Apart from seven-star property, manmade islands and world’s tallest towers, underwater hotels and buildings, Dubai is a must see location for a lot of interesting activities one should try. The all year round sunny weather lures visitors. It’s a bustling city, alive 24 hours. You will not find yourself running out of things to do in Dubai.

These Dubai attractions must be included in your Dubai trip. From the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Miracle Garden, the beautiful emirate of Dubai has a lot to offer for all kinds of visitors.

SEE ALSO: 25 Best Places to Visit in Dubai

1. Dining Spots

Dubai is a haven of top end, five-star cuisine. An example is the culinary outposts of world-renowned chef Gary Rhodes and Gordon Ramsay in Grosvenor House Hotel and Hilton Dubai Creek. Another top of the tree restaurant is Noble House in Raffles Hotel, with prices ranging from 500 AED and above per person.

There are also affordable dining spots at Al Dhiyafah Road, with fast food restaurants from Lebanon, Iran, and India. If you want a taste of Levant, go to “Sidra” at the end of the street. Pars Iranian Kitchen serves succulent lamb and fresh seafood straight from its outdoor grill. Opposite it is the Ravi Restaurant, one of the city’s best regarded Pakistan/Indian curry restaurant.

Location: Al Dhiyafa Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

SEE ALSO: A Parent’s Guide to the Best Family Holiday in Dubai

2. Shopping Malls

Dubai may be the luxury capital of the UAE, with shopping malls on almost every corner and affordable lucury as they say. There’s an odd bargain on electronics than in other places in the world. Malls in the city look more like a fantasy.

The Souk Madinat and Madinat Jumeirah Hotel has a waterway which transports shoppers, from one shop or restaurant to another. Mall of the Emirates boasts an indoor ski with real snow. The Khan Murjan souk connects to Wafi Mall, which houses luxury brands like Chanel, Marks & Spencer, and Mont Blanc.

3. The Gold Souk

Dubai is the best place to go for cheap gold. You can stroll through Gold Souk for gold, platinum, diamonds and occasionally silver. What’s good is that the government keeps tight control over the authenticity of all gold merchandise. So rest assured it is real. Plus, you can haggle with the vendor.

If you’re looking at unique designs, you can go to Gold & Diamond Park. Jewelers recreate pieces for you at a fraction of the cost.

4. Brunch

There’s nothing better to do on a Friday morning than enjoy brunch with your friends and loved ones. If you fancy indulging alfresco, the excellent Mina A’ Salam Brunch has outdoor seating, live cooking stations and a kids’ club.

5. Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is the seven-star hotel is one of the few buildings that dominate the Dubai skyline. The only way to get inside without paying for a room is to book a table at one of the hotel’s expensive restaurants. The Burj Al Arab has an impressive exterior as it has a captivating exterior structure.

6. The Traditional Dubai

Dubai is not all buildings. There are still parts of traditional Dubai –fishing villages like the Bastakia Quarter, Dubai Creek, and Bur Dubai district – full of art galleries and cafés. You will find fine fabrics at the textile souk, and then on to the Creek for a scenic tour. The Dubai Museum showcases the rich history of how oil and ambition mixed to make this modern oasis.

7. Man-Made Islands

Dubai is a home to mega projects like man-made islands. The palm-tree shaped Palm Jumeirah, which the city bills as the eighth wonder of the world. Jebel Ali and Deira are also two modern islands, and The World –an upcoming archipelago of islands that forms a world map.

8. The Beach

Al Mamzar, a public beach near the neighboring emirate of Sharjah is a good choice. You can also go to Jumeirah Beach Park or Kite Beach which was named after its popularity with the city’s kite-surfers. For a more luxurious beach experience, you can try Le Meridien Mina Seyahi.

9. The Desert

Your Dubai escapade won’t be complete without a visit to the desert. You can book a desert safari trip to the dunes. The package also includes BBQs, traditional dance performance (belly dancing and tanoura dance), and henna painting services.

10. Golf

One of the few obsessions in Dubai is Golf. Rub elbows with celebrities on the green. You can head straight to the Emirates Golf Club, which hosts the annual Dubai Desert Classic. The Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club boasts an impressive clubhouse whose architecture echoes that of the Sydney Opera House. You can also take a swing at the Tiger Woods Dubai, a private golf community and resort designed by Tiger Woods.

11. Skydiving

A trip to Dubai wouldn’t be complete without skydiving in Dubai. Fit for adrenaline junkies, a tandem skydive from 13,000 feet above the Palm Jumeirah is mostly in everyone’s Dubai bucket list. The incredible SkyDive Dubai experience is not complete without skydivers who provide coaching, a full-service rigging loft, and free load organising.

12. Spa

From full-body treatments to traditional hammams, Dubai is filled with amazing spas. It has been a part of Dubai lifestyle. This is why adding some luxurious spa to your Dubai itinerary is something you wouldn’t regret.

SEE ALSO: 35 Free Things to do in Dubai with Kids

13. Marathon

Throughout the year, Dubai hosts a load of fun runs and marathons for sports and fitness enthusiasts. Ranging from beginner to advanced levels, 5 km to 10 km runs, you can find just the right marathon to join in.

14. Art Galleries

Dubai is also a popular hub for the Arts. There are three areas which house art galleries in Dubai –DIFC, Bastakiya, and Al Quoz. Similarly, huge art events like the Art Dubai are held every year showcasing artists from around the globe.

15. Pottery studio

Want to learn a new craft? You can always learn new skills from dozens of choices available. Pottery making is becoming popular in Dubai. Yadawei teaches pottery and ceramics. Students will learn how to use the pottery wheel and create their own hand-made decors.

16. Dance lessons

Learning a new skill is never easy but with tons of options to choose from in Dubai, it becomes a lot easier. Dance lessons are becoming the latest craze in Dubai. From salsa, to hip-hop, contemporary and traditional belly dance, everyone seems to be hitting the dance floor.

17. The XLine

The new ultimate zipline, the “XLine” has been the talk of the town since Prince Hamdan tried it himself. You will take off from the top of Burj Residences 3 and travel all the way across Burj Lake, landing on top of the mall.

18. Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding is one of the fun activities you can do in Dubai’s beaches. For beginners, you can learn from skilled instructors and you can be gliding the seas in no time.

19. Survival Academy

Challenge yourself if you can survive in the wild with a Survival Academy course. Students can learn how to make a fire, gut a fish, create a makeshift shelter and perform first aid.

20. Meditation walk

Feeling stressed out most of the time? Meditation can do the trick. The UAE Meditates organizes a Conscious Walk on Kite Beach. While walking for 30 minutes with your eyes fixed on the floor, you can be conscious of the present and feel rejuvenated after the walk.

The meditations are conducted every fortnight. For more information, check out their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/theuaemeditates

Location: Kite Beach, Jumeirah

21. Archery tag

Now you can play dodgeball, paintball and archery tag in one place – Flip Out Dubai. This is a famous place for kids and kids at heart to practice their Hunger Games moves.

22. Bike underwater

Getting tired of biking the ordinary way? Try an extraordinary workout routine and do some underwater stationary biking. Aquabiking is an indoor spin class suitable for beginners and non-swimmers.

23. Dubai Coffee Museum

The largest in the Middle East, Dubai Coffee Museum houses collection from First World War coffee grinders and brewing pots which are centuries old. You can sit and have coffee here and just travel back time.

24. Dine in the dark

This trend is a not a new one among foodies. Dining in the dark has become a world trend, which lets you savour the flavour of the food more by eliminating your sense of sight. Dinner takes place in complete darkness at Noire, with waiters equipped with night vision goggles to lead you to your table.

25. Dead Sea in Dubai

Have you always wanted to float in the Dead Sea in Jordan? You can do it in Dubai. Start your Dead Sea journey by visiting Saray Spa at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel. You can chill in a private flotation pool, mud mask and massage services.

Do you have any other suggestions or places to add to the list above? Share with us through the comments below.