Dubai has always been UAE’s main tourism hub; it offers a vibrant leisure sight to entice majority of the global population visiting the UAE. There are several themed venues providing total entertainment to the most selective of audiences. Listed below are a few ‘most happening’ places and events to ‘indulge in’ when in Dubai.
Dubai Desert Safari
This is one of the traditional activities in Dubai which many tourists and residents would like to experience every now and then. This is jam packed event to entertain your whole evening, consisting of dune bashing, camel rides, henna designing and much more. Lots of good tour operators around Dubai organize this activity where a driver will be arranged to pick you to the camp site. Barbequed dinner and drinks are also included. Alcohol is also available but for a separate cost altogether. No desert safari is complete without a ravishing belly dancer getting the audience to dance to her tune.
Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Road
As the name ‘Jumeirah Beach Road’ mentions, this stretch of road is a combination of a variety of restaurants, malls and a various number of beaches.
Jumeirah beach is off the Jumeirah beach road, the beach is beautiful with clean water. Here you can have a sea bath and relax. In line with Jumeirah beach is world renowned 7 star hotel Burj Al Arab. This symbolic hotel has attracted international attention and awe, ensuring its place as one of the most photographed structures in the world. Designed to resemble a billowing sail, it soars to a height of 321 meters dominating the Dubai skyline.
Wild Wadi Water Park
Situated amongst the busy roads of Dubai and conveniently located between the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, this is a water park beyond all water parks. One that never fails to impress all, with its 30 fun filled rides and attractions that it boasts. Wild Wadi is themed around the tale of Juha, a popular character from the Arabian folklore. Get there and go wild!
Shopping Centers and Malls
Dubai is a paradise for shopping lovers with a wide range of shopping malls.
Most of the hotels in Dubai arrange shopping tours for their guests. You can visit shopping malls like Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall (longest mall in the world), Dubai Festival City and many more. Here you’ll find prominent bands under one roof. Also you can visit Bur Dubai the street of electronics and textile where you can bargain good deals and the traditional Gold Souk (Market) in Deira.
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is situated between the tranquil settings of the soothing Creek and is just a ‘drive’ away from the bustling City Centre. The magnificent Clubhouse resembles a traditional Arab dhow and has been one of the most photographed landmarks since it opened in 1993, capturing the essence of Dubai’s seafaring traditions and presenting the perfect fusion of heritage with modernity and style. The Club also includes Park Hyatt Dubai, 92 residential villas, award-winning restaurants and a 121-berth marina, making the Club a true landmark of luxury. Apart from golfing, if you love fishing, you can hire a 10m boat here for you and your friends to angle in style.
Dubai Dolphinarium
First fully air-conditioned indoor dolphinarium in the Middle East; offers dolphin & seal show, swimming with dolphins, educational programmes for children and much more. Dubai Dolphinarium is a great way to educate, entertain and learn for the young and the old. An unforgettable experience with the worlds most loved animals.
Dubai Museum & Dubai Creek Park
Dubai Museum is housed in one of Dubai’s oldest standing building, a former fort in Bastakia. It depicts a souk occupied by waxworks, a collection of skeletons and some examples of desert wildlife.
Dubai Creek Park is another fantastic place for both kids and adults.
Evening is a suitable time to visit the park to enjoy games with kids and have a barbeque. Furthermore, you can go for a Cable Car ride across the park and which showcases a spectacular view of Dubai.
Atlantis
Atlantis is the flagship resort on Palm Jumeirah, one of Dubai’s record breaking man made islands. The ambitious Palm project is typical of the bold spirit of Dubai. With an exquisite diversity of cuisines from all over the world, it displays a true international touch to the ambience of the hotel. Along with this, Atlantis offers exotic spa treatments, stylish bars, lounges and night clubs. It also accommodates Aquaventure, Atlantis’ very own water theme park which displays breathtaking water thrills which add up to a unique water adventure, and Dolphin Bay where guests are invited into the lagoon to begin their journey with the charismatic mammals from a warm kiss and hug to the unforgettable thrill of the signature belly ride – where guests are propelled forward through the water for the ultimate joy ride. Lost Chambers at the Atlantis is another great attraction; offering a spectacular view of over 65,000 marine animals swimming in serene waters around you, it gives you a chance to explore the mysterious ruins of Atlantis, lost for thousands of years deep beneath the sea.
Helicopter Ride & Hot Air Balloon Ride
This by far, is the best way to get a breathtaking view of Dubai and its tall buildings and skyscrapers. Watch the entire Dubai from bird’s eye view. The easiest way to arrange a trip for you is through an agency. Lama Desert tour is one agency that offers a variety of family packages to tour Dubai.
Global Village
Global Village is located in DUBAILAND – the world’s biggest tourism, leisure and entertainment project. Global Village is a 10 minutes drive from the Dubai International Airport and 60 minutes from Abu Dhabi. It houses pavilions from different parts of the world, bringing together diverse customs and cultures covering a broad spectrum of activities including music, dances, games, rides, arts and handicrafts, theatre, costumes and cuisines of different countries.