Things to do in Dubai

The experiences and attractions available in Dubai are many and varied. From the miles of immaculate beautiful white sandy beaches to the richly exotic Arabian heritage, from the awe inspiring majesty of the desert to the lively international bars, restaurants and nightclubs – a visitor to Dubai is guaranteed an incredible, never to be forgotten experience. Moreover, Dubai is recognized globally as one of the safest and cleanest cities in the world.

Dubai has a thriving expatriate’s population who make the most of their tax free lifestyle in this amazing city of opportunity. The Nightlife in the city is excellent, with cocktail bars, wine bars, themed bars and typical British or Irish pubs available, many of which offer food and entertainment as well.

High standard International Cuisine is available in the city’s many restaurants and if you are looking for lively evening entertainment there are numerous night clubs around the city. Some of the clubs attract even international DJs. Dubai also welcomes international touring Singing & Entertainment Acts which cater to all tastes and ages…from traditional theatre groups (Chicago, Mamma Mia) to ballet (Nutcracker), from opera to international rock and pop bands (Elton John, Shakira, 50 Cents) - all are regular visitors.

Shopping in Dubai is amazing, convenient and very practical. With huge shopping malls offering every imaginable brand in clothing, furniture and accessories, everything you can ever dream of is in one place. In addition, The Dubai Shopping Festival is now a world famous annual event but for those who can’t wait for January to come round again never fear Dubai is the shopping capital of the world. For those in search of the true flavor of Dubai try the souks and the gold and spice markets, for those in search of designer labels and high octane shopping try Wafi Centre Shopping Mall, Burjuman or the Mall of the Emirates.

Dubai also offers its visitors an amazing and unique Desert Experience. Indeed, a 4x4 Desert Safari is another great tourist activity but be sure to take a camera to capture the stunning sunset, the vibrant colors and the dramatically changing aspect of the desert as the sun goes down and the moon rises.

For families Dubai has several venues to offer like Wild Wadi Water Park which is the worlds most advanced and innovative Water Theme Park and a water theme park like no other you will have ever experienced. Other theme parks are under development like Paramount and Universal Studios theme parks that will surely have amazing rides matching all the Disney Theme Parks.

It wasn't so long ago when Dubai was frequently referred to as one of the world's best-kept Golfing secrets by golf travel publications and tourism brochures. Now, of, course it is hosting in February every year, one of the biggest and best golf tournaments in the world, the Dubai Desert Classic. The golf courses are, of course, famous in their own right. The Emirates Golf Club hosts the Dubai Desert Classic. The Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, to give it its full title, also provides every possible comfort.

As the popularity of Dubai as a golfing destination grows, more golf courses are opening up every year just to cater for the demand. Colin Montgomerie, the Desert Course in Arabian Ranches, and the Four Seasons Golf Club (known as Al Badia) behind Dubai Festival City recently opened. More Golf Courses are set to open. Indeed, in Victory Heights (the biggest development in Dubai Sports City) there will be an 18 holes golf course designed by champion Ernie Els.

Also Jumeirah Golf Estates will have four golf courses (Earth, Wind, Fire, Water) paying tribute to the power of nature, each employing the distinctive characteristics of its own surroundings to deliver a unique challenge. The golf courses are always in immaculate condition, and spectacular to the eye. The world’s leading golf players love coming to Dubai and it’s easy to see why. In short, for the ultimate in complete golfing luxury and over-indulgence, this is just the place.

As an integral part of the culture of Dubai, Horse Back Riding is one of the most preferred things to do in Dubai. For tourists, horse riding in Dubai is sheer excitement and adventure. This is mainly due to the presence of numerous professional riding stables and equestrian centers. No wonder, horse lovers all over the world consider it to be a privilege to ride a horse in this beautiful city. Horse riding is also widely followed as a professional sport. Luring a huge number of spectators, the horse races of Dubai have attained international recognition over time. In fact, the Dubai World Cup is considered to be the richest race in the sport. The world's top notch jockeys come here with their splendid horses every year (end of March) for this event. The track used for Dubai World Cup is truly world-class, and the racecourse caters to international standards of telecasting and other facilities.

We know Dubai is a desert city, and never experiences snow. Nonetheless, snow skiing in Dubai is a very plausible recreational option for tourists thanks to Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. Offering an artificial snow setting for skiers, and snowboarders, this resort has accentuated the growth of tourism by luring thousands of skiing lovers from world over. Skiing in Dubai has now become a pastime for both locals and tourists alike. A unique mountain-themed attraction in the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai has changed the preconceived notions related to skiing in Dubai.

The world's third-largest indoor ski slope, it is 85 meters in height and covers a total area of 22,500 square meters. Providing skiers with 6000 tons of real snow all through the year, this place maintains a constant -1º to -2º C, even as temperatures outside the resort are soaring. With a capacity of 1,500 visitors, Ski Dubai has become one of the most-visited attractions. In fact, it is promoted as the 'coolest thing to do in Dubai'. Ski Dubai provides all requisite equipment required for skiing in Dubai. Clothing, ski boards, and even professional guidance are easily available here.

Do not miss the thrill of Desert Skiing or Sand Boarding in Dubai when you visit this beautiful city. Desert skiing is a common feature in Desert Safaris. While you traverse the vast sandy expanse, you'll come across numerous dunes. These red dunes are the best places to enjoy desert skiing. Desert skiing in Dubai gives you the opportunity of experiencing the magic of the desert in a unique way. Hatta is the area that offers lot of sand ski options to tourists. An ancient fortress village, Hatta boasts of a magnificent landscape and is a perfect foil to the monotony of the vast desert. Almost all tour operators offering safaris in the desert also provide requisite equipment for desert skiing.

Dubai is the ultimate holiday destination. Every single thing you see, from the magnificent clubhouses, the famous Dubai skyline to the overall experience of dining out, is an eye-opener of the highest order.