There’s no place in the world worthy of being called the ‘city of wonders’ other than Dubai. In fact, just 50 years ago, this futuristic destination was a desolate desert with a smattering of multi-storey buildings and pockets of villas. Surprisingly, it evolved into a hub of architectural marvels, iconic skyscrapers, splendid attractions, and unique shopping destinations.
Today, Dubai has a world record for the biggest mall, tallest hotel, and the largest aquarium. Moreover, it is home to the highest restaurant, highest nightclub, and the highest observation point in the world. Furthermore, we might as well add to that the tallest residential tower, biggest indoor snow park, and the biggest indoor ski resort. Likewise, Dubai is also where you’ll find the largest artificial marina, which is the world’s longest automated rail network run without drivers. What’s more, when it comes to fun, Ross, the world’s fastest roller coaster, is also in the city. You see, the city of gold is nothing short of a ‘gem of a destination’. Regardless of whether you live in this emirate or are planning a vacation, we will take you through the beautiful places in Dubai that you can revel in, shop, dine, and many more.
If you’d ask us, one of the best things to love about Dubai’s culture is shopping. Yes, and it’s a must-do for residents and travellers alike! The city stages many successful shopping events all year round by collaborating with major retailers. As a matter of fact, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), and Eid Sale season are amongst those unmissable ones that attract scores of people within the UAE and from other parts of the world. We’ve listed below the top 7 places where you can experience a shopping spree like no other.
If you’re among those shoppers who yearns to take home the essence of the Emirati culture while enjoying the shopping experience of western touch, then these destinations mentioned above will surely cater to your needs. So, shop till you drop!
Dubai is full of incredible feats. From the world’s tallest building to a lush green island in the shape of a palm tree, there’s nothing that the city doesn’t have. Moreover, it is a rapidly expanding metropolis, which has grown out from the desert at an impressive rate. From a humble fishing port to a successful, oil-rich economy, the emirate’s strength lies in its unique culture. It has today, emerged as one of the world’s leading destinations, boasting a rich patchwork of history, culture, and commerce. Well, indeed there’s so much to see and do here, which can hardly be put down on paper. However, we’ve listed below a few top spots that you shouldn’t miss to visit when in Dubai.
Whether you’re a resident or a traveller, you would have certainly heard of this majestic structure. One of the exciting things to do here is to travel up the tower and enjoy the marvellous view of the city. ‘At the top’ experience at Burj Khalifa will cost you around AED 150 per person. Well, if you aren’t keen on shedding bucks, you can simply enjoy the view up close from Dubai Mall. You can also catch a glimpse of Dubai Fountain and sway to the rhythms of the water and lights. You can witness this spectacle every half an hour from 7–11 pm. And yes, it is free of cost!
Ticket Type |
Fee (Per Person) |
Timing |
Dubai Fountain Boardwalk | AED 15 | 5:00 pm to 11 pm |
At the Top (124 & 125th floors) | AED 150 | 5:30 am to 11:00 pm |
At the Top Sky (148th floor) | AED 400 | 5:30 am to 11:00 pm |
Amongst the new attractions in Dubai, this is a gigantic photo frame located at Zabeel Park. Furthermore, with a lot of accolades to itself, it perfectly showcases the contrast between the new and old Dubai. The observation deck is where you can get stunning views of iconic Burj Khalifa, Emirates Towers, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Fountain. Entrance fees cost AED 50 for adults and AED 30 for kids. Opening hours are from 10 am to 7 pm on all days of the week.
Ticket Type |
Fee (Per Person) |
Timing |
Dubai Frame | AED 50 | 10:00 am to 7:00 pm |
This is one of the astounding wonders of Dubai that you cannot afford to miss out on. Here, you can see the series of the artificial structure as you approach the emerald waters of the Arabian Gulf. The structure itself resembles a palm tree, and the best way to catch a glimpse of it is by travelling via monorail. Also, a one-way ticket will cost you AED 20 while you’ll have to pay AED 30 for return tickets. However, if you are travelling by car, you can stop by at the crescent of the palm and click pictures with Atlantis as the backdrop.
Dubai gets jazzed up in winter, and Global Village is one proof to that. A land of fantasy and charisma, this is a place where you can explore the culture and famous attractions of various countries. Nestled in Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, this is the world’s largest tourism entertainment project. The destination incorporates shopping, entertainment, and leisure options from more than 30 nations. From musical fountains to rides, and worldwide hubs, the village has everything to make you say ‘wow’. And by the way, you can experience all the fun and excitement by spending just AED 15.
Ticket Type |
Fee (Per Person) |
Timing |
Month |
Globe Village Entry | AED 15 | 4:00 pm to 12:00 am | Oct to Apr |
Dubai never ceases to amaze us with its world records. And when it comes to having the ‘world’s largest’, Miracle Garden fits the bill as it’s the world’s biggest flower garden. Yes, you heard it right, a garden in the desert! Located in Al Barsha South, this lush garden was created in 2011 and is spread around 72000 square meters. It gets revamped yearly, though, as the flowers don’t last long due to Dubai’s climate. It closes its doors in the summer and is open to visitors in winter. You’ll find at least a hundred million blooming flowers all around the garden set up in different shapes. So, include it in your bucket list! Entrance fees cost AED 60 for adults and AED 40 for kids. Opening times are from 9 am to 9 pm from Sunday to Thursday, and 9 am to 11 pm during weekends. So, plan accordingly.
Ticket Type |
Fee (Per Person) |
Timing |
Month |
Miracle Garden | AED 60 | 9:00 am to 9:00 pm | Nov to May |
From iconic landmarks to entertainment parks, Dubai brings the best of everything to both residents and tourists. Plus, the city is a carnival of lights, food, shopping, and entertainment replete with grandeur that you cannot find anywhere else in the world.
Jet skiing, indoor sky diving, buggy riding, and whatnot—Dubai always has a call for the latest sports activities. In fact, the geographical landscape of the city makes it one of the most favourite destinations to perform an array of extreme sports. So, are you a thrill-seeker? Below are some of the top five sports that will quench your thirst for fun and excitement.
Do you love riding helicopters? Or have you ever ridden on a helicopter? Whatever the case may be, Heli Dubai offers you a chance to get a bird’s eye view of the city. As the only helicopter tour company in UAE, it provides you with a scenic aerial tour of the emirate via helicopters. Included in the tour package is the heritage tour, the explorer tour, and the night tour. All of these are for 12 and 22 mins each, and the price ranges from AED 600 to AED 1500.
Thrill-seekers, we’ve got good news for you! A day in the desert with a view of the sunset makes one of the memorable outings to be had in Dubai. You can head out across the dunes in a 4X4 vehicle and experience the utmost thrill of dune bashing. Apart from that, you can enjoy a good camel ride, meet a majestic falcon, watch tanoura & belly dancing shows, and camp in the desert when the sun goes down. You can choose from several safari packages like the ones that you can do in the morning, evening or even overnight. A huge number of local tour operators offer different pricing options for this desert excursion. And here’s our tip—winter is the best time of the year to go for this activity.
What if we tell you if you can have your Aladdin moment in Dubai? Yes, you can enjoy a magic carpet ride over the emerald green oasis, the endless ocean, golden dunes, and wandering camels all at once while hot air ballooning. What’s more, you can gaze at the breath-taking sunrise with the backdrop of the marvellous Hajjar mountains. On top of that, you will love the warmth of the desert people, too. A hot air balloon ride can be a little expensive, so we recommend you check with a couple of tour operators.
Situated near the luxurious manmade islands such as Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina, Skydive Dubai is the world’s leading skydiving location. Thus, it is a common hang-out place for popular celebs and personalities worldwide. However, to be eligible for this activity, you should be above 18 years old and your BMI must be on the allowed range. If you are over 60 years of age, a medical certificate is also required.
What if we tell you that there’s a place in this city where it’s winter all year round? Yes, there’s more to Dubai than meets the eye. And if you are dreaming of a ski holiday, Ski Dubai will turn that dream into reality. This awesome destination has real snow and a wide selection of activities for all ages. You can choose to ski, snowboard, or simply play in the snow. Plus, don’t miss the chance to meet the adorable penguins that live there! But where do you get to do all this? Well, head straight to the Mall of the Emirates or get down at MOE metro station.
Last but not least, you can perform a range of other water sports, as Dubai’s relationship with water dates back to centuries. And that means the sunny climate and amazing shorelines call for boat rides and surfs all year long! The city offers more than just rich history and culture. Here, you can get your heart thumping by experiencing a spectrum of activities and adventures suitable for the whole family.
Do you want to go beyond the modern lifestyle and metropolitan vibe that this city has to offer? Then the best way to do that is to explore its rich culture and history. Whether you want to travel back in time or peek into some of Dubai’s prized heritage sites, you can take a pick from a couple of locations. We’ve rounded up below some of the best family outing places in Dubai with an ancient touch.
Curious about the history of Dubai and its people? Then Al Fahidi Fort is the place to be. Built-in 1787, it is one of the oldest existing fortresses in the UAE. It is located in Al Fahidi St., which you can easily access via Al Fahidi metro station or the nearby bus stations. These public transports are perfect for those who love to explore the city on foot rather than driving a car or hailing a taxi. And you know the best part about this marvellous destination? No entrance fee is required.
Located on Jumeirah Beach Road in Jumeirah 1, this spot is a place to find your inner self and explore the beautiful Arabesque interiors. It was built in the late 1970s and portrays a traditional Fatimid style of architecture. Just like any other religious destinations, the entry to this place is free of charge. But the best part is, unlike the others, photography is allowed here. So, make sure you have your camera ready!
Finding a good hotel in Dubai is easy. However, hunting for a charming one and not wanting to spend hundreds of dollars for one night can be a bit of a challenge. XVA Art Hotel is a little gem hiding amidst the bustling city that offers you such convenience. It is a stylish boutique hotel that gives you a chance to stay in a quiet luxury while enjoying cultural activities at an affordable price. It is located near the Al Fahidi Neighbourhood.
Do you have a penchant for history, culture, and tradition? Then Dubai Museum is the best place to kickstart your exploration. You’ll find this museum inside the Al Fahidi Fort in the Dubai Creek on the Bur Dubai side. It is open from Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm. However, the visiting time for Fridays may vary. The entrance fees as AED 3 for adults and AED 1 for children.
Are you a history fanatic? Then this destination won’t disappoint. The Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum Museum is located in the Al Shindagah area overlooking the Dubai Creek. This heritage spot is well connected via all means of public transport networks. Thus, you can reach here via the metro, a bus, and a car. And here’s the best part—you can relish in the beauty of the past without paying anything for the entrance. Plus, the site is open every day of the week.
Dubai is the city of dreams, the capital of the world’s bests, and the hub of culture and heritage. With the gazillion things it has to offer for both tourists and residents, we hope you agree with us now!
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Apart from the above, there’s a mega event in Dubai that you shouldn’t miss out on. And it’s none other than the highly anticipated Expo 2021.
Expo 2021 is a world fair, that’s going to bring in hundreds of countries together from all around the globe to share their ideas and innovations with the rest of the world. Dubai, won the right to host the event back in November 2013, becoming the first country ever in the Middle East to do so. The event will see around 190 countries participating along with several other major businesses and educational institutions. Some of the major attendees include the UK, US, GCC countries, and many more. Want to experience 173 days of innovations, entertainment, and fun? Then don’t miss out to attend this grand event!
Expo 2021 brings to you pavilions that are dedicated to countries from around the globe, with 75 extravagant entertainment events hosted every single day. What’s more, you can witness poetry slams, cultural experiences, fashion shows, breathtaking architecture, and so much more. Last but not least, there will be dedicated spots for innovation, whether it’s about making your own robot or showcasing the latest 3D printing art. During the 173 days of Expo, every country will feature cultural shows, parades, and other festivities. Indeed, it’s going to be massive and spectacular!
The event will be held in the Dubai South District, near Al Maktoum International Airport. It will kick off in October 2021 and will commence on March 31, 2022. The pavilions shall be open for visits and entertainments are scheduled between 10 am and 1 am on weekdays, and 10 am to 2 am on weekends. You can buy a 1-day ticket at AED 120 and a 3-day pass at AED 260. There are also monthly and seasonal passes available at higher rates. By the way, you can also volunteer for the event, as Expo 2021 is seeking 30,000 volunteers.
Indeed, there are a lot more places to shop, a lot more things to do, and a lot more destinations to explore in Dubai. The list is endless, and there’s always something new every day. Don’t miss out on the fun. So, stay tuned to Shops.ae and be the first to know the latest happenings, updates, and shopping events happening around the emirate and across the UAE!
Dubai is the epicentre of five star-luxury and huge shopping malls. But, if you look at the city up close, you’ll find a lot of fun and cheap things to do here. Yes, and these won’t even cost you a dirham! Souks, free museums, Bastakiya, a stroll on the Marina Walk, and public beaches are just a few among those best and cheap things to do in Dubai. We’ve rounded up a few popular spots below that you shouldn’t miss out on.
Pack some sandwiches, grab a few refreshing drinks, and head out to free public parks in Dubai. You can even bring a mat for a family picnic day! Burj Park and Al Barsha Park are some of the best destinations you can consider. And by the way, some parks also have nice barbeque pits. So, you can enjoy grilling your meat to perfection!
Do you want to spend your afternoons watching birds? If you do, then this free-of-cost spot is the best place to be. The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Centre is home to a huge number of pink flamingos and other bird species. The viewing time is from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm (Sunday to Saturday).
What if we tell you that there’s a place where you can live in two different worlds at the same time? Revamped by Meeras, Al Seef perfectly combines Dubai’s ancient charm and modern vibe. It is a trendy destination where you can dine, shop, and enjoy the views of the creek. The Al Seef district is open from 10 am to 10 pm (Saturday to Wednesday), and 10 am to 12 pm (Thursday to Friday).
La Mer is another great free place to visit in Dubai for the whole family. This spot is particularly famous for its colourful street art, beachfront cove, shopping & dining outlets, relaxing ambience, waterpark, and so much more. Indeed, all these make it an ideal spot to take the perfect selfie and experience the finer things in life.
This destination, which offers an urban retail and dining experience, is another feather to Meraas’ cap. It is home to 5-star hotel Caesars Palace and hosts one of the best celebrity chef-restaurants in Dubai. Not only that, you can also find here Ain Dubai, the largest observation wheel in the UAE. Bluewaters Island is just off the coast of JBR, and you can easily get here via car, metro, or bus. Also, the spot stays open 24hours.
A shopaholic’s dream and a family’s glee – that’s the apt description of the Dubai Shopping Festival. Extending up to a month, this extravaganza offers both residents and tourists a chance to avail of big discounts and win great prizes. Plus, it has an array of festivities and activities in store for the whole family! In other words, it gives the country of sand, a whole new set of cheerful vibes.
In the city, gold is looked upon as an excellent investment. However, it is also jewellery that people adorn themselves with to show off their wealth. Well, there is no better place than Dubai when it comes to showing off. Indeed, it has a reputation for being the city of gold. And rightfully so, a quick visit to the Gold Souk will validate that statement. Check out a few reasons below why Dubai is your perfect destination for shopping gold.
Dubai is literally the shopping capital of the world. That’s because you can find here myriads of products from popular international brands and homegrown labels. Also, there are plenty of options available for every fashion genre and budget. Apart from this, the government’s initiatives to make the city a global shopping hub brings in some of the grandest shopping events and deals all year round. Therefore, we can confidently conclude that you can buy branded women’s apparel in Dubai at prices you’ll love!
Dubai is certainly a shopper’s paradise. Speaking about this, you’ll find here plenty of branded clothes, accessories, footwear, and whatnot at incredibly low prices. And if you’re wondering where to buy women’s clothing in Dubai without hurting your wallet, then check out the physical shops and online stores below.
Apart from these stores, you can also enjoy shopping therapy at Lacoste, Newchic, GAP, Sun & Sand Sports, Lifestyle, Yoins, and many more! Indeed, Dubai has a lot of things in store for people of all ages, background, and nationality. From breathtaking attractions to adrenaline-pumping activities and exciting shopping events and locations, the city has everything from A to Z. No wonder, it is indeed the city of gazillion wonders!