Top 8 Things to do in Dubai

Dubai
Dubai

With an incredible mix of jaw-dropping architecture, year-round sunshine and stunning desert landscapes, Dubai is a winter sun destination with the wow-factor. Most itineraries passing through the Middle East will either call at Dubai or offer an overnight stay there - and with so much to see and do in this mesmerising part of the Emirates, here are our top ways to spend your time in Dubai.

Feel the Thrill of a Desert Safari

Desert safari
Desert safari

Experience the marvels of the Arabian Desert in true style as you take a thrilling desert safari adventure in a 4x4 along the sand dunes. Other adventurous ways to ride the dunes include sandboarding and quad biking. If you want to experience the desert at a calmer pace, you can let a talented Henna artist paint intricate patterns onto your arms and hands, get photographed with a falcon or say hello to a camel. There's also plenty of fantastic food and spa options.


Explore the Shopping Malls

The Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping, leisure and entertainment centres in the world. There are over 1,200 retail outlets for you to explore including high-end stores such as Versace and Burberry and high street outlets such as Zara. Whatever you're after, from fashion to electronics, Dubai Mall most likely has it. The Dubai Ice Rink, Aquarium and children's theme parks are also located here.

Enjoy the Burj Khalifa Lookout

Burj Khalifa at sunset
Burj Khalifa at sunset

You can’t come all the way to Dubai and avoid the world’s largest skyscraper. The Burj Khalifa stands at over 828 metres, has over 160 storeys and boasts the highest outdoor observation deck in the world. Take a trip to the top and absorb the city from the most iconic tower in Dubai, with an unobstructed 360-degree view of the city.

Explore Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina

Venture down to one of Dubai’s newer attractions and admire the city’s most fascinating buildings illuminated against the night sky. Take a stroll along the waterfront and spot glamorous yachts - there are several kilometres of walkways to explore and a great selection of bars and restaurants.

Delight in a Dubai Fountain Lake Ride

Dubai fountain
Dubai fountain

The incredible Dubai fountain is one of Dubai’s most popular attractions and the world’s tallest performing fountain, with water jets shooting 500ft in the air, 6600 lights and 25 coloured projectors. Set within the Burj Lake, you can set sail on an immersive boat ride, giving you a front row seat to the amazing show.

Spend a Day at the Beach

Dubai beach
Dubai beach

JBR Beach and Kite Beach are two of the most fun and family friendly stretches of white sand beaches. JBR Beach is a trendy area that runs alongside The Walk promenade, where you can enjoy a refreshing juice or ice cream in between trips to the fashionable boutiques. As the waters are fairly calm, its a great spot to relax on an inflatable and is very popular with bathers. Families will enjoy the camel rides that run along the beach.

Kite Beach is the sportiest beach in Dubai, where you can try kite surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, beach volleyball and much more. Non aqua activities include the toddler park, skate park and the outdoor trampoline.

Take a Trip to the AquaVenture Waterpark

AquaVenture Waterpark
AquaVenture Waterpark

On the Palm Jumeirah Island, the AquaVenture Waterpark is one of the most famous in the world, and certainly Dubai’s best waterpark. Ride on record-breaking slides, meandering river rides, the Atlantean Flyer Zip Line and much more. There’s even 700 metres of private beach to unwind on when you’ve had your adrenaline fix.

Spend a day at the Palm Jumeirah

The Palm
The Palm

The Palm Jumeirah is a unique island, shaped like a palm tree, and is one of three of the Palm Islands in Dubai. It’s worth a visit purely for novelty value, let alone the huge amount of attractions. With Dolphin Bay, Sea Lion Point, the AquaVenture Waterpark and the Lost Chambers Aquarium, you’ll be spoilt for choice here.

Still to book? Find more inspiration with our Dubai cruise deals.