Choose from 55 Fun Things to Do in Dubai
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 55 listings.
Palm Jumeirah
Jutting into the Persian Gulf from southern Dubai, the Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island in the shape of a palm tree and ringed by a crescent-shaped breakwater. The world’s biggest artificial island, it draws visitors to its palatial hotels, theme parks, and shopping malls.
The Basics
The Palm Jumeirah offers some of Dubai’s most opulent 5-star hotels—including Atlantis, The Palm—all of them rising from its Crescent breakwater or trunk. The island’s 17 fronds are home to 1,730 private villas. Visitors come to enjoy the hotels’ beaches and dining options, as well as attractions, such as Atlantis’ Aquaventure Water Park and Lost Chambers Aquarium. Also popular are shopping malls, such as The Pointe and Golden Mile Galleria.
Nearly all Dubai tours include photo ops outside the Atlantis, arriving via road or the island’s monorail system. Some hop-on hop-off bus routes, meanwhile, let you alight at the Atlantis to explore at leisure, while boat and Jet Ski tours afford fabulous views of the Palm and Atlantis from the sea. However, the best option to admire the palm-shaped island design is to take a helicopter or seaplane trip that flies over the island.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Palm Jumeirah is a must-see for first-time Dubai visitors, shoppers, families, and theme park lovers.
- If time is short, take a half-day tour that covers Dubai’s highlights and an Atlantis photo stop.
- If you can’t manage a flightseeing experience, the monorail is the next-best way to see the Palm’s fronds and palm shape.
- Bring your hat and sunscreen; there’s little shade anywhere on the island.
How to Get There
The Palm extends into the Gulf from Dubai’s Al Sufouh area, midway between the Burj Al Arab and Dubai Marina. To visit, catch the monorail from the Gateway station on the trunk to Atlantis, The Palm on the Crescent breakwater. Alternatively, take a taxi to the island.
When to Get There
The Palm Monorail runs every 15 minutes, every day, from about 9am until 10pm. Check timetables before traveling, however. If you have a ticket for the Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park, aim to arrive early during the peak season (November-April) and on Friday and Saturday, to avoid the biggest crowds.
Visiting the Atlantis, The Palm
Though Atlantis’ main lobby is usually open to nonresidents, access may be restricted from time to time. Your best bet is to reserve a table at one of Atlantis’ on-site restaurants to ensure entry.
Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $ 17
Hatta Heritage Village
This tiny traditional village in the Al Hajar Mountains is an impressive replica of Dubai’s old world wonders. Comprised of some 30 buildings, the grounds of Hatta Heritage Village have been attracting travelers in search of authentic UAE since 2001. Visitors can wander through original forts, a mosque built of sticks and mud, experience the vibrant cultural dance and get an up close look at the colorful traditional dress of locals. While a trip to Hatta Heritage Village is worth the trek, travelers agree that adding a swim at nearby Hatta pools in Oman will certainly round out the experience.
Practical Info
Hatta Heritage Village is located southwest of Hatta Hill Park. It is open Saturday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 2:30 until 8:30 p.m.
Address: Hatta, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Saturday-Thursday 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Friday 2:30-8:30 p.m.
From $ 55
IMG Worlds of Adventure
In September 2016, IMG Worlds of Adventure opened in Dubai as the world’s largest indoor theme park. The 1.5 million square foot space is divided between three themed areas and IMG Boulevard, the park’s welcome zone.
In the Marvel zone, visitors encounter their favorite comic book superheroes, with thrilling attractions like Avengers Battle of Ultron, Hulk Epsilon Base 3D, Spider-Man Doc Ock’s Revenge and Thor Thunder Spinner. The Lost Valley zone brings dinosaurs to life, while the Cartoon Network zone features characters from Adventure Time, The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10 and The Amazing World of Gumball. IMG Worlds of Adventure also houses a 12-screen cinema screening the latest blockbusters.
Practical Info
Kids under the age of three get free admission to IMG Worlds of Adventure.
Address: IMG Worlds of Adventure City of Arabia, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Open daily 12pm to 10pm
Admission: AED 300/AED 250 Adults/Children
From $ 69
Bedouin Camps
The Bedouin people are a desert-dwelling ethnic group found throughout the Arabian peninsula. Located in the dunes of the Dubai Desert far from any signs of permanent human habitation, Bedouin camps offer visitors a glimpse into what it might have been like for a Bedouin family trying to survive in the harsh desert landscape up until about 40 years ago.
The Basics
While rapid modernization throughout the region has led a majority of the former Bedouin herders and nomadic traders to seek new livelihoods in the cities, these camps make it possible for visitors to continue to learn about Bedouin heritage. A typical family-friendly evening will include a barbecue dinner, shared while seated on Arabian rugs, Bedouin tea, a belly dancing performance, and a group conversation while smoking a hookah (a water pipe used to smoke shisha, a molasses-based tobacco). Those who want to extend the experience can spent the night sleeping under the stars in a Bedouin tent. To make the most of your desert experience, combine your camp visit with a camel ride or sand-boarding excursion.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A visit to a Bedouin camp is a must for adventure travelers, families, and first-time visitors to Dubai.
- Bedouin camp tours from Dubai can last anywhere from five hours to overnight, depending on which option you choose.
- Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially for daytime activities in the desert.
- Don’t forget a light jacket; the desert often cools significantly once the sun goes down.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to a traditional Bedouin camp is by booking a guided tour that includes roundtrip transportation from Dubai.
When to Get There
With high temperatures around 80°F (26°C), winter is the ideal time for a desert safari. In summer (April to October), expect high humidity and daytime temperatures upwards of 100°F (38°C).
The Bedouin People of the UAE
The Bedouin, a group that adapted to the harsh conditions while herding camels, goats, and sheep, are the earliest known inhabitants of the UAE’s vast desert regions. They often used camels both for transportation and for milk. To learn more about Bedouin history before your camp experience, visit the Dubai Museum.
Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $ 60
Hatta Rock Pools
Located near the village of Hatta, just outside of Dubai in the Hajar Mountains, the Hatta Rock Pools have become one of the city’s most popular weekend getaways. This series of spring-fed pools meander through narrow canyon passages, amid the waterfall-dotted mountain scenery.
After experiencing the scorching desert temperatures of Dubai, the cool, dry climate of the mountains is nearly as refreshing as a dip in the turquoise waters. With its close proximity to the Hatta heritage village, you may want to consider combining the two attractions into a single day trip from Dubai. The rocky mountain passages and interesting landscapes of the area are also popular for off-roading in a 4x4.
Since the Hatta Rock Pools sit near the Oman-UAE border, remember to take your passport, as you’ll need it to pass through checkpoints.
After experiencing the scorching desert temperatures of Dubai, the cool, dry climate of the mountains is nearly as refreshing as a dip in the turquoise waters. With its close proximity to the Hatta heritage village, you may want to consider combining the two attractions into a single day trip from Dubai. The rocky mountain passages and interesting landscapes of the area are also popular for off-roading in a 4x4.
Since the Hatta Rock Pools sit near the Oman-UAE border, remember to take your passport, as you’ll need it to pass through checkpoints.
Address: Hatta Rock Pools, Hatta, United Arab Emirates
From $ 160
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
The race car–themed Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi features 20 rides and attractions—everything from the toddler-friendly carousel of Ferrari prototype cars to cutting-edge racing simulators that will please older kids and teens. The largest indoor theme park in the world is also home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa, a hydraulic-powered thrill ride that sees visitors strapped into a Ferrari Formula One-like coaster car and launched at speeds of up to 150 miles (240 kilometers) per hour.
The Basics
The Ferrari World theme park has become one of the most popular attractions in the United Arab Emirates, and travelers have several options for experiencing the park. Those staying in Abu Dhabi can opt for a basic entrance ticket, but it’s also possible to visit on a day trip from Dubai, with the option to visit other notable Abu Dhabi attractions like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Falcon Hospital as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This theme park is a must-visit for families with kids and car lovers.
- Day trips from Dubai to the park typically last about nine to 12 hours.
- The amusement park has lockers and strollers for rent.
- Outside food and drink aren’t allowed into the park, but the food court specializes in Italian cuisine.
How to Get There
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is accessible by car from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. While opting for a guided day trip is the most convenient option for travelers staying in Dubai, those based in Abu Dhabi can take advantage of a free shuttle service that stops at various locations throughout the city and Yas Island. Parking is available onsite.
When to Get There
While summers can be scorching in Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World is comfortably air-conditioned throughout the year. The park is open daily from 11am to 8pm.
Things to Do on Yas Island
Ferrari World is one of several attractions on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. This emerging entertainment district 30 minutes outside the UAE capital is also home to the Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Marina, Yas Waterworld, Yas Mall (the second-largest shopping center in the country), Yas Beach, and the award-winning Kyle Phillips–designed Yas Links Abu Dhabi.
Address: Yas Island Drive, Abu Dhabi 128717, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Open daily, 11am - 8pm
Admission: Admission prices vary
From $ 40
Global Village
In the past year some 5 million people visited Dubai’s Global Village—a bright lights entertainment hub with games, rides, food and fun. Travelers can find world-class shopping, a wide array of restaurants and live shows that range from cultural dance to daredevil stuntmen at this amusement park place in the heart of UAE.
Global Village highlights not only what makes Dubai’s culture and traditions so unique, but the UAE’s love of glitter and glam, too. Still, visitors agree that entertainment options here stretch far beyond the local flavor. Kid-friendly shows cater to a younger set, while international concerts and street performers offer something for the adults in the crowd, too. And for those who want to ride the rides, dozens of amusement park-style options are available for children, families and thrill-seekers.
Practical Info
Global Village is off of Exit 37, near Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road. It is accessible via public bus 103 from Union Station and 104 from Al Ghubaiba Station. The park is open Saturday through Wednesday from 4 p.m. until 12 a.m. and Thursdays and Fridays from 4 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Address: Sheik Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd, Exit No. 37, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Admission: General Admission: AED 15
From $ 4
iFly Dubai
Located in the Mirdif neighborhood of Dubai, iFly Dubai is a skydive center that lets you replicate the experience of a parachute drop in a controlled indoor environment. iFlyers—as they’re called—fly on air gusts created in an acrylic wind tunnel. You’ll get the sensation of a real skydive—without having to jump from a plane.
The Basics
iFlyers take part in an introductory briefing with an instructor before donning a wind-suit and full-face helmet and entering a 32-foot (10-meter) wind tunnel in a small group. Then, with an instructor on-hand throughout, they rise up to 13 feet (4 meters) above-ground on air gusts to experience an exhilarating, gravity-defying “flight.” Depending on the instructor’s judgment, participants may also be invited to perform flips and turns.
Visitors can prebook for iFly sessions online to save time and hassle. Options include beginner’s packages that feature two 1-minute flights, upgraded packages that offer two 2-minute flights, or virtual reality experiences that let you fly over virtual Dubai locations. All include training and equipment. Repeat iFlyers, meanwhile, can experience two 1-minute flights specifically aimed at helping them develop their technique.
Things to Know Before You Go
- An iFly flight is a must for thrill-seekers and fun-lovers.
- Choose a basic session to see if a flight is right for you before committing to anything longer.
- Family and friends can watch and photograph your flight from outside the tunnel.
- Children aged three and above can fly, provided the supplied helmets fit.
- The whole experience takes 45 minutes, including pre-flight training.
How to Get There
iFly is situated in the City Center Mirdif Mall in eastern Dubai. Hop in a cab—most drivers will know where it is—or take the metro to the Rashidiya stop and catch a taxi from there—it’s a few minutes’ drive. Regular shuttle buses also run from the station to the mall.
When to Get There
Summer is ideal for enjoying iFly; it’s indoors, so you can escape Dubai’s worst heat and avoid the center’s busiest periods during the peak winter tourist season. iFly is open daily: 12pm-10pm Sunday-Wednesday, 12pm-11pm Thursday, and 10am-11pm Friday.
Tips for an iFly flight
Once you’ve booked for iFly, arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled flight to allow time for signing waivers. It’s best to wear a short or long top, plus long pants and trainers as you’ll need to put the supplied wind-suit over your clothes. Free lockers are available.
Address: 1st Floor, South Entrance, Playnation, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Varies
From $ 169
Chillout Ice Lounge
With temperatures in Dubai often reaching heights of 50 degrees Celsius the opportunity to relax in subzero temperatures in the middle of the city is a unique one. The Chillout Ice Lounge is located inside the famous Times Square Center in the city. Refurbished in 2014, it features dramatic ice sculptures, seating and tables made of ice, plus ambient diffused lighting to set the tone in the minus-six-degrees climate.
On arrival at the Chillout Ice Lounge all visitors are issued with a complimentary welcome drink and thermal clothing. You will also be advised to spend a few minutes acclimatizing in a buffer zone area set to five degrees before venturing into the main lounge. Once in the lounge, you can order soup, sandwiches, juice, hot chocolate, tea and coffee, plus a variety of desserts and mocktails.
The lighting in the Chillout Ice Lounge changes color intermittently, filtering through blocks of ice and making it a romantic setting for couples. The venue also holds a magic show for children on several days of the week, making it ideal for families, although it is not advisable to take infants under the age of one.
The most convenient way to enjoy Dubai's Chillout Ice Lounge is by joining an organized tour that includes entrance fees and hotel pickup and drop off.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, reservations are recommended and can be made via the venue’s website. Be sure to wear clothing that covers your legs for your visit as thermal pants are not provided.
Did You Know? Launched in 2007 by Sharaf Hospitality, the Chillout Ice Lounge in Dubai is the first ice lounge in the Middle East.
Address: Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Sat-Wed 10am-10pm; Thurs-Fri 10am-midnight
Admission: Adults: AED 75; Children: AED 35
From $ 185
Mall of the Emirates
The Mall of the Emirates, Dubai’s second largest shopping complex after the Dubai Mall, houses 560 international retailers spread over 2,513,017 square feet (233,467 square meters) of retail space. Superlatives are plentiful — the mall houses the largest Carrefour supermarket in the city and five dozen stores made their Middle Eastern debut here.
While the shopping remains a huge draw to the Mall of the Emirates, even non-shoppers will find something to do. Ski Dubai (the first indoor ski slope in the region), multi-screen VOX Cinemas, Magic Planet arcade and family entertainment center, Peekaboo play area and the Dubai Community Theatre & Art Centre also make their home within the Mall of the Emirates.
Two five-star hotels, the Kempinski Mall of the Emirates and the Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel both adjoin the shopping mall.
Practical Info
You won’t find many local brands within the Mall of the Emirates, and prices aren’t cheap, but it’s still a fun (and air conditioned) place to enjoy some window shopping.
Address: Al Barsha 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Daily 10am-1am
From $ 40
Marina Mall
Located in a fashionable part of the city on the eastern side of Dubai Marina, the Marina Mall offers more than 130 retail outlets across four levels. It’s a modern and convenient shopping and leisure destination for residents and visitors of the marina, although by Dubai standards it certainly isn’t the largest of malls.
In terms of retail outlets, Marina Mall features a mix of high street and designer brands, with a number of boutique fashion offerings thrown in too. It is also a place to visit for al fresco dining, with a promenade that extends onto the waterfront. There are a variety of other food and drink options throughout the complex, and it also features a cinema, a supermarket, and a children’s play area. The five-star Address Dubai Marina Hotel also links directly to the mall.
Practical Info
The nearest metro stations to Marina Mall are Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers, both on the red line and both within a 10-minute walk of the shopping center.
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai 32923, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Open Sat-Wed: 10am-10pm and Thurs-Fri: 10am-Midnight
From $ 61
Hili Archeological Park
Since excavations began in the village of Al Hili, located 7 miles (12 kilometers) north of Al Ain, began during the 1960s, archaeological teams have uncovered ruins of settlements and tombs dating back to the Bronze Age. By 1995 the site was fully excavated, restored and opened as the Hili Archeological Park. Today, visitors from around the United Arab Emirates and the world come to see the remains of the country’s oldest settlement, where inhabitants once worked in agriculture and the copper trade.
Among the highlights of the UNESCO-listed park is a giant tomb where six hundred people were found buried. The two tomb entrances are decorated with reliefs depicting crude human and animal figures. Kids (and their parents) will appreciate the small children’s play area located within the archeological park grounds.
Practical Info
Hili Archeological Park is open seven days a week with limited (though still plenty long) hours on Fridays.
Address: Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Open daily
From $ 41
Jumeirah Beach
Chances are, if you’re visiting Dubai, you’ll want to spend some time at the beach. While many of the big resorts limit beach access to guests only, the city has a handful of public beaches, and Jumeirah Beach Park is by far the best of them.
Jumeirah Beach Park opened in 1989 as the first beach park in Dubai. Today, the 30-acre (12-hectare) beachfront green space features volleyball courts, showers, playgrounds, picnic tables, food kiosks, barbecue areas and lifeguards monitoring the sandy stretch of beach. The facilities are the best you’ll find on pretty much any public beach.
Practical Info
When not on the beach itself, visitors are required to dress appropriately, so be sure to bring something along to cover up after sunning and swimming.
Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $ 30
Atlantis Palm Hotel
In Dubai, a hotel can be considered a top tourist attraction, and that’s certainly the case with the extravagant Atlantis Palm Hotel. The 1,539-room, ocean-themed resort occupies the top portion of the crescent of land surrounding the man-made Palm Islands, just off the coast of Dubai, and it includes 42 acres (17 hectares) of amusement and entertainment space. Even if you’re not a resort guest, it’s worthwhile to spend a day enjoying everything it has to offer.
The Basics
Many of the attractions are aquatic in nature. Prebook tickets to Aquaventure Waterpark, which houses 42 rides and attractions, including a near-vertical body slide. Dolphin Bay brings guests face-to-face with some of the ocean’s most endearing creatures, while a ticket to the Lost Chambers Aquarium sends you on a journey through mythical Atlantis, surrounding by thousands of marine animals, with upgrades available to scuba diving and ray feeding experiences. The Atlantis Palm Hotel also hosts some of the world’s top luxury brands in its extensive retail space, and more than a dozen restaurants, a pair of nightclubs, and a spa with 27 treatment rooms round out the offerings.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The hotel is a must-see for animal lovers and first-time visitors to Dubai.
- Choose among a range of activities and tour options, including aquarium entry, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
- Experiences at the Atlantis Palm Hotel can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a full day.
- Out of respect for local customs, a cover-up over swimwear is requested when visitors are walking around the resort.
How to Get There
To get to the Atlantis Palm Hotel, take the Dubai metro to Mall of the Emirates Station. From there, it’s a short taxi ride to the hotel.
When to Get There
Dubai’s warm weather means there’s no bad time to visit the Atlantis Palm Hotel. Many of the attractions are indoors and air-conditioned, and the waterpark offers ample opportunity to cool off on a hot day.
Things to Do on Dubai’s Palm Islands and the World
Dubai’s offshore islands have become some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, and there are plenty of ways to experience them. See them from above aboard a helicopter or seaplane, or gaze down from the Burj Khalifa Observation Deck. From the Dubai Marina, speedboats, Jet Skis, and rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) zip visitors out to the Palm archipelago to see the islands and the towering Atlantis Palm Hotel from the water.
Address: Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $ 30
Palm Islands & the World
Fly over Dubai and you'll notice something unusual about the shoreline — the unique shapes of Palm Islands and the World, some of the world's largest artificial islands. From above, these islands resemble a trio of palm trees (Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, and Palm Deira) and a roughly circular world map, golden on the otherwise azure surface of the Persian Gulf in the United Arab Emirates.
The Basics
Private Islands for Sale
The Basics
First constructed in 2001, the islands are always in various stages of development, especially the World, which is set to replicate the entire world and cover 5.5 miles (nine km) of reclaimed land. Although the palms are mainly home to a mix of leisure, residential, marina and commercial structures, visitors need not own property (or even stay in one of the hotels) on the completed Palm Jumeirah or any of the other islands to get a good look at this manmade wonder. Tours by speedboat, rigid-inflatable boat (RIB), and jetski take visitors from the Dubai Marina to the Palm Jumeirah archipelago, where it's possible to see the 5-star hotels tower above the water and spot the Burj Al-Arab from afar.
The best views of the Palm Islands and the World are from the air. Flightseeing tours aboard a helicopter or seaplane provide the perfect bird's-eye views—and photo ops—of these impressive archipelagos. Heading to the Observation Deck at the Burj Khalifa or to the top of one of the city's many other high-rise skyscrapers is another way to see the sprawling development from above.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to the Palm Islands and The World
Things to Know Before You Go
- A wide variety of small-group and private tours viewing the islands are available by boat or helicopter, some in combination with Dubai city tours.
- The layout of the islands is best appreciated from above.
- Expect sky-high temperatures of up to 110°F (43°C) in summer.
The completed Palm Jumeirah stretches 3.2 miles (five km) by 3.2 miles. Although there is no public transit in place to reach the Palm Gateway Monorail Station on the coast, from here, travelers can take a 10-minute ride out to the tip of the palm to see the length of the artificial island from a good vantage point. Taxis can also drive out to palm leaves. Dubai's famed Atlantis hotel, Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, and Lost Chambers Aquarium are set on Palm Jumeirah.
Private Islands for Sale
If you're in the market for a private island to call home, some of the islands in The World project are still up for grabs.
Address: Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Badiyah Mosque
Located in Fujairah Emirate, Badiyah Mosque is the oldest existing mosque in the United Arab Emirates. Archaeologists are unsure when exactly the place of worship was built, but expert estimates date buildings anywhere from 1446 BC to 640 AD. The small, squarish mosque was constructed from local materials — stone and ruddy mud — and despite its age, it continues to function as a working mosque with regular prayer services.
While visiting the Badiyah Mosque, leave some time for a quick trip up to the Al Bithnah Fort, notable for its beautiful vistas over the surrounding scenery. Visitors are required to wear conservative clothing (no shorts or bare shoulders) to get inside.
Practical Info
Badiyah Mosque can be visited on a day trip from Dubai.
Address: Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
From $ 64
Bur Dubai Village
Bur Dubai Village, located near the mouth of Dubai Creek, takes visitors back in time through a series of heritage villages complete with recreated architecture and local artisans practicing their crafts using traditional techniques. For shoppers, the village is a great place to find unique, handmade items to take home as souvenirs or gifts.
Long before the skyscrapers and palm-shaped islands, Dubai’s economy relied heavily on pearling. Teams of men would spend months at a time at sea diving for the rose-colored pearls produced in the Persian Gulf. One of the most unique experiences at the Bur Dubai Village is the opportunity to learn more about the city’s pearl diving culture and watch a demonstration of how it’s done.
Bur Dubai Village is open every day of the week, but Friday hours are limited and many of the shop will be closed. After you’ve toured the heritage village, set aside some time for a meal or drink by the waterside.
Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $ 39
Jumeirah Mosque
Built from white sandstone and crowned with a central dome and two towering minarets, Jumeirah Mosque is Dubai's main place of worship and arguably one of the most beautiful mosques in the United Arab Emirates. Aside from being an extremely popular photography site in Dubai, the landmark is also notable in that it is the only mosque in the city open to non-Muslim visitors—an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of Islam and its traditions.
The Basics
How to Get to the Jumeirah Mosque
When to Get There
The Basics
While it is most often visited as a photo stop on city tours, non-Muslim travelers are able to enter for an hour-long visit and Q&A session when accompanied by a guide from the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. This program, called 'Open Doors, Open Minds' is a way for non-Muslims to learn about Emirati culture. A visit to the mosque is often included in half-day or full-day sightseeing tours of Dubai, and the mosque is also one of many stops on hop-on, hop-off sightseeing buses, in addition to attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al-Arab, Dubai Creek, and the Dubai Mall.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Photography is allowed inside the mosque, so don't forget to bring your camera.
- Visitors are asked to wear modest dress (long pants or skirts and sleeves, with headscarves for women) and to remove their shoes before entering the mosque.
- The site's informational 'Open Doors, Open Minds' program includes coffee, dates, and pastries.
- Appropriate attire can be provided at the mosque if necessary.
Located on Jumeirah Road, the mosque is accessible by taxi, public transportation, or on an organized tour.
When to Get There
Should you miss out on the daily interior tour (held at 10am six days a week), the mosque is still worth visiting at dusk, when its intricate facade is lit up beautifully.
Jumeirah Mosque Architecture
The mosque is built in the medieval Fatimid tradition, developed in the Middle East during the Fatimid Caliphate. The mosque was built in 1976, and its adherence to the Fatimid style is considered a triumph of modern Islamic architecture.
Address: Jumeirah Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
Burj Al-Arab
The sail-like silhouette of the Burj Al-Arab has become a symbol of Dubai's opulence and affluence, standing at 1,053 feet (321 meters) as the third-tallest hotel and one of the most luxurious hotels in the United Arab Emirates. Opened in 1999, the landmark boasts plenty of superlatives, including its five-star status.
The Basics
Besides shelling out to stay the night at the Burj Al-Arab, visitors have plenty of other options for viewing and touring the sumptuous landmark, which can be spotted from numerous spots around Dubai. Snap a shot of the soaring Jumeirah Beach hotel jutting out to sea on a city sightseeing tour or on a boat cruise.
When to Get There
Entering the Burj Al-Arab requires reservations, and grabbing cocktails at the Skyview Bar proves the most budget-friendly way to get inside (must be booked in advance).
Dubai's Sky-High Attractions
The Basics
Besides shelling out to stay the night at the Burj Al-Arab, visitors have plenty of other options for viewing and touring the sumptuous landmark, which can be spotted from numerous spots around Dubai. Snap a shot of the soaring Jumeirah Beach hotel jutting out to sea on a city sightseeing tour or on a boat cruise.
To get inside, choose from the hotel's many bars and restaurants available for reservation. The Sahn Eddar Lobby Lounge offers a decadent seven-course afternoon tea service, set to the sounds of live classical music with views of the hotel's amazing atrium, while the 27th-floor Skyview Bar and its floor-to-ceiling glass windows mix cocktails with stellar views over the Dubai skyline and Persian Gulf. Hungry visitors can book a traditional Arabic lunch inside the world's tallest atrium at Al Iwan, or go for a more international menu with views over the city at the 27th-floor Al Muntaha. For a romantic dining experience, book a three-course seafood dinner at Al Mahara, a restaurant with its own floor-to-ceiling aquarium. Tours of Dubai city often include a stop for photos at the Burj Al-Arab, or you can book a tour that includes afternoon tea or lunch at one of the restaurants. For a different take on the views of the UAE city, book a helicopter tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to the Burj Al-Arab
One of the most popular Dubai attractions, the Burj Al-Arab hotel stands on its own island promontory, linked to the mainland by a private bridge—you can't miss it. It can be reached by taxi or Red Line metro via Jumeirah Road.
- The hotel is most often admired from the outside; reservations are required to enter, and overnight bookings come with a hefty cost.
- The Burj Al-Arab's dress code is smart casual; no flip flops, shorts, or beachwear allowed.
- Most guided tours allow only an outside photo stop.
One of the most popular Dubai attractions, the Burj Al-Arab hotel stands on its own island promontory, linked to the mainland by a private bridge—you can't miss it. It can be reached by taxi or Red Line metro via Jumeirah Road.
When to Get There
Entering the Burj Al-Arab requires reservations, and grabbing cocktails at the Skyview Bar proves the most budget-friendly way to get inside (must be booked in advance).
Dubai's Sky-High Attractions
Although the Burj Al-Arab is known for its height, it technically only has 28 inhabited stories. If it's views you're after, only a visit to the world's tallest building, the nearby Burj Khalifa, will suffice.
Address: Jumeirah Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $ 23
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building on the planet, soaring 2,717 feet (828 meters) high with more than 160 stories set in a stepped design that narrows as it climbs, syringe-like, to the sky. The design is patterned after the repetition of a single geometric shape, meant to echo Islamic art. Bringing a new meaning to the term skyscraper, the building is part of the massive downtown Dubai complex of offices, hotels, shopping malls, entertainment precincts, and apartment buildings.
When to Get There
The Basics
With a Burj Khalifa admission ticket, travelers can ride the high-speed elevator to the 124th-floor At the Top observation deck for stunning 360-degree views over Dubai and the Persian Gulf. It's also possible to ride to the exclusive, 125th-floor and then go even higher to the 148th-floor At the Top SKY deck (the tallest viewing platform in the world at 1,821 feet or 555 meters), watching a multimedia presentation on the way and then taking in the sights through the deck's floor-to-ceiling glass walls. If you'd rather not get so high, wander through through the gardens and fountains of Burj Khalifa Park, or shop till you drop at the Dubai Mall, located inside the building. Along with a huge variety of shops such as Galeries Lafayette, Bloomingdale's, and Marks & Spencer, the mall features an aquarium, ice rink, Sega theme park, and movie theater.
With a Burj Khalifa admission ticket, travelers can ride the high-speed elevator to the 124th-floor At the Top observation deck for stunning 360-degree views over Dubai and the Persian Gulf. It's also possible to ride to the exclusive, 125th-floor and then go even higher to the 148th-floor At the Top SKY deck (the tallest viewing platform in the world at 1,821 feet or 555 meters), watching a multimedia presentation on the way and then taking in the sights through the deck's floor-to-ceiling glass walls. If you'd rather not get so high, wander through through the gardens and fountains of Burj Khalifa Park, or shop till you drop at the Dubai Mall, located inside the building. Along with a huge variety of shops such as Galeries Lafayette, Bloomingdale's, and Marks & Spencer, the mall features an aquarium, ice rink, Sega theme park, and movie theater.
Just about every Dubai city tour stops at the exterior of the Burj Khalifa, with some including tickets to the Burj Khalifa observation decks. Comprehensive tours of Dubai, the most modern city in the United Arab Emirates, often also stop at other top Dubai attractions such as the Dubai desert (for a desert safari or dune bashing), Ski Dubai, the Dubai Aquarium, the Dubai Fountain, and the Burj Al-Arab.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to the Burj Khalifa
Previously known as Burj Dubai, the iconic Burj Khalifa is located at the First Interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road, not too far from the central business district. Taxis and buses run along Sheikh Zayed Road, the Red Line metro stops here and a free shuttle runs from major hotels.
- Burj Khalifa tickets are required to access the structure's observation decks.
- An At the Top admission ticket includes access to levels 124 and 125, while an At the Top SKY ticket allows access to levels 124, 125, and 148.
- Kids under 4 years old enter free.
Previously known as Burj Dubai, the iconic Burj Khalifa is located at the First Interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road, not too far from the central business district. Taxis and buses run along Sheikh Zayed Road, the Red Line metro stops here and a free shuttle runs from major hotels.
When to Get There
Both ticket options have prime and non-prime hours, with higher prices during prime hours. For At the Top tickets, prime hours are from 3:30pm to 6pm daily; for At the Top SKY, prime hours are from opening until 6pm.
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Daily
Admission: AED 125-300
From $ 17