101 things to do in Dubai plus 10 more in other emirates (as of 2015)

The Maze Tower

Admit it, when our friends visit Dubai we’re still disorganized when it comes to where to take them, or what activities to let them do. Not that we don’t really know. There are just too many. More often than not, we’re torn whether to take them to the modern attractions or the traditional cultural heritage.

Actually, this is not only for our guests. Many of us who’s been staying for years here in the UAE still haven’t done some of the things below, myself included.

Some are free, some are costly, but most of the experience are priceless.

Read on, and please feel free to add these to your checklist.

Landmarks and sightseeing spots
You surely won’t miss the most popular ones, but if you still got time, the rest here are either unique to Dubai or just too good to pass.

The Box Park shopping complex in Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah

1. Burj Khalifa, the tallest in the world, need I say more 🙂
2. Burj Al Arab, the only ‘7-star hotel’ in the world
3. Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest choreographed fountain system
4. Dubai Aquarium at Dubai Mall, world’s largest acrylic aquarium display
5. Atlantis The Palm
6. Emirates Towers (We called this Toblerone towers)
7. Maze Tower
8. Cayan Twisted Tower
9. Jumeirah Mosque
10. Jumeirah Beach Hotel
11. Dubai Museum
12. Saeed Al Maktoum House
13. Dhow Cruise at Dubai Creek
14. Deira Clock Tower
15. JW Marriott Marquis – the world’s tallest hotel
16. Rose Rayhaan Rotana – the world’s second tallest hotel 
17. Rolex Twin Towers in Deira
18. Dubai Marina Waterfront and Yacht Club 
19. Dubai Financial Centre facade
20. Dubai Miracle Garden (Winter)
21. Dubai Butterfly Garden
22. Global Village (November to April)
23. Dubai Dolphinarium
24. Dolphin Bay Atlantis
25. Al Fahidi Historic District 
26. Saeed Al Maktoum House
27. The Walk and The Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residences
28. Stroll, dine and shop at the The Box Park
29. Pass by the Floating Bridge
30. Go around Downtown Dubai
31. Surf in the beach and surf the net under the Wifi palms at Jumeirah beach
32. Picnic in the parks – visit any of the following Zabeel, Mushrif, and Dubai Creek
33. Go birdwatching in the middle of Dubai at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
    

    Take the road and sway by the creek – Dubai Wonderbus – the amphibious bus

    Experiences and popular activities
    Never leave Dubai without experiencing at least 10 on the list. Well, make it 15.

34. Ride the Dubai Metro coast to coast from Rashidiya to Jebel Ali
35. Ride the Dubai Tram at Dubai Marina
36. Ride the Dubai Trolley in Downtown Dubai
37. Ride the Palm Monorail
38. Ride the Amphibious Bus and tour both land and the Dubai Creek
39. Dhow cruise Dubai Creek / Bateaux Dubai dinner cruise
40. Dhow cruise at Dubai Marina
41. Desert safari – sand dunes, ATV, ride a camel, see a belly dancer, get a henna
42. Go up to ‘At The Top‘ (124th floor) ot ‘At The Top SKY‘ (148th floor) of Burj Khalifa
43. Skydive over The Palm for the extremes
44. City tour via Big Bus
45. Aerial scenic tour via Seaplane and land on water
46. Jump on giant trampolines at Bounce
47. Hot Air Balloon flight over the desert
48. iFly Indoor Skydiving at Mirdif City Centre
49. Emirates A380 simulator at Dubai Mall
50. Cable car ride at Dubai Creek Park
51. Play the Challenge Chambers at Sunset Mall
52. Traditional abra (boat) ride in Dubai creek
53. Bungee jumping at Gravity Zone
54. Equestrian at Al Sahra Desert Resort
55. Sheesha at any Dubai Creek or Bastakiya old cafes
56. Go racing at Kartdrome, Dubai Autodrome
57. Enjoy the nightlife with clubs and bar hopping
58. See the docked Queen Elizabeth II luxury cruise ship
59. Sun bath at Jumeirah Beach
60. Tour the city in luxurious limousine
61. Helicopter Heritage Tour
62. Get in the Ski Dubai park and see the penguins or take the slopes or cable car
63. Slide and glide at Dubai Mall Ice Skating Rink
64. Spot the world’s most luxurious police cars patrolling in Jumeirah or in Downtown
    
    
    

    Flyboarding in Dubai Marina

    Water sports, rides and adventure
    If you are an ‘Aquaman’, you should never miss the breeze of Dubai, or the waves and the splashes of thrilling water sports, rides and activities, over and under the sea. If you’re a resident, check out the amazing water parks.

65. Go Flyboarding (Jet blade) in Jumeirah beach
66. Wakeboard in Dubai Marina
67. Experience record-setting water adventure at Aquaventure, Atlantis
68. Try extreme water thrills and rides at Wild Wadi Waterpark
69. Yacht ride to The World Islands
70. See The Lost Chambers in Atlantis
71. Cage snorkeling at the Dubai Mall Aquarium
72. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
73. Scuba diving with dolphins
74. X-Jetpack
75. Watch films at the largest screen in Middle East and Asia at Meydan Theater IMAX
    

    Angry Birds Park at 2014 Modesh World

    For the kids
    And who wouldn’t want to treat the kids to their own tour? Dubai has got a plenty of options to choose from

76. Visit Modhesh World (Summer)
77. Bring the kids to Kidzania
78. Let the kids play at Sega Republic indoor theme park
79. Treat the kids to dolphin and seals show at Dubai Dolphinarium or swim with the dolphins
80. Go with them to the exotic bird show in Dubai Creek
81. Play arcade with the kids, and eat pizza at Chuck E Cheese’s
    

    Comicave Store, Dubai Outlet Mall

    Shopping
    Dubai can easily beat New York, Paris or London as the world’s best shopping destination. Malls, traditional and modern souks and popular bargain shopping centres are almost in the every corner of the emirate.

82. Dubai Shopping Festival (Winter) and Dubai Summer Surprises 
83. Find best priced gadgets and gizmos at GITEX (October & March/April)
84. Comicave, Outlet Mall – world’s largest comics and collectibles superstore
85. Souk Al Bahar and Dubai Mall, world’s largest shopping mall based on total area
86. Mall of the Emirates, home of Ski Dubai
87. Ikea at Dubai Festival City
88. Dubai Outlet Mall for top brands bargains
89. Souk Madinat Jumeirah
90. Shop for bling and gold at the old Gold Souk or the Gold and Diamond Park
91. Citywalk / The Box Park
92. Mercato
    

    Juiceworld in Al Rigga Road, Deira

    DiningThis doesn’t really lists the extravagant ones, but those worthy of a try because of their uniqueness.
    
    

93. Chill Out – Middle East’s first subzero lounge and restaurant
94. Zero Gravity – dine within the perimeters of Skydive Dubai drop zone
95. Taste of Fame
96. Boardwalk – al fresco fine dining by the Dubai Creek
97. Don’t just cool down with smoothies, take a picture at the grand fruity display of Juice World
98. Feast of this region’s street food at Zaroob
99. Sip a hot karak chai (tea) at the nearest cafeterias or at posh hotels

Annual sporting and entertainment events These are seasonal events so if you happen to visit during the time these sports or festivals are held, you may want to book a ticket so.

100. Global sports tournaments (World Cup, Dubai Tennis Championships, DP World, Run in the Dubai Marathon)
101. Annual entertainment showcase (Dubai International Film Festival, Dubai Jazz Festival)