YOUR ULTIMATE BUCKET LIST
YOUR ULTIMATE DUBAI BUCKET LIST
Whether you’ve just arrived in Dubai or you’ve been here a while, here are 50 things you really need to do in the city
Whether you’ve just arrived in the emirate or have been here forever, here’s how you can really enjoy everything the city has to offer
01 Rise in a hot air balloon
See the desert from a basket 4,000 feet in the air. This is the only hot air balloon experience in the world that flies with a falcon – it's released at 4,000ft to circle the balloons as the sun rises. After you land, you’ll enjoy a breakfast and ride in a 1950s Land Rover across the dunes to a Bedouin camp.
Balloon Adventures Dubai, Al Ain Road, Dubai, Dhs1,195. Tel: (04) 4409827. Taxi: Motor City. ballooning.ae
02 Eat at Ravi’s
It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but this no-frills Pakistani restaurant is a Dubai institution, thanks to its good Punjabi food and cheap prices – it even counts Snoop Dogg and Craig David among its fans. Tuck into heaped plates of biryani, curry, and grills, and you’ll still manage to walk away with change from Dhs100.
Al Dhiyafa Road, Satwa, Dubai, daily 5am to 3am. Tel: (04) 3315353. Taxi: opposite Inner Co-operative Society.
03 Head to the top of Dubai Frame
One of the city’s newest attractions, the 150-metre-high Dubai Frame offers panoramic views of old and new Dubai. There’s touchscreen displays pointing out some of the city’s most important landmarks and there’s also a small museum inside so you can learn about the city’s history, too.
Dubai Frame, Zabeel Park, Dubai, daily 9am to 9pm. Dhs50, Dhs20 children. Metro: Al Jafiliya Metro Station. dubaiframe.ae
04 Brunch at Al Qasr
This Madinat Jumeirah gem is spread across three restaurants: The Hide, Aboretum and Al Hambra – all with impressive waterside dining and Burj Al Arab views. This extravagant brunch offers an international food selection and plenty of live cooking stations.
Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, Fri 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs480 (soft), Dhs577 (house), Dhs674 (champagne). Tel: (04) 4323232. Taxi: Madinat Jumeirah. jumeirah.com
05 Walk through Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Travel back in time with a trip to Al Fahidi, previously known as Bastakiya. This area is one of the city's oldest heritage sites.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai. Metro: Al Fahidi.
06 Party on a yacht
Dubai’s coastline is spectacular, so grab 12 of your pals and hire a yacht for a full day of sightseeing, with swimming and food in the package.
Dhs12,000 daily (Dhs625 hourly), charterclick.com
07 HOP ABOARD THE QE2
The Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise ship has been given a second life as a floating hotel. Enjoy a nostalgic staycation or check out some of the ship’s original restaurants including English pub The Golden Lion, which has been restored to its former glory.
Queen Elizabeth 2, Mina Rashid, Dubai. Tel: (04) 5268888. Taxi: Port Rashid. qe2.com
08 See La Perle
Boasting aerial acrobats to motorcycle stuntmen, plus a stage that turns into a swimming pool, this permanent water-based theatre performance is one to visit.
V Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Tue to Fri 7pm and 9.30pm, Sat 4pm and 7pm, from Dhs420. Tel: (04) 4370001. Taxi: La Perle. laperle.com
09 Eat a camel burger
The desert-dwelling mammal is considered a national delicacy – honour a Bedouin tradition and try camel meat, in modern burger form, at Local House Coffee Shop, & Restaurant, an Emirati restaurant. Camel meat is leaner than beef so is much healthier.
Local House Coffee Shop & Restaurant, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai, Dubai, 11am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3399323. Taxi: Bastakiya. localhousedubai.com
10 Experience a traditional iftar
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, you can break your fast with Emiratis at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre For Cultural Understanding, which hosts cultural iftars every year. You’ll get to learn about UAE culture and customs while there.
House 26, Al Mussallah Road, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai, Dubai, Sun to Thur 8am to 4pm, Sat 9am to 1pm, free. Tel: (04) 3536666. cultures.ae
11 Ride an abra across the Creek
Discover the charm of old Dubai in this traditional half-boat, half-raft – just hand over one dirham and hop on arguably the best cruise in the city.
Bur Dubai Abra Station to Deira Old Souk Abra Station, daily 5am to midnight, boats run every few minutes, Dhs1. Metro: Al Ghubaiba Metro. rta.ae
12 Munch on a shawarma
Al Mallah is a classic shawarma spot for good reason – they serve large quantities on a big plate for a low price. Top your meaty treat with hummus, tahini, garlic sauce and tomato.
Al Mallah, Dhiyafa Street, Satwa, Dubai, daily 7am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3984723. Taxi: Dhiyafa Street. almallahuae.com
13 The Golden Hammam Treatment at Saray Spa
What could be more Dubai than having your body massaged with oil infused with 24-karat gold?
JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai, Dubai, daily 9am to 11pm, Dhs1,270. Tel: (04) 4146754. Taxi: JW Marriott Marquis. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com
14 Dine at the highest restaurant in the world
The world’s tallest restaurant and lounge, you’ll find yourself 122 floors high when you enjoy a bite at At.Mosphere.
Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, daily 7am to 11am, 12.30pm to 3pm and 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 8883828. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. atmosphereburjkhalifa.com
15 Bag a bargain at Karama
Practise your haggling skills at Karama Shopping Complex (known as Karama Market), with hundreds of shops spread across various buildings. Located in one of Dubai’s older residential areas, pick up discounted souvenirs, handbags and accessories here.
16 At The Top of the Burj Khalifa
The At The Top viewing deck offers the most stunning of views of the Dubai skyline from levels 124 and 125 of the Burj Khalifa.
Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (04) 8888124. tickets.atthetop.ae
17 Eat at Boardwalk
Eat Mediterranean seafood and experience cracking views of the Dubai Creek Marina.
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Garhoud, Dubai, Sun to Thur noon to midnight, Fri and Sat 8am to midnight. Tel: (04) 2956000. Metro: GGICO. dubaigolf.com
18 Hang out with creatives at Al Quoz
Check out a play put on by local theatre group H72 Productions at The Junction or craft kites at community arts space, jamjar.
Alserkal Avenue, Al Qouz 1, Street 8, Dubai. Taxi: Alserkal Avenue. alserkalavenue.ae
19 Explore a temple
Escape the city’s hustle and bustle and head to The Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple in Jebel Ali for some peace. Inspired by India’s Golden Temple, it’s built on a pond.
Jebel Ali, Al Muntazah, Dubai, daily 4.30am to 8.30pm. Tel: (04) 8827550. Taxi: Jebel Ali Village. gurudwaradubai.com
20 (Almost) ride with sharks
Get an adrenalin rush at Leap Of Faith at Atlantis The Palm’s Aquaventure. You’ll drop nine storeys in three seconds and riders are propelled through a clear tunnel submerged in a shark-filled lagoon.
Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 10am to 6pm, Dhs275 (Dhs225 for children, complimentary for in-house guests). Tel: (04) 4262000. Taxi: Atlantis, The Palm. atlantisthepalm.com
21 Picnic on the dunes
An hour out of Dubai you’ll find the Al Maha resort, tucked away deep in the desert. The desert oasis gives guests the chance to experience dune dining. Expect flame torches and Persian carpets at this grand-scale picnic under the Arabian sky at night.
Al Maha Desert Resort, Al Ain Road, Dubai desert, Dubai. Tel: (04) 8329900. Taxi: Al Maha Resort. marriott.com
22 Explore a virtual reality theme park
The two-storey VR Park in Dubai Mall comes complete with 18 experiences suitable for different ages. Adrenaline junkies should head to Plummet, the skydiving
23 SING YOUR HEARTS OUT AT LUCKY VOICE
Need to unleash your inner popstar? This karaoke joint lets you lip-sync or have a group sing-a-long any afternoon or evening.
Grand Millennium Hotel, Barsha Heights, Dubai, Mon to Thur 2pm or 3am, Fri 1pm to 3am, Sat to Sun 5pm to 3am. Tel: (800) 58259. Metro: Dubai Internet City. luckyvoice.com
experience with aerial views of the city, or take on the hair-raising Dune Bash, which features encounters with camel spiders, scorpions and snakes. aDubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Dhs100 to Dhs150. Tel: (04) 4488483 Taxi: Dubai Mall. vrparkdubai.com
24 Party on a school night
There’s a ladies’ night deal every night of the week in the city – expect a host of bottomless beverage offers and discounted dining deals clamouring for your attention. And one of the best is at popular Marina beach hangout Zero Gravity. It’s a previous winner at the What’s On Awards.
Zero Gravity, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3990009. Taxi: Zero Gravity, Dubai Marina. 0-gravity.ae
25 Dine in the sky
Who wouldn’t want to eat while watching the world go by? Sit back, get strapped in to a suspended table, and be hoisted 50m above Dubai Marina for an experience you’ll never forget. You can opt for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner.
Dinner In The Sky UAE, Mina Seyahi, Al Seyahi Street, Dubai, Dhs499 to Dhs799. Tel: (02) 5558178. Taxi: Al Seyahi Street. dinnerinthesky.ae.
26 Browse the souks
If you want to pick up some authentic souvenirs, the souks are the place to go. There are market stalls dedicated to textiles, local spices, perfumes and gold. You’ll find the gold and perfume souks in Diera, and the textile souk in Bur Dubai.
27 See a show at Dubai Opera
Dubai Opera has hosted everything from Steps concerts to fashion shows. This month, visit to see light and trickery show Shadowland and The Magic Flute.
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4408888. Taxi: Dubai Opera. dubaiopera.com
28 Have a staycation
You don’t even need to escape the city for a staycation. Head to City Walk hotel La Ville for a slice of boutique luxury. It may be in the hub of Dubai but you won’t even realise as it’s so blissfully quiet. Just don’t forget to stick around for sundowners at poolside bar Look Up.
La Ville Hotel & Suites City Walk Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4033111. Taxi: La Ville Hotel & Suites. livelaville.com
29 Visit the Jumeirah Mosque
Head to the only mosque in Dubai that's open to the public.
Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, Sat to Thur 10am, Dhs25. Tel: (04) 3536666. Taxi: Jumeirah Beach Road. cultures.ae
30 Eat something gold
There’s no shortage of opulence in the city but if you want to want to take things one step further, sip on a 24-karat gold cappuccino at Sahn Eddar lounge while admiring the world’s tallest atrium.
aBurj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, daily 8am to 11pm, Dhs85. Tel: (04) 3017600. Taxi: Burj Al Arab. jumeirah.com
31 See the Dubai Fountains
No trip to Dubai Mall is complete without seeing the Dubai fountains, which shoot jets of water skyward up to 500 feet.
aThe Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, daily 10am to midnight. Tel: (800) 38224 6255. Metro: Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall. thedubaimall.com
32 Try tandem skydiving with Skydive Dubai
See the world from 13,000 feet above Palm Jumeirah or the desert dunes. You’ll experience the thrill of freefall at over 190kph while attached in a harness to an instructor.
aVarious locations including Al Seyahi Street, Mina Seyahi, Dubai, Dhs1,699 to Dhs2,199. Tel: (04) 3778888. Taxi: Al Seyahi Street. skydivedubai.ae
33 Visit a seven star hotel
At the Burj Al Arab, the moonlight swim package offers an evening of sheer luxury, 155 metres above the ground. It includes a 55-minute massage for two and a dip in your own infinity pool adorned with rose petals.
aBurj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3017365. Taxi: Burj Al Arab. jumeirah.com
34
Buy something outlandish at Dragon Mart
Dune buggies, a bird cage or a dentist’s chair – no matter how bizarre, you can probably buy it at this sprawling Chinese mall.
aAl Awir Road, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur to Sat 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3909999. Taxi: Dragon Mart. dragonmart.ae
35 Revolve at dinner
Dubai’s only revolving restaurant, Al Dawaar, offers an international buffet and views of the city. Fear not, it doesn’t spin at a stomach-churning pace, just enough for you to take in views of the Arabian Gulf and skyline.
aAl Dawaar, Hyatt Regency Dubai, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 3.30pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 2096914. hyatt.com
36 Experience an evening desert safari
Go dune bashing in a 4x4, watch a fire show while a belly dancer struts her stuff and ride a camel. q desertsafaridubai.com
37 Have coffee and pet a cat
If you want the full experience at The Ailuromania Cafe, sit in the area which houses plenty of cats in every nook and cranny imaginable.
aUmm Suqeim 3, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, daily 11am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3216661. Taxi: Beside Jumeirah Beach Hotel. instagram.com/ ailuromaniacafe
38 Explore Dubai Museum
Al Fahidi Fort was once the home of the ruler of Dubai. You’ll find souks from the 1950s and can get up-close to local wildlife.
aAl Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai, Dubai. Metro: Al Fahidi. visitdubai.com
39 Try karak chai
The UAE’s favourite beverage – a comforting blend of black tea, milk, sugar and cardamom – is the perfect elixir for any time of day (and it’s a smidge of the price of a cup of coffee).
aAl Hara Cafeteria, Al Shamook Building, Al Karama, 8.30am to 3.30am. Tel: (04) 3965133. Taxi: Al Karama
41 Eat a manakish at Al Reef Bakery
This spot is so popular for its divine doughy treats it’s not uncommon for there to be a line around the block at 4am. The popular flatbread comes with a variety of toppings but one of the tastiest combinations is a sprinkling of za’atar and some seriously gooey cheese.
aAl Reef Lebanese Bakery, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 24 hours. Tel: (04) 3945200. Taxi: Umm Suqeim.
42 Try the world’s longest zipline
OK, so this one isn’t strictly in Dubai, but at 2,830m, this Guinness World Record- breaking zipline runs through the mountains of Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah. You’ll get to travel between 120kph to 150kph and 1,680m above sea level.
aJebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, daily 9pm to 6pm, Dhs650. Tel: (07) 2046250. Taxi: Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah. toroverdeuae.com
43 See flamingos
Known as Cape of the Creek, you’ll find tens of thousands of bird species at the Ras Al Khor wildlife sanctuary.
aOud Metha Road and Ras Al Khor Street, Dubai, Sat to Thur 9am to 4pm, free. Tel: (04) 6066826. Taxi: Oud Metha Road. wildlife-ae. herokuapp.com
44 See the city from the world’s tallest hotel
At 365 metres high, Gevora is the world’s tallest hotel and is home to a rooftop viewing deck with stunning views of the city.
aGevora Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 5240000. Taxi: Gevora Hotel. gevorahotels.com
45 Walk on the wild side at Dubai Safari
Dubai Safari is home to more than 2,500 species including cheetahs, flamingos and spotted hyenas.
aAl Warqa, Dubai. Taxi: opposite Dragon Mart 2. Tel: (800) 900. Taxi: Dubai Safari. dubaisafari.ae
46 Catch a play
The Courtyard Playhouse is the first and only dedicated improv theatre in the UAE.
aThe Courtyard Building, Al Quoz 1, Dubai. Tel: (050) 9861761. Taxi: Al Quoz. courtyardplayhouse.com
47 Head to Zabeel Park
Green as far as the eye can see, welcome to Dubai’s answer to London’s Hyde Park.
aZabeel Park, Zabeel Square, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Sun to Wed 8am to 10pm, Thur to Sat 8am to 11pm, Dhs5. Tel: (04) 3986888. Metro: Al Jaliya Station. dm.gov.ae
48 Get wet at Wild Wadi
Don your swimsuit and release your inner child at one of the many waterparks dotted around the city. You can try the adrenaline fueled Tantrum Alley or lie back and enjoy Juha’s Journey lazy river.
aWild Wadi, Jumeirah Road, Um Suqueim 3, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 7pm, Thur 10am to 6pm and 8pm to midnight, Fri 10am to 10pm, Sat 10am to 8pm. Tel: (04) 3484444. Taxi: Wild Wadi. jumeirah.com
49 Wear fancy dress to the Sevens
December's Dubai Rugby Sevens is a great excuse for a fancy dress party whether you’re a rugby fan or not. q dubairugby7s.com
50 Dress to impress at the Dubai World Cup
The emirate's horse racing calendar starts on November 1 at Meydan, with the finalé on March 30, 2019 – it may well be the city’s most glamorous event. q dubaiworldcup.com
YOU’LL FIND SOUKS FROM THE 1950S AT THE DUBAI MUSEUM