Beyond the ordinary: Unique things to see in Dubai!
- Nature and Garden
- Futuristic and Record-Breaking Attractions
- Entertainment and Leisure
- Iconic Structures and Engineering Marvels
- Unique Services
- Transport and Mobility
- Shopping and Leisure Hub
- Culture and Diversity
- FAQs
Dubai has earned its spot as one of the world’s most visited cities, and it’s easy to see why. This dynamic urban giant blends over-the-top luxury with jaw-dropping innovation. Whether it’s high-end cars cruising the streets or futuristic skyscrapers piercing the skyline, the city never ceases to impress. Here’s our list of unique things to see in Dubai, experiences and sights you won’t find anywhere else!
Nature and Gardens
Visiting the city for the first time and looking for one-of-a-kind Dubai experiences? Let’s start with the vibrant nature and gardens that this emirate has to offer!
Miracle Garden
A true spectacle in the heart of the desert, Dubai Miracle Garden bursts with colour thanks to over 150 million blooming flowers arranged in jaw-dropping displays. From heart-shaped arches and fairytale castles to a life-sized Emirates A380 covered entirely in flowers, the garden is a testament to Dubai’s creativity and ambition.
Dubai Butterfly Garden
Step into a magical world at the Dubai Butterfly Garden, the largest indoor butterfly garden on the planet. Wander through ten climate-controlled domes teeming with over 15,000 butterflies from 50 different species. The garden features interactive exhibits and educational displays about the butterfly lifecycle. It’s a serene escape that delights both children and adults, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
Heart-Shaped Lake
The Al Qudra Lake is a romantic man-made oasis that has become a favourite among couples and photographers. Surrounded by lush trees and frequented by local wildlife, this hidden gem in Dubai is best viewed from above, where its perfect heart shape is revealed. It’s a peaceful spot for picnics, birdwatching, or simply escaping the city’s hustle for a few hours.
Futuristic and Record-Breaking Attractions
Visiting the city for the first time? Be prepared to view unexpected sights in Dubai! From the world’s tallest tower to the world’s largest picture frame, there’s a lot of ‘just Dubai things’ waiting for you.
Burj Khalifa
Dominating Dubai’s skyline, the Burj Khalifa is not just a record-breaking attraction in Dubai but also a marvel of modern engineering. Rising 828 metres, it houses luxury residences, corporate suites and world-class restaurants. Visitors can ascend to observation decks on the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors for sweeping views of the city, desert, and coastline. At night, the tower’s LED light shows and the Dubai Fountain performances below create an unforgettable spectacle.
Ain Dubai
Located on Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai stands 250 meters high, making it the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. Its spacious cabins provide a 38-minute ride with breathtaking 360-degree views of Dubai’s coastline, including landmarks such as the Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab. The sheer scale and modern engineering make it a unique experience, combining leisure with spectacular vistas.
Dubai Frame
This 150-metre-tall architectural marvel frames the city’s contrasting views, modern Dubai on one side and historic neighbourhoods on the other. Dubai Frame is a symbolic and photogenic structure that offers visitors a unique perspective on Dubai’s rapid transformation.
Museum of the Future
Housed in a striking torus-shaped building inscribed with Arabic calligraphy, the Museum of the Future is a beacon of innovation. Inside, immersive exhibits invite visitors to explore the possibilities of AI, robotics, sustainability and space travel.
Deep Dive Dubai
This next item is definitely at the top of Dubai bucket list experiences. Adventure seekers will be awed by Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest swimming pool at 60 metres. This aquatic marvel features a sunken city complete with abandoned streets, apartments and even an arcade, all waiting to be explored by divers. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned diver, the facility offers guided experiences and underwater filming opportunities in a safe, controlled environment.
World’s Highest Tennis Court
Perched atop the iconic Burj Al Arab’s helipad, the world’s highest tennis court is a feat of engineering and exclusivity. Occasionally transformed for special events, this sky-high court has hosted legendary matches between tennis greats, offering breathtaking views and a once-in-a-lifetime sporting experience.
Entertainment and Leisure
When it comes to entertainment, there is a long list of options to explore. Let’s take a look at all the top cool attractions in Dubai.
Real Madrid Theme Park
Football fans rejoice at the Real Madrid World theme park, the first of its kind globally. Spanning six hectares, the park features over 40 attractions, including the world’s tallest flying chairs, the region’s only wooden roller coaster and interactive experiences that immerse visitors in the world of their favourite football club. It’s a dream destination for both kids and adults who love the beautiful game.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Spanning over 1.5 million square feet, IMG Worlds of Adventure features zones dedicated to Marvel superheroes, Cartoon Network characters and dinosaurs. It offers thrilling rides, such as The Velociraptor, and immersive interactive experiences, making it the largest indoor amusement park in the world.
Global Village
Global Village is next on our list of things you can only experience in Dubai. Drawing over 10 million visitors in its record-breaking seasons, this event features pavilions representing countries worldwide, along with cultural performances, international cuisine, and more than 200 rides and attractions. It’s a unique blend of global cultures in one vibrant outdoor venue.
Indoor Ski Slope
Experience winter in the desert at Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort and one of the unique things to do in Dubai. With five slopes of varying difficulty, a snow park and even penguin encounters, Ski Dubai offers a full range of snowy activities all year round. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-timer, the novelty of skiing inside a shopping mall is an unforgettable Dubai experience.
Ziplining Through Skyscrapers
One of the things you can only experience in Dubai is ziplining through skyscrapers! Adrenaline junkies can soar across Dubai Marina on XLine, one of the world’s longest urban ziplines. Launching from a skyscraper and zipping over the water and cityscape below, this thrilling ride offers a unique perspective of Dubai’s stunning architecture and bustling marina.
Ultra Luxe Pet Hotels
Dubai’s pet hotels redefine animal luxury, offering private suites, swimming pools, gourmet meals, spa treatments and even chauffeur services for your furry companions. These five-star facilities ensure that pets are pampered just as much as their owners, reflecting Dubai’s penchant for extravagance.
Floating Villas and Hotels
Stay in the lap of luxury at Dubai’s floating villas and hotels, where underwater bedrooms, glass walls and private infinity pools provide a truly unique hospitality experience. These architectural marvels blend cutting-edge design with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf.
Iconic Structures and Engineering Marvels
Besides a list of quirky things to do in Dubai, the city’s known for its iconic structures and engineering marvels. Let’s take a look at some of the awe-inspiring models around the city!
Palm-Shaped Islands
An icon of Dubai’s ambition, Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali are colossal man-made islands shaped like a palm tree. Home to luxury hotels, upscale residences and vibrant nightlife, they are a symbol of the city’s innovative spirit and a must-visit for anyone seeking the quintessential Dubai experience.
Floating Bridge That Opens Sideways
Dubai’s floating bridge is a marvel of engineering, designed to open sideways to allow boats to pass while easing traffic congestion. This unique structure showcases the city’s commitment to creative infrastructure solutions.
Book-Shaped Library
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library stands out with its architectural design, which resembles an open book on a lectern. Inside, it boasts over a million books, state-of-the-art reading rooms and cultural spaces, making it a haven for literature lovers and a symbol of Dubai’s dedication to knowledge and learning.
Cayan Twisted Tower
A true architectural wonder, the Cayan Tower spirals 90 degrees from base to top, creating a visually stunning effect that stands out in Dubai Marina’s skyline. This 75-story residential tower is not just about looks; it offers luxurious living spaces with panoramic views of the city and the Arabian Gulf, making it a favourite among architecture enthusiasts and photographers seeking unexpected sights in Dubai!
Burj Al Arab
Burj Al Arab is Dubai’s iconic luxury hotel, famous for its sail-shaped silhouette standing on an artificial island 280 metres off the coast. At 321 metres, it is one of the world’s tallest all-suite hotels, renowned for its opulent interiors featuring gold leaf and luxurious materials. The hotel offers world-class dining, a private beach and a helipad that has hosted spectacular events.
Dubai Fountain
Situated at the base of Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain shoots water jets up to 150 meters high, choreographed to music and lights in a captivating show every 30 minutes. While it no longer holds the record for the largest dancing fountain, its scale and artistry remain world-class and a signature Dubai experience.
Unique Services
Ever wondered about offbeat attractions in Dubai? The city boasts a host of attractions that may seem unconventional to many, but are considered hidden gems for others.
Here are some of the ‘unusual’, unique things to see in Dubai:
Gold Vending Machines in Dubai
Where else but Dubai can you withdraw 24-karat gold bars or coins from an ATM? Located in luxury hotels and malls, these Gold to Go machines enable you to purchase gold at real-time market rates, transforming a routine transaction into a truly Dubai-style experience.
Online Services
Dubai stands at the forefront of digital innovation, offering online platforms that encompass a wide range of services, from government services and grocery delivery to luxury shopping and telemedicine. Available around the clock, many of these services provide same-day or even one-hour delivery, making daily life in Dubai remarkably convenient and efficient.
Do you need to get some cheese for your salad? Place a quick call or use one of the popular grocery delivery apps in Dubai to get the items delivered to your door. Running low on petrol? Have your trusty neighbourhood petrol delivery service, Cafu, come and refuel! This is certainly not something you will find anywhere else in the world!
Unique things to see in Dubai – Transportation and Mobility
Want to know more about one-of-a-kind Dubai experiences? Although unexpected, the transportation industry offers residents unique things to see in Dubai. Want to know what exactly that is? Take a look below!
Amphibious Cars and Underwater Jet Skis
Dubai’s love for unique vehicles is evident in its use of amphibious cars for customs inspections and the availability of underwater jet skis (seabreachers) for thrill-seekers. These futuristic rides offer a blend of adventure and practicality you won’t find elsewhere.
Unique Transport Modes
Getting around Dubai can be an adventure in itself, with options ranging from driverless metro trains and sleek water taxis to traditional Abras crossing Dubai Creek. For those seeking luxury, limousines and even helicopter taxis are available, showcasing the city’s diverse and innovative transport landscape.
And that’s not all! Dubai will soon have the Las Vegas-style Loop. The Dubai Loop project aims to reduce travel time within Dubai to mere minutes. Similarly, the RTA plans to introduce Sky Pods, which would allow residents to use high-speed sky cable cars to avoid traffic on the ground. It is one of the most anticipated futuristic developments in Dubai.
Luxury Police Cars
Dubai’s police force is famous for its fleet of supercars. From Lamborghinis and McLarens to Mercedes and Rolls-Royces, the Dubai Police cars are a visual treat. The city holds the Guinness World Record for having the world’s fastest police car, the Bugatti Veyron – one of the top 10 world records held by Dubai. These high-performance vehicles patrol tourist hotspots and serve as symbols of the city’s wealth and modernity.
Supercar Ambulances
To ensure rapid emergency response, Dubai has introduced supercar ambulances equipped with advanced medical technology. These vehicles can reach emergencies faster than traditional ambulances, blending speed with lifesaving capabilities.
Flying Rescuers
Dubai is pioneering the use of jetpack-equipped emergency responders, enabling rapid access to high-rise incidents and hard-to-reach areas. This futuristic approach to rescue operations is yet another example of Dubai’s commitment to innovation.
Camel Racing with Robot Jockeys Dubai
Another amazing thing you will only see in Dubai is a robot camel jockey. Camel racing is one of the longest-standing Emirati traditions practised in the city. But the sport has evolved with time, and robot jockeys have now replaced humans.
The small robots mounted on the camels have a walkie-talkie speaker through which owners can deliver commands to the camels. There is also a small remote control whip that the owners can operate during the race.
Shopping and Leisure Hub
Another addition to the list of unique things to see in Dubai is shopping and leisure hubs. From themed to the biggest malls, the options are unlimited!
Dubai Mall
More than just a shopping destination, Dubai Mall is a city within a city. It boasts over 1,300 retail outlets, an Olympic-sized ice rink, an impressive aquarium with a walk-through tunnel and a stunning indoor waterfall. Beyond shopping, the mall offers an endless array of entertainment options, ranging from virtual reality parks and fine dining to kid-friendly attractions, making it a vibrant hub for visitors of all ages.
Ibn Battuta Mall
The travels of the famous 14th-century Arabian explorer Ibn Battuta inspire the world’s largest themed shopping mall, Ibn Battuta Mall. Divided into six intricately designed courts, India, China, Persia, Tunisia, Andalusia, and Egypt, the mall offers a unique cultural journey through architecture and decor. With over 400 retail outlets, 50+ dining options, and a wide array of entertainment facilities, it caters to all ages.
Culture and Diversity
One of the awe-inspiring, unique things to see in Dubai is the acceptance of different cultures. Dubai is a true melting pot, with residents from over 200 nationalities calling the city home. You can find a place of worship for every religion, dotted across the city. There is no segregation based on culture or cast. Men and women have equal opportunities. Similarly, a significant percentage of Dubai’s population is multilingual, making it easy to make friends in multicultural Dubai.
FAQs about unique things to see in Dubai
What’s a cool place in Dubai for culture lovers?
Culture enthusiasts will love Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. It’s one of the oldest areas in Dubai, featuring wind towers, art galleries, and cafes. For a modern twist, check out the Theatre of Digital Art, where classical masterpieces come to life through immersive light and sound.
Are there family-friendly yet unique experiences in Dubai?
Yes, Dubai seamlessly blends creativity and family fun. Head to the Dubai Miracle Garden, home to over 150 million flowers in imaginative displays, or visit the quirky IMG Worlds of Adventure. For something both fun and educational, explore the Dubai Aquarium tunnel or the 3D World Selfie Museum.
Are there abandoned places in Dubai?
Yes, despite its image of luxury and modernity, Dubai and the surrounding UAE have abandoned sites ranging from ghost villages and deserted cars to unfinished theme parks and abandoned hotels. These abandoned places in the UAE offer a glimpse into the region’s past and sometimes unfulfilled ambitions
Isn’t it amazing how many unique things there are in this ever-evolving city? There are also some incredible facts about Dubai that many residents may not be aware of. But as we all know, it doesn’t stop there.
While that concludes our list of unique things to see in Dubai, the best is yet to come in this city. Soon, we can expect to live in a Jetsons-like future of unbelievable conveniences and innovation. One can compare it to the history of Dubai and appreciate how things have changed in a relatively short period.
