Dubai attracts curious and thrill-seeking visitors from all over the globe, and they aren’t disappointed when they discover how many fun experiences are waiting for them in the city. From exciting dinners in the sky to unique ways and see Dubai’s most mesmerizing landmarks, to desert safaris and family-friendly activities that will have everyone screaming with delight — it’s all in this roundup of fun things to do in Dubai.

Want to hit the slopes, make a splash, bash the dunes, or soar above the city? Choose one of these 20 fun activities and let your Dubai adventure begin with a bang.

Fun things to do in Dubai as a couple

1. Go stargazing in the desert

This unforgettable Al Marmoom Oasis bedouin dinner experience will whisk you away from the city, to a traditional camp. Watch the spectacular sunset, listen to live Emirati folk music, eat a delicious Bedouin meal, and gaze up at the starry night sky.

Highlights:

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

Address and opening hours:

You'll be picked up from your accommodation. The experience starts at 4:30 PM and lasts 6 hours.

2. Soar above the Arabian desert in a hot air balloon

Shoot up, up, and away on a thrilling ascent in this hot air balloon ride. See the sunrise as you've never seen it before, as it glitters on the oases of the Arabian Desert. Feel the cool desert air in your hair, and experience incredible views.

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.

3. Discover Old Dubai and its souks

A world away from downtown Dubai with its glittering skyscrapers, discover another side to the city with this Flavors of Arabia souk tour, where you'll walk through the 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:

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

4. Go skiing in Dubai

It might not be the most obvious choice, but skiing is one of the Dubai’s most fun activities. At Ski Dubai, inside the Mall of the Emirates, you can race down the indoor slope and even meet some penguins with a Ski Dubai Snow Plus Pass. 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. Get the best couples' photos with a private photoshoot

Up your Instagram game, and make everyone back home green with envy with this 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.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at Burj Khalifa Lake. The experience starts at 7:00 AM and lasts an hour.

Fun things to do in Dubai with kids

6. Feel like an Amazon explorer at Green Planet indoor rainforest

Step into a tropical rainforest with this Green Planet entry ticket. 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 this 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:

Meet at At the Top ticket counter, Dubai Mall. The tour operates between 5:45 PM-10:45 PM.

8. Splash about at the Aquaventure Waterpark

Have you ever wanted to experience a 27m freefall waterslide? Whether you're a thrill-seeker yourself 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: you're guaranteed a whale of a time.

Address and opening hours:

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

9. Life is a rollercoaster at 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 on offer, 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. See the lush lagoons and mangrove forests of 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 bird, fish, and animal.

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. Experience the thrill of 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. This Zip Line Across the Marina experience is one of the most exciting things to do in Dubai, if you're feeling brave enough.

Highlights:

Afterwards, you'll receive photos and video footage of the experience, so you can show your friends.

Address and opening hours:

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

12. Take in Dubai's number one spectacular show, La Perle by Dragone

A fun thing to do for anyone visiting Dubai is to get your hands on some La Perle by Dragone tickets. This astonishing spectacle show includes acrobats, indoor divers, a huge cast of 65 artists, and lavish design to create an experience you will never forget.

Highlights:

 You're guaranteed a great seat, as the theater has just 14 rows.

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 this 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:

Meet at Mondoux Café, Dubai Creek Harbor. Tours start at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM and last 1.5 hours.

14. See street art on the streets of El Satwa

Visit Dubai's El Satwa neighborhood, nicknamed the "Dubai Street Museum". The area is filled with large-scale, beautifully painted street art and murals on the walls of buildings. Take this Hidden Gems in Dubai guided tour to discover the most unmissable murals in this hip neighborhood.

Highlights:

This tour led by a local expert and will take you through the many hidden gems of Dubai that are off the beaten path.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at Noor Bank Metro Station next to Exit 2. Tours operate between 8:00 AM-5:30 PM and last 3 hours.

15. Zoom over the iconic red dunes in a dune buggy

If you've always wanted to drive a dune buggy, here is your chance. This Adventure Dune Buggy Safari in the Lehbab Desert will take you on the ride of your life. Experience the thrill of adrenaline as you throttle through the red sand.

Highlights:

The experience includes sandboarding and a camel ride for a truly action-packed day.

Address and opening hours:

You'll be picked up from your accommodation. Tours 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, head to this Emirati cooking class at Al Khayma Heritage House, 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:

Take this fun class in the beautiful surroundings of this traditional heritage house.

Address and opening hours:

Al Khayma Heritage House, Al Fahidi. The experience starts at different times, depending on the option chosen.

17. Eat a meal suspended high above the city

For a uniquely cool thing to do in Dubai, why not try this 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

18. Enjoy a few drinks in the city's best bars

Dubai is an Arabic country, and it can be difficult to find places that serve alcoholic drinks. This nightlife tour will take you to the city's best party spots, where you can meet like-minded travelers from all over the world, dance, and enjoy a drink or two.

Highlights:

Ride in comfort between the venues in a private air-conditioned bus.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at The 44 Rooftop, Business Bay. The tour starts at 7:45 PM and lasts 5 hours.

19. 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 this Emirati dining experience? Head to the beautiful Al Khayma Heritage House and enjoy authentic traditional gastronomy with the rich spiced flavors of Emirati cuisine.

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.

20. 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.

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 take place 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.