10 Fun Things to Do in Dubai

Sightseeing Tour by Bus

It’s hard to discover a place if you don’t explore it. Going on a sightseeing tour by bus is one of the best things to do in Dubai if it’s your first time visiting, because you learn the lay of the land, as well as what the city has to offer. If you can, get on a hop-on/hop-off tour bus, which you can ride until you find something particularly interesting.

Go Skiing

Another one of Dubai’s iconic images is of indoor skiing, which is done at Ski Dubai in the Mall of Emirates. Dubai’s skiing experience isn’t a joke either—its longest run, which is in excess of 1,300 feet, offers legitimate skiing! Young kids may be better off sliding down on inner tubes than skis.

Atlantis Water Park

Dubai’s indoor Atlantis Water Park has become one of its more famous icons, and with good reason—it’s often cited as the top water park in the world.

Water slides, river rapids, and a lazy river offer cool relief from Dubai’s hot weather, and the architectural marvel of a water park in the desert cannot be underestimated. Relax and play in what seems like a tropical paradise. 

Desert Safari

Don’t forget that you’re in a unique desert atmosphere! Leave the city behind for a day and head out on a desert safari, which will have you careening over sand dudes, taking a camel for a test ride, and feasting on Middle Eastern cuisine. How does that sound for a fun thing to do in Dubai?

Helicopter Tour

Take to the air for this fun thing to do in Dubai, as you fly over the city and gaze upon its impressive sights. You’ll get to see its most famous landmarks, including the well-known World Islands.

Go Fishing

With the water right there, why not head out to sea on a fishing charter? Spend a half day or full day on the water, where you’ll fish for sailfish and other exciting sport fish.

The Dubai Mall

For a full afternoon, one of the most fun things to do in Dubai is to wander around the Dubai Mall. This mall is staggeringly large—it has a theme park, an aquarium, full-sized ice rink, 22-screen cinema, and a water fountain worthy of a spot on the Las Vegas Strip. The Dubai Mall even has stores! It must be seen to be believed, so spend some time taking it in.

Dubai Museum

Going to the city’s top historical museum is an underrated fun thing to in Dubai. Many visitors know little of its past, and the Dubai Museum does an excellent job of telling the city’s story.

Have Friday Brunch

If you like to eat, clear your schedule for the late morning on Friday. The weekend in Dubai kicks in on Friday, and restaurants welcome it with buffet brunches of varying price levels. Whether you choose to break the bank or not, you’ll walk away feeling very satisfied.

Head to the top of Burj Khalifa

Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, and its observation deck offers awe-inspiring views. The city must be cool if one of the fun things to do in Dubai includes getting to stand at the top of the world’s tallest building.

Read about more Dubai tourist attractions.