Written By Arabiers Digital & Reviewed by Robeena Brown
26 December | 12 min
Visiting Dubai is a dream for many. To turn this dream into reality, there are various options. Whether you are travelling independently or on a package tour, these tips on the top Dubai attractions for first-time visitors will be very helpful.
Dubai is a city of aspiration for many people around the globe, and visiting it is a dream for countless others. The enchanting city seamlessly blends modernity and tradition, featuring iconic landmarks, thrilling adventure activities, desert landscapes, sea experiences, entertainment, shopping, and fine dining.
All tourists, including first-time visitors to Dubai, describe the city as a magical paradise that provides an amazing sensory delight.
For newcomers, organising a trip to Dubai demands meticulous attention, as there are numerous elements to coordinate, including a well-crafted itinerary and travel arrangements. For first-time visitors to Dubai, careful planning and preparation can save time, reduce costs, and enhance the overall experience.
Dubai is a city brimming with activities. However, no visitor can experience them all in just a few days. For first-timers making their inaugural visit to Dubai, strict planning and prioritisation of its diverse offerings are crucial.
There is an extensive list of attractions and must-do activities in Dubai. You cannot miss the tallest building, Burj Khalifa, the bustling souks, scenic beaches, luxurious shopping malls, and grand hotels. These are billed as the must-see attractions in Dubai.
A day for an Abu Dhabi tour: Abu Dhabi is worth a day trip and is just an hour and a half away by car. It offers the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace, and Heritage Village.
According to some first-time visitors, planning a trip in early November is beneficial because the challenges of summer will have passed. As the travel season begins, attractions are less crowded. Additionally, hotel rates are more affordable compared to peak season prices.
Once you finalise your dates, create a shortlist of attractions you want to visit and bookmark them in Google Maps.
This will help you find a hotel that is either close to or at a reasonable distance from all the places you plan to see. Families travelling with kids often look for attractions with less adventure.
For first-timers, a Dubai itinerary combining thrills, sightseeing, and leisure can include all these.
Booking Flight Tickets: Book flight tickets with your preferred airlines. This is essential for obtaining the Dubai visitor visa. Additionally, plan to fly on non-weekend days to secure cheaper flight tickets.
Dubai Tourist Visa: The tourist visa process is online. Simply apply online, upload the required documents, and your visa will be ready shortly. Some airlines also provide visa services if you are travelling with them; for instance, Emirates Airlines offers this. A travel agency can also assist in arranging the tourist visa.
Hotel Booking: When selecting a hotel, the primary criteria are affordability and accessibility. There are budget accommodations available near the airport and across Dubai Creek in the Wasl district, in contrast to the more expensive options near Downtown.
Taxi Vs Metro: For getting around, you can hire a taxi, rent a car, or use the Dubai Metro, with many tourists opting for theMetro. .Travelling by Metro train is cost-effective and convenient for independent travellers. Most stations have ticket counters with no long queues. If you buy a Nol card, you can save time by avoiding the ticket counter. Taxi expenses are only necessary in areas where the train station is too far. Taxis are readily available at the exit of every metro station and tourist attraction.
Arrange a Dubai SIM for your mobile phone: Once you land in Dubai, get a tourist SIM and a mobile data plan; Etisalat and Du are the two major telecom providers in Dubai. At the immigration counter, you can obtain a free Du SIM with 2GB of data valid for one day. However, Etisalat offers an unlimited data plan for tourists. The Etisalat counter at the airport can assist you in getting a new connection valid for 30 days, and the new mobile connection will be activated within 15 minutes. Consider opting for an e-SIM for your new Dubai connection, allowing you to use both your home country’s SIM and the Dubai SIM simultaneously. This is helpful for receiving SMS and OTP messages during credit card transactions.
Day 1: Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall / Dubai Aquarium
Day 2: Desert Safari
Day 3: Emirates Mall / Miracle Garden / Global Village
Day 4: Lego Land
Day 5: Visit to Palm/Marina Walk/Dubai Garden Glow
Day 6: Old Dubai
Moving around in Dubai: There is no need to haggle, as taxi fares are strictly meter-based. All taxis accept credit card payments. It is important to note that in top-class malls, there is a separate queue for getting a taxi, which can get crowded in the evening. Therefore, visitors should plan their time wisely to avoid long lines.
Credit cards for shopping: For credit card payments, enable international transactions on your native credit card before your journey and use it for payments. The credit card usage requires OTP authentication, for which a local SIM on your mobile will be handy.
If you choose to associate with a travel company and purchase a package, selecting a suitable time for your visit is crucial. Many travel companies offer packages that include flights and accommodations for a trip to Dubai. These packages are cost-effective and efficient solutions for a smooth journey.
If you prefer to relax and avoid planning, consider opting for a guided tour of Dubai. The city offers a wide range of hotels, and if your budget allows, you can stay in some of the most luxurious accommodations.
Explore events season: Regardless of the season, Dubai enjoys year-round sunshine. The most popular time to visit the city remains winter, which spans from November to March. Summer can be brutally hot.
The pleasant weather during these winter months also allows visitors to fully enjoy diverse recreational activities. Numerous celebrations and events take place during this time, providing many exciting experieexperiences. ubai visa, if you have chosen a travel agency, they will guide you through the process.
Dubai is a perfect blend of adventure and luxury. The glittering oasis in the Arabian desert will spoil you with its stunning attractions.
Dubai offers a comprehensive range of activities and attractions suitable for almost any age. For thrill-seekers, the indoor ski slope at Ski Dubai, dune bashing, or windsurfing at Palm Jumeirah can get your adrenaline pumping.
If it is for a relaxed day at the beach, shopping at the world’s most extravagant stores, or indulging in top-rated global cuisines, Dubai has it all.
A brief description of some of the select attractions will make your tour more invigorating.
Burj Khalifa: The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, rising 828 meters into the sky. The observation deck of the skyline king, named At the Top, located on the 124th floor, offers a 360-degree panorama of Dubai from an open-air terrace. “At the Top SKY” on the 148th floor is the third-highest observation deck in the world. “The Lounge,” spanning the 152nd to 154th floors, features premium amenities and entertainment.
Dubai Frame: The architectural marvel, consisting of two massive towers connected by a long bridge at the top, is known as Burj Dubai. It serves as a “frame” that captures Dubai’s transformation from a fishing village to a world-class cosmopolitan city. Situated in Zabeel Park, the Dubai Frame beautifully encapsulates the city. From the observatory bridge, the modern cityscape and skyscrapers will captivate you. Looking north, you will see the historic Old Dubai, encompassing Bur Dubai, Dubai Creek, Karama, Deira, and Umm Hurair in full glory.
Global Village: Global Village is a multicultural festival park in Dubai. This entertainment hub brings together the best of culture, food, shopping, and entertainment from around the globe. The 2024-2025 season commenced in October 2024 and will continue until mid-May 2025. The vibrant cultural extravaganza allows visitors to explore the richness of over 90 countries that have established their pavilions, encapsulating the spirit of Dubai. These pavilions showcase their local culture, arts, crafts, and delicacies.
It operates on the concept of exploring the world from a single location. The pavilions represent various countries and showcase their local crafts, products, cuisine, and other aspects of cultural heritage. These distinctive pavilions provide a unique shopping experience.
Dune bashing: Dune bashing is a key element of the desert tour in Dubai. The ride across the desert in a robust 4X4 jeep, racing against the golden dunes and leaving a silken trail, evokes the excitement depicted in Hollywood films. It blends fun, adventure, and entertainment.
Ski Dubai: To escape Dubai’s warm climate, visit this snowy paradise known as Ski Dubai, ideal for both beginners and experts, with top-notch instructors to assist you in gliding down the slopes. Experience the penguins up close, and enjoy snowboarding, tobogganing, and chairlift rides while taking in stunning views of the indoor snow park. Ski Dubai, located in the Mall of the Emirates, is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East.
To sum up, Dubai beckons you with the best of attractions and luxury-soaked experiences, and the first-time visitor to Dubai can cherish them for a lifetime.
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