Top 30 attractions to visit in Dubai in 2022 – 2023
Introduction
Dubai has always been a tourist destination for its world-class hotels and entertainment options.
Over the years, however, we’ve also seen a rise in cultural tourism — as people from around the globe visit historic sites and monuments within our city.
If you’re looking for things to do in Dubai next year or even beyond that period, use the travel agency to reach these destinations on your visit; here are some of our favorite attractions:
1. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Located on the Palm, this aquarium has over 10,000 animals representing over 500 species.
The aquarium includes an underwater zoo for marine life that you can watch from above by riding on the glass-bottom boat or diving into one of six tanks from an underwater tunnel.
The aquarium is open daily from 9:30 am until 8 pm, with tickets costing Dhs100 for adults and Dhs70 for children (AED), seniors, students, and government employees. Recommended age is 5+.
2. Burj Khalifa
If you are looking for a great place to visit in Dubai, then Burj Khalifa is the place to go.
It is the tallest building in the world and is located in Downtown Dubai. It has an observation deck that offers a fantastic view of this beautiful city.
Burj Khalifa was completed in 2010, and since then, it has been attracting people worldwide. This tower was designed by Adrian Smith & Gordon Gill Architecture (AS&G).
They designed this spectacular tower with inspiration from a desert flower called Hymenocallis, also known as Lily of the Valley; hence its name: “Burj,” meaning tower, and “Khalifa,” meaning successor to Mohammed, who was considered God’s Prophet on Earth by Muslims.
3. Skiing in Dubai
You’re going to have a great time in Dubai. So many things to do and so many places to see.
But what if you want something a little more active? What if you get out of the city into the mountains and breathe fresh air? Well then, this is where skiing in Dubai comes in.
With more snow-capped peaks than any other country on Earth, there’s no shortage of opportunities for skiing enthusiasts.
Suppose you’ve never tried it before but are looking for something new and exciting. In that case, we highly recommend checking out Ski Dubai when visiting Dubai during the winter months (November through April).
4. Dubai Miracle Gardens
The Miracle Garden is a flower park in Dubai with the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and a floral tower, the world’s largest indoor flower structure.
The garden is located in the Dubai Miracle Garden project and opened to visitors in January 2013.
It was designed by American landscape architect David Fisher, whose previous projects include Disney California Adventure Park and Las Vegas’ Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.
5. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
- The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is a luxury hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- It is named after the traditional sailing ship known as a dhow, the “Arabian Arab” boat in Arabic or “dhow.”
- The hotel is shaped like a sail and is located on an artificial island.
- The hotel was designed by Tom Wright of WATG and Bill Bensley Associates and constructed by Hyundai Engineering & Construction. It opened on September 23, 1999, as one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, with rooms costing over $1,000 (USD).
- In 2017, Forbes Travel Guide ranked it as number 3 on its list of best hotels worldwide for 2017/18, with only two other UAE hotels being listed higher than that within their ranking system: Emirates Palace Aéroport de Paris Hotel – Concorde Lafayette & Shangri-La Hotel Paris Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris Vendôme Hôtel du Louvre
6. Dubai Desert Safari
-This is it if you’re looking for something on the top of everyone’s list. A desert safari is a must-do activity in Dubai.
It’s such a popular attraction that many tour operators offer this service, and booking one online or with your hotel concierge is easy.
The experience isn’t just about seeing the dunes and sand; it also allows you to explore the desert with its inhabitants:
-Camels, falcons, and other creatures native to this environment. You can see the landscape and watch it when the sun goes down or rises over it—it’s breathtakingly beautiful.
7. Kite Beach
Kite Beach is a popular place for kite surfing and kiteboarding. Located in Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), the beach is excellent for enjoying the sunset while building up your skills on your board.
Kitesurf Dubai offers some of the best kiteboarding lessons in town and has a range of equipment available for rent, including surfboards and bodyboards.
8. Emirates Mall
The Emirates Mall is a shopping mall in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is located in the Al Barsha district of Dubai, near Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, and Palm Jumeirah.
The mall is owned by Majid Al Futtaim Properties and opened on July 29th, 2007. The mall has an area of 1 million square feet (93,000 m2) with over 300 stores and an anchor tenant, Debenhams department store.
9. Dubai Parks and Resorts
Dubai Parks and Resorts is a family-friendly destination home to several rides and attractions, restaurants, shops, and hotels.
The park is located in Dubailand—a massive development project in Dubai that was initially intended to be an entertainment complex but eventually turned into a full-blown city.
10. Bastakiya District
A visit to the Bastakiya District is a must in Dubai. Located in the heart of Dubai, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions and a major shopping destination.
The district was built in 1833 as an extension to Al Fahidi Fort due to the increase in population.
The houses were designed by local craftsmen with wooden latticework using clay pots made from mud mixed with straw.
-This resulted in jalis used for ventilation and offered protection from the wind during hot summer.
11. Dubai Marina
- Dubai Marina is a residential and commercial development with a large marina in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is located along the Emirates Road along the Jumeirah Beach coastline of Dubai Creek.
- The area includes high-rise luxury apartments, villas, and hotels—the marina shelters more than 5,000 boats from the bustling city center.
- With its beautiful views of the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), it makes for one of the most popular residential developments in Dubai
12. Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping mall by total area. It is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The mall has over 1,200 retail outlets and a gross leasable area of 1.86 million square feet (175,000 m2).
Dubai Mall opened in 2008 as part of the United Arab Emirates’ strategy to diversify its economy from oil exports and attract tourists to Dubai.
The list of attractions at this popular attraction includes Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), Ski Dubai (the world’s largest indoor ski resort), an indoor park with penguins, aquariums, and more.
13. Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago located off the coast of Dubai, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Dubai.
It was developed by Nakheel Properties and was completed in 2008 at roughly USD 3 billion.
The Palm Jumeirah comprises an artificial island surrounded by three Palm Islands. The westernmost Palm Island houses the Atlantis Hotel and The Cove Atlantis Waterpark, while the central Palm Island holds residential properties and entertainment venues such as Motiongate Dubai.
14. Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort located in the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and the largest indoor ski resort in the world.
Ski Dubai offers over 3 km (2 mi) of natural snow on its slopes, with a height varying from 1,400 m (4,600 ft) to 1,600 m (5,200 ft). Ski Dubai also has humidors throughout its facilities to provide humidity control for skiing.
The complex has an ice skating rink and four restaurants: Snow Café Bar & Grill; Lava Rock Bar & Grill; Alpine Kitchen; and Orient Express Restaurant & Lounge
15. Miracle Garden
Miracle Garden is a popular tourist attraction in Dubai. It’s a garden of flowers and plants grown in the desert.
The garden is like a miracle because it’s so beautiful, even though it’s not supposed to be possible to grow things there.
16. Jumeirah Mosque
On your next trip to Dubai, make sure you visit Jumeirah Mosque. Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, it is one of the most popular attractions in the Arabian Peninsula.
The mosque is located within the city center near Burj Khalifa and Madinat Jumeirah hotels.
It’s open every day from 5:30 am until 9 pm except for Fridays, which closes at 7 pm instead of 8.30 pm due to Friday prayer times and fasting during Ramadan.
You can get there by car or public transport (Dubai Metro). Just look up their website for directions on how to get there.
17. Gold Souk
Located in Deira, Gold Souk is a great place to shop for jewelry and gold items. You’ll find traditional designs from the Middle East and modern ones worldwide.
What you can find here:
- Jewelry and gold items
- Watches (many with diamonds)
How to get there: Take an Uber or taxi from downtown Dubai or Al Rigga metro station.
The cost should be 30-40 AED ($8-USD 11). However, suppose you’re looking for something more affordable. In that case, you can also take public transportation by catching the green line of Dubai Metro at Rashidiya Station and getting off at Deira City Centre Station.
18. Global Village (Seasonal)
Global Village is a theme park located in Dubai Festival City. It’s open from October to April, and admission is free.
With over 40 rides, shows, and attractions—including a Bollywood-themed village and an artificial beach—Global Village is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
There are also plenty of dining options for hungry guests: try Japanese cuisine at the Sushi Bar or head to the Lebanese eatery Al Zaatar for some falafels or shawarma (meat wraps).
19. Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) is a non-profit organization that aims to cultivate mutual understanding between people of different cultures through educational programs.
It was founded in 1992 by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote tolerance, understanding, and cultural diversity worldwide.
20. Children’s City. (Closed for Maintenance)
A place for children to learn about different cultures and traditions, Children’s City is an excellent stop for families.
While it is closed for maintenance until 2022, the Dubai Mall has plenty of indoor and outdoor attractions to keep kids entertained.
21. The Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain is located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, and it’s impossible to miss.
The fountain’s show is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, and there are several ways to see it in person.
The best option is a ticketed viewing area with special effects like fireworks and lasers.
This area is called The Dubai Fountain Viewing Deck, and tickets cost around $30 per person depending on when you go (the price changes throughout the year).
If you cannot get tickets for this viewing deck, another option is booking a table at one of the many restaurants near the fountain.
Each restaurant offers its own experience with varying prices based on what kind of food they serve.
22. Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is a giant photo frame in the shape of a camera lens. The frame is made out of steel, and it’s the world’s largest.
It was initially built to celebrate Dubai’s 50th anniversary but now serves as an observation deck and iconic landmark in the city.
The frame is located on the side of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, right across from the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
-This makes it easy for travelers staying at this hotel or others nearby to see this iconic attraction during their stay in Dubai!
23. At The Top, Burj Khalifa – Level 124
Looking for an exceptional dining experience, look no further than At The Top. Located on the 124th floor of the world’s tallest building, this restaurant offers an exquisite view of Dubai from all angles.
From your table, you can see the cityscape that has made Dubai one of the most livable cities in the world.
You’ll also be able to see other attractions like Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa Tower, and The World Islands.
At The Top is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves international cuisine with a selection of fine wines and exclusive cocktails to accompany your meal.
24. The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis, The Palm
Atlantis, The Palm is an entertainment resort in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It opened on November 20, 2008.
The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis, The Palm, houses more than 100,000 marine animals (fish and invertebrates) representing more than 130 species from across the globe.
25. Dubai Safari Park
Dubai Safari Park is a large zoo and safari park in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is located in Dubailand, near the Al Aweer village.
Dubai Safari Park was opened on October 31, 2014, by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with his wife, HRH Princess Haya bint Hussein.
The unique feature of Dubai Safari Park is that it has animals found only in Asia and Africa (not just Asian or African animals).
26. La Mer.
La Mer is a luxury hotel in Dubai with one of the world’s most spectacular beaches. It’s located on Palm Jumeirah, a manufactured island connected to mainland Dubai by a bridge.
The hotel has an award-winning spa, pool and beach facilities, and two restaurants: Al Meroz and Beach House Grill & Bar.
The latter was awarded a Michelin star for its seafood dishes earlier this year (the first restaurant in Dubai to achieve this).
La Mer is part of The Jumeirah Group, which owns several other hotels such as Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and Madinat Jumeirah Hotel & Spa.
27. Alserkal Avenue – Arts District.
Alserkal Avenue is a pedestrian-only street that connects the Design District to the Arts District, with its high-end galleries and studio spaces.
It’s home to artists and designers, who turn it into their gallery during the annual Art Dubai Fair; host events like the Creative City Festival; and offer restaurants, cafes, and theatres.
28. Palm Islands.
The Palm Islands are artificial islands in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Palm Islands are part of the Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali in the Persian Gulf.
A dredging company created the three islands from sand pumped from the sea floor. Each island was named after an important date in the Islamic calendar:
1 Rabi’ al-awwal (2nd), 1429 AH (20th) for Jumeirah; 2 Muharram, 1430 AH (21st) for Al Nakheel; and 5 Dhu al-Qi’dah, 1431 AH (22nd) for Deira Island.
All three islands were built simultaneously using dredging machines that moved 10 million cubic meters of sand through a pipeline system over 2 km long to create each palm.
29. Deira Souks.
Deira Souks is a traditional Dubai market where you can buy souvenirs, spices, jewelry, and other products. This place is located near The Tower and Dubai Museum.
You can also find traditional food & drinks here, such as coffee shops or restaurants with Arabian cuisine.
-This place is open from 7:00 am-10:00 pm every day except on Friday when it closes at 3:00 pm because most shops are closed on Fridays in Dubai.
30. Al Fahidi Historical District (Al Bastakiya).
Al Fahidi Historic District is a neighborhood located in the heart of Dubai. It is one of the oldest areas of Dubai and home to many old buildings from the past.
If you want to see what Dubai looked like before it became a modern city, this is where you need to go.
The district also has plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops for visitors who wish to enjoy their time there.
Conclusion
With so many attractions to visit in Dubai, it can be hard to choose which ones you want to see the most. You can use a travel agency to reach these destinations easily
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or something more low-key like a desert safari, there’s something for everyone on this list.
We have everything covered, from water parks and ski slopes to museums and shopping malls.
So no matter how much time you have available during your stay in Dubai, we hope this article helps make planning more manageable by giving guidance on where best to spend it