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Question: What is Dubai known for?
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Answer: Dubai is a global business and entertainment hub that attracts expatriates and visitors from all over the world.
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Question: Why is Dubai a great place to live?
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Answer: Dubai is considered one of the best places to live in the Middle East.
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Question: What type of attractions does Dubai offer?
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Answer: Dubai is filled with family-friendly attractions that are cultural, fun, and interesting for every member of the family no matter their age.
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1. Al Fahidi Historic Neighborhood
Visitors can enjoy gaining a better understanding of the old way of life in Dubai in the immersive experience offered at the Al Fahidi Historic Neighborhood
. Travelers of all ages can be taken back in time as they walk through the pathways and alleys that wind through the stunning architecture.
Many of the buildings were constructed in unique styles using stone, sandalwood, gypsum, teak, fronds, and palm wood. Throughout the year, this historic neighborhood hosts many cultural activities featuring characters dressed in traditional attire. Visitors can purchase souvenirs and dine on the delicious treats and meals for which the United Arab Emirates is known. Al Fahidi Historic Neighborhood
2. Aquaventure Waterpark
Located inside Atlantis the Palm Hotel, the Aquaventure Waterpark is a thrilling way to cool down on a hot day. There is something for everyone no matter their age, as toddlers have a designated area filled with kiddie pools, mini-slides, and other fun activities, while the rest of the family can enjoy record-breaking water slides and thrilling rides.
Aquaventure is more than just a waterpark as it is home to sharks, stingrays, and a number of other marine life, all of which visitors have the opportunity to interact with in a safe environment. The waterpark also gives visitors access to a private beach for more fun-in-the-sun activities such as beach volleyball or jet skiing.
Aquaventure Waterpark
, Crescent Road Dubai, UAE, Phone: +9-71-44-26-00-00
3. Burj Al Arab
One of the most iconic structures in Dubai, the Burj Al Arab is a self-proclaimed seven-star luxury hotel that resembles a sailboat and sits on a man-made island connected to the mainland by a bridge. Sadly, those who are not hotel guests are not permitted to visit and explore this lavish hotel with its impressive lobby of gold pillars and dancing fountains, but they can reserve a table for high tea or a meal in one of the nine restaurants and bars, allowing them to explore when they for their meal.
Some unique features and amenities for hotel guests include floor-to-ceiling windows with amazing views, 24-carat gold iPads to order room service, designer toiletries, and a spa and fitness center.
Burj Al Arab, 3 Jumeirah Beach Road Dubai, UAE, Phone: +9-71-43-01-77-77
4. Burj Khalifa
The tallest structure in the world, the Burj Khalifa is a must-visit attraction when in Dubai. Other than being the tallest skyscraper on the planet, this iconic landmark structure breaks many other world records, including the world’s fastest elevator and the world’s highest outdoor observation deck.
This skyscraper offers stunning views, and visitors can head to the top for breathtaking panoramic 360-degree views of the city, the Dubai Fountain, and the Arabian Gulf. This experience, which is separated into two observation decks, ‘At the Top Burj Khalifa’ and ‘At the Top Sky’, includes a visual journey of how Dubai has transformed over the years as well as an open-air terrace for an exciting view downwards, among other activities.
Burj Khalifa, 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd Dubai, UAE, Phone: +9-71-48-88-81-24
5. Dolphin Bay
Dolphin Bay, home to six of the friendliest residents of the Atlantis the Palm Hotel, was voted ‘One of the Best Animal Encounters in the World’ in 2015 by AttractionTix. Rightly so, as visitors can partake in one of the most sophisticated dolphin experiences in the world, which is also suitable for the entire family.
Visitors can swim, play, feed, and take pictures with the dolphins under the supervision of experienced trainers. SCUBA diving with the dolphins is a favorite option as it allows visitors to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures.
Dolphin Bay, Crescent Road Dubai, UAE, Phone: +9-71-44-26-10-30
6. Dubai Creek
Dubai Creek, also known as Khor Dubai, is a saltwater creek that divides Deira and Bur Dubai. It used to serve as a port for dhow sailing vessels carrying goods from India or East Africa in the early 20th century.
Now, visitors can take a dhow dinner cruise down the creek and enjoy some breathtaking views of the architecture that surrounds it, such as the Deira Twin Towers, Sheraton Dubai Creek, National Bank, Dubai Creek Tower, and the Chamber of Commerce. It is also home to the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, which is a stunning 18-hole tournament golf course. Map
7. The Yellow Boats
The Yellow Boats is a guided sightseeing tour that was established in 2009. Since then, the award-winning company has been leading visitors on a water-based sightseeing experience that is incomparable.
Visitors can choose from four tour options, the most popular being the 90-minute tour that shows visitors a little bit of everything, including the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and Dubai Marina, ensuring that visitors get stunning photo opportunities at each location. The tours are run by experienced guides who are informative and make sure that each experience is a unique one.
Dubai Marina Walk Dubai, UAE, Phone: +9-71-44-32-85-43
8. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
The United Arab Emirate’s first national park, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
, is one of the largest areas in the country dedicated to preserving the last bit of unspoiled desert and the priceless natural heritage found there.
Visitors can view the many species of flora and fauna that can be found in this habitat while better understanding the measures that are being taken to protect endangered species and conserve their natural surroundings. Some of these include hedgehogs and antelopes, spiders and scorpions, and a range of plants that are indigenous to the area.
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Emirates Group Headquarters Airport Road, PO Box 686 Dubai, UAE, Phone: +9-71-48-09-87-10
9. Dubai Fountains
The world’s largest dancing fountain, the Dubai Fountains, offers an amazing display of waterworks accompanied by lights and music to create a beautiful, dramatic show for visitors to enjoy.
Equally stunning from the grounds of the Dubai Mall or from the observation deck of the nearby towering Burj Khalifa, visitors will love the fountain show. Set on the Burj Khalifa Lake, the water dances to the rhythm of the music played in the background and lights reflect the water that shoots up into the air. Visitors can view the show at various times between 1:00 pm and 11:00 pm daily.
Dubai Fountains, The Dubai Mall Financial Centre Road Dubai, UAE, Phone: +9-71-80-03-82-24-62-55
10. Dubai Mall
Visitors can spend literally days and days exploring the Dubai Mall as it is the largest shopping mall in the world. It attracts over 34 million visitors a year, and rightly so as there are over 635 retailers, including almost every major fashion brand in the world.
Whether visitors are looking for some high-class retail products from Armani, Burberry, Dior, Fendi, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino, or Jimmy Choo, they’ll be sure to find it here. There are also tons of family-friendly activities within the mall, such as the Dubai Ice Rink, SEGA Republic, and the Dubai Aquarium, which has over 33,000 animals within its walls.
Dubai Mall, Financial Centre Road Dubai, UAE, Phone: +9-71-80-03-82-24-62-55
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Warm temperatures and fewer crowds, great for sightseeing. |
Burj Al Arab – A world-famous luxury hotel with stunning views. |
Visit the Dubai Miracle Garden – See millions of vibrant flowers in full bloom. |
Summer (June-August) – Extremely hot, ideal for indoor attractions and luxury stays. |
Atlantis The Palm – A beachfront resort with an amazing water park. |
Explore the Dubai Mall & Aquarium – Enjoy world-class shopping and marine life exhibits. |
Fall (September-November) – Cooling temperatures and exciting events. |
Jumeirah Beach Hotel – A family-friendly beachfront hotel with great amenities. |
Go on a desert safari – Experience dune bashing, camel rides, and traditional entertainment. |
Winter (December-February) – Pleasant and peak tourist season, perfect for outdoor exploration. |
Address Downtown – A luxurious stay with stunning views of the Burj Khalifa. |
Watch the Dubai Fountain show – Enjoy a spectacular water and light display near the Burj Khalifa. |
Map:
Plan Your Trip
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Photo Credits: © Courtesy of luciano mortula - Fotolia.com, Aquaventure Waterpark, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Dolphin Bay, Courtesy of swisshippo - Fotolia.com, The Yellow Boats, Courtesy of katie kk 2 - Fotolia.com, Dubai Fountains, Dubai Mall,