By Chetan Jadhav

The best of the attractions in the world are owned by Dubai, a colossal city that started with humble roots of a Bedouin village. For many it’s unbelievable but for the people of Dubai, it is the result of concentrated effort by the government and the people of Dubai to make it a thriving tourist hub and reduce its dependency on oil export.

Known as one of the most sought after tourist entertainment hub in the world, Dubai has some of the biggest draws for tourists. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Dubai

1. Ski Dubai

Bringing both snow and desert to a perfect blend, the city of Dubai boasts of the world’s first indoor ski resort. In a city that maintains a standard temperature of over 40 degrees, having snow resort with temperature going below minus six degrees is no mean feat. Boasting of real penguins, world’s first ever 400m long black diamond run, and snow mountains; ski Dubai clearly is one of the best things to do in Dubai.

2. Dubai mall

One of the biggest malls in the world, The Dubai mall has too many irresistible things to see and do in it that it’s hard to give it a miss. While you can experience the world’s largest suspended acrylic aquarium with over 33000 exotic marine animals, it is also adjoined by the underwater zoo offering a 180-degree view. The mall itself boasts of over 1200 shops, 120 cafes and restaurants and 22 cinema screens for the customers. The mall is home to the world’s biggest candy store- Candylicious.

Burj Khalifa Dubai

Burj Khalifa Dubai

3. Burj Khalifa observation deck

Burj Khalifa holds the record of being the highest man made structure on earth and getting an opportunity to see the view of the world below from its 144th floor is a chance of a lifetime. The structure itself is too overwhelming to comprehend, but the view that you see from its observation deck is beyond expression. The view from Burj Khalifa of the world below is one of the best things to see in Dubai. One has to see it to believe the experience. Burj Khalifa houses a hotel, various offices and its top most floors are homes to the world’s wealthiest people.

Desert Safari Dubai

Desert Safari Dubai

4. Dubai desert safari

No trip to Dubai is complete without the Dubai desert safari experience. Not only is the desert in Dubai amongst one of the best in the world, the safari experience too is unmatched. The Dubai desert safari includes dune bashing with experienced drivers in a 4×4, quad biking, sunset and sunrise photography, overnight camping, dinner with entertainment, shopping for souvenirs and so much more. They also offer special pickup and drop services for all its guests.

5. Dhow dinner cruise

The best way to admire the glittering skyline of Dubai is by enjoying the Dhow dinner cruise at the Dubai creek. Traditional boats decorated in the beautiful lights having air conditioned lower deck and open air upper deck, makes you instantly fall in love with them. The two-hour cruise offers you a sumptuous buffet of international cuisine along with other refreshments. Enjoy your dinner with song and dance performed by trained artists or simply go to the upper deck of the boat and admire the illuminated skyline of Dubai.

6. Dubai Dolphinarium

One of the safest and very maintained habitat for five dolphins- the Dubai Dolphinarium is a must visit place, whether or not you are visiting Dubai with kids. The dolphin and seal show will steal your heart and make you fall head over heels in love with the cutest dolphins and their acrobatics. There are various feats and dances performed by the seal and dolphins that is sure to take you by surprise.

7. Dubai street food

Dubai is a city with diverse cultures living together in harmony and therefore, there’s an eclectic variety in its food as well. The street food eateries of Dubai will give you a perfect introduction to the best of world cuisines like Arab, Pakistan, Indian, Chinese, Lebanese, Europea, and even Japanese. The food scene of Dubai includes the rare food delicacy like Camel meat and camel burger to the best of the world fast food.

8. Dubai helicopter ride

Experience the beautiful Dubai from clouds and take a helicopter ride. Alpha tours offer various packages for an hour or 30-minute helicopter ride to admire the glittering Dubai from the top. It also includes the view of the world renowned palm islands that look absolutely unbelievable from the top.

Bastakiya Quarter Dubai

Bastakiya Quarter Dubai

9. Dubai souks

The souqs of Dubai are some of the most celebrated and visited souqs in the world. The gold souq boasts of over 10 tons of gold every day and sells unimaginable designs to the tourists and customers alike. Bustling with pride just next to it is the exotic spice souq that trade spices from all over the world. Similarly, the perfume and the textile souq are some of the best markets to visit in Dubai.

10. Palm Sky diving

The palm islands in itself are one of the enthralling man made wonders of the world, and adding a topping to the cake is the amazing sky diving service offered that allows you to see the palm islands crescent in an adventurous way. No problem if you do not know how to sky dive, to undertake this exceptionally exciting adventure, even novices and untrained people are welcome with the help of a trained diver.

11. Desert camping

If at any point you feel that the hustle- bustle of the city is too overwhelming, head to the desert and enjoy a night under the starlit sky with desert camping. Various agencies offer desert camping services to ensure your night in the desert is the most memorable one. You don’t even need to have a camping gear; you can get everything you need at a nominal rent.

12. Being a part of Dubai shopping festival

There’s no better way to understand the craze of Dubai than attending the Dubai shopping festival. With brands from all over the world offering jaw dropping discounts only for this festival and hampers and raffles having prizes as big as a Mercedes or a BMW; who wouldn’t want to be a part of it. The whole city glitters in light and the air breathes of festivity during the festival and people from all over the world come to visit it.

Dubai is loaded with attractions at every step and it’s difficult to soak all of them in just one trip. Even the expats love this city of Dubai for its never ending charm. So if you haven’t yet been to Dubai, apply for Dubai visa online today and be a part of the city that glitters with gold and shimmers with sparkling sand.

Author: Chetan Jadhav, https://www.raynatours.com

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Maralyn
Author: Maralyn

Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.