To dispel a common misconception, Dubai is not solely comprised of glitzy hotels and
shopping centers.
This enormous desert metropolis has numerous museums, art galleries, and boutiques that
emphasize cutting-edge design.
As an alternative to admiring the city's landmark buildings, visitors can opt for the excitement
of sliding between the floors of a glass skyscraper or plunging into the largest dive pool in
the world.
Anyone planning their first trip to Dubai should be prepared for a seemingly endless
supply of exciting activities.
Without keeping you waiting, here's a list of the best things to do in Dubai for first-timers.
Take a dive in the Aura Skypool The Palm Tower's 200-meter-high observation
deck features Aura Skypool, the world's highest infinity pool.
The Aura Skypool is unlike any other pool in the emirate, and it also offers breathtaking
views of the skyline.
The pool is 1.25 meters deep, so you can walk its entire circumference without having to
get out of the water.
You can relax in the pool's sparkling waters by its edge with a cool drink in hand and
take in the panoramic vista.
At Aura's Lounge & Bar, guests can choose from a wide variety of cocktails and other
beverages, in addition to the restaurant's delicious pan-Asian fare.
The panoramic views from fifty stories up of The Palm are an excellent way to observe
Dubai from above and to change your perspective of the city.
Tickets start at approximately $46 each and may be purchased in advance online.
Treat yourself to fun at the Global Village The magnificent Global Village in Dubai is
essentially an amusement park, with rides and activities suitable for children of all
ages.
It offers music, rides, food, and attractions from all over the world and is open from late
October until mid-April.
This attraction is located outside the central city, but if you're in the area and looking
for international shopping and entertainment, it's well worth the trip.
Go on a water adventure at Aquaventure Waterpark.
Since its most recent expansion, the venue has grown by a third and is now widely regarded
as the largest waterpark in the world.
Its newest wing, Trident Tower, is home to the largest waterparks dedicated to children
in all of the Middle East: Splashers Lagoon and Splashers Cove.
More than 30 slides and attractions can be found at Aquaventure.
These include the longest lazy river in the Emirates, many adrenaline-pumping rides, and
a private beach.
There are also opportunities to get up close and personal with stingrays, dolphins, and
sea lions, as well as record-breaking waterslides to get your adrenaline racing.
Go shopping at the Dubai Mall.
Those who want retail therapy will love the district surrounding the Burj Khalifa in central
Dubai.
Featuring over 1,300 retail outlets, the Dubai Mall easily ranks among the world's largest
shopping malls.
The vast shopping center is a must-see even if you have no intention of buying anything:
The Dubai Mall features a number of family-friendly activities, such as a movie theatre, an ice
skating rink, and an aquarium with hundreds of marine animals.
If you're ever in the area at night, be sure to check out the Dubai Fountain in front of
the mall.
Every night, the fountain performs to a unique musical score that blends Western and Eastern
influences.
This is an excellent spot for tourists to spend the day.
Explore the Jumeirah Mosque.
Located to the north of Dubai Marina, the Jumeirah Mosque is a coastal landmark that
soars above the water.
The intricate white façade, featured on the 500-dirham bill, is reminiscent of Fatimid-era
buildings from the Middle Ages.
In contrast to Dubai's neighboring mosques, non-Muslims are welcome inside Jumeirah to
admire its elaborate decor, which features painted panels with intricate designs set
against a brilliant blue and yellow backdrops.
However, a word about behavior: Anyone wishing to visit a mosque should dress modestly, which
means wearing long sleeves and slacks or skirts that reach at least to the knees.
Also, scarves are mandatory headwear for all females.
The mosque will gladly lend you the appropriate garments if you don't already own any.
If you're interested in history and culture, regardless of your religious beliefs, you
should visit this site.
Go have some fun at the Jumeirah Public Beach.
Easily accessible from the Burj Al Arab, the Jumeirah Public Beach is Dubai's best public
beach.
The beachfront is a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts to enjoy the Gulf's tranquil
blue seas and sunbathers to soak up the city's dazzling sunshine.
There are lots of places to grill up a meal and spread out a blanket for a picnic at Jumeirah
Public Beach, in addition to the playground equipment for the kids.
If you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to arrive early in the day.
Recent visitors agreed that the pristine sands and clear water at Jumeirah Public Beach are
appealing, however, they noted that the water was less than pleasant.
It's also more comfortable to take a break from the heat at one of the beachfront cafes.
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Visit the Al Marmoom Camel Race Track.
Al Marmoom is a famous historical site visited by people from all over the world who share
a love of camel racing.
Attending the camel races is a great way to immerse yourself in Middle Eastern culture,
as this tradition stretches all the way back to the 7th century.
Spectators, including camel owners, trainers, and handlers, can get great views of the action
from anywhere in the grandstands.
However, keep in mind that the races typically begin between 7 and 9 in the morning and that
all comments and announcements will be provided in Arabic.
Go skiing in the sun.
The ski resort at Ski Dubai has been described as dreamlike.
There's always fresh powder in this indoor winter wonderland, even when the city outside
is baking in the triple digits.
When it comes to indoor ski resorts, Ski Dubai is the first of its kind in the Middle East.
It has everything from toboggan runs and snowball battles to a freestyle snowboard zone and
five ski runs.
Besides a ski school for the kids and a colony of penguins, the building has the first indoor
black run in the world.
Some visitors have cautioned that it is very chilly inside the
facility and that you should bring whatever extra winter equipment you may have, especially
a hat and gloves.
Feel the thrill of skydiving.
Skydive Dubai is the place to go if you want to jump out of a perfectly good plane and
free fall over Dubai at 120 miles per hour.
Those without prior diving expertise can jump in tandem with the company's guides, while
certified divers can go it alone.
If you're looking for a thrilling experience and don't mind heights, the approximately
$600 you'll spend on a tandem flight from Skydive Dubai's facility on The Palm is well
worth it.
Ride a zip line.
XLine Dubai is one of the world's most extended, steepest, and fastest urban zip lines, and
it allows riders to fly belly-first across roads, skyscrapers, and swimming pools in
the city of Dubai.
Traveling from the Jumeirah Beach Residence to Dubai Marina at speeds of up to 50 miles
per hour, riders soar from a height of 560 feet and pass breathtaking scenery along the
way.
Enjoy the Middle East's cuisine in the sky.
You have to fasten your seatbelt before pulling up a chair at the table at this out-of-the-ordinary
restaurant in Dubai.
You'll spend an hour sitting at a table nearly 165 feet in the air while it gently spins
around.
If you can handle the elevation, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Gulf
and perhaps the most out-of-the-ordinary meal you'll ever have.
The menu, crafted by Artful Dining at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi and The Westin Dubai, features
items such as burrata salads and Middle Eastern mezze.
It's lovely for a night of romance or a surprise party with a new love interest, long-term
companion, or close friend.
Visit the Etihad Museum.
This cutting-edge museum provides an in-depth exploration of the history of the United Arab
Emirates and its seven constituent Emirates.
An eclectic mix of locals and foreign history buffs from the United Arab Emirates visit
here each year.
The museum was built on the very spot where, in 1971, the unification treaty that finally
brought the country together was signed.
Even though the Etihad Museum is neither massive nor particularly informative, a trip to Dubai
wouldn't be complete without seeing these displays.
Visit the Wild Wadi Waterpark.
The Wild Wadi Waterpark, situated at the base of the Burj Al Arab, is home to thirty different
water rides and play zones.
The park itself is based on the Arabian folk hero Juha, who is mentioned numerous times
throughout the park's various attractions.
Those searching for a heart-pounding ride can head to Tantrum Alley or the Burj Surj,
while those in search of a more tranquil experience can float down the lazy river.
In addition to the Wipeout and Riptide, one of only four similar rides in the world, there
are a number of milder slides available, as well as a children's water park.
Go on a balloon desert tour.
This excursion is one of the few options for exploring the Al Awir Desert, which is roughly
35 kilometers from the heart of Dubai.
It is well-known as a centre for agriculture and camel rearing.
Dune-bashing and quad-biking are two other popular desert activities.
An experienced balloonist and falconer pilot will be the only other person on this private
tour.
Aerial views of the desert reveal breathtaking scenery.
The spectacular landscape is only enhanced by the sightings of oryx and camels roaming
the desert floor.
This tour is perfect for those looking for a unique date idea or simply wanting to immerse
themselves in the area's culture.
And there you have it.
It is now time for us to hear from you.
Let us know in the comments which of the things to do above piques your interest the most.
And, for those who have visited Dubai, let us know the most memorable aspect of your
experience.
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