Looking for things to do in Dubai? The city is unlike anywhere else on Earth. I spent four days there and oscillated between awe at human ambition and bemusement at human excess. This is a city that rose from the desert in a single generation, now home to the world’s tallest building, man-made islands visible from space, and indoor ski slopes in shopping malls. It should not work – and yet somehow it does, attracting visitors who want a glimpse of what unlimited money and ambition can create.
The superlatives are real. The Burj Khalifa genuinely towers over everything. The malls genuinely contain aquariums and ice rinks. The desert safari genuinely takes you from futuristic skyscrapers to rolling dunes within an hour. Dubai is not subtle, but it delivers experiences unavailable anywhere else.
Most visitors come for three to five days. That is enough to see the highlights without the heat becoming overwhelming (outside winter months at least).
Top Attractions
Architectural Landmarks
Burj Khalifa – The world’s tallest building at 828m. Observation decks on floors 124-125 and 148 offer city views. Book online to skip queues – sunset slots are most popular. Tickets from 169 AED (off-peak) to 250 AED (peak hours).
The Dubai Frame – 150m tall picture frame in Zabeel Park with views of old and new Dubai. Good photo opportunity. 50 AED entry.
Palm Jumeirah – Man-made island shaped like a palm tree. Home to Atlantis resort and high-end hotels. The monorail runs the length of the trunk.
Dubai Marina – Modern waterfront district with skyscrapers, restaurants, and a pleasant walk along the marina.
Museums and Culture
Museum of the Future – Striking torus-shaped building exploring technology and sustainability. Interactive exhibits on future scenarios. Book ahead – 149 AED.
Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort) – Overview of Dubai’s history from fishing village to metropolis. Located in the oldest building in Dubai. 3 AED entry.
Al Fahidi Historical District – Traditional wind-tower architecture, narrow lanes, and small galleries. Good for escaping the modern city briefly.
Family Attractions
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo – Inside Dubai Mall. One of the world’s largest suspended aquariums. Walk through the tunnel or pay extra for diving experiences.
IMG Worlds of Adventure – Indoor theme park with Marvel and Cartoon Network zones. Good for hot days.
Aquaventure Waterpark – At Atlantis, The Palm. Water slides, a lazy river, and shark encounters. Full day needed.
Legoland Dubai – Theme park and water park for younger children.
Shopping
Dubai Mall – One of the world’s largest malls. Beyond shops, it has an aquarium, ice rink, and waterfall. The Dubai Fountain show outside is free.
Gold Souk – Traditional market in Deira selling gold jewellery. Prices are competitive if you haggle.
Spice Souk – Near the Gold Souk. Saffron, frankincense, and spices at good prices.
Desert Experiences
Desert Safari – Evening trips with dune bashing, camel rides, and BBQ dinner. Popular tourist activity, around 150-300 AED depending on quality.
Hot Air Balloon – Dawn flights over the desert. Pricier (around 1,000 AED) but memorable.
Costs
Dubai can be expensive or moderate depending on choices. Budget travellers will find it challenging.
Sample prices:
- Mid-range hotel: 300-600 AED/night
- Luxury hotel: 1,000+ AED/night
- Meal at a casual restaurant: 50-100 AED
- Fine dining: 300-500 AED
- Burj Khalifa observation: 169-575 AED
- Desert safari: 150-300 AED
- Taxi from airport to Marina: 80-100 AED
- Metro journey: 4-8 AED
Daily budgets:
- Budget: 400-600 AED (hostels, street food, free attractions)
- Mid-range: 800-1,500 AED (hotels, restaurants, activities)
- Luxury: 2,500+ AED
Visa Requirements
UK citizens: Visa on arrival, free, valid for 30 days.
US citizens: Visa on arrival, free, valid for 30 days.
EU citizens: Generally visa on arrival for 90 days.
Other nationalities: Check UAE embassy requirements. Some can apply online in advance.
Passport must have 6 months validity remaining.
Local Culture and Laws
Dubai is part of the UAE, a Muslim country with conservative laws. It’s generally tolerant of tourists but some rules apply:
- Dress: Cover shoulders and knees in malls and public places. Swimwear is fine at beaches and pools.
- Alcohol: Available in licensed venues (hotels, bars). No drinking in public. Don’t be visibly drunk.
- Ramadan: During the holy month, don’t eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours.
- Photography: Don’t photograph people (especially women) without permission. Avoid government buildings.
- Relationships: Public displays of affection beyond hand-holding are frowned upon. Same-sex relationships are illegal.
- Drugs: Zero tolerance. Severe penalties including long prison sentences.
Best Time to Visit
November to March: Best weather (20-30°C). Peak season with highest prices.
April and October: Hot but bearable. Shoulder season pricing.
May to September: Extremely hot (40°C+). Cheapest rates, but outdoor activities are limited.
See our Dubai Weather Guide for detailed monthly information.
Getting Around
Metro: Clean, cheap, and efficient. Gold Line and Red Line cover main tourist areas. Women and children have a dedicated carriage.
Taxis: Metered and reliable. Agree on a price for longer trips. Uber and Careem also operate.
Buses: Comprehensive network but slower than metro.
Water Taxi (Abra): Traditional boats crossing Dubai Creek. 1 AED per crossing.
Car rental: Roads are good but driving can be aggressive. Most tourists don’t need a car.
Practical Tips
- Plugs: Type G (UK-style three-pin). See our Dubai plug adapter guide.
- Currency: UAE Dirham (AED). Credit cards widely accepted.
- Language: Arabic is official; English is widely spoken.
- Tipping: Not expected but appreciated. 10% at restaurants is generous.
- Internet: Good connectivity throughout. Some VoIP services (Skype, WhatsApp calls) may be blocked.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water, especially in summer.
Safety
Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world for tourists. Violent crime is rare. Petty theft is uncommon but keep valuables secure.
Be aware of strict laws around social media posts, photography, and behaviour that could be considered offensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Dubai from the UK?
No. UK citizens receive a free visa on arrival valid for 30 days. Passport must have 6 months validity remaining.
What is the best time to visit Dubai?
November to March offers pleasant weather (20-30°C). Summer (May-September) is extremely hot (40°C+) but has the cheapest rates.
Can I drink alcohol in Dubai?
Yes, in licensed venues like hotels and bars. No drinking in public. Don’t be visibly drunk in public places.
What should I wear in Dubai?
Cover shoulders and knees in malls and public places. Swimwear is fine at beaches and pools. More conservative dress is appreciated.
What plugs are used in Dubai?
Type G (UK-style three-pin) at 230V. UK visitors don’t need an adapter. US and European visitors do.
Is Dubai expensive?
Can be expensive. Budget 400-600 AED/day for budget travel, 800-1,500 AED/day for mid-range. Luxury options are unlimited.
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