Fun activities in Dubai – 11 Best Things To Do in Dubai

Dubai is a place that I truly love. Having lived there for 2 years working as an actor in a Bollywood musical, my opinion of the place has drastically changed thanks to finding out a lot of fun activities in Dubai.

My earlier impression of the place was that it was cold (not the weather, but people), boring and too freaking expensive to survive. However, that changed with me finding out economical ways to enjoy the best of what Dubai has to offer.

Because I have done the hard labour for you over the 2 years, you can just book your flight tickets, check these amazing places and have the time of your life in Dubai.

Here’s my ultimate list of the fun activities in Dubai –

FUN ACTIVITIES IN DUBAI – 11 BEST THINGS TO DO

1. ENJOY A DAY AT JBR – THE WALK & BEACH

This is one of my favourite fun activities in Dubai. You can either take a dip in the water or soak up the sun at the stunning beach. Enjoying the sunset with a view of the Dubai eye is also an option.

There’s a Roxy theatre to watch movies, a line of restaurants and hotels to savour all kinds of food, pubs and lounges to sip a drink/hookah and even an option of a camel-ride if you’re feeling adventurous!

Photo credit – Ali_Abbasi_Heidarloo

2. BLOW KISSES TO THE SKYLINE OF DUBAI FROM “AT THE TOP, BURJ KHALIFA”

Seriously, can any list be complete without it? I avoided it for the longest time thinking it is boring & touristy. But I was proven wrong and how!

Apparently, the concrete used to build this modern marvel equals the approximate weight of 100,000 elephants.

Enjoy the world’s fastest double-deck elevators, cruising at 10 metres/second followed by the stunning 360-degree views from Level 125.

Then you can walk down to Level 124 and step out onto the public outdoor observation terrace to look at Dubai’s impressive skyline.

To avoid the long queue, book your tickets to the Burj Khalifa by clicking here.

TIP – Visit during the “Non-Prime time” hours for much lesser prices. 

3. ENJOY AN OFFBEAT DAY TRIP ALONG THE EAST COAST OF UAE

Why just restrict yourself to the city when you can do a private day trip and explore the harbour towns, old forts, pristine beaches around Dubai?! This day trip is one of the most offbeat fun activities in Dubai.

Start by visiting the private market at Masafi and then get to witness the robust Hajar mountains. The mountains will give you an impression of being table plateau-like.

Then, you’ll drive along the gorgeous chunk of the east coast and come across old villages, forts, beaches and of course beach resorts. Spend some time soaking in the blues of the coastal fishing villages of Dibba.

Following the coastal village experience is my favourite part – a dip in the Indian Ocean. You’ll make a pit-stop at a beach resort in Fujairah. Here you can have lunch, sunbathe, flirt with the waves and swim in the Indian Ocean.

Next, you’ll visit the Al-Badiyah Mosque which happens to be the oldest mosque in the whole of the United Arab Emirates. It’s made of mud and stone and is simplistic in it’s architecture.

You can climb to the top through a passageway beside the mosque and get a panoramic view of Fujairah.

You’ll end your trip with a visit to the iconic Fujairah fort. The fort forms an important symbol representing the fight back against colonialism. You’ll witness the mountains in all their glory from small windows inside the fort.

I highly recommend this trip for individuals and families who enjoy offbeat travel and want to experience something different.

Book the one-of-a-kind UAE east coast day trip by clicking here.

4. WITNESS THE DUBAI FOUNTAIN SHOW

Take out your mobiles & cameras as you witness the world’s largest (because with Dubai it can’t just be large or larger) choreographed fountain system at the Burj Khalifa artificial lake.

The dancing fountain show can be seen for free at the Dubai Mall. Preferably watch it at night as the sight of colourful sprays of water against the backdrop of the night sky will leave you spellbound.

The shows (that last for 5 minutes) happen every half hour starting from 6pm, going on till 11pm. Just make sure you grab your viewing position 10 minutes before the show starts because it can get really crowded.

Photo courtesy – GRJ_Travellers

5. ENJOY A DESERT SAFARI

How can any list of fun activities in Dubai be complete without a trademark desert safari? A half an hour drive from Downtown Dubai and you’ll find the original Dubai crowd puller destination – Arabian desert.

There are many things you can opt to do here – Sand dune crashing (or off roading), Quad biking, sandboarding, camel riding followed by traditional barbecue dinner, henna, shisha.

If you’re feeling adventurous, then you can choose to befriend a falcon and weirdly pout at it like I did. You’ll also enjoy a fire show, Tanoura, belly dance performances while gorging on some delectable dinner.

If you choose to spend the night in the desert, you can book a night amid the dunes at the Al Maha – Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa.

Book your desert safari tickets here.

TIP – If waiting in lines to get your food isn’t your thing, choose the VIP package when opting for the desert safari. The food comes directly to your table and you can enjoy the entertainment programmes without any disturbance.

6. VISIT THE GREEN PLANET AT CITY WALK

From the desert to an enclosed tropical rainforest, Dubai has a way to spring a surprise just when you think things are predictable.

Situated at the City Walk, Green Planet is home to more than 3000 species of plants & animals. It is a bio dome that recreates the enchanting ecosystem of a Puerto Rico rainforest.

Get ready for an immersive expedition into the tropics as you meet sloths, tree porcupines, reptiles, birds, fish, vines, South American plants, Toucans & insects.

Book your tickets to this unique indoor “Green Planet” rainforest by clicking here.

You can spend the rest of your day exploring the City Walk. City Walk is like an ultra-modern township that has many attractions like the Green Planet, Hub Zero gaming zone, Reel Cinemas and a plethora of amazing shopping stores and restaurants.

If you’re here, do not forget to taste the famous Turkish ice-cream. The place is beautifully lit up at night and is a traveler’s paradise.

7. EXPLORE THE DUBAI CREEK

Everybody knows Dubai as the centre of glamour, glitz and skyscrapers but the heart of the city is the Dubai Creek. Home to the Dubai Museum and the various gold, spice and textile souks, the region reflects the cultural history of the emirate.

While at the creek, ride across the water on a traditional “Abra” in just AED 1. That’s right. Experience authentic Dubai at the most affordable price of 1 Dirham. Who said fun activities in Dubai cost a bomb?

You can stroll around the creek, de-stress yourself watching a flock of doves fly around you, explore the local shops and taste local sweets. You can crack the best deals here while buying gold so let the force of shopping and exploration be with you!

You can also do a 5-star buffet dinner on a Dhow cruise along the Deira Creek. It includes a great buffet dinner, live entertainment programmes and sightseeing Dubai’s famous landmarks at night from the cruise.

Book your Deira Creek 5-star buffet dinner Dhow Cruise by clicking here.

Photo credit – Arti Singh

8. SPEND TIME AT THE DUBAI PARKS AND RESORTS

Experience theme park thrills and enjoy an outing with your family/friends at Dubai’s premier entertainment hub.

Enormous theme parks like Motiongate, Bollywood Parks, Legoland theme and Waterpark will keep the children (your inner child included) engaged and entertained with their rides and programmes.

Adults on the other hand can relax by the beautiful Riverland Boulevard, enjoying the restaurants and other fun dance shows and stylish gigs.

To have easier access to the parks, you can also stay at the Polynesian style hotel – Lapita situated in the theme park itself.

By the way I once worked as the male lead in a Bollywood musical called Jaan-e-Jigar that was staged in the Rajmahal which you can see below.

Book your tickets to Dubai Parks & Resorts by clicking here.

9. INDULGE IN WATER SPORTS AT SHERATON HOTEL, JBR

For all adventure junkies like me, this is one of my top recommendations if you are craving for some adrenaline pumping fun activities in Dubai.

Head to the Sky and Sea adventures private shack near the beach inside the hotel and choose any water sport you want.

Parasailing, banana boat ride, flyboarding, jet skiing, paddleboarding, scuba diving- they have it all. I have tried all the water sports by the company and vouch for their quality & service.

They have family & group discounts. Post the water sport action, you can sit back and relax at the Bliss lounge. Afterall, life is all about witnessing a beautiful sunset with a Martini in your hand!

TIP – When you opt for more than 1 adventure sport, you get a heavy discount. 

10. EXPLORE THE STUNNINGLY MODERN DUBAI MARINA

Stroll along the Dubai Marina Walk and witness the exquisite cityscape of Dubai. Watch the world’s tallest apartment buildings and marvel at their architecture.

You can even enjoy these views from the water as you set sail from the Dubai Marina Yacht Club.

Dubai Marina is one of the most happening places in the city and is constantly buzzing with people and most importantly good vibes!

11. ENJOY A DRINK AT THE STUNNING “OBSERVATORY BAR AND GRILL”

While there are many good party places like McGettigans, Kong, Buddha Bar, Pier 7, Zero Gravity, Boudoir, Vault, Stereo Arcade, my personal favourite is The Observatory. 

The pleasure of having a meal with a drink here is unparalleled thanks to the jaw dropping view and the ambience that it offers.

It’s situated on the 52nd floor of the Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites and provides amazing Happy Hour and Power Hour offers wherein you get each drink straight up in just 30 Dirhams!

The place’s specialty? It provides breathtaking views of The Palm, Jumeirah & Marina both during the day and night giving a glimpse of the Dubai settled around an island.

The place is famously known for it’s brunch offering the best Pork ribs, steaks, seafood, soups, salads and a wide variety of cocktails. My personal favourites are the nachos, tequila coolers, frose and classic shiraz red wine.

CONCLUSION

So that’s my list of the fun activities in Dubai from my experience of having lived there for more than 2 years. I hope you have as much fun exploring the city as I had, doing these things.

I have curated this list for solo travellers, families with kids, group travellers and travellers of all ages (yes! if your knees are good, flyboarding is a cakewalk for 70 year olds too)

SHARE this list of the fun activities in Dubai with your friends, family, boyfriends, girlfriends, foes, pets, relatives in outer space because you never know who it might help.

PIN it for future travel planning. CHEERS HABIBI !!