Dubai is recognised across the world for its diverse array of activities and attractions.
There’s so much to see and do that any visitor is spoilt for choice when it comes to planning an itinerary.
Whether you’re seeking a taste of luxury, a snapshot of local history and culture or you’re a lover of the outdoors, you’ll find endless unforgettable experiences.
From desert adventures and city tours to theme parks and world-class attractions, Dubai truly has it all.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a selection of our favourite things you can do – with activities to suit all tastes, and budgets.
At a glance: things to do in Dubai
If you’re seeking luxury
- Ascend to At The Top Burj Khalifa
- Unwind on a Luxury Cruise
- Try a luxury desert dining experience
For culture & history lovers
- Admire world-class exhibits at Arte Museum
- Catch a show at La Perle
- Experience the old city on a traditional Dubai tour
If you love the outdoors
- Head out on a Desert Safari
- Embark on a Wadi Adventure
- Go on a magical Camel Ride
For families
- Escape to The Green Planet
- Explore the Global Village
- Immerse yourself in the IMG Worlds of Adventure
During the hotter months
- Hit the slopes at Ski Dubai
- Visit the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
- Get inspired at the Museum of the Future
For nightlife & foodies
- Enjoy an atmospheric Aura Night Brunch
- Sample local flavours with a Dubai Food Tour
- Eat at Ariana’s Persian Kitchen
For thrill seekers
- Drive Dune Buggies in the desert
- Make a splash at Wild Wadi Waterpark
- Ziplining over Dubai Marina
For free
- Watch the Dubai Fountain show
- Relax on Jumeirah Beach
- Stroll through Al Seef
At a glance: things to do in Dubai
There are many activities in Dubai for someone who enjoys the finer things in life – these are just a teaser of the city’s countless high-end experiences.
Ascend to At The Top Burj Khalifa
Nothing says luxury more than reclining on lush couches on Levels 152 and 154 of the world’s tallest building.
Ascend the iconic Burj Khalifa and book lounge access to enjoy delicious gourmet canapés, a glass of bubbly and a selection of the finest teas and coffee as the sun sets over Dubai.
Soundtracked by a resident vocalist or in-house DJ, you’ll have an evening of opulence 585 metres above the city.
Unwind on a luxury cruise
Discovering Dubai from the tranquillity of the water is a popular choice, but the exclusivity of a < a href="https://www.arabian-adventures.com/ae/english/cruise-and-boat-tours/luxury-cruise.html">luxury cruise takes that to another level.
Climb aboard a dazzling luxury yacht and sip on complimentary drinks as you sail from Dubai Marina and pass the city’s most famous landmarks, including Ain Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Atlantis The Palm.
You’ll also be treated to live cooking stations – with BBQ dinners for afternoon and sunset cruises – to complete an unforgettable excursion on the water.
Try a luxury desert dining experience
Trips to the desert are synonymous with Dubai, and you can even find experiences that are centered on luxury and exclusivity.
The Veuve Clicquot Desert Experience is an evening of fine dining under the desert sunset, featuring a mouth-watering multi-course menu prepared by your personal chef and premium beverages to match.
Head to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) in a Mercedes Benz G-Class and spot incredible wildlife as you drive through the dunes with your private safari guide.
With access to a Private Veuve Clicquot branded sunset lounge, a champagne reception, stargazing and more, this is a luxury desert experience like no other.
For culture & history lovers
Dubai is brimming with culture, and while the city is often associated with its ultra-modern skyscrapers and hotels, it also offers some fascinating snapshots of times gone by.
Admire world-class exhibits at Arte Museum
For both art lovers and curious explorers, Arte Museum Dubai is a goldmine of immersive displays that take you on a sensory journey.
This vast museum is brimming with cutting-edge exhibits across 14 themed zones, inspired by eternal nature.
See swirling stars, a digital forest and colossal ice glaciers brought to live by a combination of light, sounds and smells.
Catch a show at La Perle
Dubai’s only permanent performance venue, La Perle hosts spectacular shows throughout the week that make for a breathtaking evening.
Take your place among 270-degree seating and soak in a sensational technology-driven production, complete with world-class acrobatics and character-led storytelling.
You can even upgrade to platinum and VIP packages to enjoy lounge access on arrival, canapés, soft beverages and more to make your evening extra special.
Experience the old city on a traditional Dubai tour
With a multitude of historic locations, a tour of traditional Dubai is the best way to get a true sense of the city’s storied past.
Starting at the majestic Za’abeel Palace, you’ll discover the cultural foundations that were laid many centuries ago.
Wander through the winding alleyways and magnificently designed buildings of the Al Fahidi district, cross Dubai Creek on a traditional Abra boat and experience the sights and sounds of the bustling Gold and Spice Souq.
If you love the outdoors
While Dubai city centre is defined by its mesmerising skyline and jaw-dropping architecture, it has a wealth of natural beauty right on its doorstep – making it a perfect launchpad for outdoor lovers.
Head out on a Desert Safari
Just a short journey from Dubai, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves the outdoors.
This vast, mesmerising landscape, where rolling dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, is the setting for unforgettable desert safaris.
Spot fascinating native wildlife as you traverse the sandy slopes in a 4x4, eat traditional Bedouin food under the stars and try exciting activities like sandboarding on these action-packed trips into the desert wilderness.
Embark on a Wadi Adventure
Dubai has more to offer than the desert when it comes outdoor exploration – the city also serves as a fantastic starting point for discovering the rugged mountains and hidden pools that are dotted throughout the UAE.
On a Wadi Adventure departing from Dubai, you’ll stop at incredible natural formations like Fossil Rock in Sharjah, the picturesque Wadi Shawka Pools and the beautiful Wadi Helo in the Hajar Mountains.
With visits to the Mleiha Archaeological Centre and Buhais Geology Park, two superb collections of historical artefacts and exhibits, a Wadi Adventure is a dream day out for an outdoor lover.
Go on a magical Camel Ride
Camels are synonymous with Dubai, playing a key role in Bedouin history and supporting life in the desert for centuries.
Get a first-hand experience of the local culture with a camel ride under the morning sun, trekking through the stunning desert plains and getting acquainted with these iconic animals.
With breakfast stops next to idyllic lakes and wildlife spotting opportunities, a camel ride in the desert is a fantastic contrast to modern Dubai and an immensely popular outdoor activity.
For families
There’s no shortage of things to do as a family in Dubai - this is just a handful of ideas to help you start planning a trip that will leave your young ones with memories to last a lifetime.
Escape to The Green Planet
The Green Planet offers a completely unique family day out, with this enchanting bio-dome housing over 3,000 plants and animals.
Watch your kids be left in awe as you explore four interactive levels – spanning from the rainforest floor to a walkway above the tree canopy - spotting sloths, toucans, tree porcupines and more.
Explore the Global Village
One of Dubai’s most popular family-friendly destinations, the Global Village brings together cultures from around the world in a charming blend of carnival rides and street food stands.
With over 200 restaurants, cafes and kiosks, food fanatics and fussy eaters alike will be spoilt for choice in this atmospheric celebration of global diversity. Find out more about the Global Village, including tips and visitor information, in our helpful guide.
Immerse yourself in the IMG Worlds of Adventure
When it comes to indoor theme parks, IMG World of Adventure is among one of the most diverse and exciting in the world.
Featuring six uniquely themed zones, ranging from Marvel and Cartoon Network to The Haunted Town and Lost Valley, you’ll find rides and activities to suit all ages in this air-conditioned world of thrills.
During the hotter months
There is a misconception that visiting Dubai is less attractive during the hotter months – when in fact, there are still an incredible variety of things to do inside. See a trio of fantastic ideas here or discover more things to do in Dubai in summer in our handy guide.
Hit the slopes at Ski Dubai
If you’re looking to escape the heat in Dubai, there’s few better places you could imagine than an indoor ski resort where temperatures drop to -4°C.
Spend the day learning to ski or snowboard on the slope at Ski Dubai, complete with chairlifts and draglifts, or have a go on a variety of exciting rides before retreating to the cosy Avalanche Café for a hot drink.
Visit the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Located on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is an incredibly popular destination in the hotter months – and rightly so.
Home to over 140 species of aquatic animals and one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world, you’ll spot hundreds of sharks and rays and come face-to-face with playful Gentoo penguins in the Penguin Cove & Nursery.
Get inspired at the Museum of the Future
Set inside one of Dubai’s most elegant and eye-catching buildings, the Museum of the Future’s interior is even more intriguing than its exterior.
Lose yourself in a mixed reality recreation of the Amazon rainforest or a space station from the year 2071 and discover mind-blowing future technologies that could impact the world.
For nightlife & foodies
No trip is complete without sampling the local nightlife and cuisine. Dubai is famed for its mouth-watering dishes and charming after-dark scene, so there’s plenty to keep you entertained after the sun goes down.
Enjoy an atmospheric Aura Night Brunch
The setting can define an evening meal, and you’ll struggle to find a location as ambient and enchanting as AURA on a Friday night.
The Night Brunch held weekly in the AURA lounge features three hours of free-flowing drinks and a tantalising Pan-Asian-inspired set-sharing menu.
Ascend to the 50th floor of The Palm Tower and admire sweeping views across Dubai as a resident DJ helps you see in the weekend in style.
Enjoy an atmospheric Aura Night Brunch
Dubai has a wealth of high-end restaurants and eateries, and Ariana's Persian Kitchen is certainly among the most esteemed.
Book in for a three-course set menu to experience dishes curated by award-winning Iranian-American TV chef, Ariana Bundy.
The stylish restaurant at Atlantis the Palm serves mouth-watering Persian dishes inspired by family recipes, intricately combining fruits, nuts and floral fragrances with meats, grains, and vegetables.
Sample local flavours with a Dubai Food Tour
For passionate foodies, an Authentic Dubai Food Tour is an absolute must. Set in the heart of old Dubai, your tour will be punctuated by exceptional local food and drink, enjoyed in some of the city’s most alluring locations.
You’ll sip on local juices and freshly brewed Arabic tea, and indulge in authentic Emirati dishes at the world-class Bayt At Wakeel and Local House restaurants.
With transport across Dubai Creek on a traditional Abra boat and a walk through the Spice Souk, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, this tour is the perfect way to experience Dubai’s famed cuisine.
For thrill seekers
With world-class theme parks and endless adrenaline-fuelled activities, Dubai is immensely popular with thrill seekers. These are just three things you can do to get your heart racing.
Make a splash at Wild Wadi Waterpark
The best waterparks boast a wide range of slides, from towering free-falls to tornado funnels and twisting rapids.
Wild Wadi Waterpark offers exactly that, with a whole host of exhilarating rides themed on Juha and Sinbad, two popular characters from Arabian folklore.
The Jumeirah Sceirah is the crowning jewel for any thrill seeker – spot the nearby Burj Al Arab as you drop from over 30 metres on this formidable slide.
Ziplining over Dubai Marina
What better way to admire the Dubai skyline than soaring down a zipline 170 metres in the air.
Xline Dubai is the world's longest urban zipline and provides a pulsating ride over Dubai Marina, reaching eye-watering speeds of over 80km/h.
With two lines that run side-by-side, you can enjoy this unforgettable experience with a fellow thrill seeker – and have your excitement captured with incredible photos and videos.
Drive Dune Buggies in the desert
Nothing gets the adrenaline pumping quite like the sound of roaring engines, the wind in your face and hurtling down a desert dune.
That’s exactly what you’ll experience when you strap into an open framed, specialist dune buggies in the stunning surroundings of the The Fort Lisaili
Strap into an open framed, specialist desert vehicle and take on a series of turns, pivots and dunes that will leave you buzzing with excitement.
For free
Exploring Dubai doesn’t have to be expensive – in fact, there are plenty of memorable things you can do for free across the city.
Watch the Dubai Fountain Show
The Dubai Fountain Show is one of the city’s most popular and recognisable attractions – and completely free.
The show, perfectly choreographed to lively music and vibrant lights, takes place every evening outside the Dubai Maill and typically draws a big crowd, creating a fantastic atmosphere under the setting sun.
Relax on Jumeirah Beach
Maybe you’ve had a busy morning of activities in Dubai and you’re looking for somewhere to unwind for free – look no further than Jumeirah Beach.
This striking white-sand beach, known locally as Nessnass Beach, is a serene escape from the city hubbub and the perfect place to go for a dip in the dazzling blue waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Stroll along Al Seef
If you’re seeking a characterful area to take an evening stroll, Al Seef is defined by its charming blend of old and new Dubai.
This 1.8km promenade along the banks of Dubai Creek has countless open-air restaurants, shops and market stalls, but if you’re looking to save some money, simply soaking up the atmosphere as you wander makes for an enjoyable few hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which part of Dubai is best to visit?
Dubai has several iconic neighbourhoods that are worth visiting on a trip to the city.
Downtown Dubai is perhaps the most famous, housing the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and The Dubai Fountain – as well as world-class shopping experiences.
The palm-shaped island of Palm Jumeirah is equally esteemed, with glorious sandy beaches, glittering hotel resorts and stunning waterfront restaurants. There are several popular attractions here too, like Atlantis Aquaventure, Lost Chambers and the Dubai Balloon.
For a taste of old Dubai, the bustling Deira neighbourhood is the place to be. Here you’ll find a host of buzzing souks, including the famous Spice Souk and Gold Souk, as well as views across Dubai Creek, teeming with traditional Abra boats.
Is 3 days enough for Dubai?
With an action-packed itinerary, you’ll be able to see several of Dubai’s main attractions and get a taste of the city in three days – but you won’t have time to do everything.
Three days will be enough time to visit the likes of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the Palm Jumeirah, but you should consider that full-day excursions like desert safaris and visiting theme parks will take up much of your trip.
You’d likely still have plenty left to explore if you spent a week in Dubai, and there’s so much to do that you can even pack longer trips with activities.
Is it worth buying a Dubai pass?
If you’re planning on booking multiple activities on your trip to Dubai, it’s definitely worth considering buying a pass.
With an Adventure Pass, you can book three or five activities from a selection of over 30 and pay a fixed price – meaning you can save up to 40% on standard prices.
The pass covers major attractions like At The Top Burj Khalifa, The Lost World Aquarium, Wild Wadi Waterpark and many more.
You’ll also have the convenience of having the pass downloaded to your phone, allowing you to choose and book your activities as you go.