What to do, see and visit in Dubai?
Located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. Known for its futuristic skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, and spectacular artificial islands, Dubai is a top tourist destination.
Tourism is a key industry in Dubai, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year. The city has developed a multitude of attractions for tourists, ranging from theme parks and extravagant shopping centers to historical museums and pristine sandy beaches. Tourism significantly contributes to Dubai's economy and has helped the city grow as a global hub for trade and finance.
Exploring the history and culture of Dubai
If you are interested in the history and culture of Dubai, there are many places to explore. Start by visiting the Dubai Museum, which traces the city's history from its humble beginnings as a fishing village to its rapid growth as a global commercial and financial center. You can also explore Old Dubai and the souks, which offer a glimpse into traditional life in the city.
The Dubai Museum
The Dubai Museum is one of the most interesting places to discover the city's history and culture. Located in the old Al Fahidi Fort, the museum traces Dubai's history from its inception to the present day. Visitors can discover exhibits that tell the story of the city's evolution, from the pearl fishing era to its recent development as an economic and tourist center.
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The Dubai Museum offers a true immersion into the traditional life of the city, with reconstructions of period houses and shops, as well as galleries of local art and crafts. One of the museum's highlights is a giant model of the city showing its expansion from modest beginnings to its current status as a global metropolis.
The museum is a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand Dubai's history and learn more about local culture and traditions. The building itself is also very impressive, with its traditional Arabic architecture and historic watchtower offering a panoramic view of the city.
Old Dubai and the souks
Old Dubai and its souks are a true journey back in time. Nestled in the historic Al Bastakiya district, Old Dubai is a real maze of narrow, winding streets lined with coral stone houses and historic buildings. Visitors can stroll through the cobbled streets, explore local craft shops, and soak up the authentic atmosphere of the old town.
The souks are another highlight of visiting Old Dubai. Traditional souks are street markets where traders sell a variety of products such as spices, fabrics, jewelry, and perfumes. Visitors can negotiate prices and shop at leisure while discovering local trading traditions.
One of the most famous souks in Dubai is the Gold Souk, where visitors can admire an impressive collection of gold and silver jewelry. The Spice Souk is also very popular, with its colorful and fragrant stalls offering a variety of local spices.
Old Dubai and the souks are a true gem of the city and a must-visit for anyone wanting to discover the local culture and traditions of the city. Visitors can spend hours exploring the narrow streets, shops, and markets while soaking up the unique atmosphere of the old town.
Enjoying leisure activities in Dubai
Dubai is also known for its numerous leisure activities. The Dubai Miracle Garden is an ideal place to stroll and admire thousands of colorful flowers and plants. If you're looking for something more extreme, you can ski at the Mall of the Emirates, where you'll find a 400-meter indoor ski slope.
The Dubai Miracle Garden
The Dubai Miracle Garden is an incredibly unique and impressive flower park, covering an area of over 72,000 square meters. It is considered one of the largest flower gardens in the world and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
The garden features a wide variety of flowers and plants, with elaborate patterns and spectacular artistic installations. Visitors can stroll through the pathways lined with vibrant colors and floral scents, admiring the different creations, from giant hearts to flower rainbows.
One of the highlights of the Dubai Miracle Garden is the famous Airbus A380 flower installation, which has been certified by the Guinness World Records as the largest floral structure ever created. Visitors can also admire flower sculptures of Disney princesses, enormous floral clocks, flower cascades, and heart-shaped flower walls.
The Dubai Miracle Garden is a family entertainment venue, with activities for children, food stalls, and souvenir shops. The garden is open during the winter season from November to May and is a must-see for nature lovers and garden beauty enthusiasts.
The indoor Ski Dubai resort
Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort located in the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. With an area of over 22,500 square meters, it is one of the largest indoor ski resorts in the world and a popular tourist attraction in Dubai.
The ski complex features five different ski slopes, each offering varying levels of difficulty for beginner and experienced skiers. Visitors can also enjoy other activities such as snowboarding, tobogganing, and bobsledding.
The ski resort is equipped with snow cannons to maintain a constant temperature and fresh snow throughout the year, with a temperature maintained at -1 degree Celsius. The resort is divided into several themed areas, including a beginner area with a gentle slope, an area for more advanced skiers, and an area for ski jumps and tricks.
In addition to the ski slopes, Ski Dubai offers a variety of restaurants and cafes, as well as a ski equipment rental shop and a souvenir store. The ski resort is open every day of the year and offers a unique and memorable skiing experience in a comfortable and safe indoor environment.
Family fun in Dubai
If you're traveling with family, you'll also find plenty of attractions to entertain the kids. The Wild Wadi Waterpark is the perfect place to cool off and have fun on the slides and water attractions. The IMG Worlds of Adventure theme park is another option for families, offering rides inspired by popular movies and comic book characters.
Wild Wadi Waterpark
Located on Jumeirah Island in Dubai, the Wild Wadi Waterpark is one of the city's most popular attractions for water sports enthusiasts. The waterpark offers a variety of slides, waterfalls, pools, and water games for all ages and skill levels.
The park spans over 12 acres and is divided into several themed areas, each offering different water attractions. Among the most popular attractions are the Jumeirah Sceirah, a 120-meter-long and 32-meter-high free-fall slide, and the Tantrum Alley, a series of slides that will spin and whirl you around.
The Wild Wadi Waterpark is also known for its Fast Pass queue system, allowing visitors to skip the regular line and enjoy the attractions more quickly. There are also relaxation and rest areas for visitors who wish to unwind and cool off.
The waterpark is surrounded by a fine sandy beach, offering a spectacular view of the sea and the Dubai skyline. The park is open every day of the year and provides a fun aquatic experience for the whole family.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
The IMG Worlds of Adventure theme park is one of Dubai's most popular attractions for families and thrill-seekers. Located near the Wild Wadi Waterpark, this indoor amusement park is one of the largest in the world, covering an area of over 1.5 million square feet. The park is divided into five themed zones, each offering a unique experience for visitors.
The Marvel zone is one of the most popular, with attractions based on Marvel comic book characters like Iron Man, Hulk, and Spider-Man. Visitors can also enjoy the Lost Valley zone, which recreates a prehistoric landscape with attractions like the Velociraptor and the Predators.
The Cartoon Network zone focuses on animated characters such as Ben 10, Powerpuff Girls, and Adventure Time, while the IMG Boulevard offers a variety of attractions for all ages, including gentle rides, arcade games, and restaurants.
Finally, the Novo Cinemas zone offers 3D and 4D movie screenings for an immersive cinematic experience. Visitors can also stroll through the park to see the different themed zones, all impressively decorated.
The IMG Worlds of Adventure theme park is an excellent destination for families looking to spend a fun day in Dubai. It also caters to thrill-seekers and entertainment enthusiasts.
Dubai's iconic tourist sites
The iconic Burj Khalifa is a must-see for any trip to Dubai. Standing at over 828 meters tall, it is the tallest tower in the world. You can ascend to the top to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Nearby the Burj Khalifa is the Dubai Fountain Show, a synchronized fountain display set to music that takes place every evening.
The Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is a must-visit for any visitor to Dubai. At 828 meters high, it is the tallest tower in the world and a true architectural marvel. Located in the heart of downtown Dubai, the tower offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. Visitors can ascend to the At the Top observatory, located at a height of 555 meters, to enjoy stunning views. It is advisable to book tickets in advance, as visiting the Burj Khalifa is very popular and tickets sell out quickly. For an even more unique experience, visitors can also book a table at one of the tower's restaurants, offering a panoramic view of the city while enjoying gourmet dishes.
The Dubai Fountain Show
The Dubai Fountain Show is one of the city's most famous attractions, drawing thousands of visitors every day. Located in front of the Burj Khalifa, the fountains dance in harmony to music, creating an incredibly breathtaking light and sound show. The water jets can reach up to 150 meters high, making the show even more spectacular. The show can be viewed from numerous vantage points nearby, including the Dubai Mall, the marina promenade, or even from the top of the Burj Khalifa. The fountain show takes place every evening, with additional performances in the early afternoon on weekends. Visitors can enjoy the show for free from various viewpoints, but for an even more special experience, it is possible to book a boat cruise or dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the fountains.
The artificial islands of Dubai
Dubai is also known for its artificial islands, which offer spectacular tourist attractions. The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island shaped like a palm tree, home to luxury hotels, shopping centers, restaurants, and beaches. You can take a boat tour to explore this unique island. The World Islands is another popular tourist attraction, consisting of a series of islands shaped like a world map. You can take a helicopter tour to enjoy the aerial view of this unique attraction.
The Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial palm-shaped island located off the coast of Dubai. It is considered an engineering marvel with its 17 fronds and miles of sandy beaches. This island is a must-visit during your stay in Dubai. There are so many things to do and see on the island that you could spend an entire day there.
One of the most popular activities on the island is strolling along the Boardwalk, an 11-kilometer-long promenade that runs along the waterfront. You can admire the sea view and the iconic buildings of Dubai while walking along this beautiful promenade.
Another must-see attraction on the island is the Atlantis, The Palm resort. This luxury hotel complex features gourmet restaurants, high-end shops, and a private beach. It also houses the Aquaventure Waterpark, one of the largest water parks in Dubai. You can find water slides, wave pools, attractions for children, and even an artificial beach there.
Finally, don't miss taking a boat tour around the island to see Palm Jumeirah from a different perspective. You can admire the luxury buildings, luxury yachts, and private villas with sea views.
The World artificial islands archipelago
The World artificial islands archipelago is one of Dubai's most fascinating attractions. This bold creation was built by Nakheel Properties and is located just off the coast of Dubai. The World consists of 300 artificial islands shaped like a world map, each with its own size, design, and functionality.
The World is an example of Dubai's ingenuity in real estate development and its ambitious vision for the future. The islands of the archipelago are intended to become exclusive residences, resorts, vacation centers, and tourist attractions. Some islands have already been sold and developed, while others are still for sale.
To admire The World, visitors can take a boat tour around the archipelago and enjoy incredible views of the Dubai coastline. Sailing enthusiasts can also rent a yacht or boat to explore the islands more closely. Although some islands are still under development, The World already offers a glimpse of Dubai's futuristic vision and creativity.
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Dubai's shopping malls
Dubai is known for its luxury shopping malls, offering a unique shopping experience. The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping center in the world, with over 1,200 shops, a giant aquarium, and an ice rink. The Mall of the Emirates is another popular mall, home to luxury boutiques and upscale restaurants. You can also enjoy entertainment attractions in these malls, such as the indoor theme park Ski Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates.
The Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping center in the world, with over 1,200 stores. It is located in the Downtown Dubai district, near the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain Show. Visitors can find a wide variety of luxury brands, fashion boutiques, restaurants, cinemas, and much more. There are also attractions for children, such as the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, where you can observe thousands of marine animals. Art enthusiasts can also visit the mall's art gallery, which regularly hosts contemporary art exhibitions. In addition to its incredible selection of shops and activities, the Dubai Mall is also known for its spectacular indoor waterfall, one of the largest in the world. There is so much to see and do at the Dubai Mall that it's easy to spend an entire day there.
The Mall of the Emirates
The Mall of the Emirates is another world-renowned shopping center in Dubai, located in the Al Barsha district. It is famous for being the first mall in the region to feature an indoor ski slope, known as Ski Dubai, as well as a large multiplex cinema and a vast indoor amusement park. With an area of over 223,000 square meters, the Mall of the Emirates is considered one of the largest shopping centers in Dubai and houses more than 630 stores of luxury brands, fashion, electronics, sports, furniture, and food.
In addition to shopping, visitors to the Mall of the Emirates can enjoy a unique indoor skiing experience at Ski Dubai. With a temperature of -1°C, skiers and snowboarders can glide down the snowy slopes of the ski slope, which stretches over a length of 400 meters. Ski Dubai also offers other activities, such as snowboarding, tobogganing, sledding, zorbing, and snowball fights.
The Mall of the Emirates is also renowned for its large multiplex cinema, VOX Cinemas, which offers a premium cinematic experience with giant screens, immersive Dolby Atmos sound, and reclining leather seats. The indoor amusement park Magic Planet, located in the mall, also offers a variety of entertainment activities for the whole family, such as arcade games, rides, simulators, and roller coasters.
The Mall of the Emirates is a must-visit for shopping enthusiasts and families looking to enjoy numerous leisure activities.
Cultural attractions in Dubai
Dubai also boasts intriguing cultural attractions, such as the Jumeirah Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in Dubai. Visitors can explore the mosque's interior and learn more about Muslim culture. The Dubai Opera House is another popular cultural attraction, offering music, dance, and theater performances. You can book tickets for an unforgettable evening in this impressive venue.
The Jumeirah Mosque
The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Dubai and a popular tourist attraction for those interested in Islamic architecture. Located in the Jumeirah district, the mosque was built in 1976 and is open to visitors of all religions. It can accommodate up to 1,200 people and offers a spectacular view of the Persian Gulf.
The mosque is made of white stone and features impressive architecture. Visitors can explore the mosque's interior, including the main prayer hall, which boasts a magnificent glass chandelier and a hand-woven Persian carpet. Visitors can also learn more about Islamic culture by visiting the cultural center adjacent to the mosque, which offers exhibitions on Islamic religion and culture.
For visitors wishing to learn more about the Islamic religion, the Jumeirah Mosque also offers free guided tours. Visitors can learn about the practices and traditions of the religion, as well as the history of the mosque itself. Women are required to wear a headscarf and appropriate attire to enter the mosque.
The Dubai Opera
The Dubai Opera is an iconic building in Dubai that serves as a venue for opera, ballet, classical music, theater, and musicals. It is located in Dubai's cultural district and was inaugurated in 2016. The architectural design of the Dubai Opera is inspired by dhows, the traditional Arabian boats that once sailed the waters of the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.
The Dubai Opera has a seating capacity of 2,000, which can be adapted depending on the type of performance. It features a flexible stage and a sophisticated lifting system to allow for quick transitions between performances. Visitors can enjoy world-class shows in an intimate and luxurious setting.
It offers a diverse program that caters to all tastes. You can attend performances of classic operas, famous ballets, classical music concerts, hit musicals, magic shows, and much more. Local and international artists regularly perform on the Dubai Opera stage, making it a gathering place for culture enthusiasts.
If you're looking for an entertaining and cultural evening in Dubai, the Dubai Opera is a must-visit. Attending a show in this magnificent building is a memorable experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Practical tips for visiting Dubai
The best times to visit Dubai
Dubai is a hot city year-round, but the winter months (November to March) are considered the best time to visit due to cooler temperatures and more pleasant weather. If you plan to visit Dubai in the summer, be prepared to face temperatures that can reach 45°C.
Transportation in Dubai
Dubai's transportation network is well-developed and offers many options for getting around the city. The Dubai Metro is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel, with air-conditioned trains and reasonable fares. There are also buses and taxis, as well as ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem.
Local customs and traditions to respect
Dubai is a cosmopolitan and tolerant city, but it's important to remember that it also has local customs and traditions that must be respected. For example, it's important to dress modestly in public places, especially in the more traditional areas of the city. It's also important to respect the Ramadan fast if you visit the city during this period, by avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the day.