The incredible progress of Dubai since 1969 has created a remarkable history in the rapid development of tourism infrastructure. Dubai is now a major host for tourism, luxury hotels, sumptuous architecture, world-class entertainment, sporting events, and business. Today, Dubai culture is emphasized by UAE nationals, and mosques are found all over the city. Expats from different countries must adhere to the rules of the UAE. Dubai government has invested in promoting world-class tourism with ultra-high infrastructure facilities. It is also a major hub for different verticals of businesses, luxury and lively nightlife, and shopping. Innovative methods to increase and strengthen Dubai’s economy are through delivering excellent tourism services.
Plan your things in advance if you are visiting Dubai as you need to delve in to understand the heritage and culture. The city is obsessed with style and fashion, subtle traditions, unending contemporary art, and plenty of shopping malls.
The Dubai Fountain is a captivating water, music and light spectacle in Downtown Dubai. One of Dubai’s most compelling tourist attractions, it delights thousands of visitors for free every day and is the world’s tallest performing fountain.
At over 900 feet in length – equivalent to over two football pitches – it is situated on the 30-acre Burj Lake and performs to a range of different songs from classical to contemporary Arabic and world music.
With The Dubai Fountain Lake Ride you can set sail on the ultimate ride front row seats to the best show in town for Dhs 65 per person. Show schedule: afternoon shows, daily (except Fridays) at 1:00pm and 1:30pm. Afternoon shows (Fridays only) at 1:30pm and 2pm. Evening shows, daily from 6:00pm to 11:00pm every 30 minutes.
The Dubai Water Canal is a 3.2km long waterway which winds its way to from The Creek on Old Dubai through Business Bay to the Arabian Gulf. Along its waterfront, the Westin, the W Hotel, the St. Regis, a whole range of new lifestyle precincts, a 3km running track and 12km cycling path.
The waterfall, where the Canal meets the Sheikh Zayed Road bridge, is a beautiful motion-operated water feature that is visible from the promenade, and switches off a sensor detects a boat nearby.
There are five pedestrian bridges available including three across the Canal, so you can take in the stunning views. It also brings a non-stop way to travel, with a free-flowing commute from Deira to Dubai Water Canal and Dubai Marina.
Unveiled in February 2010, the Burj Khalifa stands 828 metres high – 320 metres taller than Taipei 101 which held the records since 2004.
The Burj Khalifa currently holds seven records, including the highest occupied floor, highest outdoor observation deck – ‘At the Top – Sky’ and the tallest service elevator.
Tickets to the observation deck are time stamped at 30-minute intervals, but if you can’t wait, immediate entry is available for a price.
Since its opening in December 1999, the Burj Al Arab has been one of the most photographed structures in the world.
Sometimes referred to as “the world’s most luxurious hotel”, the Burj Al Arab was designed to resemble the billowing sail of a ship, and standing 321 metres high, it makes an impressive addition to the Dubai skyline.
To make it even more inspiring the building is illuminated at night by a choreographed light show representing water and fire, and is a great photo opportunity.
The spectacular ‘Tower of Poseidon’ is filled with record breaking rides, including the world’s largest waterside. The terrifying ‘Poseidon’s Revenge’ suspends you over a trap door and then releases you through a series of extreme twists and turns, reaching 60kmh!
Experience heart-thumping slides, uphill water roller coasters, never ending rapid river adventures and up close animal encounters. Open 10am to 7pm. Tickets are Dhs 320 for adults and Dhs 275 for children below 1.2 metres in height.
Situated in front of the stunning Burj Al Arab and themed around the tale of Juha, a well known character from Arabian folklore, Wild Wadi is one of Dubai’s foremost tourist locations.
Discover your inner child on the Master Blaster, Tantrum Alley and Burj Surj, while the Jumeirah Sceirah will push thrill seekers’ to the limit! Open from 10am to 7pm, admission is Dhs 275 for adults and Dhs 230 for children below 1.1 metres in height.
Located on the scenic coastline of Umm Al Quwain, the 250,000sqm expanse of lush, green, landscaped gardens makes Dreamland the perfect place for a holiday escape.
Catch the action on over 30 thrilling rides, slides, and attractions or push the snooze button on a sun bed at Palm Path and Peak Park. Open 10am to 6pm. Tickets are Dhs 160 per adult and Dhs 100 for children below 1.2 metres and for those over 65 years of age. Infants under 2 years and those with special needs are free of charge.
Yas waterworld Abu Dhabi features 43 rides, slides and attractions and follows the story of ‘Dana’, a young Emirati girl, on a guest for the legendary pearl that once brought prosperity to her village.
With the atmospheric setting, thrilling rides, authentic souq-style shopping and live entertainment, there’s something for the entire family. Open 10am to 7pm every day. Ticket cost Dhs 250 for adults and Dhs 210 for children below 1.1 metres in height. Premium tickets are also available.
The Dubai Creek has served as a lifeline for the community for the centuries. A vital part of the city’s maritime trade for a staggering 7,000 years, it contributes to play a prominent role in the day-to-day business of Dubai. Imports and exports are still shipped via the busy waterways.
While you’re here, you can jump aboard a water taxi (abra) for just Dhs1 to cross the creek. Bur Dubai to Deira.
With its countless floral displays and extravagant outdoor recreational areas, Dubai Miracle Garden is a unique feature in the region and holds the Guinness World Record for having the longest wall of flowers.
Adding new flowers and plants this season, together with all the facilities you could need, Dubai Miracle Garden will bring even more beauty and life to this new world of enjoyment and fun. Entry is priced at Dhs 30.
Zabeel Park is a highly maintained inner-city park, with lush green lawns and bridges connecting the 3 main areas around the Trade Centre roundabout. In addition to the beautifully kept gardens, the park is home to Stargate (a space age theme park), Megabowl (a large outdoor amphitheater) and the Space Maze.
There is also a boating lake, mini golf, cricket field, assault course and food court, with a separate area designed to host functions. Open Sunday to Wednesday 8am to 10pm, Thursday to Saturday and official holidays 8am to 11pm. Entry is Dhs 4 per person.
Covering 4,500 sq metres, with 9 custom built domes, a museum and a flower park, Dubai Butterfly Garden is the largest covered butterfly garden in the world.
Walk through the spectacular butterfly and insect museum, with thousands or perfectly preserved butterflies on display and then enter the climate controlled domes where you will be surrounded by an abundance of different coloured species, all flying around and confidently settling on your head and arms and landing on the flowers and plants.
Tip: Butterflies are attracted to white clothes! Open every day from 9am to 6pm. Entrance is Dhs 50 per person and free of charges for the disabled and kids below 2 years.
Ski Dubai is a wintery wonderland boasting a 400m ski run with five multi-directional slopes, purpose built jumps and a snowboarding park. If you are looking to hit the piste, improve your skills, tobogganing or just rolling around in the snow, Ski Dubai has it all.
Off the slopes why not check out the mind blowing snow park or meet and play with Ski Dubai’s resident Snow Penguins! For an added thrill try the new Snow Bullet, a state of the art 150 metre zip line that propels you over the mountain-themed slopes below.
Group packages and private tuition are all available and entry prices include ski jackets and trousers, boots, disposable socks, skis or a snowboard, poles and medical insurance. Open 10am to 11pm during the week and 10am to 12midnight at the weekends.
Dubai Parks and Resorts is the region’s largest of three theme parks. MOTIONGATE Dubai, a movie inspired theme park which showcases some of Hollywood’s beloved characters from Dream Works Animation, Sony Pictures Studios and Lionsgate.
BOLLYWOOD PARKS, a family theme park that showcases rides and attractions based on the authentic Bollywood experience. LEGOLAND Dubai, the ultimate world of year round Lego themed adventures for families with children aged 2 to 12.
And LEGOLAND Water Park which features more than 20 water slides and attractions. Single entry ticket prices for each park start from Dhs 245 for children and Dhs 295 for adults, Hopper and Annual passes are also available.
The Olympic-size ice rink at Dubai Mall offers world-class facilities for a variety of ice-skating abilities. Set your spirit free on the ice at Dubai’s sensational Olympic-size ice rink.
The Dubai Ice Rink provides professional ice skating lessons and caters to most ages through its Learn-to-Skate programme, Dubai Ice Rink skating academy for figure skating and ice hockey, as well as hosting Disco and Mega Skate sessions Open from 10am to 10:45pm (weekdays).
Admission for a Public Session (1 hour 45 minutes) is priced at Dhs 60 per adult, Dh 30 per child (under 100 cm only) and Dhs 15 for a Spectator. Other tickets are available for a special events such as disco sessions, foam parties and celebrity DJ sessions.
The Palm Drop Zone and The Desert Campus Drop Zone (SD2) offer you the chance to feel the rush of the free fall while being safely strapped to a professional instructor.
Tandem jumps include a video and photos to remember the experience and show everyone back home. Skydivers with a type D license and more than 500 jumps are also welcome at the Palm Drop Zone, while newer jumpers (100 jumps or less) can train at SD2 located 35km from Dubai.
Courses include accelerated free fall and tandem progression, and for experienced skydivers; canopy piloting, formation, free flying and wing suit courses. Opening Hours (Skydiving is weather permitting). The Palm Drop Zone:10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. The Desert Campus: 7:30am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday.
With 10 million litres of water and thousands of aquatic animals, Dubai Aquarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world.
The 270-degree glass tunnel running through the centre helps to illuminate the marvels of the ocean floor, while the Underwater Zoo offers an interactive approach to the ecology and sustainability of marine life.
In addition, Dubai Aquarium also offers a number of activities including Shark Dives, Specialty Dives and the Cage Experience for non-qualified divers.
Nobody has to miss out with this special offer from from Seawings. When four friends book a Seawings Silver tour, one of you can fly for free! Perhaps you want treat a friend.
Or maybe you’ll just split the cost between the four of you. Either way, this special offer provides opportunity to share the experience of flying over Dubai in a unique seaplane.
With aerial tours of Dubai considered a once in a lifetime experience, Helidubai have scenic flights to suit everyone’s budget.
Located at Dubai Festival City and Skydive Dubai (Dubai Marina), Helidubai offer a 12-minute Heritage Tour at Dhs 595, a 22-minute Explorer Tour at Dhs 895 and the unique 22-min Night Lights Tour at Dhs 1,095.
Helidubai can also offer custom made trips to almost anywhere in the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Oman and Fujairah.
Start off on a hot air balloon ride before heading off to explore the desert. During the ride, organized by the desert safari experts at Platinum Heritage, you’ll soar 4,000 feet over sand dunes, camels and gazelles and see a stunning sunrise.
Packages include the hot air safari breakfast, in which you’ll take a journey through the dunes in a vintage1950s back on land.
This is where kite enthusiasts meet to fly their kites, making for a truly beautiful sight especially when seen at sunset. And thus, the name was born! While this particular beach was accessible long before it became as famous as it has, it has most recently been the beach where you can find Salt, the burger food truck, as well as other food outlets.
It has also become a hub for joggers who enjoy running on the special material running track. With views of Burj Al Arab and the soothing crash of the not too distant waves, this beach is sure to leave you feeling peaceful. Admission fee is not required.
Located in the vibrant Dubai Marina, overlooking JBR and Skydive Dubai, Zero Gravity has it all.
Relax in the super comfy loungers while being served a beach friendly menu, and try the variety of water sports on offer. Beach passes are available from a single day, to one or two weeks, and include an F&B voucher.
With the latest developments all JBR, this beach has quite become one of Dubai’s most popular sunbathing and swimming locations simply because of its convenient proximity to The Walk. You are only a few minutes away from ice cream shops, cafes and juice bars.
What better way to spend the weekend? Admission fee is not required.
Treat yourself to a day of expert pampering, total relaxation and culinary pleasures at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Choose between a delightful lunch or dinner at Crescendo, unwind and indulge yourself with a 60-minute massage and access to all spa facilities, as well as complimentary pool and beach access.
This offer is available until 31st December and is priced at Dhs 599 per person, including unlimited fresh juice and water.
Located beneath building 8 of the Shoreline Apartments on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, RIVA is a stylish and relaxing club with its own stretch of private beach, climate-controlled pool and fully licensed al fresco restaurant and gazebo bar.
Beach access is Dhs 190 weekends and Dhs 115 weekdays.
Located on the 6th floor of the Conrad Dubai, Purobeach Urban Oasis is the ultimate escape within the city where you can spend the day chilling in private cocoon beds surrounded by the beautifully landscaped gardens.
The pool entrance fee from Sunday to Thursday is Dhs 125 and on Friday, Saturday and public holidays is Dhs 175, while children pay Dhs 90.