Things to Do in Dubai

A preserved heritage district with narrow lanes, wind-tower houses, and traditional architecture from the mid-19th century. Walk through the maze of sandy alleyways and see how people lived before the oil boom.

🕐 24 hours (site); galleries and museums within typically 9am–6pm Sat–Thu

💡 Visit early morning, around 7am, to avoid crowds and heat. Many small art galleries and cafes open by 9am. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (entry free) runs good walking tours and serves local tea.

A saltwater creek that splits the city into Deira and Bur Dubai. Watch wooden abras (water taxis) ferry passengers, dhows loading cargo, and the skyline shift from old to new. Good spot for photographs.

🕐 24 hours (creek); abras run 5am–midnight daily

💡 Take an abra across the creek for 1 AED (about 20p) each way—the cheapest tour in Dubai. The best time is late afternoon around 4.30pm, when the light is soft and the spice souk across the water is still open.

World tallest building at 828 metres in Downtown Dubai. Observation decks on floors 124 and 148 offer views across the desert and Gulf.

🕐 10:00-22:00

Housed in the city's oldest existing building (built 1787), the museum shows Dubai's transformation from pearl-diving village to global city. Exhibits include life-sized dioramas, historic artefacts, and a souk re-creation.

🕐 8.30am–8.30pm Sat–Thu; 2.30pm–8.30pm Fri

💡 Entry costs just 3 AED (60p) for adults, 1 AED for children under 6. Allow about 1 hour. It's next to Al Fahidi Neighbourhood, so combine both. Cash only—no card payments.

A 150-metre-tall rectangular frame that lets you see Old Dubai to the north and New Dubai to the south. The top floor has a glass-bottomed bridge. Worth the modest entry fee for the view alone.

🕐 9am–9pm daily (last entry 8.30pm)

💡 Entry is 20 AED for adults (about £4.30) and 10 AED for kids—cheapest observation deck in Dubai. Book online to skip queues. Go at sunset (check timings) for the best split view. Takes about 45 minutes.

A public beach with calm waters, soft white sand, and plenty of sun loungers (rental fee applies). The boardwalk has street art, a waterpark area (paid), and cafes. Clean and well-maintained with lifeguards.

🕐 7am–10pm daily (beach); shops and restaurants typically 10am–midnight

💡 Free entry and free parking by the lagoon area. Best in late autumn to early spring (Nov–Mar) before it gets too hot. The washrooms and showers are free. Avoid weekends if you want quieter—busy from 3pm.