Things to do in Dubai
The golf course at The Montgomerie Dubai is world class, as is Nad Al Sheba Racecourse. Whiz around the FIA track at the Dubai Autodrome, chill out at the indoor ski slope at Ski Dubai and savour seven-star hospitality at the opulent Burj Al Arab in Jumeirah. Visits to Dubai Museum, and the Bastakia District or Jumeirah Mosque give an insight into Dubai's history and culture. Opening times and dates vary.
Museums and Galleries
Expand all1. Sheikh Saeed House - Former ruler's house
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At the mouth of Dubai Creek, Sheikh Saeed House, built in 1896, was the former ruler's residence (1912-1958). The restored building has been a museum since 1986, housing a rare collection of historic photographs, artefacts and documents recording Dubai's history.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
AED2
Opening Hours
Daily 8.30am-8.30pm (from 3pm Fri)
Address
Al-Shindagha Road, Dubai
Telephone
+971 (0) 43937139
Transport
Taxi
2. Majlis Gallery - Art and exhibition hub
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Set in the historic Bastakiya district in Bur Dubai, the Majlis Gallery hosts art exhibitions for both amateur and professional, local and international artists. A creative and quaint setting with inspiring architectural surroundings make this a pleasant place to visit.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Sat-Thur 9am-8pm
Address
Al Musalla Roundabout, Bastakiya, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Telephone
+971 (0) 4353 6233
3. Dubai Museum - Historical hub
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Dubai's oldest building, Al Fahidi Fort in Bur Dubai, built in 1787, now houses the Dubai Museum. A collection of artefacts depicts the social and economic life of Dubai before oil was discovered and includes 4000-year-old archaeological objects.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
AED3
Opening Hours
Daily 8.30am-8.30pm (from 2.30pm Fri)
Address
Al Fahidi Fort, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Telephone
+971 (0) 4 3531862
Attractions
Expand all4. Ski Dubai - Desert Alpine experience
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Chill out at the region's only indoor snow park, set within the Mall of the Emirates. Ski Dubai boats five runs for skiers of all abilities and there's a freestyle zone for snowboarders.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
AED90 for Snow Park; AED180 for two-hour ski pass
Opening Hours
Sun-Wed 10am-11pm; Thu 10am-12am; Fri 9am-12am; Sat 9am-11pm
Address
Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Telephone
+971 (0) 4409 4000
5. Grand Mosque - Landmark Islamic religious hub
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On the Bur Dubai side of the creek, the Grand Mosque is a distinctive landmark featuring multiple domes and the city's tallest minaret (70 metres). Although non-Muslims are not allowed inside, it's still worth seeing its impressive exterior.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Al Mussalla Road, Dubai
Transport
Taxi
6. Jumeirah Mosque - Learn about Islam
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Impressive modern Islamic architecture makes Jumeirah Mosque one of the most photographed sites in Jumeirah, and it's the only mosque in Dubai non-Muslims can enter. Volunteers explain worship rituals and the pillars of Islam making this a culturally educational experience.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
AED10 for one hour tour
Opening Hours
Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun 10am-11pm (registration at 9.45am outside the mosque is compulsory)
Address
Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai
Telephone
+971 (0) 4353 6666
7. Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club - Equestrian experience
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In the desert, near Jebel Ali, spectators can enjoy local and international polo events as well as show-jumping and dressage competitions at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club with its beautiful 'Hacienda'-style clubhouse. For the active, there are desert hacks.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Desert hack AED300 for two hours/Polo events vary
Opening Hours
Daily 6.30am-12am
Address
Arabian Ranches, Emirates Road, Dubai
Telephone
+971 (0) 4361 8111
8. Bastakiya District - Historic architectural site
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The waterfront Bastakiya district in Bur Dubai features traditional wind-tower houses, precursors to air conditioning, and built in 1890. Once home to wealthy Persian merchants, today this heritage site houses art cafés and galleries in a distinctly Arabian architectural setting.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
24 hours
Address
Bur Dubai, Dubai
Transport
Taxi
9. Jumeirah Beach Park - Sun, sand and surf
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Jumeirah Beach Park is a well-maintained strip of beachfront surrounded by gardens. There are also play areas for children, volleyball nets, barbecue areas with picnic tables, showers for patrons, and lifeguards on watch. Relax on the beautiful Arabian Gulf shores.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
AED5 per person; AED20 per car
Opening Hours
Daily 7.30am-10pm (until 11pm Thu & Fri); Mon women and children under 4s only
Address
Jumeirah, Dubai
Telephone
+971 (0) 4 349 2555
Transport
Taxi
10. Wild Wadi Water Park - Wild watery fun
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With 30 rides and attractions, Wild Wadi Water Park in Jumeirah is packed with thrills for kids and other brave souls. Best rides include the 80km/h speed slide Jumeirah Sceirah and Breakers Bay wave pool. Fun is guaranteed for all ages.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
AED195; concessions AED165
Opening Hours
Daily 10am-7pm (until 8pm Jun-Aug & until 6pm Nov-Feb)
Address
Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai
Telephone
+971 (0) 4 348 4444
Special things to do
Expand all11. The Montgomerie Dubai - Luxury championship golfcourse
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Golfers shouldn't miss The Montgomerie Dubai golf course in Emirates Hills, designed by Scottish golf star Colin Montgomerie. It covers 265 acres with 14 lakes, 81 bunkers and a dramatic 18th hole championship golf course.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
AED395 for 18 holes
Opening Hours
Daily 7am-9pm
Address
Emirates Hills, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Telephone
+971 (0) 4 390 5600
12. Dubai Autodrome - Motor-racing thrills
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Experience the thrill of circuit driving at the Dubai Autodrome in Jebel Ali. Get behind the wheel on the karting track, or on the FIA-sanctioned circuit in a Subaru or Audi TT with 200bhp at your fingertips.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Various
Opening Hours
Various
Address
Emirates Road, Dubai
Telephone
+971 (0) 4 367 8700
13. Bateaux Dubai - Luxury dinner cruise
Show more Step aboard state-of-the-art Bateaux Dubai, a luxury glass-enclosed boat, for an à la carte dinner cruise on the creek. It's relaxing, romantic and a great way to see the contrasts of architecture and lifestyles depicting old and new Dubai.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
AED295 (dinner cruise)
Opening Hours
Daily 7.45pm (boarding)
Address
Bur Dubai, Dubai
Telephone
+971 (0) 4399 4994
14. Burj Al Arab - Iconic seven-star hotel
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Designed to resemble a billowing sail, the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel dominates the Dubai coastline, in the Jumeirah district. Access is limited to hotel and dinner guests, so enjoy a meal or cocktails to admire its opulent interior.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Depends on booking
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai
Telephone
+971 (0) 4 3017777
15. Meydan Racecourse - Horseracing and pageantry
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Enjoy an evening of excitement and glamour at Meydan Racecourse, home of the world's richest horse race, in Zabeel district. The racing season starts in November and attracts horse lovers and stylish socialites who lead the fashion parade.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
General admission free, grandstand and package prices vary
Opening Hours
Nov-Mar race start time 7pm
Address
The Meydan Hotel, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai 9305
Telephone
+971 (0) 43270077
