What's on in dubai : The must-do activities in Dubai

The capital of the Middle East, the most influential city of the Persian Gulf or the city of gold – whatever you want to call the city, Dubai deserves everyone's praise. It is therefore undeniable that it is one of the most amazing and most visited places in the world. With a vibrant multicultural environment, breathtaking architecture, exciting accommodation and dining options and incredible entertainment venues, Dubai offers many incredible attractions. We have mentioned some not to be missed here. After all, knowing where to go or what to do here allows you to plan better and make the most of your stay in Dubai.

A day in the desert, the unmissable activity in Dubai!

Le Desert is the ideal solution when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai. But it's not just an alternative experience, it's a necessity in itself. It's only a 30-40 minute drive to the Dubai Desert, but you'll feel like the whole world is far away from the big side of Dubai. Surrounded by pristine golden sands, it is secluded, unspoilt and best enjoyed with a reliable desert safari company. Standard desert excursions include 4X4 dune drives, camel rides, and sandboarding, as well as countless cultural experiences such as henna tattoos, hookah smoking, and more.

Admire Dubai from Burj Khalifa

As the most iconic landmark in Dubai, the UAE and the world, the Burj Khalifa in the heart of Dubai is a must-see on your Dubai vacation. With three different levels of observation decks and several world-class dining and accommodation options, it's easy to see why the Burj Khalifa is worth a visit. If you don't want to try them all, be sure to add the observation decks to your wish list – they will give you unparalleled panoramic views of the Dubai skyline as well as the desert, ocean and more .

Dubai Mall, the XXL shopping center

Adjacent to the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall is home to the best shopping, dining and entertainment. But beware, shoppers, it takes you an average of 250 hours to visit more than 1,200 stores, even if you plan to spend 15 minutes in each store. Needless to say, for eager buyers, pre-planning is a must.

If you just hang around there and click pretty pictures, this is also for you; take a photo with the Dubai dinosaur skeleton and take a photo of the popular waterfall. Additionally, there are attractions such as Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, KidZania Dubai, Dubai VR Park and much more. Makes it an ideal venue for individuals and groups. Best of all, there are over 200 restaurants throughout the mall, so you'll never go hungry and keep your energy up.

See all the action and fun and save time for the final treat – a spectacular choreography performed at the Dubai Fountain on the edge of Burj Lake outside Dubai
Mall. It's a free attraction and if it's your first show or you've never seen it, you absolutely have to see it!

At the foot of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, don't miss this magnificent fountain show. The jets of the fountains are projected 150 meters high and accompanied by music from around the world. The show takes place every 30 minutes from 6 p.m.

Spend a day exploring Palm Jumeirah and surrounding areas

Like other parts of Dubai such as Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah is a dining, shopping and leisure destination, but with stunning water views and an atmospheric ambience. For good reason, this man-made island is one of the world's greatest wonders, thanks to the intricate shape of the palm trees topped with a crescent moon.

It's up to you whether you decide to spot them on a guided tour, a quick ride, or a relaxing monorail ride. But if you want the rawest, most precise majesty of this island, take a helicopter ride or dive to the next level. In addition to this, you can also see many popular attractions such as Atlantis, The Palm and the Palm Fountain, which is also the largest fountain show in the world.

Better yet, combine your expedition with Palm Jumeirah, extending your trip to legendary attractions nearby, including the seven-star Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah.

Amusement and water parks

For theme park enthusiasts, there's no place like Dubai in the Middle East. Yes, it's a true paradise for those looking for rides and activities inspired by Hollywood, cartoons and superheroes. There's IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world's largest indoor theme park, and even a snow theme park in the form of Ski Dubai, where you can try all your favorite activities in the snow or winter. But especially for theme park fanatics, Dubai Parks and Resorts is the most important; and the region's first integrated resort with four theme parks: Bollywood Parks Dubai, Motiongate Dubai, LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park.

The water parks in Dubai are breathtaking. There are no better places on earth for young and old children. For example, you can cool off in water parks (wave pools, giant slides, waterfalls, etc.) like the Wild Wadi water park near the entrance to the Burj al Arab hotel.

Even higher with a helicopter ride

Nothing better for an incredible view than a helicopter ride. Discover Dubai as you have never discovered it, the sea on one side the desert on the other and in between the magnificent city that is Dubai.
Admire bird's-eye views of Dubai's most beautiful buildings.

Visit the historic district of Dubai

No list of activities and attractions in Dubai is complete without a mention of this ethnic neighborhood. Otherwise known as the Al Fahidi Historic District, it lies in the heart of old Dubai, and a visit here is like entering a completely different era. In this antiquated part of the city, you can expect simple but charming constructions that merchants from the Bastak region built in the 19th century.

What makes these structures a strange pleasure to look at is the subtle shadow of the sand, complemented by wind towers that once kept residents cool naturally against the desert heat (without the use of air conditioners). Most of them now serve as large museums, art galleries, traditional art cafes, etc.

So don't miss your walk this term and be sure to visit the Dubai Museum and the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding for a quick overview of the region's history, culture and traditional way of life.

The world's largest Ferris wheel, Ain Dubai
Since October 2021, the city of the extreme has offered the world's largest observation wheel. Ain Dubai, which means Eye of Dubai, is a must during your stay in the metropolis!

Perched more than 250 meters above Bluewater Island, this Ferris wheel offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the city and its iconic landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, Marina, Burj Khalifa and the Palm Jumeirah Island. In 50 minutes, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the view (and plenty of photos) from the smart, air-conditioned observation pod.

The Museum of the Future

The recently opened Dubai Future Museum is already one of the most beautiful in the world. A marvel of architectural and technological innovation, the site presents 30,000 square meters of exhibitions on different themes: development of ecosystems and space resources, health, well-being. There are also film screenings, artworks, workshops and public events designed to imagine a better future.