Tourist Attractions in Dubai

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Dubai

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Dubai

If you ask yourself where all the “most” is located: the biggest, posh, luxurious, imposing and so on, the answer is in the Arab Emirates. It seems that the sheikhs of Dubai still can’t recover from the sudden oil rain that fell on them and continue to amaze the world community with fabulously expensive and grandiose constructions.

Dubai clearly suffers from gigantomania. Here is the world’s tallest skyscraper Burj Khalifa, an incredible artificial archipelago of the Palm Islands, the largest shopping centre in the world and so on – the list can go on ad infinitum. And Dubai also definitely wants to surprise tourists with the scale of luxury, because there is no other place with such a number of expensive cars, villa palaces and “seven-star” hotels.

Top-30 Tourist Attractions in Dubai

Burj Khalifa

 4.7/5

133286 reviews

The Burj Khalifa tower towers over Dubai, approaching the edge of the Earth’s lower atmosphere. The giant spire is 828 metres high and took six years and almost $1.5 billion to build. Moreover, even such a rich emirate as Dubai could not single-handedly finance the project and turned to neighbouring Abu Dhabi. Inside the tower there are apartments, a hotel and offices. The last residential floor is at 584 metres, followed by a 244-metre steel spire.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

The Dubai Fountain

 4.8/5

92179 reviews

The world’s largest colour and music fountain, located on an artificial lake near the Burj Khalifa skyscraper. The structure consists of several arcs, the height of the largest of which is 275 metres. During the performance more than 6000 thousand light sources are switched on. Due to the play of rays on the surface of the lake, bizarre figures are formed, reaching an incredible height of 150 metres.

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JUMEIRAH EMIRATES TOWERS HOTEL

 4.6/5

8345 reviews

A complex of two skyscrapers connected by a shopping gallery. The height of the first tower is 354.6 metres (office buildings are located here), the height of the second tower is 309 metres. (there is a hotel on its territory). The complex has a swimming pool, spa centre, gyms. All this is placed on separate “female” and “male” floors according to Muslim customs. In the evening, the Emirates Towers are beautifully illuminated.

Open time

The Palm - Jumeirah

 4.7/5

170 reviews

An artificial archipelago in the Persian Gulf, which includes three islands: Palma Deira, Palma Jebel Ali and Palma Jumeirah. Between 2001 and 2006 the creation of embankments was carried out, since 2006 construction began on the finished islands. The connection with the mainland is made by a 300 metre bridge. Residential areas, villas, hotel complexes, as well as shopping centres and restaurants have been built on the Palm Islands.

Dubai Marina

 0/5

One of the new central districts of the city, located on the banks of an artificial bay. The houses stand quite close to the water, so the windows offer a magnificent view, which is quite valuable for Dubai due to the lack of natural views. There is a space for mooring yachts, a luxurious promenade and many picturesque boulevards on the territory of Dubai Marina.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

 4.5/5

12030 reviews

A historic neighbourhood of Dubai that emerged in the early 19th century. Unlike modern neighbourhoods, Bastakiya has retained its traditional Arabian flavour. The neighbourhood is built up with typical stone houses decorated with wood and plaster. On the ground floors of the buildings are souvenir shops, cafes and antique shops. Inside, the dwellings are mostly remodelled in a modern way.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Dubai Mall

 4.7/5

246255 reviews

The shopping centre opened in 2008. It has become the largest and most visited shopping centre in the world. Inside there is a huge 4-level waterfall, which is illuminated in different colours, a catwalk for fashion shows, an aquarium, a zoo and more than two hundred restaurants with the most diverse cuisine. All famous world brands consider it mandatory to open a boutique or showroom in Dubai Mall.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Mall of the Emirates

 4.7/5

124594 reviews

The shopping centre is the second largest after Dubai Mall. Its area is about 600 thousand m². On three levels of the complex there are more than 500 shops where you can buy literally everything, dozens of restaurants and cinemas, Ski Dubai ski centre and an aquarium. Mall of the Emirates rivals Dubai Mall in popularity, but both shopping centres have no shortage of customers.

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Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

 4.5/5

58446 reviews

The giant aquarium at Dubai Mall has a capacity of 10 million litres. There is enough space for 33,000 sea creatures (140 different species in total). Through a transparent front panel 8.3 metres high and 32.8 metres wide, visitors to the mall can observe the life of fish, coral reef inhabitants, sharks and other large marine predators. A 155 metre long transparent tunnel runs through the aquarium.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:15 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:15 PM

The Lost Chambers Aquarium

 4.5/5

10038 reviews

Many tourists call Lost Chambers an even more impressive aquarium than the one in Dubai Mall, although it is smaller in size. But unlike the mall, there are few people here and therefore no queues, although the species diversity is just as extensive. Lost Chambers Aquarium is located on the lower level of the Atlantis Hotel. The design of the aquarium imitates an ancient sunken city.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Dolphin Bay

 4.4/5

939 reviews

Dolphinarium with a variety of show programmes and the opportunity to socialise with these amazing sea creatures. “Dolphin Bay” is considered one of the best and most modern dolphinariums in the world. There are swimming pools, numerous attractions, diving and many more interesting activities. Children come to love visiting the dolphinarium, so it can be considered as the best place for a family holiday.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Dubai Gold Souk

 4.4/5

9183 reviews

A huge bazaar where gold jewellery and other articles of precious metals are sold. Its assortment is so wide that it surpasses all other such markets in the East. Here you can buy articles with all kinds of precious stones made of gold of different colours and grades. At the customer’s request, the jeweller will adjust any jewellery to individual sizes. It is customary to bargain at the market, and sometimes the initial price can be reduced by 30-50 per cent.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Dubai Spice Souk

 4.3/5

3112 reviews

The Dubai Spice Market is most reminiscent of a traditional Arabian bazaar with its mind-blowing smells, vibrant colour and constant hustle and bustle. It sells tonnes of different spices and herbs suitable for any dish from any cuisine in the world. The atmosphere at the market is quite friendly. The sellers are always ready to talk about their goods, advise how to use certain spices and, of course, will gladly bargain with the buyer.

Open time

Monday: 7:30 AM – 9:55 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 9:55 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 9:55 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 9:55 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 9:55 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM

House of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum

 4.4/5

882 reviews

The palace was built in the late 19th century for the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Saeed. It now houses a museum and a library. The exposition tells about different periods of the emirate’s history, including pearl mining and the beginning of the oil era. Many exhibits are devoted to the life and life of Bedouins. In separate rooms, there is a collection that tells the story of Dubai’s ruling family.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday: 3:00 – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Jumeirah Mosque

 4.6/5

5281 reviews

A modern mosque dating from 1979, stylised in the architectural style of the Fatimid era. Since its construction, it has been considered one of the most picturesque mosques in the UAE. The mosque seats 1300 people and houses an Islamic cultural centre. Unlike many Muslim temples in the Middle East, a representative of another religion can enter Jumeirah to view the rich decoration of the building.

Open time

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

 4.6/5

792 reviews

The Centre was opened in 1998. The main purpose of its work is to establish mutual understanding between the non-Muslim and Muslim worlds, to explain the tenets of Islam, the meaning of traditions and customs to all those interested. The centre is located on the territory of a restored wind tower in one of the historical districts of Dubai. Here you can also taste Arabic cuisine or have a philosophical conversation with the locals.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Dubai Museum

 4.3/5

13804 reviews

The City Museum is located in the old Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787. The fortress has served as a residence, prison and garrison. A museum was organised on its territory in 1971. The exposition consists of collections of weapons, household items and tools. Some halls recreate scenes of Dubai life of the first half of the XX century. There is an improvised port, trade shops, workshops and madrasah schools.

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Dubai Opera

 4.7/5

7368 reviews

The Dubai Opera opened in August 2016 with a performance by the legendary Plácido Domingo. The modern opera building is designed not only to organise musical productions, but also to host conferences, shows and various exhibitions. The auditorium seats 1901 people. The futuristic façade of the opera harmoniously blends in with the modern architecture of the centre of Dubai, further beautifying its space.

Open time

Ski Dubai

 4.5/5

30657 reviews

The complex is located on the territory of Mall of the Emirates shopping centre. It is the first ski centre in the Middle East. Up to 1,500 people can ski on the slopes of Ski Dubai at the same time. The snow cover inside the complex reaches 70 cm. In addition to the skiing area, there is also a huge snow park where you can go sledging and play snowballs. There are even penguins in it. For Arab children, this is a real miracle, as they don’t know what real winter is like.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Meydan Racecourse

 4.6/5

2470 reviews

The racecourse was opened in 2010 and, by tradition, has become the largest in the world. It hosts the annual Winter Races, the Dubai International Racing Carnival and the Dubai World Cup. All competitions are very pretentious, the prize money for the winners is a fortune. The length of the racecourse stands is 1.7 kilometres. They can accommodate up to 60 thousand spectators. The hippodrome complex also includes a hotel, a marina, restaurants and a museum.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

 4.6/5

532 reviews

A nature protection zone covering 5% of the area of the Emirate of Dubai. It is home to endangered animals. The Reserve’s staff conducts scientific research in the field of environmental protection and constantly participates in international events. For tourists, jeep safari tours are organised in the reserve, during which it is possible to observe animals.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Dubai Miracle Garden

 4.6/5

70045 reviews

A magnificent and colourful floral oasis in the middle of a modern metropolis. The flower park covers an area of 6.7 hectares, making it the largest in the world. On its territory there are 45 species of flowering plants of the most amazing colour, which merge into an incredible motley picture. The landscape design was created by the best European masters who realised their most daring fantasies during the creation of the park.

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Zabeel Park

 4.5/5

33868 reviews

The park is located close to the centre of Dubai and covers an area of 51 hectares. It has artificial lakes where you can go boating, fountains, children’s playgrounds, picnic areas and jogging paths. Zabil is divided into three parts by motorways, which are connected by crossings. The park is quite crowded on weekends.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Wild Wadi Waterpark Jumeirah

 4.4/5

14914 reviews

A large water amusement park where you can have a great holiday with the whole family. It is considered the best water park in the Arabian Peninsula. “Wild Wadi” is located in the urban area of Jumeirah near the Burj Khalifa Tower. The water park has been built taking into account all the strictest safety requirements and is equipped with the most modern equipment. The architectural concept of the place is realised in the form of stylistics under the Arabian Middle Ages.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Aquaventure Waterpark

 4.5/5

25088 reviews

The water park is located on the artificial island of Palma Jumeirah and is situated on the grounds of the Atlantis Hotel. Many of the park’s attractions are unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. For example, the water slide “Anaconda” 210 metres long and 9 metres wide. Up to 6 people can go down this slide at the same time. On another attraction, a person accelerates up to 60 kilometres per hour during a fall.

Open time

Monday: 8:45 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:45 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:45 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 8:45 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 8:45 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 8:45 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 8:45 AM – 5:30 PM

Jumeirah Beach Park

 4.5/5

555 reviews

One of the best beaches in Dubai, a real oasis in the middle of the desert, created by the skilful hands of landscape designers. The beach is very popular with the local population, as it is equipped with walking areas, gazebos, benches and playgrounds. Only women and children can access Jumeirah Beach Park on Saturdays, while the rest of the time the place works as a regular tourist beach.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Kite Beach

 4.6/5

18469 reviews

As the name suggests, the beach is popular with kitesurfers as it has the most favourable winds for the sport. Kite Beach has no tourist infrastructure, but it is less crowded and offers great views of the Persian Gulf, the city’s skyscrapers and the waterfront. Families with children love to visit the beach as it is a great place to fly a kite.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Marina Beach

 4.7/5

4468 reviews

Urban beach in the prestigious Dubai Marina neighbourhood. The tourist infrastructure is still in its infancy, as the area has only recently been built up, and work is still ongoing in some places. Some tourists note that the water on this beach is cleaner. Among the available activities are camel riding and collecting colourful shells.

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Burj Al Arab

 4.7/5

26893 reviews

The hotel building rises amidst the waters of the Persian Gulf, resting its base on an artificial island. The hotel was opened in 2008. The owners assigned seven stars to the “Sail”, but according to the international classification it has the category of “five-star deluxe”. The hotel is one of the most expensive in the world. For a night in a standard room you will have to pay more than 1000 dollars. On the territory of the “Parus” there are several restaurants, recognised as the best in their category.

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Atlantis, The Palm

 4.7/5

88780 reviews

Located on the island of Palma Jumeirah, the complex opened in 2008. The architectural concept of Atlantis is the legend of the sunken fairytale Atlantis. Murals of Atlantean legends can be seen in the corridors of the hotel. A local aquarium houses various artefacts supposedly from this continent. From the outside, the building resembles a luxurious palace of a sheikh. Atlantis has 17 restaurants, a huge spa centre and a fitness room.

Open time