One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world is Dubai. It has the second-most five-star hotels in the world, as well as shopping malls with indoor ski slopes and mammoth aquariums. Modern attractions like the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, have made Dubai famous.

I traveled to Dubai a while back, solo, and since then I have been charmed by this unique place that looks like as if it stepped from the pages of Scheherazade’s “One Thousand and One Nights” tales, but with an ultra modern twist.

I was waiting for my kids to grow up to take them to this truly enchanted destination but it is never too early to start planning ahaead.

I love Dubai because in addition to all the glitzy modern extras, this city has many cultural highlights and activities. Just stroll through the Al Fahidi district known as old Dubai to get the “vibe”.

What is the best way to get to Dubai? Through Emirates flight bookings. I flew Emirates several times and it is one of my most favorite airlines – their service is always impeccable. No wonder that at ULTRAs 2022 awards it was awarded the titles of Best Airline in the World and Best Airline in the Middle East. So let’s take a “virtual” tour of Dubai before we fly!

This article lists the best and most popular attractions in Dubai

1. Bastakia (Old Dubai)

The Al Fahidi quarter (formerly known and sometimes still called the Bastakia quarter) was built in the late 1800s as a residential area for wealthy Persian merchants. 

Al Fahidi is located in the eastern part of Bur Dubai along a creek.  Its coral and limestone buildings, often topped with wind towers, are excellently preserved.

Thanks to the wind towers, the houses in the area got early air conditioning – the wind trapped in the tower was channeled down to the houses. This architectural element (common in Iranian coastal houses). It was probably transferred from their homeland to the Persian Gulf by Persian traders.

Inside the area is the Majlis Gallery, which has a collection of traditional Arab ceramics and furniture. The Al Serkal Cultural Foundation, which has a shop, cafe and changing art exhibitions.

2. Mall of the Arab Emirates

Mall of the Emirates is one of the city’s most famous malls, with the stunning (and surreal) Ski Dubai facility inside.

The indoor ski slope has chairlifts and a penguin holding area with constantly maintained temperature. 

There is also a cinema complex and an entertainment center for the whole family, with a whole range of amusement park equipment aimed at young and old.

The shopping possibilities are endless, as are the dining options, where every possible cuisine of the world is offered.

3. Dubai Frame

Located right between Dubai’s old neighborhoods centered on the creeks and the city’s modern sprawl.  This gigantic 150-meter-tall picture frame is one of Dubai’s newest attractions.

Inside, there are several galleries where you can learn about the city’s history and Emirati heritage before ascending to the Sky Deck, where breathtaking views of both the old and new Dubai can be enjoyed.

After that, you can look around the Future Dubai gallery to see what a city of the future might look like.

4. Kite Beach

Dubai’s best spot for kite surfing is the northern section of Umm Suqeim Beach. This lengthy stretch of yellow sand runs south along the coast and eventually becomes Umm Suqeim Beach. It has excellent facilities and dining options, making it ideal for sunbathers who want to relax on the sand while swimming and taking in the sun.

The Burj Al Arab can be seen clearly from the beach’s southern end. Majlis Ghorfat Um Al-Sheef, which is just three kilometers from the beach, is worth visiting when you are in the Jumeirah area for an hour. Numerous shady date palms and a replica of an impressive Arab irrigation system can be found in the Majlis garden.

5. Dubai Creek

The city is divided into two parts by Dubai Creek: Deira in the north and Bur Dubai in the south. Since the first settlers came here to fish and dive for pearls, the stream has influenced the town’s growth. Either by taking one of the numerous dhows that have been converted into tourist cruise ships or by taking an abra, a small wooden ferry, between the ferry stations on the banks of Bur Dubai and Deira, you can view the city from the creek. It’s a great spot for a walk with great water views.

6. Skydiving in Dubai

You can go tandem skydiving over Dubai at Skydive Dubai’s Palm Drop Zone if you want to see the sights and experience an adrenaline rush while you are in the city.

You can get a bird’s-eye view of the Dubai Marina, the city’s skyscraper coastline, and the artificial islands of Palm Jumeirah from there through Emirates flight booking.

The skydive, an instructor in your harness during the dive, and a skydive camera that takes pictures during the dive are all included in the approximately 90-minute experience. Skydive Dubai also offers a separate tandem jump in the desert, 35 kilometers from the city, if you prefer desert dune scenery. Due to its popularity, skydiving in Dubai should be reserved as far in advance as possible.

7. Deira

Deira, which is on the northern bank of Dubai Creek, is a melting pot of different nationalities that have made Dubai their home. Its winding streets show this. Deira is best known to tourists for its traditional souks, or markets, which are always packed with shoppers. The largest gold island in the world is known as Deira’s gold sock. The spice market in Deira offers a wide variety of spices, including aromatic oud wood, rose water, incense, cumin, paprika, sumac, thyme, and saffron. Deira’s two exquisitely restored architectural gems are a must-see for culture enthusiasts.

8. Jumeirah Mosque

Many people think that the most beautiful mosque in Dubai is the Jumeirah Mosque.

A fine example of Islamic architecture, the Jumeirah Mosque is an exact replica of Cairo’s Al-Azhar Mosque that is eight times larger. When it is illuminated by floodlights at night, it is especially appealing.

Guided tours of the mosque are organized by the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Cultural Understanding, which also organizes tours, lectures, Arabic language classes, and cultural meals to help people gain a better understanding of the Muslim faith.

9. Dubai Riverland Resort

You can find everything you need to entertain yourself at Dubai’s parks and resorts. There are a number of world-class theme parks included in this enormous undertaking that provide something for everyone, regardless of age.

For instance, Riverland Dubai has lots of “cultural” experiences from different countries and restaurants, therefore you won’t have to leave the area after you’ve done everything in the amusement park because there is also a lot of nighttime entertainment here. So, have fun with all of Dubai’s entertainment!

CONCLUSION

No matter where you come from or what your previous travel experiences are you are guaranteed to love something about Dubai, to find something that appeals to you and enjoy it wholeheartedly. I know I am definitely looking forward to going back.

If you found this article about Dubai attractions useful, please, share it with others as it may help them in their travel plans too.

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