- On 11 Sep 2025
 - In Travel
 
Top 15 Must‑Do Activities in Dubai for First‑Time Visitors
Top 15 Must Do Activities in Dubai for First Time Visitors
Dubai is a city full of wonders that combines modern aims with a long history of culture. It has a lot of fantastic things to do that will produce memories that last a lifetime for individuals who have never been there before 2025 and after. This list has the top 15 things to do in Dubai so you may have the best fun. These include great shopping, stunning structures, thrilling desert adventures and fun things to do with the whole family.
- Go up the famous Burj Khalifa
 
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and you can`t go to Dubai without viewing the breathtaking views from it. The "At the Top" observation decks are on the 124th and 148th levels. From these dizzying heights, you will enjoy vistas like no other that stretch across the always changing city skyline, the broad Arabian Desert and the sparkling Arabian Gulf. If you want to see the greatest views and have fewer people around, try going early in the morning. At night, the Burj Khalifa lights up and provides you a whole new, equally magical vista of the city below.
- Watch the Amazing Show at the Fountain in Dubai
 
The Dubai Fountain, which sits at the bottom of the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai, is a beautiful show of water, light and music. This coordinated piece of art includes powerful water jets that fly up to 500 feet into the air and they are perfectly timed with a wide range of Arabic and foreign melodies. These free shows happen every night, generally at the same time. Get a good seat along the promenade, or eat at one of the many restaurants with a wonderful view of the performance to make your experience even better.
- Look at how beautiful the Dubai Mall and Aquarium are.
 
The Dubai Mall is more than just a location to shop, it is also a wonderful spot to be near to the Dubai Fountain. It has a lot to offer, like more than 1,300 stores, an Olympic sized ice rink, an indoor theme park and the magnificent Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. You won`t want to miss the fantastic voyage through the big aquarium tunnel, where you will witness gorgeous rays, big sharks and a lot of other sea life.
- Take the Ain Dubai Ferris Wheel to the top
 
The Ain Dubai observation wheel, which is 250 meters tall, has the greatest views from the air. Get in one of its comfortable, air conditioned cabins and enjoy a quiet journey over the city. The views from Ain Dubai are just stunning. Some of these are the busy Dubai Marina, the beautiful design of Palm Jumeirah and the city`s bright skyline. It is an experience that is both quite peaceful and very unforgettable.
- Take a desert trip that you will never forget.
 
A desert safari is a must do for anyone who wants to explore a completely different aspect of Dubai`s metropolitan life. On this fun tour, you will usually get to ride a camel as the sun sets, go dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle and have a delicious traditional Bedouin feast beneath the stars. Many safaris also feature cultural performances like exquisite tanoura dancing or intriguing belly dancing, which let you see how people in the area live.
 
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- Go back in time at Dubai Creek and Al Fahidi
 
Visit the beautiful Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood to learn more about Dubai`s long and interesting past. Walk along its narrow alleyways and look at the historic wind tower buildings. You may take a beautiful ride over Dubai Creek, the city`s old lifeblood, on a traditional abra boat from here. You can haggle for exquisite jewelry, fragrant spices and unique fabrics in the busy Gold Souk and Spice Souk, on the other side. If you want to understand more about this interesting legacy, you might go on a guided tour or to a cultural center.
- Go to the Museum of the Future to see fresh ideas.
 
The Museum of the Future opened in 2022 and it is a work of art in and of itself. It looks like a lovely torus with complicated Arabic writing on it. Inside, you will be surprised by the cutting edge exhibits that look at things like technology, sustainability and what the future might hold for people. It is both mentally stimulating and visually stunning, providing you a glimpse of what the future may bring.
- Look through the frame in Dubai
 
The Dubai Frame, a big golden edifice in Zabeel Park, shows you a different side of how the city has grown over the years. From the sky deck, you can see "old Dubai" to the north and the modern, shiny structures to the south. There are fun hands on displays on the first level that let you learn more about the city`s wonderful past and how it has developed over time.
- Walk around the stunning Dubai Miracle Garden.
 
You may escape to a world of vibrant colors and unusual shapes at the Dubai Miracle Garden. This beautiful flower paradise has more than 45 million blossoming flowers, all of which are painstakingly arranged into stunning sculptures and displays. You may see a lot of innovative stuff, such a life size floral Airbus A380 and a giant Mickey Mouse topiary. The Butterfly Garden is a magnificent spot next to the Miracle Garden where millions of live butterflies fly around in the gorgeous plants.
- Look at how beautiful Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis are.
 
The Palm Monorail is a quick and easy way to go to Palm Jumeirah, the well known man made island that appears like a palm tree. Atlantis, The Palm is a big resort with a lot of activities going on all the time. The Lost Chambers Aquarium has an astounding diversity of aquatic life, while Aquaventure Waterpark is known for its thrilling slides and coasters. You might even be able to see the aquarium`s hidden depths. This site provides the appropriate combination of exciting things to do and interesting things to see underwater.
- Walk or eat along JBR and Dubai Marina
 
The waterfront promenade near the popular Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is a great place to walk at night or eat on the roof. Take in the views of the expensive boats bobbing in the port, visit the various coastal cafes and if you`re feeling daring, try the thrilling XLine zip line that passes above the harbor. These spots are full of life and are wonderful for relaxing and watching people.
- Ski at Ski Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates
 
As you visit Ski Dubai, a spectacular indoor ski resort in the Mall of the Emirates, prepare ready for a unique experience. This fantastic place features real snow slopes for skiing and snowboarding, as well as fun activities to do like forming snow circles and watching penguins. It is a nice and unexpected contrast from the sweltering desert outside, which makes it a memorable thing to do.
- Take it easy at Kite Beach and Jumeirah.
 
Go to the beautiful sandy beaches of Jumeirah Beach and Kite Beach for a relaxing day by the water. These public beaches are free to use and include nice walks to walk on, a number of food trucks selling yummy snacks, fitness areas and wonderful views of the renowned Burj Al Arab. These are fantastic spots to unwind, enjoy the nice sea breeze and eat some local food.
- Check out the art and culture along Alserkal Avenue.
 
Alserkal Avenue is a vibrant, artsy area in the Al Quoz industrial sector that is a good departure from the glitz of Dubai. There are a lot of art galleries, design studios and beautiful tiny restaurants in this area. This is the best venue to learn about Dubai`s art scene right now, meet fascinating local artists and get away from the usual tourist spots in style.
- Visit theme parks that everyone in the family will like.
 
Dubai features a lot of world class theme parks that are perfect for families and anyone who likes to be scared. At IMG Worlds of Adventure, you can jump right into the fun. Dubai Parks & Resorts has a lot of themed areas to choose from, such as Bollywood Parks, Motiongate and LEGOLAND® Dubai. You can let your inner child out at LEGOLAND® Water Park. There are lots of fun things to do in these parks for individuals of all ages. There are fun coasters, themed places that make you feel like you`re in a movie and more. You will have a terrific day full of fun and excitement.
Desert Safari Dubai: An Experience to Remember
When you book a desert safari with us, you`re not only organizing a trip, you`re also making memories that will last a lifetime. We want every visit to be special, from the thrill of riding across golden dunes at sunset to the calm of watching the stars fill the desert sky. We have a blend of adventure, culture, food and hospitality that will give you memories that will last a lifetime, not just images. A lot of individuals who have been on a Desert Safari Dubai tour tell their friends and family about us and come back for more. We don`t just live in the desert, it is a great story that needs to be shared.
In short, Dubai is a terrific destination to visit since it features stunning buildings, rich cultural traditions, adventurous desert trips, one of a kind shopping and lots of fun for families. There are a lot of interesting things to do in Dubai. You may climb the Burj Khalifa, go on a desert safari, swim at Aquaventure Waterpark, view the Dubai Miracle Garden, ride the Ain Dubai and learn about the culture at the souks and lovely beaches. You will be shocked at how many things you can do in Dubai. Your first time will have a lasting effect.