What to Do in Dubai City As a First Time Visitor?

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things to Do in Dubai

11 Unmissable Things to Do in Dubai 

There is something for everyone in Dubai, the most visited emirate of the UAE. So, no matter what your interests are, a landmark or a theme park, you will find something here.

With so many things to do in Dubai, you might not know what to start with. Plan your trip to Dubai with these must-see attractions and experiences in the emirate.

Things to Do in Dubai

You can take a ride at the Ain Dubai during the day or at night. To witness the entire city, visit during the day and to see the colourful lights, book the evening slot. 

1. Witness the Exquisite Views of Dubai From Ain Dubai

Dubai’s shoreline, waters, and skyline are spectacular. On Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai is the biggest observatory wheel in the world, offering unparalleled views of the Persian Gulf as well as the dazzling futuristic metropolis.

Ain Dubai’s observatory pod gives you the best views of these magnificent panoramas during a 40-minute ride. You will certainly enjoy the opportunity to view Dubai’s splendours from this attraction’s many vantage points.​

IMG Worlds of Adventure

IMG Worlds of Adventure is a fun and completely safe place for people of all age groups.

2. Get Ready for Some Fun at The IMG Worlds of Adventure

A unique combination of rides, shows, and live entertainment awaits guests at IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park. Get pumped up for an adventurous and fun day of rides and thrills with Marvel superheroes and Cartoon Network characters.

You can also have hair raising adventures with dinosaurs at Lost Valley, as you step back into prehistoric times.​ This is definitely one of the best options if you are looking for things to do in Dubai with kids.

3. Visiting Dubai Mall is One of the Best Things to do in Dubai for Free

This opulent mall offers the finest in luxury shopping and dining! In addition to more than 1,000 retail establishments and premium brands, Dubai Mall offers a wide range of excellent dining and entertainment options.
It is home to more than 200 restaurants, an aquarium, a multiplex, a go-kart track, an ice rink, a VR park, and a little city for children, The KidZania. There is so much to see and do at this extravagant mall that you could spend an entire day exploring it.

museum of the future dubai

Visiting the Museum of The Future is one of the best things to do in Dubai with kids for a great learning and fun experience

4. Look Into What’s Ahead at Museum of the Future

An interactive museum dedicated to exploring future technologies, the Museum of the Future  features cutting-edge exhibits and technology demonstrations. The Museum of the Future, unveiled in 2022, is one of Dubai’s most popular attractions that offer a glimpse of the future.
The architecture itself is stunning, as the facade stands out from the rest of the skyscrapers with its elegant Arabic calligraphy. Spending a day here would give you a glimpse of what the future may hold. 
 

5. Don’t Miss Out on The Dubai Desert Tours

Dubai city has a charm that makes you forget that all the glistening exuberance was once nothing but sand dunes. Desert safari tours take you back to the golden dunes to experience  adrenaline- rushing desert sports like sandboarding, quad biking, and dune bashing.

You can witness mesmerizing sunsets and experience Arabian folklore and BBQ dinner to experience the simple life of Bedouin culture. ​

6. Discover One of Dubai’s Greenest Oases – Zabeel Park

The pleasant gardens of Zabeel Park, close to Dubai Creek, is a great place to relax, take a boat ride, and see the Dubai Frame, one of the city’s most impressive landmarks. 
​For less than 25 AED per person, you can visit Zabeel Park and the Dubai Frame, making this one of the most affordable things to do in Dubai.
View at the Palm

The view from the Palm is amazing. You can see see Burj Al-Arab, Dubai Marina, Atlantis hotel, and the Palm Jumeirah

7. Don’t Forget to Experience the Breathtaking Views of the Palm  

Palm Jumeirah, the largest man-made island in the world, is a sight that you should not miss when in Dubai. You can get these exquisite views from this exclusive observatory deck.
Located on the 52nd level of Palm Tower and directly accessible from Nakheel Mall, this is the best vantage point to get 360-degree views  of the Palm Jumeirah islands at 100 AED per person onwards.

8. Be Amazed By the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain 

One of Dubai’s most famous landmarks, the Burj Khalifa is included in almost all Dubai tours and  holiday packages. In Downtown Dubai, one of the world’s biggest water fountains – Dubai Fountain – and the tallest tower – Burj Khalifa dominate the scenery.

There is absolutely no cost  for watching these two attractions from the precinct, but you can enhance the experience with the ‘At the Top-Burj Khalifa’ experience or a boat cruise on Burj Lake.

Things to do in dubai

Dubai Creek is the place to go  of you wish to see the growth of the city in the last few decades. Here you get to experience the real Dubai.

9. A Glimpse of History at Dubai Creek

Discovering Dubai’s long-ago history is one of the Dubai things to do when you visit the emirate. There is something special about Dubai Creek, which gives you a glimpse of what life was like before the glitz and modernism defined the emirate it is currently.

Dubai Souks, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, as well as a dhow cruise on Dubai Creek, are some of the attractions along the Dubai Creek that you simply cannot miss.

Global Village Dubai

Global village offers you the best entertainment, shopping, dining, and cultural experience from across the globe. 

10. Experience International Diversity at Global Village

Finally, if you are visiting Dubai during the winter months, you can plan a globe-trotting vacation within the emirate!  Over 90 countries are represented in Global Village’s pavilions, where you can watch events, chat with the locals, browse handicrafts, learn about culture, and sample  authentic cuisine. 
Global Village allows you to experience a country’s sights, sounds, and flavours before deciding whether you want to cross it off your list of places to visit. Imagine the whole world as one giant carnival. That’s a fantastic perspective!

11. Eat at the World’s Best Restaurants in Dubai

Dubai is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, offering everything from fine dining to street food. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, here are some of the best places to eat in Dubai.

Michelin-starred restaurants:
Folly – Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Zuma – DIFC, Amazónico – DIFC Pavilion, Ce La Vie – The Address Sky View
Tower, Indego by Vineet –  Grosvenor House Hotel, Bombay Bungalow – The Beach Mall
More casual  and affordable restaurants:
Señor Pico – Palm West Beach, Logma – Dubai Mall, Farzi Cafe – Mall of The Emirates and Dubai Citywalk
II, Nando’s – Dubai mall, Mall of The Emirates and Sheikh Zayed Road, Calicut Paragon  Karama

To sum up, Dubai is a place full of intriguing contrasts of modernity and Arab culture. From the world’s tallest skyscraper and extraordinary theme parks to deeply rooted cultural scenes,  Dubai has it all. So, what are you waiting for? Pre-book your Dubai tours, get a Dubai visa, and set off for an amazing Dubai vacation!

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