51 Best Things to Do in Dubai – What to Do in Dubai for First Time Part – 2

26. Hot Air Balloon Ride

Book a hot air balloon ride in Dubai to go high up in the sky and get the view of panoramic landscapes of Dubai Desert. Glide over the barren desert land to have the sight of beautiful gazelles and camels. Hot Air Balloon Ride is the most preferred outdoor activity in Dubai especially for the people who always look for something different. One of the most romantic things to do in Dubai, go with your soulmate for an early morning ride that allows you a mesmerizing sight of the sunrise with the backdrop of the lofty Hajar Mountains. The approximate cost would be 850 AED/child and 995 AED/Adult.

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Tips for Travelers

• Wear sunglasses as the sun’s rays can feel harsh while you are riding the hot air balloon.
• Secure your valuables like phones, cameras, etc. to your body so that they do not fall out during the flight.

Best For: Adults, couples and friends

How to Book: Book online tickets with Rayna Tours! Click Book Now!

27. Sky Diving Dubai

No, you need to be an expert skydiver. Even if it’s your first time, you can do the sky diving adventure in Dubai with the help of an expert. You can enjoy skydiving and parachute jumping in Dubai to the fullest provided you keep at least three hours for this adventurous activity. As you are diving into the air, you get to enjoy the mesmerizing view of the Arabian Sea, Palm Island, and Jumeirah Beach on your way down.

Timings: The timings change as per season. Check the official website for the right timings.

Tips for Travelers

• You need to be in perfect health if you want to skydive. You would have to undergo a medical checkup before you skydive.
• Have a light breakfast before you go sky diving. Both eating too heavily and not eating at all can be problematic.

Best For: Adventure enthusiasts (adults only)

Suggested Read: Skydive Dubai – Guide, Tips, Locations, Prices, Timings and Tickets

How to Book: Check out the online booking with Rayna Tours!

28. Helicopter Ride

Helicopter Ride in Dubai Sky provides the best aerial view of the city. Book a 30 minutes helicopter ride to get the incredible views of the finest attractions of Dubai City. During this wonderful helicopter ride, you will get spectacular sights busy Rashid Port, Dubai Marina, skyscrapers Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab and the beautiful Palm Islands archipelago.

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM

Tips for Travelers

• Listen to the instructions provided carefully and follow them during the flight
• Kids under the age of 2 are not allowed to go on a helicopter ride.

Best For: Adults, especially couples

29. XLine Dubai

The XLine Dubai Marina is a zip line that’s twice as long, has twice the lines and takes twice the time that the Dubai Fountain zipline does. This means twice the thrill, twice the adventure. It’s fast and it’s really high and represents a rugged challenge to the adventurers who crowd in for the experience. Imagine coursing at speed over the exotic Dubai Marina with its super yachts and supercars lined up. It’s the most exhilarating experience that Dubai offers visitors, so go Xining!

Timings: 3:20 PM to 6:20 PM (Saturday to Wednesday) and 3:20 PM to 6:20 PM and 7:30 PM to 10 PM (Thursday and Friday)

Tips for Travelers

• The entire activity takes somewhere around 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Wear comfortable clothes; make sure they are not flowy as they may hinder the safety equipment. Closed shoes are best for this activity.

Best For: Adults (adventure lovers)

Suggested Read: XLine Dubai Marina – Exciting Zipline Experience in Dubai

30. Bubble Soccer

This adventure sport is new in Dubai but it has already gained huge popularity among the locals and the tourists alike. Participants play soccer while they are within an inflatable bubble. Depending on the time of your Dubai visit, you have the option for indoor and outdoor bubble soccer.

Timings: 12 PM to 9 PM (Sunday to Wednesday) and 10 AM to 10 PM (Thursday to Sunday)

Tips for Travelers

• Each game lasts for 30 minutes and can be played by a maximum of 6 people
• Bubble soccer is not like regular soccer and you do not need to know the rules of soccer to play this game. When it comes to bubble soccer, it is all about fun.

Best For: Group of friends and families

31. Deep-Sea Fishing

Both for the residents and the tourists, deep-sea fishing in Dubai is an enthralling experience. The climate and water of Dubai make it a perfect place for deep-sea fishing. Yacht Charter Companies in Dubai offering Deep Sea Fishing Trips have a pool of experienced skippers who have spent years fishing and divining in the seawater of Dubai. You can book for a half a day or full day fishing tour. Refreshment, fishing equipment, and baits are organized by these tour companies and you will end up catching plenty of species like barracuda, local hammer and cuttlefish.

Timings: Timings would depend on the company you book the tour with and the time of the year

Tips for Travelers

• Wear lightweight summer clothes while going on a deep-sea fishing tour. However, do carry a jacket or sweater during the winter months,
• If you are going deep-sea fishing during summer, the best time would be before sunrise or after sunset, as the fish tend to go deep into the sea due to the extreme heat during the summer months.

Best For: Adults

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Dubai Water Experiences

32. Dhow Cruise Dubai

Why miss out on the lifetime opportunity to go for an enjoyable Creek Cruise in Dubai? Have a pleasurable traditional Dhow ride on a moonlit night by booking Dubai Creek Cruises that include Tanoura dance and fire shows. One of the best things to do in Dubai, the cruise also includes an open-air buffet to serve you with mouth-licking foods. You must have 2-3 hours to enjoy this unforgettable Dubai Creek Cruise. Dhow cruise dinner is also available in Dubai Marina.

Timings: 7 PM to 11 PM

Tips for Travelers

• You can opt for lower deck or upper deck seating as per your preference. Mention the same at the time of booking.
• Alcoholic beverages are also available on most cruises. However, you would have to pay extra for the same.

Best For: Families and couples

Suggested Read: How to Select Best Dhow Cruise in Dubai

33. Dubai Fountain

You do not have to spend a single buck to experience this wonderful light and sound show, simply beat the Dubai fountain at the Dubai mall around 7 pm every evening. Get the sight of fountain water getting thrown at a height of more than 500 feet and appreciate the mesmerizing sight of Burj Khalifa Lake that gets illuminated by more than six thousand super lights during this show. While you are witnessing this show, you can also tantalize your taste buds by ordering your favorite dish one of the restaurants nearby overlooking the fountain.

Timings: 7 PM to 11 PM (every half an hour)

Tips for Travelers

• The Dubai Fountain Show can be watched free of cost. Arrive well before the show starts to secure a good spot near the fountain.
• To watch the fountain show closely, you can also book a boat tour on the Burj Lake. This is perfect for couples looking for romantic things to do in Dubai.

Best For: Everyone

How to Book: Free

34. Dubai Water Canal

An artificial water canal, the Dubai Water Canal cuts through the Sheikh Zayed Road and runs through Safa Park and Jumeirah, finally merging with the Persian Gulf. It is a 3.2 km waterway, which has a promenade, five pedestrian bridges, a running track, a cycling track, and a mechanical waterfall. It is the perfect place to stroll and relax in Dubai.

Timings: 24X7

Tips for Travelers

• The best time to visit Dubai Canal is after sunset when the weather is cooler and you can see some beautiful views of the city.
• Make sure that you do not litter anywhere near the Dubai Canal. It is important to keep the place neat and clean.

Best For: Couples, families and fitness enthusiasts

35. Dubai Creek Abra Ride

The best way to enjoy the beauty of Dubai Creek and its surroundings is by taking an abra ride. It is one of the fastest as well as the cheapest ways to cross the Dubai Creek. There are two routes, while route one takes you from Deira Old Souk Abra Station to Bur Dubai Abra Station, route two takes you from Sabkha Abra Station to Dubai Old Souk Abra Station. The traditional abra can seat 20 people.

Timings: 5 AM to 12 AM (Route 1) and 24×7 (Route 2)

Tips for Travelers

• The cost of an abra ride on the Dubai Creek is AED 1.
• It is possible to charter an abra ride on a per hour basis. Prior booking is not necessary for this. You can arrive at the abra station and talk to the driver of the available abra.

36. Dubai Ferry

The Dubai Ferry is a luxury boat that runs from Dubai Canal to Dubai Marina, giving you the chance to enjoy the glamorous, cosmopolitan city of Dubai in leisure. Two types of tickets are available: silver and gold, and you can choose the class as per your interests and comforts. The ferry also has a snack bar where you can order drinks and refreshments to enjoy during your journey.

Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM (different timings for different routes)

Tips for Travelers

• It is best to buy tickets online as you may have to wait for more than half an hour to buy tickets at the kiosk.
• In case the tour gets canceled due to unfavorable weather, your money would be refunded.

Best For: Everyone

Also Read: Dubai Ferry – Complete Guide for First Time Visitors

37. Dubai Water Sports

As the city is flanked with water bodies, it is not surprising to know that there are plenty of water sports and activities available in Dubai. Right from mild and fun activities to extreme ones, Dubai offers a host of water sports for everyone. Here are some of the best water activities in Dubai and where you can enjoy them.

• Parasailing – Marina Beach
• Speedboat – JBR The Beach
• Flyboarding – Jumeirah
• Kite Surfing – Kite Beach
• Wakeboarding – Dubai Marina
• Water skiing – Palm Jumeirah
• Scuba diving – Atlantis, The Palm
• Fly Fishing – JBR Beach
• Jet skiing – Dubai Marina and Burj Al Arab

How to Book: Book your favorite water sports & activities in Dubai with Rayna Tours with best offers

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• Dubai Recreation and Entertainment

38. Dubai Beaches

Dubai houses some of the finest beaches in the world. You must go for a walk at Jumeirah Beach Dubai stretched over an area of 1.7 km. This place is famous for its wonderful eateries, beachside bars, and the latest fashion boutiques. Celebrities from all around the world are regularly spotted on this beach. Another must visit the beach of Dubai is the Kite Beach that offers endless water sports and adventure activities for beach lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Apart from kite surfing, other activities to be enjoyed here are paddleboarding, kayaking, bodyboarding, snorkeling, etc. Beach Chalets are available for booking here.

Tips for Travelers

• Swimsuits of all kinds can be worn at the beaches. Make sure to cover up properly while traveling from your hotel or residence to the beach.
• While some beaches are open to the public, there are several private beaches that are only open to the guests. Some hotels offer access to their private beaches at a fee.

Best For: Families, couples and friends

May Interested-in: Best Beaches in and around Dubai

39. Golfing in Dubai

The Emirates Golf Club is a 36-holes golf course, which is divided into two sections: The Majlis and the Faldo Course, both 18-holes each. While the Majlis is built in and around a desert by preserving its flora and fauna, the Faldo Course is popular because it is a day and night course. Whichever golf course you choose, you would get to enjoy the world-class ambiance and hospitality like no other.

Timings: 6 AM to 9 PM

Tips for Travelers

• All visitors should follow the dress code requirements. Both men and women should wear proper golf attire and footwear while visiting the place.
• The best time to visit the golf course is later afternoon when the sun is not too harsh. Also, you get to see an amazing view during sunset.

Best For: Adults (golf enthusiasts)

40. Dubai Opera House

The Dubai Opera House is built to resemble the traditional Arab trading vessel, the Dhow. It can operate as a movie theater, a concert hall, and an event hall if needed. The building can be configured differently using sophisticated technology to suit different purposes. Each transformation is distinctly different and visually mind-blowing. There’s also a rooftop restaurant and sky garden with views of The Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa.

Timings: 10 AM to 9 PM

Tips for Travelers

• Although the Dubai Opera House does not have a strict dress code, it would be best to dress in formal clothes while visiting.
• The tours would last anywhere between 60-75 minutes depending on the tour you have chosen.

Best For: Art enthusiasts

41. Dubai Marina Yacht Club

The Dubai Marina Yacht Club comprises of four marinas, each offering plenty of dining, shopping, and sailing options. From Club House Marina, you can watch amazing yachts drop anchor. Walk along the East Marina and check out the eateries there. The West Bay Marina offers the best view of the Dubai sunset. Dubai Marina Mall is the best place to enjoy the sea while shopping for delights. Treat yourself to a coastal lunch at the Aquara Restaurant & Lounge, or at the Yots Sports Lounge. Fabulous views of the Persian Gulf surround you wherever you go.

Timings: 24 hours

Tips for Travelers: You can spend 2-3 hours dining, strolling and enjoying the views at the Dubai Marina Yacht Club

Best For: Couples, families, and group of friends

42. Visit Burj Al Arab

The sail-shaped building is, in fact, the only seven-star hotel in the world, the Burj Al Arab. While the building is unique from the outside, it is opulent inside. But you either need to be a guest at the hotel or dining at one of the restaurants if you want to visit Burj Al Arab. One of the best experiences at the hotel is the afternoon tea at Sky View Bar. The Sky View Bar is perched 200 meters above sea level and gives an amazing view of the city. However, this is not the only highlight of the place. While the interiors of the restaurant are plush and stylish, the menu of the afternoon tea is to die for. You would be treated with a variety of tea and coffee, cakes, pastries, sandwiches, homemade jams, etc. It would surely be one of the most luxurious dining experiences in Dubai.

Timings: 3 PM (window seating) and 3:15 PM (non-window seating)

Tips for Travelers

• You can book a table at the Sky View Bar via email. You would be provided with a booking number that you have to present at the venue.
• Smart casuals are the dress code, which includes closed shoes for men.

Best For: Romantic dates, business meetings and celebrations with friends

43. Global Village Dubai

Known to be the biggest shopping, entertainment and leisure destination, the Global Village Dubai is open during the cooler months, i.e. between November and April. The place has spread an area of 17,200 sq.ft and is divided into several pavilions, each representing a country, including its cuisine, handicrafts, merchandise, etc. Apart from this, you also get to play games, indulge in entertainment and watch incredible fireworks. In short, the place offers complete family entertainment.

Timings: 4 PM to 11:30 PM (Saturday to Wednesday) and 4 PM to 12:30 AM (Thursday and Friday)

Tips for Travelers

• Weekends are extremely crowded and busy, but you also get to enjoy incredible offers and amazing fireworks on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Plan your trip in advance as to the pavilions you want to visit and the activities you want to do, so that you do not waste time roaming around.

Best For: Everyone

Suggested Read: Things to Do in Global Village Dubai

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Dubai Parks

44. Safa Park & Mushrif Park

Safa Park is spread in a sprawling area of 64 hectares with three beautiful lakes and over 16900 trees providing their shadow. You can spot over 200 species of birds in the park and the grassy lawns covering over 80% of the park attracts you to spend quality time with your family and friends. It also has a little forest, a hill offering a beautiful view of the park and a waterfall too. The Mushrif Park and the international village is a perfect way to spend a relaxed time in the shade of trees and along with enjoying a host of entertainment and recreational activities such as swimming pool, children play areas, BBQ and trip areas, prayer rooms, and train ride services, etc.

Timings: Both Parks – 8 AM to 10 PM (Sunday to Wednesday) and 8 AM to 11 PM (Thursday to Saturday)

Tips for Travelers

• Both parks have an entry fee of AED 3 for everyone. No entry fee for kids below the age of 2.
• An entry fee of AED 10 is levied on per car entering Mushrif Park.

Best For: Couples, families with kids and nature lovers

45. Dubai Safari Park

The Dubai Safari Park is a 119-hectare large wildlife park that is home to 2,500 animals (thousands of which were relocated from Dubai Zoo). One of Dubai’s latest attractions, Dubai Safari Park has animals belonging to over 250 species. These animals are spread out in 4 geographical zones called villages – African, Arabian, Asian and an Open Safari village. Animals belonging to each of these regions are lodged in their specific villages. Dubai Safari Park is also home to the first drive-thru crocodile exhibit in the world. There’s also the UAE’s largest aviary exhibit, and also the only drive-thru hippo and tiger exhibit in the UAE.

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Tips for Travelers

• The tickets to Dubai Safari Park can be bought online
• Entry is free for children under the age of 3, senior citizens and handicapped people

Best For: Families and nature and animal lovers

Suggested Read: Dubai Safari Park – All You Need to Know

How to Book: Comming Soon!

46. Dubai Miracle Garden

Located in Dubailand, the Miracle Garden is the largest flower garden in the world. It is spread around an area of 72,000 square meters and has more than 50 million flowers. The garden is open only during the winter months, and each season sees creative and unique flower arrangements. Apart from the floral displays, the Dubai Miracle Garden has a trampoline park, an amphitheater, 3D mapping, and weekly live shows.

Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM (Sunday to Thursday) and 9 AM to 11 PM (Friday and Saturday)

Tips for Travelers

• The best time to visit the park is during sunset as you get to see the park in daylight and after dark. Plus, the pictures you get before sunset time are amazing because of the light effects.
• You can easily spend 2-3 hours at the Dubai Miracle Garden.

Best For: Nature lovers

Suggested Read: Dubai Miracle Garden – All About World’s Largest Natural Flower Garden

How to Book: Online booking for Dubai Miracle Garden! Click to Book Today!

47. The Green Planet

A rainforest in the tropical city of Dubai may seem impossible, but it has become a reality with the Green Planet, a vertical indoor rainforest. Complete with more than 3000 animals and plants, the Green Planet introduces you to a whole new world. Visiting this park is educational and interesting at the same time.

Timings: 10 AM to 7 PM

Tips for Travelers

• It will take anywhere between 2-3 hours to explore the park, as per the interest and curiosity of the visitors.
• Arrive early, close to the opening time, to avoid crowds. This is ideal especially if you are visiting with kids.

Best For: Kids and Nature lovers

48. Zabeel Park

Zabeel Park is one of the unique parks in Dubai as it is the first in the city that is technologically driven. With the size of 45 football fields, the park offers a lot of greenery with more than 3000 palm trees and almost 700 trees from 14 species. It is also a place that is home to the grand Dubai Frame. Apart from this, Zabeel Park has Stargate Dubai (amusement complex and edutainment center for children) with some amazing play areas and attractions. You must also visit the techno zone, alternative energy zone and communication zone where you can enjoy several interesting, educational and interactive activities.

Timings: 8 AM to 10 PM (Sunday to Wednesday) and 8 AM to 11 Pm (Thursday to Saturday)

Tips for Travelers

• Zabeel Park has several picnic and barbecue areas, making it an ideal place to have a fun time with family and friends.
• The entry to the park is free.

Best For: Kids and families

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Dubai Shopping

49. Malls of Dubai

If there is a paradise on the earth for the ardent shoppers, it is none other than Dubai. It caters to the preferences and budgets of shoppers of all genres. Malls of Dubai get the footfall of tourists from every corner of the world. Dubai Mall, the largest of all, not only houses more than 1200 stores selling a multitude of items but it also houses many theme parks, an aquarium, and several eateries. The Ibn Battuta Mall has an architecture based on the traveling experience of the famous traveler from Arab, Ibn Battuta. The architecture has places that are named after the courts of various places where Ibn Battuta went.

Timings: Most malls in Dubai open at 10 AM but the closing time is different for each one of them

Tips for Travelers

• Malls in Dubai get super crowded during the weekends. Hence, the best time to visit would be during the weekdays.
• All the malls in Dubai are fully air-conditioned and can get really chilly. Do not forget to carry a jacket or coat.

Best For: Lovers of shopping

Also Read: Dubai Shopping – Best Places for Shopping in Dubai

50. Dubai Shopping Festival

You can be part of one of the most awaited festivals of Dubai; the annual Dubai Shopping Festival provided you have your tour planned during January – February months. This one-month-long festival is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many to shop at their heart’s desire. Apart from buying varieties of items like electronics good, gold ornaments, dresses, and others, a multitude of events like fashion shows, music concerts, firework displays, and other entertainment programs get organized during this shopping festival. Even if you are not much of a shopper, this festival gives a complete new vibrancy to the city of Dubai. Literally, every street and every shop is a part of the festival and the experience creates an unforgettable mark in your life.

Timings: Varies as per mall or shopping center

Tips for Travelers

• Arrive at the malls earlier during the day so you can shop in less crowded stores.
• Download the DSF app to get to know more about special deals, activities, events, etc. happening around the city.

Best For: Everyone

Suggested Read: Things to do in Dubai during the Dubai Shopping Festival

51. Dubai Souks in Deira

The moment you step into the Gold Souk your eyes get captivated with the dazzle of gold ornaments and you are sure to end up buying some of them. Right from the heavy gold jewelry to the lightweight daily wear gold or diamond ornaments, you get every possible variety at the Gold Souk. Another hypnotizing place in Deira is the Spice Souk. The aroma of spices from all over the world will make it hard to leave this place without buying some.

Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM – Saturday to Thursday (lunch break: 1 PM to 4 PM)

4 PM to 10 PM – Friday

Tips for Travelers

• The best way to shop in the souks of Deira is to bargain. Yes, you can haggle even while buying gold jewelry.
• Look around several stores while shopping in Dubai souks. You would find that most shops have similar items at different prices.

Best For: Shopping lovers

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Conclusion