Dubai is one of the Middle East’s most unique destinations where you can’t go wrong. No matter which direction you prefer to go here, there will be loads of attractions and experiences to vie your attention. But if you need some ideas to make your compilation of the Dubai bucket list easier, simply follow this precise list of top things to do in Dubai. 

Visit Palm Jumeirah and Watch Palm Fountain Show

While the legendary palm-tree-shaped man-made island of Palm Jumeirah needs no introduction, you’ll be delighted to know that it has added a new fantastic attraction to its ever-growing list of must-sees. So make sure that you catch it with the awe-inspiring aquatic fountain show at the Pointe. We can assure you that it’s not any ordinary sight; it’s the world’s biggest fountain show and also the region’s only colored show of its kind. It’s a free attraction, but the restaurants, cafes, and other attractions surrounding it make a stunning standpoint to take in this brand-new sight at its closest. 

However, Palm Jumeirah is not just about this fountain show; there are more and more experiences like Atlantis, The Palm Resort, Aquaventure Water Park, Dolphin Bay, Lost Chamber Aquarium, and the Boardwalk, to name a few. Enjoy a glimpse of all on a monorail ride or take it to clouds on an insanely wild sky diving session. 

Ascend to Burj Khalifa 

When you get your visit visa Dubai approved and packed your bag, the first thing you’ll have in your mind is to hit this 828-meter-high structure. Justifiably, it’s world-famous not only for its marvelously glossy structure but also for being the tallest building ever built on the planet. Looking for an excuse to enter this massive building in Downtown Dubai?  Reserve a table at the tallest of its kind or At.mosphere or, more ideally, climb one or both of its observation decks at 124th and 148th levels on a highly swift elevator ride. 

Check out the Dubai Mall and Enjoy Dubai Fountain Show 

Downtown Dubai is the heart of modern Dubai! So don’t limit its exploration to Burj Khalifa. Take time to admire and appreciate its other major points of interest, mainly the Dubai Mall. It’s one of the world’s biggest malls means you can imagine the sheer magnitude, quantity, and versatility of attractions that await you here. But let’s give you a glimpse of it – there is the largest of its kind Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo with over 33,000 marine creatures, the one-of-its-kind Dubai Ice Rink, the kids’ special  KidZania Dubai, and most of all, VR Park  - the world’s biggest indoor Virtual Reality Park. 

Dubai Fountain Show is another attraction (that you shouldn’t leave out at any cost) in the vicinity. It may have given way for Palm Fountain to take over the title of the world’s tallest fountain, but this free-of-cost site still continues to be a perennial favorite attraction in Dubai. 

Chill Out in Ski Dubai  

This is another timeless attraction that makes to the list of must-experiences in Dubai. Feel a blast of an icy breeze as soon as you enter Ski Dubai inside the Mall of the Emirates. It’s the first ski resort in the Middle East and also the world’s third-biggest indoor ski resort. So it goes without saying that you’ll get to enjoy all of your favorite snow pastimes, including skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, etc., in the cool, controlled ambiance of its snow park and ski slopes (that are ideal for all age groups.)  More surprises await you here as you get a chance to catch up with Gentoo penguins and experience many thrilling rides. This is open year-round but is especially a must-visit during your Dubai visit in summer months when the outdoor temperature is over 50 degrees Celsius. 

Desert Safari 

Imagine Dubai without any glitz, dazzle, or bustle! You can experience this and beyond in Dubai with a desert safari. Still not clear? It’s nothing but a guided excursion which journeys you to a side of Dubai that appears to be altogether from a different era. For this, you’ll have to travel just 30 to 40 minutes’ drive away, and this introduces you to the colossal Arabian Desert sands at its best. Starting with a terrific dune bash drive in a 4X4 vehicle, this desert safari Dubai includes a traditional Bedouin-style campsite visit. More experiences await you with camel rides, henna tattooing, Shisha smoking, falconry, etc. Depending on your desired time slot, you’ll get to savor BBQ dining and traditional performances like Tanura and Belly Dance in evening desert safari and all these plus camping under the stars in overnight desert safari. 

Discover some of the world’s best theme parks 

Dubai proudly stands as the Middle East’s theme park capital for its most innovative and distinctly themed amusement parks. And the following are unmissable among them. 

IMG Worlds of Adventure: It’s the world’s largest indoor theme park.  Its four zones offer a setting to recreate all your childhood fantasies, with several rides and games depicting Marvel superheroes, the classic Cartoon characters, and mighty Dinosaur-based thrill. 

Dubai Parks and Resorts: It holds the reputation of being the region’s first integrated resort. Four theme parks, along with several accommodations, unique dining choices, and a dedicated retail section, complete this unique resort. The Hollywood-themed Motiongate Dubai is the biggest theme park here, and this is followed by Bollywood Parks Dubai with vibrant rides and settings all inspired by Hindi cinemas. The next two are LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park, which are created for kids of families from 2 to 12 years. 

Hub Zero:  This is one of the ultimate places for video game enthusiasts where they get to take in the ultimate in Virtual Reality and, of course, gaming in an immersive setting. Experience enormous fun and nail-biting adventure as you take to its many attractions such as Hack Attack, Gears of Wars, and Resident Evil Bio-Terror, to name a few. 

Go on a Dhow Cruise                                     

This is another surefire experience which you should cross off your Dubai checklist. Sailing aboard a traditional wooden dhow gives you the perfect overview of Dubai’s cityscape from the water. There are day cruises, but it’s best to opt for evening cruises that kick off after sunset and last for two hours. More than sightseeing, it’s inclusive of dining, unlimited refreshments, and live entertainment such as Tanura show onboard. Subject to your choice, you can choose to go on a dhow cruise at Dubai Marina or Dubai Creek. 

Get a glance at what’s upcoming in Dubai 

While the list of classic sights (including Burj Al Arab, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Mosque, Kite Beach, etc.) goes on, make sure that you take some time to check out its latest and up and coming attractions too. This covers the newest neighborhoods, including the stylish City Walk and the waterfront Bluewaters Island. They hold some of the most record-breaking attractions in the form of the largest of its kind Ain Dubai (Ferris wheel), the Middle East’s first Madame Tussauds Museum, and the world’s largest 3D Trick Art Museum, among others. 

Experience water thrill with a twist at AquaFun 

Fun, excitement, and thrill take all forms in Dubai! And not to mention its vast array of water adventure activities, perfect for every ability. From jet skiing, donut ride, and absolutely fun-filled banana boat ride to the adrenaline-pumping flyboarding and wakeboarding, you can hit its water along the Arabian Gulf in a variety of ways. But if you wish to enjoy distinct water fun and action with your group, make sure that you add AquaFun to your Dubai travel agenda. Set in the boisterous settings of the Beach at JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence), it’s the world’s largest inflatable water park. With 70 plus obstacles, it allows you to enjoy an unlimited splash on Dubai’s waters. 

Finally, don’t miss to get a dose of Dubai’s humble past and striking  culture

Last but not least, spare some time to discover the city’s historical and cultural landmarks. Dubai may be an ultramodern city, but it has always shown deep respect towards its ancient history and traditional heritage. A proof of it is the 19th century Al Bastakiya Quarter which is still preserved intact. In fact, a relaxed stroll through its narrow labyrinths gives you a glimpse of its ancient glory. For an in-depth understanding of the Emirati lifestyle and religious beliefs, make a tour of Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and Dubai Museum (within the region’s oldest of its kind Al Fahidi Fort.)

Conclusion 

With a bit of every facet of this city, from its traditional hospitality, culture, and traditions to luxury, decadence, and exhilarating side, this cool list of Dubai things to do assures you some of the best moments of your life. Just pick your favorite from it, put them together and concoct the fail-safe equation of your much-deserved Arabian retreat in Dubai.