12 Things To Do In Dubai As A Tourist

Having lived in Dubai for nearly 10 years, this is a list of activities I usually send to my friends who are visiting for a holiday. I have tried to include a mix of the family, couple and single people activities.

12 Things To Do In Dubai:

1) Go to a Circuit Factory class

This is a high energy high-intensity exercise class paired with pumping beats and music 💪 which Joe Wicks (midget trees anyone?) attends when he visits Dubai. Expect to sweat bucket loads and lose a few pounds after the session. Beware, you may have very achy muscles the day after, especially your glut area due to all the squats and burpees, which makes going to the toilet a shakey experience:

https://www.circuitfactory.ae

2) Skydiving at SkyDive Dubai

Get ready to jump out of a plane strapped to a hunky professional skydiver over sunny Dubai. However, I chickened out of a skydive session booked by my husband but have been a few times to support my friends who were brave enough to dive out of the Dubai blue sky!

https://www.skydivedubai.ae

3) Visit the Burj Al Arab

This is the world’s first seven-star hotel, which is described as ‘A global icon of Arabian luxury’.

High tea at the Sky View Bar at the Burj Al Arab gives you a 360-degree panoramic view over all of Dubai and costs around $150 (AED560) per person. The dress code is smart (from experience) – ladies, you may want to get one of your best dresses on and get lots of pictures in.

https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/burj-al-arab-jumeirah

Whilst you are in that area, you may want to visit: Wild Wadi Water Park and Souk Madinat (shops, restaurants and cafes) which are both next to the Burj Al Arab.

4) Go to the Spa!

This is one of the activities I miss most about Dubai. You can book a fantastic spa day along with food, detoxing drinks, pool time, hot tub and jacuzzi in a 5-star hotel resort setting. Matched with either a massage or facial treatment for the perfect combination. Perfect for relaxing and getting ready for a night in or out!

Try the spa at the One and Only Royal Mirage based in the Marina/JBR area. We had our wedding ceremony at this hotel, and it is beautiful with camels and peacocks lounging around. Go to the Jetty Lounge for sunset drinks and there is also a fabulous Morrocon restaurant called ‘Tagine’ for an evening meal option.

https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/royal-mirage

5) Visit Iris in Meydan

This is a very cool and trendy Lebanese Bar in Meydan with an house DJ. This is a favourite hang out place amongst the Lebanese expats. Can just rock up but also book beforehand. Exceptional yummy cocktails and bar food available.

Warning, do put your best fashion foot forward.

6) Zuma in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

This is a top Japanese restaurant and bar. There’s a fantastic express lunch deal offered under the ‘Ebisu Lunch Menu’ where you can try two starters and the main course for $37 / AED137, not including drinks per person. I do miss the miso cod and wagu beef from this restaurant. In the evening, this place has a bar, DJ and lounge area functioning in addition to the busy restaurant area.

https://zumarestaurant.com/locations/dubai

7) Brunch

Bubblicious at Westin hotel is one of the best brunches in Dubai. An array of different cuisines and delicacies to choose from, including Sui Mai and roast duck to oysters, lobsters, Thai and Arabic dishes.

$122–176 / AED450–650 per person depending on whether you want free flowing champagne or not.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dxbmb-the-westin-dubai-mina-seyahi-beach-resort-and-marina/dining/

8) Beach Bar

Barasti beach bar in the Marina / Jumeirah Beach Resort (JBR) is a favourite among Dubai expats and tourists.

https://www.barastibeach.com

9) Visit Burj Khalifa

The tallest building in the world that took away the title from the 101 towers in Taipei, Taiwan. Visit Atmosphere on the top floor fr high tea and breathtaking views over the whole of Dubai.

http://www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com/high-tea

10) Dubai Mall

Visit Dubai mall for shopping and food. Check out the Aquarium, ice rink and fantastic cinema experience. Grab an outdoor seat at one of the restaurants to see the Dubai Dancing Fountains:

https://thedubaimall.com

11) Swimming with Dolphins

Have an incredible experience swimming with dolphins at the Atlantis hotel based on the Palm, an artificial man made island in Dubai.

https://www.atlantis.com/dubai/atlantis-aquaventure/dolphin-bay

12) Sand Dune Bashing

An authentic desert safari experience, with dune bashing, camel riding, sand surfing and a traditional Arabian BBQ feast with belly dancers under the stars.

https://www.dubaitraveltourism.com/desert-safari-tours

These are just 12 recommended activities, but there are lots more, including hitting the ski slopes in Mall of the Emirates, visiting the Gold Souk in Old Dubai if that rocks your boat or trying a Camel Burger with camel milk in Old Dubai and more!

Wishing you a lovely trip!