Top 15 Things to Do in Dubai for First-Time Visitors
Planning your first trip to Dubai? With so much to see, it helps to know which experiences are truly worth your time. Here are our top 15, chosen from the trips we organise for guests every day.
1. Evening Desert Safari
Dune bashing, sunset, camel rides and a BBQ dinner under the stars – the number one Dubai experience. From AED 199 per person. See desert safaris.
2. Burj Khalifa – At The Top
Ride to the observation decks on levels 124 and 125 of the world’s tallest building. Go at sunset for day and night views. From AED 170 per person.
3. Dubai City Tour
See Old Dubai’s souks and creek plus the modern skyline in one guided day. From AED 549 per group. See city tours.
4. Dhow Cruise Dinner
A relaxing evening on a traditional wooden boat with dinner and city lights. From AED 150 per person.
5. Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
Record-breaking slides and a lazy river on Palm Jumeirah – a full day of fun for families. From AED 315 per person.
6. Museum of the Future
One of the most photographed buildings on earth, with immersive exhibits inside. From AED 149 per person.
7. Private Yacht Charter
Cruise past Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab on your own yacht. From AED 450 per hour. See yacht rental.
8. Helicopter Ride
The ultimate bird’s-eye view of the Palm and the skyline. From AED 590 per person.
9. Abu Dhabi Day Trip
Visit the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan. From AED 699 per group. See Abu Dhabi tours.
10. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks and rays inside Dubai Mall. From AED 195 per person.
11. Ski Dubai
Snow, skiing and penguins in the middle of the desert at Mall of the Emirates. From AED 220 per person.
12. Dubai Miracle Garden
Millions of flowers in giant sculptures – open seasonally from October to May. From AED 95 per person.
13. Jet Ski Ride
Speed across the Gulf with the skyline behind you. From AED 250 for 30 minutes.
14. Quad Biking or Dune Buggy
Take the wheel in the red dunes for pure adrenaline. Quad bikes from AED 200, buggies from AED 600.
15. Skydive Dubai
For the brave: a tandem skydive over Palm Jumeirah. From AED 2,699 per person.
How Many Days Do You Need?
Four to five days is ideal to enjoy the highlights at a relaxed pace. For a sample plan, see our Dubai activities page, or compare a Dubai city tour vs Abu Dhabi day trip.
Want help putting your itinerary together? Message Three Brothers Tourism on WhatsApp – we will build a plan around your dates and budget.
Book with Three Brothers Tourism: call or WhatsApp +971 50 976 0236 – open daily 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
