Planning a trip to Dubai? I’ve pulled together a curated list of activities for you to do while you’re here, catering to different budgets.
1. Aura Skypool
Experience serenity high above the city at Aura Skypool. Their rooftop pool offers breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline, but be sure to book in advance – as their slots fill up weeks in advance. I’d recommend the late afternoon showing as you get to watch the sunset.
Tickets start at 300 AED.
2. Desert Safari
A great way to escape the tall buildings and see some nature. You’ll find lots of companies offering desert safari packages, try to get one with some activities included too – like quad-biking and sand-boarding.
Prices vary by package.
3. Hatta
If you’re in Dubai for longer than a week then I’d HIGHLY recommend a trip to Hatta. It’s about a 90-minute drive from Dubai (so you’ll need to hire a car or get the Hatta Express Bus for 25 AED). They have tonnes of activities – from mountain biking, quad biking, archery, kayaking, axe throwing and lots of water activities. You can also spend a night here, but I’d say a 1-day trip is plenty of time to do everything you want.
Cost of activities vary.
4. Night Beach
As of the end of 2022, Dubai has introduced some night beaches where bright lights stay on throughout the night so you can swim until the early hours of the morning. These include: Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1.
Free entry.
5. Yacht Tour
A great way to spend an afternoon. I’ve used Xclusive Yachts twice now and would highly recommend. Works out pretty affordable if you have a big group, as you pay for the yacht rather than per person.
Prices vary – e.g. you can get a 3-hour tour for 1500 AED for 10 people, which works out to around £30 per person.
6. Al Seef
Step back in time and explore the historic charm of Al Seef. Stroll along the picturesque creek-side promenade, sample delicious local cuisine, and shop for traditional souvenirs in this cultural district.
Free entry.
7. Global Village
Immerse yourself in a world of diverse cultures at Global Village. This seasonal attraction features pavilions from over 75 countries, offering a unique shopping, dining, and entertainment experience. Note: this stays closed during the summer months and re-opens on 18th October 2023.
25 AED entry per person.
8. Dubai Eye
World’s Highest Observation Wheel.
Dh130 for adults and Dh100 for kids.
9. Burj Khalifa At The Top
A great way to see the whole city – especially a stunning view at night when all the building lights are on.
Tickets vary by visit time – on average 200 AED for adults and 140 for children.
10. Expo City
The site of Dubai Expo 2022 is now open to visitors for free as a model future city – here you’ll find lots of attractions, interactive workshops, as well as cafes and restaurants.
Free entry.
11. Kite Beach
Get your dose of sun, sand, and sea at Kite Beach. This popular spot is perfect for water sports enthusiasts, beach lovers, and families, with its pristine shoreline and vibrant atmosphere.
Free entry.
12. Jet Ski
If you’re previously Jet Ski’d elsewhere in the world, then I’d probably give this a miss as it’ll probably be twice the price of what you’ve paid in other countries. But a great way to get some pictures for the gram.
Prices vary, but expect to pay around 300 AED for 30 minutes.
13. Costa Azzurra
Costa Azzurra offers a luxury electric catamaron for hire to let you sail the waters inside the Palm Jumeirah in style.
15 minutes for 200 AED (for 2 people).
14. Desert Hot Air Balloon
I’d say this is much more enjoyable if you’re in Cappadocia (Turkey), but if you have no plans of visiting and have had hot air ballooning on your bucket list – then this is a great way to tick it off!
Prices start from 1100 AED per person.
15. Ski Dubai
One of my favourite things about Dubai is that you can go from the desert, to the beach, to be standing on real snow within the space of minutes. Definitely more suited for those who actually know how to Ski, but they also have activities which are suitable for people of all ages/abilities.
Prices start at 220 AED.
16. Sky Views Edge Walk
Push your limits with the Sky Views Edge Walk, a thrilling adventure atop one of Dubai’s iconic skyscrapers. Walk the edge of the building while taking in breathtaking views of the cityscape below.
499 AED per person.
17. Museum of the Future
Explore cutting-edge innovation at the Museum of the Future, a groundbreaking institution that showcases Dubai’s vision for technology, sustainability, and humanity’s future through interactive exhibits and futuristic designs.
149 AED per person, free for children under 4.
18. Sky Dive Dubai
=Not for the feint-hearted. I can’t tell you much more as I fall into the “feint-hearted” category and haven’t dared to try this myself.
Prices start at 1800 AED per person.
19. Quranic Park
Dubai’s Quranic Park offers wonderful insights into the Holy Quran, enhancing awareness of the Islamic values of peace, love and tolerance.
Free entry.
20. Dubai Frame
Step into the future and the past simultaneously at the Dubai Frame. This architectural marvel offers a unique perspective of Dubai, with one side facing the historic old city and the other overlooking the modern metropolis, all framed in a stunning design.
50 AED for adults and 20 AED for children.