The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a dream destination for many—and for good reason. Two of its biggest cities, the capital Abu Dhabi and the mega metropolis Dubai has everything you need for a quintessential Middle Eastern holiday.
In this guide, you’ll learn about everything that these two beautiful cities have to offer:
Top tourist favorites in Dubai
If you’re in the city for a few days with your Dubai tour package, make sure to include these tourist favorites on your list :
- Dubai City Tour. Make the most of your visit to Dubai by booking a city tour would take you to the best spots in Dubai to cover all your bases.
- Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise. Going on a Dhow cruise is the best way to experience the other side of Dubai before it became a modern metropolis.
- Desert Safari. No Middle Eastern trip would be complete without experiencing the vast Arabian Desert through a safari.
- Dubai Creek. See Dubai from a different perspective on the Dubai Creek, the place where the city built its foundations.
Contemporary attractions in Dubai
In Dubai, nothing is ordinary. So, make sure to experience these contemporary attractions in Dubai:
- Burj Khalifa. Dubbed the tallest building in the world, you can’t miss taking a photo with this iconic structure and even see its views from 148 floors above.
- The Dubai Mall. The biggest mall in the world has more than 1,200 shops, restaurants and entertainment options for you to choose from.
- The Dubai Fountain Show. Every night, the Burj Khalifa Lake lights up with the amazing Dubai Fountain Show that uses 50 colored projectors and 6,600 LED lights.
- Museum of the Future. One of the most unique structures in Dubai, the Museum of the Future holds exhibits that show what life would be like over the next centuries.
The most picturesque attractions in Dubai
Every corner in Dubai is worth taking a photo. But here are the best spots in the city for the best pictures:
- Dubai Creek. Sailing along the Dubai Creek is experiencing the beauty of Old Dubai with traditional “abras” cruising along the creek.
- Burj Al Arab. The most iconic hotel in Dubai in the shape of a sail deserves a spot in your photos of the city.
- Dubai Frame. The largest frame in the world is a sight to behold with all its grandeur. So, don’t miss taking your photo on the Dubai Frame.
- Dubai Miracle Garden. With thousands of floral exhibits, the Dubai Miracle Garden is the most Instagrammable spot in the city.
The best theme parks in Dubai
Are you all about adventure? Visit these theme parks while you’re in the city:
- Aquaventure Water Park, Atlantis, The Palm. A unique experience awaits you at Aquaventure with over 105 slides and rides.
- Dubai Parks and Resorts. Treat the entire family to a day out in the largest theme park in the Middle East.
- IMG Worlds of Adventure. Spend an amazing day at the largest indoor theme and amusement park in the UAE that’s perfect for the entire family.
- Ski Dubai. Fancy skiing in the middle of the desert? Make sure to stop by Ski Dubai.
- Dubai Dolphinarium. Get up close and personal with one of the gentlest marine creatures at the fully airconditioned Dubai Dolphinarium.
- Global Village. Experience different cultures in one place at one of the best attractions in the UAE.
The best beaches in Dubai
You can’t be in Dubai and not spend a day at one of these amazing beaches:
- Jumeirah Beach. Boasting the best views of the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach is one of the best public beaches in the city.
- La Mer Beach. A beachside community boasting of a beautiful beachfront and a shopping and dining area, La Mer should definitely be on your list.
The best shopping spots in Dubai
Dubai offers one of the best shopping experiences in the Middle East and these malls should be on top of your list:
- Mall of the Emirates. A complete entertainment experience awaits you at Mall of the Emirates, a well-designed shopping center that has everything you need for a fun day out.
- The Dubai Mall. The biggest mall in Dubai is home to thousands of local and international brands as well as some of the top restaurants in the city.
- City Center. Another must-visit mall in the city, especially its Food Central area that offers different cuisines from around the world.
- Outlet Mall. Designed to look and feel like a Tuscan village, this mall is perfect if you’re looking for high quality items without the hefty price tag.
- Meena Bazaar. Located in Old Dubai, this bazaar is a treasure trove of local products that you can only find in the Middle East.
- Deira Gold Souq. No visit to Dubai would be complete without getting yourself a gold jewelry piece and this souq is the best place in the city for excellent deals.
The best attractions in Abu Dhabi
The country’s capital Abu Dhabi is also filled with attractions that should be included on your Dubai tours and itineraries to the UAE:
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque. The biggest and most beautiful mosque in the UAE, this Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an importance place for daily prayers.
- Sea World Yas Island. One of the newest attractions in Abu Dhabi, Sea World Yas Island is the first marine theme park in the region with more than 100 animal interactions in 8 realms.
- Yas Waterpark. Enjoy a fun day splashing around the biggest water park in Abu Dhabi.
- Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. Fulfill your movie fantasies at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the largest indoor theme park in the world.
- Ferrari World. Are you a fan of cars? Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experience at Ferrari World, the only one of its kind and the home of the world’s fastest roller coaster.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi. Immerse yourself in Middle Eastern art with the extensive exhibitions at the Louvre.
Did this list get you excited to start exploring Dubai and Abu Dhabi? For sure, you’ll have the most unforgettable experience, whether you’re traveling alone, with some friends or the entire family.
