32 crazy things
you will only see
and do in dubai
November 7th
Here’s a closer look at 32 of the most incredible things you can only see and do in Dubai.
1. Ski in the desert
Step inside Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort inside the Mall of the Emirates, and forget the desert outside. With five ski runs, a snow park and real penguins, it’s a surreal way to escape the heat. You can ski, snowboard, or even take ski lessons on real snow.
2. Rent a supercar for the day
In Dubai, supercars are everywhere. From Ferraris to Rolls-Royces, you can rent your dream car for a day and cruise Sheikh Zayed Road in style. With plenty of rental agencies, it’s easy to find a car that suits your taste and budget.
3. Have dinner in the sky
At Dinner in the Sky, your table is suspended by a crane 50 metres above the city. Enjoy a gourmet meal with views of Dubai Marina, the Palm Jumeirah, and the city lights. It’s an unforgettable mix of fine dining and thrill-seeking.
4. Visit the world’s tallest building
The Burj Khalifa stands at 828 metres and offers observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors. Book a sunset slot for spectacular views of the city turning golden. For a luxurious touch, dine at At.mosphere, the world’s highest restaurant.
5. Stay in an underwater suite
The Atlantis The Palm offers underwater suites where floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of a massive aquarium. Wake up to sharks and rays gliding past your bedroom—a surreal and serene experience.
6. Swim in the world’s deepest pool
Deep Dive Dubai is a record-breaking 60-metre pool designed to look like a sunken city. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, you can explore submerged apartments, cars, and even an underwater library.
7. Go on a desert safari
Leave the city behind and head into the desert for dune bashing, camel rides and sandboarding. Most safaris end with a Bedouin-style dinner under the stars, complete with traditional music and dance performances.
8. Dine underwater
At Ossiano in Atlantis The Palm, enjoy a multi-course menu while surrounded by marine life. The aquarium setting adds an almost meditative quality to the experience.
9. Zipline over Dubai Marina
The XLine Dubai Marina is the longest urban zipline in the world. Fly across skyscrapers and yachts at speeds of up to 80 km/h. It’s an adrenaline rush with a view.
10. Visit the Miracle Garden
The Dubai Miracle Garden is a floral extravaganza with over 50 million flowers. Highlights include life-size floral sculptures like an Airbus A380 and heart-shaped arches. It’s a burst of colour in the desert.
11. Take a helicopter tour
Fly above Dubai for panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and World Islands. Helicopter tours offer a unique way to appreciate the city’s ambitious architecture and layout.
12. Swim with sharks
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo lets you dive into its massive tank to swim alongside tiger sharks and rays. If diving isn’t your thing, you can still walk through the 48-metre underwater tunnel.
13. Explore the Green Planet
The Green Planet is an indoor rainforest housing over 3,000 species, from sloths to snakes. Wander through the bio-dome’s layers, starting at the forest floor and climbing up to the canopy.
14. Watch a fountain show on steroids
The Dubai Fountain is the largest choreographed fountain in the world. Set to music, the water jets shoot up to 150 metres. Evening shows, with the Burj Khalifa lit up in the background, are especially mesmerising.
15. Visit a gold ATM
Dubai’s luxury knows no bounds—here, ATMs dispense gold bars instead of cash. Found in high-end locations like the Burj Al Arab, it’s an only-in-Dubai quirk.
16. Go shopping in the world’s largest mall
The Dubai Mall isn’t just a shopping centre. It’s home to over 1,200 shops, an aquarium, an ice rink, and a VR park. You could spend days here and still not see everything.
17. Witness robot jockey camel racing
Camel racing is a deeply rooted tradition in the UAE, but Dubai has modernised it with robot jockeys. Visit the Al Marmoom Camel Racing Track for a fascinating mix of heritage and innovation.
18. Walk through the Dubai Frame
This giant gold frame offers panoramic views from a glass bridge. On one side, you’ll see old Dubai; on the other, the glittering skyline of modern Dubai.
19. Stroll through Alserkal Avenue
Alserkal Avenue is Dubai’s hub for contemporary art. Housed in former warehouses, it’s packed with galleries, studios, and unique pop-ups. It’s perfect for a quiet afternoon of culture.
20. Enjoy Friday brunch
In Dubai, Friday brunch is an event. Hotels like the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Al Qasr offer lavish buffets with fresh seafood, desserts, and unlimited drinks.
21. See an artificial archipelago
The Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands are man-made marvels. You can explore them by boat, helicopter, or even skydiving for a bird’s-eye view.
22. Have tea at the Burj Al Arab
Enjoy high tea in one of the world’s most iconic hotels, the Burj Al Arab. The tiered platters of pastries and finger sandwiches are served with stunning views of the Gulf.
23. Explore an underwater city
Deep Dive Dubai also features an intricate underwater cityscape, with submerged apartments, props, and even a car to explore.
24. Relax in a luxury hammam
For the ultimate pampering, visit a high-end hammam like the Raffles Spa or One&Only Spa, where traditional Turkish baths meet modern luxury.
25. Watch horse racing at Meydan
The Meydan Racecourse is home to the Dubai World Cup, one of the richest horse races globally. Even if you’re not into racing, the grandeur of the venue is worth experiencing.
26. Visit the Museum of the Future
This architectural masterpiece focuses on innovation and cutting-edge technology. It’s a fascinating look at what lies ahead for humanity.
27. Try sandboarding
For thrill-seekers, sandboarding down the dunes of Dubai’s desert is a must. It’s like snowboarding but with golden sands instead of snow.
28. Cruise the Dubai Canal
Take a luxury boat tour along the Dubai Water Canal and enjoy views of the city from a different angle. Evening cruises are especially scenic.
29. Stay on a floating hotel
The QE2, a retired luxury cruise liner, is now docked in Dubai as a floating hotel. It’s a blend of maritime history and modern comfort.
30. Eat gold-covered food
Dubai’s dining scene includes dishes topped with edible gold, from burgers to cappuccinos. While extravagant, it’s a quintessential Dubai experience.
31. Visit a desert conservation reserve
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve offers private safaris where you can spot Arabian oryx and other native wildlife.
32. Marvel at Ain Dubai
The Ain Dubai is the world’s largest observation wheel, located on Bluewaters Island. The views from its pods are unmatched, spanning the Gulf, Palm Jumeirah, and city skyline.
Join me as I uncover the hidden luxuries in everyday moments and share the magic of authentic travel experiences. Explore the world through my lens and be inspired by stories that celebrate the beauty and culture of each destination I visit.
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