106 Things to Do in Dubai in 2026: The Insider’s Full List

Choose your Dubai activities by area and interest, rather than trying to cross off all 106 in one trip. This guide covers food, culture, family outings, outdoor experiences and nightlife. It separates ticketed attractions from places to browse and flags seasonal or closed-site issues. Our best starting point is one main activity, a nearby meal and enough time for the journey.

Our preference is to mix a substantial booking with time to explore the surrounding area. Downtown works for Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa; Old Dubai offers souks, heritage lanes and Creek-side walks; JBR and the Marina suit a coastal plan. A desert or Hatta visit is a separate outing, not something to squeeze between distant restaurant reservations. Compare the group’s interests before buying: a ride-focused day, galleries and a late-night DJ event need different schedules. Check the actual access, age rules and selected-date programme before committing. Leave room for food and rest rather than turn the visit into a transfer itinerary. Public browsing can balance the paid attractions, but a public district does not make every museum, restaurant or pool inside it free. This is researched planning advice, not an account of our team taking a balloon ride and yacht trip last weekend.

For a complete overview of what’s happening across the city, explore our full UAE nightlife and events guide

Exquisite Dining Experiences in Dubai

1. La Dame de Pic Dubai: Located at The Link in One&Only Zabeel, this restaurant by chef Anne-Sophie Pic offers an avant-garde approach to French cuisine.
2. Ossiano: Enjoy underwater dining at Atlantis The Palm with views of the aquarium.
3. SushiSamba: Located on the 51st floor of The Palm Tower, it offers a fusion of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine with stunning views.
4. At.mosphere: Experience fine dining on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa.
5. Carnival by Trèsind: Known for its innovative dishes and playful décor in the Burj Daman Building, DIFC.
6. Time Out Market Dubai: Located in Souk Al Bahar, this foodie paradise features 17 food vendors and three bars.
7. Friends’ Avenue Café: A lively spot in JLT known for its creative breakfast options.
8. Tom & Serg: An industrial-chic café in Al Quoz offering hearty breakfast dishes.
9. Baker & Spice: An artisanal café in Souk Al Bahar focusing on locally sourced ingredients.
10. Armani/Ristorante: Italian dining at Armani Hotel Dubai. Choose the published restaurant menu and reservation, rather than assume this is the hotel’s breakfast venue.
11. Pierchic: A romantic seafood restaurant at the end of a pier at Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah.
12. COYA: A Peruvian restaurant in Four Seasons Resort, offering lively flavours and a lively atmosphere.
13. La Petite Maison: A French Mediterranean restaurant in DIFC known for its light, fresh dishes.
14. Nobu: Located at Atlantis The Palm, offering a fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine with South American ingredients.
15. Zuma: A contemporary Japanese izakaya-style restaurant in DIFC.

Unique Adventures in Dubai

16. Dinner in the Sky: Dine at a table suspended 50 metres in the air at Skydive Dubai.
17. Skydive Dubai: Experience skydiving over The Palm Jumeirah.
18. XLine Dubai Marina: Enjoy the world’s longest urban zipline.
19. Hot Air Balloon Ride: Fly over the desert with Balloon Adventures Dubai.
20. The Dubai Fountain: Watch the spectacular water, music, and light show at the Burj Khalifa Lake.
21. Dubai Miracle Garden: Explore the world’s largest natural flower garden.
22. IMG Worlds of Adventure: an indoor theme park with themed zones and rides. Check height restrictions and what the ticket includes.
23. Ski Dubai: Enjoy indoor skiing and snowboarding at the Mall of the Emirates.
24. Aquaventure Waterpark: Thrill at the water rides and marine attractions at Atlantis The Palm.
25. Lost World Aquarium: the current Atlantis, The Palm aquarium offering. Use the operator’s current ticket page rather than the former Lost Chambers name.
26. Dubai Ice Rink: Skate at the Olympic-sized rink in The Dubai Mall.
27. Play DXB: Dubai Mall’s indoor gaming and VR destination, formerly commonly listed as VR Park. Individual experiences have their own restrictions.
28. Global Village: a seasonal cultural and entertainment destination. Season 31 is announced from 14 October 2026 to May 2027; select the actual date and admission conditions.

Cultural Highlights

31. Dubai Opera: Attend top-tier performances in the heart of Downtown Dubai.
32. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: explore the heritage lanes and current public cultural spaces. Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort is closed for renovation, so do not plan on entering its exhibitions.
33. Jumeirah Mosque: Take a tour to learn about Islamic culture and religion.
34. Etihad Museum: Learn about the history of the UAE’s formation.
35. Dubai Frame: Experience the city’s past, present, and future from this iconic structure.
36. Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding: Engage in cultural exchange and understanding programs.
37. Alserkal Avenue: Explore contemporary art galleries and creative spaces in Al Quoz.
38. Dubai Design District (d3): Discover innovative design and art installations.
39. Cinema Akil: choose a dated screening at the independent cinema in Alserkal Avenue. Book the actual film rather than assume a discontinued festival is running.
40. Madinat Jumeirah: Stroll through the traditional Arabian market and waterways.
41. Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs.
42. Gold Souk: Visit the traditional market in Deira for gold and jewellery.
43. Spice Souk: Explore the aromatic spices in Deira.
44. Textile Souk: Shop for fabrics and textiles in Bur Dubai.
45. Dubai Creek: Take an abra ride along the historic waterway.
46. Hatta Heritage Village: Learn about traditional Emirati life in this restored village.
47. Quranic Park: Explore Islamic heritage and culture in this educational park.
48. Love Lake: Visit the heart-shaped lakes in Al Qudra for a romantic outing.
49. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary: Watch flamingos and other wildlife in this protected area.

Luxurious Experiences

50. The Dubai Mall: Shop at one of the largest malls in the world.
51. Mall of the Emirates: Enjoy luxury shopping and indoor skiing.
52. City Walk: Explore the outdoor retail and dining destination.
53. J1 Beach: the contemporary beachfront dining destination on the former La Mer site. Restaurants and beach-club access have their own reservations and prices.
54. Bluewaters Island: Visit the home of Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel.
55. The View at The Palm: a ticketed observation experience in The Palm Tower. Compare the named floor and product rather than plan around the former Pointe dining and fountain programme.
56. Dubai Marina: Stroll along the waterfront and dine at upscale restaurants.
57. JBR Beach: Enjoy the beach, dining, and entertainment at Jumeirah Beach Residence.
58. Palm West Beach: Relax at the beach clubs and restaurants along Palm Jumeirah.
59. NAMMOS Dubai: beach and restaurant options at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. Confirm the specific reservation; a meal is not automatically a beach pass.
60. Nikki Beach: Enjoy the luxury beach club experience.
61. Jet Skiing: Ride along the coast with views of iconic landmarks.
62. Yacht Charter: Sail along Dubai’s coastline on a private yacht.
63. Desert Safari: Experience dune bashing, camel riding, and a Bedouin camp dinner.
64. Luxury Spa Day: Indulge in a spa day at one of Dubai’s top hotels.
65. Golf: Play at one of Dubai’s top-tier golf courses.
66. Polo: Watch a match at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club.
67. Horse Racing: Attend the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse.
68. Falconry: Learn about the traditional sport at a desert resort.

Family-Friendly Activities in Dubai

69. Kidzania: Let children role-play in a mini city at The Dubai Mall.
70. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Explore marine life at The Dubai Mall.
71. Green Planet: Discover the indoor rainforest at City Walk.
72. Dubai Butterfly Garden: Visit the largest covered butterfly garden in the world.
73. LEGOLAND Dubai: Enjoy rides and attractions at Dubai Parks and Resorts.
74. Motiongate Dubai: Experience Hollywood-themed rides at Dubai Parks and Resorts.
75. Real Madrid World: football-themed rides and attractions at Dubai Parks and Resorts. It is the current park offering, rather than the closed Bollywood Parks.
76. Dubai Dolphinarium: Watch dolphin and seal shows.
77. Dubai Safari Park: Explore wildlife in themed sections.
78. Al Marmoom Camel Race Track: Watch camel races in the desert.
79. Dubai Kartdrome: Go karting at the indoor and outdoor tracks.
80. Adventure Zone: Enjoy indoor adventure activities at Galleria Mall.
81. Bounce Dubai: Experience trampoline fun at this indoor park.
82. Splash ‘n’ Party: Take the kids to this waterpark designed for children.
83. LEGOLAND Water Park: a separate water-park choice at Dubai Parks and Resorts. Check the age/height rules and whether a combined ticket is worthwhile for the group.
84. Wild Wadi Waterpark: Enjoy water rides with views of the Burj Al Arab.
85. Activate: indoor physical and problem-solving games at City Centre Mirdif. Book the team size and check the participating-adult requirements for younger children.

And the others?

69. House of Hype: interactive settings and games across the operator’s 25-world experience in Dubai Mall. Choose it for the format, not a promise every activity suits every child.
70. Boo Boo Laand: indoor family play in Dubai Mall. Choose the child’s actual age category and check which adult admission the ticket includes.
71. Dubai Creek Park: a park outing with public green space and visitor facilities. Check the actual operating attractions; an old cable-car listing is not a guaranteed current ride.
72. Loco Bear: an indoor activity venue in Al Quoz. Entry and paid activities are distinct; check the selected attraction’s age and height conditions.
73. Total Ninja: indoor active play at Silicon Central Mall. Choose the zone and session suited to the participant rather than assume every activity fits every age.
74. Al Seef: A waterfront promenade along Dubai Creek that blends restored heritage architecture on one side with a contemporary strip of cafés and boutiques on the other — a relaxed alternative to the busier Al Fahidi souks nearby.
75. Coffee Museum: Tucked inside Al Fahidi Historical District, this small museum traces the history of coffee across the Arab world and beyond — a quick, free-to-cheap stop if you’re already exploring Old Dubai.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Dubai

86. Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience: pick a currently announced artist night and its ticket. The show date, lineup and admission category matter more than a generic club recommendation.
87. Soho Garden: Enjoy a night out at this eclectic venue in Meydan.
88. Honeycomb Hi-Fi: a listening-bar and dining option in Business Bay. Confirm the seating time and age conditions, particularly when combining dinner with a later bar visit.
89. Billionaire Dubai: dinner and performance at its current Mandarin Oriental Downtown location on the 61st floor. Use the current reservation rather than the former Taj address.
90. Bohemia at FIVE Palm Jumeirah: beach-club and artist-event options with separate products. BASE is closed; choose a currently announced Bohemia date rather than an old BASE listing.
91. BLU Dubai: indoor clubbing at V Hotel in Al Habtoor City, with event-dependent entry and a physical-ID requirement. Check the actual night and admission before travelling.
92. The Myth: a nightclub at Sofitel Dubai Downtown with event-led concepts and direct booking. Match the table or entry product to the particular night.
93. The Irish Village: Enjoy live music and a relaxed atmosphere.
94. McGettigan’s: Visit this popular Irish pub for live music and sports.
95. Jazz@PizzaExpress: Enjoy live jazz and pizza
96. The Penthouse at FIVE Palm Jumeirah: This rooftop bar offers stunning views of the Dubai skyline and a lively atmosphere with live DJs.
97. Playa Pacha: choose a dated PACHA ICONS or other announced programme at FIVE LUXE JBR. Its ticketed evening events should not be confused with another hotel or beach booking.
98. 7 Tales: a bar on the 44th floor of Grosvenor House in Dubai Marina. It is a different option from a beach day: choose the current bar reservation and programme.
99. Lock, Stock & Barrel: Known for its lively atmosphere, this bar offers live music, sports screenings, and an extensive food and drinks menu.
100. Q’s Bar and Lounge: music programming at Palazzo Versace Dubai. Consult the current performer and reservation details rather than assume every new artist was personally selected by Quincy Jones.

Outdoor Activities

106. Hatta kayaking: an outdoor water activity in Dubai’s Hatta area. Confirm the chosen operator, access and conditions. Jebel Jais is in Ras Al Khaimah and belongs in a separate emirate excursion, not this Dubai list.

Plan by Area

Our recommendation is to use the list as a menu, not a competition to fit the most stops into a day. Start with the area and the group’s interests, then reserve only the activities that need it. For more detail, compare our Dubai attractions guide, family activity choices and nightlife planning guide. They explain the booking distinctions behind the shorter entries here.

Frequently Asked Questions