Top 10 things to do in Dubai

Burj Khalifa, Dubai Photograph: John Harper/Getty Images

Dubai. The name has almost become shorthand for a certain type of lifestyle: an oasis of top-notch hotels, world-renowned restaurants and frankly bizarre attractions, all in the middle of the desert. Not a city to rest on its laurels, the Emirati powerhouse is constantly thrusting forwards and there is always something new to see. So, where to start?
Here is our guide to the top ten things to see and do in Dubai.

The Burj Khalifa

Visit the world’s tallest viewing gallery, At The Top, at the Burj Khalifa. This piercing tower is the world’s highest building at 828 metres in height (more than eight times the Big Ben tower) and a true feat of engineering. It was completed in just six years and today stands testament to Dubai’s desire to reach new heights.

The desert

The desert is on the doorstep in Dubai and there are few better experiences than bashing through its sands in a 4x4. You can also take a camel ride, surf the dunes on a board and feast on barbecue under the stars. Sit still for a moment to enjoy the absolute silence of the desert.

Skiing in the desert

Ski Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Photograph: Yvette Cardozo/Getty Images

Go skiing in the desert at Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort located inside the vast Mall of the Emirates. Take a lesson if you’re a beginner or, if you’re confident on two skis, hire your own equipment and hit the slopes. Don’t miss a hot chocolate in the cafe-bar halfway up.

Shopping

Head to the souks of Deira for a shopping experience you will never forget – and may need to prepare for. Brush up on your haggling skills as you barter over spices, gold and bespoke suits in the traditional marketplace next to the creek – where much of what you see for sale still arrives from Asia.

The beach and Burj El Arab

The iconic skyscraper, Burj Al Arab, has become synonymous with Dubai. Photograph: Fraser Hall/Getty Images

Pose for the ultimate Dubai selfie by heading to the public beach located next to the Burj El Arab. Here you can snap a picture of yourself standing on the sands with the iconic skyscraper that has become Dubai’s unofficial symbol just behind you.

Eat at Ravi

At Ravi they say you eat like a prince but pay like a pauper – and it only takes one bite of their delicious curries to see why this long-running Pakistani restaurant is so popular. Pakistani staples such as Nihari beef or lamb stew are available for about £3.

The Burj Khalifa lake

Yet another world’s largest can be seen at the Dubai fountains on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa lake. These are the biggest dancing fountains on the planet, at 275 metres long and shooting water as high as 150 metres. There are performances daily, some including a central beam of light that is said to be visible from space.

Jumeirah Mosque

Tourists are welcome at the Jumeirah mosque . Photograph: Jochen Tack/Getty Images/arabianEye

Non-Muslims are rarely permitted to see the inside of a mosque, but at Jumeirah Mosque, the “open doors, open minds” project allows you to do just that. Join an organised tour here and you’ll not only see the vast interior of this Fatimid-style architectural marvel, but you can also ask anything you like – about local culture or Islam itself.

Fine-dining at Al Mahara

At the other end of the scale is Al Mahara, a fine-dining restaurant located inside an aquarium. Here the backdrop is a prelude to what’s on your plate, with a fish-focused menu that combines eastern and western influences impeccably.

The Pure Sky Lounge

Dubai is best seen from above – and with a drink in hand. Head up to the Pure Sky Lounge on the 35th floor of the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Residences to soak up the view over Jumeirah beach, the Persian Gulf and the awe-inspiring artificial Palm islands. The menu here features cocktails (try the cucumber martini) and champagne.

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Split across Europe and Asia, east famously meets west in Istanbul. But with its mix of historic palaces, centuries-old traditions and chic hotels and restaurants, there’s the perfect blend of ancient and modern, too.
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Find out more about the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus here, or read our guide to the top 10 things to do in Istanbul.

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