Buying property in Dubai is not just about comfortable living and relaxing on pristine beaches, but also about getting acquainted with the traditions and culture of the UAE. The city has a rich history, leaving behind numerous architectural landmarks. Luxurious palaces and majestic temples peacefully coexist here with modern entertainment centers, while traditional Arabian markets neighbor large malls and boutiques of famous brands. Tourists from many countries rush to see the main attractions in Dubai and leave with beautiful photos as memories. Come and explore this wonderful city, admire its beauty, and if possible, acquire real estate and obtain resident status in the country.
Our guide presents all the most interesting and famous places in Dubai. In just a few days, you can explore the local attractions and see firsthand how, in just half a century, a small port town on the shores of the Persian Gulf has transformed into a luxurious and dazzling metropolis.
What can you see in Dubai?
Just half a century ago, Dubai was a small town whose residents were engaged in trade and fishing. However, the accidental discovery of oil allowed it to quickly become a major cultural and tourist center, attracting guests from around the world. If you are wondering what is interesting in Dubai for tourists, our guide provides information about the following city attractions:
- The world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa
- The Dancing Fountain, one of the largest in the world, with jets reaching up to 150 meters
- The Dubai Mall Aquarium
- The Dubai National Museum in the ancient Al Fahidi Fort
- The Bastakiya district with buildings dating back to the 19th century
- The Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House Museum
- The Jumeirah Mosque in the Fatimid architectural style
- The Green Planet zoological museum
- The Wild Wadi water park
- Dubai Creek canal
- Al Mamzar Beach Park
- The Ski Dubai indoor ski center
- The artificial Palm Islands
- The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
- The Flamingo Sanctuary
- The colorful Spice Market
- The Dubai Butterfly Garden
- The Women’s Museum
- The Coffee Museum
- Zabeel Park, equivalent to 45 football fields
Brief description of Dubai attractions
Burj Khalifa
The monumental Burj Khalifa tower, 828 meters high, can overshadow many landmarks in the Emirates. It is the tallest building in the world and has an unusual tapering shape reminiscent of a stalagmite. Observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors offer breathtaking views of the sea. Inside, there are offices, a hotel, and comfortable apartments that can be purchased as private property.
The tower was officially opened in 2010. The developer is Emaar Properties. The building is equipped with 8 escalators, 57 lifts, modern air conditioning systems, and air scenting. At the foot of the Burj Khalifa stretches a picturesque lake, where the famous Dubai Musical Fountain operates.
Observation deck hours: 13:00 to 23:00
Address: 1 Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
Dancing Fountain
If you are wondering what to see in Dubai, visit the Dancing Fountain near the Burj Khalifa tower. It is located on an artificial pond of about 12 hectares and throws jets up to the height of a 50-story building. As darkness falls, the fountain is illuminated by more than 6,000 spotlights and colored projectors, accompanied by beautiful musical compositions.
You can admire the fountain for free. If desired, visitors can use a floating platform that allows them to approach the sparkling water jets at a distance of about 9 meters. The cost of this entertainment in 2024 is from 20 dirhams.
Platform hours: 19:15 to 23:00
Address: 1 Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
Dubai Mall Aquarium
When choosing what to visit in Dubai, pay attention to the Aquarium in the Dubai Mall – one of the largest in the world. It holds up to 10 million liters of water, and inside, there are more than 33,000 fish and marine animals. Underneath the aquarium, there is a glass tunnel from which visitors can observe the underwater world with a fantastic 270-degree view. Above the aquarium, there is a small zoo where reptiles, penguins, and other marine fauna live.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 22:00
Address: Financial Centre Road, Downtown Dubai
Dubai National Museum in Al Fahidi Fort
The museum occupies the oldest building in the city – the Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787. For a long time, it served as an emirate defense point and residence of local rulers, and in 1971, a collection of museum exhibits was placed within its walls. Here you can see tools for pearl diving, models of Dubai buildings, dow boats, dioramas, and other items that tell the story of the city’s history and cultural heritage.
Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday from 8:00 to 20:30, Friday from 14:30 to 20:30
Address: Al Fahidi St, Bur Dubai
Historical Bastakiya District
All the most interesting places in Dubai are located in the city center. It is here, near the Al Fahidi Fort, that the historical Bastakiya district is located, where Persian merchants preferred to settle in ancient times. Most of its houses date back to the 19th – early 20th centuries. The most famous are the Beit-al-Wahil office building, the Museum of Coin History, and the House of Symposia. The Municipal House is a splendid example of Arabian architecture.
Location: Al Fahidi St, Al Souq Al Kabeer, Bur Dubai
How to get there: by metro to Ghubaiba or Al Fahidi stations
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House Museum
If you are interested in exploring Dubai’s historical past, visit the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House Museum in the Al Shindagha area. The exhibition consists of nine thematic categories and introduces visitors to the history of the ruling dynasty of the emirate – the Al Maktoum family. The collection includes household items, stamps, maps, historical documents, and various artifacts. During your visit to the museum, you can not only see the exhibits but also admire the luxurious decoration of the rooms and explore the traditional architecture.
Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday from 8:00 to 19:30, Friday from 14:30 to 19:30
Address: 779R+72F, Al Fahidi
Jumeirah Mosque
The Islamic temple in Fatimid architecture was built in 1979. The building became a gift from Sheikh Rashid II to his son Mohammed, who has been the Emir of Dubai since 2006. The monumental structure is one of the few mosques in the city that allow non-Muslims to enter. This opportunity arose after the 2011 terrorist attack in the USA with the aim of familiarizing people with Arab culture.
Opening hours: first entry with a guide at 10:00, second entry at 14:00 (daily, except Friday)
Address: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1
The Green Planet Zoo Museum
Still wondering where to go in Dubai? A visit to The Green Planet Zoo Museum can be a real event that immerses visitors in the amazing atmosphere of a tropical forest. The museum exhibition is a large greenhouse where you can see over 3,000 exotic birds and animals. The museum’s inhabitants are located on four levels dedicated to different thematic areas – “Crown”, “Middle Level”, “Forest Paths”, “Tropics After Rain”.
Opening hours: Saturday, Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00
Address: City Walk – Al Wasl, Dubai
Wild Wadi Water Park
Wild Wadi is one of the best water parks in the world. If you are looking for truly bright entertainment in Dubai, you can find what you need here. The water park is decorated with motifs from the stories of the Arab folklore hero Juha. The territory houses many water slides, the “Lazy River” attraction, a wellness center with a wide selection of health procedures. For thrill-seekers, there is a wave simulator in one of the pools.
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00
Address: Opp. Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah St, Umm Suqeim 3
Dubai Creek Canal
For those looking for the best places in Dubai, a walk along Dubai Creek Canal can be recommended. For many centuries, this reservoir has been a source of vitality for the city. Today it is popular among tourists as it allows you to see the best local attractions from the deck of an abra boat. You can also walk along the promenade or visit the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located on the eastern coast of Dubai Creek.
Location: on the border of Deira and Bur Dubai districts
Boat departure point: Deira Old Souk Abra station (near the Spice Market)
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park covers an area of 106 hectares. If you don’t know what to do in Dubai, head to this wonderful place where you can relax on sandy beaches, have a picnic, or visit swimming pools. The main highlight of the park is a large green area with about 300 coconut palms and 1600 date palms.
Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday from 8:00 to 22:00
Address: Al Mamzar Beach St – Al Mamzar
Ski Dubai Ski Resort
Ski Dubai Ski Resort helps you escape the heat and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of intense winter entertainment. The indoor complex is located on the premises of the Mall of the Emirates. For the recreation of guests:
- 5 ski slopes of various levels of difficulty;
- 90-meter descent for snowboarders;
- sled tracks;
- ice cave;
- “village” of penguins;
- climbing slide;
- descents from the mountain inside a giant ball.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 1:00, Saturday-Sunday from 9:00 to 1:00
Address: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Barsha
Palm Islands
Among the numerous photos of Dubai’s attractions, some of the most beautiful are pictures of the artificial Palm Islands. This unique archipelago is well visible even from space. It consists of three unusual islands in the form of palm trees – Palm Jumeirah, Palm Deira, and Palm Jebel Ali, which began to be built in 2001. Today, hotels, restaurants, amusement parks operate on their territory, and buyers of elite real estate are offered luxurious villas and comfortable apartments.
Location: in the Persian Gulf
How to get there: by metro or Dubai Monorail
Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Cooperation
The SMCCU Center is worth a visit for anyone interested in Arab history and culture. Since its foundation in 1998, it has introduced guests to the traditions of the UAE, conducted various cultural events, and offered Arabic language courses. Here you can taste the national dishes of the country and admire the original interiors in Bedouin style.
Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 20:00
Address: Al Musallah Street, Bur Dubai
Flamingo Reserve
If you want to see the most beautiful places in Dubai, visit the magnificent Ras Al Khor Park, which stretches in a marshy area on the banks of the Dubai Creek canal. The park is home to tens of thousands of fauna representatives, including flamingos. You can observe birds and animals only from three special points through binoculars. Additionally, visitors are offered free guided tours allowing them to explore the salt flats and mangrove forests.
Opening hours: daily from April to September from 6:00 to 18:00, from October to March from 7:00 to 17:30
Address: Ras Al Khor Road, Ras Al Khor
Spice Market
The Spice Market is one of the most colorful in the city. If you are unsure what to visit in the UAE, this Arab bazaar should not be overlooked. The market is home to a huge number of stalls and shops selling aromatic spices, seasonings, and herbs. The air of the market is literally filled with spicy aromas, and sellers easily reduce the price. In addition to spices, you can buy various types of tea, oils, nuts, and Arabic sweets.
Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday from 10:00 to 22:00, Friday from 16:00 to 22:00
Address: 26 34 St, Al Ras, Deira
Dubai Butterfly Garden
Dubai Butterfly Garden is the largest in the United Arab Emirates. If you’re looking for the most beautiful places in Dubai, this garden will leave a lasting impression. It covers an area of over 6,600 square meters and consists of a covered greenhouse under ten domes, home to more than 15,000 butterflies. Visitors can not only admire the fluttering beauties but also observe the process of their emergence from cocoons and learn a lot of useful information about these insects.
Opening hours: Saturday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00
Address: Al Barsha South 3, Dubailand Area
Women’s Museum
Another interesting place to visit in the UAE is the Women’s Museum in the Deira district of Dubai. The museum exhibition is dedicated to Arab women – their way of life, influence on the country’s history, culture, and art. In the museum halls, you can see traditional household items, kitchen utensils, clothing, jewelry, as well as paintings and other creative works created by the women of the United Arab Emirates.
Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday from 11:00 to 16:00
Address: Al Sabkha, Gold Souq, Near Al Khor St, Deira
Coffee Museum
The Coffee Museum in the Bastakiya district tells visitors about the history of the coffee industry in the UAE. Here you can learn how the drink came to the UAE from Ethiopia, see tools and utensils for making coffee, and learn about traditional recipes. Among the exhibits are old coffee pots and grinders that were used as far back as World War I. The museum also has a shop where visitors can buy coffee beans of various varieties.
Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 17:00
Address: Villa 44, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Bastakiya
Zabeel Park
When considering where to take a walk in Dubai, many visitors choose the picturesque Zabeel Park, which covers an area of 47.5 hectares in the eponymous district. The green area is one of the most technologically advanced in the emirate. The entire theme of the park is based on three technologies – communications, techno, and alternative energy. Each of the themes is dedicated to interactive and educational exhibitions. In addition to this, there are restaurants and an exhibition gallery in the park. For active visitors, there is a 2.5 km jogging track, an ice rink, golf courses, and mini-cricket. One of the main attractions of Zabeel Park is the Dubai Frame observation deck, which is shaped like a picture frame and is 150 meters high.
Dubai Frame observation deck hours: daily from 9:00 to 21:00
Address: Sheikh Rashid Road, 1/9, Al Kifaf
Conclusion
We hope that after reading our guide, you no longer have any doubts about where to go in Dubai. However, keep in mind that history is being made here right before our eyes, and in just a few years, many new attractions may appear in the city that will outshine the existing ones with their grandeur and beauty. Therefore, having visited Dubai once, you will surely want to come back here again and again.
Trips to Dubai can become much more comfortable and easier if you buy property in the city for temporary or permanent residence. At the Alira agency, everyone can choose and buy apartments, villas, apartments, and also get advice on investment opportunities in real estate in the UAE. To get more detailed information about our services, leave a request on the website, contact the company’s managers by email info@alirarealestate.com, or by phone +971 (588) 337 903 and +7 (986) 927-73-77..
