How to spend one day in Dubai

Before diving into the bustling, ultramodern city centre, you can spend the first hours of daylight experiencing Dubai’s staggering natural beauty.

Just outside the city, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is a vast expanse of rolling golden sand dunes that serves as the idyllic setting for a morning desert adventure.

You’ll be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation when you book with Arabian Adventures, making your trip to the desert hassle-free and efficient – a crucial element for those seeking to make the most out of a short visit to Dubai.

Your adventure will begin with a captivating drive over the sand dunes in an air-conditioned 4x4, while your expert guide, who will accompany you for the entirety of your excursions, helps you spot fascinating desert wildlife.

You’ll also be treated to a memorable ride on an Arabian camel, led by a local shepherd, before the option of a heart-racing sandboarding lesson.

Included in the package is a delicious breakfast box, refreshments and soft drinks, which can be enjoyed in a picturesque desert location before you return to the city primed for a day of adventure.

Dubai’s most iconic attraction, the Burj Khalifa makes for the perfect first stop on your return to the city.

Head to the breathtakingly modern district of Downtown Dubai and stand in amazement as you gaze up at the world’s tallest building from Burj Park.

But don’t simply admire this magnificent architectural feat from the ground – ascend on the world’s fastest lift to At The Top on Levels 124 and 125 for truly spectacular views.

Step out onto an observation deck 456m up and take in awe-inspiring vistas of Dubai’s busy and varied skyline. You can even pick up a unique gift or souvenir from a gift shop located on Level 124.

Given the popularity of this attraction, it’s recommended that you buy your tickets in advance – which can be done at discounted rates when you book outside of prime time (3pm – 6pm) with Arabian Adventures, making an early afternoon visit all the more attractive.

You can even indulge in a delicious lunch at the stylish Burj Club, located on the third floor and providing an alfresco dining experience, when you book an upgrade package.

Whether you choose to dine at the Burj Khalifa or not, a natural next stop on your itinerary is the world-class shopping destination of Dubai Mall.

As it is situated right next to the skyscraper, you’ll exit the lift down from the observation deck within the mall itself – so there’s no excuse not to explore for a little while.

When it comes to eateries and restaurants, there is a tantalising selection. Whichever international flavour you fancy – from Italian to Middle Eastern - and whether you’re after fast food or a sit-down meal, you'll be sure to find a fantastic lunch option.

And that’s all before you begin browsing a staggering array of designer stores, from pioneering technology companies to global fashion labels and historic toy manufacturers.

Late afternoon: Dubai Frame

Once you’ve refuelled, you should still have time to absorb more picture-perfect views – just as the setting sun begins to cast a beautiful orange across the city.

Only a 10–15-minute drive from Dubai Mall, the Dubai Frame is a recognisable feature of the local skyline, standing regally in the lush green surroundings of Zabeel Park.

While this unique structure exquisitely ‘frames’ the wonders of Old and New Dubai and makes for fantastic photos from the park, its Sky Bridge provides unmatched angles of the city’s contrasting districts.

Dubai Frame tickets include access to this 25-square-metre transparent walkway, which you’ll ascend to via a high-speed lift.

Not only that, but you can also explore an intriguing, multi-sensory exhibition that takes you on Dubai’s journey from a small fishing village to the sprawling, innovative metropolis it has become.

You can step into the future too by visiting the state-of-the-art ‘future gallery’ on the mezzanine floor, with virtual reality and interactive exhibits offering jaw-dropping depictions of the world in many years’ time.

Evening: The View at The Palm

After the sun plunges beneath the horizon and the twinkling lights of nighttime Dubai begin to take shape, there will still be time to visit another of its most esteemed locations.

The Palm Jumeirah, a 25-30-minute drive from Dubai Frame, is a famous palm tree-shaped, man-made island surrounded by the brilliant blue waters of the Arabian Gulf.

You can admire the sheer scale and architectural genius of this vibrant waterfront area from the 360-degree observation deck at The View at The Palm.

While a popular attraction during the sunlight hours, the views are equally impressive after nightfall as the Palm Jumeirah is strikingly illuminated among the darkness of the gulf.

What makes an evening trip here even more appealing is that you can book a non-prime hours ticket at a discounted rate when you visit after 7pm.

As well as access to the incredible viewing deck, you can wander around a gallery that celebrates the creation of the Palm Jumeirah and explore an interactive museum.

There are a number of fantastic restaurants and cafés at The View at The Palm too, but you can squeeze in even more sightseeing if you line up your evening meal on the Palm Jumeirah.

You can find a multitude of glamorous eateries at the world-class Atlantis The Palm resort, with each offering exquisite dining and magical settings fit for your rounding off your day in Dubai.

The promenade on the outer crescent of the Palm also makes for a charming after-dinner stroll, with the lapping waters of the sea and distant chatter from the resort providing a tranquil soundtrack.

So, despite only having one day in Dubai, you’ll have embarked on a desert adventure, enjoyed spectacular views from the world’s tallest building and indulged in high-end food at Dubai Mall and the Palm Jumeirah. There are few cities in the world that can offer such a diverse and exciting one-day itinerary.

You can save with an activity pass when you book multiple experiences and attraction tickets for your one-day Dubai itinerary.

There are two different activity passes you can purchase at Arabian Adventures – the Adventure Pass and the City Pass – which offer savings of up to 40% when you book multiple experiences.

Pick from a huge selection of activities and attractions, with options to bundle three or five tickets together and pay a fixed price.

You can also get a 10% saving when you book two experiences with Arabian Adventures, so there are plenty ways you can enjoy an action-packed one-day Dubai itinerary for less.