Things to do in Dubai for a Birthday

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
Things to do for your birthday in Dubai

Birthday person! Your time is nigh. The big day approaches, and you've decided to travel to magical Dubai to enact your birthday celebrations. But what wonderful wonders await you in this desert paradise? Time to find out. Put on your birthday helmet, and strap up your birthday boots, because we're about to tell you about the best things to do in Dubai for a birthday! Are you ready? Let's go.

Including:

  • Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm
  • Ski Dubai - Snow Classic
  • Black Pearl Sightseeing Cruise
  • 4x4 Quad Bike Tour in the Desert
  • iFly Dubai Indoor Skydiving
  • and more!

Go on an underwater adventure

Things to do in Dubai for a Birthday

Want to spend your birthday frolicking under the ocean? Of course you do, birthday person. And now you can, thanks to the Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm. While it's geared to thrill seekers of all ages, that doesn't mean you can't live out your inner kid on one of the many slides, rides, and other experiences!

Do you have the steel to ride the Leap of Faith? This speedy slide plummets straight through a shark-filled lagoon at a breakneck pace. Will the sharks get you? We know they have a taste for birthday people.

Or date to challenge the god of the sea himself at Poseidon's Revenge. Enter one of his devious capsules and prepare to plummet down at speeds of 60mph.

And after all the excitement, you can go and lounge at one of the many relaxation stations, and grab a bite to eat should you need to refuel.

The perfect answer to cooling off in Dubai's famous heat, Aquaventure Waterpark is easily one of the best things to do in Dubai for a birthday!

 

There's snow way

Things to do in Dubai for a Birthday

Skiing is generally undertaken in colder environments, so it may surprise you to find out that Dubai has its very own winter paradise, thanks to Ski Dubai Snow Classic. There are even penguins, if you can believe it.

At the world's largest indoor ski park - because of course it's indoors - you'll be free to ski, board, or sled down its multiple courses and over its many snowy hills. You can even ride inside a giant snowball, which needs to be seen to be believed.

Test your mettle on the Mountain Thriller toboggan experience, and even ride a chairlift up to the top to see amazing views of the entire complex. And then there are the penguins, who you can admire from a distance.

And if you're not a pro, or don't fancy lugging your kit abroad, do not worry a bit. All the gear, from the jackets to the boots, is provided on entry.

So, go tear up the slopes, you legend.

 

Welcome to the Caribbean, love

Things to do in Dubai for a Birthday

Want to sail the seven seas and live the pirate's life on your birthday, birthday person? Well, now you can, thanks to Captain Jack Sparrow himself! The darling, and the only real reason to watch any of the Pirates movies, is back and ready to steer your birthday towards treasure. Yarr!

Hop aboard the Black Pearl herself and take a tour of the waves around Dubai. You'll travel through the stunning Ras al Khor (Dubai Creek Harbour) and on to Mohamed Bin Rashid, where you'll pause to marvel at the views of the Burj Khalifa. Each provides the perfect picture opportunity should you wish to make your colleagues back home jealous. Plus, ask nicely enough, and maybe even Captain Jack himself will take some time away from his vocal guiding to pose with you.

Swashbuckling fun and a delightful ride, this tour is definitely one of the most pirate-y things to do in Dubai for a birthday!

 

On all 4's

Things to do in Dubai for a Birthday

Calling all speed freaks out there. Yes, even you, birthday person! Ever wanted to live out your wildest desert fantasies that include camels? Well, now you can, thanks to this camel, sandboarding, and quad biking adventure over Dubai's dunes.

It all starts at your hotel, where you'll be picked up and driven to base camp (very cool). Then, you'll hop on a camel for a morning ride through the desert (super cool). Once you're done channeling your inner Lawrence of Arabia, you'll sand cruise through one of the biggest dunes in the region (really cool). And finally, you'll end your adventure by riding freaking quadbikes on a specially designed track (mega cool).

So go get sandy. It may be coarse, rough, and irritating, and get everywhere, but that doesn't mean it can't make for some rip-roaring birthday fun.

 

I fly, you fly, everybody flies

Things to do in Dubai for a Birthday

Ever wanted to jump out of a plane and feel the wind blast against your body as your plummet towards the Earth? Perhaps the whole 'risking your life' bit might put a spanner in the works? Well, spanner no more, birthday friend, because iFLY Indoor Skydiving takes the fear out of flying!

As the name suggests, this indoor skydiving center specializes in indoor thrill-seeking experiences. Prepare to be suspended in mid-air with constant wind speeds of up to 200 kph, which is a lot of kph. You'll have the chance to try 2 one-minute flights, and it's perfect for newbies and experts alike. New to this skydiving game? Learn how to control your body and make the most of it. Been there, done it before? Feel free to go wild and pop some shapes, you absolute unit.

Either way, a certified flight instructor will be on hand to give you tips, and all the equipment is included. So what's your excuse? You have no excuse.

Ride for your life

Things to do in Dubai for a Birthday

Ever watched racing and thought you could do better? Put your money where your mouth is, birthday person, and hop into an E-Kart for some heart-pumping racing! Yeaaah!

In the future, all products will have e's in front of them. Finish your e-toast before heading to work. And don't forget your e-umbrella, because it's forecast to e-rain. Well, that future is partly here, thanks to E-Karts, the latest generation of electronic go-karts.

Take your positions, wait for the green lights, and then pulverize your friends as your race for the finish line in a 7-minute race. Then gloat when you win; the perfect birthday gift.

 

And that's our list of the best things to do in Dubai for a birthday! Wondering what to do with the rest of your vacation? Why not check out Go City? With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. There's so much to do, see, and experience that no matter what you decide to do, you'll love your time in the city! So grab a Dubai attraction pass and get exploring!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Abra boats waiting to cross Dubai Creek
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Things to do in Old Dubai

‘Old’ and ‘Dubai’ aren’t necessarily words that fit together comfortably with our image of the emirate as a new city rising out of the sands of the desert. However, there is an Old Dubai, and it’s one of the richest areas for atmosphere and authenticity. Straddling both sides of Dubai Creek’s northernmost portions, things to do in Old Dubai aren’t difficult to find. Top attractions are found dotted throughout the neighborhoods which form the district. Running clockwise these are Deira, Al Seef, Al Fahidi and Al Shindagha. From museum spaces to historic marketplaces, here’s our guide to the wonders of Old Dubai. Get your taste buds popping When hunger beckons, quick and tasty eats appear to lie on every street corner of Old Dubai. The most popular spots are busy from mid-morning onwards, with shawarma wraps feeding the neighborhood’s hungry alongside Indian snack foods such as samosas – the best are found around the Indian enclave of Meena Bazaar. But if you can, it’s worth lingering over the flavors of Old Dubai to appreciate them fully. Take a walk through Deira’s traditional Spice Souk, where spices are piled in great mounds, and your senses will be opened to a world of colors, smells, sounds and tastes. The market’s teas make particularly good souvenirs, just don’t forget to haggle! An often overlooked aspect of Emirati culture is its tea drinking ceremonies, which can be explored at the Arabian Tea House a block away from the Dubai Museum. A visitor-friendly space combining authenticity with comfy cushions, the tea house has 150 different brews to choose between, as well as platters of delicious local sweets including syrup-soaked khabisah. Getting about Old Dubai you’ll probably find yourself crossing Dubai Creek at one point or another, whether by bridge, tunnel or abra small boat. However, to discover the importance of this waterway to the development of Dubai, a dedicated tour – such as a dhow dinner cruise – is a better option. Delve into the history of Old Dubai As the site of the emirate’s earliest settlement, much of Old Dubai has been preserved and restored to create districts very different from those around the Burj Khalifa. The low-slung buildings made of gypsum and coral stone hint at a proud if humbler past. For a quick-fire guide through culture, seafaring and heritage, slip through the grand entranceway of the Dubai Museum, housed within its oldest building, the Al Fahidi Fort. Constructed in the late 1700s to defend the growing settlement from attack from the sea, it contains a collection of artifacts that show off the skill of artisans hundreds of years before it became known internationally. The Al Shindagha Museum has a similar role to play, with plenty of multimedia additions to bring it all to life. If there’s no time on your itinerary to head out into the Rub Al-Khali desert in the emirate’s far east on a 4x4 quad bike ride or desert safari and BBQ dinner you can still explore some of its archeological wonders at Saruq Al-Hadid Museum. Meaning ‘the way of iron’, it displays iron age objects discovered in the desert by none other than Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Explore your artistic side Although Old Dubai is awash with the past, that doesn’t mean it isn’t also a destination for the culture of the present too. A leading light in contemporary Arab art, XVA Gallery is proud of its location on the creek between Al Fahidi and Al Seef. Along with its café and hotel, it aims to provide a space where the art of the Middle East as well as India can be enjoyed. It hosts regular exhibitions of established and emerging artists to ensure its walls are never the same for long. The nearby Majlis Gallery was once the residence of an interior designer and still has the feel of a home first and foremost. Hosting the works of local and international artists, it continues its ethos of being a ‘majlis’ or meeting place, where people are able to gather to share their common interests. Best of the rest By now you’ll be wanting to give your feet a well earned rest, so make your way to the nearest stop of the city’s Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus. A way of seeing those parts of Old Dubai that extend away from Dubai Creek, its route includes Al Shindagha Heritage Village – a living museum of craftsmen, fishermen and pearl divers – and the souks of Deira. If its Spice Souk impressed, the warren of narrow covered paths that make up the Gold Souk will also be high on your list. One of Dubai’s oldest trading places, there’s enough gold (and silver, platinum and pearls) to support the budget of a small country. Look out for merchants including the producers of the Guinness World Record holder for the longest handmade gold chain. Stretching for 5.5 km of 22 carat gold, it weighed 240 kilos and had four million individual links. For thrills which won’t break the bank, indoor amusement park Magic Planet has some physical rides and arcade-style video games. Children of all ages will find something that suits them, from soft play to a ten pin bowling alley. But for the biggest adrenaline rushes you’ll have to travel out of Old Dubai. Do that, and there’s suddenly a huge range of amusement parks to choose between. For instance, MOTIONGATE contains over 25 different rides and experiences, including roller coasters set around the Hunger Games and Ghostbusters, whilst LEGOLAND Dubai brings the charm of these tiny plastic bricks to the region for the first time. Checking out all the things to do in Old Dubai Having seen millions spent on its restoration and preservation, Old Dubai provides a fascinating insight into the traditions and origins of the modern multicultural city home to around 200 different nationalities. From its restaurants to its museums and its souks, there’s good reason to consider the quick metro ride from other parts of the city to explore. Head for the things to do in Old Dubai with Go City and you’ve also got the chance of reduced admission to many of them!
Ian Packham
Camels in the desert near Dubai
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The waterfront at Dubai Creek in Deira
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Cool things to do in Deira Dubai

Only a short hop from the international airport, Deira still manages to be one of the most charismatic of Dubai’s neighborhoods. Forming a part of Old Dubai, its port continues to be a place for traditional dhow trading vessels to be loaded and unloaded by hand, sailing their small cargoes between Dubai, the Middle East and even India. Its streets are dominated by souks – dedicated to gold, spices and perfumes – where Arabic is still more likely to be heard than English. When it comes to things to do in Deira Dubai there’s also a smattering of small museums and even a beachfront park. Plenty of reasons to take a turn in Dubai’s original downtown district! Enjoy the creek-side setting Long before the observation decks at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, existed and long before Dubai came together with its neighbors to form the United Arab Emirates, there was Deira. As the historic location for mooring dhows, it was the obvious place for the young city’s souks to develop. The simplest of ports, just mooring bollards lining the northern entrance to Dubai Creek, Deira’s ageless waterfront provides a contrast to the usual image of Dubai. Its handcrafted and wooden built ships haven’t changed much in centuries – except for the fact they now contain engines as well as sails. Still dodging the piracy of the high seas, there’s nowhere in Deira with more atmosphere and no better way to discover it than with a creek sightseeing cruise. However, even staying on dry land there are lots of ways to take in the neighborhood’s traditional way of living and working. For instance, Deira’s multitude of souks are a world away from the polished floors and mood music of Dubai’s malls, providing a much more visceral shopping – or window shopping – experience. Choose between the gold, spice and perfume souks depending on what interests you most. Delve into Deira’s history A one minute walk from the Gold Souk is the Dubai Municipality Museum. Fully restored and opened to the public in 2006, it was from this simple building that Dubai was administered for many years. As a result, the museum’s collection uses four main sections to focus on the development of the city and state. An old-school museum with plenty of glass cabinets to gaze into, its upper floor balcony is also a nice place to enjoy life on the street below. The nearby Bait Al Banat – or Women’s Museum – does an important job in highlighting the role of women in a society which historically expected wives, mothers and sisters to stay at home and out of sight. Using historical examples to inspire future generations, gallery one hosts temporary exhibitions and gallery two a semi-permanent collection of archive photographs and contemporary artworks. Dating to 1890, Deira’s self-proclaimed Heritage House has the traditional form of buildings of coral stone and gypsum enclosing a central courtyard. It once belonged to an affluent pearl merchant called Sheikh Ahmed Bin Dalmouk, who also financed the next-door Al Ahmadiya School – one of Dubai’s most prestigious. Step within, and you’ll learn about life behind closed doors, from the majlis meeting place on the ground floor to the kitchens and bathrooms. Relax in Deira’s green spaces A short distance further along the creek from Deira’s wharves, and edged by three of the most luxurious hotels in Deira is Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. A ribbon of verdant green dotted with lakes, bunkers and palms, there are three difficult golf courses to choose between. The average traveler will probably have the most fun at the insta-ready #minigolfdubai course. Although there aren’t any rotating windmills or crazy angles to contend with, there are a series of challenging holes as perfectly manicured as the club’s beginner-friendly nine-hole course or the 7000 yard 18-hole championship course. Greenery without the golf cart can be enjoyed at Al Mamzar Beach Park on a peninsula facing off against Sharjah, Dubai’s neighboring (border-free) emirate. Containing basketball courts, climbing walls and beach volleyball as well as barbecues and plenty of places to sit, swimming is an option from its pools or its multiple beaches. It’s worth noting that Mondays and Wednesdays are women-only days. Together, the golf club and Al Mamzar Beach Park form the main green spaces in Deira. Explore Deira’s newest and oldest structures Because of its status as the second oldest neighborhood in Dubai, new developments are largely reserved for other parts of the city. However, architecture fans won’t be left disappointed. Start at Burj Nahar, a round defensive watchtower constructed in the 1870s. The last of its kind to remain, it’s well worth climbing its steps to add it to your list of places to visit in Deira. Then continue to the contemporary doughnut shaped Chamber of Commerce building on the waterfront. Beside it stands the headquarters of the National Bank of Dubai, whose curved frontage is meant to replicate the sails of the creek’s boats. On the other side of Deira you’ll also find Deira Islands. Made by reclaiming land from the Persian Gulf, the original intention was to create a third Palm. This plan was ruined by the financial crisis of 2008, and it’s only now that these islands are coming to life. For the moment there’s only a handful of hotel’s operating, meaning you’ll have the promised eight kilometers of new beachfront pretty much all to yourself! Go City’s top things to do in Deira It may be just one of Dubai’s districts, but there are still several must see attractions in Deira. Its souks cement it as one of the region’s most important trading areas, whilst its small but interesting museum collections help to reveal its two centuries of culture. Deira is an unmissable part of any trip to Dubai. When looking for the top things to do in Deira and Dubai more widely don’t forget to check out our pre-pay passes. Travel with Go City and you’ll make huge savings on many of the emirate’s top attractions.
Ian Packham

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