Dubai’s unmissable landmarks and historical sights

Dubai’s journey from a humble pearl fishing village to one of the world’s most dazzling cities is extraordinary. The city's landmarks reflect this fascinating blend of old and new. As one of the seven emirates forming the UAE, Dubai has made its mark with futuristic skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, and vibrant nightlife.

But there’s more to this desert city than meets the eye. As you explore these 15 Dubai landmarks, you’ll uncover layers of history, culture, and family-friendly activities that make this city unique.

Historic and architectural landmarks in Dubai

1. Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and the most iconic Dubai landmark. At an astonishing 2,723 feet, it is more than twice the height of the Empire State Building!

Highlights:

125 floors up is a long way — luckily, the building is equipped with some of the world’s fastest elevators, one of the many interesting facts about the Burj Khalifa.

Address and opening hours:

Burj Khalifa, 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. Open daily 8:00 AM-11:00 PM.

2. Dubai Frame

A completely unique architectural landmark, the enormous Dubai Frame was conceived as a window between old and new Dubai. Ascend its tall towers, joined by a sky bridge and a glass walkway, to look down on the city below.

Highlights:

The floor level includes a fascinating museum about Dubai's history, and a separate exhibit imagines Dubai in the future.

Address and opening hours:

Zabeel Park, Al Kifaf. Open daily, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM.

3. Burj Al Arab

Have you ever wondered what a 7-star hotel would be like? Here’s your chance to find out. This unique, sail-shaped building dominates the shoreline of Dubai.

Highlights:

Take a guided tour of the hotel and admire the lavish gold interiors of this record-breaking luxury hotel – it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Address and opening hours:

Umm Suqeim 3 - Dubai. Open 24/7 every day of the year. The Inside Burj Al Arab tours are available daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

4. Old Dubai

Far from the high-rise luxury skyscrapers of Dubai, Explore Old Dubai and Souks in the authentic Al Fahidi neighborhood. The souk markets are the place to haggle over textiles, spices, gold, and other goods.

Highlights:

There’s a vast range of stalls: find anything from inexpensive souvenirs to a diamond necklace.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at the Arabian Tea House, Bastakiya. The tour starts at 4:00 PM and lasts 2 hours.

5. Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque

The Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque, inspired by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and sometimes known as the Blue Mosque, is a stunning architectural landmark. Its design is a combination of Ottoman and Andalusian elements, so it's hard to say whether its inside or outside is more impressive. Admire its ornate interiors, elaborate chandeliers, and library, which contains 40,000 books.

Highlights:

Admire the elaborate Koranic calligraphy in the Mosque.

Address and opening hours:

119 6 D Street, Al Safa. The Mosque is open to visitors outside prayer times from Sunday - Thursday at 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 4:15 PM - 6:00 PM.

6. Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall truly needs to be seen to be believed. Sprawling over a million square meters – the size of 200 football pitches – it’s one of the world's largest shopping and entertainment complexes. You'll find everything from high-end fashion brands to cinemas to hundreds of delicious restaurants, making for an excellent day out.

Highlights:

Dubai Mall is also home to a number of great attractions, including the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink.

Address and opening hours:

Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai. Retailers are open Monday-Thursday 10:00 AM-11:00 PM, Friday-Sunday 10:00 AM-12:00 PM.

7. Al Fahidi Fort

The Al Fahidi Fort is the oldest surviving building in Dubai and a must-visit historic landmark. Built in 1787, it was formerly a fortified monarch’s residence, weapons arsenal, and prison.

Highlights:

Today, the ancient fort is home to the wonderful Dubai Museum, where you can learn all about the city's history.

Address and opening hours:

Al Fahidi, Dubai. Open Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM-8:30 PM.

8. Museum of the Future

One of Dubai's most striking and innovative architectural landmarks, the Museum of the Future stands out against the skyline. Built in an unusual hollow oval shape and adorned with calligraphy windows, the museum engages all the senses on a journey through possible futures.

Highlights:

Go inside the museum to engage with ideas about AI, technology, robotics, and the future.

Address and opening hours:

Sheikh Zayed Rd, Trade Center, Dubai. Open daily, 10:00 AM-7:30 PM.

9. Sky Views

A staggering dual skyscraper building joined by a metal and glass sky bridge and spectacularly illuminated at night makes the Sky Views Edge Walk in Downtown Dubai vie for attention from its giant neighbor, the Burj Khalifa.

Stand on a glass floor 53 floors up and gaze at the city below, experience the thrill of going down a transparent slide high in the sky, or walk hands-free along the Sky Edge Walk with a harness — if you dare.

Highlights:

Admire spectacular views of Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai from a height of 720 feet. It’s incredible day or night.

Address and opening hours:

The Address Sky View Tower 1, Sheikh Zayed Rd. Open daily 10:00 AM-9:00 PM.

Scenic and natural landmarks in Dubai

10. The Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is an archipelago of artificial islands. It is a man-made development shaped like a date palm (the UAE's national plant) that stretches out into the Arabian Gulf. There are viewpoints, luxury hotels, waterparks, and more to discover.

Highlights:

Learn more about the city’s growth and development at The View.

Address and opening hours:

Palm Jumeirah Road, The Palm Tower. Open Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM-10:00 PM, Friday-Sunday 9:00 AM-12:00 AM.

11. AURA Skypool

At AURA, the world's highest 360° infinity pool, you can take a dip while sipping cocktails and soaking in Dubai's breathtaking skyline.

Highlights:

You can kick-start your day with a sunrise swim to enjoy phenomenal views and listen to calming melodies for a peaceful start to your day.

Address and opening hours:

The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, 50th Floor, Dubai.

12. Miracle Garden

Featuring spectacular floral sculptures on a vast scale, Dubai's Miracle Garden is a cross between an architectural and a natural landmark. It is the world's largest flower garden.

Highlights:

The garden boasts 50 million species of flowers and 250 million species of plants.

Address and opening hours:

Street 3, Al Barsha South. Open Sunday-Thursday 9:00 AM-9:00 PM, Fridays 9:00 AM-11:00 PM, Saturdays 9:00 AM-10:00 PM. Open November–May.

13. Dubai Fountain

One of Dubai’s most mesmerizing landmarks, the Dubai Fountain is the largest dancing fountain show in the world. What better way to experience this magic than from the water? You can take a boat trip on Burj Lake and experience the fountain show on a traditional boat.

Highlights:

The fountain features 6,000 lights and 22,000 gallons of airborne water: it's a spectacle unlike any other, and each night, every show is different from the last with new choreography and music.

Address and opening hours:

Downtown Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates. The fountains come to life every 30 minutes from 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM daily.

14. Dubai Creek

You can cruise down this natural saltwater inlet, learn about Dubai’s development as an important trading port, and admire Dubai Creek’s natural beauty.

Highlights:

As you cruise gently, you can see many of the city’s landmarks, including Business Bay, Dubai Waterfall, and Tolerance Bridge.

Address and opening hours:

Creek Harbour Public Viewing Deck, Ras Al Khor.

15. Al Seef

The Al Seef waterfront promenade is a bustling hub of activity that combines tradition and modernity. Originally a pearl diving port, you can now find boutiques, art shops, galleries, and restaurants in this scenic landmark filled with old-world charm.

Highlights:

Al Seef is a great spot for taking photos, especially at sunset. Be sure to bring your camera.

Address and opening hours:

Al Seef Street, Umm Hurair 1. Open 24/7.

FAQs

What is the oldest historic landmark in Dubai?

The oldest part of Al Fahidi Fort, dating back to 1787, is believed to be the oldest surviving historic landmark in Dubai.

What are some free landmarks to visit in Dubai?

There are plenty of landmarks in Dubai that you can visit free of charge. Head to the Dubai Fountain to see its impressive water and light displays, wander through the city's souks, or visit the Al Fahidi historical neighborhood.

Are there any guided tours that focus on the architecture of Dubai's landmarks?

The Walking, Architecture and History Tour of Dubai Opera is a fascinating insight into one of Dubai's most spectacular architectural landmarks.

How can I get the best views of scenic landmarks in Dubai?

There are many spots in Dubai that are expressly designed to provide the best views of scenic landmarks. Head for The View at the Palm, Sky Views Observatory Dubai, or At The Top at Burj Khalifa.

What are some natural landmarks near Dubai worth visiting?

Dubai is surrounded by areas of stark natural beauty. For day trips worth remembering, visit the Al Marmoon Desert Conservation Reserve, the Al Batha Nature Reserve, or the Mangrove National Park.