Attractions

The number of tourist attractions and things to do in Dubai has grown dramatically in recent years. Lounging around the hotel pool is no longer the only leisure option.

The recent opening of the Dubai Mall and Downtown Dubai added a number of world class attractions to the city’s portfolio. The most striking is the 828 metre high Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Visitors can take a high speed lift to the At The Top observation deck on the 124th floor for unrivalled 360 degree views of the city.

The Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest musical fountain. It’s free to watch but the best views are from the restaurants at the Souk Al Bahar and Dubai Mall. Other attractions at Dubai Mall include the Dubai Ice Rink, KidZania, and the Dubai Aquarium.

Elsewhere the city has even more attractions and activities that kids will enjoy. Options include waterparks such as Wild Wadi and Aquaventure, and the dolphin experiences at Dolphin Bay and the Dubai Dophinarium. Most of the larger shopping malls boast dedicated play areas (Magic Planet at Deira City Centre and Mall of the Emirates, Fun City at the Ibn Battuta Mall, Playnation at Mirdif City Centre, and Encounter Zone at Wafi Mall).

Going to the movies is a popular activity, particularly with locals that avoid bars and clubs for religious reasons. Most of the city’s cinemas are located at shopping malls. The biggest are the Grand Megaplex at the Ibn Battuta Mall and Reel Cinemas at the Dubai Mall.

Dubai is a major destination for golfers and boasts a number of first class golf courses. Many of the top hotels offer tennis and squash courts. Driving experiences and karting are offered at the Dubai Autodrome.  The city even boasts an indoor ski slope.

Visitors with an interest in history and culture can wander around the fantastic Bastakia Quarter, visit the Heritage and Diving Villages, explore the Dubai Museum, or gain an insight into the Islamic religion on a tour of the Jumeirah Mosque.

Name

Type

Details

Landmark

The biggest observation wheel in the world.

Free, Kids, Park

Public park with boating lake, running and cycling tracks, tennis courts, and more.

Free, Kids, Park

Park on the Palm Jumeirah.

Beach, Kids, Park

Public park with beaches and good leisure facilities.

Free

Dedicated cycle track in the Dubai desert.

Park

Popular desert bbq and birdwatching spot.

Kids, Water Park

Exciting water park at the Atlantis resort.

Landmark

Observation deck at the world's tallest building.

Kids, Theme Park

Bollywood-inspired theme park at Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Free, Park

Small park at Downtown Dubai.

Tourist Attraction

Indoor venue with a capacity of 17,000. Hosts a variety of shows and events. Located at City Walk.

Kids

Swim with dolphins at the Atlantis resort.

Motorsports

The home of motorsports in Dubai.

Kids, Park

Dubai Butterfly Garden gives visitors the chance to see thousands of butterflies in an enclosed environment

Kids

Educational centre for children between two and fifteen years old.

Kids, Park

Public park in the Umm Hurair district of the city. Home to the Dubai Dolphinarium and Children's City.

Kids

Entertaining dolphin shows in Creek Park.

Tennis stadium near Dubai International Airport.

Free, Landmark

Spectalular dancing fountain outside the Dubai Mall.

Landmark

Viewing tower offering spectacular views of old and new Dubai. Cheap entry.

Kids

Seasonal light-based attraction at Zabeel Park.

Ice Rink, Kids

Large ice skating rink offering public skating sessions and classes.

25,000 spectator capacity stadium at Dubai Sports City. Mainly used for cricket matches.

Park

Amazing flower garden in Al Barsha South.

Historic, Landmark

Offers a fascinating insight into the city’s heritage and culture.

Cultural

Performing arts venue at Downtown Dubai.

Landmark

Major events and exhibition venue.

Cultural, Historic, Landmark

Modern museum exploring the history of the UAE.

Cultural, Kids

Seasonal shopping and cultural event.

Free, Historic

Living museums where visitors can look back in time and explore Dubai’s past.

Kids, Theme Park

The largest indoor theme park in the world.

Beach, Park

One of the best public beaches in Dubai.

Landmark, Religious

Tours for non-Muslims organised by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.

Kids

Miniature city where children run the show.

Beach, Cultural, Kids, Water Park

Beachfront destination in Umm Suqeim.

Beach, Kids, Shopping Mall

Fantastic beachfront development in Jumeirah. 

Kids, Water Park

Waterpark at the La Mer beachfront development in Jumeirah.

Free

Food truck stop with an agricultural theme.

Kids, Theme Park

LEGO theme park at Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Kids, Theme Park, Water Park

Water park for families with young children.

Kids, Theme Park

Hollywood-inspired theme park.

Kids, Park

Public park in eastern Dubai offering a good number of family-oriented activities and attractions.

Free, Kids, Park, Religious

Islamic-themed park in Al Khawaneej.

Park

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a wetland reserve. It is best known for its large flock of flamingos.

Restaurant and shopping destination at Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Kids, Park

Large municipal park with picnic areas and sports facilities.

Tour

Offers thrilling sightseeing tours of Dubai.

Kids, Theme Park

Indoor theme park with a range of adrenaline-pumping rides and games.

Cultural, Historic, Religious

Offers numerous tours and activities.

Free, Historic

Once the home of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai between 1912 and 1958.

Kids, Ski Slope

Offers a variety of winter sports experiences.

Aquarium, Kids

Take a break from shopping to visit the Dubai Mall's large aquarium.

Kids

Indoor tropical rainforest at City Walk.

Aquarium, Kids

Aquarium at Atlantis on the Palm Jumeirah

Free

Impressive work of art at the Dubai Mall.

Kids, Water Park

Arabian-themed water park.

Kids

Large skateboard park next to Kite Beach.

Park

Public park in the Zabeel area of Dubai. Home to a number of attractions including the Dubai Frame and Dubai Garden Glow.

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