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If you get the privilege to visit Dubai, you might want to explore all the best things to do in Dubai, even if you have to pack your favourite activities into a 24-hour window. From desert quad rides to watching the Dubai Fountain Show, use this list as an inspiration to plan out your trip. Dubai is full of once-in-a-lifetime things to do whether you have 24 hours, one week or a whole year to enjoy them.
Get a bird’s-eye view of the Dubai desert and we’re not talking about using drones. Kick off the magical day by watching the sunrise from a hot air balloon floating 4,000 feet above the ground. As you look down at the dunes, you might even spot gazelles, Arabian oryx and camels beneath.
While you’re in the desert, why not take the time to experience a morning desert safari? Discover what it feels like to drive across the shifting dunes and feel the adrenaline rush of riding an ATV quad bike.
If you’re not the type of person to start your day with blood-pumping activities, then Dubai Creek is a great place to go to take a stroll and enjoy the breeze. Apart from being full of historical significance, it is also the emirate’s first major port. It is a safe harbour to trade along with other ports of the Arabian Gulf.
To cross Dubai Creek, you would have to take its signature abra ride, the city’s most traditional mode of transport. Take a trip in the morning to admire the views of the charming old Dubai including traditional houses, wind towers and minarets.
Get a glimpse at the culture and trades at the Souks, a must-visit for those who want to get a taste of old Dubai in a modern city. Check out the Gold Souk, hundreds of shops and vendors selling gold bracelets, necklaces, earrings and more. And, keep in mind, bargain before purchasing, especially if you’re there as a tourist.
Known as a gateway to Dubai’s past and national identity, the Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood gives you an idea of what Dubai looked like before the Emirates were formed in 1971. History lovers will get lost wandering around the narrow alleys and pathways.
Built-in 1976, the iconic Jumeirah Mosque is open to tourists 6 days a week. The mosque is worth a visit. The architectural structure alone is a sight to behold. Tours are held at the mosque from Saturday to Thursday at 10 a.m. and they last 75 minutes. Visitors are invited to ask any questions they may have and taking photos is allowed.
Enjoy the view of the Dubai Water Canal as you take a break for lunchtime alongside this popular tourist attraction. Interesting fact: The extension to the Dubai Creek which includes the canal is 3.2km, adding 6.4km of waterfront to the city.
Grab your cameras and your phones. As you head to the Miracle Garden, snap a few shots of the mesmerising display of colourful flowers and flowerbeds.
We may not have the time to explore Dubai as much as we wish but there’s always time to take a photo. Get a breathtaking view of Burj Al Arab from Souk Madinat, Jumeirah Beach, Umm Suqeim Beach or Palm Island.
If golf is an activity you enjoy or want to try out for the first time, clubhouses like The Track, Meydan Golf is a daily-fee facility. It is positioned as an accessible and player-friendly option for golfers in the Dubai region.
How can you visit Dubai without driving a Ferrari? There are companies dedicated to making that dream of yours come true. Enjoy a high-speed, adrenaline-pumping adventure, an experience to remember.
If golfing or speed car driving is not your cup of tea, how about a horse or camel riding experience in the desert? Al Dhabi Horses & Camel Rental in Al Safa 2 gives guests a one-hour opportunity to do just that. Plus, all the horses are either rescue or retired horses.
With good food and drinks on a 74-foot catamaran, this is the time to go to Belevari Marine at Port Rashid. Kick back and relax as you cruise along Dubai Creek and enjoy the scenery.
More on Dubai: Top 6 Family-Friendly Vacation Places in Dubai
An experience unlike any other. The Burj Khalifa is so tall that you can watch the sunset twice in a single evening from the top of the skyscraper. Try to book tickets to At The Top in advance to avoid the queues and save money.
If you’ve got time on your hands, stroll around the largest mall in the world. The Dubai Mall is a good place to escape the Dubai heat, window shop and have a bite to eat.
While Dubai is a city well known as a luxury travel destination, there are other things to try out like visiting snowy-white, fine-sand beaches. If you want something other than lying down and basking in the sun, hop on a jet ski and watch the city from the sea.
Lose yourself as you marvel at the aquatic species swimming around you. If you’re close to Dubai Mall, why not drop by to catch a glimpse of the wonders of marine life at one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world?
If you’re in the mood for a more heart-pumping activity, visit the Mall of Emirates where you can find an indoor ski resort with 22,500 square meters of the indoor ski area! Enjoy these snow-related adventures no matter what time of the year it is.
Get your cameras out and embark on a glow-in-the-dark park adventure with your loved ones. What’s more, this eco-friendly park is made out of more than 10 million LED lights and recyclable materials.
One of the most exciting things to see when you visit Dubai is the nightly Dubai Fountain Show, held at the foot of Burj Khalifa. To avoid the hustle and bustle while enjoying the spectacular view, have your dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the fountain.
This boardwalk is an 11-kilometre walkway stretching across the outer crescent of The Palm. This project was designed specifically for pedestrians so enjoy your late-night stroll and absorb the views of the sea.
The magic of the desert comes alive during this Desert Safari Camp & Show. Watch a Tanoura and belly dancing show and later munch away at a tasty Arabian barbecue dinner in the desert.
Take your stargazing experience to a whole new level with Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre (under the Dubai Astronomy Group). Utilise astronomical instruments such as telescopes and binoculars with different lenses, eyepieces and filters. However, don’t hesitate to ask the staff to guide you.
Whether you are the type of traveller who can’t wait to explore wild adventures or one that prefers to unplug and relax, there is much to do in this famous city even if you have 24 hours. The activities listed in this article are meant to be used as inspiration for your vacation to Dubai. Let us know what we missed and what you would want to include in your bucket list.
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