Making winter holiday plans? Do you want to visit Dubai? Check out these Top 10 Things to do in Dubai and have a fantastic winter holiday!
Pin Top 10 Things do in Dubai this Winter and read it later.
1. Burj Khalifa
The iconic centerpiece of Dubai is located next to the world’s second-largest shopping mall - The Dubai Mall and one of my favorite spots to hang out. Anyone visiting the emirate has to go up and enjoy the 360 unobstructed views of the city.
The best time to be on the observation decks located on L124, 125 and 148 would have to be close to sunset, so you get to see the transformation of the city from day to night which is a view to itself. Once on top, you can see the coastline, the main road - Sheikh Zayed Road, which was used in the movie Star Trek: Beyond, The Dubai Fountains, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai Districts, parts of Old Dubai and other districts out in the desert.
The cost of a General Admission Adult ticket is USD 54 and for children aged 4-12 is USD 44 and below 4 is free. It’s best to book your tickets online and 2-3 days in advance as they get sold out quickly. There is a
Once your back down, go watch the Dubai Fountains which is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system. It’s 10 mins and plays every 30 mins and the evening shows start at 6 pm and go on till 11 pm.
After you’ve watched this, turn your cameras back to Burj Khalifa as LEDs displayed across 109,252 square meters of the tower, turns it into the world’s largest light show.
2. Aerial Tours
Dubai Seawings Seaplane
Providing aerial tours of the UAE, taking off from the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club through which you can discover the thrill of traveling by seaplane. Whisking passengers to 1500 feet, the route soars past the iconic city skylines, offering sublime views of the country?s architectural marvels. Like the very first plane to land in Dubai, their amphibian aircraft is geared towards a luxurious experience.
Flights operate from 9 am to 5 pm from June to September and 9 am to 4.30 pm from October to May. They have 3 tours - Seawings Snapshot, Seawings Signature and Seaplane Tour to Abu Dhabi & Ferrari World.
Seawings Snapshot Tour is an action-packed 20-minute tour, with the take-off over Dubai Creek and soaring above the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al-Arab and Palm Jumeirah. As you look out you get a unique view of this future-forward city bordered by the stunning Arabian coastline, the Creek and the dramatic city landscape. It?s the perfect tour if you?re short on time. Prices for an adult is USD 255 and for a child USD 798 (inclusive of VAT)
Seawings Signature Tour is a thrilling 45-minute flight with the take-off in the comfort of their state-of-the-art Cessna seaplane and sets your pulses racing as you soar over Dubai attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al-Arab, Palm Jumeirah (the world?s largest man-made archipelago, shaped like a palm) and The World Islands. Prices for an adult is USD 484 and for a child USD 411 (inclusive of VAT)
Seaplane Tour to Abu Dhabi & Ferrari World allows you to enjoy aerial views of Dubai before landing at Yas Island. Flying past Burj Khalifa to The World Islands, Palm Jumeirah to the coastline of Abu Dhabi and landing over shimmering waters and be transferred to Ferrari World to enjoy a range of rides and attractions before you return by road to Dubai. The cost for an adult is USD 484 and for a child USD 411 (inclusive of VAT)
You can book your flights here.
For those of you worried about landing on water, I can tell you from personal experience it’s much softer than landing on a regular runway.
Heli Dubai
If you don’t like the idea of taking a seaplane to see Dubai, there is always the option of a helicopter tour. Heli Dubai‘s aerial tours are thoughtfully designed to ensure an unforgettable experience for all.
From the internationally renowned Burj Khalifa and world-famous Burj Al Arab to the spectacular The World Island and The Palm Jumeirah, our aerial tours ensure a unique unobstructed view of Dubai in well-appointed helicopters. Taking off from the HeliDubai Jumeirah Heliport (Dubai Police Academy), you can choose from the 12-minute, 17-minute, 22-minute or 40-minute tour.
The Iconic Tour is a 12-minute flight taking you past Burj Al Arab, The Palm Jumeirah, The Jumeirah Coastline, Burj Khalifa, Godolphin, Business Bay and, The Dubai Canal. The cost is USD 176 per person inclusive of VAT.
The Palm Tour which is a 17-minute tour departing from the Helidubai Jumeirah Heliport and witness the astonishing views of the Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Al Arab, and the World Islands. You get a close look at some of the record holder structures- like the tallest building Burj Khalifa and the tallest hotel -JW Marriott Hotel. As the tour continues, you will be amazed by the breathtaking sights of the Jumeirah coastline, the famous Port Rashid and be awed with the biggest flag of the UAE.
Vision Tour, 22 minutes covering Burj Al Arab, The World Islands, The Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis Hotel, Burj Khalifa, The Dubai canal, Dubai Creek, The Wind Towers in Bur Dubai, Dubai Creek Golf Course, The Jumeirah Coastline and the traditional areas of old Dubai like The Heritage Wind Towers, The Old Souk, and the Dubai Creek are historically situated
You can book your flights here.
I have to mention here both modes of travel are a bit loud and noisy even with earpieces on
I think I found my next road trip!
Those aerial tours sound like so much fun to go on!
And I just know the missus would love to see the aquarium.
We’ve been to one before but not as underwater as this one seems to be.
And you know there’s no way on earth anyone is going to pass up hanging out with a dolphin!
Thanks for sharing!
WOW! Dubai looks amaaaaazing!
I have heard a lot about it but only as a place where there are a lot of restrictions!
I would LOOOOve to visit some of these places. The indoor ski slop would blow my mind especially as it is so hot there! Crazy!I wonder how much of that is solar powered?Even Better!
And those gardens look incredible. I can see my family really enjoying a trip there!!
Have you any suggestions where to stay? Think I would prefer a resort to an Airbnb setup.
Hi Liz,
Thanks for the love! I am currently working on a review of a few hotels/resorts in Dubai and should be posted soon. Why dont you sign up for my newsletter and when its ready, you will get notified. By signing up, you also get a free ultimate vacation packing checklist - comes in handy whenever you are traveling.
In the meantime, why dont you consider Lapita Hotel Dubai - its situated right inside Dubai Parks & Resort. Its a fantastic place!
Thanks for such a comprehensive guide on Dubai!
I have not been there before, but looking at your post make me feel like i am going to set it as my next vacation destination. All the photos look stunning and I can’t believe that I haven’t considered visiting Dubai before.
I enjoy night scenery and you really got me at the Global Village. Yea I know it is kind of weird but I am more attracted with the night lights than the dining and entertainment 😀
Surely the theme park is huge! I have never seen 3 theme Parks with 1 water park together at a place!
I really wish I am there now, thanks for your great recommendation!
I have been hearing and reading a lot on Dubai ,how captivating the place is but this post really convinced me and I think I will visit Dubai on my vacation . My family will be very happy to visit such a wonderful place like this . I myself can’t wait to explore all these beautiful places you listed.
Dubai looks like a totally awesome place to explore. But I can’t believe that it costs so much to get into the Burj Khalifa! 54 dollars is a lot for a budget traveler like me. I think it would be totally awesome to be able to say that I’ve been to the tallest building in the world but I don’t think I could swing it for that price.
After reading your article, it seems like Dubai might just be an expensive place in general. Is this true? Or are there things that you can do for a much lower cost? I would love to come visit but I just don’t have a ton of cash to spend.
Hi Mariah,
Dubai has a high standard of living hence things tend to be on the higher side. Even though the cost to go up the Burj Khalifa is $54, its always full and the queue is never ending, so there are people willing to pay it. But I can tell you its worth every cent!
I mentioned things you can do for a lower cost such as Global Village, Dubai Miracle & Butterfly Gardens and the water parks!
This is my city, My Dubai. A small city with a big heart. A foodie’s paradise and heaven for a shopaholic.
Dubai is a place I would definitely like to visit one day. I have heard so much about life in Dubai that I have decided it is one of those places that I am definitely going to visit. From the top 10 things to do in Dubai that you have listed, I think my favorite is the Dubai aquarium tunnel.
God, it is looking so good. How can a place have these sought of awesome places. In fact, I think I am going to do everything you listed on this your list because they are all so amazing. You leave in an awesome place that a lot of people would really love to have an experience of.
Hi Jay,
Yeah, Dubai is really heaven on earth between Oct & March…the weather is great and there are so many things for you and kids to do. Nothing less than a 2-week stay is required to actually experience the city.
Nice Dubai in pill. It is one of the strangest city I ever saw in my life. From one side we have a modern approach, luxury cars, skyscrapers. On the other hand, we can find incredibly poor people who are working almost all day. It is something impossible to forget. Btw. What do you think, is it better to live around Dubai Marina or Deira? As a tourist of course.
Hi Igor,
if you want to see old dubai its deira but if you like the modern fancy stuff its Dubai marina. ATM deira is under alot of renovation so i would suggest Dubai Marina. You can always take the metro to old dubai if you want to visit it for a few hours.
Have you been to dubai before?
Dubai has always been on the list of most travelers and tourist since it’s emergence as a tourist destination in the mid nineties. Millions travel every year and visit these locations mentioned in your article. The fun and excitement never ends in Dubai, the views are breath taking, hostels and accommodation excellent, environment clean and shiny. If you haven’t been to Dubai before now I recommend you give it a shot it would be worth your time and money.
I do live in Dubai also and I will agree with those are best places to visit and enjoy the uniqueness of the Arabian world it always good enjoy the best as you can for the adventures here are endless and so I agree Dubai is one place you can have fun than you might have imagined.
Many people I know have visited Dubai and had many great experiences. I am thinking of going one day and this article is ideal for looking for things to do while on holiday there.
I’m particularly interested in the Aquarium tank and walking through the Dubai Aquarium Tunnel.
I’m also a big fan of water parks so the aqua park is a must!
Brilliant article.
Hi Darren,
My kids love the aquarium visits. We go often and their favorite bit is the tunnel walk.
with the water parks, you are guaranteed a blast and it doesn’t matter which one. They all are good.
hope you signed up for the newsletter to get a free printable packing checklist?
Nice post! The information you provided is very helpful if someone is planning to enjoy the holidays. I think ALMontazah is a better way to spend the joyful vacations.