Things to do · Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Things to Do in Dubai

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Getting there
Dubai is served by Dubai International Airport, about 20 km from the city centre, and Al Maktoum International Airport roughly 25 km away; Sharjah International Airport is another 35 km out and often used by low‑cost carriers. Most visitors fly in from Europe, Asia or the US with a single stop in the Gulf. A well‑maintained highway network and the modern Dubai Metro connect the airports to downtown in under an hour.
Who goes
Around 16 million tourists visit Dubai each year, drawn by luxury shoppers, architecture enthusiasts and beach‑goers. The peak season runs from November through March when the weather is mild, while the summer months see noticeably fewer crowds as temperatures soar. Families and solo adventurers alike find the city appealing, though business travelers add a steady stream year‑round.
Budgeting
A careful traveler can expect to spend roughly 300–500 AED per day (about $80–$135 USD), while a more comfortable pace might run 800–1,200 AED ($215–$325 USD). Accommodation and dining typically take up the biggest share of the budget. Saving a few hundred dirhams is easy by using the free one‑dirham abra rides across Dubai Creek instead of taxis. Estimate →
  1. Global Village

    attraction · 4.6 rating

    A large seasonal cultural and entertainment park featuring pavilions representing countries worldwide, with shopping, food, rides and live shows.

  2. Ski Dubai

    attraction · 4.5 rating

    An indoor ski resort inside Mall of the Emirates featuring real snow slopes, a chairlift, tobogganing and resident penguins.

  3. Jumeirah Burj Al Arab

    attraction · 4.7 rating

    An iconic sail-shaped luxury hotel on its own island, widely regarded as a symbol of Dubai and one of the world's most extravagant hotels.

  4. Ain Dubai

    attraction · 4.7 rating

    The world's tallest observation wheel, located on Bluewaters Island, offering panoramic views of Dubai's skyline and coastline from enclosed cabins.

  5. Kite Beach

    attraction · 4.6 rating

    A popular public beach along Jumeirah known for water sports, kitesurfing, a running track and casual food outlets, with views of the Burj Al Arab.

  6. Wild Wadi Waterpark Jumeirah

    attraction · 4.4 rating

    An Arabian-themed waterpark near the Burj Al Arab with slides, wave pools and rides, popular for family and group fun.

  7. Jumeirah Mosque

    attraction · 4.6 rating

    A grand white-stone mosque built in Fatimid style, one of the few in Dubai open to non-Muslim visitors through guided cultural tours.

  8. Dubai Spice Souk

    attraction · 4.3 rating

    A traditional market near Dubai Creek in Deira selling spices, herbs, dried goods and incense, offering a sensory taste of old-world trading Dubai.

  9. Dubai Frame

    attraction · 4.6 rating · 50 AED

    A 150-meter picture-frame-shaped landmark with a glass-floored sky bridge connecting views of old and new Dubai. Travelers ascend for panoramic city views and the architectural spectacle.

  10. Bluewaters Island

    attraction · 4.7 rating

    A man-made island off Jumeirah Beach Residence home to Ain Dubai, dining, retail and entertainment venues connected by a pedestrian bridge.

  11. La Mer

    landmark · 4.4 rating

    Beachfront district in Jumeirah with cafes, restaurants, shops, and colorful street art.

  12. Al Seef Street

    attraction · 4.7 rating

    A waterfront district along Dubai Creek blending restored heritage architecture with modern shops, cafes and dining, evoking old Dubai's trading past.

  13. Meena Bazaar

    market · 3.9 rating

    Bustling market area near The Creek known for textiles, gold shops, and traditional goods.

  14. Jumeirah Lake Towers

    landmark · 4.4 rating

    High-rise district around a series of lakes, known for its modern architecture.

  15. Souk Al Seef

    attraction · 4.4 rating

    A waterfront marketplace along Dubai Creek blending traditional Arabian architecture with shops, cafes, and dining. A scenic destination for shopping, strolling, and soaking up heritage-style ambiance.

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