Yes, Dubai is worth visiting and exploring! Dubai is a safe city with a world-wide reputation for luxury shopping, innovative architectural buildings, and extravagant leisure experiences. Thanks to its hot desert climate, Dubai also enjoys fantastic weather all year round. So, what’s not to like?
To discover more about this fascinating destination, read our extensive guide that includes useful information about what you can expect to see and do in Dubai. This article includes things you can do to keep your kids entertained, plus suggestions about relaxing activities, places to visit for free and information about the best shopping malls, parks and beaches in Dubai.
Is Dubai Worth Visiting? Our Top 10 Reasons to Visit Dubai
Dubai has something for everyone and is the perfect choice for a mini break or longer stay. Here are 10 convincing reasons why Dubai is worth visiting:
1. Dubai Enjoys Endless Sunshine All-Year Round!
If you love hot weather, Dubai is a great place to visit all year round. The city benefits from a hot desert climate and most days are sunny throughout the year!
In Dubai, the hottest month of the year is August when temperatures reach an average of 40°C. In the coolest month of January, temperatures hover around a pleasant 24°C. During the hottest months, you will be glad of air-conditioned cars, shopping malls and indoor venues!
2. Dubai is an Undeniable Paradise for Shoppers!
Dubai is one of the most visited cities in the world and has a world-wide reputation for tax-free shopping. You can literally shop until you drop in Dubai’s 65 seriously air-conditioned shopping malls.
However, these are no ordinary shopping malls! Watching customers and their shopping being chauffeur driven around The Dubai Mall in small luxury electric vehicles was definitely a first!
Of course, Dubai is known for its luxury, opulence and extravagance. You won’t believe the lavishness of the Dubai shopping malls until you experience them for yourself! Not only are they overflowing with every conceivable global retail brand, they are magnificently designed and also house extravagant leisure activities!
In addition to the modern shopping malls, you can also check out the authentic Dubai souks (markets) which are located on either side of Dubai Creek. They trade in textiles, spices, gold and perfume, so grab yourself a bargain!
3. Dubai has Unique Architecture and Record-Breaking Structures!
Dubai is an amazing city which has risen majestically out of the desert. Construction is still ongoing, and the skyline of Dubai is unique.
The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building (829.8m) and is seriously impressive whether you appreciate it from afar, from below or from within. The view from the world’s highest observation deck (555m) on the 148th level at the top of the Burj Khalifa is truly mesmerising!
In fact, in Dubai over 21 buildings stretch more than 300m into the sky! The Dubai Frame is also the world’s largest building in the shape of a picture frame! Not forgetting The Dubai Mall which is also the largest shopping mall in the world at over 12 million square feet!
4. Dubai Offers Extraordinary Opportunities for Entertainment and Adventure!
Dubai is a city where anything and everything is possible. For example, you can take a break from shopping and ski, toboggan or snowboard in the middle of the Mall of the Emirates. Yes, you can actually take a chair lift up the ski slope in this desert city!
You can also marvel at one of the world’s largest suspended aquariums through the viewing panel in the centre of The Dubai Mall! Amongst other unique experiences, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo even offers you the opportunity to dive or train for your PADI diving qualification in the 10-million-litre tank!
Once you’ve had enough of snow and water, there are plenty of desert adventures to be enjoyed including jeep and camel safaris, sandboarding and buggy rides. You can even camp overnight in the desert.
5. Dubai Retains its Rich History and Traditional Arabic Culture!
Dubai is a city where ultra-modern living meets the past. Part of the charm of Dubai is that in amongst the skyscrapers, you can still gain an insight into the history of the city and its traditional Arabic culture.
In addition to the historical Dubai souk districts, on the Bur Dubai side of the Dubai Creek is the Al Fahidi Historical District (or Al Bastakiya quarter). This is the oldest standing residential area of Dubai and offers a maze of hidden treats for visitors.
Close to the Dubai Museum and Al Bastakiya area is the Al Seef District, a 1.8km stretch along the creek dotted with traditional wind-towers and sandstone buildings which contrast with the glitz and glamour of modern Dubai.
6. Dubai is the Perfect Place to Relax, Unwind and Rejuvenate!
Dubai is the perfect place to relax, unwind and rejuvenate from the stresses of everyday life. You can lounge at your leisure on the white sands of one of the many beautiful Dubai beaches. Then, swim in the warm Arabian waters and relax under palm trees.
There are also plenty of opportunities for sporting activities in Dubai. Kite Beach is the perfect spot for water sport lovers. Here, you can experience kite surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, water skiing and paddle boarding. If you want to stay dry, you can also enjoy many other beach sports on the sands.
The Arabian desert is also another great sandy place to relax. You can have a desert picnic among the sand dunes and enjoy perfect stargazing by night. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also float over the desert sand dunes in a hot air balloon.
Another way of relaxing is to take a different form of transport. A traditional dhow cruise along the Dubai Creek is the perfect way to unwind and soak up the heritage of Dubai. Alternatively, you can stroll around the magnificent floral displays in the Dubai Miracle Garden. What better way to relax than with nature?
Finally, Dubai is full of luxury hotels which offer world-class spa experiences including steamy hammams.
7. Dubai has Awesome Free Things to See and Do!
Although Dubai is known for being a luxurious and expensive city, you may be surprised to know that there are many free things to see and do. There are also many inexpensive options which will keep the budget under control and still enable you to enjoy what the city has to offer.
For example, it costs nothing to marvel at the Burj Khalifa from the ground and to explore its surrounding area.
Right beside the Burj Khalifa is The Dubai Mall with its record-breaking OLED screen and viewing panel into the Dubai Aquarium. You can get a closeup view of underwater life from three floors of the shopping centre for free! The spectacular Dubai Fountain sound and light show is also located right outside and is free to enjoy.
Dubai Fountain Show Time
| Day Time Monday to Thursday | 01:00 pm and 01:30 pm |
| Day Time Friday | 01:30 pm and 02:00 pm |
| Evening | 06:00 pm and 11:00 pm |
8. Dubai is a Thriving Centre for Culture and the Arts!
Dubai is fast becoming a thriving international centre for culture and the arts. The 2,000 seat Dubai Opera is the heart of culture and arts in Dubai and attracts world-class performers and artists. Whatever your passion, Dubai Opera will allow you to indulge yourself in theatre, opera, ballet, orchestral performances, concerts, fashion shows, live entertainment, conferences, galleries and art exhibitions.
In addition, there are many superb art galleries in Dubai for art lovers including the XVA and the Lawrie Shabibi. There are also plenty of museums to visit including the Dubai Museum, Museum of Illusions and the Pearl Museum to name a few.
9. Dubai has Delicious Food to Discover!
Dubai has an increasingly diverse population which is made up of approximately 200 different nationalities. So, whilst you are in Dubai you will definitely be able to eat and enjoy quality international cuisine.
However, why not extend your palate and try local specialties during your visit to Dubai? Look out for luqaimat which are hot crunchy sweet dumplings and knafeh which is a popular pastry dish made with cheese and sugar syrup. Arabic coffee and dates are also another must-try along with camel!
Modern chefs are incorporating camel into many of their dishes including various curries, burgers and stews. Camel milk is also something worth trying as well as camel milk ice cream in various flavours!
10. Dubai has Official Low Crime Rates!
According to a recent travel survey, Dubai ranks among the top 15 safest cities in the world. Crime levels are very low owing to strict government rules and law enforcement which help visitors feel safe and secure. However, Dubai is a city so always keep an eye on your personal belongings and be aware of your surroundings.
Of course, when visiting any country, visitors must respect and adhere to local law which could be considerably different to the law in your own country. Dubai is an Islamic country, so it’s a good idea to educate yourself about Dubai customs and laws before you travel so that you can respect them and avoid any problems.
Best Things to Do in Dubai
Hopefully, you’ve now been persuaded to visit the impressive city of Dubai. To help you plan your visit, here are some of the best things to do in Dubai:
1. Dubai Malls – Shop Until You Drop
Dubai has been dubbed the “shopping capital of the Middle East” and is genuinely a shopper’s dream! There are around 65 shopping malls in Dubai where you can find every global brand you can think of.
However, Dubai shopping malls are so much more than shiny air-conditioned stores. Within the shopping malls are dining facilities, entertainment and extravagant attractions and experiences. Think ski slopes, ice rinks, waterfalls and aquariums!
Here is a selection of some of the shopping malls you can enjoy in Dubai:
The Dubai Mall – The Dubai Mall is situated in the heart of Downtown Dubai right next door to the Burj Khalifa. This is the world’s largest shopping centre (5.9 million square meters) with over 1,300 retail outlets including two department stores (Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s) plus over 200 food and drink providers.
The Dubai Mall combines shopping with dining, entertainment and leisure att