The premier destination for tourists in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai beckons travelers with things to do in Dubai with family and globally with an alluring blend of the contemporary and the timeless. This dynamic desert powerhouse goes beyond its acclaimed high-end hotels, duty-free retail paradises, and shimmering facade, unveiling a rich mosaic of experiences that cater to a diversity of preferences.

Dubai paints a vivid canvas of futuristic structures reaching for the sky, set against the tranquil backdrop of the Persian Gulf's azure waters. Yet, amidst its futuristic skyline lies a treasure trove of historic and cultural landmarks, such as the iconic Jumeirah Mosque and the artistic haven of Alserkal Avenue, bearing witness to its deep-seated heritage.

With its multifaceted offerings, Dubai invites exploration and indulgence in equal measure. Be it a journey through the annals of history in its venerable districts, a shopping spree in the world's foremost mall, or a unique dinner experience amidst the desert's embracing sands, Dubai stands ready to captivate your senses and imagination.

So, as you stand on the threshold of adventure, whether with tickets in hand or hesitations in mind, let us guide you to the finest experiences Dubai has to offer and things to do in Dubai with family.

Explore the City's Historic District

Nestled away from Dubai's modern marvels and sky-grazing structures lies its warm heart in the "Old Town". Here, amidst neighborhoods bathed in traditional charm and laden with historic structures, one can find a gentle embrace of local markets and cultural edifices, standing as a testament to the city's rich tapestry of heritage and communal bonds. Al Fahidi district welcomes you with open arms to initiate your Dubai adventure, where the tales of old reside in meticulously preserved gypsum buildings and wind towers, offering a serene contrast to the contemporary silhouette of the city that stretches beyond.

An emblem of enduring grandeur, the Al Fahidi Fort, established in 1871, stands as the stalwart guardian of Dubai's timeless narratives, now inviting modern travelers within its historic walls to the Centre for Cultural Understanding. Here, curious minds can delve deep into the Emirati legacy, a journey complemented by a nearby retreat to the city's Coffee Museum or the Arabian Tea House, where authenticity meets gastronomic delight in a blend of tradition and hospitality.

Your voyage through time gracefully leads to the gates of the Jumeirah Mosque, a marvel of Fatimid architecture weaving Syrian and Egyptian influences into a tapestry of keel-shaped arches, grand columns, and intricate decorative elements. Since 1979, it has welcomed worshippers and knowledge seekers alike, with a capacity to host 1,500 individuals in its embrace.

This mosque stands as one of the rare sanctuaries in the UAE that opens its doors to non-Muslim guests, offering a bridge of understanding through guided explorations into the rich landscapes of Islam's history and teachings. As you plan this reverential visit, open every day bar Fridays, remember to adorn appropriate attire, an experience made easier through the mosque's provision to lend traditional Emirati garments like Kandooras, Abayas, and Sheilas available for borrowing online. This authentic journey offers a wholesome embrace of Dubai's spiritual heartbeat, weaving a narrative of respect, understanding, and cultural reverence.

The Seashore Calls

You may not immediately associate beaches with Dubai, but as the weather rises, you will appreciate the opportunity to cool yourself in the sea and things to do in Dubai airport. Visitors can select from public access sites and private beach resorts along the area's hundreds of kilometers of beaches.

In comparison to Jumeirah Open Beach, the more crowded JBR Beach is a lengthy expanse of golden sand set against the backdrop of the city's skyscrapers and the Ain wheelKite Beach is an eight-mile length of white sand that has grown popular due to the plethora of temporary shops, food trucks, and cafés that have set up shop there. Sunset Beach is the best spot to unwind in Dubai, and it also happens to be the city's best surfing beach, with a breath-taking panorama of the Burj Al Arab.

In addition, a large number of beach clubs cater to those in search of a more opulent vacation. Azure Beach, DRIFT, and Riva are some additional well-known nightclubs in Dubai besides Nikki Beach. Entry fees to these clubs average £15-£65, depending on amenities such as pool(s) and menu(s).

Visit the Biggest Retail Mall in the World!

The Dubai Mall, which is right adjacent to the Burj Khalifa, is the largest shopping mall in the world and has things to do in Dubai airport. It features over 1,200 stores across more than 500,000 square feet. Shoppers can find everything from high-end boutiques to worldwide brands and American department shops, as well as over two hundred dining options. The entire mall is air-conditioned, which is a huge relief during the hot summer months, There is an aquarium, "underwater zoo," and go-kart track for the kids, and things to do in Dubai for couples.

Enjoy a Desert Safari

Excursions into the desert around Dubai are available from several different firms and can include everything from camel riding and barbeque buffets to quad biking and camping out for the night. Whether you want to take a leisurely drive, a dune buggy across the sands, or visit conservation reserves to see flora and fauna, spending a day rolling across the golden dunes is an exciting alternative to meandering around shops. Visitors may watch the sun go down while dining under the stars among the dunes. To appreciate all that the Dubai desert has to offer, we recommend combining this with an overnight stay and things to do in Dubai for couples.

Go to An Amusement Park

There are many amusement parks and water parks in Dubai to keep children (and adults) entertained. The IMG Adventure Park is the largest indoor theme park in the world, with dozens of rides and areas relating to Marvel characters, Cartoon Network, and the 'Lost Valley' of dinosaurs; the other, Global Village, is aimed more at adults and features several pavilions, shows, and dining areas showcasing culture from 90 different countries around the world.

Visit the Burj Khalifa and the Marina

The Burj Khalifa stands as a modern-day icon of Dubai's skyward aspirations, captivating visitors from every corner of the globe. This architectural marvel reaches an astounding 830 meters into the sky, with its 'At The Top' observation deck perched 452 meters above the ground, on the building's 124th floor, offering a perspective not just on the city, but seemingly the entire world, to those who venture up this man-made mountain. It is more than a must-visit attraction; it is a journey into Dubai's ambitious heart, welcoming all to share in the breath-taking views that span its expansive horizons, a testimony to mankind's limitless potential.

The 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake, where the world-famous Dubai Fountain is located, sits at the base of the building. The world's tallest performing fountain, at 270 meters, features light performances with more than 6,000 lights choreographed to music that spans classical Arab to modern world pop. The Dubai Marina is an artificial marina featuring a waterfront promenade, a shopping center, and hundreds of restaurants and shops, the highlights of which are these two buildings.

The Bottom Line

In the bustling oasis of Dubai, travelers find a harmonious blend of the historic and the ultra-modern, a testament to its rich heritage seamlessly meshed with futuristic architectural feats. The city offers a panorama of experiences that echo the dunes of its desert — ever-changing and limitless in their scope, from the storied halls of the Al Fahidi Fort, imbued with the wisdom of ages, to the inviting blue waters that line the city's golden beaches, offering respite and luxurious relaxation alike. In this city of superlatives, the largest mall globally invites shoppers to a cool sanctuary of retail pleasure, while the world's tallest structure, the Burj Khalifa, offers a bird's-eye vista of Dubai's expansive horizon.