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.
Sheikh Saeed House
Former ruler's house
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.
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Cost
AED2
Opening Hours
Daily 8.30am-8.30pm (from 3pm Fri)
Address
Al-Shindagha Road, Dubai
Telephone
+971 (0) 43937139
Transport
Taxi
Majlis Gallery
Art and exhibition hub
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.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Sat-Thur 9am-8pm
Address
Al Musalla Roundabout, Bastakiya, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Telephone
+971 (0) 4353 6233
Dubai Museum
Historical hub
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.
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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
Ski Dubai
Desert Alpine experience
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.
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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
Grand Mosque
Landmark Islamic religious hub
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.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Al Mussalla Road, Dubai
Transport
Taxi
Jumeirah Mosque
Learn about Islam
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.
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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
Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club
Equestrian experience
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.
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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
Bastakiya District
Historic architectural site
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.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
24 hours
Address
Bur Dubai, Dubai
Transport
Taxi
Jumeirah Beach Park
Sun, sand and surf
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.
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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
Wild Wadi Water Park
Wild watery fun
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.
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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
The Montgomerie Dubai
Luxury championship golfcourse
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.
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Cost
AED395 for 18 holes
Opening Hours
Daily 7am-9pm
Address
Emirates Hills, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Telephone
+971 (0) 4 390 5600
Dubai Autodrome
Motor-racing thrills
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.
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Cost
Various
Opening Hours
Various
Address
Emirates Road, Dubai
Telephone
+971 (0) 4 367 8700
Bateaux Dubai
Luxury dinner cruise
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.
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Cost
AED295 (dinner cruise)
Opening Hours
Daily 7.45pm (boarding)
Address
Bur Dubai, Dubai
Telephone
+971 (0) 4399 4994
Burj Al Arab
Iconic seven-star hotel
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.
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Cost
Depends on booking
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai
Telephone
+971 (0) 4 3017777
Meydan Racecourse
Horseracing and pageantry
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.
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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
