Things to Do in Dubai for Tourists and Expats

Dubai is a city where futuristic skylines meet golden deserts, offering something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-term expat, exploring the emirate reveals a rich mix of world-famous landmarks, cultural treasures, shopping havens, and outdoor adventures. In this guide from RentRadar.ae, we’ll take you through the best things to do in Dubai—complete with flexible itineraries, must-see attractions, hidden gems, and practical transport tips, including why renting a car might be your smartest move for seeing it all.

Iconic Attractions

Dubai’s skyline is dominated by record-breaking landmarks. The Burj Khalifa (828 m tall) towers over the city – it’s the world’s tallest building and was crowned tallest structure when completed in 2009. Nearby, the Dubai Mall offers more than shopping – it’s the world’s largest mall by total area (over 1.12 million m²), housing attractions like the Dubai Aquarium, virtual-reality parks and an ice rink. Right outside the mall is the famous Dubai Fountain, one of the world’s largest choreographed fountains, dancing to lights and music every evening. Other must-see icons include the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel on its own island, and the Palm Jumeirah (a man-made palm island) with Atlantis Hotel at its crescent.

Cultural Experiences

For heritage, explore the Al Fahidi Historic District (also called Al Bastakiya). Dating to the 1890s, it is a preserved old quarter of narrow lanes and wind-tower houses – Dubai’s most authentic neighborhood. Here you can visit the Dubai Museum (in the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort), ride a traditional abra boat across the Creek to the Gold and Spice Souks, and stroll the restored Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Don’t miss visiting a mosque (the Jumeirah Mosque offers guided tours for non-Muslims) and sampling Arabic coffee in a historic courtyard. These experiences highlight Dubai’s pre-modern roots amidst the skyscrapers.

Outdoor & Desert Adventures

Escape the city bustle with outdoor excursions. A desert safari is popular: adventure companies run dune-bashing and sandboarding tours on the Lahbab red dunes. These often include camel rides, henna painting and a Bedouin-style BBQ under the stars. For nature and recreation, the Al Qudra Lakes in Dubai’s desert are a scenic oasis for cycling and picnicking (watch for wildlife like flamingos and Arabian oryx). The Hatta region (90 km away) offers mountain hiking, kayaking on Hatta Dam, and mountain biking. Closer to the coast, enjoy the sun at JBR Beach (a 1.7 km sandy public beach with water-sports rentals and views of the Burj Al Arab) or wander the waterfront Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. These open-air activities balance the city’s indoor malls and gyms.

Shopping & Dining

Dubai is a shopper’s paradise and food-lover’s haven. Major malls like Mall of the Emirates (home to Ski Dubai) and City Walk offer international brands and gourmet restaurants. For a unique experience, visit Global Village (seasonal, Oct–May) – an open-air festival with pavilions from 90+ countries serving global street food, handicrafts and nightly shows. In Jumeirah and Downtown, City Walk is a stylish outdoor shopping street with trendy boutiques and cafés (e.g. Five Guys, Salad Atelier). At Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Island you’ll find waterfront dining (Mediterranean, Asian fusion, and celebrity-chef restaurants). Don’t miss local favorites like the Al Fahidi Souk at Al Seef (modern UAE street-food stalls) or the colourful Gold and Spice Souks along Dubai Creek for traditional goods and spices.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Beyond the tourist trail, discover Dubai’s less-crowded side. Arts and culture enthusiasts should visit Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz – a warehouse district turned creative hub with contemporary art galleries, indie cinemas and hip cafés. Nature-lovers enjoy the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary (in urban Dubai) to see flamingos at the mangrove lagoon. For a local vibe, explore Madinat Jumeirah’s Souk (an indoor/outdoor “modern souk” with canal-side restaurants and night markets) and Boxpark or Last Exit (quirky pop-up food trucks in the desert by the highway). The Dubai Coffee Museum (in Al Fahidi) and hidden cafés like the IYKYK flower-cafe in Jumeirah are also beloved by expats. Even a simple dhow-boat dinner cruise on Dubai Creek or Marina can feel like a special local experience.

Sample Itineraries

For convenience, here are example plans tailored to different stay lengths:

• 1-Day: Morning – Explore Old Dubai: visit Al Fahidi Fort (Dubai Museum) and take an abra to the Spice and Gold Souks. Afternoon – Head to Downtown: lunch at Dubai Mall and see the Dubai Aquarium, then go up the Burj Khalifa. Evening – Watch the Dubai Fountain show and have dinner at a nearby souk-style restaurant or Dhow cruise. (Optional late night: take a desert safari tour with BBQ dinner under the stars.)
• 3-Day: Day 1 – City Highlights: Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall; Dubai Fountain show and Downtown dining. Day 2 – Heritage & Beach: Morning at Jumeirah Mosque and Al Bastakiya, lunch on the Creek, afternoon at JBR Beach or Kite Beach, evening at The Walk (JBR) or Marina. Day 3 – Adventure: Morning desert safari (dune bashing, camel rides, BBQ), afternoon relaxing at a hotel pool or Dubai Marina promenade.
• 7-Day: Mix of above plus extras: Days 4–5 might include theme park or Palm Jumeirah (Atlantis Aquaventure) and Mall of the Emirates. Spend one day in Abu Dhabi (Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Louvre) if desired, or use that day for Hatta mountains. On remaining days, dive into dining and culture – e.g. Global Village (seasonal), Alserkal Avenue galleries, or a show at Dubai Opera. Use evenings for night markets or rooftop lounges (e.g. La Mer beachfront). Customize based on interests, balancing sightseeing with down-time.

Getting Around Dubai

Dubai’s transport network offers many options. The Dubai Metro (red and green lines) connects major districts and runs from early morning until midnight. A Nol travel card covers the metro, tram and public buses. Taxis are plentiful and metered by the Roads & Transport Authority. (Flag drop starts at about AED 5 by day and AED 5.50 at night, plus ~AED 2 per km; expect an extra AED 4 per each highway toll (Salik) passed.) Ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber are popular for flat rates and convenience. Many travelers prefer short-term car rental for maximum flexibility and comfort. Renting a car lets you set your own schedule and take scenic detours (e.g. to Hatta or remote desert spots) – freedom that public transit doesn’t afford. For families or groups, splitting a rental often works out cheaper per person than multiple taxi fares. Cars also help reach city outskirts and hidden gems not on metro lines. However, ensure your rental agency includes a Salik tag and GPS. When driving, obey Dubai’s traffic laws (speed cameras are strict). Download Waze or Google Maps for navigation and avoid rush-hour traffic (weekday mornings 7–9am, evenings 5–7pm).

Practical Travel Tips

• Parking: Malls and many hotels offer free parking, but paid parking zones apply in downtown and tourist areas (rates range roughly AED 2–10 per hour). Always check signage and meter times.
• Fuel & Tolls: Dubai’s fuel is very cheap. If renting, budget for Salik tolls (~AED 4 per crossing; see RTA tag accounts or apps to monitor usage).
• Sun & Dress: Even outside summer, the sun is strong. Carry sunscreen and stay hydrated. In public, dress modestly (shoulders/legs covered) especially at religious or traditional sites. Hotels and malls are air-conditioned, so bring a light sweater indoors.
• Language: English is widely spoken, but learning a few Arabic greetings is appreciated.
• Connectivity: Buying a local SIM or eSIM is easy (etisalat/du) for mobile data. This helps with maps, taxi apps, and Nol card top-ups via app.

With this guide’s suggestions, you can tailor a Dubai visit that suits your pace – from iconic skyscrapers and malls to cultural districts and desert adventures. Enjoy planning your trip and experiencing the rich mix of modern and traditional that makes Dubai unique.