Dubai

Written by Sandrine Simon, Sebastien Simon
16/09/2025
Breathtaking view of Dubai's modern skyline against a cloudy sky, showcasing its iconic architecture.
Mo Eid, Pexels

Dubai offers a unique blend of modern luxury and rich cultural experiences, attracting visitors with its iconic architecture, diverse entertainment, and world-class attractions. From thrilling desert adventures to relaxing beach days and vibrant nightlife, this destination caters to a wide range of interests.

For socializing, popular areas include The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Dubai Marina, both featuring an array of restaurants, cafes, and lively venues. Numerous rooftop bars across the city provide panoramic views and a vibrant atmosphere, while various beach clubs offer music, pools, and dining for those looking to connect with other travelers.

Top 6 Things to do in Dubai

Dubai offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring world-record breaking structures and futuristic museums to engaging in thrilling desert adventures and immersing oneself in traditional markets.

1. Burj Khalifa (At The Top) & The Dubai Fountain

Visiting the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, provides unparalleled panoramic views of Dubai's cityscape from its 'At The Top' observation decks on levels 124 and 125. Combining this with an evening visit allows guests to witness The Dubai Fountain show, a captivating water, music, and light spectacle at the base of the Burj Khalifa. It is recommended to book tickets online in advance, especially for sunset slots, to secure preferred times and potentially save money. Grouping visits to nearby attractions like The Dubai Mall can optimize the experience.

Cost: Entrance to 'At The Top' typically starts from AED 125 for adults (online). Combo tickets with other attractions, such as the Dubai Aquarium, are available and can be around $91 (approximately AED 334). The Dubai Fountain show is free to watch.

Transport: The Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain are located next to The Dubai Mall. The most convenient public transport is the Dubai Metro Red Line to 'Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station'. From there, an air-conditioned walkway connects directly to the mall, a 10-15 minute walk. Taxis are readily available throughout Dubai, with fares starting around AED 12 plus per-kilometer charges. A taxi from central Dubai to Burj Khalifa would cost around AED 15-25.

2. Desert Safari

Embark on a desert safari to experience the Arabian Desert's serene yet adventurous side. Activities often include dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle, camel riding, sandboarding, and enjoying cultural performances like belly dancing, Tanoura shows, and fire shows, often concluding with a BBQ dinner at a desert camp. Morning safaris offer tranquil views, while evening safaris include sunset views and entertainment. It is advisable to compare packages and book in advance for better deals.

Cost: Desert safaris vary widely in price depending on inclusions and duration. Economical options start from around AED 99-105 per person for an evening drive with dinner. Mid-range packages with additional activities like quad biking or dune buggies can range from AED 190 to AED 950 per person. Luxury options with private transfers and gourmet dining can exceed AED 600 per person. Self-drive options to a meeting point can reduce costs.

Transport: Most desert safari tours include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in a shared or private 4x4 vehicle, eliminating the need for separate transport. If a tour does not include transfers, you would need to arrange a taxi or self-drive to a designated meeting point.

3. Museum of the Future

The Museum of the Future offers a unique immersive experience into potential future scenarios, showcasing innovative technologies and ideas that could shape the world. This architectural marvel stands as a 'living lab' and is designed to provoke thought and amazement. It is best to allocate 2.5 to 3 hours for a comfortable visit and book timed-entry tickets online well in advance due to high demand. Arriving 15-20 minutes before the scheduled slot is recommended.

Cost: Entry tickets cost AED 159 (approximately ₹3,300) per adult. Children under 4 years old and people with disabilities (plus one accompanying adult) receive free entry.

Transport: The Museum of the Future is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, directly adjacent to Emirates Towers. The best way to reach it by public transport is via the Dubai Metro Red Line to 'Emirates Towers Station', which has a direct covered walkway to the museum. Buses 27, 29, and X22 also serve the area. A taxi from central Dubai would cost approximately AED 16-19 and take around 5 minutes.

4. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood & Souks

Step back in time by exploring the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, also known as Al Bastakiya. This area features traditional wind-tower architecture, narrow alleyways, and beautifully restored buildings that house art galleries, museums, and cafes. From here, a short walk or an Abra ride across Dubai Creek leads to the vibrant Gold and Spice Souks in Deira. These traditional markets offer a glimpse into old Dubai, where visitors can browse and haggle for gold, spices, textiles, and souvenirs. An Abra ride across Dubai Creek costs AED 1 and is a recommended cultural experience. Bargaining is expected in the souks.

Cost: Exploring Al Fahidi is largely free, with costs for museum entries or cafe visits. An Abra ride costs AED 1. Prices in the souks are negotiable.

Transport: The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and the souks are in Old Dubai. The most affordable way to reach the souks is by Dubai Metro Green Line to 'Al Ras Station' for the Gold and Spice Souks, or 'Sharaf DG Metro Station' for Al Fahidi, then a short walk or Abra ride. Taxis can take you directly to the area; a taxi from Dubai Museum to the Museum of the Future would cost AED 23-28 (approx. 8 min drive), indicating similar pricing for short rides within Old Dubai.

5. Palm Jumeirah & Monorail / The View at The Palm

Experience the iconic man-made Palm Jumeirah island, a marvel of engineering. A ride on the driverless Palm Monorail provides scenic views of the island's developments, Atlantis The Palm, and the Arabian Gulf. Alternatively, 'The View at The Palm', located in Nakheel Mall, offers a 360-degree observation deck with stunning vistas of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and the Dubai skyline. The monorail itself is considered a sightseeing trip, offering comfortable, air-conditioned carriages.

Cost: Palm Monorail tickets vary by distance. A single trip from Palm Gateway to Atlantis Aquaventure costs AED 20, and a return ticket is AED 30. An unlimited day pass costs AED 35. 'The View at The Palm' tickets would be separate.

Transport: To reach Palm Jumeirah by public transport, take the Dubai Metro to 'Sobha Realty' or 'DMCC' station, then transfer to the Dubai Tram to 'Palm Jumeirah Tram Station', which connects to the Palm Gateway Monorail station. Taxis are also readily available.

6. Global Village (Seasonal)

Global Village is a multicultural festival park that operates seasonally (typically October to May). It offers a unique blend of entertainment, shopping, and dining experiences from around the world, with pavilions representing different countries. Visitors can enjoy live shows, carnival rides, food stalls, and shop for international goods. It's a family-friendly destination, providing diverse cultural insights and entertainment. It is advisable to plan your visit during its operating season.

Cost: Entry tickets start from AED 22 per person if booked online, or AED 25 at the gate. Additional costs apply for rides, shows, and purchases.

Transport: Global Village is located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. While taxis are convenient (estimated fare AED 40-60 from Downtown Dubai), RTA buses provide an economical option with dedicated routes (102, 103, 104, 106) from various metro stations like Rashidiya and Union, costing approximately AED 10 per trip. Driving is also an option, with extensive free parking available.

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