20 unique and fun things to do in Dubai

Curious adventurers and thrill-seekers flock to Dubai from every corner of the globe, and for good reason. This dazzling city is packed with fun things to do that’ll make your jaw drop and your heart race. Imagine dining in the sky with breathtaking views, exploring iconic landmarks in ways you never thought possible, racing across golden dunes, or diving into family-friendly escapades that’ll have everyone grinning from ear to ear. Ready to dive into the ultimate list of fun things to do in Dubai? We’ve rounded up 20 experiences for the ultimate Dubai adventure.

Fun things to do in Dubai as a couple

1. Ride in a hot air balloon

Soar above the Arabian desert in a thrilling ascent in a hot air balloon ride. Watch the sunrise as it glitters on the oases of the Arabian Desert, casting a warm glow across the dunes. This unique perspective offers a serene way to appreciate Dubai’s natural landscape. from a bird’s-eye view.

Highlights:

From a height of 4000 feet, you may spot desert wildlife: camels, gazelles, and Arabian oryx.

Address and opening hours:

You'll be picked up from your accommodation. The experience starts at 4:00 AM and lasts 4 hours.

2. Visit the Al Marmoom Oasis

Visit the Al Marmoom Oasis, UAE’s largest unfenced desert reserve for a romantic experience that will whisk you away from the city to a traditional camp. Take in the desert scenery, listen to live Emirati folk music, eat a delicious Bedouin meal, and experience what life is like in a traditional Bedouin village.

Highlights:

Explore the flora and fauna of the Al Marmoom oasis, a nature conservation spot.

3. Discover Old Dubai and its souks

A world away from downtown Dubai with its glittering skyscrapers, discover another side of the city with a souk tour, where you'll walk through traditional souks or markets, learning about Dubai's rich history and culture before enjoying some traditional Emirati food.

Highlights:

Travel on the famous Dubai Creek on an abra, a traditional wooden boat.

Address and opening hours:

Dubai Gold Souk, Deira, Al Ras, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

4. Go skiing indoors at Ski Dubai

It might not be the most traditional place to don your skis, but Ski Dubai, inside the Mall of the Emirates, is one of Dubai’s most fun activities. With a Ski Dubai Snow Plus Pass, you can take a break from the city's scorching heat, race down the indoor slope, and even meet some penguins. It’s a winter wonderland in the desert.

Highlights:

Penguin encounters, zorb balls, chairlift rides, tobogganing, and a huge indoor slope. You don’t have to have any gear either — everything is available to rent.

Address and opening hours:

Mall of the Emirates - Dubai. Open daily, 10:00 AM–11:30 PM.

5. Book your own private photoshoot

Up your Instagram game and make everyone back home green with envy with a creative photoshoot with a personal photographer. Your guide will take you to the most scenic spots and take professional vacation snaps you can look back on together for years to come.

Highlights:

Receive the 20 best professionally edited photos ready to use within 24 hours.

Fun things to do in Dubai with kids

6. Visit The Green Planet indoor rainforest

Step into a tropical rainforest at The Green Planet, Dubai's unique indoor rainforest. Walk through the lush vegetation, watch out for sluggish sloths, and watch exotic, colorful birds flutter overhead in this unique biodome.

Highlights:

Those who are feeling brave can touch an Emerald Tree Boa snake.

Address and opening hours:

City Walk, Al Wasl. Open daily, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

7. Marvel at Dubai's magical fountain show

No trip to Dubai is complete without visiting its spectacular Dubai Fountain. Make it extra special with a fountain show and Burj Lake ride experience, where you can watch the magnificent show from the vantage point of a boat on the water. Drift through Burj Lake and admire the water and lights dancing in time to the music – unforgettable.

Highlights:

The Dubai Fountain is the largest dancing fountain show in the world.

Address and opening hours:

The Dubai Fountain, Downtown Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates. The fountains come to life every 30 minutes from 5:45 PM - 11:30 PM daily.

8. Splash about at the Aquaventure Waterpark

Have you ever wanted to experience a 27m freefall waterslide? Whether you're a thrill-seeker or the parent of thrill-seeking children, the Dubai Aquaventure Waterpark is a great day out for the whole family. If lounging by the water on a private beach is more your thing, you can do so while the fun slides keep the kids entertained.

Highlights:

Surge down the waves of a rapid river on an inner tube: the whole family is guaranteed a whale of a time.

Address and opening hours:

Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road. Open daily, 9:45 AM-6:30 PM.

9. Visit Motiongate Theme Park

Take the kids out for a special treat with these Motiongate Dubai tickets. This unique theme park is based on three iconic Hollywood film studios: DreamWorks, Columbia, and Lionsgate, incorporating creativity from all three.

Highlights:

There are 27 action-packed rides as well as interactive play labs, a drop tower, and media-based theater shows.

Address and opening hours:

Motiongate Dubai. Open Sunday-Thursday 11:00 AM-8:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 11:00 AM-9:00 PM.

10. Visit the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Right on the outskirts of the city and accessible by public transport, you’ll find the extraordinary Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, an important wetlands wildlife sanctuary that is home to many species of birds, fish, and animals.

Highlights:

If you go in winter, you’ll see the horizon turn bright pink with thousands of flamingos, who use the sanctuary as a mating spot.

Address and opening hours:

Ras Al Khor Road. Open Sunday-Thursday 7:30 AM-5:30 PM. Closed Friday-Saturday.

Fun things to do in Dubai on your own

11. Ride the world’s longest urban zip line

Leap into the air and feel the sensation of flying for over a kilometer as you admire the views below and reach speeds of up to 80km per hour. The Zip Line Across the Marina experience is one of the most thrilling things to do in Dubai if you feel brave enough.

Highlights:

Afterward, you’ll receive photos and video footage of the experience to show your friends.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at the XLine Booth in Dubai Marina Mall. The experience runs between 9:20 AM-5:40 PM.

12. Experience La Perle by Dragone: Dubai's #1 must-see spectacular show

A fun thing for anyone visiting Dubai is to get your hands on some La Perle by Dragone tickets. This astonishing show includes acrobats, indoor divers, a massive cast of 65 artists, and a lavish set design with immersive technology.

Highlights:

As the theater has just 14 rows, you're guaranteed a great seat. Many packages include dinner at one of the fantastic restaurants in Al Habtoor City before the show.

Address and opening hours:

Al Habtoor City, 260 Sheikh Zayed Road. Shows start at 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM.

13. Paddle down Dubai Creek in a kayak at night

For a truly unique thing to do in Dubai, take a sunset or nighttime Dubai Creek kayak tour. Experience the stunning Dubai skyline from the water as the lights reflect shimmering in the creek, and paddle past a wildlife sanctuary where you can spot many species of birds.

Highlights:

Watch the spectacular sunset from the water before paddling back to land.

Address and opening hours:

Dubai Creek Marina, Dubai Creek Resort, Port Saeed, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Tour times and locations vary.

14. See street art on the streets of El Satwa

Visit Dubai's El Satwa neighborhood, nicknamed the "Dubai Street Museum". This hip area is filled with large-scale, beautifully painted street art and murals on the walls of buildings.

Highlights:

There are tours led by a local expert who will take you through the many off-the-beaten-path gems of Dubai.

15. Thrilling dune buggy safari

Rev up your adventure spirit and get ready for an adrenaline-pumping ride through Dubai's mesmerizing Lehbab Desert. Drive a powerful 1000cc Polaris buggy across stunning red sand dunes. Feel the rush as you navigate the desert terrain, perfect for both beginners and experienced drivers.

Highlights:

Many tours offer additional experiences like sandboarding, camel rides, and BBQ dinners under the stars.

Address and opening hours:

You'll be picked up from your accommodation. Tour vary but most operate at 7:45 AM, 8:45 AM, and 3:00 PM.

Fun things to do in Dubai if you like food and drink

16. Learn to cook authentic Emirati food

If you’re a bit of a whizz in the kitchen and want to add some new flavors to your repertoire, take a cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare delicious traditional local recipes. Pick between a breakfast class or longer classes where you can make main dishes, bread, and dessert.

Highlights:

Learn about Dubai’s history and local cultural traditions through its food.

17. Emirati Dining Experience

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city, and you can find all kinds of world cuisine there. But why not discover the local cuisine with a traditional Emirati dining experience? Head to the beautiful Al Khayma Heritage House and enjoy authentic traditional gastronomy with Emirati cuisine’s rich, spiced flavors.

Highlights:

Try traditional henna painting as a part of this cultural experience.

Address and opening hours:

Al Khayma Heritage House, Al Fahidi. Experience start times vary.

18. Discover Dubai's tastiest street eats

Dubai's street food has to be tasted to be believed. Take this half-day street food tour and let your guide introduce you to the best spots for tasty snacks, including the best vegetarian street food in Dubai.

Highlights:

Nibble on delicious snacks throughout, and finish the tour with a meal in a traditional restaurant

Address and opening hours:

Meeting points vary. The tour starts at 7:00 PM and lasts 4 hours.

19. Eat a meal suspended high above the city

For a uniquely cool thing to do in Dubai, why not try an exhilarating Dinner in the Sky experience? Suspended 50 meters above the ground, feast on a delicious 3-course meal and see the city from a completely new perspective.

Highlights:

Watch as your chef cooks your meal from scratch, also suspended in midair.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at Skydive Dubai, Mina Al Seyahi. The experience starts at 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM and lasts 1.5 hours

20. Enjoy a few drinks in the city’s best bars

Dubai is an Arabic country, but there are still many places that serve alcoholic drinks. Party the night away on a pub crawl, where you can meet like-minded travelers and visit the city’s best nighttime spots, or take it up a notch and party on a private yacht!

Highlights:

On the pub crawl, you will ride comfortably between the venues in a private air-conditioned party bus.

FAQs

What are some fun things to do in Dubai at night?

Dubai's famous for its glittering, elegant clubs and party hotspots, and there are plenty of fun things to do at night. Hit up the best clubs and dance the night away. Alternatively, take a moonlit kayak trip down Dubai Creek, or head out to the desert and go stargazing.

Are there any fun day trips from Dubai that I should consider?

There are any number of day trips from Dubai: visit the neighboring cities of Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, or head to the Hattar mountains with their beautiful turquoise pools for an escape to nature.

What are some popular festivals or events in Dubai?

Most of Dubai's festivals occur in the winter and spring months when the weather is cooler.

What are some family-friendly fun activities to do in Dubai?

There are lots of activities to do with kids in Dubai. Visit the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, take a boat ride down Dubai Creek, or visit one of the city's many beaches.

What are some fun outdoor activities to do in Dubai?

Take a trip out to the desert to try sandboarding, dune bashing, or riding a camel. Dubai's also home to the world's longest zipline: soar about the city admiring the landmarks from a bird's eye view.