15 Exciting Things to do in Dubai (2026)

Discover the most exciting things to do in Dubai, from desert safaris and skydiving to iconic landmarks, beaches, and unforgettable experiences.

We are fortunate to have a guest post from Tim from Outdoor With J, sharing with her 15 exciting things to do in Dubai. 

The metropolis of Dubai has become one of the most enticing and unique tourist destinations in the world, with hundreds of tourists visiting it throughout the year. Dubai does not disappoint; between its amazing landscapes and its rich cultural history, it more than lives up to the hype. I know I was in awe right from the first day of my arrival.

Exciting Things to do in Dubai

1. Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa, which rises above the city at an impressive 2,716 feet (828 meters) and has 200 floors (160 habitable), is the tallest building in the world and of course, is one of the most exciting things to do in Dubai. With breathtaking views of the city skyline, you can climb to the top to get exclusive access to the world’s highest outdoor observatory.

Opening hours: 8.30am – 10pm

Ticket price: 

• Non-prime hours (9 am to 3.30 pm and 6.30 pm onwards) – 129 AED for adults and 87 AED for children. 
• Prime hours (4pm – 6pm) – 209 AED for adults and 132 for children. 

2. Dubai Mall

This is the largest shopping center in the world full of exciting things to do in Dubai, from skating to fish!

In the mall, there are several beautiful attractions including an ice skating rink, a huge aquarium, all the fantastic brand stores you can imagine, restaurants, boutiques, and much more. As you can see below, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Dubai, just in this mall alone and the best part is that they are all indoor activities in Dubai so you can keep cool. 

Don’t miss in the Dubai Mall:

• Kidzania – an entertainment play zone for children aged 4 to 16 years old. 
• Dubai Mall Aquarium & Underwater Zoo – Home to around 140 species of marine life, the Aquarium and Zoo goes across 4 floors and is spectacular. 
• Dubai Dino – Check out the huge 24 meters long and 4 meters high dinosaur fossils in the center of the mall. 
• Dubai Fountain – Watch the choreographed fountain show outside the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. 
• Goal – A FIFA-certified field that runs 12 to 15-minute football matches for 5 to 15-year-olds for free. Ideal for parents looking to drop off their kids before they go shopping.
• The Ice Rink – The Olympic size arena offers public skating sessions all day and a disco session at night. 
• Emirates A380 Simulator – Experience what it is like to be a pilot in this replica of a real plane cockpit. 

3. Dubai Fountain

The Dubai fountain show is a choreographed water and light show outside the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. There are 2 performances during the day typically 1 and 1.30 then they run throughout the evening from 6 pm to 11 pm. 

After it became popular, the roads around the waterfalls were fixed, making it easier to come and marvel at them. Thankfully, the lush vegetation surrounding the waterfalls is intact, still hiding where the water is actually coming from, making the experience all the more mysterious and one of the more romantic, exciting things to do in Dubai.

4. Palm Jumeirah

Our next exciting things to do in Dubai has to be Palm Jumeirah. There are multiple ways to enjoy and experience Palm Jumeirah, the man-made town in the shape of a palm tree. You can navigate it in a speedboat.

You can walk on its sandy beaches. Or, for the maximum adrenaline rush, you can jump from an airplane while crossing the Palm Jumeirah.

The skydiving at the exclusive Palm Dropzone reaches speeds of up to 120 mph and offers breathtaking views of the Palm, the Dubai Marina, and the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf.

5. The JBR

The Jumeirah Beach Residence, popularly known as the JBR, is a waterfront community that is home to forty towers. You can take a lovely walk down this area, hang out at the beach, or shop in one of its many stores.

6. Desert Safari

A non-negotiable part of your exciting things to do in Dubai list for the ultimate Arabian adventure is a journey to the Arabian Desert. You will love experiencing the thrill of a beautiful desert safari in Dubai. Dune bashing is one of the things you have to do in Dubai, making a safari Dubai a must.

Group tours are available with various companies, however, we preferred a private tour with Dubai Private Adventure and friends have used the guides on With Locals.

7. Atlantis Waterpark

Unleash your inner child at Aquaventure Atlantis Waterpark, where you can ride record-breaking slides, splash around in the pools, or relax with a cocktail on the private beach. This fun water park is definitely one of the best unique things to do in Dubai, with creative and innovative rides.

If you’re short on time in Dubai, you could always catch a yellow boat tour around the harbor, taking in the big-name buildings and areas of Dubai.

8. IMG Worlds of Adventure

Put on your super comfy shoes and enjoy amazing rides at the world’s largest indoor theme park. The adventure zone is spectacular. If you’re traveling with children, there are lots of cool indoor activities in Dubai to keep you out of the summer sun.

If you are traveling to Dubai with children, the IMG theme park is one of the best activities in Dubai for families. 

9. Dubai Parks and Resorts

Dubai Parks and Resorts are a great place to create lifelong memories of relaxation, fun, and peace of mind. There are several parks that you can explore and games for all ages, making these resorts one of many exciting things to do in Dubai.

Dubai is a great place to travel to with family and there are a lot of things to do in Dubai with kids.

Parks included in this resort are:

• Motiongate Dubai
• Legoland Dubai
• Legoland Waterpark

10. Skydiving Dubai

If you are looking for something to do in Dubai that is a little more adventurous, a great way to feel the adrenaline rush is to jump from an airplane and feel the wind in your face. What better way to enjoy Dubai’s amazing views than from the sky with some extreme sports in Dubai.

Companies such as Skydive Dubai offer various options with tandem skydives starting at 1699 AED outside of Dubai or 2199 AED within the city.

11. Strolling Through Al Fahidi Historical District

Al Fahidi Historical District offers a fascinating glimpse into Dubai’s past, long before it became a global metropolis.

Wandering through its narrow alleyways, you’ll find restored wind-tower houses, art galleries, and small museums that tell the story of traditional Emirati life. This area provides a peaceful contrast to the modern city and is an ideal place to slow down, learn about local history, and appreciate Dubai’s cultural roots.

12. Yacht Cruise Along the Coast

A yacht cruise offers a luxurious way to experience Dubai from a completely different perspective. Sailing along the coastline allows you to see famous landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab and Atlantis from the water, often accompanied by refreshments, music, and swimming stops.

Whether you choose a daytime cruise or an evening experience under the city lights, it’s a relaxing yet exciting way to explore Dubai’s glamorous side.

12. Visit the Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is one of the most recognisable hotels in the world and a lasting symbol of Dubai’s luxury image.

Shaped like a sail rising from the sea, it’s impressive both from afar and up close. Visitors can experience the interior through guided tours or by booking afternoon tea or dining experiences, offering a rare glimpse into one of the world’s most exclusive hotels.

13. Shopping in the Traditional Souks

Dubai’s traditional souks provide a lively and authentic shopping experience that contrasts sharply with the city’s modern malls.

The gold, spice, and textile souks in Deira are filled with colour, scent, and sound, making them exciting places to explore. Bargaining with shopkeepers, sampling local flavours, and browsing handcrafted goods adds a cultural depth to any visit to Dubai.

14. Skiing at Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai is one of Dubai’s most surprising attractions, offering a winter experience in the heart of the desert. Located inside the Mall of the Emirates, this indoor ski resort features real snow, ski slopes, snowboarding areas, and even penguin encounters. It’s a unique and slightly surreal experience that perfectly reflects Dubai’s ability to turn the impossible into reality.

15. Global Village

Our next exciting things to do in Dubai is Global Village is a seasonal attraction that celebrates cultures from around the world in one vibrant location. With pavilions representing dozens of countries, it’s an exciting place to sample international street food, shop for unique souvenirs, and enjoy live performances.

The festive atmosphere makes it especially popular in the evenings, offering a fun and family-friendly experience unlike anywhere else in the city.

Things to do in Dubai at night

• Dubai Aquarium and underwater zoo – Staying open until 11 pm, these water experiences are great to visit in the evening- much fewer children are around so you can enjoy your time even more.
• Dubai Garden Glow – A glow-in-the-dark garden with landmarks of the UAE created from recycled materials.
• Ski Dubai – An amazing indoor ski resort that is open until 11 pm!
• Dubai Creek – Enjoy a cruise down the creek or relax at the waterfront and enjoy the view of the Dubai skyline.
• Dubai Fountains – As mentioned above, the Dubai Fountains run throughout the evening but look most spectacular when the sun sets.
• Jumeirah Beach Residence Walk and Dubai Marina – The Marina and JB area are full of amazing restaurants and some of the best nightclubs in Dubai.
• Shopping Malls – Shopping malls in Dubai stay open until late and even if you don’t intend to shop, a visit to see the incredible architecture is still worth your time, making this one of the great things to do in Dubai at night for free.
• Al Barsha Night Market – Head to Al Barsha Pond Park to enjoy local vendors, live music, and free fitness sessions. 
• Snooker Halls – There are snooker halls all over Dubai that stay open beyond midnight.
• Outdoor cinemas – Head to Galleria Hall in the evenings to watch a late-night film at the outdoor cinema on the rooftop.
• Night safari at Al Ain Zoo – Board a 4×4 to see the nocturnal creatures at Al Ain Zoo.
• Night Dive – When you are looking at what is there to do in Dubai, you will notice diving is a great option. Diving is popular in Dubai but you can even opt for a night dive experience to see those fish that only come out when the sun goes down.
• Bounce Trampoline Park – For those still full of energy, head to the Bounce Trampoline Park for late-night fun up to midnight. When looking at what things to do in Dubai with children, Bounce is a great option. 

Top Destinations around Dubai

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center

Known as one of the largest mosques in the world, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center is the only one that captures such unique interactions between Islam and other world cultures.

Tourists and celebrants from all over the world are invited to witness the spectacular domes, the reflecting pools that surround the courtyard, and the iconic prayer room, which not only overflows with beautiful sunlight, it also houses the world’s most massive chandelier and rug, both meticulously crafted.

The Mosque is one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi and there are plenty of other great places to explore, so make sure to spend at least a day in Abu Dhabi during your trip to the Middle East.

Emirates Palace

The Emirates Palace has several restaurants, bars, lounges and cafés offering a wide variety of culinary delights. Together with the ethereal lighting, the swimming pools, and the marina, it delights everyone as an Arab fantasy.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Museum has thousands of beautiful works of art for your viewing pleasure. Just make sure to have a game plan and a map to enjoy this vast building without getting lost.

Ferrari World

Ferrari World is a fun place with enticing attractions and wild-but-amazing rides for everyone in the family.

Warner Bros World

This is indoor theme park is particularly perfect for all Warner Bros fans. From the moment you set foot into this park to the moment you leave it, there is no doubt that its entertaining features will ensure you have a lovely time. This is just one of the fun things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids.

Best Places to Stay in Dubai

Now that you have arrived safely in Dubai, the next task is to find a suitable place to stay. You will want a place that offers the necessary comfort when you return tired from a full day spent enjoying the city. You have three amazing options: book a hotel, be an Airbnb guest or experience Dubai in the form of a camping trip.

Dubai is famous for its impressive luxury business hotels and resorts, but it also boasts more than its fair share of standard hotels at reasonable prices. You are guaranteed to find a hotel that fits your budget and still offers an extensive selection of food, services, and high-standard facilities. If you’re looking for something special, look at hotels such as the Shangri-La Dubai which offers gorgeous views of the Burj Khalifa. It is also worth noting that if you are looking for the best nightclubs in Dubai, note that most of them can be found in high-end hotels.

If you are looking for an exceptional cultural experience, you can try being an Airbnb guest. This allows you to spend some time in someone’s home, more like a local, rather than an impersonal lodging in a hotel. I think it is a lovely idea and the option that makes you feel most like you’re at home in Dubai.

Things to Know Before you go to Dubai

Exciting Things to Do in Dubai FAQ