Home to the tallest skyscraper in the world, Dubai used to be mostly desert only a few decades ago. It is now one the most popular tourist places with around seven times more foreigners than locals. You can tell by the then vs. now pictures of Dubai that the city has developed rapidly, and the reason is revenues from oil reserves that started to flow in 1969. Today, the city is the third-richest country in the world; they have ATMs for gold!
With its fast-growing population and infrastructure, Dubai is becoming one of the world’s most progressive cities. At least ten skyscrapers are built in Dubai each year, making the city one of the top five cities in the world with the most significant number of buildings.
If you plan a trip to Dubai this year, here are tips on attractions, activities, and more to help you plan your trip easily.

Attractions!
Now what most people get in mind when they hear the word Dubai is beaches and skyscrapers, but there is more to Dubai than just beaches and buildings. Take the Dubai fountain as an example. The Dubai Fountain, also known as “The palm fountain,” Holds the world record for the tallest performing fountain at 274 meters, beating the second largest fountain (The world cup fountain in Korea, 202m) by 72 meters.
The Fountain has a show that begins every 30min every afternoon and is followed by loud music. There are many places you can sit, including a floating platform or abra ride if you would rather have a closer experience of the fountain. Another great option is the Dubai aquarium and underwater zoo, where there are thousands of aquatic creatures such as sharks, rays, sand tiger sharks, and many other exciting marine species.
Dubai is home to the tallest skyscraper in the world. Standing at 829.8 meters, the Burj Khalifa contains 209 floors. The tip of the sphere is visible from up to 95 km away. The building took around 22 million man-hours and 12.000 workers per day. Today it is one of the top attractions in Dubai that you must visit!
If you want to look at Dubai in the past, visit Al Bastakiya. The neighborhood contains remains, museums, cafes, etc., telling stories of the life lived in Dubai in the old days. You might wonder why it is called Al Bastakiya; the buildings were built over a century ago by Sunni Iranian merchants fleeing their homeland, Iran. More specifically, they were from Bastak, Iran, And thus the Name.
I’m sure you have heard about Dubai’s famous Palm-shaped Island. This man-made island stretches five km into the Arabian Gulf. The island contains cafes, restaurants, and hotels, ensuring you get the most out of your stay.



Activities
Dubai offers a range of activities and sports for all ages that will really make your trip an unforgettable experience. I’m sure most of you have at least one of the activities I’ll mention already on your bucket list, along with visiting Dubai.
Whether you want to face your fear of heights or live your life to the fullest, Dubai has something for anyone.
A few examples are:
- Aqua venture waterpark
- Skydiving
- Swim with sharks at Dubai Aquarium & underwater zoo
- A hot air balloon ride
- Speedboat around Palm Jumeirah
Aqua venture waterpark is a must if you are into waterparks, and it is known for its relaxing beaches, deep aquariums, and fun water slides. Tickets can be booked online. Another good place for those who love to swim in the Dubai Aquarium & underwater zoo, where you can swim with sharks if you want a wild experience!
If you are not a person into swimming and are more adventurous and curious, skydiving is just the right thing for you! The most beautiful place to go skydiving is the Jumeirah palm, where you will get a breathtaking view and a great story to tell your friends and family! A less challenging way of overcoming your fear of heights can be taking a hot air balloon ride where you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Dubai desert.
It is worth noting that this activity is a bit on the pricey side, but do not worry. I have other, less expensive options that are just as exciting to take part in. Take an abra ride across the creek only for 2 Dirham to enjoy the stunning view over the water. You could also take a 1.5-Hour tour through Marina, Atlantis, Palm, and burj Al Arab for only 27 dollars.




Shopping!
Everybody loves shopping; some even consider it a hobby. Whether you are a person who collects luxury items, a bargain hunter, or someone doing a regular shopping spree with friends, you will find something that suits your interest in one of the many shopping malls in Dubai. For example, look at Dubai Festival City Mall, where you can buy stuff and watch the beautiful sunset over the water, just minutes from the Dubai airport. Here you will be able to find over 350 shops, including H&M, Coach, DKNY, and many more.
If you aren’t into shopping, there is a water show at sunset outside of the mall, and the view is to die for! Some other great malls and shopping places are listed below. Each one offers an incredible view and an experience you will never forget. You will be blown away by all these shopping malls’ beautiful interiors.
The Dubai spice souk is not precisely a shopping mall, but it is a shopping place you most definitely should visit. You can understand by the name that it is a place for every kind of spices, tea, and herbs. For all of those mastering the art of cooking, the colorful streets and the friendly vendors will surely leave you with new ideas and ways of using the different spices to make your food taste incredible
- The Dubai mall
- Mall of the Emirates
- Ibn battuta mall
- Dubai spice souk

