Things To Do In Dubai With Visitors- Unique, Exciting & Fun Activities

“All That Glitters is not Gold” said the wise one. But the wise one may have never visited Dubai. Because everything that glitters here is either gold or diamonds. Home to one of the world’s tallest building, biggest mall, biggest fireworks display in 2014, biggest graffiti scroll, largest indoor snow park- Ski Dubai and world’s tallest hotel – J W Marquis Hotel, Dubai is one of our favorite destination. With unlimited Luxury shopping options, modern infrastructure, mélange of global cuisines and throbbing nightlife, Dubai is great for a quick stopover. In addition, one can plan a family holiday or a shopping spree here. Wicked Spoon Confessions lists the Top 10 things to do in Dubai, an emirate that welcomes diverse cultures with an abandon that shall leave you fascinated.

1. Shop till you drop

Bargain hunter, Sale Lover, Luxury Shopper or a Brand Lover, Dubai is the place to head. From the gigantic Dubai mall that boasts of more than 1000 stores to Mall of the Emirates- with the star attraction Ski Dubai there are lot of options. Moreover, Burjuman Centre the home of high-end fashion, Mercato & Ibn Batutta- both are beautiful themed malls. In addition, Outlet Mall offers unbelievable bargains on top fashion brands. Also, Dragon Mart, houses almost 4000 stores selling Chinese products can be on your list if you are searching for some cheap bargains.

Dubai Mall

Mall of the Emirates

2. Party Day and Night

If you are a first time visitor, Barasti located at Le Meridian Mina Seyahi Beach Resort is a good start. But if you end up visiting Dubai every year like us, to explore the hot spots you shall be amazed at the options. For instance, Zero Gravity (winner of Time Out Dubai Nightlife award) located at the Skydive drop zone is a hot beach bar. The beautiful seating and moderate prices relax you with a chilled vibe during the day that turns into a party hot spot as the night beckons. Take a pick between Armani/Privé at Armani Hotel, Iris at Oberoi Dubai, Provocateur at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai, O2 at Sofitel, Pacha Ibiza Dubai at Souk Madinath Jumeirah, Dek on 8 at Media One hotel, Nasimi Beach parties at Atlantis…. the list is endless. Also, all that party dresses you shopped…now is a good time to flaunt them.

Image Courtesy www.whatson.ae

Image Courtesy 0-gravity.ae

Image Courtesy 0-gravity.ae

3. Indulge in the art of Dining

Dining in Dubai is an exotic experience. Stunning decor mingle with beautiful culinary escapades that make for a memorable experience. Moreover, from restaurants run by celebrity chefs like Gary Rhodes and Gordon Ramsay offering Michelin star–courting cuisine to authentic Arabic restaurants, Dubai is a melting pot of cuisines. Head to Pier 7 and enjoy seven different restaurants at a single destination- we loved the chilled Stella we guzzled at Cargo located on the third floor. http://www.pier7.ae/

Not everything you eat at Dubai will burn a hole in your pocket. For instance, Ravi for finger licking Pakistani curries, Reem Al Bawadi for Arabic and Lebanese delicacies & amazing Shisha, Bu Qatir for seafood, all at amazingly affordable prices.

Image Courtesy http://www.pier7.ae

4. Get dazzled at the Gold Souk

Located in Deira; the gold souk will dazzle you with gold, diamonds and platinum. Shop windows tempt you with such beautiful gold jewelry designs that you may risk over spending. However, do bargain once you make a choice, its acceptable. In addition, one can explore an Abra ride to reach this buzzing souk that put Dubai on every shoppers map. However, beware of touts offering cheap deals on handbags and watches. Similarly, the spice souk nearby is a good stop to buy spices, saffron and incense.

Image Courtesy http://www.visitdubai.com/

5. Go Sky Diving

Breadth taking sights of the luxurious Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina may calm your racing heart as you experience a free fall at approx. 210 km/hr. Enjoy a cup of coffee as you watch sky divers land at the cute café inside the premises or buy some memorabilia from the store. If being a dare devil is not on the cards, enjoy a seaplane http://www.seawings.ae/ or a helicopter ride http://helicoptertourdubai.com/ Similarly, Balloon adventures offers a magical ride across majestic Hajjar mountains http://www.ballooning.ae/ 

Image Courtesy www.skydivedubai.ae

6. Visit Traditional Dubai

Soak in the picturesque heritage sights at Bastakia quarter near Bur Dubai. Built by Persian merchants in 19th Century. Walk through the restored buildings via walking tours (prior bookings are essential) and visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Moreover, visit the art galleries or the textile souk housed in these narrow lanes. The Dubai Museum, located at Al Fahidi Fort offers amazing insights into Dubai’s metamorphosis from a Bedouin village to a global destination.

Bastakiya - Old Dubai - Image by Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons

Dubai Museum - Image Courtesy www.mountainsoftravelphotos.com/

7. Do Daredevil stunts at Dessert

Personally we don’t look forward to being seated with 5 to 6 people in a Four-wheel drive and bounced around in the dunes. Above all, the belly dance act and average buffet that follows are equally lack luster. That said, we might as well agree that as first timers in Dubai we did indulge in this touristy act. One can also enjoy different activities like Camel rising, Sand boarding, Henna painting, Arabic shisha and more. Indulge in Quad biking if thrill is your drill :) 

For exciting packages check https://discoverdesertsafari.com/ 

8. Indulge in an Afternoon Tea Service

Rest your tired feet with a beautiful tea service at La Farine Café & Bakery at J W Marriott Marquis. The world’s tallest hotel serves a choice of green, white, herbal & aromatic teas with delicious treats everyday from 3 pm till 6 pm at 140 AED per person.

Try their “Currant Dream” blend or a pot of coffee & relax in the lavish hospitality. http://www.jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com/ 

Image Courtesy J W Marriottt

9. Cool off at the Water Parks

Dubai boasts of huge and thrilling water parks, each with its own star rides. In truth, from adrenaline junkies to medium thrill seekers, these water parks will give you enough aqua action. Choose between Wild Wadi for some crazy rides, Aquaventure at Atlantis, Dreamland. one of the oldest & largest water park with a swim up pool bar. In addiiton, Yas Waterworld at Abu Dhabi, offers 43 fun rides & slides, shopping & dining all under one roof. Go on have a splash…

Aquaventure at Atlantis - Image Courtesy www.atlantisthepalm.com

10. Head to the Beach

Soak some Vitamin D at some fabulous beaches that boast of clean waters and golden sands. JBR beach near “The Walk” lined with restaurants, cafes and pubs is a good choice. Similarly, Umm Sequim beach, Jumeirah Open beach or the Jebel Ali beach near the Jebel Ali Resort should be on your list too. Lounge on sun beds, camp overnight (check for permissions required) or go fishing!!!

JBR Beach - Image Courtesy www.moevenpick-hotels.com

JBR Beach - Image Courtesy www.rootsland.com