Dubai, a city synonymous with dazzling innovation and ever-evolving experiences, constantly reinvents itself, offering a fresh allure even to seasoned visitors.
From groundbreaking new attractions to iconic landmarks that remain unmissable, this dynamic metropolis caters to every taste and whim.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning resident, exploring Dubai is a journey of discovery like no other.
This curated list unveils the city’s must-see destinations, encompassing luxurious escapes, unparalleled shopping experiences, thrilling adventures, and cultural gems. While some familiar favorites, like its world-class shopping malls, remain essential stops, we also spotlight the latest additions to Dubai’s vibrant landscape, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience that captures the city’s unique spirit.
ARTE Museum
Dubai Mall now houses a portal to “eternal nature” within its walls. The ARTE Museum, a breathtaking immersive art experience conceived and designed by world-renowned Korean digital design company D’strict, transports visitors on a spectacular journey through 14 distinct zones.
Each zone, a captivating world unto itself, showcases eye-catching themes ranging from the vibrant underwater realm and crashing beach waves to the majesty of wildlife, the cascading power of waterfalls, and an endless field of roses.
These diverse themes all fall under the museum’s overarching concept of “eternal nature,” seamlessly blending art and technology.
Utilizing cutting-edge production mapping, multi-image control, and sensor-based interaction systems, the ARTE Museum creates a truly immersive environment. The carefully curated background music further enhances the atmosphere, enveloping visitors in a sensory experience that transcends the everyday and connects them with the beauty and power of the natural world.
Ski Dubai
In the heart of Dubai’s desert, Ski Dubai offers a truly unique escape, a winter wonderland available year-round. Nestled within the Mall of the Emirates, the joyful atmosphere is palpable from the moment you step inside, with festive decorations enhancing the experience. The vast, snow-covered expanse instantly transports visitors, creating an unexpectedly realistic winter environment that belies its indoor setting. A variety of activities cater to all ages and thrill levels, from exhilarating tubing runs and exploring the snow cavern to the mountain thriller ride and a chairlift that ascends to the top of the mountain.
Visitors can also enjoy snow bumpers and zorb balls, and, of course, those with experience can hit the slopes for some skiing.
A break for hot chocolate and other warm drinks completes the cozy winter experience. Perhaps the most exceptional offering at Ski Dubai is the penguin encounter, where visitors can interact with these charming creatures, feeding them, playing ball, watching them swim, and capturing memorable photos.
Inside Burj Al Arab Tour
No trip to Dubai is complete without experiencing the opulence of the Burj Al Arab, a global icon of Arabian luxury and the world’s first and only seven-star hotel, launched in 1999. More a majestic palace than a hotel, its gilded enclaves and suites offer visitors a glimpse into unparalleled extravagance.
The 90-minute “Inside Burj Al Arab” tour focuses on the ultra-luxurious interiors, culminating in the unmissable Royal Suite. This breathtaking two-floor suite, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning city views, is a testament to unabashed luxury. A golden marble staircase leads to the suite’s second floor.
Other jaw-dropping features include 24k gold-coated ceilings and staircases, gold-embroidered silk-paneled walls, a gold-plated flatscreen television and iPad, handwoven Kashmiri carpets, and a bathtub carved from rare marble. Former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela and celebrities like Lewis Hamilton, Kendall Jenner, and Justin Bieber are among the influential figures and A-listers who have graced the Royal Suite.
The tour concludes with a high-tech digital dining experience, leaving visitors immersed in the sheer splendor of this iconic landmark. With tours departing every 15 minutes from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm daily, the Inside Burj Al Arab experience is readily available for groups of up to 12 guests, accompanied by a dedicated butler.
Global Village
Dubai’s Global Village is a constantly evolving multicultural spectacle, a premier family destination that offers an unparalleled experience of shopping, dining, entertainment, and attractions.
With its ever-changing array of shopping outlets, the product selection is always fresh and exciting, ensuring that no two visits are ever the same. This vibrant hub brings together 90 cultures from across the globe, represented in 30 pavilions, each showcasing unique products and signature souvenirs.
With over 3,500 shopping outlets, visitors are spoiled for choice, yet the experience goes far beyond retail therapy. To immerse visitors further in the diverse cultures on display, Global Village features captivating performances of traditional dances and songs, promising over 40,000 shows throughout the current season, which runs until May 11, 2025.
And for younger guests, the fun never stops, with a dazzling array of over 200 rides, games, and attractions. Global Village truly embodies a world united in one place, a vibrant celebration of global diversity.
Chaos Karts
In Dubai’s Al Quoz district, Chaos Karts redefines the go-karting experience, offering an adrenaline-fueled, immersive attraction that’s as thrilling as it is fun. This isn’t your typical go-kart track; Chaos Karts blends augmented reality with high-octane racing, creating a unique competitive playground for everyone, from families with kids to groups of friends looking to break free from routine.
Unleash your inner racer as you collect power-ups like laser guns, hammers, speed boosts, bombs, EMPs, and even jewels, adding a strategic layer to the exhilarating race.
The fun doesn’t stop at the finish line.
Chaos Karts also boasts other exciting games like Wick’s Revenge, Laser Maze, and the Eagle Eye Challenge, ensuring a day packed with entertainment. With a 360-degree camera, you can capture some joyful moments, providing a memorable video of your group’s antics. And after all the excitement, a conveniently located coffee shop offers quick bites and refreshing drinks to refuel and relive the thrill.
Al Seef
Along Dubai Creek’s shoreline, Al Seef offers a captivating journey through time. This waterfront promenade allows visitors to step back into old Dubai, exploring its heritage amidst a charming, almost floating market atmosphere. Al Seef provides a cozy escape from the city’s bustle, inviting leisurely strolls along its picturesque pathways.
Here, visitors can unwind with traditional Arabic coffee, savor unique street food, and browse for souvenirs and handmade treasures like intricately woven scarves.
A visit during the cooler winter months, from October to March, is highly recommended. While embracing the charm of old Dubai, Al Seef also seamlessly integrates a modern element, boasting malls, hotels, and restaurants for those seeking a contemporary experience. No visit to Al Seef is complete without a ride on a traditional “abra,” offering a delightful perspective from the water and a perfect end to a memorable tour.
Dubai Mall
For fashion aficionados, Dubai Mall is a paradise.
As the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, this sprawling one million square meter complex offers an unmatched retail experience. With over 1,200 stores, including two major department stores and 70 high-end outlets like Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette, Dubai Mall caters to every style and budget. Luxury abounds with top brands such as Dior, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton. Beyond fashion, the mall’s unique location, adjacent to the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, adds to its allure.
And when shoppers need a break, hundreds of dining options, showcasing cuisines from across the globe, provide ample opportunity to refuel and recharge.
Step into Dubai Mall’s recently launched Chinatown, a vibrant tapestry of retail, dining, and wellness experiences on the first floor. Themed decor, including traditional red lanterns and dazzling neon lights, sets the scene for culinary delights at Haidilao hotpot and Singapore’s famous Hawker Chan.
