After 3 of her own trips to the sparkling Emirate of Dubai, Travelista Editor Jessica Ruth Gibson shares her round up of the most unique things to do in Dubai.
Dubai is a city that never stops coming up with unique attractions that put it on the world map. Beyond the glittering skyscrapers and luxury shopping malls lies a more hidden menu of fun, unusual and often adrenaline-fuelled experiences. In this handy guide, we’ve rounded up 34 of the most unique things to do in Dubai at the moment, which is sure to give you plenty of inspiration for any upcoming Dubai trip.
Having been to Dubai 3 times now, I would describe it as a place of extreme contrasts, where luxury meets ancient culture and modernity meets tradition. If you’re planning a trip to the UAE this year, these are 28 fun and unique things to do in Dubai, from sunrise yoga and skydiving over The Palm to local food tours, hammams and desert escapes. Scroll through my ideas and see what takes your fancy.
34 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Dubai
1. Go Skydiving over The Palm
Thrill-seekers shouldn’t miss Skydive Dubai’s tandem jump. Free-falling 13,000 feet over Palm Jumeirah, you’ll see the city’s futuristic sprawl meet the turquoise Arabian Gulf below, creating a once-in-a-lifetime view.
2. Hire a private yacht around The Palm and beyond
For the ultimate luxury experience, hire a yacht in Dubai and see the city’s glittering skyline from sea. This activity unlocks a way to see Dubai from a unique and entirely new perspective. Choose a sunset charter to glide past Atlantis The Palm and the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab as the skyline glows gold.
Renty.ae have a huge amount of choice with captain and crew are included as part of your price, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy the experience. View the fleet.
3. Shop for unique treasures in the gold and spice souks
In Deira, you’ll find the beating heart of Old Dubai. Explore the glittering Gold Souk, where handcrafted jewellery dazzles under the sun, and lose yourself in the Spice Souk, filled with saffron, cardamom and dried rose petals.
4. Book a food tour of Old Dubai
Joining a food tour is one of my absolute favourite ways to get under the skin of a destination, and Dubai is no exception. Check out Frying Pan Adventures, Dubai’s original and most authentic food tour company, for a guided culinary journey through Deira. You’ll weave through spice-scented alleys, sample Emirati, Iranian and Indian street food, and uncover the city’s hidden gastronomic heritage.
5. Join an Arabic cooking class
Take part in an immersive cooking class with Al Fanar Restaurant or Frying Pan Adventures’ pop-up kitchen and delve into the world of Middle Eastern cuisine. You’ll learn to make Emirati staples such as chicken machboos and luqaimat, sweet syrup-soaked doughnuts that are a local favourite.
6. Indulge in the Talise Spa at Burj Al Arab
Experience world-class luxury with a day pass to the Talise Spa, located 150 metres above the Arabian Gulf. Expect 24-carat gold facials, panoramic sea views and unmatched tranquillity.
7. Try sunrise yoga in the desert
Start your day in serenity with Desert Yoga Dubai or Reform Athletica, who host sunrise yoga sessions among the dunes at Al Qudra. The quiet of the desert at dawn feels utterly grounding.
8. Explore Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz
Dubai’s creative hub, Alserkal Avenue, blends cutting-edge art, architecture and independent cafés. Visit Leila Heller Gallery, grab a flat white at Nightjar, and browse homegrown fashion brands and design stores.
9. Dive into Deep Dive Dubai
Descend into the world’s deepest pool at Deep Dive Dubai, 60 metres below the surface. You’ll explore a submerged cityscape that feels otherworldly and cinematic, perfect for beginners or experienced divers.
10. Visit the Museum of the Future
This striking torus-shaped building is one of Dubai’s newest icons. Inside, you’ll find immersive exhibits exploring artificial intelligence, sustainability and space travel, perfect for design and tech lovers alike.
11. Float in a hot air balloon over the desert
Balloon Adventures Dubai runs dawn flights over the dunes, complete with falconry shows and a gourmet breakfast served on the sand.
12. Book tickets to see La Perle by Dragone
Created by a Cirque du Soleil veteran, this high-energy water show at Al Habtoor City combines diving, acrobatics and live theatre in a purpose-built aquatic stage.
13. Take on The Edge Walk at Sky Views Dubai
Strap into a harness and step out onto the Edge Walk at Address Sky View, 219 metres above Downtown. It’s an adrenaline rush with front-row views of the Burj Khalifa.
14. Climb the World’s Tallest Indoor Wall at Clymb Abu Dhabi
Just over an hour from Dubai, Clymb Abu Dhabi is home to The SUMMYT, a record-breaking 43-metre climbing wall that’s perfect for adventurers.
15. Go scuba diving at The Lost Chambers Aquarium
Certified PADI divers can explore the Ambassador Lagoon at Atlantis The Palm, home to over 65,000 marine creatures and mythical “Atlantis” ruins.
16. Spend a night under the stars at Al Maha or Sonara Camp
Stay at Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, where private villas overlook the dunes and wildlife roams freely, or opt for the bohemian elegance of Sonara Camp, where fine dining meets starlit stillness.
17. Try an immersive Dubai escape room
Test your teamwork at NoWayOut or Brain Game Dubai, two of the city’s most cinematic escape room experiences.
18. Go to the famous Bottomless Brunch at Jumeirah Al Qasr
The legendary Friday brunch at Al Qasr is a Dubai institution. Expect live music, champagne, seafood towers and spectacular views of the Burj Al Arab. This indulgent feast has flavours from all corners of the world and is an experience like no other. Below are some photos from the Al Qasr brunch I attended with friends.
19. Book a personal shopping experience at The Dubai Mall
With over 1,200 stores, The Dubai Mall can be overwhelming. Let a Fashion Concierge stylist curate your visit, whether you’re looking for designer pieces or regional brands.
20. Ride the glass slide at Sky Views Observatory
See Dubai from a unique perspective from Sky View Observatory, located on floors 52 and 53 of the Address Sky View Hotel. As well as incredible views, this experience boasts 3 adrenaline-pumping activities including the sky edge walk and a glass slide 219.5 metres above the ground.
21. Indulge at one of Dubai’s premier dessert cafés
Dessert cafés are central to Dubai’s social scene, offering an elegant alternative to bars. Visit Saya Brasserie (City Walk, Wasl 51 or Dubai Hills Mall) for its signature melting chocolate dome, or Somewhere Dubai (Dubai Mall or Bluewaters) for its pistachio chocolate sphere, complete with a salted caramel centre.
22. Hunt Down the Viral “Dubai Chocolate Bar”
TikTok’s most famous sweet treat, the pistachio and tahini–filled chocolate bar from Fix Dessert Chocolatier, has become a Dubai icon. Each handmade bar features a glossy chocolate shell filled with pistachio cream and crunchy kataifi pastry. Pop-ups appear across Al Quoz and Dubai Mall, so follow their Instagram and arrive early.
23. Spend a Day at a Theme Park
Dubai is home to Motiongate Dubai, the largest Hollywood-inspired theme park in the Middle East. Expect rollercoasters themed around The Hunger Games, Ghostbusters and Shrek, alongside impressive indoor attractions for when the temperatures rise.
24. Take a Helicopter Ride Over The Palm
For a true once-in-a-lifetime experience, soar above the city and the Palm on a helicopter tour. From the sky, you’ll see Dubai’s glittering skyline, the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, and the perfect symmetry of The Palm in all its glory. Tours with HeliDubai or Atlantis Helicopter Tours start from AED 715 (£155) per person for a 12-minute flight, departing from the Atlantis helipad.
25. Cool Off at Wild Wadi Waterpark
For a dose of adrenaline, head to Wild Wadi Waterpark, one of Dubai’s most iconic family attractions. Located next to the Burj Al Arab, this Arabian-themed waterpark offers over 30 rides and slides, from the heart-racing Jumeirah Sceirah — where you drop almost vertically from a trapdoor — to the gentler lazy river and wave pool for cooling off under the desert sun.
26. Get a bespoke suit or dress tailored in Satwa
Dubai’s tailors are known for their craftsmanship and quick turnaround. Try Dream Girl Tailors for women’s wear or Ascots & Chapels for tailored menswear, where a made-to-measure suit can be ready within days.
27. Visit the Theatre of Digital Art (ToDA)
Located in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, ToDA uses 360° projection and surround sound to immerse visitors in the worlds of Van Gogh, Monet and Klimt.
28. Experience a Moroccan Hammam at One&Only Royal Mirage
Indulge in a traditional full-body cleanse in the candlelit Hammam at One&Only Royal Mirage, followed by cooling rose water and mint tea.
29. Explore Dubai Mall’s hidden attractions
Beyond the shopping, Dubai Mall houses an Olympic-sized ice rink, Dubai Aquarium, VR Park, and the prehistoric Dubai Dino fossil. It’s a full day out in itself.
30. Experience Emirati culture at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Set within a restored wind tower house in Al Fahidi, the SMCCU hosts cultural lunches where Emirati hosts share traditions, customs and conversation over authentic home-cooked dishes.
31. Take a Day Trip to Abu Dhabi
Just a 90-minute drive from Downtown Dubai, Abu Dhabi makes for a seamless day trip. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the most beautiful in the world, explore the Louvre Abu Dhabi, or relax on Saadiyat Island’s pristine beaches. For drivers, the road between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is smooth, scenic and well-signposted.
33. Explore The Lost Chambers Aquarium
Step into the underwater world of The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Royal, home to over 65,000 marine creatures. Inspired by the myth of Atlantis, it’s a dreamy escape of glowing tunnels and panoramic tanks filled with sharks, rays and tropical fish.
34. Ride an Abra to Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Glide through the canals of Madinat Jumeirah aboard a traditional abra — a serene, scenic ride that links the luxury Jumeirah hotels to Souk Madinat, a charming market filled with boutiques and waterfront restaurants. The 20-minute tours cost around AED 100 (£21) per person and offer picture-perfect views of the Burj Al Arab along the way.
How to Get Around
The best way to explore Dubai is by car, particularly if you plan to venture beyond Downtown or the Marina. Visitors can rent a vehicle at Dubai International Airport or through reputable local agencies. The metro connects key landmarks like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Jumeirah Lakes Towers, while taxis and ride-hailing apps are affordable, safe and efficient.
Where to Stay in Dubai
Dubai’s hotel scene can offer an overwhelming amount of choice, but deciding where to base yourself can shape your entire experience. For barefoot glamour and sweeping sea views, Palm Jumeirah is the place to hone in your search. It’s home to luxury resorts and elegant beach clubs which are perfect for a sunshine escape. JBR and Dubai Marina offer a lively, sociable energy with endless restaurants, rooftop pools and waterfront promenades, while Downtown Dubai is ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the action, close to the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the city’s cultural landmarks. Although staying Downtown will mean you’re further away from a beach. Each area has its own rhythm, from serene seascapes to cosmopolitan buzz.
I’ve picked out three different yet highly rated Dubai hotels, all with different price points.
Rove Downtown Dubai (Budget) £
If you’re seeking style and value, Rove Downtown Dubai is an effortlessly cool, budget-friendly choice located right beside Dubai Mall. The rooms are compact yet thoughtfully designed, the breakfast is excellent, and the atmosphere is relaxed and sociable — ideal for solo travellers or couples exploring the city.
Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown (Boutique) ££
For something more design-led, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown brings a creative, boutique feel to the city skyline. Overlooking Dubai Creek, it’s filled with local artwork and contemporary design details, and features a stunning infinity pool and excellent dining. It’s the perfect option for travellers who appreciate individuality and a sense of place.
One&Only The Palm (Luxury) £££
If you’re looking for the height of indulgence, One&Only The Palm is Dubai’s most refined luxury escape. Tucked away at the tip of Palm Jumeirah, it combines Andalusian-inspired architecture with private beaches, serene gardens and Michelin-starred dining by Yannick Alléno. It feels like a hidden world — intimate, elegant and effortlessly luxurious.
The Address Downtown, Dubai
If you’re looking for 5 star Dubai luxury but in the heart of the action of downtown, check into The Address Downtown, one of Dubai’s most sought-after five-star hotels. Overlooking the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, it’s perfectly positioned for exploring Downtown Dubai and the Dubai Mall.
Final Thoughts
Dubai is so much more than a city of excess. It’s a destination that constantly surprises, filled with creativity, warmth and endless possibility. Whether you’re chasing adventure, wellness, food or culture, these 34 unique things to do in Dubai reveal its most exciting and authentic side. From golden deserts to skyline sunsets, these experiences will stay with you long after you fly home.