Unmissable Sightseeing and Activities in Dubai

Summary: The very best bits of Dubai for those living and working in the city or those on holiday in the emirate

If you’re planning a trip to Dubai to decide whether its somewhere you could see yourself living and working, or if you’re just thinking about taking a holiday in the emirate to experience it, there are many unmissable places to go and things to see so it can actually be quite tricky to plan a visit and pack everything in!

In this article we’ll give you a run down of unmissable sightseeing and activities in Dubai as chosen by expats already living and working in Dubai.  Naturally there will be many locations missed out and even activities missed off the list – but this is just a selection of some of the best elements of living in Dubai that you can cram in to a long weekend for example.

Start out by taking an abra ride or a dhow cruise along the Creek so you can take in the amazing and transforming skyline of Dubai from a new angle and perspective.  You will see how the fantastic new developments and high rises blend in with the ancient buildings and how life in Dubai really works.  You can get on at an abra station near the Twin Towers on the Deira side and then get off at the textile market on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek.  Take some time exploring the textile souk as well because you can buy such a fabulous and well priced array of fabric here.

Spend some time also exploring the Bastakia Quarter where wealthy Persian merchants lived and traded and where the Arabian architecture is stunning.  It’s not far from the textile souk.  You can navigate the narrow lanes, marvel at the restored buildings and really lose yourself in this part of old Dubai – when you’re in this part of the city you can forget about the brand new, bright and shiny Dubai that has emerged in recent years and you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from the skyscrapers! 

The Dubai Museum isn’t far from the Bastakia Quarter – so you can add this in to your day as well.  The museum is a fascinating insight into just how much Dubai has changed and is well worth a visit if only to see the stunning building that the museum is housed in!  From here head to the spice and gold souks which are unmissable experiences and are both back on the Deira side of the Creek, think about visiting the Grand Mosque or Jumeirah Mosque too as both are fabulous examples of Islamic architecture with Jumeirah Mosque considered by many to be the best in Dubai.

If you fancy getting out of the city then take a desert safari, if you want to entertain the kids with a bit less culture then head for Wild Wadi, Children’s City or Encounter Zone and if you want to see some of the best modern parts of Dubai consider visiting the Mall of the Emirates which is apparently the largest mall in the world outside of North America.  Inside there is a ski resort, a theatre and arts centre, Magic Planet which is an amusement park and there are around 60 restaurants and over 400 shops in the mall as well.  Alternatively go to Ibn Battuta Mall – it’s smaller but the architecture is incredible – you’ll be blown away!

If you’re living and working in Dubai you have such a wealth of cultural and entertainment based activities all around you.  You can pick a location, an activity or a place to see each weekend – but if you’re just on a short visit to the emirate then you really do need to plan carefully what you want to cram in – the above list is so far from exhaustive, but it should give you a basis to build an itinerary upon.  Above all else, enjoy your time in Dubai – it is a fascinating and fun packed location unlike any other!

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