Things to Do in Dubai
Dubai offers an unmatched menu of experiences from desert adventures and sky-high thrills to cultural walks and world-class entertainment. Here is a comprehensive, activity-by-activity guide to the best things to do in Dubai in 2026.
Outdoor & Desert Experiences
Desert Safari: The quintessential Dubai experience. Board a 4×4 for dune bashing across the golden Arabian Desert, try sandboarding, ride a camel, watch a falconry display, and enjoy a Bedouin-style dinner under the stars with live music, belly dancing, and henna painting. Morning, afternoon, and overnight options available. From AED 150 per person.
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Hot Air Balloon Ride: Drift silently over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve at sunrise for one of the most breathtaking perspectives in the world. Spot oryx, gazelles, and the vast red dunes from 1,000 feet above. A truly bucket-list experience. From AED 850 per person. Offered by operators like Balloon Adventures Dubai.
Quad Biking in the Desert: Ride a quad bike across the dunes for a self-driven desert thrill. Usually combined with desert safari packages. Available in Al Lahbab Desert, just outside Dubai. Min age 16. Duration: 30–60 minutes.
Sky & Height Thrills
Skydiving over Palm Jumeirah (Skydive Dubai): Jump from 15,000 feet in tandem with a certified instructor and free-fall over the iconic Palm Jumeirah with the Dubai skyline spread below. One of the world’s most spectacular skydiving locations. From AED 2,299 for a tandem jump. Min age 18.
At The Top Burj Khalifa: Take the high-speed elevator to Floor 124 or the premium Floor 148 observation decks. At sunset, the views are simply extraordinary. The glass-floored ledge on Floor 148 is a particularly thrilling feature. From AED 149 (Floor 124) to AED 379 (Floor 148).
XLine Dubai Marina — World’s Longest Urban Zip Line: Zoom 1 kilometre above the glittering Dubai Marina at speeds up to 80 km/h in Superman-style headfirst position. The views are spectacular and the adrenaline rush is unforgettable. From AED 699 per person. Located at Dubai Marina Mall.
Water & Beach Activities
Aquaventure Waterpark (Palm Jumeirah) : One of the world’s top waterparks at the Atlantis, The Palm hotel. Features over 30 slides including the near-vertical Leap of Faith, a 2.3km river ride, a private beach, and access to The Lost Chambers Aquarium. From AED 295 for adults.
Ski Dubai (Indoor): Real snow, real slopes, inside a mall. Ski Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates features five ski runs (including a black run), a snow park, penguin encounters, and a snow cinema. Perfect for a break from the heat. From AED 199. Open year-round.
JBR Beach & Kite Beach: JBR Beach in Jumeirah Beach Residence is Dubai’s most popular urban beach, lined with restaurants and offering water sports including jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding. Kite Beach in Jumeirah is the city’s best kite-surfing destination, with a brilliant outdoor food truck area.
Dhow Cruise Dinner : Sail along the Dubai Creek or the Dubai Marina on a traditional wooden dhow boat while enjoying a live-cooked buffet dinner and entertainment. The Marina dhow cruise with views of the lit-up skyline is especially magical. From AED 65–150 per person.
Entertainment & Culture
Dubai Opera: The most beautiful performance venue in Dubai, inspired by a traditional dhow’s hull. Hosts opera, ballet, musicals, concerts, and stand-up comedy year-round in Downtown Dubai next to the Burj Khalifa. Check programme and tickets at dubaiopera.com.
La Perle by Dragone (Al Habtoor City) : A resident aqua theatre spectacular featuring acrobats, water stunts, motorbikes, and aerial performers in a purpose-built 1,300-seat venue. One of the most impressive live shows in the Middle East. Shows run Tuesday–Saturday evenings. From AED 250.
IMG Worlds of Adventure (Global Village area): The world’s largest indoor theme park covering 1.5 million square feet. Zones include Marvel, Cartoon Network, Haunted Hotel, and IMG Boulevard. Roller coasters, live shows, and more. Full day experience. From AED 299.
Dubai Parks and Resorts (Jebel Ali): Three theme parks in one location: Motiongate Dubai (Hollywood-themed), Bollywood Parks Dubai, and Legoland Dubai. Ideal for families spending a full day. Combo tickets available.
Things to Do in Dubai
Frequently Asked Questions
A desert safari is the single most recommended activity for first-time visitors to Dubai. It captures the spirit of Arabia perfectly dune bashing, camel riding, Bedouin dinner under the stars all in one unforgettable evening.
Yes! Ski Dubai inside the Mall of the Emirates has real snow, five ski slopes including a black run, a snow park, and penguin encounters. It is open year-round regardless of outdoor temperature and is one of Dubai’s most unique attractions.
A standard evening desert safari with dune bashing, camel riding, and Bedouin dinner costs approximately AED 150–250 per person. Premium overnight desert camps cost AED 400–600 per person. Travfolks Holidays offers bundled desert safari packages at discounted rates.
Yes, in the most exhilarating way possible. You fly 1km headfirst over the Dubai Marina at 80 km/h. It is over in about 60 seconds but the memory lasts forever. Minimum weight 50kg, maximum 100kg. Not recommended for those with heart conditions.
The Dubai Fountain show, JBR and Kite Beach, Al Fahidi Heritage walk, Dubai Creek abra crossing, Marina promenade walk, and the Miracle Garden and Global Village (outside peak hours) are among the best free or very affordable experiences in Dubai.