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Top Things to do in Dubai

Over the course of the last two decades, the gilded emirate of Dubai – and its namesake city – have been transformed into one of the world’s most popular and luxurious holiday destinations, drawing in crowds of visitors from across the globe, including many high-profile figures and A-list celebrities. Rising out of the dunes on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the emirate’s fast-paced desert city is a convenient 5 hour flight from Europe and opens the doors to a world of glitz, glamour and breath-taking superlatives, enriched by traditional Emirati culture. Home to record-breaking buildings, the world’s biggest dancing fountain and the only 7 star hotel in the world, Dubai lives it large and encourages you to do the same.

Unsurprisingly there is an impressive selection of attractions and things to do on a Dubai holiday; picking just a few for your itinerary will be hard to do. To make the task a little easier, here are 5 of the top things to do in the city and emirate of Dubai.

Burj Khalifa

The most famous building in Dubai – except, perhaps, for the Burj Al Arab – the Burj Khalifa is a highly popular tourist destination and a truly astounding piece of architecture which soars 828m into the clear blue desert skies. Home to the world’s first Armani hotel, and an observation deck 124 floors up, the Burj Khalifa offers the best views of the city and is guaranteed to make you marvel at the sheer enormity and skill of its construction.

Desert Safari

For an unforgettable desert experience on your Dubai holiday, opt for one of these fun-filled safari excursions, which allow you to experience the magic and raw beauty of the desert surrounding the city. During the safari you can enjoy camel-riding and sand boarding before settling down for a traditional henna tattoo and lavish barbecue dinner. After your meal relax under the starlight and be entertained by the skilful moves of a belly dancer while you smoke a Shisha (water pipe).

Gold and Spice Souks

For a more traditionally Arabian attraction make your way to the city’s Gold and Spice Souks, historic marketplaces situated at the mouth of Dubai Creek. These networks of stalls are atmospheric and intriguing and offer an authentic shopping experience, but this does mean that there is no air-conditioning outside the individual stores themselves, so make sure you wear cool – though still modest – clothing and perhaps bring a bottle of water or two.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

If you prefer your souks to be well air-conditioned and a little more upscale in order to escape the blasting desert heat, head to the luxurious Souk Madinat Jumeirah, which also happens to be a great place to grab some lunch or dinner, catch a show in the theatre or dance the night away in a trendy nightclub.

Wild Wadi Water Park

This massive theme park is a huge hit with kids – of all ages – and features 30 exhilarating rides and attractions, ranging from adrenalin-pumping options like Tantrum Alley and Wipeout Flowrider to gentler experiences such as the winding river of Juha’s Journey. Babies and toddlers are welcome, and there are 6 eateries and 5 retail outlets at the park, as well as 6 VIP cabanas, for when you have had enough wet and watery fun on the rides.

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