Dubai, a world-famous cosmopolitan city in the United Arab Emirates, amazes visitors with its wide six-lane roads, modern highways, and towering skyscrapers. This busy city is home to people from many ethnic backgrounds, including locals, foreign workers from various industries, and numerous tourists.
Dubai offers a mix of modern and traditional attractions, making it a top destination for things to do in Dubai. While it is not a cheap city for travelers, Dubai International Airport (DXB) serves as a major transit hub, connecting flights to cities across the globe (WHAT TO DO IN FLORENCE ITALY).
You can easily spend a week or more exploring Dubai’s many tourist spots. But if you’re on a limited budget or just passing through Dubai as a transit hub, a city tour is a great option. These tours are often available through hotel travel desks or local tour agents you can find around the city.
Dubai city tours usually cover several
important sights, giving you a convenient way to see what you must-see in Dubai
in a short time. While some stops may be brief to fit the schedule, these tours
offer an interesting and fun way to discover the city’s highlights.
Once you’ve booked your city tour, often called a “day in Dubai”, all you need to do is wait at the agreed meeting point. The tour operator will pick you up, either in a private car or a bus. The bus option is usually more affordable and popular for budget travelers.
While you may have already noticed Dubai’s tall and modern buildings, it’s during your sightseeing tour that the focus really shifts to these skyscrapers. Your tour guide will point out and highlight the tallest buildings as you pass by. There’s quite a list, but some of the tallest and most famous towers you’ll see include:
Marina 101
One of the
tallest residential buildings in Dubai Marina.
Princess Tower
Formerly the
tallest residential building in the world, located in Dubai Marina.
Cayan Tower
Famous for its
unique twisting design.
Emirates Towers
Two iconic
office towers in the city center.
JW Marriott
Marquis
One of the
tallest hotels in the world.
There are also other tall buildings whose names you may not be familiar with, but they add to the impressive skyline and the list of what to do in Dubai.
When it comes to Dubai’s skyscrapers, the Burj Khalifa is the most famous. After all, it is the tallest building in Dubai and the world, standing at 828 meters (2,717 feet). Completed in 2010, its design is inspired by Islamic patterns. During a city tour, you’ll either catch glimpses of it from your transport or stop to see it up close.
The building includes offices, residences, restaurants, and a luxury hotel. In case you are in Dubai again, you might want to include going up to the observation decks on the 124th, 125th, or 148th floors. Tickets range from AED 150 to 370 (about $40 to $100 USD), depending on the floor and time of visit. It’s best to book ahead to avoid long waits. All in all, it’s the panoramic view of Dubai at your eyesight.
You can visit the Blue Mosque from the outside at any time. Free guided tours to see the interior are offered based on a schedule available on their website. The mosque, officially called Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque, is located in Dubai’s Al Safa area near Sheikh Zayed Road.
Inspired by Istanbul’s Blue Mosque (MUST-VISIT SIGHTS IN TURKEY), it has 21 domes, four minarets, and beautiful blue mosaic decorations inside, which can also be seen from outside. If you plan to go inside, make sure to check the dress code and photography guidelines beforehand.
Arriving in Jumeirah can leave you unsure which direction to take or where to focus. One moment, you’re at Jumeirah Beach; the next, you’re crossing the road trying to figure out if you’re at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) (a waterfront residential complex), Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) (a nearby commercial and residential area), Jumeirah Mosque (a famous mosque open to visitors), or the Madinat Jumeirah resort complex (traditional Arabian architecture, stunning canals, and busy market).
Burj Al Arab,
the sail-shaped luxury hotel located on its own island near Jumeirah Beach, is
also one of Dubai’s most famous landmarks and definitely stands out along the
beach skyline with its distinctive blue and white glass facade.
During the off-peak season, aside from people walking around and traffic, the area is fairly quiet, which is actually a good thing for a tour, as it allows you to see Jumeirah without the crowds.
One of the top things to do in Dubai is the desert safari, a popular tourist attraction. There are several types of desert safaris, depending on your budget and the time you have on hand. The most practical and often chosen is the sunset desert safari, which is all-inclusive, from pick-up to drop-off. It begins with driving past the desert, followed by a stop where there are extreme activities like sandboarding, quad biking (ATV rides), and skydiving, to name a few.
These activities are more suited for those spending more time at the safari area. For those on the sunset safari, there’s time to walk around the activity area before boarding the jeep (MOUNT MERAPI JEEP TOUR INDONESIA) for the dune bashing ride. It’s a wild, roller-coaster-like adventure up and down the soft brown sand dunes.
In the open area, small stalls offer
souvenirs and local crafts. Take your seat on cushions around low tables while
tucking into a traditional Arabian-style dinner. The meal usually includes
grilled kebabs, hummus, fresh salads, flatbreads, and sweets like baklava.
Cultural shows such as belly dancing, tanoura (traditional folk dance), and sometimes live music complete the experience. All in all, it’s a fantastic way to end your desert safari, as well as your Dubai tour.
