Friendly disclaimer! We want to be as accurate as possible, but given these challenging times, we urge you to recheck that the venues are open when you decide to visit.
Dubai has transformed from a humble fishing village to one of the most cosmopolitan and innovative cities in the world today. Tracing its origins back to 3,000 BC, Dubai’s inhabitants made their livelihood from fishing, pearl diving, boat building and sea trading, before the discovery of oil in the late 1960s. In 1971, Dubai joined its neighbours to form the United Arab Emirates, safeguarding the area’s prosperity.
Dubai is a city that must be seen to be believed. Record-breaking architecture stands alongside traditional quarters, while man-made islands jut out of the coastline. Here are the top places to tick off your sightseeing list when you’re in town.
The Dubai Fountain
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Bluewaters
Enjoy the sunshine at Bluewaters, an island destination that’s making waves for its blend of shopping, dining and entertainment attractions. Highlights include the lifestyle district of the Wharf, pristine Cove Beach club with luxe cabanas and Ain Dubai – the tallest and largest observation wheel. It’s also home to the Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai – the world’s second Caesars Palace – that boasts a sparkling outdoor swimming pool, signature hospitality and incredible restaurants, including Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay.
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- Location: Bluewaters Island
Dubai Parks and Resorts
With three theme parks and a waterpark, Dubai Parks and Resorts offers a thrilling experience like no other. Over 100 incredible indoor and outdoor attractions from Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park – this wonderland will keep young hearts enthralled. At the heart of it all is Riverland Dubai, which presents fun dining and retail options, and nearby is Lapita Hotel, a Polynesian-themed family resort.
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- Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Dubai
Dubai Opera
Experience the region’s contemporary cultural scene at Dubai Opera, the city’s latest architectural masterpiece. Shaped like a futuristic dhow, this institution hosts a stellar program of international names and local legends in opera, ballet, theatre and music. Designed by Danish architect Janus Rostock and located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, the 2,000-seat Dubai Opera is a world-class cultural facility. Visit www.visitdubai.com for a full range of performances.
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Madinat Jumeirah
For an experience that marries tradition and luxury, head to Madinat Jumeirah. Literally translated as ‘City of Jumeirah’ this complex is inspired by an ancient citadel complete with wind towers and water canals. It encloses luxury hotels, private enclaves built in the traditional style, the world-class Talise Spa, Souk Madinat, Madinat Theatre, and more than 40 restaurants and lounges.
For a memorable meal, dine at folly by Nick & Scott which overlooks the sea from wind towers. You can also explore the meandering waterways on a traditional wooden abra to better appreciate the serene setting and inspired architecture.
Useful Information:
- Location: Al Sufouh 1 – Dubai
Palm Jumeirah
Gracing the city’s postcards, the iconic Palm Jumeirah is an astounding feat of mankind in the form of a series of artificial archipelagos in the emerald waters of the Arabian Gulf. From above, it takes the form of a stylised palm tree. At ground level, it has some of the city’s most popular beach clubs, celebrity chef restaurants and luxury hotels such as Atlantis, The Palm. One of the newest attractions here is The Pointe, a waterfront hub for fine dining and shopping experiences.
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- Location: The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai
Burj Khalifa
Soaring 828m above Dubai and currently the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa represents a union of art, engineering and heritage. It’s home to office space, private residences, the 160-room Armani Hotel and At the Top’s observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors. At.mosphere is the world’s highest restaurant, with stunning views and an equally stellar menu. There are also more than 1,000 specially commissioned works of art throughout the building.
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Burj Al Arab
The hotel’s distinctive sail-shaped silhouette has made it an iconic symbol of modern Dubai. Often voted the world’s most luxurious hotel, the Burj Al Arab is one of the region’s most famous tourist landmarks. Built on a triangular man-made island, the billowing sail-like structure rises 321m above the sea. The Burj Al Arab sets a new standard for hospitality superlatives, including the famous helipad that has hosted numerous celebrity stunts.
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- Location: Umm Suqeim 3 – Dubai
- Website: www.jumeirah.com
Dubai Water Canal
One of the world’s greatest urban transformations, Dubai Water Canal is a new 3.2 km long waterway which extends from the Creek in Old Dubai through Business Bay, before finding its way to the Arabian Gulf. It effectively turns a significant part of the emirate into an island. Board a water taxi to Marasi Drive, home to a sparkling marina, water homes and cool dining venues such as Park House and fine dining favourites Morimoto Dubai and Bleu Blanc by David Myers nearby at Renaissance Downtown Hotel.
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- Location: JumeirahJumeirah 2 – Dubai
City Walk
Stroll through City Walk – Dubai’s trendy al fresco shopping district. This chic urban space features an excellent range of boutiques, entertainment centres and restaurants, with some shopfronts inspired by London’s streets. Enjoy entertainment zones like Hub Zero, The Green Planet and Roxy Cinemas, or kick back in the La Ville Hotel’s garden terrace. With a striking skyline view that includes the Burj Khalifa, City Walk is a perfect location for a day or night out.
Useful Information:
- Location: Al Safa St – Al Wasl – Dubai
- Website: www.citywalk.ae
Etihad Museum
Discover the contemporary history of the United Arab Emirates at the Etihad Museum located in Jumeirah 1. The Etihad Museum offers a series of interactive pavilions that explore the country’s past through photos, films and more. Visitors can discover what life was like before the UAE’s founding fathers signed the treaty that unified the seven emirates, and learn more about the extraordinary economic development since.
Useful information:
- Location: 1 Jumeirah St – Al Mina – Dubai
- Website: etihadmuseum.dubaiculture.gov.ae
Dubai Historical District
Discover old Dubai in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where winding stone alleys and charismatic windtower architecture reflect life before skyscrapers. Follow the alleyways to hidden tea houses, art galleries and cultural installations that uncover Dubai’s past. Afterward, head toward the bustling abra station and take a ride across the creek. There you will find gold, spice, perfume and textile souks where you can bargain over excellent handicrafts and goods.
Useful Information:
- Location: Bur DubaiAl Hamriya – Dubai
- Website: dubaiculture.gov.ae
The Dubai Mall
Discover one of the world’s most visited destinations, the Dubai Mall. Located at the foot of Burj Khalifa, this shopping metropolis features more than 1,200 retail outlets, restaurants (some with views of Dubai Fountain), an indoor aquarium, spas and even an ice rink. Fashionistas won’t want to miss the fashion extension or the iconic Level Shoes, while kids will flock straight to Reel Cinemas, Kidzania or the VR Park.
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Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
The 10 million-litre tank at the Dubai Aquarium is one of the largest in the world, containing more than 33,000 aquatic animals and the largest collection of sand tiger sharks anywhere. Rising to the third floor of the Dubai Mall, the aquarium is home to 140 species of sea life and has several ways to experience underwater life, starting with a stroll through a 48m walk-through tunnel. It’s a complete fish-eye view, with sand tiger sharks and stingrays swimming overhead. You can also take a glass-bottom boat tour, get wet in a snorkelling cage and even don an oxygen tank to go swimming with the sharks.
Useful Information:
- Location: Downtown Dubai – Dubai
- Website: www.thedubaiaquarium.com
Ski Dubai
For pure wow factor, visit the indoor ski slopes of Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates. The perfect antidote to a warm day, you can mix a spot of shopping with a skiing break. There are five runs of varying difficulty, along with a freestyle area for snowboarders and tobogganers. Families will love the snow caves and tube rides, while Avalanche Café is ideal for sipping hot chocolate in minus four degrees or watching the daily march of the penguins.
Useful Information:
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al BarshaAl Barsha 1 – Dubai
- Website: www.skidxb.com
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Experience unparalleled fun at IMG Worlds of Adventure, where the equivalent of 28 football fields of space are filled with thrilling attractions in the world’s biggest indoor parks. The little ones can enjoy multi-sensory adventures with Ben 10, Gumball, The Powerpuff Girls and LazyTown, while everyone can immerse themselves in Marvel’s world.
Useful Information:
- Location: E311 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd – City of Arabia
- Website: www.imgworlds.com
Jumeirah Mosque
One of the most beautiful landmarks in Dubai, Jumeirah Mosque was built entirely from white stone in the medieval Fatimid tradition, with towering twin minarets framing a large central dome. Combine a visit to the mosque with the nearby Etihad Museum for a cultural experience of Dubai. Note that non-Muslim guests can visit on all days except Friday and women will be asked to wear a scarf when visiting.
Useful information:
- Location: JumeirahJumeirah 1 – Dubai
- Website: www.jumeirahmosque.ae
Dubai Creek
Dubai may be famous for the glitz and glamour of its sky-high towers, but the real heart of the city is, and always will be, the creek. The saltwater estuary is the original site where the Bani Yas tribe settled, and its waters were vital for what used to be Dubai’s main forms of economy: pearl diving and fishing.
The area is home to the Dubai Museum and Shindagha Museum, the waterside heritage retail area Al Seef, as well as the labyrinthine alleyways of the gold, spice and textile souks. While at the Creek, a ride across the water on a traditional abra is a must, and at an AED1 each way, it’s easily the best value tourist attraction in the city.
Useful information:
- Location: Dubai Creek
Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame is one of the newest additions to the city’s skyline and represents a remarkable feat of engineering. Situated in Zabeel Park, directly between old and new Dubai, the towering structure offers sweeping panoramic views of the city from 150m high. One of its most amazing features is the state-of-the-art clear glass bridge that connects parallel vertical towers to create the shape of a picture frame – a top pick for selfies.
Useful information:
- Location: Dubai Frame
- Website: www.dubaiframe.ae
Darima Noy Meir
