36 Cool Things to do in Dubai

“Sometimes referred to as the 'largest construction site in the world' , Dubai's leaders' unflinching ambition is paving the desert, colonising the ocean and reaching for the sky.” The Economic Times.

There is so much to do in Dubai . New attractions are created every year and records are broken all the time. Anything seems possible. If you’ve already done these things, then here are some more cool things to do in Dubai .

Dubai Attractions

1. Learn about Islam at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in Dubai

The Centre was established to promote understanding of the Islamic culture and to allow visitors to experience it. It encourages a free and open forum for visitors to ask questions about Islam.

2. Go for a ride on the Flying Cup Dubai

Flying Cup Dubai

The family-friendly Flying Cup Dubai at The Beach on JBR will raise you to the height of a 12-story building, while you sip on a drink. It offers panoramic views of the surroundings.

3. Trick your brain at the world’s largest Museum of Illusions

Confuse your eyes and your brain, while having fun, with the mind-boggling array of illusionary exhibits at this museum. The exhibits include a vortex tunnel, a gravity-defying slanted room, and an infinity room.

4. Experience winter during summer at the Chillout Lounge, which is built entirely from ice

This is the only ice lounge in the Middle East. The temperature is set to a permanent negative six degrees and it features ice sculptures and ice seating.

5. Learn about the history of coffee at The Coffee Museum in the Al Fahidi Historical district

Coffee lovers will enjoy this private museum in a historic Emirati home. You will learn about the importance of coffee in different cultures, and see old grinders, pots, roasters and related coffee implements.

6. See a 155 million-year-old dinosaur skeleton

Dubai Dino

The Dubai Dino is a 155 million years old dinosaur skeleton which was excavated in 2008 in  Wyoming, United States. It can be found in the Dubai Mall.

7. See rare coins at the Coins Museum in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

The Coins Museum features more than 470 pieces of rare coins dating back to different historical eras from several countries in the region. Information about the coins and their history is also provided.

8. Experience Dubai’s lights by night

Dubai by night

Dubai by night is as beguiling by night as it is by day. You can see the night lights in comfort on the City Sightseeing Bus Night Tour.

9. Snap a selfie at the Dubai Frame

Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame is the world’s largest picture frame. It offers panoramic views of Dubai from the top where you will be able to see both the modern and traditional sides of Dubai.

10. Admire art at the Alserkal Art District

This industrial area is now a popular arts and culture district.

11. Ride the Dubai Eye

This will be the world’s largest observation wheel. It is set to open in 2020.

12. Get a taste of the future at the Museum of the Future

The Museum of the Future is set to open in 2020. The eye-catching oval-shaped structure features an Arabic poem in calligraphy on its facade and will be a centerpiece of Dubai's Expo 2020 , another cool thing to do in Dubai. Exhibits will focus on issues like sustainability, climate change and global warming.

Adventure and Adrenalin

13. Go ziplining at Atlantis The Palm

Atlantis The Palm

Atlantis The Palm is better known for its Aquaventure Waterpark but you can also go ziplining there, on the longest zip line in the Middle East. You will get great views of Atlantis, its beachfront and the Dubai skyline.

14. Feel like a racing car driver at the Dubai Autodrome

The Dubai Autodrome is a fully integrated motor sports facility, with indoor and outdoor tracks including an FIA sanctioned Grand Prix Circuit. You can experience the thrill of being a racing car driver here.

15. Release your inner child in an indoor theme park

The IMG Worlds of Adventure This enormous theme park is the size of 28 football pitches and features exciting rides inspired by popular cartoon characters like Ben 10, Spider-Man, Thor and The Avengers.

16. Go flyboarding

Flyboarding is an adventurous watersport whereby one is propelled by a stream of water into the air, on a hoverboard. It is fun and exhilarating. Book here.

17. Go snowboarding at Ski Dubai

This is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. You can enjoy winter activities like skiing and snowboarding, and even see real penguins.

18. Defy gravity in a state-of-the-art wind tunnel at iFLY Dubai

iFly Dubai is a skydive center that lets you replicate the experience of a parachute drop in a controlled indoor environment. You will get the sensation of a real skydive—without having to jump from a plane.

19. Zipline between skyscrapers on the world’s longest urban zipline

The world’s longest urban zipline is set in Dubai Marina. It is also one of the steepest and fastest and it will give you a chance to fly between Dubai’s skyscrapers.

20. Be thrilled by the talented stuntmen at the Superloop Stunt Show

This is a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled, tyre-squealing spectacular hosted in the Stunt Arena at Global Village. The amazing world-class stunts will leave your jaw dropping.

Eat and drink in Dubai

21. Indulge in high tea in the tallest building in the world

Burj Khalifa

Feast on a gourmet high tea at Atmosphere on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa while you overlook the city panoramas.

22. Drink camel milk at The Majlis Cafe

The Majlis Café is located near the Jumeirah Mosque. It is known as the first and the finest camel milk cafe in the city.

Creatures - big and small

23. Watch a camel race at the Dubai Camel Racing Club

Camel Race

Camel racing in Dubai is a multi-million dollar industry.  At the Dubai Camel Racing Club, you will find a modern-day version of the traditional camel racing. You can also play camel polo.

24. Learn about falcons and falconry

Falconry has been popular in the UAE for centuries and still plays an important role in Arab desert life. At the Falcon and Heritage Sports Centre, and Wild Flight Dubai you can learn more about Emirati heritage and the role played by the falcon and watch a demonstration.

Old-fashioned retail therapy

25. Shop at the outdoor Ripe Market

While the tourists head to the glitzy malls, locals and expats visit the outdoor Ripe Market on weekends. Local farmers sell organic fruit and vegetables. You can also buy arts, craft, fashion and jewellery, and attend workshops and classes.

26. Bargain for exotic spices at a Spice Souk

These are traditional markets that sell a range of spices, herbs, incense and traditional medicines.

The Golden Touch

27. Buy gold from a vending machine

Buy gold from the Gold to Go ATM which dispenses five, ten and one-ounce bars of gold.

28. Eat 23 carat gold ice cream at Scoopi Café

Eat ice cream topped with 23 carat gold flakes and gold powder at Scoopi Café.

29. Treat yourself to a 24k gold facial at the Six Senses Spa

In this unique Dubai facial treatment, jasmine is combined with the restorative powers of 24k gold leaf. This treatment is said to penetrate and revive the deep layers of the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Visit Six Senses Spa.

Relaxation in Dubai

30. Relax in a Turkish hammam

Turkish Hammam

Enjoy a relaxing traditional Turkish hammam at Anjana Spa, amid beautiful Turkish-inspired surroundings. It will leave you feeling like a new person.

31. Bathe in goat’s milk in a special Jacuzzi at the Talisse Ottoman Spa

Located in The Palm Jumeirah, the Talise Ottoman Spa offers you a luxury Jacuzzi filled with goat’s milk to take a bath. It is rejuvenating and good for your skin. The idea comes from Cleopatra’s bathing style.

32. Read books at a beach library

Beach library

There are several beach libraries around Dubai. They are equipped with a selected collection of books covering different genres. They are easily and freely available for visitors so that they can borrow and read the books comfortably and return them.

33. Ride an abra (traditional wooden boat) at Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a recreation of a traditional souk. One can take a relaxing abra tour on the meandering waterways around the resort.

Around Dubai

34. Go hiking in Hatta

Hatta is an exclave of Dubai, high up in the mountains, just over an hour away from central Dubai. You can hike in these mountains, enjoy panoramic views and spot some wildlife.

35. Visit the other Emirates

Abu Dhabi

The UAE has 7 Emirates. Most of the Emirates are close to Dubai and can be easily visited in a day. Abu Dhabi is the most popular Emirate after Dubai.

36. Go on a Gulf cruise

Dubai is a great starting point and popular port for Middle East cruises, due to its excellent location in the world. There are many itineraries to choose from and there is much to see.

What lesser-known cool things to do in Dubai would you recommend?

Top Tip: Sign up to Groupon UAE to get great deals on many of these attractions and much more. If there are no deals available for your chosen attraction, then book here.

 

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