Do in Dubai – A Helpful City Guide for Tourists Visiting for the First Time

Dubai is a bustling metropolis located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is known for its modern skyline, luxurious shopping, and unique attractions. It’s a city that is constantly changing and evolving, with new buildings, attractions, and activities popping up every day. For tourists visiting Dubai for the first time, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do and see in such a large and vibrant city. This guide will provide an overview of some of the best things to do in Dubai, from the iconic Burj Khalifa to the world’s most luxurious shopping malls.

A Brief History of Dubai

The history of Dubai dates back thousands of years, but it was only in the late 19th century that it began to take shape as a modern city. It was founded by members of the Bani Yas tribe in 1833, who established a small fishing and pearling village on the shores of the Persian Gulf. The city quickly became an important trading hub, exporting pearls, dates, and textiles.

The discovery of oil in 1966 transformed Dubai into a modern city and it quickly became an economic powerhouse in the region. The city underwent a massive construction boom in the early 2000s, with new skyscrapers and modern infrastructure popping up all over the city. Today, Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with millions of people visiting each year to experience its unique culture, attractions, and activities.

What to Do in Dubai

Dubai is a unique city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, culture, or shopping, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Dubai. Here are some of the top activities and attractions to check out on your next visit:

The Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks and is also one of the world’s tallest buildings. At 828 meters (2,717 feet) tall, it is easily visible from miles away and is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Dubai. Visitors can buy tickets to visit the observation deck on the 124th floor and get a birds-eye view of the city below. There is also a spectacular light show that takes place every evening at the base of the tower.

Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is one of the world’s largest shopping centers and a must-visit for any shopaholic. The mall has more than 1,200 stores and 50 restaurants, as well as an indoor theme park and an Olympic-sized ice rink. It’s also home to the world’s largest gold souk, where you can find some of the finest jewelry from around the world.

Desert Safari Tours

No trip to Dubai would be complete without a desert safari tour. These tours take you on an exciting adventure through the desert dunes on a 4×4 vehicle and often include activities like sandboarding, camel rides, and visits to local Bedouin villages. You can find several tour companies offering desert safari tours in Dubai, such as Viator’s Desert Safari Tour, which offers an exciting day trip from Dubai that includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel.

Dubai Miracle Garden

The Dubai Miracle Garden is a beautiful oasis in the middle of Dubai’s desert landscape. The garden covers an area of 72,000 square meters (785,000 square feet) and features more than 45 million flowers in more than 200 different varieties. Visitors can wander through flower-lined pathways or take a leisurely boat ride through the garden’s waterways.

Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is a luxurious hotel located on its own private island off the coast of Dubai. The hotel has become an iconic symbol of Dubai’s wealth and opulence and is often referred to as “the world’s only 7-star hotel” due to its luxurious amenities and service. Visitors can take a tour of the hotel or enjoy dinner at one of its many award-winning restaurants.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is a unique attraction located inside Dubai Mall. The Aquarium holds 10 million liters (2.6 million gallons) of water and houses more than 33,000 aquatic animals from over 140 different species. Visitors can take a walk through the underwater tunnel or explore the underwater zoo where they can discover exotic marine life such as sharks and rays.

Dubai Fountain Show

The Dubai Fountain Show is one of the most popular attractions in Dubai and is sure to be an unforgettable experience. The fountain show takes place every evening at 8pm at Dubai Mall and features powerful jets of water that dance to music by day or light up with colors at night. It’s a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Dubai.

Popular Tours in Dubai

Dubai has many popular tours that offer visitors the opportunity to experience some of its most iconic attractions in a unique way. Here are two popular tours that will help you get the most out of your visit to Dubai:

Half-Day Souks and Creekside Tour

This half-day tour takes visitors on a journey through some of Dubai’s most vibrant souks (markets). The tour begins with a visit to one of the oldest souks in Dubai, the Spice Souk, where visitors can sample some of the region’s finest spices and herbs. The tour then continues to Deira’s Gold Souk, one of the world’s largest gold markets, where visitors can browse thousands of pieces of jewelry made from gold, silver, and precious stones. After exploring the souks, visitors will take a leisurely boat ride down Dubai Creek where they can admire traditional Arabian architecture along the way.

Burj Khalifa Skip The Line Ticket

This tour offers visitors an opportunity to skip the long lines at one of Dubai’s most popular attractions: the Burj Khalifa. This ticket allows visitors to bypass the long queues at the entrance and head straight up to the 124th floor observation deck for unparalleled views over Dubai’s skyline. The ticket also includes access to At The Top SKY Lounge on level 148 for 360 degree views over Dubai from its highest point.

Conclusion

Dubai is one of the world’s most vibrant cities with something for everyone. From iconic attractions such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall to more unique experiences like desert safaris and boat rides down Dubai Creek, there are plenty of things to do in this amazing city. A visit to Dubai will be an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever!