Some of the best things to do in Dubai.

Dubai, the United Arab Emirates’ most populous city is the top travel destination in the Middle East. It is the city that many of the rising Arab nations want to emulate. Qatar’s capital, Doha, is said to be following the blueprint of Dubai which has gone from a little-known desert outpost into one of the leading travel destinations in the world.

Famous for bold and beautiful architecture that's usually one of a kind, Dubai is also home to a few attractions that will please car enthusiasts. It’s proximity to Abu Dhabi means visitors can take a day trip to the Yas Marina Circuit which also has plenty to offer the hardcore petrolhead.

Weather

Cuisine

Local Favorite: Ghuzi

Ghuzi is a Dubai dish made from a whole-roasted lamb or mutton. The meat is typically served on a kebab skewer alongside vegetables. Rice accompanies the meat to make it a full meal. The rice usually has a nutty flavor thanks to being dished up with hazelnuts. Ghuzi is so popular that it is the United Arab Emirates' national dish. You must eat it while in Dubai to get the full feel of the desert city. As with many of the dishes in Dubai – and other areas of the Middle East – it migrated through the region with each place having its own take on the dish.

Some of the best things to do in Dubai

Burj Khalifa

No tourist attraction in Dubai tops the Burj Khalifa. The towering building stands 829.8 meters tall and provides some of the best views of the city and surrounding areas. The observation deck is the main attraction of the Burj Khalifa. It allows guests to see the entire city skyline. Travelers can walk around the 360-degree observation deck to see the entire cityscape. Be sure to catch the documentary film available for visitors that offers detailed information about the building and its construction.

Dubai Autodrome

Dubai Autodrome gives visitors the chance to drive a number of dream cars around its circuit. Car enthusiasts can choose from an F1 car, Ferrari 488 GT, Formula DXB Max (open-wheel), and other cars. Drivers can get behind the wheel and speed around the track just like their racing heroes.

If you happen to live close by, you should note that Dubai Autodrome also allows visitors to drive their own vehicles on the circuit. The Track Days give drivers the opportunity to enjoy real race standards while sitting in their cars.

There is also a Kartdrome that allows visitors to drive a kart around its indoor and outdoor circuits. This experience gives car lovers who may be intimidated by a real race track a chance at racing in a more tame environment. The significantly lower age restrictions also mean the kids can join in the fun.

Burj Al Arab

Travelers will be struck by the unique design of the Burj Al Arab. It is one of the world’s tallest hotels and stands at 321 meters tall. The Burj Al Arab was built on its own artificial island and sits out in the Gulf waters. The Burj Al Arab was designed to look like a traditional Arab boat’s sail. It gives the hotel a unique look that sets it apart from the rest of the creative architecture in the city. Rooms at the Burj Al Arab do not come cheap. A luxury suite will set holidaymakers back around $15,000 per night.

The hotel has six great dining experiences, but the pick of the litter is the Al-Mahara Restaurant. It has floor to ceiling windows that allow diners to be surrounded by an aquarium. Guests can dine while sea life swims all around them.

Desert Driving/Dune Bashing

Desert driving/dune bashing is one of the most popular experiences for tourists in the United Arab Emirates. Travelers will head into the desert on a guided path in a 4x4 SUV. There, the driving experience begins as tourists hit the dunes at high speeds.

Other desert driving experiences include mountain safaris. Visitors will take to the desert roads and head for the Hatta Mountains. On the way, they can take a refreshing dip in the natural pools or hike the dunes. There is also a Land Cruiser Safari and BBQ experience visitors can choose. After driving up and down the flowing sand dunes, travelers will enjoy a BBQ in the desert and a night at a Bedouin-style camp.

Dubai Mall

What's a vacation without shopping? Located next to the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall is the best place to shop and eat in the city and an excellent opportunity to escape the desert heat. In addition to having access to the best brands the planet has to offer, visitors to the mall can get to the Burj Khalifa entrance via the mall. The Dubai Aquarium is also within the mall building, so you should seize the opportunity to experience all three attractions on the same day. If the shopping and available restaurants aren't enough to impress you, the mall also has regular events to entertain customers, so take time away from the desert heat and enjoy what may be the best the city has to offer.

Al-Fahidi Fort

The Al-Fahidi Fort is one of the must-see attractions in the city. The fort was built in 1787 and originally protected Dubai Creek. The exterior offers visitors a look at the region’s traditional architecture. Inside the fort is the Dubai Museum which gives everyone a look at the rise of the oil-rich Emirates’ city from past to present. The exhibits are truly amazing and offer a glimpse into the history of a city that appears to have popped up overnight.

Dubai Spice Souk

Found in Dubai's heritage area, the Spice Souk is a sensory experience you need to have on your list during your visit to the desert city. Immerse yourself in the Middle Eastern culture of Dubai with the sights and aroma of Arabian spices and teas. If you're a food lover, this spot will feel custom-made for you, and you can chat with the vendors to understand the uses and flavors of local spices and delicacies you've never heard of. Haggle with the vendors to grab yourself a bargain!

Ain Dubai

If you're worried you won't be able to see every Dubai attraction on your list, perhaps you should consider this landmark. Located on Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai is the world's tallest observation wheel, sitting at a commanding 82 meters higher than the High Roller (the former record holder) in Las Vegas. As you can imagine, an observation wheel that high offers a captivating experience with an excellent panoramic view of Dubai. The ride takes just under an hour, and the available LED screens in the capsules inform you about all the sites in Dubai. Problem solved.

Museum of the Future

The architecture of the Museum of the Future is just as striking as the exhibits inside. Decorated with Arabic poetry by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the structure presents as modern a view as the artifacts it holds. The museum's stated goal is to provide optimism for the future in a world of negativity and fear. Artifacts contain mixed media to attempt to immerse visitors in different ideas of the future.

Dubai is likely the most popular tourist destination in the Middle East. With the rapid development rate the city is currently undergoing, it seems there’s always something new to see here. With so many great attractions, Dubai is a perfect holiday locale for anyone looking for something new.