Yes, Dubai is worth visiting and exploring! Dubai is a safe city with a world-wide reputation for luxury shopping, innovative architectural buildings, and extravagant leisure experiences. Thanks to its hot desert climate, Dubai also enjoys fantastic weather all year round. So, what’s not to like?
To discover more about this fascinating destination, read our extensive guide that includes useful information about what you can expect to see and do in Dubai. This article includes things you can do to keep your kids entertained, plus suggestions about relaxing activities, places to visit for free and information about the best shopping malls, parks and beaches in Dubai.
Is Dubai Worth Visiting? Our Top 10 Reasons to Visit Dubai
Dubai has something for everyone and is the perfect choice for a mini break or longer stay. Here are 10 convincing reasons why Dubai is worth visiting:
1. Dubai Enjoys Endless Sunshine All-Year Round!
If you love hot weather, Dubai is a great place to visit all year round. The city benefits from a hot desert climate and most days are sunny throughout the year!
In Dubai, the hottest month of the year is August when temperatures reach an average of 40°C. In the coolest month of January, temperatures hover around a pleasant 24°C. During the hottest months, you will be glad of air-conditioned cars, shopping malls and indoor venues!
2. Dubai is an Undeniable Paradise for Shoppers!
Dubai is one of the most visited cities in the world and has a world-wide reputation for tax-free shopping. You can literally shop until you drop in Dubai’s 65 seriously air-conditioned shopping malls.
However, these are no ordinary shopping malls! Watching customers and their shopping being chauffeur driven around The Dubai Mall in small luxury electric vehicles was definitely a first!
Of course, Dubai is known for its luxury, opulence and extravagance. You won’t believe the lavishness of the Dubai shopping malls until you experience them for yourself! Not only are they overflowing with every conceivable global retail brand, they are magnificently designed and also house extravagant leisure activities!
In addition to the modern shopping malls, you can also check out the authentic Dubai souks (markets) which are located on either side of Dubai Creek. They trade in textiles, spices, gold and perfume, so grab yourself a bargain!
3. Dubai has Unique Architecture and Record-Breaking Structures!
Dubai is an amazing city which has risen majestically out of the desert. Construction is still ongoing, and the skyline of Dubai is unique.
The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building (829.8m) and is seriously impressive whether you appreciate it from afar, from below or from within. The view from the world’s highest observation deck (555m) on the 148th level at the top of the Burj Khalifa is truly mesmerising!
In fact, in Dubai over 21 buildings stretch more than 300m into the sky! The Dubai Frame is also the world’s largest building in the shape of a picture frame! Not forgetting The Dubai Mall which is also the largest shopping mall in the world at over 12 million square feet!
4. Dubai Offers Extraordinary Opportunities for Entertainment and Adventure!
Dubai is a city where anything and everything is possible. For example, you can take a break from shopping and ski, toboggan or snowboard in the middle of the Mall of the Emirates. Yes, you can actually take a chair lift up the ski slope in this desert city!
You can also marvel at one of the world’s largest suspended aquariums through the viewing panel in the centre of The Dubai Mall! Amongst other unique experiences, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo even offers you the opportunity to dive or train for your PADI diving qualification in the 10-million-litre tank!
Once you’ve had enough of snow and water, there are plenty of desert adventures to be enjoyed including jeep and camel safaris, sandboarding and buggy rides. You can even camp overnight in the desert.
5. Dubai Retains its Rich History and Traditional Arabic Culture!
Dubai is a city where ultra-modern living meets the past. Part of the charm of Dubai is that in amongst the skyscrapers, you can still gain an insight into the history of the city and its traditional Arabic culture.
In addition to the historical Dubai souk districts, on the Bur Dubai side of the Dubai Creek is the Al Fahidi Historical District (or Al Bastakiya quarter). This is the oldest standing residential area of Dubai and offers a maze of hidden treats for visitors.
Close to the Dubai Museum and Al Bastakiya area is the Al Seef District, a 1.8km stretch along the creek dotted with traditional wind-towers and sandstone buildings which contrast with the glitz and glamour of modern Dubai.
6. Dubai is the Perfect Place to Relax, Unwind and Rejuvenate!
Dubai is the perfect place to relax, unwind and rejuvenate from the stresses of everyday life. You can lounge at your leisure on the white sands of one of the many beautiful Dubai beaches. Then, swim in the warm Arabian waters and relax under palm trees.
There are also plenty of opportunities for sporting activities in Dubai. Kite Beach is the perfect spot for water sport lovers. Here, you can experience kite surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, water skiing and paddle boarding. If you want to stay dry, you can also enjoy many other beach sports on the sands.
The Arabian desert is also another great sandy place to relax. You can have a desert picnic among the sand dunes and enjoy perfect stargazing by night. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also float over the desert sand dunes in a hot air balloon.
Another way of relaxing is to take a different form of transport. A traditional dhow cruise along the Dubai Creek is the perfect way to unwind and soak up the heritage of Dubai. Alternatively, you can stroll around the magnificent floral displays in the Dubai Miracle Garden. What better way to relax than with nature?
Finally, Dubai is full of luxury hotels which offer world-class spa experiences including steamy hammams.
7. Dubai has Awesome Free Things to See and Do!
Although Dubai is known for being a luxurious and expensive city, you may be surprised to know that there are many free things to see and do. There are also many inexpensive options which will keep the budget under control and still enable you to enjoy what the city has to offer.
For example, it costs nothing to marvel at the Burj Khalifa from the ground and to explore its surrounding area.
Right beside the Burj Khalifa is The Dubai Mall with its record-breaking OLED screen and viewing panel into the Dubai Aquarium. You can get a closeup view of underwater life from three floors of the shopping centre for free! The spectacular Dubai Fountain sound and light show is also located right outside and is free to enjoy.
Dubai Fountain Show Time
| Day Time Monday to Thursday | 01:00 pm and 01:30 pm |
| Day Time Friday | 01:30 pm and 02:00 pm |
| Evening | 06:00 pm and 11:00 pm |
8. Dubai is a Thriving Centre for Culture and the Arts!
Dubai is fast becoming a thriving international centre for culture and the arts. The 2,000 seat Dubai Opera is the heart of culture and arts in Dubai and attracts world-class performers and artists. Whatever your passion, Dubai Opera will allow you to indulge yourself in theatre, opera, ballet, orchestral performances, concerts, fashion shows, live entertainment, conferences, galleries and art exhibitions.
In addition, there are many superb art galleries in Dubai for art lovers including the XVA and the Lawrie Shabibi. There are also plenty of museums to visit including the Dubai Museum, Museum of Illusions and the Pearl Museum to name a few.
9. Dubai has Delicious Food to Discover!
Dubai has an increasingly diverse population which is made up of approximately 200 different nationalities. So, whilst you are in Dubai you will definitely be able to eat and enjoy quality international cuisine.
However, why not extend your palate and try local specialties during your visit to Dubai? Look out for luqaimat which are hot crunchy sweet dumplings and knafeh which is a popular pastry dish made with cheese and sugar syrup. Arabic coffee and dates are also another must-try along with camel!
Modern chefs are incorporating camel into many of their dishes including various curries, burgers and stews. Camel milk is also something worth trying as well as camel milk ice cream in various flavours!
10. Dubai has Official Low Crime Rates!
According to a recent travel survey, Dubai ranks among the top 15 safest cities in the world. Crime levels are very low owing to strict government rules and law enforcement which help visitors feel safe and secure. However, Dubai is a city so always keep an eye on your personal belongings and be aware of your surroundings.
Of course, when visiting any country, visitors must respect and adhere to local law which could be considerably different to the law in your own country. Dubai is an Islamic country, so it’s a good idea to educate yourself about Dubai customs and laws before you travel so that you can respect them and avoid any problems.
Best Things to Do in Dubai
Hopefully, you’ve now been persuaded to visit the impressive city of Dubai. To help you plan your visit, here are some of the best things to do in Dubai:
1. Dubai Malls – Shop Until You Drop
Dubai has been dubbed the “shopping capital of the Middle East” and is genuinely a shopper’s dream! There are around 65 shopping malls in Dubai where you can find every global brand you can think of.
However, Dubai shopping malls are so much more than shiny air-conditioned stores. Within the shopping malls are dining facilities, entertainment and extravagant attractions and experiences. Think ski slopes, ice rinks, waterfalls and aquariums!
Here is a selection of some of the shopping malls you can enjoy in Dubai:
The Dubai Mall – The Dubai Mall is situated in the heart of Downtown Dubai right next door to the Burj Khalifa. This is the world’s largest shopping centre (5.9 million square meters) with over 1,300 retail outlets including two department stores (Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s) plus over 200 food and drink providers.
The Dubai Mall combines shopping with dining, entertainment and leisure attractions including the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, a VR (Virtual Reality) Park a human waterfall and an Olympic-sized ice rink!
Mall of the Emirates – The Mall of the Emirates features over 630 brands and the largest Carrefour supermarket in Dubai. In addition to its shopping experience, you will find the snowy slopes of Ski Dubai where you can ski, snowboard, toboggan, take a chairlift ride and meet penguins!
Dubai Festival City Mall – The Dubai Festival City Mall is a lively shopping mall located on the banks of Dubai Creek. It houses over 500 brands and is home to IKEA.
City Walk – If you are looking for more of a street shopping feel, City Walk offers high-end international shopping in an indoor-outdoor space.
Dubai Marina Mall – The Dubai Marina Mall is a waterfront shopping mall with 140 outlets featuring international retailers and affordable high street fashion.
Mercato Mall – The Mercato Mall is located on the Jumeirah Beach Road and has a unique atmosphere. It was designed as a community mall but attracts many tourists each year. There are over 140 shops within this Italian style shopping mall complete with cobbled floors and piazzas!
Ibn Battuta Mall – The Ibn Battuta Mall is named after a famous scholar and explorer who travelled more widely than any other explorer in history. Within this shopping mall are over 400 outlets in 6 courts inspired by Ibn Battuta’s travels: India Court, China Court, Persia Court, Egypt Court, Tunisia Court and Andalusia Court. This is an elaborately themed shopping mall which is a sight to behold!
WAFI Mall – The WAFI Mall is a beautifully ornate and distinctive shopping mall which takes inspiration from ancient architecture. The WAFI Mall offers a unique shopping experience with over 250 stores which include Middle Eastern fashion boutiques.
Dubai Outlet Mall – The Dubai outlet mall is located at Dubailand and is home to 240 stores which sell over 1,200 global fashion brands at massively discounted prices. The Dubai Outlet Mall is a 40-minute drive from Downtown Dubai.
2. Dubai Souk – Barter and Shop in the Historical Souk District
If you are looking for a taste of the old traditional Dubai, head for the historical Dubai souk districts which are located on either side of the Dubai Creek. These souks are markets which originate from Dubai’s history of sea trade.
On the left bank of the Dubai Creek (Bur Dubai), you will find the Textile Souk. The Textile Souk in Bur Dubai became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.
On the right bank of the Dubai Creek (Deira), you will find the Spice Souk, Perfume Souk and Gold Souk. Dubai is referred to as “the city of gold” and in the Gold Souk you will find a maze of over 250 retail shops selling fabulous jewellery.
The Dubai Souks are a great way of immersing yourself in local culture, grabbing a bargain and enjoying views of Dubai. This is a charmingly authentic area to lose yourself in for a few hours. Crossing the Dubai Creek is easy by taking a small traditional abra boat which acts as a water taxi from one side to the other.
If you are nervous about exploring the Dubai Souks on your own, why not explore Old Dubai on an organised walking tour. This great walking tour includes a traditional abra boat crossing between the Gold Souk and Spice Souk. Another fantastic benefit of booking this tour is that your local guide will give you tips about prices and how to barter before your buy! Locals always know best, so don’t miss out and book your tour with Get Your Guide here.
3. Dubai Architecture – Visit Record-Breaking and Innovative Buildings
Dubai is taking skyscraper building design and technology to new levels. This city is leading the way in making the impossible possible. Don’t miss out on visiting some of Dubai’s iconic architecture during your stay!
Burj Khalifa, Dubai
The Burj Khalifa dominates the Dubai skyline. Whilst you are in Dubai, you must visit this elegant building which towers over this amazing city.
At 829.8 m (2,722 ft), the Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building. It opened in 2010 and its base has a unique triple lobed design which is an abstract representation of Hymenocallis, a desert flower native to the Dubai region.
You can choose from a variety of packages to visit the Burj Khalifa. Prices are dependent on the level of the Burj Khalifa you choose to visit. We figured this was a once in a lifetime experience, so we opted to go to the highest level open to the public (Level 148) and we were not disappointed. It’s a mind-blowing experience to look down at the city’s other skyscrapers surrounding the Burj Khalifa. They look like tiny monopoly pieces!
At the top of the Burj Khalifa is the world’s highest observation deck with an outdoor terrace at 555m! In the indoor lounge, you will receive complimentary refreshments and have time to enjoy the unbelievable views at your leisure.
The Burj Khalifa is a major Dubai tourist attraction, so we highly recommend that you buy your tickets in advance. To skip-the-line and avoid disappointment on the day, this excellent package gives you a 90-minute experience with stops at the 124th, 125th and 148th floors.
You can enjoy unrivalled views from the indoor and outdoor observation decks during your visit. This is a once in a lifetime experience, so don’t miss out and avoid queuing by booking your tickets here:
Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is another prominent architectural landmark in Zabeel Park. The Dubai Frame features two vertical towers each of which are 150 m high connected by a 100 square meter glass bridge. This monument is referred to as “the biggest picture frame on the planet”.
From the viewing gallery at the top (Sky Deck Level), you can enjoy 360-degree views of old and new Dubai and its surroundings including the Arabian Gulf, the sand dunes of the Arabian Desert and Dubai Marina. On the ground level, there is an interesting museum on the history of Dubai.
If you want to discover the Dubai Frame and see more of the city of Dubai, why not opt for this amazing half-day city tour which includes tickets to visit the Dubai Frame?
This value-for-money guided tour will enable you to see many of the sights of the city including the Palm Jumeirah, the Souk Madinat Jumeirah and the Blue Mosque. In addition, you will enjoy an abra ride across the Dubai Creek to visit the Gold and Spice Souks. Your visit ends with a visit to the Dubai Frame and includes pick-ups to and from your hotel so book today!
Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis, The Palm Hotel, Dubai
The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai is an unbelievable artificial archipelago which was created by land reclamation in the shape of a palm tree. It has 3-mile -long trunk and leaves (fronds) which are linked with luxury villas and hotels.
During your visit to Palm Jumeirah, you can visit the famous Atlantis, The Palm hotel which sits at the pinnacle of the archipelago. Next to the hotel is its famous Aquaventure Waterpark with record-breaking waterslides and The Lost Chambers Aquarium.
To get a different perspective of the Palm Jumeirah and other Dubai landmarks, why not spoil yourself and take to the water? On this amazing private luxury boat cruise for up to 10 people, you can sit back and enjoy the dramatic skyline of Dubai including the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel and Dubai Marina.
Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai
The Burj Al Arab is Dubai’s most luxurious hotel which is frequently referred to as “the world’s only 7-star [hotel]”. The Burj Al Arab is one of the tallest hotels in the world and was designed to resemble the billowing spinnaker sail of a yacht.
Although the hotel is no open for non-residents, you could visit by booking afternoon tea (Sky Tea) in the Skyview Bar & Restaurant on the 27th floor which is 200m high. From here, you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of Dubai’s beaches, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and the skyline of Downtown Dubai.
4. Dubai History – Immerse Yourself in Dubai’s Fascinating History and Culture
In addition to visiting the Historical Souk District on the banks of the Dubai Creek, make sure you visit these authentic areas of Dubai:
Al Fahidi Historic District or Al Bastakia (Old Dubai)
To experience what life was like in Dubai in the mid 19th century, head to the Al Fahidi Historic District which is an important heritage site. Al Fahidi is located on the Bur Dubai side of Dubai Creek and features well-preserved buildings from the 19th century.
Take time to wander through the winding streets and appreciate the former homes of wealthy Persian merchants and the traditional wind towers built as a cooling system.
Al Seef District
In the past, the Al Seef District was part of the pearl diving port. Today, Al Seef is a 1.8 km stretch of coast located close to the Al Fahidi Historic District. It has a unique blend of a heritage area and contemporary buildings.
Al Seef features many traditional sandstone buildings and wind towers with picturesque passageways, a marina and an open-air floating market. Al Seef also offers many interesting places to shop and eat and is a great place for a romantic dinner!
Dubai Museum – Al Fahidi Fort
If you want to learn more about the old history of Dubai, a visit to the Dubai Museum or Al Fahidi Fort is a must. The Dubai Fort is located at the south of Dubai Creek and was built in 1787 to protect the area.
The Al Fahidi Fort is one of the city’s most well-known museums and is a popular tourist attraction. A visit here provides great cultural insights through the displays of old maps, weapons, local musical instruments and artefacts.
Dubai Art Galleries
Another way of learning about the history and culture of Dubai is to visit some of its many art galleries situated in the Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood (Al Bastakia) including:
- The Majlis Gallery
- The XVA Gallery
- The Alserkal Cultural Foundation
Where is Dubai?
Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE is a Gulf country which is located in the Middle East, bordering Saudi Arabia to the south and south-west and Oman to the south-east.
Many people mistake Dubai for being a country. In fact, it is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. An Emirate is similar to a State which is ruled over by a Sheikh. Since 1833, Dubai has been ruled by the Al Maktoum family.
Dubai is situated in the Arabian Desert on the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula on the coast of the Arabian or Persian Gulf. Abu Dhabi (the capital of the UAE) is found approximately 140 km west of Dubai which is about an hour and a half by road.
The official language of Dubai is Arabic with English widely spoken as a second language. The national currency of Dubai is the UAE Dirham.
Map Here
Places to Visit in Dubai for Free
Although Dubai has a reputation for being an expensive place to visit, the great thing about this city is that there are many places to visit in Dubai for free. There are also experiences in Dubai which are inexpensive and won’t break the bank.
1. Dubai Fountain
Firstly, the famous Dubai Fountain show is free to watch. You can enjoy the world’s largest performing fountain show from many vantage points on the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk. You will be just 9 m from the fountains!
2. Dubai Beaches & Dubai Malls
Secondly, many of the fabulous Dubai beaches are free to visit and enjoy. When you have had enough of the beach, you can enjoy some relief in one of the 65 air-conditioned Dubai malls.
Of course, Dubai malls are no ordinary shopping malls, and each have unique characteristics. Take time to window shop and discover their hidden secrets for free! From the halls of The Dubai Mall, you can enjoy watching sea animals without paying anything!
3. Dubai Creek
There are also many fantastic parks in Dubai where you can enjoy a picnic under a palm tree. Creek Park is perfectly located on the edge of the Dubai Creek and is the second largest park in Dubai.
Once you’ve finished your picnic, you can explore the Dubai Souks on either side of the Dubai Creek in Bur Dubai and Deira. For just AED1, you can enjoy a boat trip across the creek on a traditional abra or water taxi.
4. Dubai Love Lake
Finally, if you want to escape the bustle of Dubai, why not head to Al Qudra which is also known as the Love Lake? From above, the Love Lake looks like two interlocking hearts. Al Qudra is an eco-friendly park which is a unique place to relax and enjoy nature, have a picnic and experience stunning sunsets in the desert!
