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Home » Destinations » Middle East » United Arab Emirates

Top 10 Things To Do in Dubai

Modified: Feb 10, 2025 · Published: Sep 13, 2016 by Guest Blogger |

Dubai is a fantastic city to visit. There is lots to see and do and beautiful conditions to relax on the beach or by the pool. The only problem you'll have on a trip there is fitting it all in. With its investment over the last decade, Dubai is fast becoming one of the world's must-visit places, whether you want to see the tallest building ever constructed or peek at the extravagant hotels.

Desert Safari, one of many things to do in Dubai
Desert Safari outside Dubai (photo: Courtney Walker)

While some dismiss Dubai as artificial and lacking culture, the mix of individuals who live and visit makes it a fascinating place to meet people from around the world. If and when you decide to visit, we suggest you prioritize the things to do below, which will give you a taste of authentic Dubai and allow you to sample some of the newer additions as the area has developed.

Table of Contents

  • 1. Hot Air Balloon Ride
  • 2. Spa Break
  • 3. Desert Safari
  • 4. Tickle Your Tastebuds
  • 5. Golf
  • 6. Cruise
  • 7. Skydiving
  • 8. Helicopter Tour
  • 9. See the World's Tallest Tower
  • 10. (Window) Shopping

1. Hot Air Balloon Ride

You can take a hot air balloon ride that begins just as the sun rises. The ride takes you across the desert, over canyons, oases, and windswept dunes, where the sand changes colors with the sun's rising.

2. Spa Break

Get a taxi from the airport and once you've arrived at the hotel your relaxation can begin. Many hotels offer world-class spas, so it is a perfect place to unwind, indulge, and pamper yourself.

3. Desert Safari

Take a safari into the desert, where you can be the passenger in a luxury car, drive your own luxury car, or sit back in a 4-wheel drive and experience the beauty of the desert. You can expect to see herds of wild camels, onyx, and gazelles along the way. Experience a picnic in a luxury tent in the middle of the desert, or try riding a camel to truly enjoy your experience.

4. Tickle Your Tastebuds

You can get just about any food in Dubai, and world-class chefs from many countries have opened restaurants there. Whether you feel like having a snack on the street, a quick meal at a mall or pub, or a fine dining experience, Dubai offers everything you could want regarding food. Spend time working through everything, even if you return home slightly more plump than usual.

5. Golf

Some of the world's best golfers have designed first-class golf resorts in Dubai. They are challenging courses that offer exciting hazards, beautiful scenery, and world-class facilities to entertain those in your family who don't feel like playing.

6. Cruise

Whether you are interested in a dinner cruise or just seeing the sights like the artificial islands off the shore, this is an exciting option for your visit. The views of the city from the water are a fantastic way to top off your visit to Dubai.

7. Skydiving

Try skydiving from 10,000 feet to see the city from an entirely different point of view. Most providers offer pickup and drop-off back to your hotel as part of the package. Even when you're watching the skydivers sail down from the sky from the beaches, it gives you goosebumps.

8. Helicopter Tour

Take a breathtaking ride of the city and the surrounding area with a knowledgeable guide who will point out the highlights as you fly over the top of them. Dubai is the land of indulgence, and there's nothing as indulgent as a scenic helicopter flight.

9. See the World's Tallest Tower

Burj Khalifa, one of many things to do in Dubai
View from atop the Burj Khalifa (photo: Rob Young)

If you can't afford the helicopter tour, the Burj Khalifa, at 829.8 meters, is a good alternative. It is the world's tallest tower and comprises commercial, hotel, and residential space. The 148th-floor observation deck offers a bird' s-eye view of the city.

Before entering the building, visitors can explore a 27-acre park. A striking fountain at the base of the building is filled with lights, colors, and music to entertain visitors.

10. (Window) Shopping

Dubai offers some of the world's best shopping. Its 60 malls offer the latest haute couture and fabulous shopping at bargain prices.

Dubai is also known as the cheapest place in the world to pick up a used luxury vehicle like a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Porsche, so if you can afford to ship it home, it is the best place to get a great deal.

Dubai continues to grow in size and popularity, and whatever your travel tastes, this is undoubtedly an intriguing place to visit. Whether you decide to visit now or in five years, expect to be wowed by a destination unlike any other on Earth.

_______

This story was brought to you in partnership with Taxi2Airport.com.

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About Guest Blogger

This post was written by a guest contributor. Please reference the author's byline in the post above for more information. If you would like to guest post on Go Backpacking, please read our submission guidelines. For information on advertising opportunities, go here.

Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

Read more about Dave.

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