If you are wondering if a visit to Dubai is worth the hype, you’ve come to the right place. Dubai has countless offerings for tourists – plenty more than you’d probably expect. In fact, it can be downright overwhelming to sift through the options!
And, since Dubai gets a bad rap for being excessive, flashy, and loud, many tourists outright skip it. If you’re a bit skeptical, I hear you.
However, most people only visit the UAE for a short stopover, often 24 hours or less – which doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of what Dubai has to offer.
I’ve been visiting the United Arab Emirates regularly for nearly 10 years now, and I would consider myself a true expert on all the best things to do in Dubai.
So if you find yourself wondering if Dubai is worth visiting, I’m going to show you exactly why it’s so popular! From the best things to see in Dubai to interesting places and points of history, I’ve got it all here.
1. Go Back in Time in Old Dubai
Old Dubai is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic glimpse into the city’s heritage and culture. Nestled just north of Dubai Creek, this historic neighborhood is home to numerous attractions worth exploring.
Though modern Dubai is filled with tall shining skyscrapers, the old buildings in this area are beautifully authentic.
Visitors can stroll through the bustling alleyways of the Gold Souk, enjoy the aromatics at the Spice Souk, and take a traditional abra boat ride across the creek.
Old Dubai is also home to some of the city’s oldest restaurants, selling delicious local staples like shawarma and falafel. Stop into a tea house for a traditional Arabic lunch. And, for a taste of history, visit the Dubai Museum.
2. Note the Incredibly Diversity
Some of the latest statistics indicated that over 88% of the UAE’s population is made up of the expat community. When I first visited Dubai many years ago, that number was around 85%.
This means that whether you want to live here or are just visiting, you will find all kinds of people here. Huge populations from India and Pakistan are common to see, but it’s also likely that you’ll meet Europeans, Canadians, and Americans enjoying life in Dubai.
Rest assured that in this huge melting pot, you will have an easy time making travel friends!
3. Dubai is the Largest Airport Hub in the Middle East
For me personally, this is a huge plus. Having the largest airport hub in the Middle East provides easy access to countries not only within the Gulf, but well beyond.
Emirates is one of the best known airlines from the Middle East. Dubai International Airport is Emirates Airline’s home base, as well as a smaller fleet called flyDubai.
Centrally located, this airport hub can easily get you all around the world. While visiting, I’ve used their hub to fly between Dubai and Doha, into Jordan, into Cape Town, and beyond.
DXB’s daily flights to six of the seven continents can get you anywhere you want to go!
4. The Land Development is Unreal
Love it or hate it, Dubai literally shapes their own country into impressive land masses and islands. Just take a look at the incredibly shaped island of Palm Jumeirah, or the newer man-made islands built in the shape of the continents.
It is awe-inspiring to say the least.
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5. You Can Experience the Arabian Desert
The Arabian Desert is a place ingrained so deep in my heart that I never tire of it. Vast rolling dunes bathed in orange stretch to infinity. It is utterly breathtaking.
If you are willing to take a day trip past Abu Dhabi, into the heart of the Empty Quarter, you will experience wild nature at it finest – desolate and beautiful.
In the daytime, the golden sun shining down on the orange dunes will leave you speechless. At night, you will see hundreds of thousands of stars stretching into the dark sky. There is nowhere like it on earth.
Of all the reasons to visit Dubai, this is by far my greatest one.
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6. Dubai’s Food Scene is Delicious
Remember the huge expat scene I mentioned?
This large collection of people from all over the world means that you can find cuisine from all over the world as well.
Lebanese, Pakistani, and Indian restaurants are plentiful. Italian, American, Thai, and even vegan restaurants can be found here.
From cheap street food to expensive five-star restaurants, it is possible to find almost anything your heart desires here.
Want to try it all? Consider taking this Dubai street food tour for a taste of everything. You’ll try Karak tea, samosas, Luqaimat, and more.
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7. An Oasis in the Desert: The Dubai Miracle Garden
Another unexpected attraction in Dubai is Dubai Miracle Garden, located in Dubailand. This is not only touted as the world’s largest flower garden, but this is a literal 2000 square meters garden in the actual desert. That takes dedication!
It’s a fantastic sight to see, full of bright pinks, yellows and purples. But as Dubai will always take things to the next level, these flowers are not only on the ground.
Rather, they are planted on large-scale sculptures and mechanical moving displays. Unreal!
8. The Dubai Desert
If you don’t have time to make it all the way to the Empty Quarter, fear not. You can still enjoy a small taste of the desert closer to Dubai.
Dubai desert tours are run daily, in the morning or evening. Enjoy sand boarding, dune-bashing, a delicious meal, and much more. Most tours include a visit to a local camel farm.
If you go in the morning, you can enjoy a stunning sunrise or a small hike at Fossil Rock. If you go for an evening desert safari, you can enjoy dinner, henna tattoos, and a belly dance show.
9. Dubai Has a Budding Art Scene
Pleasantly surprising, there is a small but growing art scene in Dubai. Galleries and museums are becoming more commonplace here.
Contemporary galleries are springing up in Old and Modern Dubai, and Abu Dhabi has recently opened the Louvre Abu Dhabi. It’s an incredible sight! The architecture is impressive and the exhibitions are top notch.
10. Dubai Provides a Fix for Adrenaline Junkies
Want to go skydiving? Dubai has you covered.
Want to go skiing inside of the mall? Dubai has it.
Want to sandboard down the tall sand dunes? Completely possible.
On my last visit, I even saw that a new ziplining course was open just near the Dubai Marina, sailing over the water and through buildings! I feel certain that I need to try that next time.
Any adrenaline junkies wondering if Dubai is worth a visit should look no further. Dubai has everything that an adrenaline junkie could want, and more!
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11. The Arabian Sea
Coming from California, I’m no stranger to beautiful beaches. In fact, I might be a beach expert.
You might be surprised to learn, the Arabian Sea that borders Dubai has some of the most beautiful deep turquoise waters in the Middle East.
And, you don’t need to be staying at a fancy resort to enjoy them. You can lounge on public beaches, go jet-skiing, or take a sunset boat ride on the water.
Pro Tip: Be sure that you know what to wear in Dubai before visiting, particularly at the beaches. Though heavily touristic, the UAE is a Muslim country.
All of these wonderful experiences are right at your fingertips in Dubai.
12. Public Artworks Seem to Go Up Daily
Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. But I can honestly say that each year I travel to Dubai, there are new sculptural additions to find all over the city!
My most favorite artwork of all is hands-down the Wings of Mexico by artist Jorge Marin. It perfectly frames the Burj Khalifa in the background and is stunning all on its own.
Nearby, large metallic dandelion sculptures dot the plaza, as well. And, you’ll even find murals and calligraphy art around downtown as well.
13. Travel Up the Largest Picture Frame in the World
Much of the architecture in Dubai could also be considered sculptures in and of themselves.
The un-missable Dubai Frame is a sculpture that tourists can enter inside of… and travel to the top of. This imposing structure provides a panoramic view of the city on both sides, one side featuring Old Dubai and one side featuring Modern Dubai.
The ascent to the top of the Dubai Frame is a memorable experience in itself, as visitors can take a high-speed elevator that whisks them up to the observation deck in mere seconds.
Once there, enjoy the stunning views of the cityscape and perhaps grab a bite to eat at the on site cafe. This attraction is truly a must-see for anyone visiting Dubai.
14. You Can Easily Explore Musandam Oman
Just a short drive over the border to Oman is the incredible Musandam Peninsula. This area showcases stunning ocean, incredible fossil-covered mountains, and a lot of history.
I found this area fascinating. If you are interested in country-hopping while in Dubai, then a visit to Musandam Oman from Dubai is a must. My guide includes detailed descriptions on where to go, crossing the border, and what sights to see.
15. Yoga and Wellness are Making an Appearance…
Each year I see more and more health and wellness opportunities spring up in Dubai. This takes the form of everything from outdoor yoga (even offered outside of the Louvre Abu Dhabi!) to meditation and yoga inside of an art gallery.
I personally think this is great. And after a 16+ hour flight to Dubai, a little movement is just what the doctor ordered.
16. …As are Fitness and Health
In the same vein, fitness and health have a sharp focus in Dubai, as well. Plenty of outdoor gyms are popping up and are accessible to the public (on a recent trip, I tried the one at Dubai Marina. It was great!).
Vegan and vegetarian restaurants keep opening up, as do plenty of health spas. And if you’re craving a luxurious spa day, there is nowhere more equipped than Dubai.
17. Dubai is Easy to Get Around
In Dubai, there are plenty of ways to get around the city.
One great affordable option is the Metro. It’s design is very straightforward and the routes are easy to understand. Trains run on time and are kept clean.
Taxis are plentiful, but can be quite expensive. Uber is an easy option in Dubai, and I’ve recently used it quite a bit, but it’s not as cheap as I’d like. (I’ve read that Uber in UAE had to partner with the taxi network, meaning there is a base fare and higher pricing than we might see otherwise. But, it’s still an easy option.)
Renting a car in Dubai is pretty straightforward as well, and worth it if you need to go where the Metro does not run.
If you are from the USA, Europe, Australia, or the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, you can drive a rental car with your current license. For all other nationalities, you may need an International Drivers License.
18. An Impressive Skyline
Dubai is one of the most impressive cities in the world, and its skyline is no exception.
The city is home to some of the tallest and most unique buildings in the world, including the Burj Khalifa and the twisting Cayan Tower.
The skyline is particularly spectacular at night, when the buildings are illuminated and reflect off the water.
You can see the incredibly diverse architecture in Dubai along Sheikh Zayed Road, the main street cutting through Downtown Dubai. Even the Burj al Arab hotel, with it’s sail inspired shape, is an unbelievable sight next to the ocean.
19. You Can Visit the Tallest Building in the World
One of the most famous reasons to visit in Dubai, and arguably the symbol of the entire city, is the Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world. This 829.8 meters tall building is a must-see.
From a distance, the iconic skyscraper is visible for miles and miles around. You’ll quickly identify and notice this building from all around the city.
But, you can even visit the Observation Deck at the 128th floor for an incredible birds-eye view of the city. The Dubai Fountain on the ground floor is also worth a visit at night, for the free light and music show.
20. The Mosques are Beautiful in Dubai
There are mosques found on every few blocks around Dubai, and they are surprisingly unique in appearance. There is a Saudi Mosque, an Iranian Mosque, and the Grand Mosque of Dubai – all with their own specific architecture and identity.
While it’s not always allowed to visit inside the mosques as a tourist, definitely make it a point to visit at least one! The exteriors are stunning.
If you can take a day trip to the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, it is well worth the visit! This mosque is the largest and proudest within the UAE.
21. Dubai is a Very Safe Place
Crime is nearly nonexistent in Dubai. Violent crime almost never happens, and even petty theft is uncommon.
While it’s never advisable to leave valuables out, I have never had an issue here. You are largely safe, even if traveling as a solo female in Dubai.
While I come from a place where doors need to be locked overnight and when you leave the house, that is not a concern for people living here.
Pro Tip: Neighboring Abu Dhabi is also a safe place, even if visiting Abu Dhabi as a solo female.
22. Dubai Boasts 350 Sunny Days Per Year
While it’s true that Dubai does get super hot in the summer sun, even if you visit Dubai in winter, you are likely to have plenty of bright days.
Heat aside, Dubai has roughly 350 sunny days per year on average, which is incredibly similar to Southern California! As one of the sunniest places in the world, how can you ever be unhappy in such a gorgeous place?!
If this isn’t one of the best reasons to visit Dubai, I’m not sure what is.
23. Take a Ride on the World’s Tallest Ferris Wheel
**Note: As of 2023, the Ferris wheel is closed for renovations.**
In 2021, the world’s tallest Ferris wheel opened to the public and it calls Dubai home. Ain Dubai stands at roughly 820 feet tall and provides epic views of the Dubai skyline.
Ain Dubai is almost twice as tall as the London Eye (roughly 440 feet tall) and beats the High Roller which previously held the title of tallest Ferris wheel (at 550 feet tall.)
This Ferris wheel can hold up to 1,750 passengers at once, and will take approximately 38 minutes to complete!
24. Shop Til You Drop.
Dubai is known for its luxurious shopping experiences that attract visitors from around the globe. The city offers a wide variety of shopping options, from high-end designer brands to traditional Arabian markets.
Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the world, is a shopper’s paradise with over 1,200 stores. Other popular shopping destinations include Mall of the Emirates, City Walk, and Ibn Battuta Mall.
Additionally, the lavish interiors of many shopping centers provide an immersive shopping experience.
25. Fascinating Museums.
The city has a rich history and a vibrant arts scene that is well worth exploring. If you’re visiting Dubai, there are several museums that you should make time to see.
The Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi Fort is an excellent overview of the city’s evolving history. The Etihad Museum is another popular choice, providing a fascinating insight into the United Arab Emirates’ formation.
For art lovers, the impressive Sharjah Art Museum is a must-visit, showcasing contemporary art from around the world. And, the architectural wonder known as the Museum of the Future will wow tourists both inside and out!
Need more inspiration for your visit to the UAE? My Dubai & Abu Dhabi Travel Guide is jam-packed with attractions and tips for both areas.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully I’ve convinced you why you should visit Dubai, and that Dubai is so popular for a reason!
Whether you’re a fan of shopping or seeking adventure, Dubai can absolutely cater to your needs. With its luxurious sites, stunning beaches, and exhilarating desert safaris, Dubai is a destination that offers something for everyone.
The city boasts some of the most iconic landmarks, including the world’s tallest building, as well as tasty local cuisine and a vibrant culture. With year-round sunshine and a booming economy, Dubai is a must-see destination that offers endless opportunities for tourists.
Need More Planning Resources for the UAE? Check These Out!
Dubai Travel:
- Is It Safe to Visit Dubai as a Solo Female?
- What to Wear in Dubai – Women’s Packing List
- 10 Things NOT to Do in Dubai
- Is Dubai Worth Visiting?
- Visiting the Wings of Mexico in Dubai
- Reasons to Visit Dubai
- The Golden Frame in Dubai
- Visiting the Dubai Miracle Garden
- Visiting Dubai in Winter Guide
- Doha vs. Dubai: Which Is Better?
- Can You Buy Alcohol in Dubai? Laws and Rules
- Is Dubai a Desert?
Abu Dhabi Travel:
- 10 Tips for Visiting Abu Dhabi as a Woman
- A Liwa Desert Safari – What to Know Before You Go
- 10 Things to Know Before Visiting the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque
- Abu Dhabi Vs. Dubai – Which is Better?
Ras Al Khaimah & Sharjah Travel:
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