Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates globally famous for high-end hotels and resorts, luxury shopping, and futuristic architecture. What was once a small fishing village with a pearl trade is now one of the in the world. In the past thirty years, Dubai was transformed into a trendy destination for both tourists and businesses alike.

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Quick facts about Dubai

Name: Dubai
Founded: 1833
Population: 3.2 million
Area: 4,114 km²
Known as: ‘City Of Gold’

It has become global trade and transportation hub with many international routes crossing through its airport and a sea port.

Visitors come in millions every year to enjoy attractions such as Burj Khalifa, an 830m-tall skyscraper, Dubai Fountain, with jets and lights choreographed to music, or set of artificial islands just off the coast, The Palm. Several massive shopping malls offering high-end shopping experiences and entertainment are standard stops for tourists.

Traditional gold, spice, and textile souks are worth exploring to experience trade as it was before. Large themed water parks and aquariums are also popular attractions to see. An expansive nightlife scene and rich dining experience from world top chefs is something to look for when Dubai as well.

Main attractions in Dubai

Dubai has dozens of attractions, we are listing here only the top 25.

Burj Khalifa. Originally known as Burj Dubai, this massive, 828-meter high skyscraper is a modern construction marvel. Featuring viewing decks, hotel, restaurant, office space, and a massive, 11-hectare park. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Luxury hotel with unique, sail design. World-famous for posh dining, private beach, and ornate suites. It became a symbol of Dubai. The Dubai Mall. Huge shopping mall complex featuring an ice rink, aquarium, and a cinema. Offering massive sales regularly.

Palm Jumeirah. Built in 2001, this artificial island shaped like a palm tree is famous for high-end hotels and apartments and fine dining.

The Dubai Fountain. Set in an artificial lake in front of Burj Kalifa, this is world’s largest choreographed fountain, offering music and light shows.

Dubai Gold Souk. Busy marketplace with over 380 retail shops, mostly specializing in jewelry, hence the ‘gold’ name.

Dubai Museum. A fort dating back to the 18^th century, exhibiting collections about local history and cultural heritage and featuring multimedia presentations.

Ski Dubai. A unique experience, an indoor ski center with a mountain theme for year-round skiing, snowboarding, and sledding experience.

Dubai Creek. A saltwater creek flowing through Dubai, artificially extended and widened through time, featuring many water taxis moving people between souks.

Dubai Marina. High-end residential neighborhood and a marina with modern dining and cafes, together with arts and crafts shops.

Mall of the Emirates. Massive mall in Dubai, with many international brands, restaurants, cafes, cinema, ski center. Wild Wadi Waterpark. Large outdoor water park with rollercoasters and artificial waves for surfing. Located in front of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and offering 30 different rides.

Madinat Jumeirah. High end hotel resort complex with private beach in Dubai. Featuring five hotels, a modern souk, several restaurants, and bars. Jumeirah Beach. Public beach with playgrounds and BBQ facilities. Featuring white sand with a backdrop of high rise hotels, such as Burj Al Arab. Dubai Spice Souk. The traditional market of shops and stalls selling spices, souvenirs, and handmade crafts.

Jumeirah Mosque. A relatively new mosque, built-in 1979, became popular with guided tours for non-Muslims in an effort to promote intercultural understanding and tolerance.

The World. An artificial set of small islands built in the shape of a world map. Located about 4 km off the coast from Dubai. Intended to house high-end business and accommodation suites, still in construction. Al Fahidi Historical District. The historic district of pre-modern Dubai, featuring life and buildings from the mid-19^th century till the 1970s. Offering many arts and cultural exhibits in museums.

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Massive, underwater tunnel featuring marine life such as sharks and rays.

Dubai Dolphinarium. Large indoor dolphin and seals habitat with live shows and restaurants. The Lost Chambers Aquarium. Aquarium with an Atlantis theme, located in The Palm, Dubai. Offering viewing tunnels and animal feeding opportunities. Dubai Miracle Garden. Large flower garden in Dubai, inaugurated in 2013, with a large collection of about 45 million flowers.

From other attractions we recommend: Dubai Legoland, Dubai Safari Park, Global Village, Qasr Al Hosn, Grand Bur Dubai Masjid, and Dubai Opera.

Top things to do in Dubai

There are so many activities to do in and around Dubai. Apart from attractions listed above, we also recommend: Dubai quad bike safari, hot air balloon ride, horse riding adventure, sandboarding or day trip to Abu Dhabi as it is quite near (65 miles), where you can explore a bit different environment.

You can also enjoy night tour, together with dinner experience or even with dinner cruise.

To really appreciate all the architecture marvels of Dubai we suggest helicopter tour, where you will see all famous landmarks from above.

Festivals and events in Dubai

Dubai has plenty of events throughout the year; here are just few top ones:

Dubai Shopping Festival (December-February), Dubai International Film Festival (December), Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships (February/March), Taste of Dubai (March), Dubai World Cup (March), Dubai Jazz Festival (February).

Interesting facts about Dubai

Here are some interesting facts about this impressive city:

There is no income tax in Dubai.
Around 85 percent of the inhabitants of Dubai are foreign.
Street addresses were introduced only in 2015 in Dubai.

Best time to fly to Dubai

The peak season for flights to Dubai is January, November and December. The low season for purchasing tickets is June, July and August.

Dubai is served by these airports: Dubai Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Direct flights to Dubai are offered by 70 airlines.

Top hotels offers for Dubai

Safe travels!