Things To Do In Palm Jumeirah During Your Trip to Dubai

By Lindsay Eagan

In a city full of world record breaking wonders and awe-inspiring architecture, the man-made Palm Jumeirah stands out as one of Dubai's most intriguing and enticing areas for visitors and locals alike. Palm Jumeirah is an engineering and design feat, an oasis of luxury and entertainment on the Persian Gulf, situated on an island that resembles a palm tree. From shops, to hotels, to restaurants, and beach clubs the Palm offers something for everyone and is one of the best places in Dubai to relax and soak up the sun. We've drawn up a list of some of the most essential attractions and things to do in Palm Jumeirah on your visit to the Emirate, including:

  • Dubai Palm Cruise Tour
  • Hop-On/Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour
  • Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm
  • Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm
  • Standup Paddleboard Lesson
  • Kayak Tour of Palm Jumeirah
  • Windsurf Lesson

Save on Palm Jumeirah Area Attraction Admission

Admission to a number of these top Dubai attractions and activities are included on the Go Dubai Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 52% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more.

Dubai Palm Cruise Tour

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Cruise along on a guided, one-hour journey. Enjoy incredible views of the Palm Jumeirah, as well as the Dubai Marina skyline. Your tour guide will explain each landmark and project of the island's magnificent architectural designs. You'll begin your tour at the West Marina on Palm Jumeirah and follow a route that takes you around the inner circle and manmade palm fronds. On the way, you'll explore views of the island's homes and five-star hotels. You'll also have the ultimate photo opportunity in front of Atlantis The Palm's iconic silhouette. Complimentary soft drinks are also included. Getting In: Palm Jumeriah Boat Tour tickets are included with the Go Dubai Card.

Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour

Enjoy the scenic route to Palm Jumeirah via Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road to the island aboard the comfort and climate controlled environment of the Hop-On/Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour. This tour from Big Bus is among my favorite Dubai sightseeing tours and is hands-down one of the best ways to explore Dubai, especially for first timers. Your seat on the bus will give you a great view of the city as you make your way up the Palm trunk into the lush, beachy borders of Palm Jumeirah. The glass top of the bus allows you the perfect chance to snap photos while you avoid the sweltering heat. A particular benefit of this tour is the luxury of hopping on and off whenever you'd like so you can more fully take in the environment. Each tour includes commentary, background, and tourist narration in 12 different languages. You'll disembark from this tour feeling much more informed about the Emirate and its top landmarks. Getting In: Big Bus Dubai tickets are included with the Go Dubai Card.

Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm

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Don't forget to pack your swimming gear! Once you're on the Palm head to Atlantis The Palm for all the watery thrills and spills of the Aquaventure Waterpark. Aquaventure is one of the top Dubai theme parks and is a must-visit for families with kids. Speed down water slides, relax in the lazy river, or even take in the tropical landscape at the resort's private beach. Kids will love the age-appropriate rides and slides, and you'll enjoy the serene tropical vibes. Popular rides include the adventurous "Leap of Faith" waterslide, the maze of connected waterways leading to the Tower of Neptune, and the Splasher's Children's Play Area. Getting In: Aquaventure Waterpark tickets are included with the Go Dubai Card.

Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm

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Next, it's time for a visit to the Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis the Palm. Delve into the legend of the lost city of Atlantis as you explore the aquarium full of interesting marine life and shipwrecks. Follow the underwater passageways to 10 different themed chambers. You'll get to see thousands of different types of aquatic species and plant life, from jellyfish, to stingrays, to piranhas, sharks, and other fish. More than 20 exhibits and the largest open-air marine habitat in the Middle East make up the Lost Chambers experience. An hourly Myth Tour, which is included with your admission, is a delight for the entire family. Learn about the citizens of Atlantis and their culture, lifestyle, and technology. Also, don't be sure to miss the daily Aquatheatre Show, which features scuba divers doing live feedings with the many different types of aquatic animals. Getting In: Lost Chamber Aquarium tickets are included with the Go Dubai Card.

Standup Paddleboard Lesson by SeaYou

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Another delightful outdoors option is a Stand-Up Paddleboard Lesson from SeaYou watersports. Here you'll have the chance to view the crystal blue waters of the Palm Jumeirah from up close as you balance on a giant paddleboard. Your lesson will include a 15-minute on the beach tutorial that covers safety and the basic techniques of paddleboarding, from board handling to balancing and turning. Then, enjoy an hour-and-fifteen-minute paddle session. You can paddle from Sofitel Dubai the Palm, around the palm fronds out to Atlantis, and then back again. Bonus: You're working out while sightseeing! Getting In: Dubai standup paddleboard lessons are available as an option with the Go Dubai Card.

Kayak Tour of Palm Jumeirah by SeaYou

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If paddleboarding isn't your thing you can choose instead to take a kayak tour of the Palm offered exclusively by SeaYou. Take in the rolling waves and clear blue waters of the Persian Gulf on this relaxing two and a half hour tour. You'll have the best view of all the Palm landmarks from the comfort of your kayak. Glide past the Sofitel on to the villas and homes of the East Crescent. Then, you'll go past the breathtaking skyline of the Dubai Marina skyscrapers, onto the horizon of the Atlantis and the iconic Burj Al Arab. This exciting tour is a good way to get in a workout and to sightsee in a peaceful setting. Getting In: a Palm Jumeirah kayak tour is available as an option with the Go Dubai Card.

Windsurf Lesson by SeaYou

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While you still have the Palm's waters on your mind, why not take a windsurfing lesson with SeaYou? You'll be able to take home a new found skill after a one-hour lesson on the cove of the Sofitel on the Palm. One of SeaYou's windsurfing pros will guide you through your session where you'll learn all the basics for freeriding, freeracing, or freestyling windsurfing. In no time you'll be able to ride out the waves with the speed of the wind to steer you around the island. The lesson is suitable for both beginners and experts. Getting In: Dubai Windsurf lessons are available as an option with the Go Dubai Card.

Remember to Save on Palm Jumeirah Attraction Admission

There you go - a few great recommendations for things to do in Palm Jumeirah Dubai during your trip. Remember, many of these great attraction options and more are included on the Go Dubai Card, where you can save up to 52% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun options to your Dubai vacation itinerary.

Lindsay Eagan
Go City Travel Expert

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dubai events and festivals
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Dubai Events and Festivals

Heading to Dubai this year and want to add a little festive spice to your trip? Check out our guide to the best events and festivals in Dubai! Dubai Shopping Festival When: All of January to the first week of February Where: Dubai Festival City Mall If shopping is your jam, then you'll love this shopping-themed festival! Since it began in the mid-90s, shops all over the country have offered amazing deals on brands from the high and low streets! Besides the bargains, numerous food-related events take place, as well as concerts, parades, game shows, ramp walks, and other activities. For you shopaholics, this is easily the best of Dubai's events and festivals! Dubai International Jazz Festival When: February Where: Al Sufouh While it's labeled a jazz festival, the Dubai International Jazz Festival is more of a celebration of music in general. Many non-jazz mainstream performers like Duran Duran and Ricky Martin have taken the stage in years past, alongside jazz provocateurs from the past half-century. So even if you're not a jazz fan (which, to be fair, is an acquired taste), you might still get something out of it! If you do attend, you'll be rubbing shoulders with nearly half a million people. Yes, it's that big, and you may not have even heard of it. It's also won awards. Who knew? Not you, that's for sure. Art Dubai When: March Where: Mina a'Salam Art Dubai is a celebration of all art forms, giving both established artists and up-and-comers a platform to strut their stuff. Launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum back in 2007, it's one of the most diverse artistic events on the planet - drawing nearly thirty thousand collectors, curators, and museum representatives from all corners of the globe. Taste Of Dubai When: March Where: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre Food lovers, rejoice! Dubi has its own fantastic festival just for you foodies. For the past 15 years, Taste of Dubai has brought chefs and eaters together for a one-of-a-kind celebration of the region's cuisine. Every year the festival is visited by world-famous chefs and, if you're lucky, you might even get to see them put on a live cooking demo. Good luck, because these draw the biggest crowds at the festival. On top of all that, you've got places to buy new and exciting ingredients, stalls to try delicious local cuisine, and Dubai's restaurants also offer huge discounts on some of their most popular dishes. What a time to be alive. If you want to try local culinary delights, the Taste of Dubai is easily the best of Dubai's events and festivals. The Dubai Marathon When: March Where: Dubai Creek Club St Dubai even has its own marathon, if you can believe it. Mercifully taking place in the cooler, pre-summer month of March, it draws thousands of people to participate and spectate every year. But it wouldn't be a Dubai Marathon without a little Dubai opulence. That comes in the form of the prizes on offer, with 1st place netting the winner a cool $250k. Not bad for a bit of jogging. And, if anyone manages to break a world record, they'll receive $1 million! That's a lot of paper. So, what are you waiting for? Get practicing and see if you can make it home a millionaire! Dubai World Cup When: March Where: Nad Al Sheba Racecourse Not to be confused with the soccer world cup that takes place every four years, the Dubai World Cup is all about horses. And, with a prize pool of $10 million, it's one of the richest races in the world. Unsurprisingly, top jockeys, horses, and coaches flock to Dubai in March to try and win a piece of the pie. So, if you're into horse racing and think luck is on your side, why not head there and play the odds? Swim the Burj When: March Where: Burj Al Arab The Burj Al Arab is quite the sight to behold, and easily one of Dubai's most recognizable landmarks. Standing mightily on an artificial island, this fin or sail-shaped building is rather pretty. And what does an artificial island have around it? Water. And what does that mean you can do around the Burj Al Arab? That's right, bright sparks, you can swim it! Every year, hundreds of sea runners take to that moat around this capitalist behemoth and attempt to beat each other in a race. And you can watch, if you so desire. Dubai International Boat Show When: March Where: Dubai Marina In a city known for its wealth and wealthy residents, it's hardly surprising to discover that Dubai has its own boat show. But the Dubai International Boat Show is one of the city's most prestigious events, drawing boat brands and boat lovers from all over the place. You'll see big boats, bigger boats, and the biggest boats you've ever seen. Boats! But it isn't all boats. No siree. There's also a lovely art gallery to explore (that may be primarily focused on seafaring vessels), live music, and other entertainment to keep you, well, entertained. Are you not entertained? You will be. Looking to be wowed by extravagance? The Dubai International Boat Show is easily the best of Dubai's events and festivals! Al Gaffal Dhow Race When: September Where: The ocean Speaking of boats, let's talk about boats! But instead of the luxurious, opulent boats on display at the boat festival, we're talking dhows. What are dhows? Well, they're a traditional middle-eastern boat. And what is the Al Gaffal Dhow Race? Well, it's a race. A race with dhows. Part historical homage, part marketing push to Dubai's original trade of pearl diving, if you like boats and races, then they don't get much more boat-racey than this boat race. Dubai International Film Festival When: December Where: Al Sufouh The biggest of its kind in the region, the Dubai International Film Festival was first conceptualized as a way to encourage local filmmakers to bring their ideas to life on the silver screen. Since then, it has become somewhat of a haven for big-time actors, directors, and producers, who attend the show every year to find promising projects, or even more promising filmmakers, to work with. Since 2006, the festival has shown over 500 Arab films, and was responsible for the creation of two-thirds of those. As such, it's a great success for Arab cinema and one definitely worth checking out! And that's our guide to Dubai's biggest and best events and festivals! Looking for more fun for your vacation? Try 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
Burj Khalifa guide
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Burj Khalifa Tips for Visiting

When you're in the UAE, you simply must see the Burj Khalifa. Step out of the elevators and onto the observation deck and you'll have 360-degree views of the entire city, surrounding desert, and ocean.
Casey Makovich
abu dhabi best day trips from dubai
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Best Day Trips From Dubai

Dubai is all well and good. After all, you did decide to vacation there, and you are, of course, infallible. But what lies beyond Dubai's bright and brilliant walls? Well, explore the lands beyond on one of the best day trips from Dubai! Read on, and discover our top picks. Including: Abu Dhabi Qasr Al Watan Desert BBQ experience Quad Bike rides Camel-top travels and more! Best Day Trips from Dubai - Abu Dhabi One of the best day trips from Dubai is easily a tour of Abu Dhabi. The UAE's capital city, it's one of the most historic cities in the entire region. Compared to the modern decadence of Dubai, it's certainly a city with less of a focus on experiences. But that doesn't mean it isn't worth experiencing, if you catch our drift. Kicking off on the coast, you'll pass by famous spots such as the vast Jebel Ali Port, the National Exhibition Centre, Etihad Towers, the Louvre Museum, and Emirates Palace. Snap-worthy landmarks, if ever we saw some! With the perfect mix of culture, history, and modernity, it's the perfect place to hop out and explore. So, take this day trip from Dubai and see all of Abu Dhabi's best bits! Best Day Trips from Dubai - Visit Qasr Al Watan One of the biggest draws of taking a vacation abroad is exploring new cultures and learning about their customs. You might not get much of that in Dubai, as it's a city built for industry and tourism. So, if you want to explore Arabic culture, as well as the region's historical significance, with a trip to Qasr Al Watan? On the outside, you'll be treated to a magnificent white palace housed in the Presidential Palace compound. On the inside, you'll learn all about Arab heritage and culture and how it evolved over millennia. For centuries, the region was at the forefront of science and medicine, all while the rest of Europe was deep in the Dark Ages. Then, explore the Qasr Al Watan Library, which culture vultures will love to dive into. All in all, Qasr Al Watan makes for one of the most fascinating day trips from Dubai. Best Day Trips from Dubai - Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner You don't even need to venture too far from Dubai's city limits to experience one of the city's best day trips. Thanks to this delightful desert tour of the dunes, you can get a beautiful barbeque at your backdoor. Well, not literally. From the very start, you'll be treated like a VIP. Festivities begin as soon as you leave your hotel, when a deluxe 4x4 will pick you up. You'll travel in style and comfort into the desert surrounding Dubai, where you can take photos and admire the beauty of the setting sun. Then, you'll reach your basecamp, where you'll find the grill piping hot. Then, indulge in a whole host of BBQ treats, from grilled meats and veg to other local delights. When you've eaten your fill, prepare for an evening of entertainment! With belly dancing, a traditional Egyptian dance show, some smoky shisha, sandboarding, camel riding, henna painting, and more on offer, you're in for a great night! Then, when the festivities wind down, you'll hop back in the 4x4 and get a lift back to your hotel. The perfectly pampered end to a perfectly pampered evening! Best Day Trips from Dubai - Bug out in Dubai's desert! Switching gears now to something a bit more adrenaline-pumping. If you've never ridden over the dunes outside Dubai in a dune buggy, you've never truly lived. Change all that, and get behind the wheel on this amazing day trip out of Dubai. Like the BBQ evening, you'll get a ride in a 4x4 from your hotel to basecamp. Then, you'll board your metal hog and take the beast for a spin. For 30 glorious minutes, you'll do donuts, skids, and other buggy-related moves. And your guide will be on hand to ensure you don't blow up - or anything less explosive. If you've never boarded a dune buggy and, let's face it, you probably haven't, then give it a go on one of the best day trips from Dubai! Best Day Trips from Dubai - burn rubber atop a Quad Bike! If dune buggies don't quite do it for you, why not try a quad bike instead? These four-wheeled wonders can make quick work of Dubai's dunes, so consider hopping aboard and tearing up the desert like nobody's business. After your ride drops you at camp, you'll kick off your desert escapades by boarding a four-legged camel to take a more methodical tour of the surroundings. After your camel is sick of the sight of you, you'll reach a specially designed track nestled deep in the beautiful dunes. And then, well, it's time to ride, baby. You'll have plenty of time to ride around, squealing with glee. No one can hear your squealing out here, so let it all out. Then, when you've ridden your wheels down to the bone, hop back in your 4x4 and head right back to your hotel room. Excellent. Best Day Trips from Dubai - camel action! And finally, if the thought of riding a camel seems a lot more exotic than anything with an engine, don your best headwrap and live out your Laurence of Arabia dreams on this fauna tour of the dunes. Like the above, you'll be escorted in comfort - and air conditioning - to a camp deep in the dunes. From there, you'll saddle up and ride your two-humped friend for 30 gloriously bizarre minutes. Try and take some pics aboard a camel that cares not for your social media following. Good luck with that. Then, when you're done, you'll be taken back to camp, where you can refuel, relax, and enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, dates, and more before heading back to the city. Very nice. And those were our picks for the best day trips from Dubai! If you're looking for more fun within the city, 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.
Dom Bewley

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