Dubai is not just skyscrapers and shopping malls. In addition to visiting malls, you can find activities and experiences for every taste in the city itself and its surroundings. We have compiled a list of the most interesting places to visit and things to see.
In the city itself and its surroundings, you can find activities and experiences to suit every taste. LocalsInsider Elizaveta has compiled a list of the most interesting places to visit and things to see.
The View at The Palm — see Dubai from above
Address: The Palm Tower, Nakheel Mall, Dubai
Website: theviewpalm.ae
This is an open observation deck on the 52nd floor of Dubai’s Palm Tower, offering panoramic views of the skyscrapers, the Palm Jumeirah archipelago, and the Arabian Gulf.
A high-speed elevator will take you to the top in just a minute.
Last admission is at 7:30 p.m., and adult tickets cost around $30. There are also lounge terraces and restaurants, so you can plan your dinner right away.
Alserkal Avenue — visit an art district in former warehouses
Address: 17th Street, Al Quoz 1, Dubai
How to get there: by taxi or car to Al Quoz, landmark — 17th St / First Al Kh
Website: alserkal.online
Where else to go in Dubai? If you are interested in culture and art, you should definitely visit this “city within a city.”
Alserkal Avenue is Dubai’s largest contemporary art center, located in the industrial district of Al Quoz. It was founded in 2007–2008, when galleries, cafes, and theater venues appeared on the site of old warehouses.
Now there are about 60–70 galleries and exhibition halls, the first arthouse cinema, venues for theaters, stand-up comedy, and concerts, as well as numerous cafes and restaurants.
And, of course, it is the main attraction for all creative people in Dubai.
By the way, you can read about where Dubai’s bohemian crowd goes in the Dubai travel guide by art guide Marina Omelanyuk, which she wrote especially for us!
Al Fahidi Historical District (Al Bastakiya) — take a stroll through Old Dubai
Address: Bur Dubai, on the banks of Dubai Creek, near Al Fahidi metro station
If you want to see a historic district with authentic 19th-century buildings and are wondering what else to do in Dubai, this is the place for you.
Photo: www.visitdubai.com
This is what the city looked like before the skyscrapers. Al Bastakiya has preserved its narrow streets and wind towers, as well as many galleries and workshops where artists, engravers, and craftsmen work.
There is also a museum of rare Arab coins and a coffee museum with tastings. After you’ve had your fill of walking, you can stroll along the waterfront to another district, Al Seef.
This is essentially a continuation of the Creek promenade, with wooden platforms lined with retro-style cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.
Here you can take pictures against the backdrop of traditional boats, dine with a view of the water, or rent an abra (a boat) for 30 cents to sail to the other side, to the Gold Souq and Spice Souq markets.
Overnight Desert Safari — spend the night in the desert
Lahbab Desert: about 50 km south of central Dubai, along the Dubai-Khatt highway — a classic “Red Dune Desert” with red dunes
Al Awir Desert: a quieter and less crowded option, about 35 km from Dubai
Of course, in the United Arab Emirates, you have to visit the desert and ride the dunes, and ideally stay there overnight to sit by the fire in the pitch darkness and look for the Milky Way.
Desert safaris are usually organized by local tour operators and include a trip to the desert with evening activities, an overnight stay in a camp (usually in tents), breakfast, and sunrise.
You can book a night in a shared camp (around $100) or choose a more expensive option — your own tent and dinner for two with champagne.
Usually, a “night in the desert” starts around 3:00 p.m. and lasts until the next morning. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the desert in jeeps.
The program includes dune riding, sunset, a national show, a traditional dinner by the campfire, and a night in the desert under the stars.
And if you don’t like group activities and would rather sit by the campfire in the desert alone — in your own pool — check out this glamping in the desert of the Emirate of Sharjah, recommended by Dubai artist Elizaveta Pugacheva (link to Elizaveta’s top list here).
Hatta Dam Blue Lagoon — kayak among the mountains
How to get there: take the RTA bus (34 dirhams), which departs every 2 hours from Dubai Mall, or by car
About 100 kilometers from Dubai, in the emirate of Hatta, is one of the UAE’s main natural attractions — a blue lagoon among the rocks.
Here you will find truly turquoise cool water, postcard views, and, most often, no tourist crowds.
You can walk, mountain bike, or kayak or paddleboard (the main activity here).
You can rent equipment for $15–25 per hour, and the conditions are suitable even for beginners.
It’s best to come in the morning or, conversely, at sunset, around 4 p.m. Bring a blanket and have a picnic on the shore.
Jebel Jais — ride the world’s longest zipline
Address: Jebel Jais Flight, Wadi Shehah, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Phone: +971 4 815 7333
WhatsApp: +971 50 423 1542
Website: visitjebeljais.com/adrenaline/jais-flight
For adrenaline junkies, this is where you’ll find the longest zip line in the world.
It takes about 2.5 hours to get there from Dubai, and it is located on Jebel Jais Mountain in the northeast of the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. The launch site is at an altitude of 1,600 meters, and you will fly continuously for almost three kilometers through canyons and gorges at a speed of 160 km/h!
The flight lasts only 3 minutes, but the sensations will last for a long time.
Interestingly, a special horizontal suspension system is used for the flight, which means you fly in a “superhero” position, stomach down. There are weight and height restrictions (up to 120 kg and from 130 cm).
Tip: book your ticket online in advance (cost around $100) and dress warmly — it can be cool at the top.
Hatta — take a trip to the mountains and spend a day in the fresh air
Address: Hatta, Dubai Emirate, UAE
This is a natural region of Dubai that is very different in terms of climate, nature, and lifestyle. Here you will find mountains, dams, ecotourism, water bodies, and outdoor activities.
You can only get here by car, in about an hour and a half to two hours. People usually spend weekends here, but you can also go on a day trip.
Things to do: kayaking on the lake (you can rent a kayak, SUP, or pedal boat), zip-lining, archery, hiking (there are many marked trails), and visiting the beekeeping center.
There is also a large HATTA sign on the mountainside (similar to Hollywood), which you can climb to in about half an hour on foot and enjoy the view of the dam.
Top Places to Visit & Things to Do in Dubai
- Hatta — Hike, kayak, or relax in Dubai’s mountain oasis
- The View at The Palm — Panoramic city and sea views from above
- Alserkal Avenue — Creative art district with galleries and cafés
- Al Fahidi Historical District (Al Bastakiya) — Stroll through Old Dubai and explore museums
- Overnight Desert Safari — Ride dunes, dine by campfire, and sleep under the stars
- Hatta Dam Blue Lagoon — Kayak or paddleboard among dramatic mountains
- Jebel Jais Zipline — Fly on the world’s longest zipline at 160 km/h
If you want more ideas for inspiration and itineraries in the UAE, be sure to check out the special guide to Dubai from our insider, artist Elizaveta Pugacheva. She has been living here for over three years and has compiled her own list of favorite places — where to have breakfast with a view, which beach to choose, and where to see the stars in the desert.
Editor’s Tip from Locals Insider:
If you’re in Dubai and ready to drive all the way out to Hatta for mountain views, you might also want to consider a longer day trip to the Louvre Abu Dhabi — one of the region’s most iconic cultural spots. The museum opened in 2017 and was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, featuring a stunning dome that creates a “rain of light” effect.
Inside, you’ll find impressive collections spanning ancient to contemporary art, including works by Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Ai Weiwei, as well as rotating global exhibitions. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive there from Dubai, so it’s perfect for a cultural day out.
More info: louvreabudhabi.ae
