Dubai is a city like no other that has quite literally popped up out of the desert! This city is full of exciting things to do – from city experiences to desert encounters and everything in between. If you follow me on Instagram you will know I’ve just had the most incredible week in Dubai. Seriously, I could never get bored of this city! Here are the most unique things to do in Dubai if you’re in search of something special!
The Best Things to do in Dubai
1. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon Over the Desert
There are only a handful of experiences I would say leave me speechless. The pink sunrise over ripples of sand dunes in the Dubai desert being one of them! Waking up to a 4:00 am alarm is well worth it when you’re met with the calm serenity of the desert below as you glide over it.
2. Visit the World’s only 7-star Hotel
Although technically there’s no such thing, a step inside the Burj Al Arab will soon explain why or how this hotel has earned its reputation as the world’s only seven star hotel. Of course this kind of luxury does not come cheap, so if you’re eager to have a squiz around, book a spa appointment to enjoy the spa facilities before and/or after your treatment. Its just a bonus you will get to encounter the property on your way up to the eighteenth floor!
3. Take in the View from the World’s Tallest Building
The Burj Khalifa is currently the world’s tallest building and hosts a view that will be hard to beat! Tickets to the top sell out days in advance, so be sure to book this one in advance. The views from the top are never the same twice – on a clear day you can see all of the city, though a cloudy day will leave you up in the clouds (literally!)
4. Visit the Lost Chamber
If you’re a marine wildlife enthusiast, you’ll have plenty of encounters on offer in Dubai! Aside from the Dubai mall aquarium, there’s also the Lost Chamber at the Atlantis Hotel, located on the tip of Dubai’s iconic palm.
5. Indulge in Arabic Mezze
Nearly always my favourite aspect of travelling to different countries and cultures is to experience the food, and Arabic cuisine is no exception! Dubai is a mecca for cuisines from around the world, but my favourite to indulge in here is still traditional Arabic mezze. Think falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush salad and so much more!
6. Dune Bash in a 1948 Land Rover
One of the most popular activities in Dubai is the visit the desert and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There are so many companies offering safaris of different calibres, but none will match the experience on offer with Platinum Heritage. Buckle up as you bash around the dunes in a 1948 Land Rover, spotting desert wildlife along the way.
7. Fly over the Iconic Dubai Palm
The palm is an icon of Dubai and is every bit impressive to see as you would imagine! Hop on board a helicopter ride to fly over the palm from the best view: over top of it.
8. Sniff out Exotic Spices at the Dubai Spice Souks
If you’re looking for more culture and history than you will find in the centre of Dubai, head on over to Old Dubai and visit the local spice market and neighbouring gold souks. Granted, it is catered towards tourists (all the key rings you could imagine), but is a great experience if you’re in search of the older side to Dubai.
9. Ski Indoors at Ski Dubai
Skiing in the desert might not be the first activity on your mind when visiting the sweltering heat of the Arabian desert, but it is still an option! Inside the maze that is the Mall of Emirates you will find Ski Dubai, an entirely man-made indoors ski resort. There’s only one slope (though you can stop halfway) but its a great activity if you want to burn some energy and experience skiing indoors.
10. Experience the Iconic Atlantis the Palm
There’s no hotel in Dubai quite as classic and iconic as the Atlantis! This impressive structure has a lot to offer visitors to Dubai beyond a hotel, with its’ own aqua adventure park, a variety of restaurants, a spa, and its’ own private beach.
11. Swim in a Glass Pool at the Four Seasons
I do love a good hotel pool and if the photo is anything to do it justice, the Four Seasons DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) is one of my favourites to date! This glass pool is open to hotel guests and has one of the most beautiful views of Dubai’s clock tower (in my opinion!)
12. Encounter Oryx and Gazelle in the Desert
Last but not least, you can’t come to Dubai without seeing the unique wildlife! Oryx and Gazelle are the most common and easy to spot in the desert (especially Oryx thanks to their colouring), but if you’re lucky you could spot all manner of desert animals!
Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.
