Why visit Dubai in the United Arab Emirates you may ask yourself? Simple answer? Because it’s a destination that never stands still. Weaving alleyways of Old Dubai sit side-by-side with vibrant modern creative Dubai.
Innovative, forward-thinking and with record-breaking attractions in abundance, Dubai is a city that has a lot to offer. For those on a tight budget, there are incredible free things to do in Dubai to save money.
In this post we will answer the following questions:
- Why go to Dubai?
- What is Dubai like?
- Why is Dubai popular?
- Where to go in Dubai
Reasons not to visit Dubai– there are none!
Check out our list of reasons why you should visit Dubai.
- 1. STUNNING BEACHES
- 2. DUBAI IS A MAJOR AIRPORT HUB
- 3. FUTURISTIC ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
- 4. CLIMB THE TALLEST BUILDING IN THE WORLD
- 5. ADRENALIN FILLED ADVENTURES
- 6. CULTURE
- 7. AMAZING CHOICE OF ATTRACTIONS
- 8. EXPLORE DUBAI'S DESERT
- 9. DUBAI IS FAMILY ORIENTED
- 10. RETAIL THERAPY HEAVEN
- 11. EXPLORE DUBAI MIRACLE GARDEN
- 12. INCREDIBLE FOOD SCENE
- 13. STAY AT THE ICONIC BURJ AL ARAB HOTEL
- 14. PALM JUMEIRAH IS THE WORLD'S LARGEST ARTIFICIAL ISLAND
- 15. DUBAI FOUNTAIN DISPLAY IS MESMERISING
- 16. VISIT ABU DHABI ON A DAY TRIP
- WHY DUBAI IS THE BEST PLACE TO VISIT
- FAQ'S
- WHY VIST DUBAI CONCLUSION
1. STUNNING BEACHES
One of the main reasons to visit Dubai is for the beautiful sandy beaches. Blessed with crystal-clear waters, little rain and year round sunshine, Dubai is a perfect beach getaway.
Picture pristine stretches of white sand abut calm blue waters and you may be forgiven for thinking you had landed in paradise.
From sporty Kite Beach and quiet Sunset Beach, to pristine Al Mamzar Beach and the untouched shoreline of Black Palace Beach.
The shores are lined with luxurious hotel resorts, offering you your own private slice of beachfront.
2. DUBAI IS A MAJOR AIRPORT HUB
As a major airport hub in the Middle East, Dubai is a perfect place for a stopover. With easy access and connections to cities worldwide, Dubai is a great place to stop and spend time en route to your final destination.
However, with so many fascinating places to be visited in Dubai, the country is a destination in its own right.
3. FUTURISTIC ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
Dubai’s skyline glistens with towering skyscrapers of every height, shape and size. In fact, the city is renowned for it’s architectural designs and futuristic looks.
Home to some amazing structures known for their incredible vision and ingenuity you will be spoilt for choice when exploring the city. Here are some to look out for:
- Dubai Marina is an artificial canal city, built along a stretch of Persian Gulf shoreline.
- Madinat Jumeirah is an attractive interpretation of a traditional Arab village
- Museum of the Future is a beautiful oblong-shaped structure clad in steel and glass, with striking calligraphy panels all around. This is Dubai’s latest famous landmark.
- The Opus is crafted in the form of a cube with two separate towers that merge together.
- Jumeirah Beach Hotel was inspired by the shape of a cresting wave.
- Dubai Frame, a supersized picture frame offers 360-degree views of the city from a height of 150m.
- The Green Planet is enclosed in a glass-case cylinder with the world’s largest manmade tree at the centre.
4. CLIMB THE TALLEST BUILDING IN THE WORLD
The world famous Burj Khalifa has to be the most popular place to visit in Dubai and for good reason. This towering iconic structure stands over 828m in height, piercing the skyline with its innovative design.
Over 33,000 square metres of LED nodes light up the exterior panelling at night. Take a tour to the top and enjoy stunning panoramic views from observation decks.
5. ADRENALIN FILLED ADVENTURES
Dubai trips certainly cater for the adventure-seekers looking for thrilling activities and adventures. You can skydive over Palm Jumeirah for stunning city and island views. Or how about speeding across Dubai Marina at around 80km/h on a zipwire.
If heights are not your idea of adventure, the warm waters of the Gulf offer a multitude of watersports. From windsurfing and scuba diving to wakeboarding and flyboarding.
That’s before you hit the desert for a thrilling ride across the dunes or dine under the stars at a Bedouin camp. Not forgetting an exhilarating luxury hot air balloon ride at dawn.
Check out some of the activities you can experience below!
6. CULTURE
Dubai has a rich history and traditional Arabic culture. Once solely reliant on fishing, trading and pearl diving, Dubai Creek is a bustling hub with abras crossing the waterways.
You can board one of these traditional boats, and cross the creek that separates Bur Dubai from Deira, Dubai’s city centre.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is a key heritage site and a place to still see traditional wind towers constructed from stone, teak, gypsum, palm wood and sandalwood.
A great place to gain a better appreciation of Dubai’s culture and customs, is at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU).
7. AMAZING CHOICE OF ATTRACTIONS
With such an array of incredible sights and things to do, yo could easily fill a week or more in Dubai. From museums, culture, art, history and new cuisines, to family experiences, spas and thrilling adventures.
There are free things to do in Dubai alongside attractions such as City Walk, Dubai Water Canal, IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts.
So whether you are looking for waterparks, an observation wheel, aquariums, skiing, legoland, shopping or dining, you will find it here in Dubai.
- Jumeirah Mosque, was built entirely from white stone in the medieval Fatimid tradition, and is stunning lit up at dusk. This is the best mosque to visit in Dubai.
- Dubai Opera hosts a range of ballets, concerts and operas.
- Dubai Museum offers great insight into Emirati life and culture.
- Alserkal Avenue is one of the region’s leading art hubs.
8. EXPLORE DUBAI’S DESERT
Dubai may be a cosmopolitan city with an innovative outlook and a plethora of magnificent building. However within easy access is an abundant desert sand landscape just willing to be explored.
Traversing the Arabian Desert surrounding Dubai is an adventure in itself. The red hue of the rolling sand dunes is truly captivation. And luckily there are many ways to experience it.
- Take a desert safari maneuvering over sand dunes at high speeds.
- Head to “Big Red”, the largest sand dune in the UAE and navigate the sandy landscape on a quadbike.
- True adrenaline-seekers will want to glide down the dunes on a sandboard.
Why travel to Dubai if you miss out the desert? It’s one of the must visit places Dubai has to offer visitors.
9. DUBAI IS FAMILY ORIENTED
Dubai is an ideal holiday destination for families. There are a wealth of family-friendly hotels offering excellent kids clubs.
Why is Dubai so popular with families?
Thrilling water park rides, climbing over desert dunes, and riding record-breaking rollercoasters, ensure there is something to keep everyone happy.
Kids will love taking an abra across Dubai Creek, touring the city in an open-top bus and exploring the Disney theme of magical lands in Dubai Miracle Garden.
10. RETAIL THERAPY HEAVEN
The modernity of Dubai is evident in its wealth of luxury shopping malls. Shopaholics will be in retail heaven. Dubai is home to the world’s largest shopping mall, and believe us, it is HUGE!
Dubai Mall in downtown Dubai, is a destination in itself. Shopping aside, there are some incredible family-focused attractions here. From an Olympic-sized skating rink to an amazing Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
Plus, next door is the world’s tallest building, famous and iconic Burj Khalifa.
For non-shoppers the multitude of malls also boast fun attractions, dining spots and much more to explore.
Mall of The Emirates is home to an indoor ski slope. Ibn Battuta Mall’s intricately decorated dome, elaborate tiling, and gigantic golden elephant pay homage to the famed Arab explorer Ibn Battuta’s world travels.
If retail therapy at high-end malls isn’t your scene, shop the Arabian way in Dubai’s traditional souks and markets. They are a great place to visit in Dubai and engage with local shopkeepers and stall holders.
Bur Dubai, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city is where traditional souks flourish. Stock up on exotic fabrics and pashminas at the Textile Souk, before crossing Dubai Creek to Deira.
Here you’ll find narrow lanes with the city’s ancient gold souk and spice souk. Merchants would for centuries bring perfume, spices, gold and coffee from afar to trade.
You’re sure to find everything you want and more in Dubai.
And the best thing? Seasonal sales and massive citywide retail celebrations take place all through the year, so it’s always a good time to bag yourself a bargain!
Dubai Shopping Festival runs from December to January, Dubai Summer Surprises from June to August, and Dubai Home Festival from April to May.
11. EXPLORE DUBAI MIRACLE GARDEN
Relatively new places to visit in Dubai include Dubai Miracle Garden. This 72,000sqm park has transformed famous structures into stunning flower displays.
The centrepiece covered in over 500,000 fresh flowers, is an Airbus A380 superjumbo aircraft. Horticulturists will delight in the displays brimming with vibrant colours, while kids will love the teddy bear and smurf’s village.
Tourism in Dubai portrays the ultimate vision of the country, announcing famous sites in Dubai that are being built.
12. INCREDIBLE FOOD SCENE
Dubai is a paradise for food lovers, boasting some of the world’s finest restaurants. With hundreds of nationalities living in Dubai, restaurants offer menus to satisfy every palate.
From family-friendly cafes and traditional Emirati cuisine to street dining and Michelin-worthy restaurants. Enjoy flavours from across the globe such as Indian and Moroccan cuisines.
Traditional Arabic eateries offer a concoction of tantalising flavours. Stroll through older neighbourhoods such as Bur Dubai and sample dates, samosas and local sweets.
TOP TIP: Why not take a walking food tour!
Foodies visiting Dubai, can experience fine dining at a host of celebrity-owned restaurants. Try a modern take on British classics at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, Nobu Matsuhisa’s down-to-earth Japanese food or Vineet Bhatia’s Indian food.
If you are on a shoestring budget, there is plenty of unpretentious dining in Dubai. Delicious street fare including flavoursome curries, hearty soups and mouthwatering dumplings cater to those watching their pennies.
The Dubai brunch is a culinary institution, and a must for any visitors. These all-you-can-eat feasts come with differing price-tags depending on location and views.
13. STAY AT THE ICONIC BURJ AL ARAB HOTEL
Constructed in the shape of a sail, this striking hotel has a reputation for glamour and extravagance. Surrounded by the Arabian Gulf, the hotel is located on an artificial island just off Dubai’s mainland, and connected by a bridge road.
Boasting interiors decorated in 24-karat gold, Italian statuario marble walls and the world’s largest Swarovski crystal ceiling, this is luxury in a nutshell.
While a stay here may not be within your budget, you can enjoy afternoon tea with a view to sample some of the hotel’s finery. Check prices!
For tourists, Dubai has a wealth of different accommodation options to suit all budgets.
14. PALM JUMEIRAH IS THE WORLD’S LARGEST ARTIFICIAL ISLAND
Dubai’s iconic palm-shaped island is an amazing feat of engineering. Home to decadent luxurious hotels, private beach clubs and trendy restaurants.
Stroll along Palm Jumeirah boardwalk, visit Nakheel Mall, The Pointe and five-star Atlantis The Palm resort.
You get a true appreciation of the marvelous palm shape and fronds from the air, the water or a 360-degree observation deck at The View at the Palm.
From level 52 outdoor terrace of the Palm Tower you can enjoy views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and beyond.
15. DUBAI FOUNTAIN DISPLAY IS MESMERISING
Visiting places in Dubai like Dubai Fountain are great fun for kids and adults alike. The nightly captivating water, music and light experience is also free!
Located at the foot of Burj Khalifa on Burj Lake, the fountain jets up to 22,000 gallons of water as high as 140m in the air at any one time. The show is one of the best places to visit in Dubai, especially for those on a budget.
This may be one of the popular tourist places in Dubai, so be sure not to miss this incredible show.
16. VISIT ABU DHABI ON A DAY TRIP
You can easily visit Abu Dhabi from Dubai on a day trip. Dubai public transport is easy to navigate. While not as glossy and glamorous as its neighbour, Abu Dhabi has charm in abundance.
A must-see sight is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a truly stunning building whose architecture and history will astound. Read our post HOW TO VISIT SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE which includes everything you need to know before your visit.
WHY DUBAI IS THE BEST PLACE TO VISIT
We’ve covered the main reasons for a Dubai visit, but here are some other reasons to book those Dubai trips:
- Dubai is an easy city to navigate with great public transport options. In fact you can read about how to use Dubai public transport in this post.
- It provides a great base to venture out on day trips to Abu Dhabi, Hatta, Al Ain and Ras Al-Khaimah.
- In terms of weather, Dubai is a year-round destination
- There are many free attractions for budget minded travellers
- You will feel perfectly safe visiting Dubai as a woman
- There is always an event or festival happening
Check out all our Dubai posts here!
FAQ’S
IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO DUBAI?
Yes, Dubai is very safe as a destination, with little crime and strict rules.
IS IT EASY TO TRAVEL TO DUBAI
Yes, whether by international flights or by road via neighbouring countries.
WHAT IS DUBAI FAMOUS FOR?
Dubai is best known for its incredible engineering marvels and futuristic architecture. There are a plethora of Dubai tourist places to visit. But Dubai visitors will be amazed by its culture, beaches, opulence and more.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT DUBAI?
Basically any time of the year as the country enjoys a sunny climate. With new places to visit in Dubai you will always have a great experience.
To avoid the extreme temperatures however, the best time of year to visit Dubai is between November and April.
WHEN IS THE CHEAPEST TIME TO VISIT DUBAI?
Hotel deals will be cheaper in the Summer months of April to October. This makes it unbearable for outdoor activities though.
WILL I FIND CHEAP PLACES TO VISIT IN DUBAI?
Dubai has wonderful parks, free beaches and many free things to do if you are on a budget. Plus, many sights can be viewed as you explore on foot.
WHY VIST DUBAI CONCLUSION
So is Dubai worth visiting? Is Dubai a good holiday destination? Hopefully this article has shown you the many exciting things to experience in this buzzing country.
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