What to See in Dubai
Dubai is a city of contrasts in every sense. Here, holding hands in public is forbidden, but partying in nightclubs is allowed. You can't wear a deep décolletage, but you can catch crabs at night.
In the Kupi.com Blog, we tell you where to go, what to see in Dubai, and discuss the entry rules for the UAE and the rules of stay in the country.
What to visit first
Ain Dubai
The world's largest observation wheel. It opened recently, in October 2021, but has already become popular with tourists from all over the world.
The cabin rises to a height of 250 meters (that's like ten nine-story buildings)! And for beautiful videos and good photos, there's free Wi-Fi.
Ain Dubai operates daily, except Tuesdays, from 13:00 to 21:00. It costs 130 dirhams (2,750 ₽) for a regular ticket before 17:00 and 180 dirhams (3,800 ₽) after 17:00.
Burj Khalifa
A must-visit for any tourist who has flown to this wonderful city. Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world with amazing architecture and unusual secrets. For example, did you know that this very building broke seven world records? Here they are:
1. The tallest building in the world — 848 meters.
2. The tallest freestanding structure.
3. The longest elevator travel distance in the world.
4. The highest spire — 180 meters.
5. The highest restaurant.
6. The highest observation deck — 555 meters.
7. The greatest number of floors — 163.
By the way, you cannot pay for a tour to the top of the tower with a Russian card — you need a foreign one, so it's better to withdraw cash in advance.
Fountain Show
After Burj Khalifa, be sure to visit the fountain show — water jets soar up to 150 meters high, all accompanied by lights, music, and enthusiastic shouts from tourists. The performance lasts five minutes, but the spectacle is well worth it.
The fountains operate from 18:00 to 23:00, turning on every 30 minutes.
Jumeirah Mosque
A magnificent structure depicted on the 500 dirham banknote. The mosque is open to everyone, including non-Muslims. You can visit independently, but it's best to hire a guide. You can sign up for a tour right next to the mosque, though it's only conducted in English.
Markets and Shopping Malls
If you're in Dubai, you definitely need to visit one of the local markets: they are magnificent attractions in themselves, preserving history and culture.
Probably the most popular market is the Gold Souk, located in the Deira district near Dubai-Creek. Here, various jewelry and precious stones are sold. Even if you don't want to buy anything, it's worth a stroll just for the sights and the feeling of luxury. It takes two to three hours to explore the entire market.
It's also worth visiting the Textile Souk, also known as the "Old Deira Market." Here, it makes sense to splurge and buy clothes, bedding, bedspreads, and other textile goods. By the way, you can find an Arab sheikh costume here, and it's very affordable.
And of course, don't miss the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, which locals call "Dubai's Venice" because of the canal where "abra" boats sail. The souk features cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and even a nightclub.
If you don't enjoy shopping at markets, then be sure to check out Dubai's shopping malls — they are in almost every district. The most popular is "The Dubai Mall," located in Downtown near Burj Khalifa. Inside, there are over a thousand shops, cafes, food courts, cinemas, a hotel, and even an aquarium and a zoo.
Museums
If you've visited all the museums in the city on the Neva, bought a ticket for a Saint Petersburg — Dubai flight, and are looking for new cultural experiences, visit the museums on our list.
We recommend visiting the Alserkal Avenue Centre for Contemporary Art and Culture. It's an exhibition space in Dubai's industrial district. An entire quarter has been allocated for this center. Admission to some museums is completely free.
If you want to get closer to the culture of the Emirates and its residents, we recommend visiting the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. It is located in the historic Al Bastakiya district. Here, you can enjoy tastings of national cuisine, tours, and meetings with locals.
Another interesting museum is The Green Planet. This is a zoological museum that houses various representatives of flora and fauna. Tickets can be purchased on the website, but again, you can only pay with a foreign card.
Parks
It can get very hot in Dubai. You can cool off in oases and "green islands," and there are many of them here.
For example, one of the most unusual parks is the Miracle Garden, featuring architectural compositions made of living flowers. The flowers and sculptures change every season. The park operates from November to April. Right nearby is the Butterfly Garden, where nine domes house 15,000 lepidopterans. Note that these insects go to sleep at 17:00, so it's better to visit before then for photos.
Creek Park, located on the shore of Dubai-Creek, is also suitable for relaxation. Locals call this place the "city's botanical garden" due to the abundance of plants. It has attractions for children, playgrounds, and even a dolphinarium. In summer, it also hosts the Frozen World ice exhibition.
Nightlife Attractions and Entertainment
Despite Dubai being an Islamic country, there are plenty of places to party at night. Here's a selection of the coolest and most unique nightclubs.
White Dubai
One of the best local outdoor clubs. It's a great place to let loose and have a blast. Here, you'll find top electronic music from the best DJs, seductive hoop dances, and other attributes of a classic night out.
Admission is free, but there are rules for ladies: you must wear high heels.
Zero Gravity
A club with a 40-meter transparent glass pool that creates stunning visual illusions. Nearby is a beach with all the infrastructure. Until seven in the evening, this place is perfect for a relaxing break, and after nine, a lively club party begins.
The dress code is casual, but you cannot come in swimsuits, flip-flops, shorts, or sarongs.
Cirque le Soir
Dubai's most unusual circus-club, a magnet for creative people and celebrities. Every day, it hosts performances by jugglers, acrobats, equilibrists, and fakirs. It's perfect for those tired of ordinary parties.
The dress code is casual, but it's best to book seats in advance.
Free Entertainment
Let's be honest, Dubai is one of the most expensive cities in the world. But there's still plenty to do here. Here's a selection of the coolest free entertainment options.
Alserkal Avenue Art District
A cultural hub in Dubai. Warehouses have been converted into twenty galleries, all of which can be entered for free. There are interesting exhibitions, such as an exhibition of 20th-century designer furniture or contemporary Middle Eastern art.
Alserkal Avenue is an entire district covering over 46,000 square meters. You're sure to find something to see here.
Imagine Multimedia Show
An amazing show with lasers, fountains, and immersive sound that gathers tourists from all over the city every evening at Dubai Festival City Mall. Performances take place three times in the evening, even on weekends.
Dubai Aquarium
One of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, accessible to anyone. Here you'll find rays, sea urchins, sharks, and other representatives of the underwater kingdom.
Admission is free, but to walk through the 48-meter tunnel, you'll need to buy a ticket on Kupi.com.
Can't wait to travel? Here are affordable tickets to Dubai.
What will be interesting for children
Legoland
Probably one of Dubai's main children's attractions. Legoland is an entire island of entertainment where both you and your child can fully immerse yourselves in childhood.
Legoland consists of several zones:
- Factory — a place where the Lego manufacturing process is shown;
- Miniland — Lego replicas of Dubai's skyscrapers and metro;
- Imagination — where you can create your own Lego items;
- Adventure — attractions for parents;
- Lego City — where you can feel like a real resident of a Lego city and visit a driving school, police headquarters, rescue academy, and water sports school;
- Kingdoms — exciting attractions for children.
Motiongate
An open-air theme park that is perfect for both children and adults. The exhibits and attractions here are dedicated to characters from cartoons and legendary films.
The park consists of four zones:
- Columbia Pictures — animated movie characters, whatever that means;
- DreamWorks — an indoor park based on "Shrek," "Madagascar," and "How to Train Your Dragon";
- Lion’s gate — passenger express and air tour;
- Smurfs Village — children's roller coasters.
Kidzania
The "City of Children." A unique and safe space where children can feel like adults and develop their management skills. It has banks, hospitals, fire stations, airports, and everything else found in a modern city.
The park is designed for children aged 4 to 16. There are about 80 professions to choose from, ranging from medicine to entertainment. KidZania also has its own currency — kidZos: children earn money for their work and can spend it right there.
Which excursions to visit
Desert Jeep Safari
Locals love the desert more than the sea, so driving jeeps over dunes is an art that needs to be learned. The excursion is a thrill, all drivers are cheerful and sociable, usually trying to impress you with sharp turns.
At the end of the trip, you can enjoy one of Dubai's most beautiful wonders — a desert sunset. Afterwards, you'll be taken to a Bedouin village to experience local life and customs. You can smoke shisha, ride camels, get a henna tattoo, and even have dinner with a belly dance.
Wadi Safari
Another exciting jeep trip, but this time along dried riverbeds — wadis. There will be stops where you can swim in mountain rivers, stand under a waterfall, or even jump from a height into a canyon.
If you're lucky enough to be in Dubai in autumn, you'll be offered a hike up a mountain. The excursion lasts six hours, and lunch is included.
Sea Cruise with Fishing and Snorkeling
On the ocean coast, there's a cozy fishing village called Dibba. From here, you can embark on a boat cruise for fishing and snorkeling.
A special delight is the transparent water, through which you can see marine life. You can swim alongside them, admire the underwater world, and catch delicious fish for lunch. But even if there's no catch, there's a buffet.
Such excursions usually last five hours, but due to the transfer to the village, the total duration can extend to eight.
Crab Hunting
A night excursion for the most adventurous. Feel like an ancient hunter: grab a spear and get into the sea to catch crabs! Afterward, your catch will be deliciously prepared and served to you.
The hunting season lasts from June 15 to September 15. The excursion takes six hours.
Hot Air Balloon Flight over the City and Desert
If you love combining romance and thrill, this is for you. The excursion begins early in the morning. You'll take off near the center of Dubai and witness this metropolis waking up.
The flight lasts about an hour. Some balloons have a minibar with refreshing drinks.
Best and Interesting Restaurants in Dubai
COYA
A Latin American restaurant that will transport you to the vibrant and inspiring atmosphere of South America. It serves appetizing dishes inspired by Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine. Be sure to try tuna and salmon tacos, Peruvian sashimi, and oysters.
The restaurant offers a magnificent view of Burj Khalifa. Book your tables in advance — this place is very popular among tourists.
SushiSamba
A famous Dubai restaurant chain known to gourmets worldwide, with branches in Miami, London, and Las Vegas. The dishes combine Japanese and Peruvian notes, hence the name.
Here, you definitely need to try rolls, moqueca and miso soups, beef, and salmon with teriyaki sauce. The restaurant is located in the Dubai Monorail building, so after a hearty dinner, you can easily get back to your hotel.
Marina Social
The brainchild of renowned Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton. In a venue with pleasant modern decor in soothing tones, British and other cuisines are served: tartare, Wagyu beef with truffle, crab with puree and avocado, duck breast, and much more.
Here you can also try a five-course tasting menu or a set menu with Beef Wellington.
LPM Restaurant & Bar
A French and Mediterranean restaurant that is perfect for a romantic or business dinner. The establishment opened in 2010. It is remembered by guests for its high standards of service. The menu features all the hits: Niçoise, tiger prawns, foie gras, and amazing steaks.
The restaurant is located near the "Dubai Aquarium," "The Dubai Fountain," and "Dubai Frame."
Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
A luxurious Italian restaurant in Jumeirah. Since its opening in 2017, it has won several prestigious awards. The atmosphere is very calm, and it's often frequented by the bohemian crowd.
Enjoy wines, carpaccio, calamari, pizza, and other Italian culinary hits here. Book a table in advance, as the restaurant is very popular.
Transport
Metro
Dubai Metro lines cover the entire city — from Dubai Airport to bustling districts. The trains here are driverless, equipped with air conditioning and comfortable seats.
To use the metro, you need to buy a pass or a single-use ticket at the station's ticket office. A single metro ride costs 4 dirhams (98 rubles).
Buses
An inexpensive and convenient way to travel between the city's main districts. Buses run every 30 minutes throughout the day.
Drivers do not accept cash payments, so it's best to buy a public transport pass in advance.
A single ride costs from 3 to 7 dirhams (from 70 to 170 rubles).
Taxis
Taxis can be ordered from anywhere in the city via Careem and Uber apps. The cost of a trip starts from 25 dirhams (630 rubles).
Fines in Dubai Public Transport and Rules of Conduct
Dubai has strict rules even when using public transport. Here's what you definitely cannot do and the fines for violations:
- traveling without payment — fine of about 5,000 ₽;
- if you leave litter — fine of about 5,000 ₽;
- putting your feet on the seat, sitting in a disabled person's spot, eating, or causing inconvenience to other passengers — fine of about 2,600 ₽;
- falling asleep on another passenger's shoulder — fine of about 8,000 ₽;
- if you are seen with alcohol — fine of about 15,000 ₽.
Fines are paid at any metro station.
Accommodation in Dubai
In Dubai, you can find accommodation and hotels at completely different prices.
Budget-friendly areas are Deira, Bur Dubai, Al Barsha. Most tourists stay here due to low prices and proximity to Al Mamzar Beach. Consider these options if you are staying for a long time.
Expensive areas are Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah, Dubai Marina. These areas are centers for sightseeing: all expensive hotels, of course, are located here. Choose a hotel in these areas if you are only staying for a couple of days and want to see all the attractions.
What Not to Do in Dubai
Promoting Alcohol
The UAE is a Muslim country, so there are strict restrictions related to alcohol consumption. Tourists can drink alcoholic beverages only in restaurants, cafes, hotels, or private residences. It is also forbidden to be intoxicated in public places.
Violators face a fine of up to 41,000 ₽ or even imprisonment for up to six months.
Photographing Locals
UAE law prohibits photographing locals. Therefore, you should be extremely careful if you are taking photos with your phone. As a rule, the prohibition does not apply to large crowds: for example, if you are photographing landmarks.
If you violate this law, you face either a large fine or imprisonment for up to seven years.
Physical Intimacy Between Men and Women in Public
This is a fairly strict prohibition throughout the UAE. The maximum allowed for married couples is holding hands. Hugging, kissing, or touching intimate body parts can result in a fine or imprisonment.
Usually, law enforcement agencies are lenient with tourists and may issue a warning. But it's better not to violate this law.
Engaging in Same-Sex Relationships
Probably the most serious offense in the UAE. Same-sex relationships are punishable by death in the country. In some emirates, the rules are "softer": flogging, public beating, ten years in prison, or huge fines.
All violators are subject to such punishment, regardless of citizenship or the place where the crime was committed: even behind closed doors of an apartment or hotel.
Dressing in Opposite-Sex Clothing
Women are not allowed to wear trousers or other clothing from the opposite sex's wardrobe. Men are forbidden from wearing women's clothing and jewelry.
Depending on the severity of the violation, either a huge fine will be issued or imprisonment.
Appearance Tips
The UAE is a state where all laws of life are strictly based on the Quran. Therefore, there are special requirements for appearance. Tourists are not allowed to wear:
- excessively tight clothing through which underwear is visible;
- deep décolletage;
- clothing with short sleeves, mini-skirts, and shorts;
- clothing that exposes the midriff.
Currently, serious penalties are not applied to those who violate appearance rules. On the beach, you can wear open swimsuits.
Dubai is an amazing city that definitely deserves your attention. Getting there is easy, especially with Kupi.com: buy tickets on our website and travel with pleasure!
