Tourist in Dubai, OAE

Top 10 Best Places to Visit in the UAE in 2024

Vika Laki
Vika LakiUpdated 30 Oct 2024
12 minutes to read

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The United Arab Emirates, also known as the UAE, is a popular destination for tourism. It’s a great traveling destination for many reasons:

  • world-famous sights,
  • exotic attractions,
  • lovely weather.

It’s hard to express the greatness of this country. However, we have gathered the most helpful information for tourists about the UAE, so you can read this article and check out the best places to visit in the UAE.

Top 10 best places to visit in the UAE

There are many popular destinations in the UAE. Tourists can enjoy beach trips, sunbathing, luxurious malls, contemporary architecture, and a huge cultural heritage. The Arab Emirates is a popular Middle East destination for its attractions and vacation options. Tourists like to spend weeks exploring exotic places in this great country. Here are 10 best places to visit in the UAE:

  • Al Ain,
  • Burj Khalifa,
  • Madinat Jumeirah,
  • Abu Dhabi,
  • Sharjah,
  • IMG Worlds of Adventure,
  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque,
  • Burj Al Arab,
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi.

The list includes the most popular and fun places and tourist destinations in the UAE. If you want to experience a lavish vacation and visit some of the world's most famous sights, you need to come to Dubai. If you are looking for budget trips and like cultural sites, you can go to Abu Dhabi for a lovely vacation. No matter which destination you choose, be sure you can always stay connected with the best eSIM for the UAE . So, let’s learn more about these great places and the best tourist attractions in the UAE, which you simply cannot miss!

Best places to visit in Dubai

Dubai is one of the most well-known cities in the Middle East. It’s popular worldwide as a center of luxury life, a great vacation place, and an exotic city. It’s unique for many reasons, such as:

  • Burj Al Arab is a luxury 7-star hotel in Dubai with unique architecture. It’s 221 meters high and has 60 floors, so the building is quite impressive both inside and out.
  • bai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: one of the most unique places in the world for its unbelievable inhabitants. Dubai Aquarium has more than 300 sharks and rays and many other manure inhabitants.
  • Dubai Mall: a center of luxury life and the best place for shopping. It’s the largest shopping mall in the world, and its size is equivalent to 50 soccer pitches. You can find anything you want there and experience some mind-blowing things.

As you can see, Dubai is incredible, and even more famous places are worth visiting for any tourist. Let’s look at the best places to visit in Dubai, UAE.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa

This destination is one of the best places in the UAE to visit. It’s among the most popular options for tourism for many reasons. However, the most impressive fact about Burj Khalifa is its height! It’s the tallest building in the world, 828 meters high and 163 floors. The building is unique in its architecture, and it contains a swimming pool, a mosque, a hotel, residences, offices, and restaurants.

You can find viewpoints on the 124th and 125th floors, where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the city. The Burj Khalifa Lounge is on 152-154th floors. It’s the most luxurious observation deck in the world. SKY luxury lounge is located on the 148th floor of the building, where you can enjoy scenic views of the city and even observe Iran.

You can buy tickets for visiting Burj Khalifa online to avoid waiting in line. The dancing fountains are also right in front of this building.

Read also: How to get mobile internet in the UAE: SIM cards and other options

Dubai Fountain

Dubai Fountain

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One of the most visited tourist places in Dubai is the Burj Khalifa Fountain, which is quite popular for its incredible performances. It’s considered to be the largest fountain in the world, located on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake. The fountain is 275 m long (around 3 football pitches), and the jets reach up to 152 m high. The fountain shoots around 22,000 gallons of water at a moment.

The fountain is enhanced with 6,600 lights, so the illumination is magnificent. Also, there are 25 colored projectors. The greatness of this place lies in its performances. Every day, there are great performances with light shows and music, so it’s also known as the dancing fountain. Shows start at 6 p.m. daily, and you can watch those performances up to 11 p.m. every 30 minutes.

Global Village

Global Village

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The Garden Village is popular for its variety of attractions, pavilions, international cuisine, and shows. There are more than 40,000 shows every year, so you can enjoy music and dance performances, street shows, concerts, and more. Then, there are more than 30 pavilions dedicated to 80 countries and their cultures, so you can walk around the pavilions and admire the world's cultural diversity.

Next, people can visit Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. Also, one of the best places for children is Fantasy Island, a great amusement park with many attractions. It’s open for tourists from 16 October 2024 – 11 May 2025, from Sunday to Wednesday, 4:00 pm – 12:00 am, and from Thursday to Saturday, 4:00 pm – 01:00 am.

Read also: How to Plan a Trip

Best places to visit in the UAE with family

The UAE is a fantastic country for family trips, and you can enjoy many good places. There are many best places to visit in UAE with family:

  • Al Mamzar Park,
  • Aventura Parks,
  • Hatta Heritage Village,
  • Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi,
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi,
  • Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

Families enjoy some peaceful and beautiful places that offer amusement for children, options for family activities, and exciting things to see. Here are some great destinations for a family vacation in the UAE.

Wild Wadi Waterpark

Wild Wadi Waterpark

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This is one of the greatest waterparks in the world. It’s dedicated to the Arab theme, its folklore character Juha. There are many different slides (30 slides) and pools. Some of the most popular attractions are:

  • Ring Rides,
  • FlowRider,
  • Breakers Bay,
  • Juha's Journey.

This waterpark has an artificial 18-meter-high waterfall that goes off once every ten minutes, so it's pretty nice for family time. Also, the ticket gives daily access, so you can relax and enjoy attractions.

Miracle Garden

Miracle Garden

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Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest flower garden, covering an area of 72000 square meters. This is one the coolest places in the whole world. It is a three-time Guinness Book of World Record Holder for the largest vertical garden, the biggest floral installation, and the tallest topiary-supported sculpture.

This attraction is terrific for families for its natural beauty and lots of great things to see:

  • Airbus A380—the largest floral installation in the world. A real-size figure of Airbus A380 consists of more than 500,000 plants and flowers. It occupies around 10% of the garden’s area, is 72 meters long, and is 24 meters high.
  • Disney Avenue is one of the most unusual places in the garden. Children love this place for popular characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and others. Mickey Mouse's figure is 18 meters high!

This place also provides themed installations yearly, including The Floral Clock and Teddy Bear.

Read also: How to buy a SIM-card at Dubai Airport

Dubai Butterfly Garden

Dubai Butterfly Garden

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Dubai keeps surprising and impressing tourists with its attractions, so the next destination for families is Dubai Butterfly Garden. This place is claimed to be the world’s largest covered butterfly garden, and it’s among the best places to visit in the United Arab Emirates. It covers 6,673 square meters and is home to more than 15,000 butterflies. There are around 50 species of butterflies so that you can explore the diversity of those lovely creatures.

The garden also allows visitors to observe butterflies' evolution from the first stage to their final form. It’s fascinating to see caterpillars turn into mesmerizing butterflies. The garden is open from Saturday to Friday, and you can visit it from 9am to 6pm.

Read also: How to Book a Hotel Yourself

Best places to visit in the UAE during winter

Most countries are cold in winter, so people like to escape their winter routine and enjoy some warm days. Luckily, the UAE offers visitors a great opportunity to enjoy hot weather. The average temperature there is around 67-77°F (19-25°C), and it’s sunny outside.

So, if you plan to visit the UAE in December, we have prepared a list of places you can enjoy during winter.

Water sctivities and sunbathing in Dubai

Jet car in Dubai

YachtinDubai

Dubai, a dazzling gem of the UAE, offers an array of exhilarating water activities and sunbathing spots that cater to all tastes. With its stunning coastline, pristine beaches, and luxurious resorts, it’s a paradise for water enthusiasts and sun seekers alike. There you can try:

  • Jet Skiing: Experience the thrill of speeding across the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. Rentals are available at various beaches, and guided tours often provide breathtaking views of the iconic skyline.
  • Parasailing: Get a bird's-eye view of Dubai as you soar high above the sea. Enjoy panoramic vistas of landmarks like the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah while feeling the rush of the wind.
  • Kayaking: Paddle through the calm waters of the mangroves or along the coastline. Kayaking is a great way to connect with nature while enjoying the stunning scenery.
  • Wakeboarding and Waterskiing: For those seeking adventure, try wakeboarding or waterskiing at one of the many water sports centers. Expert instructors are available for all skill levels.
  • Luxury Yacht Charters: Indulge in a private yacht experience, complete with gourmet dining and stunning views of the coastline. Sunset cruises are particularly magical.

Whether you're looking for adrenaline-pumping adventures or a serene spot to soak up the sun, Dubai’s water activities and sunbathing options are sure to create unforgettable memories.

Ski Dubai

Penguins in zoo

Lots of tourists come to Dubai for hot weather and lovely sunny days. However, some people still want to experience the great options of a classic winter vacation, including snow, skiing, and others. So Ski Dubai is the best place to visit in the UAE during winter, and it offers visitors a piece of the real winter in this hot city. It’s located in the Mall of the Emirates, giving you a winter wonderland.

The ski center covers around 22000 square meters and has unique options, such as penguin encounters. There is a colony of Gentoo and King Penguins, and visitors can book a penguin encounter to be introduced to those birds. Among other things, you can try zip-lining, visit a snow cavern, experience skiing, and more.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

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Another great destination for a winter trip in the UAE is Souk Madinat Jumeirah. It’s an amazing marketplace located in Madinat Jumeirah Resort. Here, you can enjoy the greatness of Arab market culture and its impressive architecture. This bazaar offers visitors endless shopping options.

You can find jewelry, decorations, perfume, spices, fabrics, and more. Besides its shopping area, there is a huge dining zone with more than 20 restaurants and cafés. It’s a lovely option to try authentic Arab cuisine and some local food.

Budget-friendly options: best free places to visit in the UAE

Despite being one of the most luxurious vacation places in the Middle East, the UAE has plenty of budget-friendly destinations. You can be sure there are some great attractions you can visit at no charge, so let’s explore the best places to visit in the UAE for free.

Dubai Beaches

Dubai Beaches

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Dubai beaches are considered to be a lovely destination for anyone in winter. The city is one of the hottest cities in the UAE, and the water temperature is around 78°F (25°C), perfect for swimming and chilling on the beach.

Many tourists come to Dubai for great beach vacations. There are numerous public beaches, so you can be sure it's free to rest on the beach in Dubai. Here’s a list of the best free beaches:

  • Al Sufouh Beach – it’s an excellent opportunity to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful time on the beach. There are no facilities, however, you can admire a lovely Burj Al Arab view.
  • JBR Beach – this buzzing place is perfect for those who seek cool places and like beach clubs.
  • Kite Beach – this place is famous for a wide variety of activities to try. Tourists like to experience water skiing, kite surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and other activities.

These options are perfect for a peaceful and luxurious beach vacation. You can enjoy water sports, play games, try kite flying, and more. These are some of the most popular beaches in Dubai, which you can visit for free; however, you can also look for other options.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

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This historic district in Dubai, also known as Al Bastakiya, is a lovely destination for anyone who wants to explore the city's cultural heritage. It’s considered to be one of the most important places in the city.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood is famous for its architecture and preserved spirit of 19th-century Old Dubai. You can walk around at no charge and explore this historic area. Moreover, there are plenty of activities:

  • Mawaheb Gallery,
  • Arabian Tea House Café,
  • XVA Gallery,
  • Coffee Museum,
  • Symposium House,
  • Events House.

Make sure to visit this district for amazing vibes and rich cultural heritage. Also, check the renowned Dubai Calendar to find some planned events in the area.

Safa Park

Safa Park

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Safa Park is the first public park in Dubai. It’s a peaceful place in this buzzing city, where you can admire more than 200 species of birds and many different plants. There are significant play areas for children and popular train rides. It’s also an excellent place for jogging and sports games.

This park is popular among families for its lovely nature, peaceful atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities. Safa Park is an excellent option for weekends; however, many people go there when the temperature is lower.

Plan Your Trip to UAE

The UAE is a beautiful and fascinating country in the Middle East, so you can be sure it’s worth visiting. There are numerous attractions and surprising things to see, including many of the world's most excellent and most popular places. The UAE is appropriate for people who seek luxury vacations and budget-friendly trips.

Plan your trip to the UAE and ensure you have the best vacation of your life, surrounded by its bustling streets, mesmerizing nature, lovely beaches, huge malls, and impressive culture. Secure your beautiful travels and enjoy your time in the UAE.

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FAQ

What is the most visited place in the UAE?

The most visited place in the UAE is the Burj Khalifa, located in Dubai, visitors flock to see its stunning architecture, enjoy the surrounding Dubai Mall, and experience the spectacular fountain shows that take place in the evenings.

Which city is beautiful in the UAE?

Abu Dhabi to be the most beautiful city in the UAE. It features a blend of modern architecture and traditional Islamic design, with highlights such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is renowned for its stunning white marble and intricate craftsmanship.

What is the UAE most famous for?

The UAE is most famous for its luxurious lifestyle and extravagant attractions. It is known for iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and the opulent shopping experiences in places like the Dubai Mall.

Is the UAE cheap or expensive?

The UAE is an expensive destination, particularly in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Accommodation, dining, and entertainment can be pricey compared to other regions.

How many days is enough for Dubai?

A stay of 5 to 10 days in Dubai is typically sufficient to explore its major attractions and experience its vibrant culture. This time frame allows visitors to visit iconic sites like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Palm Jumeirah, as well as enjoy activities such as desert safaris and beach outings.

At which time is Dubai cheaper?

Dubai tends to be cheaper during the summer months from June to August when temperatures soar above 40°C (104°F). During this period, many hotels and attractions offer discounts to attract visitors despite the heat.

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