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
Sport and leisure club with a host of restaurants, a hotel, spa, and sporting facilities.
Kids, Park
Dubai Butterfly Garden gives visitors the chance to see thousands of butterflies in an enclosed environment
Free, Historic
Living museums where visitors can look back in time and explore Dubai’s past.
Park
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a wetland reserve. It is best known for its large flock of flamingos.
Kids, Park
Large municipal park with picnic areas, sports facilities, and a small fairground.
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.
Aquarium, Kids
Take a break from shopping to visit the Dubai Mall's large aquarium.