Dubai is the largest metropolis in the Middle East, the most cosmopolitan city in the UAE, and at the same time a city of wonders that you can finally believe in just by looking at them. Dubai: attractions here are located almost at every step, in close proximity to each other.
Today we will list the most famous and iconic sights in Dubai, post their photos and descriptions, as well as tell you where to go and what to see during your vacation at this resort.
Please note! To save on entrance tickets and see as many attractions as possible cheaper, we recommend purchasing the Dubai Pass tourist card. We will talk about its advantages and prices in this article.
Burj Khalifa Skyscraper
Burj Khalifa skyscraper, whose height reaches 828 m, is considered the hallmark of Dubai. This tower, by the way, the highest on Earth, is perfectly visible from anywhere in the city, but only inside you can feel its true greatness. On the 124th floor of this building, above the clouds, there is an observation deck – on a sunny day, it offers an unrealistically beautiful panorama. On the 122nd floor, there is a luxurious Atmosphere restaurant, where visitors feel like true celestials dining among the clouds. This is only a small part of what the Burj Khalifa has.
Those tourists who want to explore the famous landmark of Dubai on their own will need more different information. You can find it here.
Dancing Music Fountain
Next to the legendary skyscraper, in the middle of an artificial lake of 12 hectares, there is the world’s tallest musical fountain: the water jets released by it soar up to 150 m.
Water, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow, usually “dances” to an Arabic melody. Less often, the performance is accompanied by classical music and popular world hits.
Vacationers who want to see this attraction and enjoy the enchanting magic of the water can find out the schedule of performances of Dubai fountains by clicking on the link.
Dubai Frame
Another new landmark in Dubai was officially opened to visitors on the first day of 2018.
In the photo, it may seem that the “Frame” is a huge sculpture. In fact, it is a unique building with a height of 150 m 24 cm, or 48 floors. The upper “crossbar” of the structure is a glass bridge with a length of 93 m. For the construction of the Dubai Frame, materials such as reinforced concrete, steel and glass were used.
The landmark has become one of the symbols of Dubai, it visually unites the old and new parts of the city. There is also something to see inside the building. On the ground floor there is an interesting interactive museum-gallery, where you can see not only the past of the city, but also its future. On the top floor there is a viewing platform where you can see the panorama of the city during the day and in the evening.
- Location: Gate 4 at Zabil Park in Dubai.
- Admission fee: for adults-50 dirhams, for children 3-12 years – 20 dirhams.
- Opening hours: from 9 am to 9 pm daily, seven days a week, the schedule may change during the month of Ramadan.
- Official website: dubaiframe.ae.
The Dubai Mall
After exploring the iconic Burj Khalifa Tower and taking breaks from music shows, head to the Dubai Mall.
Although, to call this huge commercial and entertainment complex an ordinary shopping center is completely wrong. Even a full day will not be enough to explore the numerous boutiques and take part in the entertainment programs of this complex. Visitors to the Dubai Mall are greeted by 150 restaurants, an ice rink and a large theme park, as well as the most interesting attraction – an aquarium and an underwater zoo. If you get tired from hiking around all these attractions, you can sleep for a few hours in the cozy sleep capsules equipped here in the shopping center.
Of course, it is better to see the center of Dubai Mall on your own, and not as part of an excursion.
Aquarium and underwater zoo
Going to Dubai Mall with children, you should definitely look at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo – although they are not too big, but there is something to see.
Aquarium is a glass tunnel 10 m long, passing through which you involuntarily feel yourself inside a huge living organism. There are many fish swimming around in completely different colors – a truly majestic and fascinating sight.
On the second floor, in the zoo, you can see various animals: crocodiles, penguins, hedgehogs, parrots, owls, bats.
For more detailed information that you may need when visiting the aquarium and zoo on your own, please click here.
Burj Al Arab Hotel
Burj Al Arab is recognized as one of the most significant attractions of the Emirate of Dubai. The silhouette of the hotel, resembling a huge sail, has become a lighthouse of a huge metropolis.
Burj Al Arab is famous all over the world for its very high level of service. Although officially a 5-star hotel, it is often referred to as the only 7-star hotel on Earth.
Everything you can imagine is waiting for visitors here: a Rolls-Royce transfer, helicopter flights, a luxurious private beach, and the world’s best bars and restaurants.
For those who want to be among the guests of the legendary hotel, go there with a tour or see this attraction on their own, the information on the page will be useful.
Wild Wadi Water Park
Wild Wadi Water Park offers the best entertainment for those who love extreme adventures. There are 30 magnificent water attractions on the territory of the entertainment complex. But even for those who do not want extreme sports, there is something to see and where to go for a walk.
It is quite possible to go to the Wild Wadi water park on your own, moreover, it is much more convenient than as part of an excursion. You can find out how and when it is best to do this in this article.
Aquaventure Water Park
Aquavenchure is a popular tourist attraction in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. This huge water park covers an area of 17 hectares and offers a variety of incredible entertainment. There are different types of roller coasters: with and without extreme sports, for visitors of different ages and different rota.
Detailed information about Aquaventure Water Park and tips for those who will go there on their own can be found on this page.
Museum of the Future
Another new attraction in the city of Dubai was opened on 22.02.2022. Museum of the Future immediately became popular among tourists.
The museum building has a unique architecture, as you can see for yourself in the photo. The shape of the building is futuristic and has a certain symbolism: the rounded building represents humanity, the emptiness in it – the unknown future, and the green hill on which the museum is located – the earth.
The attraction was created to showcase the latest technologies aimed at improving the world in various fields – from medicine and spiritual development to the economy and space exploration. The theme areas are spread over five floors. In each of them, the visitor is immersed in a simulated reality, in the future that awaits us in half a century.
The Museum of the Future in Dubai also hosts temporary exhibitions, presentations of the latest technologies, developments and research.
- The museum is located next to Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai.
- Opening hours of the attraction: daily from 10: 00 to 21: 30.
- Ticket price: 149 AED.
- Official website: museumofthefuture.ae.
Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Cooperation
How can you get a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the UAE in Dubai for absolutely free? You need to visit the Sheikh Mohammed Cultural Cooperation Center on your own, and you can find it here: Al Mussallah Road, House 26, Al Fahidi district.
The Center’s staff will conduct a free tour and tell you about the life and customs of the Arab people, about the historical past of the United Arab Emirates and Dubai. Guided tour and all information on the information screens in English.
The Center organizes visits to the Jumeirah Mosque, cultural and gastronomic tours. You can book a tour in advance by filling out a special form on the Center’s website www.cultures.ae.
Miracle Garden-a wonder garden in the middle of the desert
Dubai never ceases to amaze: everything most grandiose and large-scale in the world is built here, and there is always something to see. Isn’t it amazing: a fragrant flower oasis in the middle of the desert?
Miracle Garden is a unique and largest miracle garden in the world, where 45 types of flowers grow on an area of 72,000 m2. Green lawns here harmoniously alternate with luxurious flower beds, and many flowers are planted in the form of figures: parrots, swans, a pyramid 10 m high, an airplane.
The Garden of Miracles is also unique in that its territory is served by a drip irrigation system, through which purified wastewater is supplied. And at the same time, no unpleasant odors, only the aroma of flowers!
Miracle Garden is located on the outskirts of the city, address: Al Barsha 3, Arjan Dubiland, Dubai. It’s a bit far away, and the best way to get there is by taxi. The miracle Garden of Dubai is a must-see, and it’s better to go there on your own – it will be twice as cheap as going from a tour operator with an excursion.
In summer, when it is very hot in Dubai, the garden is closed. At other times of the year, it receives visitors at this time:
- from Sunday to Thursday inclusive – from 9: 00 to 21: 00;
- Friday and Saturday – from 9: 00 to 23: 00.
Tickets for adults cost 95 AED and for children aged 3-12-80 AED.
You can always find out about possible changes in the schedule and entrance prices on the Miracle Garden website: dubaimiraclegarden.com.
Meydan Racetrack
In the list of the most interesting sights of Dubai that are worth seeing, there is also the Meydan racetrack. It is located within the Meydan City Complex at Al Meydan Road, Dubai.
Meydan Racecourse is the largest in the world: its total area is 6.2 million km2, and the length of the central grandstand is 1,600 m and can accommodate 120,000 people. Although the size of the structure is quite impressive, everything is well thought out in such a way that the audience does not miss a single important moment: the races are broadcast on a giant LED screen.
The racetrack is known for its top-class racetracks. One of them, with a length of 1.75 km, has an artificial surface that allows you to hold competitions regardless of the weather. The other path, which is 2.4 km long, is covered with lawn grass. In addition, the Meydan racetrack has a track equipped with everything necessary for warm-ups.
The horse racing season here runs from November to March and includes several competitions with separate prize pools. The most important closing event of the season is the Dubai World Cup, known for its grand prize pool of $10,000,000. From March to November, when there are no races, the racetrack hosts various city events, as well as various exhibitions.
Tourists who want to visit the Meydan Racecourse on their own and watch horse races should take care of the place on the grandstand in advance. A ticket worth 300 dirhams will provide a very comfortable environment for watching the races, including alcohol and food served by waiters. But you can come to the stadium a few hours before the start of the race and take free, but not the best seats for free.
By the way, visiting Meydan Racecourse will be interesting even for those who are not interested in horse racing, because this is not just a huge racetrack, but a giant entertainment complex. On its territory there is a 5* hotel The Meydan Hotel, where guests can watch races directly from their rooms. In a modern IMAX cinema with 585 seats, guests are offered to watch the best new movies in the world. The museum, which is located on the territory of Meydan, will tell visitors a fascinating story of the origin of horse racing. In addition, there are numerous cafes and restaurants, a large car park and a marina for yachts.
You can find out the exact race schedule, as well as find out the cost of tickets for a specific event and book them in advance on the official website of Meydan Racecourse www.meydan.ae.
Autodrom
Where to go on your own and what to see in Dubai for fans of speed and sports cars? Of course, you need to visit the Autodrome, which is located at Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd/Motor City.
The Dubai Circuit is one of the most challenging in the world, as the 6 km – long circuit has high-speed straights, as well as intricate, technically challenging sections.
Dubai Autodrome offers its guests various programs. For example, adrenaline – pumping trips on maps and cars, including tuned cars for Audi TT and Subaru STI Impreza races. Visitors to the circuit can also purchase an individual program for the whole day or a set of services for a group of tourists. And although visitors are constantly accompanied by an instructor who shows them the correct trajectory of passing turns, many still later note that the tension did not leave them during the entire trip. Even for those who do not have driving skills, but want to ride a race car, there is such an opportunity at the circuit: you can drive several laps at high speed in a sports car, which will be driven by an experienced instructor.
Autodrome provides all the necessary equipment, including suits, balaclavas, gloves, and boxes for valuables. It is very important that shoes for self-driving should be closed, as the car gets very hot.
- The cost of one check – in starts from 250 dirhams.
- It is advisable to book a place on the track in advance, you can do this on the official website of the autodrom www.dubaiautodrome.com. But first you need to study the schedule, because there are regular competitions on the open cart track.
“Dolphin Bay” at Aquaventure Water Park
What you should definitely see in Dubai, being there on vacation with your children, is Dolphin Bay.
Dolphin Bay is located on Palm Jumeirah Island, on the territory of Atlantis Hotel, in the eastern part of Aquaventure Water Park. The address of this attraction is Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, The Palm, Dubai. Dolphin Bay is open daily from 9: 10 to 4: 30.
There are a lot of programs that are offered to vacationers here. The simplest one is called “Meeting dolphins” and takes place in shallow water. It is designed for children under 8 years of age and for those who do not know how to swim. Basically, the essence of this program boils down mainly to photographing those who communicate with the dolphin. It is not surprising that at the exit you have to buy a photo for 795 dirhams, and this is still the cheapest option with the ability to get an electronic version of all the pictures.
- All programs at Dolphin Bay are conducted in English.
- Depending on the selected program, a ticket for an adult will cost 575-1050 dirhams.
- A nice bonus: when buying a ticket to the dolphinarium, you can visit the Aquaventure water park for free on the same day.
- You can find out the show schedule, view ticket prices and order them on the Dolphin Bay website: www.atlantisthepalm.com/ru/marine-water-park/dolphin-bay.
The Walk At JBR-Jumeirah Embankment
The Walk promenade is ideal for a quiet walk, and it is best to make it independently or in a small friendly company, but as part of an excursion.
There are many luxury hotels, stylish boutiques and shops with a huge variety of goods, small markets with handmade souvenirs, street vendors and live music on the embankment.
After a walk or a busy shopping trip, it’s nice to sit in one of the cafes or restaurants, ordering a cup of ice latte or delicious food. Of course, the prices are not cheap, but you can sit in front of the sea and calmly watch everything that is happening around.
It should be noted that it is more comfortable to see The Walk embankment in Dubai in the evening, when it becomes not so hot, and everything is drowned in romantic lighting.
What area of Dubai is best for tourists to stay in-tips
Dubai Marina Pier
After the artificial Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali archipelagos were created in the western part of Dubai, a vast bay was formed between them. On the coastal territory of this bay is located the area of Dubai, known as Dubai Marina. This is a prestigious residential area, a walk through which is included in almost any city tour. You can also go there on your own.
Part of the coast of the man-made bay was turned into the largest Yacht Club berth on Earth. From the pier it is very interesting to see the city, because from here you can enjoy stunning panoramic views.
At the Yacht Club at Dubai Marina, you can take a yacht trip, preferably in the evening. In the evening, both the pier and the city are viewed from the water from a different angle than during the day from the promenade. Thanks to the illumination, skyscrapers look even more impressive than in sunlight. In addition, there is a pleasant breeze in the evening and it is not so hot.
On a note! An overview of the beaches of Dubai with photos and videos is presented here.
Conclusion
Staying in Dubai can only be compared to a fairy tale. Once you’ve explored what Dubai has to offer, you’ll probably want to see them all. After all, it is really very difficult to choose the most interesting ones.
