Exploring Dubai

Discover the culture 

There’s something for everyone to discover about Dubai’s exuberant culture. From traditional Emirati art used for Arabic script to create artistic patterns. To events and exhibitions in Arabian Art.

Why not check out Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz and the Dubai Design District, where you can find galleries, studios, performances and even furniture shops.

It doesn’t just stop there. If you fancy a culinary experience, head down to one of the many Emirati restaurants to sample the array of dishes on offer. You can find anything from camel on the menu to dates. Traditional dishes to look out for include:

• Fouga deyay - a rice dish with grilled chicken marinated in Emirati spices

• Luqaimat - sweet and sticky dumplings, drizzled with date syrup

• Shuwaa - slow cooked lamb with roasted nuts, raisins and rice, sometimes known as Quzi 

Feeling athletic? Many sports are played in Dubai from tennis, watersports, motorsports to desert adventures. Look out for opportunities to get involved in traditional sporting activities such as falconry, camel racing and equestrian sports.

Buy your must-haves 

The shopping in Dubai is renowned, home to shopping malls, al fresco shopping precincts, artisan markets and traditional souks - there is something for everyone. 

The Dubai Mall - one of the world’s largest malls - based in Downtown Dubai, you can find over 1,200 retailers from luxury brands including Fendi or Dior, to high-street familiars such as H&M and Zara. The Dubai Mall also boasts an olympic sized skating rink and the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. 

The City Walk Mall, positioned between Downtown and Jumeirah Beach offers views of the Burj Khalifa. You can find everything from highstreet to designer boutiques as you stroll through the European style streets and open squares. 

Other destinations worth a visit for a shopping indulgence include Dubai Festival City, Mall of the Emirates and the Renaissance-era styled Mercato Mall.

Have an unforgettable Experience 

Burj Khlalifa

The Burj Khalifa, standing at 828m high, is the tallest building in the world and opened in January 2010, six years after excavations began. The building has two observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors and a restaurant-bar on the 122nd and is one of the must see destinations in Dubai. Located in the heart of the city in Downtown Dubai, the building is right in the middle of the thriving and bustling centre of the city. 

Palm Jumeirah 

One of largest man-made islands in the world, the must see Palm Jumeirah is built from reclaimed land in a series of artificial archipelagos and is shaped like a palm tree.

Home to some of the most luxurious resorts in Dubai including Atlantis, The Palm, Waldorf Astoria and One&Only, you can get to the palm easily via either a network of roads and tunnels or by the Palm Monorail which runs down the trunk, connecting to the mainland’s tram system. Alternatively, you can get a birds eye view of the iconic destination by air, taking a helicopter ride or for the thrill seekers, by taking to the skies doing a skydive. 

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Dubai. Set behind Jumeirah Beach residence and next to The Walk, the artificial canal city is built along a 3km stretch of Arabian Gulf shoreline.

This hotspot features views that aren’t to be missed, an assortment of delicious restaurants, luxury accommodation and shopping. Watch yachts come and go as you soak up the desert sun whilst dining alfresco with a refreshingly cold cocktail. 

Ain Dubai - Dubai Eye

Ain Dubai is the world’s tallest Ferris wheel. Take in 360 degree views from the 250m high wheel in the sky. A wonder of construction, each leg of the wheel stands at 126m high, long enough to fit 15 London buses. The wheel lets you take a relaxing 38 minute journey of Dubai’s urban skyline in one of the 38 air-conditioned passengers cabins. 

Dubai Fountain 

Wonder at the tallest performing fountain in the world, submerged within the 30-acre Burj Lake at the foot of the Dubai Mall. Powerful water jets are positioned over an area the same length as two football pitches, with each jet forcing up to 22,000 gallons of water as high as 140m into the air at any one time. The fountain springs to life every 30 minutes from 6pm every day, giving you lots of chances to catch the show across your stay. 

Kite Beach 

Kite Beach offers everything from water sports to relaxing in the sun. One of Dubai’s most popular beaches, Kite Beach is located just off the Jumeirah neighbourhood. You can find equipment to rent if you’re thinking of trying watersports from kitesurfing to stand-up paddleboarding or you can relax and take in the views of the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.