Dubai has plenty of activities to keep every type of traveller entertained.
Whether it’s a sophisticated afternoon tea, an adventure in the dessert or a world-famous waterpark, Dubai has everything covered.
We have compiled a list of must-do activities that travellers certainly won’t want to miss out on. Let’s take a look!
Tea In The Clouds
The Bucket-List Experience
One of the world’s most luxurious and extraordinary High Teas at the Burj Khalifa is a must-do. Guests can take an elevator up to The Lounge and indulge in a lavish afternoon tea 163 levels above ground surrounded by magnificent views of the Dubai skyline.
A luxurious menu of sweet and savoury treats are available including freshly baked pastries, cakes and sweet desserts all made from scratch from the freshest international produce. There’s also an impressive list of loose leaf tea and signature coffee available and cold refreshments to choose from.
Those who prefer an early start will enjoy The Lounge’s Morning Coffee In The Clouds, available daily from 7am to 9am.
Important Info
Opening Hours
Daily 12 - 4pm
Cost
Prices from 430 AED
Location
The Lounge, Burj Khalifa
Aquaventure Waterpark
The Best Waterpark in Dubai
Not your regular fun park, Aquaventure at Atlantis Dubai is the world’s biggest waterpark with over 105 record-breaking slides, attractions, and experiences. It’s a must-visit for families with little children and the young at heart.
Guests can expect record-breaking waterslides with epic heights and turns and high-speed drops, including: Odyssey of Terror – the world’s tallest waterslide; Shockwave – the longest family water coaster in the world; and Aquaconda – the world’s largest tube-waterslide and a whole lot more. The park also comes with a 1km private beach, perfect for those who just want to unwind and soak up the sun.
Also available are watersports, dolphin experiences and access to Dubai’s favourite aquarium, home to over 65,000 marine animals.
Important Info
Opening Hours
Daily 9.45am - 6.30pm
Cost
Day pass from 299 AED for adult non-hotel guests
Location
Atlantis, The Palm
The Starlight Camp
A Peaceful Getaway
Nestled away in the spectacular Arabian desert, The Starlight Camp is ideal for guests who want to experience a magical night under the stars in a dome-shaped transparent pop-up tent with a crystal roof. There are luxurious amenities including a four-poster bed, towels and linens, electric sockets, a Nespresso machine, a small fridge, bathroom amenities and so much more. There’s even a BBQ set on-site complete with F&B trailers with cutleries, silverware, and an outdoor lounge and dining area, and an outdoor bathroom with a standing shower.
A private experience in the dessert perfect for couples, families and even dogs to enjoy with a warm bonfire under the stars.
Important Info
Opening Hours
Daily during the winter months
Cost
Standard Rates from 2600 AED
Location
Arabian Desert (45 mins from DXB airport)
The Dubai Mall
Luxury Retail Therapy
The world’s largest shopping mall is a must-visit. The Dubai Mall is not just great for shopping, it’s also the place to be for entertainment and leisure. The mall is home to over 1,200 retail outlets, two major department stores, over 200 food and beverage outlets and a wide range of entertainment and leisure attractions for families to enjoy.
Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, there are high end designer collection and mass chain retailers, an ice rink and The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, home to over 140 marine species and a 270-degree walk-through tunnel.
Guests will love the Souk Al Bahar, a traditional Arabian market with over 100 shops and 22 restaurants, cafés and lounges and The Dubai Mall Zabeel, which has an additional 63 stores.
Dubai Shopping Festival takes place during the winter months from mid-December to late January, a fantastic experience for tourists and shoppers to truly experience shopping in Dubai and grab some of the best bargains!
Important Info
Opening Hours
Mon-Thurs 10am to 11pm Fri-Sun 10am to 12am
Cost
High-end designers to retail chains
Location
Financial Center Street, Next to Burj Khalifa
Skydive Dubai
For Adrenaline Junkies
Not the most conventional way to see Dubai from above, but it sure is the most thrilling!
An experience to remember – free falling at 120 miles per hour from 13,000 feet in the air, with views of the iconic Palm Jumeirah or the Arabian desert. A perspective only some are brave enough to experience.
Take the leap with a qualified instructor and create the perfect memory with a one-minute video of your free-falling experience.
Important Info
Opening Hours
Thurs-Tues from 7am
Cost
Packages from 1,799 AED
Location
Palm Drop zone or Desert Drop zone
Topgolf Dubai
Competitive Fun
Topgolf is the perfect option for the whole family. No experience needed and everyone of all ages are welcome. Visitors can choose from a range of games to suit every skill level using micro-chipped balls and clubs. Lessons are also available for those who want them as well as exciting promos like Buy 1 Get 1 Game Free and #SundayFunday Brunch.
Delicious food and beverages are available with an accomplished Executive Chef menu providing fresh twists on classics, local specialities and unexpected new creations, perfect for sharing. There’s also a Sports Bar on site that’s open 7 days a week.
Important Info
Opening Hours
Mon to Weds: 12pm - 1am
Thurs: 12pm to 2am
Fri & Sat: 10am to 2am
Sun: 10am to 1am
Cost
From 130 AED per hour per bay, plus lifetime membership fee of 20 AED
Location
Emirates Golf Club
Desert Safari
For Desert Thrills
Morning, evening or overnight – each Desert Safari Tour brings unlimited thrills, fun and excitement for adventure-seekers and the whole family.
Hop in a 4×4 wheel drive from anywhere in Dubai and head straight for the desert for hours of fun and get ready for the thrill of dune bashing to the elation of sandboarding down the dunes, as well as an exciting quad bike or dune buggy ride.
There’s an abundance of desert safari activities waiting for all thrill-seeking tourists including dessert safari with dinner, a city tour, a dune buggy adventure, a marina dinner cruise and more. It all depends on each traveller’s preference and taste!
Important Info
Opening Hours
Morning, evening and overnight options available
Cost
Prices vary, additional charges may apply for other activities
Location
Arabian Desert