Dubai Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UAE)

Dubai is a lively, cosmopolitan city with unbelievable modern amenities and tourist attractions available at every turn. In this city, anything is possible, and tourists holidaying in Dubai will find remarkable attractions that defy the city's location in the midst of the Arabian Desert.

Ski Dubai is one of the most amazing tourist attractions in the city, as visitors have the chance to ski, snowboard or toboggan down five separate slopes in the Mall of the Emirates. The Wild Wadi Water Park has one of four artificial rip-curl waves in the world. Finally, a guided, dune-bashing ride through the desert belongs on every tourist's itinerary.

Wild Wadi Water Park

Address: Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UAE
Tel: +971 04 348 4444
Dubai's premier water park is a fun, family destination and offers tourists a refreshing break from the heat. Rides range from high-octane water slides to more laid-back attractions suitable for young children. The wave pool generates 1.5-metre / 5-foot faces, although the most impressive wave in the park is the Flowrider attraction, which creates a surfable, curl-shaped wave, and is quite fascinating just to watch.
Open hours: daily November to February - 10:00 to 18:00, March to May - 10:00 to - 19:00, June to August - 10:00 to 20:00, September and October - 10:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

Desert Safari

Address: Arabian Desert, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UAE
There's nothing like rambling across the dunes of the Arabian Desert. Expert drivers lead caravans of four-wheel drive vehicles in a roller coaster ride across the wind-swept dunes. These Desert Safari rides are marketed as half-day events and include timeout to enjoy the sunset, before participants arrive at a recreated Bedouin village, where dinner, dancing and hookah smoking are all on the agenda.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Dubai Heritage Village

Address: Shindagha, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UAE
Tel: +971 04 393 7151
This massive, cultural campaign works to promote the long-standing way of life in the Middle East. Visitors will find handicraft merchants selling ceramics, woven goods and wooden carvings, and during the day it's possible to watch the artisans at work. Other attractions at the Dubai Heritage Village tend to focus on the Bedouin lifestyle and the region's once-thriving pearl-diving industry.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Ski Dubai

Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UAE
Tel: +971 04 409 4000
The Ski Dubai complex is located within the Mall of the Emirates. This self-contained ski slope is more a novelty attraction than anything, and presents an excellent opportunity for less-experienced skiers to give the sport a try in the middle of a desert oasis. There are five slopes in all (the longest runs 396 metres / 1,300 feet), and participants are provided with equipment and snow suits.
Open hours: Saturday to Wednesday - 10:00 to 23:00, Thursday - 10:00 to midnight, Friday - 09:00 to midnight, Saturday - Friday - 09:00 to 23:00, last tickets sold 90 minutes before closing
Admission: charge

Dhow Cruise

Address: Dubai Creek, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UAE
There is no better way to take in the city's stunning skyline than from the waters of the Dubai Creek (technically a salt-water inlet). The finest cruises include various onboard attractions and entertainment, such as traditional belly dancing and a buffet dinner. Those looking for a trip across the Creek without all of the fanfare can take advantage of the water taxis (abras) that offer quick, affordable service between banks.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Souks (Traditional Markets)

Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UAE
These traditional marketplaces, found across Dubai, are melting pots of Arab culture. The Spice Souk, which holds textiles, handicrafts, and rugs along with a myriad of regional spices, is the most popular with visitors. Also of interest is the Gold Souk, where expensive and ornate jewellery is available at every turn. Don't be afraid to try out your bargaining skills!
Open hours: daily
Admission: free