Dubai has become a global city known for its modern architecture, high skyscrapers, futuristic buildings, and amazing beach resorts.
What else is there to see or do in Dubai?
Dubai is called the ‘city without limits.’ Located 25 kilometers from the Persian Gulf coast along the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula in the United Arab Emirates. Today, it’s home to over 2.5 million residents, making it a large urban center. The booming economy has created some very unique developments.
Here are 20 things to do if you visit Dubai. And don’t forget to watch out for our upcoming video on our next stop – Abu Dhabi.
Dubai
Dubai is known around the globe for being the place where dreams come true. A place where people flock to make their fantasies become reality. And while some of those dreams are just plain silly, others are truly extraordinary.
For example, did you know that Dubai is home to the highest observation deck in the world? Or that it’s host to the world’s biggest indoor ski slope? Or that it‘s home to the largest shopping mall in the entire world?
In fact, no matter how big or small your dream might be, chances are that it already exists in Dubai. You just gotta take a look around.
But now let’s talk about the real stuff. Let’s see what makes Dubai famous around the world.
And remember, every video gets updated regularly so keep coming back to discover even more reasons why you love Dubai.
Dubai is known for being the center of commerce, finance, trade and tourism in the Middle East. But did you know that it’s also home to some of the best hotels and resorts on the planet? And while Dubai might seem like just another tropical paradise, it’s actually a very different place.
From the tallest building on Earth, Burj Khalifa, to the serenity and beauty of the desert, Dubai offers something for everyone. In fact, it’s such a great destination that people around the world come here to experience what life in Dubai is really like.
But do you want to know how much fun you could have there? Well, let me tell you some of the unlimited things you can do…
Dubai Marina
You’re more likely to find the yachts down at Dubai Marina, which is also a nice area to explore, and very modern.
It has an approximately two-hour cruise, along the bustling Dubai Creek or the stylish Dubai Marina, which promises you alternative sightseeing, along with the finest dining and entertainment options onboard.
Burj Khalifa and the Fountains
Let’s start by looking at the tallest building in the world, which is Burj Khalifa. It was completed in 2009 and stands at a height of 2,716 feet.
The view from the observation deck at the tip of the tallest building in the world is spectacular, but the real highlights of Burj Khalifa are the fountains. Every evening, the fountains perform an amazing dance choreographed to music accompanied by the Burj Khalifa highlight show. It’s one of the most incredible shows in the world.
Since Saudi Arabia began constructing its first-ever skyscraper, Dubai has already begun planning for the next tallest one on the globe. It’s currently under construction.
The Dubai Mall
If you’ve ever visited Dubai, chances are you’ve walked around Dubai Mall. If you haven’t been there, it might sound like a normal shopping center, but it actually holds many different attractions. From the indoor ski rink to the largest aquarium in the Middle East, Dubai Mall has something for everyone.
Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world. Located in the heart of Dubai, it spans over 2 million square feet and features hundreds of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
With over 500 retail outlets including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Versace, Burberry, Armani Exchange, Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, Bvlgari, Cartier, Bulgari, Hugo Boss, Salvatore Ferragamo, Lacoste, Emporio Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, H&M, Zara, Nike, Adidas, Mango, Sephora, Apple Store, Samsung Galaxy S8 store, and many others, Dubai Mall is the place where you want to shop.
The Dubai Mall itself is also globally famous for being the largest mall in the world by total land area.
The Luxury Burj Al Arab Hotel
Dubai is known for many things – skyscrapers, tall buildings, camel rides, and even beaches. But perhaps the city’s biggest claim to fame is its luxury hotels. From the glitzy Burj al-Arab to the lavish Atlantis resort, Dubai is home to some of the world’s finest accommodations.
The Burj Al Arab Hotel is located off Jumeirah Beach and overlooks Dubai’s beautiful Arabian Gulf coastline. Conceived by world-renowned architect Sir Richard Rogers, its name derives from the Arabic word meaning ‘crown’.
Completed in 1989, the Burj Al Arab has 72 floors and rises 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the beachfront. Spread over 2 million square feet, it boasts 602 rooms including 22 suites named after precious stones – with prices to match.
Each room’s decor incorporates traditional Bedouin colors, geometric patterns, marble flooring, and rich furnishings. A well-appointed spa offers treatment facilities, while fitness centers provide state-of-the-art equipment and classes.
Guests have access to a wide range of dining options, including award-winning restaurants serving international cuisine, buffet meals, and snack bars offering everything from burgers to sushi.
Other amenities include a currency exchange service; a business center; babysitting services; private parking; and two children’s playgrounds.
After you arrange your accommodation in the luxury hotel, make a list of must-see spots and must-buy souvenirs.
A tramway located in Al Sufouh, will run for 14.5 km (9.0 mi) along Al Sufouh Road from Dubai Marina to the Burj Al Arab and the Mall of the Emirates with two interchanges with Dubai Metro’s Red Line.
The Dubai Metro is the first urban train network in the Arabian Peninsula.
Lost Chambers and Giant Aquariums
Lost Chambers is the underwater restaurant at the Atlantis Hotel in Dubai. It features giant glass windows so you can see fish swimming by from inside the restaurant. However, that’s not the only thing it’s perfect for.
With over 65,000 marine animals, this aquarium really makes visitors think they’re discovering Atlantis. If you really enjoy visiting an aquarium, then you might consider taking advantage of its snorkel or scuba diving options too.
It sounds like something common in Dubai because another aquarium there also has it. When talking about the Dubai Aquarium (which is larger than any other aquarium in existence), it’s even bigger than Atlantis Aquarium.
It’s no surprise that the city of Dubai spends a large portion of its budget on marine life and aquariums, so it’s not surprising that they’re one of Dubai’s most popular tourist destinations.
Palm Jumeirah
Dubai is also famous for its artificially constructed palm islands, diversity, food scene, and all-inclusive accommodation options.
When I first heard the news, “Dubai is building an artificial land,” I was surprised.
A unique and instantly recognizable feature of Dubai is the three Palm Islands, the world’s largest man-made archipelagos that are set to expand Dubai’s claim over high-end tourism and luxury lifestyles.
The Palm Jumeirah is the smallest and the original of three Palm Islands, and it is located in the Jumeirah coastal area of Dubai.
Today, many years after its creation, I am still amazed at the existence of the world’s largest manmade island. The Island of Palms is an artificial island shaped like a giant hand located off the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was built by Nakheel Properties.
There aren’t just two artificial islands in Dubai; there’s another one already constructed, one under construction, and an archipelago shaped like the continents.
The palm is connected with trains that are fully automated and driverless. Palm Jumeirah Monorail is a monorail line connecting Palm Jumeirah to the mainland that opened on 30 April 2009.
The Desert
If you’re not familiar with Dubai, then you might be surprised when someone asks you ‘What is Dubai famous for?’ You may think that the answer is ‘The Desert’ but actually, it’s ‘Dubai’.
Yes, Dubai has become famous for its skyscraping buildings rather than its natural beauty, but it’s still located in a desert. And the desserts are some of the most beautiful landscapes you can ever imagine.
If you want to see the real Berber lifestyle, then take a trip to the Sahara. You’ll be able to experience everything from riding camels to enjoying delicious meals at the campsite.
Theme Parks
Dubai is known to attract both adults and children alike. There are so many theme and amusement park options available that you won’t ever need to visit Disneyland again.
One of the world’s most famous water parks, Aquaventure, is located right next to the luxurious Atlantis resort and features hundreds of slides including the longest slide, which goes under the shark pool at the park’s aquarium.
There are also the biggest indoor amusement/water parks in the entire world, IMG Worlds of Adventure, an Indian dream -Bollywood Parks, a Legoland, Motiongate (which includes 27 themed rides from LionsGate, SonyPictures, and Disney), a VRPark, a gaming-themed parks (HubZero), and more than 30 other ones. I’m not entirely certain if there’s any other location in the world with so numerous amusement parks.
