Things to Do in Dubai: 30 Best Experiences for UK Visitors

The best things to do in Dubai range far beyond skyscrapers and shopping malls. In a few days you can ride an old wooden abra across the creek, explore spice-scented souks, watch the sunset from the desert and look down on the city from the world’s tallest building.

This guide groups 30 of our favourite experiences by theme: iconic sights, old Dubai, the desert and outdoors, family favourites, and food, shopping and evenings. Each one includes a short note on who it suits, followed by a three-day itinerary and practical tips for UK visitors.

Iconic things to do in Dubai

Start with the landmarks that define the skyline. Most of the iconic sights sit in Downtown Dubai and along the coast, and they are easy to combine in a day or two.

1. Go up the Burj Khalifa

At 828 metres, the Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building, and its observation decks give an unforgettable view over the city, the desert and the Gulf. Book a timed ticket in advance, and choose a slot near sunset if you want to see the city lights come on. Good for: first-time visitors and photographers.

2. Watch the Dubai Fountain at the Dubai Mall

The Dubai Fountain dances to music on the lake below the Burj Khalifa, with shows running through the evening. Watching from the waterfront promenade is free, and the lake is lined with restaurants if you want a table with a view. Good for: everyone, especially on your first night.

3. See the city from the Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame is a 150-metre picture frame in Zabeel Park, with a glass-floored bridge across the top. From one side you see modern Dubai, and from the other the older districts around the creek. Good for: a quick, unusual view that connects old and new Dubai.

4. Explore the Museum of the Future

The Museum of the Future is one of Dubai’s most striking buildings, a silver ring covered in Arabic calligraphy. Inside, immersive exhibitions explore space, nature and technology. Good for: curious adults and older children.

5. Visit Palm Jumeirah

The palm-shaped island stretches into the sea from the coast, lined with hotels, beach clubs and villas. Ride the monorail along the trunk, walk the boardwalk on the outer crescent and enjoy the views back to the city skyline. Good for: beach days and sunset walks.

6. Photograph the Burj Al Arab from the beach

The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab is one of the world’s most famous hotels. You do not need to stay there to admire it: public beaches nearby, including Kite Beach, give a clear view, especially at sunset. Good for: photographers and anyone on a budget.

7. Stroll around Dubai Marina and JBR

Dubai Marina is a canal city of high-rise towers, yachts and waterfront cafés. Next door, The Beach at JBR has a lively promenade, outdoor dining and a wide sandy beach. Good for: evenings out and relaxed beach days.

For more on the city’s districts and where to stay, see our Dubai destination guide.

Old Dubai and culture

Some of the most rewarding things to do in Dubai are in the older districts around Dubai Creek. Here you will find wind towers, traditional boats, busy souks and museums that tell the story of the city before the skyscrapers.

8. Wander Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Al Fahidi is a maze of sand-coloured lanes, restored courtyard houses and traditional wind towers, which once cooled homes before air conditioning. Many houses now hold small galleries, cafés and cultural centres. Good for: a slower, more authentic side of Dubai.

9. Cross Dubai Creek by abra

Wooden abra boats have carried people across Dubai Creek for generations, and a crossing still costs just 1 dirham. The short ride between Bur Dubai and Deira is one of the city’s best-value experiences. Good for: everyone, and great for photos.

10. Browse the Gold Souk

In Deira, the Gold Souk is lined with shop windows full of gold jewellery, from delicate chains to elaborate wedding sets. Even if you are not buying, it is a fascinating place to look around. Good for: shoppers and window-shoppers alike.

11. Smell the Spice Souk

A few minutes’ walk from the Gold Souk, the Spice Souk is packed with sacks of saffron, cardamom, dried lemons and frankincense. Traders are happy to explain what each spice is used for, and bargaining is expected. Good for: food lovers and gift shopping.

12. Take a tour of Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque welcomes non-Muslims on guided tours run by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. The tours explain Islamic traditions and Emirati culture in an open, friendly way, and you can ask questions, so dress modestly and ask the mosque about suitable clothing. Good for: anyone who wants to understand local culture.

13. Learn the UAE’s story at the Etihad Museum

The Etihad Museum tells the story of how the United Arab Emirates came together as a country in 1971. Its modern exhibitions use film, documents and personal stories. Good for: history fans and a cool break on a hot afternoon.

14. Spend an evening at Al Seef

Al Seef is a waterfront area on Dubai Creek with heritage-style buildings, cafés and shops. It is pleasant for an evening stroll, a meal by the water or a ride on a traditional boat. Good for: couples and relaxed evenings.

Desert and outdoor experiences

The desert begins just beyond the city, and the mountains of Hatta are within a day trip. These experiences are best from November to March, when the weather is cooler.

15. Go on a desert safari

A desert safari is one of the most popular things to do in Dubai. Typical trips include dune driving, sandboarding, a sunset in the dunes and dinner at a desert camp, and a good licensed operator will offer a gentler drive if anyone prefers it. Good for: groups, families with older children and couples.

16. Choose a conservation-focused desert trip

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve protects a large area of desert and its wildlife, including Arabian oryx and gazelles. Some operators run quieter, nature-focused trips there, with vintage vehicles or wildlife drives instead of fast dune bashing. Good for: nature lovers and anyone who wants a calmer desert experience.

17. Take a day trip to Hatta

Hatta, in the Hajar Mountains, offers rocky scenery, hiking and mountain-biking trails, and kayaking on a turquoise reservoir. It is a complete change of scene from the city and the coast. Good for: active travellers and repeat visitors.

18. Float over the dunes in a hot-air balloon

Sunrise balloon flights drift over the desert as the light turns the dunes gold. Flights depend on the weather and start very early, so plan for a pre-dawn pick-up. Good for: special occasions and photographers.

19. Relax on Kite Beach

Kite Beach is a long, free public beach with views of the Burj Al Arab, food trucks, a running track and watersports. It is popular with families and fitness fans at weekends. Good for: a beach day without a resort.

20. See the Dubai Miracle Garden

The Miracle Garden fills a desert site with millions of flowers arranged into huge displays and sculptures. It opens only in the cooler months, so check that it is open before you go. Good for: families and anyone who loves colour.

Family favourites

Dubai is one of the easiest cities in the world to visit with children. Many family attractions are indoors and air-conditioned, which makes them useful in the warmer months too.

21. Spend a day at a water park

Dubai has several big water parks, including Aquaventure at Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah and Wild Wadi near the Burj Al Arab. Expect slides for all ages, lazy rivers and splash areas for younger children. Good for: families and thrill-seekers.

22. Ski indoors at Ski Dubai

Inside the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai has real snow, ski slopes, a snow park and the chance to meet penguins. Clothing is provided, which makes it an easy, unusual outing in the desert. Good for: families and a hot afternoon.

23. Visit Global Village

Global Village is a huge open-air park with pavilions from dozens of countries, street food, shows and fairground rides. It opens in the cooler season and is busiest in the evenings and at weekends. Good for: families, foodies and a lively night out.

24. See the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

In the Dubai Mall, a giant aquarium tank holds sharks, rays and shoals of fish, and you can see much of it from the mall for free. Tickets add a walk-through tunnel and an underwater zoo. Good for: younger children and a short break from shopping.

25. Try a theme park

Dubai’s theme parks include rides and attractions based on films and well-known children’s brands. Many have indoor and shaded areas, but they are most comfortable in the cooler months. Good for: families with a full day to spare.

Food, shopping and evenings

Dubai really comes alive after dark. Evenings are the best time to eat, shop and enjoy the city’s views and waterfronts.

26. Take a dhow dinner cruise

Traditional wooden dhows offer dinner cruises on Dubai Creek and around Dubai Marina. The creek cruise passes the old souks and heritage areas, while the marina cruise is all towers and lights. Good for: couples and families.

27. Join a food tour in Old Dubai

A guided food tour is a delicious way to explore Deira and Bur Dubai. Expect Emirati dishes, shawarma, Indian and Iranian specialities, and fresh juices in small local restaurants. Good for: food lovers and curious travellers.

28. Shop the big malls

The Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates are destinations in their own right, with fashion, restaurants, cinemas and attractions under one roof. They are also the best places to keep cool on a hot afternoon. Good for: shoppers and rainy or very hot days.

29. Watch the sunset from a rooftop

Many hotels and restaurants have rooftop terraces with views over the skyline, the marina or the sea. Book ahead for sunset, which is the busiest and most beautiful time. Good for: couples and special occasions.

30. See a show at Dubai Opera

Dubai Opera, shaped like a traditional dhow, hosts opera, ballet, musicals, comedy and concerts. It sits in Downtown Dubai, close to the fountain, so it is easy to combine with dinner. Good for: culture lovers and a dressed-up night out.

A 3-day Dubai itinerary

If this is your first visit, three full days is enough to see the highlights without rushing. The plan below mixes modern sights, old Dubai and the desert, and keeps the hottest hours for indoor stops.

With an extra day or two, add Hatta, the Dubai Frame, Global Village or a relaxed day at Dubai Marina and JBR.

Things to do in Dubai on a budget

Dubai has a reputation for luxury, but many of its best experiences cost little or nothing. With a little planning, you can see a lot without spending much.

• Free sights: the Dubai Fountain, Al Fahidi, the souks, Kite Beach and the walk along Dubai Marina are all free.
• Cheap thrills: an abra crossing on Dubai Creek costs 1 dirham, one of the best-value rides anywhere.
• Public transport: the metro is a quick, affordable way to reach Downtown, the Marina and the malls.
• Eat like a local: small restaurants in Deira and Bur Dubai serve generous, affordable meals.
• Time it well: hotel rates are usually lower in summer, when you can mix indoor attractions with early-morning sightseeing.

Day trips from Dubai

If you are staying a week or longer, a day trip adds variety. Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, is around an hour and a half’s drive away, and its highlights include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum.

Sharjah, next door to Dubai, is known for its museums and heritage areas, and makes a quieter cultural day out. For mountains and outdoor adventure, Hatta is the classic choice, with hiking, biking and kayaking.

Most day trips work best in the cooler months. Join an organised tour or book a private driver, and remember that Friday prayer times can affect opening hours at mosques.

Practical tips for visiting Dubai

Dubai is safe, modern and easy to get around, but local laws and customs are different from the UK. A little planning makes your trip smoother and more respectful.

• Dress code: swimwear is fine at beaches and pools, but cover shoulders and knees in malls, souks and mosques.
• Alcohol: it is served in licensed venues such as hotel bars and restaurants. Drinking or being drunk in public is illegal.
• Friday: Friday prayers take place around midday, and some places open later on Fridays.
• Getting around: the Dubai Metro is clean and air-conditioned. A rechargeable Nol card works on the metro, buses and some boats, and taxis are plentiful.
• Heat: even in winter the sun is strong, so carry water, wear a hat and use high-factor sun cream.
• Photos: always ask before photographing people, and avoid government buildings.

Getting from the airport

Dubai International Airport is close to the city, and the metro’s red line stops at two of its terminals. Taxis wait outside arrivals and are metered, which makes them a simple choice with luggage. Many hotels also offer private transfers, which we can arrange as part of your booking.

Money and tipping

The local currency is the UAE dirham, and cards are accepted almost everywhere, from malls to taxis. It is still useful to carry a little cash for abras, souks and small cafés. Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory, so check whether a service charge has already been added to your bill.

Timing matters too. Our guide to the best time to visit Dubai compares the weather month by month.

Our verdict on the best things to do in Dubai

The best things to do in Dubai mix the spectacular with the traditional. See the Burj Khalifa and the fountain, but leave time for the creek, the souks and an evening in the desert, which show a side of the city many visitors miss. A good rule is to pair one big sight with one local experience each day.

SkyWays Hub plans tailor-made Dubai holidays from UK airports, combining flights, hotels and transfers with the experiences that suit you. Compare routes on our flights from London to Dubai page.

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