Dubai and Abu Dhabi are two of the most captivating cities in the United Arab Emirates, each offering a unique blend of modern marvels and traditional experiences. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a culture enthusiast, or a foodie, these cities have something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top must-do activities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, ensuring you make the most of your visit.
Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Dubai
1. Miracle Garden: A Floral Wonderland
Start your Dubai adventure at the Miracle Garden, a floral paradise that holds three Guinness World Records. With 150 million flowers, it’s a dream for flower enthusiasts and families alike. Highlights include a Smurf village, a floating flower princess, and a life-size floral replica of an Emirates airplane. Visit early at 9 a.m. to beat the heat and consider a side trip to the nearby Butterfly Garden, home to 15,000 butterflies.
2. Dubai Mall: The Ultimate Shopping Experience
The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping mall, equivalent to 200 football fields. With over 1,200 stores and 200 restaurants, you can easily spend an entire day here. Don’t miss the Olympic-sized ice skating rink, the world’s largest indoor aquarium, and a 150-million-year-old dinosaur fossil. Connected to the Burj Khalifa, the mall also offers a front-row seat to the famous water show.
3. Burj Khalifa: Touch the Sky
Standing at 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. For $1.5 billion, this architectural marvel boasts 160 floors and the highest outdoor observation deck on the 154th floor. The building’s exterior features 26,000 glass panels, cleaned by a team of 120 workers over three months. Visit at 6 p.m. to catch the Dubai Fountain show, designed by the creators of the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas.
4. Museum of the Future: A Glimpse into Tomorrow
Dubbed the “most beautiful building on earth,” the Museum of the Future opened in 2022. Its circular form symbolizes humanity, the green mound represents Earth, and the void signifies our unknown future. Inside, explore exhibits on space travel, robotics, and sustainability. Book tickets online in advance to ensure entry.
5. Palm Jumeirah: An Engineering Marvel
Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island shaped like a palm tree, visible from space. Created with seven million tons of rock and sand, it cost $12 billion and took six years to build. The iconic Atlantis hotel offers a world-record-breaking water park, perfect for families. For adrenaline junkies, skydiving over the Palm provides unparalleled views.
6. Rooftop Bars and Pools: Sip and Swim with a View
Dubai’s skyline is best enjoyed from its numerous rooftop bars and pools. The city boasts the world’s highest infinity pool and the Aura Sky Pool, a 360-degree infinity pool. Book in advance to secure a spot. For a drink with a view, visit Level 43 Sky Lounge at the Sheraton Hotel, overlooking Sheikh Zayed Highway.
7. Dubai Frame: A Picture-Perfect Landmark
The Dubai Frame is a giant gold-plated picture frame symbolizing the city’s past and present. From the top, you can see old Dubai on one side and the modern skyline on the other. The floors turn clear when stepped on, offering a thrilling view straight down.
8. Dune Buggying: An Adrenaline Rush in the Desert
No trip to Dubai is complete without a dune buggy adventure in the surrounding sand dunes. Opt for an early morning tour to avoid the heat and crowds. Tours require a guide, but once you’re comfortable, you can speed up and enjoy the thrill. Bring sunglasses to protect against flying sand.
9. Hell’s Kitchen: A Culinary Showdown
Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen at Caesar’s Palace is a must-visit for foodies. The restaurant replicates the TV show’s red and blue teams cooking in front of you. Don’t miss the burrata salad, beef Wellington, and sticky toffee pudding.
10. Food Tour: A Taste of Dubai
A local food tour is the best way to experience Dubai’s culinary scene. In Old Town, try camel gelato, falafel pitas, and chicken shawarma. Visit the spice souks and cross Dubai Creek on traditional boats for a taste of authentic mezze platters.
11. Jet Skiing: Thrills on the Water
Jet skiing in Dubai offers stunning views of the Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, and the city skyline. Book a morning session for calm waters and fewer crowds. Guides are required but generally allow for a thrilling ride.
12. Dubai Marina and Beaches: Sun, Sand, and Skyline
Dubai Marina offers a perfect blend of city and beach life. Stay near the marina for easy access to JBR Beach, the best spot for sunsets and yacht-watching. Consider a dinner cruise for a relaxing evening.
13. Deep Dive Dubai: Explore the Depths
Deep Dive Dubai is the world’s deepest pool at 60 meters, designed like a sunken city. Explore rooms filled with unique activities, including a game room. It’s a bit pricey and often booked, so plan ahead.
14. Abu Dhabi Day Trip: A Capital Adventure
A day trip to Abu Dhabi is a must. Visit the Louvre Museum and explore the capital city, known for its oil wealth. Most tour companies will help arrange the necessary COVID test for entry.
15. Desert Safari Tour: A Journey into the Past
A desert safari tour is an experience everyone should have at least once. Leaving the city and heading into the desert allows you to see how local Bedouins, nomadic Arab tribes, historically lived. Although few native Bedouins remain in the UAE, their traditions are celebrated and shared with visitors.
Exploring the Wonders of Abu Dhabi
1. Abu Dhabi Day Trip: A Must-Do Experience
Even though Abu Dhabi isn’t in Dubai, a day trip to this magnificent city is essential. Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate and the capital of the UAE. While Dubai is known for its financial and tourism sectors, Abu Dhabi is the oil capital, holding 96% of the country’s oil reserves. Currently, a COVID test is required to visit, but most tour companies can arrange this for you at your hotel.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
After a 90-minute drive from Dubai, your first stop can be the Louvre Museum. The UAE paid France $500 million for a 30-year contract just for the name. While the art collection is impressive, the architecture is the real showstopper. The museum features a massive floating dome with eight layers, creating a stunning “rain of light” effect.
Emirates Palace and Presidential Palace
Next, visit the Emirates Palace, now a luxurious hotel, and the Presidential Palace, where government meetings are held. Both locations offer a glimpse into the opulence and grandeur of Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the main attractions in Abu Dhabi is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the ninth largest mosque in the world, accommodating up to 40,000 worshippers. The mosque is a marvel of white marble and intricate design. Remember, there is a strict dress code: men must cover their shoulders and knees, and women must cover everything except their face. Our tour guide kindly provided an extra abaya, a traditional Emirati outfit, for us.
2. Desert Safari Tour: An Unforgettable Adventure
A desert safari tour is an experience everyone should have at least once. Leaving the city and heading into the desert allows you to see how local Bedouins, nomadic Arab tribes, historically lived. Although few native Bedouins remain in the UAE, their traditions are celebrated and shared with visitors.
Camel Riding and Sand Dunes
The tour starts with a pick-up from your accommodation and a one-hour drive to the desert. Camel riding is usually the first activity, although we opted to greet some adorable baby camels instead. We then rode through the sand dunes in a vintage G-Class Mercedes, which was exhilarating, especially as the sun set, casting a beautiful glow over the landscape.
Wildlife Spotting
Along the way, we spotted wild gazelles and the magnificent Arabian oryx, the national animal of the UAE, known for their long, straight horns.
Traditional Feast and Entertainment
The adventure concludes at a desert camp with a delicious Middle Eastern feast, featuring dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush, and lamb. The night ends with traditional dancing and fire shows, making it an unforgettable experience.
Final Thoughts
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are cities of superlatives, offering endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. Whether you’re marveling at architectural wonders, diving into culinary delights, or experiencing the thrill of desert adventures, these cities promise an unforgettable experience.
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