Dubai is a land of sun, sand, beach, shopping, and architecture. This stunning metropolis is brimming with luxury, grandeur, and opulence. But when you step off the gleaming highways of downtown Dubai, you will find yourself surrounded by culture and history of old Dubai. Whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned one, here is a list of sights in the Dubai that you must not miss.
Desert Safari Dubai

How can you miss visiting a desert when in Dubai? Sign up for a desert safari to experience the ultimate Arabian hospitality. Get an adrenaline rush through activities such as sandboarding, quad biking, and dune bashing. Enjoy other fun activities such as camel riding, smoking flavorful shisha pipes, henna painting, and more. Your experience culminates with cultural performances such as Tanura dance show, Belly dancing, and Fire show.
Burj Khalifa Dubai

This incredible piece of engineering dominates the Dubai skyline and you can see it from almost every part of the city. The tallest structure in the world, Burj Khalifa needs no introduction. Head to the observation deck in one of the fastest elevators and see this marvelous city spread out in front of you. With the help of telescopes placed here, you can spot iconic landmarks such as Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. The bird’s eye view of the city from here will leave you tongue-tied. Tempted to apply for your Dubai visa?
Dhow Cruise Dubai

The dhow is a traditional vessel that has been an important part of Dubai’s past. It has now been given a makeover with all the modern amenities. Set sail on the Dhow Cruise in Dubai for a unique experience, float on the tranquil waters, and enjoy amazing performances on board. Savor a delicious BBQ buffet dinner and watch in wonder as the beautifully illuminated Dubai skyline passes by.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

The oldest historic district in Dubai is a delightful ancient Emirati village that transports you to the bygone days of the city. As you wander through the narrow alleys, you will stumble upon cobbled-lanes, ochre-colored buildings made with natural materials, and wind towers. Plenty of art galleries, cafes, and boutiques line up the streets surrounded by sand-colored buildings. While you are here, don’t forget to check out the Dubai Museum and Arabian Tea house.
Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountains

The sprawling Dubai Mall is one of the largest in the world and is home to many local and international brands. It has more than 1200 stores and over 150 restaurants and is an ideal recreation spot. Not only that, but there are also various entertainment options here such as an indoor aquarium, an ice rink, a virtual reality park, a massive indoor waterfall, and a fossil of a gigantic dinosaur. Ensure that in the evening you go outside to enjoy the awesome Dubai Fountain. This fountain is beautifully choreographed and looks breathtaking when illuminated with soulful music playing in the background.
Palm Jumeirah Dubai

Palm Jumeirah is an extra-ordinary man-made island in Dubai. A first of its kind, it is an artificial archipelago shaped like a Palm tree and looks spectacular from above. You will be surprised to know that it is even visible from space. The island is lined with fine-dining restaurants, luxurious resorts, extravagant apartment complexes, and sophisticated hotels. One of the most iconic ones is the Atlantis hotel that sits proudly like a crown on the edge of the island.
Aquaventure Waterpark and the Lost Chambers Aquarium

Visit the Aquaventure Waterpark to escape from the blistering Dubai heat. Located in the Atlantis, The Palm hotel, this waterpark is one of the largest in UAE and has many thrilling rides such as Poseidon’s Retreat, Tower of Neptune, and the Leap of Faith. You can gorge on yummy food at the restaurants and shop for lovely souvenirs at the stores. If you feel like taking a breather, you can head to the private beach and just laze around for a while. Another highlight here is the Lost Chambers aquarium that is home to a plethora of aquatic animals such as sharks, sea lions, dolphins, and stingrays.
Conclusion
Dubai has transformed itself wonderfully from uninhabited deserts to a glamorous city in a matter of a few decades. Famous for breaking its records and creating new ones, this splendid city churns out new surprises for you, year after year.