Top Dubai Attractions

Standing at 828 metres, the Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest building and Dubai's most iconic landmark. The observation deck on the 124th floor (At the Top) offers sweeping 360° views across the city, the Arabian Gulf, and the desert beyond. For the ultimate experience, upgrade to the 148th-floor Sky Lounge — the world's highest observation deck. Book tickets in advance online to avoid queues and save up to 30% versus walk-up prices. The best time to visit is at sunset, when the city transitions from golden hour to a glittering sea of lights. The Burj Khalifa is located at the heart of Downtown Dubai, steps from the Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain — making it easy to combine all three in a single evening. Conti7 Travel includes Burj Khalifa access in our Dubai City Tour package.

The Burj Al Arab is arguably the world's most photographed hotel — a sail-shaped tower built on its own artificial island, connected to the mainland by a private bridge. Opened in 1999, it redefined luxury hospitality and remains a global symbol of Dubai's ambition. While only hotel guests can access the rooms, visitors can experience the Burj Al Arab through afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar on the 27th floor, or dinner at one of its nine world-class restaurants. The exterior is best photographed from Jumeirah Beach or from the water on a dhow cruise. For families, the Wild Wadi Waterpark sits directly adjacent and offers a full day of fun with the Burj Al Arab as a backdrop. Conti7 Travel can arrange restaurant reservations and photography tours at this iconic landmark.

A Dubai desert safari is the single most popular activity for first-time visitors — and for good reason. The experience typically begins in the late afternoon when 4x4 Land Cruisers head into the red sand dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve for exhilarating dune bashing. After the adrenaline rush, the convoy arrives at a traditional Bedouin camp where guests can ride camels, try sandboarding, get henna tattoos, and dress in traditional Emirati attire. As the sun sets over the dunes, a lavish buffet dinner is served under the stars with live entertainment including belly dancing and Tanoura performances. Private desert safaris are available for couples and families seeking a more exclusive experience. Morning safaris are also popular for those who prefer cooler temperatures and photography-perfect golden light. Conti7 Travel arranges both shared and private desert safaris with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Old Dubai is the city's historic heart — a world away from the gleaming skyscrapers of Downtown. The Dubai Creek divides the city into Deira (north) and Bur Dubai (south), and the best way to cross it is on an Abra, a traditional wooden water taxi that costs just AED 1. On the Deira side, the Gold Souk dazzles with over 300 jewellery shops displaying tonnes of gold, diamonds, and precious stones. The adjacent Spice Souk fills the air with the scent of saffron, frankincense, and dried limes. On the Bur Dubai side, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (formerly Bastakiya) is a beautifully preserved 19th-century merchant quarter with wind-tower architecture, art galleries, and the Dubai Museum. The nearby Al Seef waterfront development blends heritage architecture with modern cafés and restaurants. This area is best explored in the morning or evening to avoid the midday heat.

Palm Jumeirah is one of the most ambitious engineering projects in history — a palm-shaped artificial island extending 5 km into the Arabian Gulf, home to over 30 luxury hotels, hundreds of restaurants, and some of Dubai's finest beaches. The iconic Atlantis The Palm resort anchors the top of the island and houses Aquaventure Waterpark, Dolphin Bay, and the Lost Chambers Aquarium. The Palm Monorail connects the trunk to the Atlantis, offering elevated views across the island and the sea. The Palm's boardwalk is perfect for an evening stroll, with views back towards the Dubai Marina skyline. For the best aerial perspective, take the Palm Jumeirah Observation Deck at the Nakheel Mall. Beach clubs like Cove Beach and Drift Beach offer day passes for non-hotel guests. Conti7 Travel includes Palm Jumeirah in our Dubai City Tour and can arrange Atlantis day passes.

The Dubai Mall is the world's largest shopping mall by total area — with over 1,200 retail outlets, it is far more than a shopping destination. Inside you'll find the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (one of the world's largest suspended aquariums), an Olympic-sized ice rink, a VR Park, a dinosaur skeleton, and KidZania. The Dubai Fountain, located on the Burj Khalifa Lake outside the mall, is the world's largest choreographed fountain system — shooting water 150 metres into the air to music every evening from 6 PM. The best free viewing spots are the waterfront promenade and the bridge between the mall and Souk Al Bahar. For a premium experience, book a table at one of the lakeside restaurants for dinner with fountain views. The Dubai Mall is directly connected to the Burj Khalifa metro station, making it easily accessible without a car.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island is the world's largest indoor theme park and a must for speed enthusiasts and families alike. The centrepiece is Formula Rossa — the world's fastest roller coaster, reaching 240 km/h in under 5 seconds. Beyond the thrill rides, Ferrari World offers immersive driving simulators, a Ferrari factory tour experience, a junior driving school for children, and the spectacular Scuderia Challenge racing simulator. The park is entirely air-conditioned, making it a perfect choice even in summer. Yas Island itself is home to the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 circuit, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World, and the Yas Marina Circuit — making it possible to fill an entire day or two on the island. Ferrari World is approximately 90 minutes from Dubai by road. Conti7 Travel arranges full-day Abu Dhabi and Yas Island excursions from Dubai with private transfers.

Global Village is Dubai's most popular seasonal attraction — a vast multicultural festival park that opens each year from October to April. Over 90 countries are represented through elaborately themed pavilions, each showcasing their nation's food, handicrafts, performances, and culture. The UAE pavilion is a highlight, as are the India, China, and Africa pavilions. Beyond the cultural experience, Global Village features over 160 rides and attractions, nightly fireworks, and live performances on multiple stages. Street food from around the world makes it a paradise for food lovers — try everything from Brazilian churros to Moroccan tagine to Filipino halo-halo. The park is best visited on weekday evenings to avoid weekend crowds. Global Village is open from approximately October to April each year. Conti7 Travel includes Global Village in our Dubai family tour packages during the season.

A Dubai dinner cruise is one of the most romantic and memorable ways to experience the city — gliding along the water as the skyline glitters around you. There are two main routes: the historic Dubai Creek, where traditional dhows pass beneath the illuminated bridges of Old Dubai, and the Dubai Marina, where modern yachts and superyachts line the waterfront. Both routes offer a lavish buffet dinner with international and Arabic cuisine, live entertainment (typically a Tanoura dancer and live music), and unlimited soft drinks. The Marina cruise offers more dramatic modern scenery; the Creek cruise offers more cultural atmosphere. Premium cruises on larger vessels include à la carte dining and open bars. Most cruises depart between 7 PM and 8:30 PM and last approximately 2–3 hours. Conti7 Travel arranges both Creek and Marina dinner cruises with hotel transfers, including private charters for special occasions.

Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm is consistently rated one of the world's best waterparks — and for good reason. The park features over 105 rides and attractions, including the iconic Leap of Faith — a near-vertical 27-metre drop through a shark-filled lagoon. The Master Blaster series of uphill water coasters is unique in the region, and the 2.3 km Lazy River winds through the entire resort. Aquaventure also includes a private beach with sun loungers, a dedicated children's splash zone (Splashers), and multiple dining options. Day pass guests receive access to the beach and all rides. The park is best visited in the morning when queues are shortest. During summer (June–September), the park is less crowded and tickets are significantly discounted. Conti7 Travel arranges Aquaventure day passes with hotel transfers as part of our Dubai family packages.