05 Best Things to See in Dubai (Activities & Attractions)
1. Burj Khalifa
No article talking about Dubai can begin without the mention of Burj Khalifa, the tallest structure ever built on the planet. Elevated at a height of 2,717 ft, the colossal structure is an architectural marvel that houses several of the city’s best hotels and restaurants. It also has two observation decks that offer you a bird’s eye view of the city skyline. Nighttime visits are popular among visitors as it offers unforgettable views of the glittering city below. The skyscraper is surrounded by the Burj Khalifa Park and the Burj Khalifa lake, which accommodates the Dubai fountain. Tourists can enjoy a spectacular musical show at the Dubai Fountain, and shop to their heart’s content at the Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the world. The Burj Khalifa also boasts of some of the city’s most premiere fine dining destinations such as Atmosphere, the world’s highest restaurant serving an array of global cuisines. The skyscraper is also home to the Armani Hotel, designed and developed by legendary designer Giorgio Armani.
2. Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeirah is the world’s largest man-made island jetting out into the Arabian Gulf. An extraordinary feat of engineering and architecture, the islands, shaped like a palm tree, are so massive, that it can be viewed from space. With a massive size and ample attractions to keep you busy. Divided into 4 major parts - the Crescent, Spine, Trunk and Fronds, the islands are dotted with luxury hotels, upmarket restaurants and residential spaces, lavish resorts, beach clubs and bars and high-end retail spaces. You can get around the palm either by availing cabs or using the Palm monorail system that runs from the base of the trunk to the Atlantis Hotel at the top of the palm on the Crescent.
3. The Lost Chambers Aquarium and Ambassador Lagoon
There are ample options for thrilling entertainment on the Palm Jumeirah. The Aquaventure Waterpark at the Atlantis houses over 30 thrilling water slides, including one where you slide through a shark tank. There are also attractions such as the Dolphin Bay, where you can kick back with some of the most intelligent creatures on Earth. The Lost Chambers Aquarium, another key attraction of the water park, gives you a chance to witness over 65,000 marine animals swimming in the Ambassador Lagoon. The 11 million litre aquarium is home to a plethora of sharks, sea lions, manta rays and colourful fishes. You can also go snorkelling and diving in the lagoon and get up close and personal with the creatures of the deep. You can also enjoy the serenity of the underwater without getting your feet wet with fish-tale tours and underwater yoga.
4. Skydiving over the Palm
The unknown depths are not the only thrilling experiences offered at the Palm. The sky is literally the last frontier on this island for thrill-seeking travellers. At Skydive Dubai, you witness the incredible islands, the Dubai Marina and its surroundings while in freefall. After a small introductory session, you can dive out of an aeroplane from over 35,000 ft at the premium Palm Dropzone. An adrenaline-pumping experience with surreal views of Dubai and the Arabian Gulf, skydiving has become one of the most sought after experiences in the city since its inception.
5. Burj Al Arab
One of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks and one of the most prestigious hotels, the Burj Al Arab, is on an artificial island off the shore of the Jumeirah Beach. Designed in the shape of a dhow - a traditional sailing vessel used extensively in the Red Sea and standing at a towering 321 metres, the structure has become a symbol of modern Dubai. The hotel houses nine different restaurants, but prior registration is required if you are not staying in the hotel. If you opt to stay at the Burj Al Arab, you will be pampered with luxury and opulence, including a complimentary pickup service by a chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce or a helicopter ride. The interiors are adorned with real gold, and the colour palette and design elements were specifically chosen to highlight the history of the Arabian Peninsula. With one of the largest atriums in the world, the Burj Al Arab has rightly found its place as one of the world’s most extravagant hotels.