< PreviousFab things to do 10 September 2022 timeoutdubai.com Address Sky View TO DXB_409_10-26 100 Best things to do_12593740.indd 1025/08/2022 12:19:55 PMFab things to do timeoutdubai.com September 2022 11 100 FANTASTIC THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI Top attractions, spas, restaurants and more for your Dubai bucket list TO DXB_409_10-26 100 Best things to do_12593740.indd 1125/08/2022 12:20:03 PMFab things to do 12 September 2022 timeoutdubai.com 5pm every day now at The Green Planet. O The Green Planet, City Walk, Al Safa Street, thegreenplanetdubai.com (800 637227). 4 EXPERIENCE THE UNDERWATER WORLD, 60-METRES-BELOW For the closest experience you can get to visiting another world, head to Deep Dive Dubai.The world-record breaking diving facility is equipped with a 60-metre-deep pool and sunken city for divers of all levels to explore. There are freediving, snorkelling and scuba diving experiences and courses available, led by a team of international diving professionals. O From Dhs400. Wed-Sun, noon-8pm. Nad Al Sheba, deepdivedubai.com. “Try the Leap of Faith, which hurtles you through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks” I f you’re looking for the best things to do Dubai, we have you covered. There are so many fantastic attractions, activities, restaurants, bars and places to visit – from stunning beaches to super rooftop bars, massive world-class nightclubs to desert escapes. And to make sure you don’t miss a single one, we’ve rounded up 100 of our very favourite things to do right here. It’s time to get out there and start ticking all these awesome things to do off your Dubai bucket list. ATTRACTIONS 1CRUISE PAST THE DUBAI FOUNTAIN For the ultimate up-close experience with Burj Khalifa, take a cruise on the lake that surrounds it. Attractions also include pedalos, a oating garden, kayaks and water bikes. O Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, www.thedubaimall.com (800 28843867). 2DRESS UP AND VISIT BURJ AL ARAB You’ll need a reservation just to get into this hotel, so book a drink at Gilt, a day on the in nity pool terrace or afternoon tea in style. Wear your best garb and get ready to be impressed. O Burj Al Arab, Umm Suqeim (04 301 7777). 3ENTER THE RAINFOREST AT THE GREEN PLANET Missing wildlife? What about the rain? Fancy a trip to the jungle? A tropical thunderstorm happens at 1pm and Deep Dive Dubai TO DXB_409_10-26 100 Best things to do_12593740.indd 1225/08/2022 12:21:52 PMFab things to do timeoutdubai.com September 2022 13 5 EXPLORE PALM JUMEIRAH An epic example of engineering ingenuity, this arti cial archipelago is truly a modern wonder to behold. Take a stroll around the boardwalk and enjoy the sights. O Palm Jumeirah. 6GET THE ADRENALINE PUMPING FROM 220M UP Fancy yourself as a bit of a thrill- seeker? If so then the Sky Views Dubai observation deck at Address Sky View Hotel is one must-do to cross off of your Dubai bucket list. From 220m up you can traipse across the 46m long glass walk, zip down the see-through slide and harness- up to walk along the open-air viewing area. If you’re feeling really brave you can even leap across the precipice, safe in the knowledge that your harness will do its thing. O Dhs55 (Edge Walk Dhs699) Open daily 10am-10pm. Address Sky View Hotel, Downtown Dubai. 7 GO UP DUBAI’S BURJ KHALIFA It’s the tallest building in the world with a staggering 160 oors and a tower that looms 828m high. Take a trip to the 148th oor for the observation deck, At The Top. O Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, burjkhalifa.ae. 8 HAVE A DAY OUT AT LA MER If you have a penchant for top grub by the beach, surfside shopping or lazing the day away on the sands, then you can’t really go wrong at La Mer. O La Mer, Jumeriah 1 (800 637 227). 9 HOP ON A DUBAI SIGHTSEEING BUS TOUR Whether you’re a resident or a visitor to Dubai, hop aboard a sightseeing bus to make your way around the city without driving. O Daily, call for timings. Various locations, bigbustours. com (04 3407709). citysightseeing-dubai.com (04 316 7506). 10 MEANDER AMONG THE FLOWERS AT DUBAI MIRACLE GARDEN It’s time to stop and smell the roses, literally. The 72,000sq m Miracle Garden has more than 150 million owers for you to admire. O Al Barsha South, Dubailand, dubaimiraclegarden.com (04 422 8902) . 11 RIDE INTO THE EYE OF THE STORM AT DUBAI HILLS MALL’S INDOOR ROLLER COASTER The fastest indoor roller coaster in Dubai had to make it onto this list. For those who love to get their blood pumping, ‘The Storm’ is a high- Aquaventure Dubai Frame TO DXB_409_10-26 100 Best things to do_12593740.indd 1325/08/2022 12:22:00 PMFab things to do 14 September 2022 timeoutdubai.com Gold Souk octane ride with twists and turns, inclines and massive dives that are de nitely not for the faint-hearted. Expect non-stop action throughout the two-and-a-quarter-minute ride that will leave you breathless and elated all at the same time. O Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Hills Estate (04 448 5033). 12 SEE BUTTERFLIES AT DUBAI BUTTERFLY GARDEN Right next door to the Miracle Garden is the Butter y Garden, which is home to more than 15,000 butter ies of more than 50 different varieties, all uttering around. O Al Barsha South, dubaibutter ygarden.com. 13 SIP AND WATCH AT CINEMACITY Overdue a trip to the pictures? For a VIP viewing experience then check out Cinemacity at Address Fountain View, right by Dubai Mall. The licensed cinema offers the works with its dine-in service with a selection of à la carte menu of Japanese fusion dishes, brought straight to your super-cosy recliner seat via the butler service. O Dhs60 (club class seats), Dhs100 (full reclining VIP seats with dine-in service). Cinemacity, Fountain Views, Downtown Dubai, cinemacity.ae (04 770 0111). 14 STROLL ALONG THE BEACH The Walk and neighbouring al fresco district The Beach at Dubai’s JBR were designed to make the most of strolls. People watching is prime here, plus there are loads of things to eat – don’t miss the Turkish ice cream. O The Beach, JBR, www.thebeach.ae (04 3173999). TO DXB_409_10-26 100 Best things to do_12593740.indd 1425/08/2022 12:22:09 PMFab things to do timeoutdubai.com September 2022 15 15 TAKE A TRIP ACROSS DUBAI CREEK Hop on an abra, hand over a dirham and enjoy a smooth sail across the Creek. It’s a short trip to the other side, but it’ll take you back to everything Dubai is really about. O Dhs1. Dubai Creek. 16 TRAVEL THE WORLD AT DUBAI’S GLOBAL VILLAGE There are 78 countries represented at this huge outdoor attraction as well as fairground fun, international food, shows, shops and even an oddities museum. The next season will reopen on October 25, so save the date for your next visit. O Global Village, Exit 37, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed road, globalvillage.ae (04 3624114). 19 SPLASH AROUND AT A WATERPARK Wild Wadi’s main attraction, Jumeirah Sceirah tower has two 32-metre-high tandem slides which will see you plummet at a speed of 80km/h. Or pay a visit to Aquaventure to try the Leap of Faith slide, which hurtles you through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks. O Jumeirah Beach Road (04 348 4444); Atlantis, The Palm (04 426 0000). 20 SPEED AROUND THE TRACK AT EKART DUBAI MALL Fancy racing your mates on a rooftop overlooking Burj Khalifa? You can now do just that, as EKart Zabeel has an outdoor track in Downtown Dubai for the winter. O The Dubai Mall Zabeel, Downtown Dubai, ekartzabeel.ae. 21 SWIM WITH SHARKS IN DUBAI AQUARIUM AND UNDERWATER ZOO Gather your courage and slip into the deep blue sea (kind of) to swim with sharks at this cool attraction in the massive shopping mall. O Dubai Aquarium, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, thedubaiaquarium.com (800 382246255). 22 TACKLE THE SLOPES AT SKI DUBAI Just because you’re in the desert doesn’t mean that you won’t see snow. Granted you won’t see it outside – but you’ll get plenty of it at Ski Dubai. Learn to ski, chill out (literally) with the penguins or sip a hot chocolate at the snow cinema. O Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Barsha, skidxb.com (800386). XLine Dubai “Zoom over the glistening waters of Dubai Marina at speeds of 80km/h” 17 JUMP OUT OF A PLANE AT SKYDIVE DUBAI Ever fancied jumping out of a plane at speeds of 120mph over a man-made island? Well why not? Skydive Dubai is one for the braver out there. Don’t look down (gulp). O Dhs1,699 (tandem skydive). Skydive Dubai, Dubai Marina, skydivedubai.ae. 18 RIDE THE ROLLER COASTERS AT IMG WORLDS OF ADVENTURE Dubai’s 1.5-million-square-foot IMG Worlds of Adventure is the biggest indoor theme park on the planet, and it’s home to some pretty epic rides. See how we got on when we visited at youtube.com/timeoutgcc. O Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubailand, imgworlds.com (04 403 8888). Mimi Kakushi TO DXB_409_10-26 100 Best things to do_12593740.indd 1525/08/2022 12:22:19 PMFab things to do 16 September 2022 timeoutdubai.com SushiSamba Folly “SushiSamba serves epic views from its 51st floor location” 23 TAKE A SNAP OF DUBAI FROM THE DUBAI FRAME This cool vantage point at Zabeel Park allows visitors with a head for heights to see the city’s past, present and future in a one- hour tour with unique views of ‘old’ and ‘new’ Dubai from a 150-metre-high sky glass bridge. Don’t forget your camera phone as you’ll want to capture the super views. O Zabeel Park, www.thedubaiframe.com (800900). 24 ZIP OVER THE TOP OF DUBAI MARINA ON THE XLINE XLine zip line offers thrill seekers the chance to zoom over the glistening waters of Dubai Marina at speeds of up to 80km/h at an incline of 16 degrees, head rst in true Superman-style. It’s one of the best ways to see the city, while getting your adrenaline x, too. Get ready to scream. O Dubai Marina, www.xdubai.com/xline. CULTURE 25 BE AMAZED BY LA PERLE Acrobatics, water stunts, motorbikes and more – this is a live theatre spectacle that must be seen at least once. O La Perle by Dragone, Al Habtoor City, laperle.com (04 4370001). Folly TO DXB_409_10-26 100 Best things to do_12593740.indd 1625/08/2022 12:22:25 PMFab things to do timeoutdubai.com September 2022 17 30 DISCOVER HISTORY AT DUBAI MUSEUM Have a spare Dhs3 in your pocket? Inside the walls of Dubai’s Al Fahidi Fort in Old Dubai is a brilliant tribute to Dubai’s past. The historic building is home to a wide variety of life-size dioramas that depict Emirati life from a bygone era. O Al Fahidi Historical District, Bur Dubai (04 353 1862). 31 DO A HERITAGE TOUR OF AL FAHIDI WITH SMCCU Learn about the UAE as you wander through Old Dubai on a heritage tour. Then relax with a Q&A over dates and a coffee. O Sat, 9am. Sun, Thu and Thu 10.30am. 90 minutes. Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai, cultures.ae. 32 DO A SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN AND DESERT SAFARI WITH PLATINUM HERITAGE You’re in the desert – why not explore it properly? Head out with this cool company who will give you the low-down on the environment while you explore the dunes. O www.platinum-heritage.com. 33 HAGGLE AT DUBAI GOLD AND TEXTILE SOUKS Retail therapy in Dubai doesn’t necessarily mean heading to one of the (many) sprawling malls. For a more traditional experience, head down to one of the many souks at the Creek. O Dubai Creek, Deira. 26 BUY JEWELS AT DUBAI GOLD SOUK If you’re in the market for gold rings, chains, blocks or even tie pins it is an essential visit. Even if you’re not haggling / investing it is a sight that de es Instagram lters. O Gold Souk, Deir a. 27 CHECK OUT RIPE MARKET If you have a few hours to meander, drift, saunter and stroll there is no ner place than at Dubai’s greatest community market, Ripe Market, to shop and pick up some bargains. It runs at various indoor locations in the summer but will move back to its Academy Park venue come autumn. O Open Sat 9am-7pm; Sun 10am-7pm. Academy Park, Umm Suqeim, ripeme.com (055 5431282). 28 CATCH A FILM IN STYLE AT CINEMA AKIL Indie spot Cinema Akil shows a variety of lms you may not see elsewhere and you should absolutely order a cup of chai from Project Chaiwala to sip while you watch. O Warehouse 68, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, cinemaakil.com (058 524 6362) . 29 CHECK OUT THE ART GALLERIES AT AL QUOZ Dubai’s artiest area is Al Quoz, and there are loads of exhibitions to check out. Dubai’s artsy hub also has workshops, plus, there are loads of cool coffee shops to check out. We recommend Nightjar, one of Time Out Market Dubai’s superstar vendors, too. O Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, alserkalavenue.ae (04 3333464). Cinema Akil TO DXB_409_10-26 100 Best things to do_12593740.indd 1725/08/2022 12:22:41 PMFab things to do 18 September 2022 timeoutdubai.com 34 IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ART AT TODA The Theatre of Digital Art is the rst of its kind in Dubai, offering art a cionados in the UAE the chance to experience masterpieces via digital shows accompanied by stunning music, visual effects and surround sound. O Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, toda.ae . 35 JOURNEY INTO SPACE AT MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE You’ll want to visit based on the stunning exterior alone, but enter Museum of the Future and you won’t want to leave. There’s plenty to explore, but the chance to be able to see Earth from above and register as a special space pioneer, choosing your mission, is probably our favourite. A new attraction that only opened in February of this year, this is one to tell everyone you know about. O Museum of the Future. Open daily 10am-6pm. Sheikh Zayed Road, museumofthefuture.a e. 36 NIP DOWN THE ROAD TO SHARJAH Sharjah has loads of art and culture, but a recent highlight is the reopening of the The Flying Saucer. The iconic structure was constructed in the mid-1970s and for the past two years has been undergoing a major restoration by Sharjah Art Foundation to re ect its original architecture. It now houses exhibitions and an arts space. O sharjahart.org. 37 READ ALL ABOUT IT AT MOHAMMED BIN RASHID LIBRARY Mohammed bin Rashid Library in Dubai Creek is Dubai’s hottest new attraction – and there’s lots to explore. Costing a whopping Dhs1billion to build, this is one impressive structure. Visitors have access to more than 1.1 million printed and digital books in Arabic and foreign languages at the reading spot, so make sure you set some time aside for this one. O Open daily from 8am-11.55pm. Dubai Creek (04 222 2025). 38 SEE A SHOW AT DUBAI OPERA Since opening in 2016 this stunning dhow-shaped building has been a hub for theatre, musicals, operas, ballet and comedians. Autumn 2022 highlights include Romeo & Juliet and Footloose, setting the tone for the A-list acts to come. O Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai www.dubaiopera.com (04 440 8888). The Penthouse 39 SNIFFING OUT A BARGAIN AT THE SPICE SOUK Roaming through the narrow alleyways, packed full of bags of vibrantly coloured spices, you’ll be bowled over by the warming scents of the spices. O Baniyas Street, Deira. 40 VISIT JUMEIRAH MOSQUE One of only a handful of mosques in the country open to non-Muslims, a visit here is an engaging cultural experience designed to inform and educate about Islam and Emirati culture. Modest dress is required. O Open Sat-Thu, 10am and 2pm. Jumeirah Mosque, Jumeirah Beach Road, jumeirahmosque.ae (04 3536666). 41 VISIT ETIHAD MUSEUM Learn about the history of the UAE at this museum in Jumeirah. Covering 25,000 sqm it’s located in the same spot as Union House, where the constitution was signed in 1971. O Jumeirah, etihadmuseum.dubaiculture.gov.ae. 42 WALK ALONG AL SEEF Al Seef on Bur Dubai side of the Creek is an area of Dubai steeped in history, with a huge amount of Emirati culture. It leans heavily on the contemporary elements of life in Dubai but also has a nostalgic twist. There are loads of coffee shops for a pit stop, too. O Al Seef, Bur Dubai, alseef.ae. TO DXB_409_10-26 100 Best things to do_12593740.indd 1826/08/2022 10:26:48 AMFab things to do timeoutdubai.com September 2022 19 45CHAT TO YOUR PRIVATE CHEF AT HÖSEKI This will set you back a bit, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for something special. Seating just nine diners, you’ll have a private chef who will cook a special menu each day. Bvlgari Hotel & Resorts, Jumeirah (04 777 5555). 46DELIGHT IN GOLD BURRATA AT FIVE PALM JUMEIRAH DUBAI Always wanted to eat a gold burrata? Probably not, but now you can. The cheese comes with truf e, and fully coated in edible 22-karat gold at Cinque. O Dhs200. Cinque, FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai (04 455 9989). 47DIG INTO FONDUE AT AN APRÈS-SKI BAR Whether it’s après ski or après shop, what better way to enjoy a spot of post-snow fun than with a pot of bubbling, molten Swiss cheese? (The Alps, possibly, but as an alternative this is très bon.) O Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Barsha, skidxb.com (800386). 48DINE NEXT TO THE TURTLES AT IL BORRO TUSCAN BISTRO Visit the Time Out Dubai Best Italian Restaurant for a superb meal and you’ll also see a couple of turtles gliding by when you sit outside. O Jumeirah Al Naseem, Umm Suqeim (04 275 2555). 49DINE ON A ROOFTOP AT FOLLY The rooftop of this excellent restaurant has stunning views, and the European dishes are outstanding. O Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim (04 430 8535). 50DINNER DATES WITH BURJ KHALIFA BACKDROP AT THIPTARA With a front-row seat to The Dubai Fountain, you couldn’t be any closer to the awesome dancing waters than at Thiptara. O Palace Downtown Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard (04 888 3444). 51DINE ON THE CREEK WITH BATEAUX DUBAI Dubai Creek at night is magical. And this fancy boat trip is a top way to see it. O Bateux Dubai, Al Seef Street, Bur Dubai, jaresortshotels.com (04 3366768). 52EAT FROM A FOOD TRUCK AT LAST EXIT When you can’t decide which fancy restaurant to go to, ditch the plans and take the family to a food truck park. O Sheikh Zayed Road, lastexit.ae (04 3173999). Dubai Love Lakes “It’s all about the views from this rooftop bar. Go now” 43 WATCH CAMELS RACE AT AL MARMOOM The desert-dwelling beasts can reach speeds of up to 65km/h and races are every bit as entertaining as you imagine. O Opening dates and times vary. Al Marmoom Camel Racetrack, Al Ain Road (055 676 0006). FOOD & DRINK 44BOOK DINNER AT MIMI KAKUSHI It’s Restaurant of the Year in the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards and it also has one of the city’s best brunches. Book now. O Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach, mimikakushi.ae. TO DXB_409_10-26 100 Best things to do_12593740.indd 1926/08/2022 10:27:21 AMNext >