Top 10 Things You Absolutely Must Not Miss in Dubai

18/3/2025

Top 10 Things You Absolutely Must Not Miss in Dubai

The total number of international visitors in Dubai from January to May 2021 was 2.06 million. Among international visitors, a substantial number of travellers arrive from India. As per statistics, 6,67,000 Indian visitors arrived in Dubai during January-October 2021. The reason behind such a surge in numbers is not just the fascinating beaches, beautiful skyline and 3.5 hours flight journey from India, but the several entertainment options available in this city.

Sunset Skyline, Dubai

With the above fundamental stats, it is quite evident that this city is mostly celebrated by the Indians. As there are similarities between cultures, interests and practices followed traditionally. However, Indians have to opt for related documents and clear paper works before visiting Dubai. Access to entry cannot happen without having a visa and other related documents. Therefore, Indians must apply for a tourist visa before visiting Dubai. The Dubai tourist visa for Indians is a permit for travellers to enjoy a seamless travel experience. This particular visa for Indians will be issued on arrival and has a validity period of 14 days. Additionally, the time period may be extended for a similar period, one time only. You should read this travel guide before visiting Dubai, as it'll save your time to find the flights, hotels and places to visit.

10 things you should definitely not miss in Dubai

Although there is a plethora of activities travellers can do in Dubai, they should include some must-see places and must-do activities in their travel itinerary. The activities to pick and choose are as follows:

1. Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi

Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi

An indoor theme park located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World, is an entertainment hub for any age group. Motor enthusiasts will also find this destination attractive due to motorsports such as racing. Other than this, the place offers 4D shows, a display of Ferrari car models, roller coasters, gondola rides with a twist and other fun shows.

Also Read: Abu Dhabi's Renowned Liwa Date Festival

2. Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort and a part of the Mall of Emirates, enabling travellers to ski or snowboard. Both amateurs and professionals can enjoy this setting. Individuals with kids travelling between 1st to 25th December this year can witness the charming “Winter Wonderland at Ski Dubai” where they can build a snowman, visit Santa village and meet Santa.
Further, they can catch the penguin show at regular intervals.

3. Mall of Emirates

Burj al-Arab, Dubai

Forbes named the Mall of Emirates as one of the top five shopping malls in Dubai in 2017. One must not miss this entertainment destination while visiting Dubai, as it comes with several eating, shopping, and gaming options. Furthermore, individuals inclined towards cultural programs can visit the Dubai Community Theatre and Art Centre (DUCTAC)

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4. Kidzania

Individuals travelling with their kids must make a note of this entertainment zone located in the Dubai mall. One can often see this indoor playground sprawling with realistic setups where kids can pretend to work in 40+ job roles. Finding an engagement for children while travelling in Dubai might not be a hassle anymore due to this spot.

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5. Dancing Fountain at Dubai Mall

Amidst shopping and eating at the Dubai mall, one must make it a point to see the dancing fountain show. This tourist attraction is an absolute delight due to the presence of 6,600 lights and 50 colour projectors and a 275m fountain that shoots water up to 500 ft. accompanied by Arabic and world-class music.

6. Atlantis, The Palm

Travellers can enjoy a day-out in this luxurious resort situated on Palm Jumeirah Island. Some of the places to explore during their stay are:

Dolphin Bay
Adventure water park
Lost chambers aquarium

7. Wild Wadi Waterpark

This outdoor water park in Dubai, near Jumeirah, serves as an ideal entertainment spot for families. In Wild Wadi, one can choose from the themed rides for an adrenaline rush and experience an adventure-filled day in this waterpark.

8. Sand Dunes

A visit to this desert city is incomplete without the sand dunes tour. One can experience adventure activities in Dubai including desert safari with BBQ dinner, sandboarding, camel rides and live shows for a fun-packed 6 to 7 hours. However, this entertainment is not meant for children below 3 years.

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9. The Beaches

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Travellers can also surf, swim and soak in the Sun lovely by visiting some famous beaches in Dubai. Some of the white sand beaches in this city are:

Jumeirah public beach
Kite beach
Ghantoot beach
Mercato beach
Burj Al Arab beach
La Mer
Umm Sequim beach
Al Mamzar beach park
The beach
Sheraton Jumeirah beach

10. Observation Deck at Burj Al Khalifa

Burj al-Khalifa, Dubai

To witness the spectacular Dubai skyline and the mesmerising landscape from the topmost point of the Burj Khalifa monument, one can visit observation decks situated on level 125 that goes up to 148. The view from such a height is an experience of a lifetime that must not be missed at any cost.

Checklist to prepare for the Dubai Trip

Other than the aforementioned places, one must include some essential pointers in the checklist for a successful Dubai trip. Without these considerations, it might not be possible for travellers to make a proper trip. Here are some basics to consider while preparing a checklist:

1. Get your travel visa

Indian passport holders travelling to Dubai for tourist purposes can apply for a Dubai visa online. While applying for a visa, individuals need to furnish certain documents such as the first and last page of a passport, passport-size photographs, and confirmed return air tickets.

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2. Get your international travel insurance

It is also vital for visitors to obtain travel insurance online and cover the expenses that may come up during any unfortunate incidents while on the Dubai trip. An international travel insurance policy provides a substantial coverage limit, including medical coverage. In addition to this, considering the pandemic situation, individuals can buy international travel insurance along with COVID-19 cover from reputed insurers.

3. Know all the health advisories in place

Travellers must be aware of the health advisories before planning a trip to Dubai. For instance, visitors from India must do a COVID-19 PCR test within 48 hours of arrival, and the test report must be negative. Indian travellers must get tested from designated laboratories. Apart from this, individuals must ensure to follow COVID-19 protocols throughout the trip.

4. Know about the vaccinations required

As per the recent travel guidelines, tourists visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) should be vaccinated with one of the WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines. Other than this, as per WHO protocols, travellers must have vaccinations for hepatitis A, B, yellow fever, typhoid, rabies etc., for travelling to UAE.
Travelling to this desert city can be an experience of a lifetime if one follows the proper safety and health protocols. However, before planning a trip to Dubai, travellers must ensure to follow the aforementioned list of places and the respective activities for complete entertainment.