1. Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa
Dubai's landmark
building is the Burj Khalifa, which at 829.8 meters is the tallest building in
the world and the most famous of the city's points of interest. For most
visitors, a trip to the observation deck on the 124th floor
here is a must-do while in the city. The views across the city skyline from
this bird's-eye perspective are simply staggering. The slick observation deck
experience includes a multimedia presentation on both Dubai and the building of
the Burj Khalifa (completed in 2010) before a high-speed elevator whizzes you
up to the observation deck for those 360-degree views out across the
skyscrapers to the desert on one side and the ocean on the other.
2. Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall is the city's premier mall and provides
entry to the Burj Khalifa, as well as the Dubai Aquarium.
There is also an ice-skating rink, gaming zone, and cinema complex if you're
looking for more entertainment options. The shopping and eating is endless, and
there are n early always special events such as live music and fashion shows
within the mall. The most famous of these are the annual Dubai Shopping
Festival in January and February and the Dubai Summer
Surprises Festival in July and August.
Dubai Museum
Dubai's excellent
museum is housed in the Al-Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 to defend
Dubai Creek. The fort's walls are built out of traditional coral-blocks and
held together with lime. The upper floor is supported by wooden poles, and the
ceiling is constructed from palm fronds, mud, and plaster.
4. Bastakia (Old
Dubai)
Bastakia (Old Dubai)
Sheikh Saeed
Al-Maktoum House
6.
Dubai Creek & Al Seef District
Dubai Creek
Dubai Creek separates the city
into two towns, with Deira to
the north and Bur Dubaito the south.
The creek has been an influential element in the city's growth, first
attracting settlers here to fish and pearl dive. Small villages grew up
alongside the creek as far back as 4,000 years ago, while the modern era began
in the 1830s when the Bani Yas tribe settled in the area.
The Dhow
Wharfage is located along Dubai Creek's bank, north of Al-Maktoum
Bridge. Still used by small traders from across the Gulf, some of the dhows
anchored here are well over 100 years old. You can visit here, watching cargo
being loaded and unloaded on and off the dhows. Dhow workers often invite
visitors onto the vessels for a tour, where you can gain insight into the life
of these traditional sailors. Many of the dhows here travel onward to Kuwait,
Iran, Oman, India, and down to Africa's horn. This tiny remnant of Dubai's
traditional economy is still a bustling and fascinating place to wander around.
On the Bur Dubai side of the
creek, rubbing up against the Bastakia neighborhood, the waterfront has been
regenerated as the Al Seef district, with
a waterfront promenade backed by traditional coral-block and limestone
buildings, a floating market, and shops selling crafts. It's a great place for
a stroll with excellent water views.
To travel across the creek, you
can either take a trip on one of the many dhows that have been restored as
tourist cruise boats or take an abra (small wooden ferry) between the ferry
points on the creek's Bur Dubai and Deira banks.
7. Jumeirah Mosque
Jumeirah Mosque
Jumeirah Mosque is considered by many to be
the most beautiful of Dubai's mosques. An exact copy of Cairo's Al-Azhar
Mosque, which is eight times its size, the Jumeirah Mosque is a fine example of
Islamic architecture. This stone structure is built in the medieval Fatimid
tradition, with two minarets that display the subtle details in the stonework.
It is particularly attractive in the evening when lit with floodlights.
The Sheikh
Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding (which also runs
a program of tours, lectures, Arabic classes, and cultural meals) organizes
guided tours of the mosque designed to try to foster a better understanding of
the Muslim faith. Tours begin at 10am daily, except Fridays.
Address:
Jumeirah Road
8. Deira
Deira
Deira lies on the northern bank of Dubai Creek, and the winding streets
here unveil the melting pot of different nationalities that have come to call
Dubai home. On the shore, ancient dhows load and unload with modern banks,
hotels, and office buildings as a backdrop.
For travelers, Deira is most famous for its
traditional souks (markets),
which bustle with shoppers at all times of the day. Deira Gold Souk is world-renowned as the
largest gold bazaar in the world. The Deira Spice
Souk sells every imaginable spice, with stalls overflowing with bags
of frankincense, cumin, paprika, saffron, sumac, and thyme, as well as the
fragrant oud wood, rose water, and incense. The fish
market provides a much less touristy experience.
While in the district, culture lovers
shouldn't miss two of Deira's finely restored architectural gems. Heritage House was built in 1890 as the
home of a wealthy Iranian merchant and later became the home of Sheik Ahmed bin
Dalmouk (a famous pearl merchant in Dubai). Today, it's a great chance to see
the interior of a traditional family home. The Al-Ahmadiya
School, constructed in 1912, is the oldest school in Dubai and is now a
museum of public education.
Location:
Dubai Creek
9. Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame
at sunset
Sitting slap-bang between Dubai's older
neighborhoods clustered around the creek and the city's modern sprawl, this
ginormous 150-meter-high picture frame is one of Dubai's latest sights. Inside,
a series of galleries whisk you through the city's history and explore Emirati
heritage before you travel up to the Sky Deck, where there are fantastic
panoramas of both old and new Dubai to be snapped on the viewing platforms.
Afterwards check out Future
Dubai gallery, which imagines what a futuristic vision of
the city will look like.
Address: Zabeel Park, Sheikh Khalifa bin
Zayed Road
Official Site: https://www.dubaiframe.ae/en
10. Sheikh Zayed Road
Sheikh Zayed Road
Sheikh Zayed Road is the main thoroughfare
running through Dubai's modern downtown business district. This wide,
eight-lane highway is rimmed with towering glass, chrome, and steel high-rises
along its entire length. It's one of the best on-the-ground vantage points for
Dubai's famed skyscraper views.
Main attractions are along, or just off,
the strip between the roundabout and the first intersection, and most of
Dubai's famous malls are located along the road's route. The Dubai World Trade Tower has an
observation deck on its top floor, which offers visitors panoramic views (a
cheaper option than the Burj Khalifa), and the Gold
and Diamond Park (Sheikh Zayed Road) is a one-stop shop for jewelry
lovers, with 118 manufacturers and 30 retailers all under one roof.
11. Heritage and Diving Village
Heritage and Diving Village
Dubai's architectural,
cultural, and maritime heritage is showcased at the Heritage and Diving
Village, with displays related to pearl diving and dhow building — two of old Dubai's
historic economic mainstays. There are also recreations of traditional Bedouin
and coastal village life, with Persian homes, a traditional coffeehouse, and a
small souk where potters and weavers practice their handicrafts at the stalls.
Local music and dance are performed from October to April, and visitors can get
advice from practitioners of traditional medicine.
Location: Shindagha, Bur Dubai
12. Dubai Aquarium
Dubai Aquarium
One of the city's top
tourist attractions, the Dubai Aquarium houses 140 species of sea life in the
huge suspended tank on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall. As well
as free viewing from the mall, if you enter the Underwater Zoo, you
can walk through the aquarium tunnels.
Different activities
help you get a closer look at the sea life. Glass bottom boat tours (on top of
the tank) are particularly popular. Cage snorkeling and shark diving activities
are also on offer.
Address: Dubai Mall,
Sheikh Zayed Road
Official site: http://www.thedubaiaquarium.com
13. Burj al-Arab
Burj al-Arab | Kunal Mukherjee /
photo modified
The
Burj Al-Arab is the world's tallest hotel, standing 321 meters high on its own
artificial island on the Dubai coastline. Designed to resemble a billowing dhow
sail, the exterior of the building is lit up by a choreographed, colored
lighting show at night. Decadent in every way possible, the Burj Al-Arab is
one of the most expensive hotels in the world, with the most luxurious suites
costing more than $15,000 for one night.
For
those without unlimited credit, the way to experience the over-the-top opulence
is to go for dinner at the underwater Al-Mahara
restaurant, where floor-to-ceiling glass panels in the dining room
walls allow you to view sea life while you eat, or you can enjoy lunch at
California-style fusion restaurant Scape.
For the ultimate panoramic views over the city, book afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar (a minimum spend is
required) on the 27th floor.
Address: Jumeirah Road, Dubai
14. Jumeirah Beach
Jumeirah Beach
This
strip of sandy white bliss is the number one beach destination for Dubai
visitors. Hotels are strung out all along its length, with this being one of
the most popular places to stay for tourists. The beach has excellent
facilities, with plenty of sun loungers, restaurants, and water sports
operators offering jet skiing.
While
in the area, brush off the sand for an hour and visit the Majlis Ghorfat Um Al-Sheef, just a short hop
from the beach. Built in 1955, this was the summer residence of the late Sheikh
Rashid bin Saeed al-Maktoum. The residence, made out of gypsum and coral-block,
has been restored and maintains much of the original beautiful decor, giving
you a better understanding of the opulent lifestyle of Dubai's rulers. The Majlis Gardens feature a reproduction
of an impressive Arab irrigation system and many shady date palms.
Address: Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai
15.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Flamingos
at the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
You don't have to go too far away from the
skyscrapers to soak up a more natural vista. The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
incorporates the mangrove forests and wetlands of Dubai creek. An important
stop-off on the migration routes, it's a prime place to spot flamingos in
winter when massive flocks of these majestic pink birds wade through the
lagoons, backdropped by soaring high-rises. Various hides in prime spots have
been set up within the park to allow bird-watchers good views of the bird life.
Address: Ras Al Khor Street, Dubai
Official Site: http://wildlife-ae.herokuapp.com
16.
Crossroads of Civilizations Museum
This museum explores the United Arab
Emirates' historic role as a trading center between Asia, Africa, and Europe
long before oil became this region's most prominent industry. Located inside
the old residence of Sheikh Hashr bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, who was a member of
Dubai's ruling family, the exhibits trace this coastal area's history as part
of the global trade routes, with displays of artifacts and manuscripts. Also
on-site is the Rare Books and Manuscripts Museum and
the small Armory Museum.
Address: Al Khaleej Road, Dubai
Official Site www.themuseum.ae
17. Mall of the
Emirates
Mall of the Emirates
Mall of the Emirates
is one of the city's most famous malls, with the spectacular (and
surreal) Ski Dubai facility inside. The indoor ski slope is
complete with chairlifts and a penguin enclosure, all at a continuous
temperature of -4 degrees Celsius. There's also a cinema complex and a family
entertainment center with a whole host of rides aimed at both the big and
small. The shopping opportunities are boundless, as are the eating options,
offering every conceivable world cuisine.
Address: Sheikh Zayed
Road, Dubai
Official site: http://www.malloftheemirates.com
18. IMG Worlds of
Adventure
This theme park, near
Global Village, is immersive entertainment at its finest and has thrills and
spills for both kids and big kids. With one zone devoted entirely to Marvel's
iconic characters; another to dinosaur-themed rides; and a zone where the Cartoon
Network takes the helm, with gentler rides and activities for younger children,
there's something here for every age. Whether you want to help the Avengers
battle Ultron, scare yourself silly in a haunted house, or join Spider-Man as
he swings through the city, this is heaven for families looking for a
fun-filled day out.
Address: Sheikh
Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Dubai
Official site: www.imgworlds.com
19. Dubai Opera
Dubai Opera
For nighttime
attractions, look no further. Opened in mid-2016, Dubai's classy new opera
building is the centerpiece of the waterfront Opera District in downtown Dubai
and set to become the city's major cultural hub and main entertainment venue.
The Dubai Opera hosts a year-round program of famous musical theater
productions, concerts by world-class musicians, opera, ballet, and classical
music, as well as smaller productions, comedy nights, and concerts.
The 2,000-seat theater
building itself is an astonishing piece of architectural mastery and one of
Dubai's new landmarks, with its highly-contemporary glass and steel walls
jutting out over the waterfront, built to resemble the curves of a traditional
dhow.
Address: Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Road
Official site: www.dubaiopera.com
20. Kite Beach
Kite Beach
This long stretch of
white-sand beach, south of Jumeirah beach, isn't just a top
destination for sunbathers looking to lap up a lazy day of swimming and soaking
up the rays on the sand. Kite Beach is renowned as Dubai's premier destination
for kitesurfers and is home to an array of water sports operators. This is
where you come to get out on the water kitesurfing or try your hand at stand up
paddleboarding, with equipment hire and lessons all easily arranged on the
beach.
21. Alserkal Art
District
Alserkal Art District | 1992 since /
photo modified
Part of the old Al
Quoz industrial district, centered on Alserkal Avenue, has
been regenerated to become Dubai's main arts hub and is home to some of the
city's most important contemporary art galleries. Established gallery names
such as the Green Art Gallery, The Third Line, and
the Ayyam Gallery have made their home here, while a host of
smaller gallery start-ups have also moved in. The district's program of
rotating collections focuses both on the work of major artists, as well as
highlighting new Middle Eastern talent.
This emerging district
is also the place to come for fashion and accessory boutiques by local
designers, pop-up restaurants, and café life, and it showcases the energetic
and youthful buzz of a city, which is usually more noted for its corporate
face.
Address: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz Industrial district
22. Dubai Parks and
Resorts
Old house at the river in Dubai Riverland
resort
At Dubai Parks and
Resorts, your entertainment needs are all rolled together into one location.
The only problem here is choosing what you want to do. This mammoth project
incorporates a swag of world-class theme parks providing something for
everyone, whatever your age. Motiongate takes its theme from
Hollywood productions, with rides based around movie blockbusters; Bollywood
Parks brings the world of India's famous movie industry alive on its
rides; and Legoland Dubai andLegoland Waterpark provide
younger visitors with a fun-packed day out on its interactive rides, water
slides, and wave pool.
The district's
attached Riverland Dubai dining hub means that there's no need
to leave after you've exhausted yourself with theme park pursuits, as there's
plenty of evening entertainment here as well.
Address: Sheikh Zayed
Road, Jebel Ali
Official site: www.dubaiparksandresorts.com
23. Aquaventure Waterpark
Aquaventure Waterpark
This waterpark, based
at Atlantis, The Palm on
the Palm Jumeirah — Dubai's famous man-made island development
— is a great place to cool off after a few days of hectic shopping and
sightseeing. The waterslide action here is excellent and world-class, with the
Aquaconda, the world's longest water slide; a nine-story-tall slide, aptly
named the Leap of Faith; and water coaster rides. There's also underwater
safaris using Sea TREK helmets; a dedicated water play area for smaller
children with slides; and for when all your energy has been used up, a
700-meter sweep of white-sand beach.
Address: Crescent
Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Official site: www.atlantisthepalm.com
24. Dubai Miracle Garden
Beautiful flowers blooming at the Dubai Miracle Garden
This is the zaniest
garden ever. Not content with constructing the world's largest buildings and
malls, Dubai has created the world's largest flower garden, spanning 2,000
square meters and home to a reputed 100 million flowers. Everything that can be
covered with flowers has been, from twee English-style cottages to windmills
and trucks. There's even a flower version of the Burj Khalifa. Stroll the
walkways and enjoy the riot of color and the wacky flower displays.
Address: Sheikh
Mohammed bin Zayed Rd, Al Barsha
Official site: www.dubaimiraclegarden.com
25.
Dubai Butterfly Garden
Dubai Butterfly Garden
Escape the city's skyscrapers
for an afternoon here. For a slice of nature, this vast butterfly garden, with
around 15,000 butterflies flitting under the domed enclosures, can't be beaten.
It's a great chance for kids to get close-up views of butterflies as they often
land on visitors' shoulders and hands. There's a museum here, too, with plenty
of information on butterfly varieties, their habitats, and life cycle.
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin
Zayed Rd, Al Barsha
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