10+ Things to Do in Dubai for Adults

Dubai is a glittering playground for grown up vacations - from sophisticated dinner cruises to adventurous speedboat sightseeing and days spent relaxing at the beach.

Published: July 18, 2024
A tourist takes a photo of the Dubai skyline

Dubai is a glittering, modern city, filled with top-notch attractions to appeal to every interest. Whether you’re interested in exploring the history of this amazing destination or you just want to enjoy the beaches and the sunny weather, you’ll find something delightful to do during your time in Dubai. So, if you’re looking for things to do in Dubai for adults, we made a list of activities that couples and groups of friends will enjoy, including...

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour
  • Island Beach Getaway Cruise in Abu Dhabi
  • Burj Khalifa At the Top
  • Royal Safari Experience
  • Ski Dubai Polar Pass
  • RIB Speedboat Sightseeing Tour
  • and more!

Hop-on Hop-off Dubai bus tour

First things first, why not see all the best sights and sounds of Dubai on a comprehensive Big Bus Dubai tour. It’s a good introduction to the city for first-time or infrequent visitors, and there are multiple routes to choose from. Highlights from different routes include the Burj Khalifa, Heritage Village, Spice Souk, City Walk, Mall of Emirates, Pier 7, and many more. Big Bus Dubai gives you the flexibility to hop off and visit the things that catch your interest.

Speedboat sightseeing tour

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Getting out on the water is a must when visiting this sun-soaked desert city. Aboard this hair-raising speedboat ride, you’ll take an adventurous cruise around the Palm and enjoy the magnificent 360-degree views of Dubai's best bits. You'll see the city's shimmering skyline, the luxurious hotels, the Sheiks' palaces, and the stunning, sail-shaped Burj al-Arab. Bring your camera along for those all-important photo opportunities.

At the Top - Burj Khalifa

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Travelers of all stripes won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to see the view from the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa. At the Top: Burj Khalifa is the observation deck of this stunning architectural marvel, located on the 124th and 125th floors. Enjoy interactive media displays on the way up and at the top. Once there, you’ll get panoramic vistas of the city, the beach, and the arid desert that surrounds Dubai. Don't forget your camera!

Activities at Atlantis the Palm

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Kick back and relax at Atlantis the Palm, one of the best resorts in Dubai. And you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy their enchanting offerings. Enjoy a day of exciting splashy fun at Aquaventure Waterpark, packed with exhilarating rides and slides. Or, learn about the countless exotic marine creatures at the Lost Chambers Aquarium, which has 20+ exhibits for you to explore. Then, spend an afternoon relaxing on the beach. Bliss!

Royal Safari Experience

Delight in an evening safari adventure as you roam the Arabian desert and try dune bashing through the shifting sand. Your destination is the Arabian Fortress, where you’ll be greeted with an array of traditional fare, like Arabic coffee and dates. Watch the sun set over the desert (a romantic activity for couples) and enjoy authentic Arabic activities and demonstrations like henna painting and traditional dancing. Then, indulge in a five-star dinner buffet and perhaps some shisha to unwind.

Dubai dinner cruises

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If you’re looking for a romantic excursion or a friends-only adventure in Dubai, a dinner cruise is a safe bet. There are plenty of options to choose from, so it’s just a matter of which sounds the most appealing. A sunset dinner cruise in Dubai Marina is perhaps best for a date where you can see the city come alive while the sun sets. The Dhow dinner cruise has the potential for some couple-centric fun and plenty of opportunities just to enjoy the good food and sightseeing of Dubai Creek.

Arabian Culinary Experience

If a dinner cruise isn't your thing, but you and your significant other still want to sample the tasty local cuisine, then try out this unique Arabian Culinary Experience. Hosted at Al Hallab restaurant (with locations in the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates), this exciting adventure into international cuisine is sure to please.

Specializing in traditional Lebanese cuisine, Al Hallab features a wide variety of traditional mezze, grilled meats, salads, desserts, and other delicacies. What better way to get an overview of the real flavors of the region?

Ski Dubai Polar Pass

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Who says Dubai is all heat and desert? Slide into the world of Ski Dubai for an unbeatable indoor skiing experience. Your Ski Slope pass offers you the freedom to choose from a number of activities. Whether you want to ski the day away, try your hand at snowboarding, or ride a toboggan, you’ll have the best time enjoying winter sports together. Keep an eye out for some of the park’s more curious visitors with a Snow Classic pass – the Gentoo and king penguins that wander around throughout the day.

RIB Speedboat sightseeing tour

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Another great way to see the city is from the water – a unique perspective that a bus tour simply can’t replicate. The Speedboat Sightseeing Tour is a particularly exciting option for water-borne adventurers, offering insights and commentary at high speeds for 90 minutes. You'll get mesmerizing views of the skyline around Dubai Marina and the surrounding waterfront. 

iFly Indoor Skydiving

stand up paddleboarding Dubai Marina

Soar through the air on a skydiving expedition, without the flight. iFly Indoor Skydiving is a distinctive experience that offers the fun and exhilaration of skydiving and bungee jumping. Don’t be intimidated if you don’t have any experience, either – new skydivers are welcome and the event itself is pretty low-key for first-time flyers. 

Watersports around Dubai Marina

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There are few things more delightful than visiting a beach city with friends or loved ones. Take advantage of Dubai’s amazing beaches with some water activities. Do some active sightseeing by way of stand-up paddleboarding, or try something new with a windsurfing lesson. If you need something more relaxing, just enjoy the scenery on a kayak tour. Whichever option you choose, you’ll get to make the most of the sun and surf of this desert paradise.

Rock Republic climbing walls

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Active couples and friends will want to challenge themselves – and each other! – at Rock Republic Bouldering Gym. They welcome climbers of all levels of experience and fitness, so no need to already be a rock wall junkie to participate, though you're bound to be hooked. Enjoy the freedom to climb a variety of walls at different fitness levels, as long as you’d like.

Go-karting

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Strap in for an electro-powered thrill ride on an awesome go-kart at E-Kart Zabeel. You'll get behind the wheel of the latest generation of electric go-karts and enjoy a blast around a state-of-the-art track. Competitive racers among your party will delight in seeing times shared on the scoreboard at the end. What are you waiting for? Let's ride!

Save up to 50% on Dubai attractions  

Discover our full line-up of Dubai attractions, from At the Top - Burj Khalifa to Dubai Miracle Garden.

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Dubai Airport Transfers and Transit

Picture the scene, if you will. You've booked your trip to Dubai, and you're excited. Looking forward to the warm weather and sunny days, you pack your bag with all your summer bits. You board the plane, eager for the long trip to be over so you can step into the desert oasis that is Dubai. You wake just as the pilot announces that your journey is nearly over. The wheels hit the tarmac, and your heart skips a beat. It's finally time. But when you finally get through security and leave the airport, this feeling washes over you. You brush it off at first; surely it's just nerves bundled with excitement? You head to a bus stop, but you can't read the listings. You open your GPS app, and you're having trouble connecting. The world begins to close in on you, choking you with all its sunny goodness. What if you never find your hotel? What if you're stuck here, on the cusp of paradise, doomed never to see Dubai in all its glory? Just like that movie with Tom Hanks, where he hangs out in an airport for years. Airport jail, probably Now imagine none of this happened, because you booked an airport transfer weeks ago, and your driver's here to greet you with a smile and some sweet aviator shades. Feeling like a diplomat, or someone of equal import, you shimmy into the backseat of an air-conditioned vehicle, and before you know it, you arrive at your hotel. Doesn't that sound way better than the whole 'eternal airport limbo' we made up earlier? So, here's everything you need to know about travel from Dubai airport, including transfers! Travel in Dubai - how long are airport transfers? The good news is that, if you're staying in the city center, it's only a 3-mile drive from Dubai International Airport. This will take roughly 25 minutes, or double that if you're staying in Downtown Dubai. Travel in Dubai - why you should book a transfer from the airport As a stranger in a strange land, it couldn't hurt to get some know-how from the locals. And that's what you'll get in spades if you book an airport transfer. Cab drivers will be able to provide you with local tips and tricks with a vacation twist, so be sure to strike up a conversation and see what tasty gossip nuggets you can mine. Besides, you may have already started celebrating your vacation on the plane, so leaving the driving up to someone else might be the best, and legal, course of action! We've touched on the stress many holiday-goers can feel when they leave the airport in an unfamiliar place. Not knowing the local language can be a barrier between you and public transport. So it's good to know that when you get off the plane, you'll have a car and driver waiting for you, who knows exactly where to take you! And better still, as they know your route, you'll already have a pre-agreed price. Hell, you may have already paid for the trip. With airport transfers, you don't have to worry about getting scammed or overcharged, or having enough local currency on you to pay. Travel in Dubai - types of transfer vehicles from the airport Cheapest - shuttle A cheap and cheerful shuttle will certainly do the job, with prices around $7-10. However, you will be traveling with others, and that may mean you end up making multiple stops before your desired destination. That also means your journey will be significantly longer at around 60 minutes, and you'll only have a small personal allowance for luggage. If you're traveling in a group, you're probably better off with one of the more expensive alternatives. Small group - private car These come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, with some (around $25) allowing up to 3 passengers, and others like mini-buses (around $35), allowing up to 7 passengers. The quality/brand of the vehicle will determine the price you pay, with classier rides being significantly more expensive for the same short journey. But hey, if you want to pay over $200 to ride in style for 15 minutes, you do you! Large group - coach This one's for the extended family-type trips, where you meet three cousins you never knew existed. Seating anywhere from 35 up to 50 people, you'll pay handsomely for the privilege, but it's unarguably the best way for huge groups to travel. Travel in Dubai - final tips on airport transfers Whenever you book a transfer, make sure to research the travel company online to see their reviews. That way, you hopefully won't be surprised by false advertising, or end up in a car that's falling apart. Make sure that your luggage allowance is enough for the transfer vehicle you hire! At best, you might be stuck with heavy bags on your lap for the journey. At worst, they might refuse to take you entirely! If your driver is super helpful and goes above and beyond in regards to their advice, hints and tips, or they're clearly making an effort to be chatty, be sure to tip them right back. But like, with money rather than life advice or anything. And finally, make sure you keep all receipts/emails with your booking info handy, either printed out on paper or on your phone's mailbox. That way, if you do run into any problems, you'll have quick access to the info you'll need to resolve the problem! And that about covers everything you need to know about air travel and transfers in Dubai Airport! Looking for fun in Dubai without the fuss? Look no further than Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. If you seek some extreme sports to get the blood pumping, why not check out our guide to the best thrill-seeking activities in the city? Live for the night? Read up on our recommendations for the best neon-soaked activities. Hungry and want to know what's good? We've got you covered, thanks to your ultimate guide to the best eats in Dubai.
Dom Bewley
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Dubai Family Vacation Ideas - Attractions, Activities & Things to Do

We all love those family vacation memories, so we've rounded up our favorite Dubai family vacation ideas. Whether you’re spending endless days on the beach or cramming in as much sightseeing as humanly possible, those times spent with family are some of the best we’ll ever have. If you’re planning a family vacation to Dubai and are in search of those perfect family-friendly ideas, check out this post for inspiration. We’ll direct you to our favorite things to do with our families, from amusement parks to indoor skydiving. Our top Dubai family vacation ideas include: Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis the Palm Burj Khalifa 1 Day 2 Parks Hopper at Dubai Parks & Resorts Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Dubai Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis the Palm Ski Dubai Indoor Skiing iFLY Indoor Skydiving IMG Worlds of Adventure The Green Planet Save on Dubai Family Vacation Attraction Ideas Regular admission to a number of these family-friendly attractions is available on the Go Dubai Card. Choose as you go from top visited attractions and save up to 52% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Learn more about our Dubai passes, attractions and prices. Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Dubai The Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour – 1 Day Ticket is one of the best ways to get around to all of the top sights in Dubai. The bus allows for a super flexible day of sightseeing. Consult the schedule beforehand and figure out where you want to be! You can hop on or off at any stop and explore all that Dubai has to offer. The Hop On Hop Off Bus stops at popular landmarks like Pier 7 Marina, Tallest Block skyscrapers, Heritage Village, and Dubai Fountain (home of the Burj Khalifa). It also stops at a handful of Dubai's most popular beaches - do we see a beach day on the horizon?! Getting in: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Dubai Tour: 1-Day tickets are included on Go Dubai Card. iFly Indoor Skydiving Another out-of-the-ordinary indoor experience is a flight at iFly. At iFly Indoor Skydiving, the motto is: no plane, no parachute, no problem! Defy gravity and experience the rush of freefalling without having to jump out of anything. Within the safety of the controlled environment, you'll experience the sensation skydivers do when they float through the air. Visitors of all ages are welcome to test their bravery on this flight experience. It's the perfect thing to do together as a family of thrill-seekers. Getting in: iFly Indoor Skydiving tickets are included on Go Dubai Card. IMG Worlds of Adventure Get transported to another universe at the world's largest indoor theme park. With five themed zones featuring popular characters from Cartoon Network and MARVEL, kids of all ages will enjoy a day at IMG. From thrill rides to haunted houses and everything in between, IMG Worlds of Adventure is a one-of-a-kind experience. Get haunted at the Haunted Hotel, an interactive maze so terrifying only visitors 15 and older can visit. If you're a total thrill-seeker, take a spin on Thor Thunder Spin, The Velociraptor, or Predator. You'll defy gravity on each ride, as you shoot out in a roller coaster and take on twists and turns at top-speed. Getting in: IMG Worlds of Adventure tickets are included on Go Dubai Card. Remember to Save on Family Friendly Admission There you go. A few suggestions for attractions and activities for your upcoming Dubai family vacation. There are lots of Dubai family attractions to see and your family will probably have a fantastic time at all of them. Regular admission to a number of these family-friendly attractions is available on the Go Dubai Card. We hope you consider adding some of these fun ideas to your family vacation itinerary.
Nicole Muto
Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner in Dubai | Go Dubai Pass
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4 Days in Dubai - Itinerary

Picture the scene - you're on your plane ride to Dubai. Brilliant. However, over the tannoy, you hear terrifying news. The pilot is out cold. Shocking! For some reason, the attendants turn to you. Begrudgingly, you take the controls and wrestle this bird down towards the runway. You do so with a finesse you didn't know you had, and the passengers cheer your name as you land safely. You made it; congrats. You're here. But what do you do after all those heroics? You've only got 4 days in Dubai, and you're woefully unprepared. Stay calm, hero. You just saved a plane full of theoretical people. Breathe deep, and grab your reading glasses. We've put together an itinerary for your 4 days in Dubai. Now read, and cry tears of joy. Your vacation is saved. Day 1 Morning You've probably eaten on the plane, so let's get straight to the fun stuff. Kick things off with a blood-pumping visit to Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm. Arguably Dubai's best water park, it features tons of amazing rides, slides, and everything in between. Noon Time for a bite to eat. There are tons of restaurants available, so it's really up to you. Go with something close to Aquaventure, or venture further afield to get something up your alley. Then, we suggest you visit Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. The highlight is the long underwater tunnel you'll travel through to get to the aquarium proper. See sharks, rays, and other oddities up close. Night Time for dinner. Grab a bite to eat at one of Dubai's brilliant restaurants, and then prepare for more water. It's a water day, so take to the seas and see the sights on an Ain Dubai boat tour. It's the perfect way to end the day while ticking one of your sightseeing checkboxes. Glide past the massive Ain Dubai observation wheel, see the beauty of Dubai Marina, and then head home for some much-needed shut-eye. Day 2 Morning Rise and shine, sleepy head. There's vacationing to be done! We're brunching, baby, so head down to Bubbalicious in the Marriott's Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. Get your fill of bottomless lobster, curry, steak, Asian dishes, roasted meats, and much more. Noon After your lazy and satisfying morning, why not hit up the beach? Dubai has tons of brilliant beach spaces, but we'd recommend heading to Jumeirah Beach Residence - or JBR. This massive beach has everything you could ever want - clean white sand, warm blue water, and enough space to stretch out and make the most of it. Relax, let your food settle, and prepare for the evening's shenanigans. Night Grab a bite to eat, and prepare for scares at No Way Out, Dubai's premier escape rooms! Pick from 10 spooky rooms, including authentic offerings from the IT and Ring universes, and contend with traps, puzzles, and creepy actors trying to scare you senseless. If you're looking for a more passive experience, head to the interactive horror cinema and experience 5D thrills and chills as actors sneak up on you during the film's scariest bits! Day 3 Morning Get some breakfast at the hotel, and then prepare for a morning desert safari through Dubai's dunes! With a lift to and from your hotel, you'll be able to enjoy camel riding, sand skiing, and even driving on a quad bike or dune buggy without worrying about getting home. Noon Next up on our list is the theme park with the fastest rollercoaster on Earth. Where else would you find such a thing than at Ferrari World? It's called the Formula Rossa and barrels your forward at speeds up to 150mph in 4.9 seconds. That's 5Gs of force, which is equivalent to F1 racecar drivers. So, if you've ever wanted to experience the feeling of speeding down the racetrack, this is it! Night After a day of thrills, spills, and avoiding your ills, head to Bagatelle to see out your day. You'll be sure of a delicious meal thanks to the authentic French cuisine, with the likes of snails and frogs legs sure to sparkle the senses. But the real reason you'll spend your evening at Bagatelle is the nightlife. After dark, it transforms into a lively pseudo-club with live music, an enviable drinks menu, and plenty of room to dance! Now go to bed; you've got one day of Dubai left! Day 4 Morning It's nearly over. Sad times. Get your morning started with a trip to one of Dubai's brilliant beach clubs. You'll be able to kick back, relax, get a light bite to eat, and even have a dip in a pool if you play your cards right! Noon Then, after your relaxing morning, try some chilly thrills at Ski Dubai! It's the world's largest indoor ski center and caters to both seasoned vets and complete newbies alike! With plenty of slopes to overcome, you can try your hand at skiing, snowboarding, or snow sledding. It's completely up to you. You'll even have the chance to see a family of penguins at certain times of the day. If the heat's overbearing, Ski Dubai is the best place to cool down. Night And now, to end your 4 days in Dubai, we'll end events with a delightful trip to the desert for some food and entertainment! On this desert safari and BBQ dinner extravaganza, you'll see out your vacation with a relaxing return to Dubai's dunes. You'll be chaperoned from your hotel in a plush, air-conditioned 4x4 and head into the desert. Make sure you snap pictures of the beautiful surrounding as the sun goes down. Then, you'll reach camp and be treated to a mouth-watering menu of BBQ meat and veg that will fill you to bursting. Then, sit back and enjoy the evening's entertainment. Watch authentic belly dancing, smoke up a shisha storm, ride a camel, and even get a henna tattoo. Then, get a lift back to your hotel and prepare to leave. It's all over, but your memories will last forever - as long as you took some photos. After all, your brain isn't what it once was. And that rounds out our itinerary to 4 days in Dubai! If some of our suggestions aren't up your street, check out the massive list of experiences on offer at Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley

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