Accessible attractions in Dubai

Seeing the world's tallest performing fountain is a big part of the Dubai experience and is perfectly accessible for all. Set on the 30-acre Burj Lake next to Burj Khalifa, this water and light spectacle performs to different songs, ranging from the classical to contemporary. The Dubai Fountain boardwalk allows you to get as close as nine metres from the show. Guests can begin their journey from Burj Park, or The Dubai Fountain promenade by The Dubai Mall. Please note that the promenade can get quite crowded especially on weekends.

Nestled alongside a corniche, Mamzar Beach Park offers visitors more than 200 acres of tree-lined landscapes alongside the shore. The park features five beaches, swimming pools and play areas for children. Like Kite Beach, there are wheelchair-friendly pathways built to international standards so wheelchair users, as well as parents with pushchairs and elderly visitors, can reach the water easily. The beaches also feature specially-designed and dedicated counters for visitors with disabilities.

The Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a modern take on an ancient Arabian market with beautiful architectural features, as well as various galleries, shops, and dining destinations. Outside, at the drop-off area, the souk has a sidewalk ramp which leads to a large elevator taking you inside. The hallways are flat, smooth and spacious. Most shops have plenty of space for people of determination to navigate between displays, and the souk also has a large accessible restroom.

While this experience is not entirely step-free, and assistance may be needed, it's definitely high up on every visitor's wish list. On the west side of the Dubai Creek (closest to Downtown Dubai), there is step-free access to the boat dock and a single step from the dock down onto the boat. The boat is rather narrow but can accommodate small- to medium-sized wheelchairs. On the east side of the Creek (near the Spice and Gold Souk), there is a single step to get off the boat and onto the dock, where a wheelchair ramp leads from the dock to the sidewalk.

Visit the Spice Souk and experience a true Arabian marketplace full of heady aromas. The souk has a wheelchair ramp from the street to the sidewalk, and smooth flat pathways between shops. Most of the shops have basic access features like ramped access, wide doors, and plenty of space to navigate between displays. However, quite a few have steps, though there is always someone to ask for help if needed. Please note that there is no accessible toilet nearby.

Located next to the Spice Souk, the Dubai Gold Souk is one of the oldest traditional markets in town. On your way from the spice souk to the gold souk, there are a series of sidewalks and curb cuts that people of determination can use. The entrance to the souk has a sidewalk ramp, while inside there are plenty of flat, smooth pathways between shops. Some stores have step-free access and wide doors, but others have one or more steps. There is a spacious public restroom too, but requires a small step to enter it.

The Etihad Museum gives visitors a great opportunity to learn about the country’s history and heritage through a series of interactive displays. There is a wheelchair ramp from the street onto the sidewalk of the building. The museum has elevators to reach the exhibit level, as well as wide, flat and smooth pathways between exhibits. Please note that some of the exhibit areas have long slopes. Next door is the Union House, the place where the constitution was signed in 1971, officially forming the United Arab Emirates.