Top 7 Best Things To Do In Dubai

Dubai Buildings from the Water, United Arab Emirates (Medium)

With most of its world-renowned attractions inaugurated during the early 21st century, Dubai, as it is known today, is younger than your average millennial. And few could recall its past as a fishing and pearl diving town in the 1960s. The discovery of oil essentially allowed Dubai to play Sims, input the cheat code for outrageous amounts of money, and start building the best of everything, regardless of whether or not it was practical to do so (I mean, look at that twisted building. Why? Because money).

Dubai has come a very long way in a very short time. Although it has an abundance of attractions/activities, the plethora of choices can be overwhelming. Here, I make things as easy as possible for you by covering the 7.5 best things to do during your visit to Dubai.

Note: The comprehensive adventure guide for Dubai covers many more attractions and topics (interesting facts, some history, synopsis, climate, communication, navigation, attractions, costs, adventurous activities, etc.).

1) Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Short Version: High place good. Photos and view at high place also good.

The Burj Khalifa, standing at 2722 feet (829 meters), is the tallest artificial structure in the world. No trip to Dubai would be complete without a visit to its most famous attraction. In addition to the fantastic photo opportunities, you will have a breathtaking panoramic view of the skyline and Dubai Fountain.

Now, you might think “why is this high place so different from the others—just because it’s the highest? I like being high, but not so much literally.” I hear you. In addition to the surrounding distinctive architecture, 4 of the 5 tallest residential buildings in the world are in Dubai. Trust me when I say that the skyline is truly unlike anywhere else in the world.

2) Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain (view from the top of the Burj Khalifa), Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Here is the top view of the Dubai Fountain.

Short Version: The world’s largest choreographed fountain plays great music while it dances majestically.

The Dubai Fountain, located at the base of the Burj Khalifa, is the largest choreographed fountain in the world. With over 6000 lights and 50 color projectors, it can shoot 22,000 gallons (83,000 liters) of water up to 500 feet (152.4 meters) while playing a wide variety of music (Arabic, Indian, Korean, and American, among others). Among the 40+ pieces of music are Thriller (the most difficult to choreograph and most spectacular to watch), I Will Always Love You, Mission Impossible, and Power, among others. I’ve spent hours just sitting near the fountain, mesmerized by its displays. I’m sure you will find it equally impressive as well.

Fun Fact: There was one song that was floated and eventually rejected—Gangnam Style. A shame. I know.

3) Palm Jumeirah

Skydive Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, United Arab Emirates

Short Version: World’s largest artificial island = epic parties, fun water stuff, and cool things to see.

Essentially a palm tree beach on a beach, the largest artificial island in the world adds about 50 miles (31 km) of coastline to Dubai’s already impressive coastline. In addition to being the epitome of extravagance and wealth, the island itself is a technological marvel and expensive work of art—with the ocean as the canvas. While some of the best attractions are at the tip of the island (namely Aquaventure Waterpark and Atlantis Hotel), the rest of the island offers hotels, restaurants, clubs, and bars, among others.

Fun Fact: The archipelago consists of 4 artificial islands—Palm Jebel Ali (under construction), Palm Deira (under construction), The World (under construction), and Palm Jumeirah.

4) Dubai Mall

Dubai Dino, Dubai Mall, United Arab Emirates

Short Version: The Dubai Mall—one of the most spectacular malls in the world—is an extravagant mega mall with fun activities, over 1,000 shops, and amazing displays.

Even when excluding extravagant spectacles such as the Dubai Shopping Festival, the malls in Dubai will demonstrate that malls here are unlike those anywhere else in the world. And no mall does this more splendidly than the Dubai Mall—one of the largest and most luxurious malls in the world. Not only are there over 1,000 shops, but there are also several “courts” in the Dubai Mall—Egypt Court, India Court, and China Court, among others. The mall also features the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and a real 155 million-year-old dinosaur fossil: Dubai Dino.

Even though I am not an avid shopper, the elaborate designs and displays made getting lost in this mall a very pleasant experience. And if you’re actually lost, just tell everyone to meet back at the dinosaur.

5) Dubai Miracle Garden

Short Version: Flowers = pretty. Lots of flowers = lots of pretty.

At over 780,000 square feet (72,000 square meters), the world’s largest natural flower garden features over 50 million flowers and 250 million plants. The designs resemble houses, an Airbus plane, Mickey Mouse, and a teddy bear, among others.

Although they’ll rarely admit it, the real miracle is the fact that the garden is in the middle of a desert—an environment diametrically opposed to sustaining the desired floral life. I imagine it would be as hard as trying to raise chickens in the middle of an ocean. Seems legit.

6) Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Short Version: Critics can’t count right. They skipped the 6-star rating and went to 7-star. Therefore, the Burj Al Arab is the first 6-star 7-star hotel in the world.

This architecturally complex structure—decorated with gold, pillars, and opulent designs on the inside and shaped like a boat on the outside—is the first 7-star hotel in the world. The sheer opulence is astonishing and one can’t help but be entertained by the elaborate and sometimes downright impractical designs. The Burj Al Arab also has a better perspective of the entire skyline because it incorporates the Burj Khalifa and its height difference relative to the surrounding structures.

It is also worth noting that you will have to make a reservation at the restaurants, cafes, or rooms to enter the hotel.

7) Desert Safari

Short Version: Going on a Desert Safari is a great way to enjoy the uniquely serene nature of a beautiful sea of sand.

Not only is Dubai near the sea, but it is also near a sea of sand. The stunning and vast sand dunes of Dubai provide a type of serene nature not commonly seen in other parts of the world, especially when coupled with a sunset. And I would dare say that the total experience is quite complete compared to anywhere else. The comprehensive range of activities will provide you with the full desert experience—camel rides, sandboarding, belly dancing, barbecue, falconry demonstration, and hot air balloons, among others. Unlike other popular deserts in the world, Dubai’s deserts are backed by their technology and wealth, so your equipment (even the camels) will be top notch.

7.5) Honorable Mentions: Something Outrageous/Adventurous + World Expo 2020

Yatch Ride in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Titanic Pose)

Short Version: You can do outrageous and/or adventurous things. It is normal here (as long as it is legal). The World Expo 2020 is the event of a lifetime.

There are many opportunities in Dubai to do something outrageous or adventurous.  You can jump out of a plane into the Palm Jumeirah, take a yacht cruise, ski indoors, go kite surfing, go deep sea fishing (on a yacht), do a shark safari at Atlantis, or, I don’t know, go nude on a non-nude beach (just kidding…kinda). Whatever outrageous or adventurous activity you’d prefer, this is the place to do it. It’s normal to do outrageous things here (just as long as it’s legal), so there will be a lot of support to guide you through it all.

World Expo 2020 is another good reason to visit Dubai. Located midway between Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport, the expo will display the achievements of over 190 countries. Being there will provide a once in a lifetime experience.

Closing statements

So far, I’ve recommended the tallest tower in the world, the largest choreographed fountain, the largest artificial island, a world-renowned megamall, the largest natural flower garden, the first and most famous 7-star hotel in the world, a complete desert safari experience, and some adventurous activities that you should try out alongside the World Expo. I believe this is a very straightforward list. Not only are these easily the best things for me personally, but they are also, quite literally, the best in the world. Enjoy Dubai!

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