Here are some of our favourite things to do in Dubai.
1. Afternoon tea at the Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab is the iconic sail-shaped building that dominates the Dubai Skyline. It is billed as ‘the world’s most luxurious hotel’. It is only open to guests, however, non-guests can make reservations in many of the hotel’s restaurants. One of the most opulent ways to experience this hotel is by booking afternoon tea, which is served in the world’s tallest atrium. Of course, this gourmet experience isn’t cheap but the views, food, service and surroundings do make it all worthwhile.
2. Head to the top of the Burj Khalifa
Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building. It is twice the height of The Empire State Building and three times as tall as the Eiffel Tower.
The needle-shaped super skyscraper takes centre stage in Dubai’s skyline and millions of people come here each year to visit the highest outdoor observatory in the world.
Tip: The best time to visit Burj Khalifa is just before sunset and the observation decks are child-friendly and wheelchair accessible. There’s also free Wi-Fi access.
3. Dine at the Burj Khalifa restaurants
If you are feeling flush you can stay in the hotel in the building or you can make a reservation at one of its many restaurants. At.Mosphere on Level 122 is the place to book for picture-perfect views along with fine-dining. Dinner here is, as you would expect, expensive, but you can also book in for breakfast and high-tea which are a bit more friendlier on the wallet.
4. Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain is set on the man-made Burj Khalifa Lake in downtown Dubai. But this is no ordinary fountain, it is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system – would you expect anything less in Dubai?
Performances take place every day and last around 5 minutes. Daytime shows start at 1pm and 1.30pm apart from Fridays when they take place at 1.30pm and 2pm. Evening shows begin at 6pm and are every half hour until 11pm. When the performances begin, powerful jets shoot the water up to 150 metres high in harmony to the music and illuminated by over 6,000 lights. It’s pretty spectacular.
Tip: The best spot for watching the Dubai Fountain performances is from the Waterfront Promenade just outside the Dubai Mall. You need to get here early to secure a good spot as it gets very busy.
5. Dubai Mall
Shopaholics rejoice because in Dubai you’ll find the world’s largest destination for shopping, entertainment and leisure. The Dubai Mall is massive with square footage equivalent to that of 200 football pitches. There are over 1,200 shops here and a seemingly endless amount of places to eat and drink. Best of all, the whole place is air-conditioned so you can shop and keep cool at the same time.
Tip: To keep the little ones happy while you bash the credit card there is also an Olympic-sized ice rink, children’s play zone and a massive indoor cinema complex.
6. Souk Madinat Jumeirah
If you fancy more traditional-style shopping, but with a modern twist, and air-conditioning, then head to Souk Madinat Jumeirah. The souk is an old-style market that mixes traditional Middle Eastern shopping culture with newer boutiques, souvenir stalls and fashion and jewellery shops. There are also plenty of places to eat with cuisines from all over the world.
Tip: If you need to unwind after all that shopping, there is also a spa in the souk which has a secret garden for outdoor, but private, Thai massages.
7. Dubai desert safari
For a quintessentially Arabian experience, book yourself a desert safari in a 4×4. Hold on tight as your experienced driver and guide charges up the sand dunes and braves the crescents. This is a thrilling way to see the desert and learn more about the history of Dubai, the Emirates and the Arabian Peninsula. You can tailor trips to include some falconry or to get up close and personal with a camel or get a traditional henna tattoo.
One of the more unforgettable experiences is enjoying a traditional feast and performances under a sky of a thousand stars. You can even camp in the desert overnight and start your day with a tranquil desert sunrise.
8. Kite Beach
Kite Beach is a free beach that is very popular with not only sun worshipers but water sports enthusiasts too. Head down the afternoon when the wind picks up and you can hire equipment for kitesurfing, wakeboarding and stand-up paddleboarding. There’s always a game of volleyball too which you can join in and there is a 14km track which joggers and walkers can enjoy.
Tip: When you get hungry grab a bite from one of the beach food trucks. Those in the know head to Salt and order the wagyu beef sliders and a lotus shake.
9. Ski Dubai
When it all gets too hot and you need to cool down make your way to Ski Dubai. Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. Here the temperate is a cool -1° Celsius to 2° Celsius throughout the year. Not only can you rent skis and snowboards here, as well as all the appropriate clothing, you can also book lessons too.
Tip: Whilst you are here, make sure you visit the colony of King and Gentoo Snow Penguins.
10. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Located in the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is the world’s largest suspended aquarium. The 10-million litre tank is home to thousands of aquatic animals including the largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks in the world. In fact, over 300 sharks and rays, and over 140 difference aquatic species swim around and above you as you walk through the aquarium tunnel.
11. Miracle Garden
The Miracle Garden is the world’s largest natural flower garden and has over 109-million flowers planted. But it’s not just your common garden garden! The flowers cover beautiful identifiable structures. For example, you can take a blooming marvellous stroll along a heart-shaped pathway and admire the pyramids and full-size houses covered in blossoms. It is a wonderfully tranquil place to take some time out from the city streets and enjoy Dubai at a slower pace.
Looking to save some money? Here’s our guide to the best free things to do in Dubai!
Climate in Dubai
Dubai has a tropical desert climate, with extremely hot and humid summers and pleasantly warm winters. In the summer, temperatures hover around 40° and in the winter temperatures average around 25°. Humidity is high all year round. However, rainfall in Dubai is infrequent. It mostly rains between December and March in the form of short downpours and an occasional thunderstorm.
When to go to Dubai
In terms of weather, Dubai is best visited in the winter months from November to March. This is also when there are fewer tourists too. However, the one exception to this is during the Dubai Shopping Festival, which takes place in January and February. Dubai comes alive during these months but it is also when a lot of tourists come too.
Tip: If you are planning to visit Dubai for the shopping festival book your flights and accommodation well in advance.
Flying to Dubai
You can fly direct to Dubai from Dublin airport. From Cork, Knock and Shannon airports there are connecting flights via the UK or mainland Europe. Dubai Airport is just 5km (3 miles) away from the city centre. There are plenty of taxis at the airport or if you have a hotel booked, many provide an airport shuttle.
Tip: You can also take the metro from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 which brings you to downtown Dubai.
