Best places to visit in Dubai

If you are thinking about a trip to Dubai, then this article may be useful for you to organize leisure activities and choose tourist locations in this city full of contrasts and amazing entertainment. Dubai will welcome you with bright sunshine in July and December, golden sands of luxurious beaches, warm sea, incredible interweaving of cultures and gastronomic diversity. It may not take a whole vacation to visit all the attractions of Dubai, so we’ll tell you about the most interesting locations that are definitely worth a visit.

The list of Dubai’s most recognizable symbols includes, among other things, the seven-star Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Hotel with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Its shape resembles the sail of a boat filled with wind from local dhow fishermen. With a height of 321 meters, it was considered the tallest hotel in the world until 2008.

The construction of the complex was completed in 1999 and marked the beginning of the formation of the UAE as a modern standard tourist destination not only in the Middle East, but also around the world.

In total, Burj al Arab has 202 two-storey rooms ranging from 169 to 780 square meters. The room type is suite only. The cost of one room per night varies from 1 thousand dollars per night to 30 thousand, depending on the room size and class.

The hotel has many restaurants, including the famous Al Mahara where you can dine surrounded by the marine life of a huge aquarium, Al Muntaha, with breathtaking panoramic views, and others.

At night, a fascinating light show is projected on its walls.

One of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks is Palm Jumeirah, the first artificial island in the city. Its name comes from its distinctive shape, which, when viewed from above, resembles a palm tree with sprawling fronds. The island is home to luxurious waterfront villas (many of which require prior permission for entry), as well as high-end shopping and entertainment venues, such as Nakheel Mall.

Among its standout attractions is the world-famous Burj Al Arab, a hotel designed in the shape of a sail. The best way to experience it up close is by booking a table at Burj Al Arab Restaurant. The island is also home to the Atlantis The Palm Dubai resort, featuring Aquaventure, the world’s largest water park, as well as The Pointe shopping and entertainment complex, which is currently undergoing a major renovation.

Other notable places include Jumeirah Hotel, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, and FIVE Palm, the go-to destination for those who love vibrant parties, music, and a lively atmosphere.

For the ultimate experience, consider cruising around Palm Jumeirah in a convertible—the open top adds to the sense of luxury and excitement!

Al Sunset Beach is decorated minimally: several umbrellas in the corporate style, an even location, and the absence of noisy entertainment. Despite this, it remains popular with tourists and locals. Admission is paid, but the cost does not exceed 300 dirhams, which is quite affordable by local standards.

There are no showers, changing rooms or toilets, but its main advantage is the stunning view of the Burj Al Arab, which is why the beach is often chosen for photo shoots.

It is located along the coast of Jumeirah, where you can also find many paid and free beaches. If you are planning a vacation here, you should bring a mat or towel, a hat and water.

Atlantis The Palm Dubai is a luxury resort covering 46 hectares, half of which is occupied by the world’s largest Aquaventure water park (22.5 hectares) with 105 slides and attractions.

Guests can also enjoy a two-kilometer sandy beach, a stylish White Beach Club, The Lost Chamber Aquarium, a dolphinarium, a sea lion observation center and many other entertainment options. A special pride of the hotel is the huge aquarium with 65,000 marine life, which can be seen directly from the lobby. The hotel has 1,548 rooms, including luxury suites for VIP guests.

The most exclusive of them is the Bridge Suite, located above the arch connecting the east and west wings of the complex.

Although Aquaventure has not become the largest water park in the world, its size is impressive. The water park has up to 30 unique slides and various water activities. Among them there is a two-kilometer Mountain River, an Artificial Sea swimming pool and several swimming pools for children and adults. The “Poseidon’s Revenge” attraction, the Atlantis slide and the “Leap into the Unknown” are particularly popular — a slide with an almost vertical ramp down which they descend in special capsules. The park territory is full of vegetation and decorated based on ancient Greek mythology. There are specially equipped areas for relaxing from the sun and drinking soft drinks.

The Pointe Shopping and entertainment complex is located opposite the famous Atlantis the Palm Hotel.

The complex consists of two parts, East Side and West Side, which are connected by a concert venue for various entertainment events. World-class stars performed at this venue, the first of which was Enrique Iglesias. The embankment is a one-and-a-half-kilometer area with stunning views of the Palm Jumeirah crescent and numerous restaurants and cafes from fast food chains to the most expensive and refined, clothing stores of famous brands, and supermarkets.

For young visitors, there is a Cheeky Monkeys children’s area with plenty of entertainment in the form of climbing walls, trampolines and all kinds of slides.

However, the highlight of the point is, of course, the world’s largest light and music fountain, The Palm Fountain.

The grandiose Palm Jumeirah Fountains complex was opened very recently, in 2020, thereby adding to the list of Dubai sites listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest fountain in the world.

It consists of giant floating platforms with an area of 14,000 square meters. The jets of water, illuminated by three thousand multi-colored LED lights, rise up to 105 meters to the most popular world music hits.

A lot of tourists and locals come to see this spectacle, and more than 20 light and music shows are presented to their attention. The fountain dance lasts 3 minutes, interrupted only for half an hour from 19:00 to midnight.

The man-made Bluewaters Island is located near the prestigious Dubai Marina location and just 300 meters from the Jumeirah Beach Residence. It was created in just 5 years in preparation for the international exhibition EXPO 2020.

Here you can see an interesting Dubai SuperTrees art object, these are large openwork structures in the form of trees, somewhat reminiscent of the futuristic gardens of Singapore. They look especially impressive in the dark, as they are illuminated by illumination. There is also a climbing platform, which is the highest in the world.

The Bluewaters Wharf entertainment and shopping cluster with 150 boutiques and entertainment venues is located in the central part of the island.

The main attraction of the area is the In Dubai Ferris Wheel, which has the status of the tallest in the world.

The Ain Dubai attraction officially opened on October 21, 2021. The giant wheel is a real decoration of the city, and the projection on its LED screen is visible from different parts of the city. The height of the wheel reaches 210 m, which is equivalent to a 57-storey skyscraper. There are forty-eight cabins on the “deck”, capable of accommodating 30 people each.

Thus, about 1,400 people can ride on the Ferris wheel at the same time. Ain Dubai makes a full turn in 38 minutes. Some cabins are equipped with bars (Ain Dubai Sky Bar).

The cozy cabins offer views of the whole of Dubai, its artificial islands and the Persian Gulf.

Unfortunately, the attraction was closed for maintenance in March 2022 and was recently reopened to visitors a couple of days ago.

The authorities expect that this attraction will be visited by about 3 million people a year in the future. This assumption does not seem too bold, because who would refuse to admire the unique views of one of the most beautiful cities from a bird’s-eye view.

Jumeirah Beach  is open to the public for free, which makes it very popular among both residents and tourists. There is an open paid parking in front of the beach, but it is better to take up places in the morning, otherwise you may not have time. Then you will have to use the expensive parking of one of the nearest hotels. The beach attracts tourists with its crystal clear sea water, shallow coastal waters, and the finest clean sand.  In the neighborhood, you can always use the paid beaches, where all the comfort conditions are thought out.

There are points for tourists where you can rent different types of recreational water transport. On the beach, adults can play volleyball or soccer, children can have fun on inflatable water slides or go with their parents to the water park located here. The beach is open around the clock, but cafes and restaurants close closer to midnight. Jumeirah Beach Residence is one of the TOP 50 best locations in the world.

Jumeirah Beach Residents is one of the most prestigious areas of Dubai. It is located in the center of Dubai, just 200 meters from the coast of the Persian Gulf and stretches in a narrow strip along the gulf coast. The JBR area in Dubai is the richest in entertainment and is considered both a residential location and a resort.

The buildings are built in such a way that its ground floors form a large podium, inside of which there is a parking lot.  On the level above the parking lot there are playgrounds for children, kindergartens, sports centers, medical complexes and shops, beauty salons, swimming pools, mini markets, walking alleys, restaurants and even a music school. And all this can be visited without leaving the limits of skyscrapers — the richest and most convenient infrastructure for residents.

The complex includes 40 high-rise buildings, 4 of which house luxury hotels, the remaining 36 are allocated for residential complexes. The architecture of the buildings is designed in Arabic and Mediterranean styles. There is a walking area along the coast: well-equipped paths, magnificent fountains, lots of greenery and trees decorated with lighting.  For lovers of water activities, the AquaFun Water Park is located on the coast.

Al Seef. The cultural and historical district of Al Seef is located on the shores of Dubai Creek Bay in the historic district of Dubai. The first thing that attracts attention is the striking contrast between the architecture of modern Dubai and the hysterical buildings recreated in exact accordance with the old dwellings and buildings of local residents.

Walking between wind towers and buildings made of gypsum and coral, one involuntarily tries to imagine the way Dubai will transform from a fishing village into a modern metropolis.  It is amazing with what meticulousness and attention to detail the city has been recreated. From the plaster on the facades peeled off from the humid sea air, to the antique hinges and door handles.

The territory has public WiFi with coverage of the entire area of the historical complex, which is provided by repeaters disguised as stones lying here and there right next to the walls of buildings in different parts of the complex.

Just like on the streets of a provincial eastern city, you can meet merchants of oriental spices, souvenirs, and traditional outfits here, inviting you to their store. Special attention is drawn to a small square filled with antique household items. A great place for lovers of antiquity.

Deira belongs to the historical part of Dubai. Together with the districts of Bur Dubai, Karama and Satwa, they form the so—called “Old Dubai” – once the center of pearl fishing and trade. It is located along the Dubai Creek Bay.

According to the project of the authorities, the development of modern Dubai was carried out on the outskirts or far from the historical center of Deira, which makes this area look a little old-fashioned and contrasts with the new areas of the metropolis. The characteristic spirit of the Middle Eastern city with its 20th century architecture, traditional oriental bazaars, cafes and restaurants has been preserved here. If you want to get to know the history and traditions of Dubai, you should definitely come here. Thousands of tourists come to Deira every year for the sake of Dubai’s best shopping malls with gold and spices, spices and jewelry. There are large shopping malls, oriental restaurants, parks and Al Mamzar beach in the area. The 20 m high clock tower is perhaps the most recognizable landmark of Deira. The port, located on Kanai Creek, as in ancient times, accepts merchant and passenger ships. Here you can take a ride on traditional Arab dhow boats, and stroll along the evening promenade.

The Spice Souk in Dubai in the Deira area is popular with tourists. It impresses with its abundance and variety, the fragrance floating in the air and the riot of colors. In a small market by the standards of modern Dubai, you will find spices for cooking, perhaps, any dish, especially oriental and Indian cuisine.

The names are very different, from famous to very rare, which you probably have never heard of before. In the Spice Market, you can buy, among other things, cinnamon, cumin, saffron, cardamom, coriander, camis, curry, ginger, cloves, black and other types of pepper, barberry and many more. In addition, Spice Souk in Dubai is also famous for its wonderful selection of aromatic teas, nuts, oils, dates, dried herbs and tobacco.

The Dubai Gold Souk is a traditional oriental bazaar in the Deira area. The showcases mostly feature gold and products made from it, including chains, rings, earrings, and bracelets, but you can also find other goods, such as dresses, veils, capes, souvenirs, and more. Silverware, pearls, diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and other jewelry are also sold here. This place is also called the “Dubai City of Gold”. Tourists from different parts of the world flock here to admire the brilliance of precious metals and stones and look at the creations of local jewelers known for their craftsmanship. At the entrance, you can see the world’s largest ring, Najmat Taiba, weighing 64 kg, which was awarded a place in the Guinness Book of Records

Every megacity keeps its soul in historical areas where ancient architectural objects of particular interest to both historians and tourists are hidden against the backdrop of tall skyscrapers. The face of Dubai has changed so rapidly and significantly that it may seem that there is nothing left of the former Dubai. But this is not the case. Fortunately, the city has preserved a piece of its soul in the form of the old Bastakia district. Here in Bastakia, you can still feel the authentic oriental flavor, and a calm, measured life still flows.

Bastakia or Al-Fahidi is the restored oldest historical district of the city with a large number of narrow streets and several dozen old houses built in the early 20th century by Iranian merchants. The area is located between the Dubai Creek Waterfront, Musalla Street and the Al Fahidi Fort Museum. Today, various shops, art galleries, museums and restaurants are located in the old houses, some of them have comfortable modern housing with traditional wind towers. Clay, lime, palm branches and seashell were used as the main materials for the construction.

As the name suggests, due to the strong wind, Kite Bich Kite Beach is very popular among kitesurfing enthusiasts. It is a free and open-to-public beach. Many people come here to look at the colorful kites in the sky and the crazy tricks that the masters perform on them. There are snack bars and cafes on the beach, a complex including a toilet, shower and changing rooms, as well as a Wi-Fi zone. There are two paid and free parking spaces. It will cost you 10 dirhams per hour to park your car for an hour in such a parking lot.

The beach has clean and well-groomed golden sand, neat wide paths divided into a running area made of decking and a zone for cyclists. There are always plenty of vacationers here, but there is always enough space on the beach by the sea for those who like to swim and soak up the sun. The water in the sea is very clean and warm. Comfort and safety for vacationers are provided at a very high level. The bottom goes into the depths very smoothly, so you can safely come here with children.

Surfboards, kitesurfing equipment, and various sports equipment are available for rent here.  You can rent a surfboard for an hour for 60 dirhams, but you can also bargain. A towel and a chaise longue can be rented for 110 dirhams ($30), and the shower and toilet are free. Kitesurfing equipment rental will cost 150-200 dirhams

Dubai Marina is a new neighborhood even by Dubai standards. It is built around a specially dug four-kilometer water channel.  The name comes from the Latin word “marinus”, which means “marine” in Russian. It has the most modern yacht harbor in the world, surrounded by more than two hundred modern and impressive skyscrapers. Being here, it’s hard to believe that two decades ago this place was just an ordinary desert. The construction of the canal was started only in 2003. Today, Dubai Marina is one of the most popular tourist destinations not only in Dubai, but all over the world. It covers an area of only 4 square kilometers and is considered the smallest area of the city after the Downtown business district. You can walk along the picturesque Dubai Marina Walk, with many restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, surrounded by palm trees, various exotic plantings against the background of modern building facades for a very long time. It brings special pleasure in the evening in the light of illumination, which creates an incredible atmosphere.

The Dubai Marina area has convenient transport accessibility. There are two metro stations at different ends of the district and a tram line that goes around the area in a circle from the metro itself. The Address Dubai Marina Hotel is known for one of the best panoramic pools in the city. It also has a club and lounge with stunning views of the surrounding Dubai Marina.

Thrill seekers can take a ride on the zip line, which is located at Dubai Marina.  The length of the xLine Dubai Marina line stretched between the skyscrapers is one kilometer, the height difference is 170 meters, and the maximum speed is up to 80 kilometers per hour! From a height, you will enjoy a stunning panorama of the fashionable coastal area with super yachts and skyscrapers.

Today it is the longest urban zip line. A GoPro camera is attached to each guest’s helmet. The ticket price includes digital photos and videos, which can be received by e-mail. However, such an attraction is not cheap – about 650 dirhams.

which is the center of the bay, offers its visitors a variety of interesting leisure and shopping options. The shopping center impresses with its scale, abundance of boutiques of the world’s most famous brands, numbering one and a half hundred, cinemas and restaurants, colorful areas for children’s recreation. Modern technical and marketing solutions in interior design attract attention.   The total area of the complex is 36,000 m2. Ocean Empress yacht cruise from Lotus company. To really feel the atmosphere of Dubai Marina and get the most vivid impressions, you should definitely go on a dinner cruise on a yacht along the canal. So you can see and feel all the chic and splendor of Dubai, enjoy the incredible views of the evening Dubai Marina with its luxurious skyscrapers.

Prices for such a cruise are about 350 dirhams per person, but if you take the time to search the Internet for various offers, you can find much cheaper ones. For example, a Lotus offer is available on the Ocean Empress yacht with a departure time of 20.30 at a price of 140 dirhams. Tickets are sold right at the pier, so it would not be superfluous to take a queue in advance.

From the deck of the yacht, the evening Dubai Marina looks especially spectacular, reflected by thousands of lights in the calm waters of the channel.  Shortly after boarding the yacht, the waiters will offer you drinks. Dinner on the yacht includes a rich buffet with Oriental dishes, which is available throughout the cruise.  A separate place is occupied by a table with desserts and ice cream. The yacht’s staff is very attentive and friendly.

Many people know that the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world with an observation deck, which is located at a height of 148 floors (555 meters).  Looking at this grandiose structure up close, you can feel the scale of the project with your own eyes. It consists of 163 floors, and the height is 828 meters. Its shape resembles a stalagmite. The Burj Khalifa was opened on January 4, 2010.

This project was immediately planned as the tallest building in the world, and the design height was kept secret, taking into account that if a building of a higher height was projected somewhere, then adjustments could be made to the project. The Dubai Tower was conceived as a “city within a city” with its own lawns, boulevards and parks.

The Burj Khalifa complex houses a hotel, apartments, offices and shopping malls. Also here, on the 122nd floor, is the highest-ranking restaurant “Atmosphere”. The implementation of this project cost the city budget 1.5 billion dollars.