Top Tourist Attractions in Dubai 2025

Dubai is one of the world’s most visited cities, is a playground of endless experiences. Whether you’re carving through the dunes on a desert safari or shopping till you drop in the world's largest mall, this city redefines adventure at every turn.

If it's your first time visiting the city, then perhaps you're at the stage where everything is a little overwhelming because simply put there is just SO much to do and SO much to try! That's exactly what we're help to help with, in this article, we will highlight the top tourist attractions in Dubai in 2025 that you definitely need to have on your list. 

1. Burj Khalifa - The World’s Tallest Building

No visit to Dubai is complete without experiencing the Burj Khalifa, the tallest structure in the world standing at 828 meters. Visitors can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views from the observation decks on the 124th, 125th and 148th floors. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to avoid long queues.

Pro Tip: Visit at sunset for a stunning view of Dubai’s skyline transitioning from day to night.

Top Tourist Attractions Dubai
At the Top Observatory Deck, Image Source: VisitDubai 

 

2. The Dubai Mall – A Shopper’s Paradise

Connected to the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall is not just a shopping destination but a world of entertainment. 

With over 1,200 retail outlets, an indoor ice rink and the famous Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, it is one of the most visited places in Dubai and an ideal spot to spend the day as a family.

There are also countless amazing restaurants to try throughout the mall, some top picks being The Cheesecake Factory, Din Tai Fung and Gia!

Top Tourist Attractions Dubai
A glimpse inside Dubai Mall's notable luxury fashion avenue

 

3. Palm Jumeirah – An Iconic Man-Made Island

Shaped like a palm tree, Palm Jumeirah is a truly masterpiece of engineering. It is home to luxury resorts like Atlantis The Palm, private beaches and countless Michelin-starred restaurants. 

Ideal for a couple's date day/night, a visit to one of the many beach clubs located on the Palm offer food, views and vibes all day long! Most popular beach clubs to try are located conveniently along the West Palm Beach strip.

Don't miss the Palm Fountain Show, the world’s largest choreographed fountain display.

Pro Tip: Take a helicopter tour or go skydiving for a breathtaking aerial view of the Palm.

305 Miami-inspired beach club located on the Palm! Source: Solutions Leisure 

 

4. Museum of the Future – A Glimpse into Tomorrow

One of Dubai’s more new attractions, the Museum of the Future, is an architectural wonder and a hub for innovation (and a great day out). 

The museum offers immersive exhibits on AI, space exploration and sustainability, making it a must-visit for tech enthusiasts. With immersive rooms and environments that heighten all senses, it is definitely a must visit!

Top Tourist Attractions Dubai
A stunning night-shot of the Museum of the Future

 

5. Dubai Marina – A Stunning Waterfront Destination

Dubai Marina is famous for its high-rise buildings, luxury yachts and lively nightlife. Located just moments away from JBR's sandy beaches, the Dubai Marina offers over 3km of al-fresco style eateries and stunning views. 

Although known as an affluent residential area in the city, countless 5-star hotels are dotted around the Dubai Marina and offer tourists an ideal location to stay that offers beach access, luxury, lot's of activities and dining options on your doorstep. 

A popular activity here is the Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise, where you can enjoy a meal while sailing past the stunning skyline of high-rise buildings. 

Top Tourist Attractions Dubai
Dubai Marina's iconic yachts and high-rise buildings

 

6. Desert Safari – A Thrilling Adventure

For those seeking adventure, a Dubai Desert Safari is an absolute must. 

What's in store? You can experience dune bashing (riding over sand dunes in 4x4's), camel rides, sand boarding and traditional Bedouin-style dining under the stars.

Typically, you will be picked-up from your address by the company arranging the desert safari. Someone will drive you into the desert, where first things first, you experience the thrill of the desert dunes! Soon after you'll arrive at the main area in the desert that you'll be in for the evening/day and you will be greeted by delicious BBQ's and cultural performances such as belly dancing and live bands!

Pro Tip: Opt for an overnight desert safari to enjoy stargazing and cultural performances.

Top Tourist Attractions Dubai
A 4x4 dune bashing in the desert 

 

Final Thoughts

Dubai continues to reinvent itself, offering traveler's a perfect blend of modern marvels and cultural heritage. 

So regardless of whether you're looking for luxury, adventure or history, these top Dubai attractions in 2025 should definitely be on your bucket list.

 

Latest Insights

Best Christmas Lunches in Dubai 2024

‘Tis the season! If you are looking for somewhere to spend Xmas this year, look no further because we’ve compiled some of the best christmas lunches in Dubai in 2024 for you and your loved ones to enjoy. The Coterie Source: The Coterie on InstagramLocated conveniently in the Ibn Battuta Mall, The Coterie is offering those dining a 3 course meal at just AED 325 for adults and AED 125 for children. Known for their fun quiz events and mouth-watering British Gastro pub food, this is definetely set to be a top pick amongst Christmas lunches. To book: 04 570 8072Emirates Golf Club Source: Emiratesgc on InstagramLocated alongside the lush greens of the golf course, Emirates Golf Club is set to host an unforgettable Christmas lunch this year. What can you expect? A gorgeous buffet and lot's of entertainment for the little ones including a secret visit from Santa and a magician. Prices start from AED 495 for house beverages and AED 150 for kids aged 4-12 (under 4 eat for free). To book: 04 417 9999JA Beach Hotel Source: jatheresort on InstagramCelebrate Christmas Day with a festive feast and family fun at JA Beach Hotel’s Palmito. Perfect for creating cherished holiday memories, indulge in a mouthwatering buffet featuring traditional turkey with all the trimmings, alongside a variety of live cooking stations offering exciting culinary creations. Enjoy refreshing drinks and let the holiday spirit come alive with captivating live entertainment, ensuring joy for all ages in this family-friendly setting. Prices start from AED 490 for food and soft drinks, AED 590 for house beverages and the kids packages are AED 245 (ages 6-12). To book: 04 814 5604Address Beach Resort Source: The National Make your Christmas unforgettable at The Restaurant at Address Beach Resort with a spectacular festive feast. Savor a lavish selection of seasonal dishes, including all your holiday favorites, prepared to perfection. The celebration comes to life with live music and a special visit from Santa, ensuring a merry atmosphere for all. Enjoy all the luxury from AED 788 soft and AED 988 for house beverages. To book: 04 879 8866Kempinski Hotel Mall of Emirates Celebrate Christmas in style with a festive brunch at Olea, where the whole family can indulge in traditional holiday dishes and explore vibrant live cooking stations. Kids will love the dedicated play area and a special visit from Santa, while a live band sets the perfect festive mood. Enjoy a cheerful, family-friendly celebration that’s sure to create lasting memories. Packages start from AED 400 for soft to AED 950 for a champagne package and kids ages 6-12 can enjoy the festivities from just AED 250!To book: 04 341 0000

Continue Reading
Best Schools in Dubai 2024

Dubai’s educational landscape is ever-evolving, with parents and students alike eager to find the best schools in Dubai. As of April 2024, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has released its latest inspection ratings for the 2023-24 academic year, revealing that 23 schools have earned the prestigious "Outstanding" rating, an achievement that only a select few out of over 200 schools in Dubai can claim. While the official reports from the KHDA are yet to be published, it's already clear that the educational standards in Dubai remain high, with all 20 schools from last year’s list maintaining their top ratings, alongside three new institutions reaching this elite status for the first time.Newly Ranked ‘Outstanding’ Schools in Dubai As per the KHDA rating, these schools have recently moved from ‘Good’ to ‘Outstanding’:1. Safa Community School, recognized as the ‘2024 SchoolsCompared Top Schools Awards’ winner for Happiest School in the UAE2. Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, which earned the prestigious ‘Top Schools Award for Best School in the UAE for Theatre and Performing Arts’3. Lycée Français InternationalSafa Community SchoolSafa Community School opened in 2014 in Dubai and stands out as a vibrant educational institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and student well-being. Established with a vision to create a nurturing and inclusive environment, the school offers a comprehensive British curriculum that caters to students from Foundation Stage through to Sixth Form. Safa Community School is particularly celebrated for its focus on happiness and holistic development, which is reflected in its accolade as the ‘2024 SchoolsCompared Top Schools Awards’ winner for Happiest School in the UAE. With state-of-the-art facilities, a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities and a dedicated team of educators, Safa Community School ensures that every student thrives academically, socially and emotionally in a supportive community atmosphere.The campus consists of 4 buildings which enable all students to have their own bespoke areas:Endeavour BuildingDiscovery BuildingChallenger BuildingGlobal Learning CentreDubai British School (Jumeirah Park)Dubai British School Jumeirah Park (DBSJP), founded in 2015, is a distinguished institution renowned for its strong academic programs and vibrant school community. Offering a British curriculum from Foundation Stage to Sixth Form, DBSJP provides a well-rounded education that emphasizes both academic rigor and personal growth. The school is particularly known for its excellence in the arts, having been awarded the prestigious Top Schools Award for Best School in the UAE for Theatre and Performing Arts in 2024. With a focus on creativity, collaboration and innovation, Dubai British School Jumeirah Park encourages students to explore their passions while developing essential skills for the future. The school’s modern facilities, including advanced performance spaces and dedicated arts studios, create an inspiring environment where students can excel in their academic and artistic endeavors.Lycée Français InternationalLycée Français International in Dubai, which opened in 2002. It is a premier institution that offers a rigorous French curriculum, providing students with a multicultural and multilingual education. Catering to students from kindergarten through to high school, the school emphasizes academic excellence while fostering a deep appreciation for French language and culture. Lycée Français International is committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also globally minded. The school’s strong emphasis on language acquisition and cultural understanding equips students with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.Some of The Top Rated Best Schools in Dubai in 2024Deira International School (DIS)Deira International School offers a diverse and dynamic educational experience, following the National Curriculum of England from Foundation Stage through to Year 13. The school also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) for older students. Known for its strong academic performance and inclusive environment, DIS is rated as an Outstanding school by both BSO and KHDA. The average annual school fees range from approximately AED 43,000 to AED 87,000, depending on the grade level.The school is located in Dubai's Festival City which has its own shopping mall and is in close proximity to communities such as Dubai Creek Harbour, Mirdif and Ras Al Khor. Dubai College Dubai College is renowned for its strong academic reputation both locally and internationally. However, the school emphasizes that education goes beyond academic achievements. Their curriculum is based on the best elements of the English National Curriculum, enriched by a diverse range of subjects that cater to the needs of a selective school environment.Dubai College is a prestigious, non-profit co-educational institution offering education from secondary years to Sixth Form. Managed by a board of governors, including esteemed community members, the school has upheld its outstanding reputation for over 40 years. Known for its high standards in both teaching and extracurricular activities, Dubai College remains one of the most sought-after secondary schools in the UAE. Despite competition from newer international schools, it maintains a long waiting list, with an average of three to four applications per available seat.The average annual schools fees range from around AED 86,000 to AED 98,000.Dubai College is situated in the sought-after area of Al Sufouh 2, conveniently close to several popular residential communities. Nearby areas include The Greens, Barsha Heights and Dubai Internet City, making the school an accessible choice for families living in these locations.Dubai British School Emirates HillsDubai British School Emirates Hills, established in 2005, is a leading British curriculum school offering education from Foundation Stage to Sixth Form. The school is known for its strong academic programs, extensive extracurricular activities and supportive learning environment. From science labs, to a spacious astroturf, a state-of-the-art auditorium and music rooms - DBS Emirates has something to enrich every child. Average annual school fees range from approximately AED 50,000 to AED 75,000, depending on the year group.Located in the Emirates Hills community, the school is easily accessible to families residing in nearby areas such as The Meadows, The Springs and Jumeirah Lake Towers.   

Continue Reading
See all latest insights