Must-See
9 unique things to do when in Dubai
Mon, August 24, 2020
From touching the sky to journeying back in time and tasting new treats, check out our list of only-in-Dubai experiences.
From touching the sky to journeying back in time and tasting new treats, check out our list of only-in-Dubai experiences.
Ski in the desert

It may be warm and sunny outside but you can still ski in a snowy setting in Dubai. Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and boasts a 400m slope with a fall of over 60m – making it home to the world's first ever indoor black run. Whether you want to ski on the slopes all afternoon, go tobogganing down hills, play in the snow with your family or spend time with the resident penguins, there's plenty to do in this winter wonderland. There's also an indoor chairlift with a café located halfway up the slopes, serving as the perfect pit stop for delicious hot chocolate.
Try camel cuisine

Kayak in a dam

Dubai's peaceful exclave Hatta is home to the high-reaching Hajar mountains and the picturesque Hatta Dam. Glide through the dam's turquoise waters – a natural pool set amid the stunning mountainscape – in a kayak for a truly surreal experience. You'll fall in love with the stunning setting, where you may occasionally spot native birds and marine wildlife as you float past. While you're in Hatta, be sure to check out the Hatta Wadi Hub for more nature-based activities in winter, or stay overnight under the stars at dedicated camping grounds nearby.
Dine in an aquarium

For a desert, Dubai sure does love its water-based experiences, and we don't mean just thrills by the coastline. The city's aquariums offer plenty of sightseeing options, but also so much more. For example, you can dive with sharks and stingrays at Dubai Aquarium in The Dubai Mall, or go swimming with the friendly dolphins at Atlantis, The Palm. However, there's nothing quite as 'Dubai' as Burj Al Arab's Al Mahara restaurant, where you can dine on the finest contemporary European cuisine in an underwater setting, with tables arranged beside a wall-to-ceiling aquarium.
Walk on water

Sip tea in the clouds

The Lounge at Burj Khalifa is a sky-high setting for afternoon tea. Located across floors 152 to 154 of the world's tallest building, it is officially the highest lounge on the planet, and presents an array of light bites and delicate desserts, alongside a selection of the finest tea and coffee. If you plan to visit in the later hours, you'll be entertained by a live performer or DJ all through the night, 585m above Dubai. Don't miss the tour of the outdoor terrace for premium views of the city's modern skyline.
Tour the world

See, shop and experience the world in an evening, only in Dubai. Held annually from October to April, Global Village is a popular outdoor park that celebrates cultures from around the the globe in style. You'll find ornate pavilions representing over 70 different countries, each selling native food, arts and crafts, gifts and more. This is also one of the best opportunities to try exotic street food too – think takoyaki balls from Japan, bun kebabs from Pakistan, and rice-based koshari from Egypt.
Zip over the skyline
Get a bird's eye view
