half a mile, Burj Khalifa is huge. It is difficult to comprehend how tall this tower is until you stand under it. If you visit Burj Khalifa in the evening, you can get sunset tickets. It is one of the perfect times to visit Burj Khalifa. You can see the city while it is still light at sunset. 

Dubai Museum: It is a really interesting place that gives you a good insight into Dubai’s history. You’ll also learn more about the middle east and how a barren desert became a metropole. The museum is located in The old Alfahidi Fort which is built in 1878, the oldest building in Dubai. It is rather small and compact and presented in such a way that kids will enjoy it too. It doesn’t take much time to visit, 40 to 50 minutes. Kids can get engaged easily.

The Aquarium: There are two big aquariums in Dubai, The Lost Chambers Aquarium in Atlantis at the Palm, the Dubai Aquarium and the Underwater Zoo located inside Dubai Mall. The Lost Chambers Aquarium is located at Atlantis hotel and is often combined with a visit to the Aqua-Venture Water Park. That is also located in the same place whereas the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo are located in a very busy shooting mall close to Burj Khalifa. You can see a part of the aquarium at the Dubai Mall without the need to go inside. It is absolutely impressive if you choose to visit an aquarium. It is recommended to book your tickets in advance and go first thing in the morning as it gets very busy in the afternoon. 

Legoland Dubai: If you are visiting Dubai with kids under 12, then you can check out the Legoland Dubai Theme Park as well. It has the same concepts as all the other Legoland parks in the world with colourful shows, and fun rides, mostly tailored for the youngest members of the family. There is also a Water Park that you can visit here as well. Legoland Dubai Water Park is a really fun water park with various pools, water slides, and also family-friendly activities with huge soft lego bricks. However, just as with all other water parks in Dubai, you will enjoy it more with somewhat older kids ideally over 1.2 m tall.

Ride a Camel: If you visit a place surrounded by the desert, you can go on a camel trek. It is one of those special experiences that you can only have in a few places in the world and it is worth it. The camel rides are also fun for the whole family. Kids about 3 to 4 years can do a tour like this. 

Dubai’s Dancing Fountains: The Dubai Fountain is another experience that you need to try to do when visiting Dubai with kids. The whole family will relish the music and light show of these dancing fountains at the foot of Burj Khalifa. It is breathtaking. In the afternoon, there are a couple of shows and every half hour as well starting at 6 PM. The fountains are probably more striking at night than they are during the day. The fountain looks spectacular when seen from the top of Burj Khalifa as well. 

Water Park: Dubai has 3 big water parks, Wild Wadi Water Park, Aqua-Venture Atlantis and Legoland Water Park Dubai. It is an amazing experience that you can’t skip. The whole family including kids will enjoy their time there. 

Sandboarding: sandboarding in the desert is one of every tourist’s favourite things. Take a board and slide down the dunes, go back up the hill, and slide back down again. 

Dubai Spice Souk and Gold Souk: It is so much more than the modern skyscrapers. You can enjoy and discover old Dubai and its traditional markets, souks, colours, and tastes. The hustle and bustle of the traditional market will impress any child. Don’t forget to smell the spices. The girls will love all the bling of the gold suit.

Best Romantic Activities for Honeymoon in Dubai

Romantic Date on a Yacht: Romantic date on a yacht in a cosy setting is a must to mesmerize the couples. To add some romantic vibes, a romantic dinner cruise on a yacht is a great idea. A three-hour cruise with a three-course meal and a romantic table setting is all that one needs. The crew of the yacht are experienced people and treats guests with maximum hospitality.

Arabian Horse Riding At Al Dhabi Stables: Riding an Arabian horse is one of the spectacular things to do in Dubai for couples that helps them to taste the authentic desert culture. You can enjoy camping under the moonlight, see the most stunning sunrise and sunset over the never-ending dunes, and sure, feel royalty with your better half while riding an Arabian horse on your desert experience at Al Dhabi Stables. It is recommended to arrive at the stable well in advance to get ready with boots, chaps, hats and required equipment. For those who experience horse riding for the first time, the team will assist you with all the riding techniques. Before going out for your desert adventure, you ride the horse in the hall first with the help of the team. This will let you get to know your horse better.

Hot Air Balloon Ride At Balloon Adventures Emirates: Hot air balloon rides are one of the most romantic activities to do in Dubai for couples. Whether it’s your honeymoon in Dubai or not, it is a must for all couples to experience the magnificent sand dunes and the strong mountains of Hajjar in the backdrop. Try it with the best pilots of Balloon Adventures Emirates and it is needless to mention how exhilarating are the 360-degree views of Dubai. It takes 1 hour. September to May is the ideal time for Hot Air Ballooning. You can get to it by road, it is 30 minutes away from the well-known landmark of Burj Khalifa. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes depending on the weather conditions. Breakfast is also part of the package booked with the Balloon Adventure Emirates.

Rejuvenating Spa Date At Talise Ottoman Spa in Palm Jumeirah: The idea of going on a spa date with your loved partner and breathing a new life together became a trend. It has to be on the list of the romantic activities to do. To enjoy a spa date, a visit to the Talise Ottoman Spa in Palm Jumeirah is about spoiling in mere Arabian luxury. It features massage rooms, snow rooms, and saunas. You can also dive into divinity at its cosy and calm thalassotherapy pools. It opens from Monday to Sunday, from 9 am to 9.30 pm. It is recommended to try the Royal Ottoman Hammam. You can take a taxi and get to the Palm Gateway Monorail Station. Then, you can board the Monorail and get to the top of the Palm Jumeirah Hotel. If you go by metro, you can get off at the Dubai Internet City metro station. Then, you can walk to Palm Jumeirah which is 10 minutes away. 

Planning A Picnic At The Hatta Mountains: One of the exhilarating couple things to do in Dubai is hilling the Hatta Mountains and seeing that ideal picnic spot to enjoy a relaxing day with your beloved one. You can enjoy the fantastic views from the Hatta Dam, picnic in the park, have a tour through the historical Hatta heritage village, look around the natural pools, relish the mouthwatering authentic Hatta cuisine, and much more during the Hakka Mountain Safari with your partner by your side. It works on a daily basis, from 8: 30 Am to 3 PM. It takes 6 hours. You can drive for 1.5 hours from the Deira city centre via Sharjah-Kalba road. It is not recommended for people who suffer from back problems. People who are not physically fit or undergo any medical conditions can choose the light sand ridge bashing and desert drive.

Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise: It is a luxurious way to spend an evening. It is a breathtaking classic and romantic dinner experience while cruising through Dubai Creek. A Creek Dhow Cruise It is the most romantic activity to do in Dubai. You can choose from the broad range of modern cruises and traditional Dhow cruises, which are not only relaxing and air-conditioned but also present a great show with live entertainment, personalized service, and international cuisine. The nearest landmarks include the National Bank of Dubai and the Sheraton Creek Hotel. It offers soft drinks, tea or coffee, beverages, a music & dance show, and an international buffet dinner. Pick-up time is at 7 pm, boarding time is at 8 pm, cruise, dinner, & return is from 8.30 pm to 10.30 pm. 

A Romantic Walk On Jumeirah Beach: You can Stretch for over 14 kilometres, and walk hand in hand with your loved partner on Jumeirah Beach. It is one of the most romantic activities to do in Dubai. As a recipient of Blue Flag certification for adhering to international standards, observing the sun go down the horizon has to be on your must-to-do list at Jumeirah beach. It opens 24 hours a day. You can spend an average of 1 to 4 hours.

The Breathtaking Underwater World: You can enjoy diving with sharks, and cage snorkelling. Dubai fulfils all your dreams and enjoys experiencing the thrills of underwater adventure at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. It opened from Sunday to Wednesday, from 10 am to 11 pm and from Thursday to Saturday, from 10 am until midnight. You can go for a shark scooter ride, and visit The King Croc.  Shark Diving, Cage Snorkeling and  Shark Walker are some of the activities as well. You can go by metro and stop at the nearest station of Burj Khalifa or the Dubai Mall Station. You can walk from the station via the Metro Link Bridge; it is a short distance.

The Best Ski Dubai Or Snow Park: Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort containing an indoor ski area extending to 22,500 square meters. The park keeps a whole-year temperature of -1 to 2C. It is part of the Mall of the Emirates, one of the country’s major shopping malls, located in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai. On the way, there is a Cafe Stop if you want to get a coffee break. Some packages include unlimited normal rides and choose anyone from snow bullet rides, penguin encounters, snowboard lessons or a slope session. The ticket includes warm outfits, gloves and snowshoes. Also, it is one of the perfect honeymoon places in Dubai.

The Insane Ferrari World In Abu Dhabi: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a theme park located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is mainly indoors. It is the first theme park branded by Ferrari and is recorded as the largest ever constructed space frame structure. You can also find Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster. It is on top of the list for all travellers visiting Dubai. Abu Dhabi is 123 km far from Dubai. A honeymoon is not complete unless you explore the Ferrari theme park.

A Tour Of Dubai’s Miracle Garden: The Dubai Miracle Garden is a flower garden located in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai. The garden opened in 2013, on Valentine’s Day. The garden stretches over more than 72,000 square meters, which makes it the largest natural flower garden in the world. It has over 50 million flowers and 250 million plants. Moreover, Miracle Garden will surely add to the enjoyment of your Honeymoon in Dubai. Also visiting the miracle garden is among the romantic things to do in Dubai. It opens from 9 am to 9 pm on Weekends. On Friday, it is open from 9 am to 11 pm. On Saturday, it is open from 9 am to 10 pm.

The Worth Visiting Dolphinarium: You can get the chance to watch these stunning & skilled species of the sea. Watch these dolphins show their talents. Only in the Dubai Dolphinarium-Dolphin & Seal Show, do dolphins do amazing shows. You can enjoy the talents of these magnificent creatures in a 45-minute immersive indoor celebration. You can watch the dolphins and seals while dancing, singing, juggling, and leaping through hoops. It has to be among the first top things on your to-do list.

The Most Unique Theme Park In Dubai, Bollywood Park: Bollywood Parks Dubai is located at Dubai Parks and Resorts. It is the world’s first theme park focused on Bollywood blockbusters, fascinating live shows and exciting attractions as well.

This great amusement park includes rides where you will be engaged in the famous movie industry of Mumbai; meet Shahrukh Khan as the mafia boss Don, go with Hrithik in Krrish and watch live shows with Salman Khan’s Chulbul Pandey. There is also a stunt.

Experience The Global Village: The Dubai Global village is located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai. It combines cultures from 90 countries all over the world in one location. It has 26 pavilions. It is an exceptional destination for world-class entertainment. There are 2 entrances to the global village. Both entrances have ticket counters. You can explore a mixture of miniatures of world iconic and historical structures. Amazing lighting and illuminating environment can keep you in a festive mood. There is something going on every week at the Global Village, amazing stunt shows, international street entertainment around every corner, world-class entertainment on the main stage, and spectacular musical fireworks show every weekend. A choice of over 300 dining concepts across restaurants, cafes and kiosks.

Red Dunes Quad Bike, Sandsurf, at Al Khayma Camp:  You can take a tour of Ras Al Khaimah National Museum. Step back in time to the 16th century. Travel to the historic Shimal Village. You can also plan a spooky adventure and visit the abandoned village of Jazirat Al Hamra. You can go on an adventurous desert safari. You can enjoy a relaxing sunset at the Dhow Cruise. You can trek to Jabel Jais, the UAE’s tallest mountain. You can also experience the world’s longest zip line adventure at Jebel Jais. You can unwind in its Pristine Beaches. Ras Al Khaimah may not be as lively as Dubai which is just 45 minutes away but it is an invigorating spirit and compelling natural treasures are enough to promise you a holiday of a lifetime.

On Air Dinner Adventure in Dubai: You can enjoy a three-course meal with views of the Dubai skyline and surrounding marinas while being suspended on an open-air platform 165 feet (50 meters) in the air. The chief is situated in the middle of the aerial restaurant platform. He serves a starter, main course, dessert, and drinks as well.  You can take in spectacular views of the city. Beverages, bottled water and dinner are included in the package. There is a vegetarian opinion as well.