Things to do in Dubai combine impressive superlatives, desert landscapes, and cultural traditions. In this article, we share our personal experiences in Dubai. You’ll discover beaches, malls, and the city’s most spectacular attractions. Plus, we provide helpful tips to make planning your own trip easier.
Table of Contents
Which beaches in Dubai are worth visiting?
Beaches are among the most popular attractions in Dubai and a highlight for many visitors. We wanted to find out if you can really relax and swim here.
Kite Beach
Kite Beach immediately won us over. The water is shallow and pleasantly warm. There are clean restrooms, a long promenade, and plenty of food trucks. You’ll also find sports facilities such as volleyball courts, a skate park, outdoor fitness areas, and a jogging track right by the sea. Parking is not an issue here, as there are plenty of spaces available.
JBR Beach
JBR Beach has a completely different vibe. The atmosphere is lively with camels walking along the sand, a large water park in the sea, and right behind it high-rise buildings and The Beach shopping mall. Although the water was not as clear as at Kite Beach, the mix of beach, dining, and shopping makes this place truly unique.
Other beaches in Dubai
Besides these two, Dubai offers many more beach options. Sunset Beach is especially popular for its view of the Burj Al Arab, while Al Mamzar Beach Park combines several beach sections with green spaces, making it perfect for a relaxed day out.
Which malls in Dubai are really worth visiting?
Malls are an essential part of Dubai’s attractions. At first, we thought we would not spend much time there. In the end, however, they became regular stops during our trip.
Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is considered the largest mall in the world by total area and sits right next to the Burj Khalifa. Here we experienced three attractions that could not be more different. The Dubai Fountain delights visitors with shows every 30 minutes in front of the iconic skyline. Inside, there is an Olympic-sized ice rink, a surprising find in the middle of the desert. We especially liked the option to rent high-quality skates. Another highlight is the massive aquarium that stretches across several floors and offers fascinating views into the underwater world.
Dubai Marina Mall
The Dubai Marina Mall also has its charm. From here, it is worth taking a stroll along the marina. Restaurants, bars, and the view of the skyline make this spot particularly appealing.
Mall of the Emirates
On our last day, we visited the Mall of the Emirates. We only wanted to stroll around, but ended up right inside a ski hall. Two hours on the slopes with a ski lift and real snow turned into an unforgettable experience.
The Beach at JBR
The Beach at JBR is a different kind of mall. It is not just about shopping but also about strolling and enjoying the atmosphere. It is one of the few places in Dubai where you can comfortably explore on foot. The mix of shops, restaurants, and the beach makes this place stand out.
The most spectacular attractions and things to do in Dubai
Dubai offers an impressive variety of attractions. Here are our personal highlights that left the biggest impression on us.
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is the city’s most famous landmark. We visited the observation deck early in the morning and almost had it to ourselves. The height is hard to grasp, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. This visit impressed us far more than we expected. You can book your tickets for the Burj Khalifa online here*.
Global Village
The Global Village is huge, colorful, and full of life. You can easily spend an entire day there. Pavilions from all over the world, street food, and live shows make it a very diverse experience. Tickets for Global Village are available here*.
Al Fahidi Historical District and Dubai Creek
The Al Fahidi Historical District feels very different. Narrow alleys, traditional houses, and small shops define this part of the city. We bought traditional clothing, had coffee, and enjoyed some great street food. From there, we took an abra, a traditional wooden boat, across the Dubai Creek. The city looks very different from the water. On the other side, the lively souks gave us the most traditional impression of Dubai.
Palm Jumeirah
Another unforgettable experience was visiting Palm Jumeirah. From the The View at the Palm observation deck on Level 54, we had a 360-degree view of the artificial island. If you go, make sure to book the upper floor, where the view is completely unobstructed and far less crowded. Tickets for The View at the Palm can be reserved online here*.
Desert Safari
A true adventure was the Desert Safari. Driving through the dunes in a jeep, plus quad biking, sandboarding, and camel riding made it one of the best experiences of our trip. You can book your desert safari here*.
Museum of the Future
The futuristic Museum of the Future also impressed us. The building itself is spectacular, and inside you get fascinating insights into the technologies of tomorrow. Tickets for the Museum of the Future are available here*.
Other highlights and Dubai attractions
If you still have time, consider visiting the Madinat Jumeirah Souk or the Miracle Garden with its millions of flowers. Each place is unique, but all are impressive in their own way.
The Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark* is also a great option. We didn’t manage to visit ourselves, but we’ve only heard good things. If you love adrenaline and water slides, you should definitely add it to your list.
Which day trips from Dubai are worth it?
In addition to the many sights within the city, there are several fascinating destinations you can easily reach from Dubai.
Abu Dhabi
We stayed several nights in Abu Dhabi during our round trip, but you can also discover the city on a day trip from Dubai*. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is absolutely stunning and, for us, one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Other highlights include the Etihad Towers observation deck and the presidential palace Qasr Al Watan.
Al Madam in Sharjah
A short detour takes you to the ghost village of Al Madam in the Sharjah desert. Half-buried houses create a surreal atmosphere that feels frozen in time. This abandoned site is perfect for a unique trip off the beaten tourist paths.
Practical tips for your stay and visiting Dubai attractions
To make your trip to Dubai smooth and stress-free, here are some simple but helpful tips.
Transport and distances
Dubai is a city of superlatives, and you notice that in daily life. Eight-lane highways and long distances are the norm. Walking rarely gets you far, so most routes are best done by car. Parking in malls is usually free and never an issue.
Power sockets and adapters
The UAE uses Type G sockets, the same as in the UK. The easiest solution is to bring a suitable adapter before your trip.
Clothing and behavior
Dubai is very modern and far more tolerant than many other countries in the region. Still, some rules should be respected. In public, shoulders and knees should be covered, and see-through clothing is considered inappropriate. Swimwear and bikinis are fine at the beach, but cover up again when leaving it.
Behavior should also remain respectful. Holding hands is usually tolerated, but kissing or hugging in public is best avoided. Public drunkenness, swearing, and offensive gestures are strictly forbidden. For official travel and conduct advice, check the UK Government Travel Advice.
Respect the culture
For us, respecting local culture is a key part of traveling. In Dubai, that means following the rules and behaving respectfully. It prevents uncomfortable situations and helps you enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
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Our Conclusion: Is Dubai worth visiting and which Things to do in Dubai are truly worth it?
For us, the answer is clearly yes. We were surprised by how diverse Dubai is. Between beaches, massive malls, spectacular attractions, and exciting day trips, the city offered much more than we expected.
Of course, not everything feels authentic. Some parts seem artificial and oversized. Yet this mix of modern metropolis, desert, and tradition makes Dubai truly unique.
If you know what to expect and respect the culture, you can enjoy an unforgettable trip. We can definitely recommend Dubai as a travel destination and would visit again ourselves.
FAQ about Things to Do in Dubai
Families will especially enjoy the Dubai Mall with its huge aquarium, Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, and the colorful Miracle Garden. JBR Beach with its floating waterpark is also ideal for children.
To cover the highlights like Burj Khalifa, beaches, malls, and a desert safari, plan at least three to four full days. With day trips to Abu Dhabi or Al Madam, a week makes the trip even more rewarding.
Many beaches, the Dubai Fountain show, and the bustling souks can be experienced for free. A walk along Dubai Marina or The Beach also costs nothing.
I’m Marie, and I write about our excursions and travel destinations. I love discovering new places and sharing my experiences and practical tips with you. My goal is to inspire you for your next adventure and help you find the best activities and must-see sights.
