For those visitors to Dubai looking for a more offbeat experience, these are the city’s hidden gems. You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for unique and out-of-the-ordinary things to do in Dubai.
There is no shortage of fantastic locations in Dubai. Given that you’ve chosen to read this, we may assume that you’re looking for an alternative to the typical tourist destinations in Dubai. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller, a first-time visitor, or a local, you’re sure to find something of interest among these Dubai landmarks. We’ve jotted down some of Dubai’s best activities for families, couples, and lone travellers. We’ve also included some random things to do in the area of Dubai and some insider information on the Dubai club scene.
Hot Air Ballooning
It’s fair to say that the Arabian Desert is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Dubai. However, one of the hidden gems is the expansion of hot air in the desert. The desert scenery in Dubai is stunning.
An adventure in a tourist balloon is unlike anything you’ve ever done before. Adding the beauty of a desert sunrise to the mix, you have the makings of a really unforgettable experience. It may be considered one of the more extreme things to do in Dubai for those with a taste for danger.
Surprisingly prosperous bramble and camel farms dot the desert landscape just outside Dubai. There are chances of seeing gazelles and Arabian oryx elands roaming free. The inflatable allows you a bird’s-eye view of the whole scene.
One of the best ways to start the day in Dubai, you’ll get to see the sunrise as another tourist balloon flies by in the background. See how another day might materialise in a box a few thousand feet in the air. This is the type of experience that no adventurer will ever have again.
Tourists may get a better understanding of the Bedouin way of life by taking a balloon ride above Dubai. Meeting up with a Bedouin tent for breakfast after a flight is an unexpected bonus, even if you do get some curious glances from the locals. Bedouins are also skilled in falconry, thus seeing an exhibition of birds of prey is often a part of the experience.
Al Qudra Lakes
It takes no more than half an hour to get to the Al Qudra Lakes neighbourhood from the heart of Dubai. It’s a favourite among Dubai’s regular thinkers and a well-kept secret that brings peace and quiet. It’s easy to identify wild animals and plants in this oasis in the desert.
Wild foxes, oryx, and other birds might all make an appearance. More than 170 species of birds are found here. You can see swans, flamingos, and everything in between in the Al Quadra Lakes. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll find one of the most peaceful places in all of Dubai.
Tourists may stay at the nearby 5-star Bab Al Shams Resort, one of Dubai’s many attractions. As a result, have a relaxing evening eating at the retreat or exploring the nearby food trucks.
The Al Qudra Lakes were created artificially, yet they blend in so naturally with the surrounding desert that no one would ever guess. The animals have no idea either. This is the top attraction in Dubai if you’re looking for businesses related to sustainable tourism.
Musandam Peninsula
As you enter Oman, you’ll be able to take in beautiful vistas of the ocean and mountains. Find out for yourself why they call this area the “Norway of Arabia.” It’s one of the most visited places in Dubai because of its natural beauty. These striking green-blue seas are home to a resident dolphin population.
Telegraph Island is a must-see on the journey. You’ll have time to swim and relax, plus a Smorgasbord lunch is included. The Musandam Peninsula is a must-see while in Dubai, and getting there is as simple as taking a day trip. The scenery is breathtaking, and the atmosphere is relaxing.
The Musandam Peninsula is a small landmass in the northeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The Hajar Mountains are largely responsible for the exceptional quality of life in this area. In comparison to this, photography locations in Dubai just don’t compare.
SMC
There are few more mind-blowing places to see in all of Dubai than the Sheik Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding. It’s a nonprofit group whose mission is to raise awareness of UAE culture. Since Dubai is such a diverse city full of intrepid travellers and expats, this group hopes to share its knowledge with visitors and encourage them to fight back.
The SMCCU should be on the itinerary of every traveller visiting Dubai. It may be found in the Al Fahidi Old City. A motto of theirs is “Open doors, open minds.” The SMCCU attracts regionally via a variety of interactions and events. Some visitors to Dubai may not be aware that the SMCCU exists.
Lost Chambers Aquarium
You have certainly heard a lot of great things about the aquarium at the Dubai Mall. Have you heard anything about the Lost Chambers Aquarium, though? One of the most jaw-dropping Dubai insider secrets is the Lost Chambers Aquarium.
The Atlantis Hotel in Dubai is home to a number of popular tourist attractions, including the Lost Chambers Aquarium. More than 65,000 aquatic animals call Ambassador Lagoon home, making it the largest aquarium in the United Arab Emirates. One of the greatest out-of-the-way things to do in Dubai, and a favourite destination for Dubai family vacations, is a trip here. With its lively fish, sharks, beams, and much more, the Lost Chambers Aquarium is one of the most photogenic locations in all of Dubai. Swimming, underwater yoga, and scuba diving are all amazing experiences.
In order to avoid being plunge confirmed, swimming is the most accessible method of transportation. It’s also appropriate for people of all ages. You won’t be able to witness as many unique marine creatures in a single swim anywhere else as you will here.
Fossil Dunes
The Fossil Dunes of Al Wathba are one of the peaceful crown jewels of Dubai and, perhaps, the greatest free attraction in the city. In spite of the fact that it’s just an hour and a half away from the city centre, you’ll need a four-wheel-drive car to get there. Getting lost in the desert is a fun thing to do in Dubai.
One of the best places to go on a regular basis in Dubai, the Fossil rises of Al Wathba are quite spectacular. In the long run, the sand and the wind provide a stunning backdrop for these compositions in the desert. When calcium carbonate starts to harden, the theoretical designs begin to take shape and progress through time.
The Fossil Dunes are Dubai’s most breathtaking natural attraction. They appear in the opening sequences of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” so you may recognise them. One of the most fascinating historical sites in Dubai is home to these astounding cyclical expressions.
Gallery of Illusions
Visitors to Dubai won’t want to miss the Al Fahidi Historic District. It’s a fantastic place to take a walk and imagine what life was like in Dubai a century ago. The original structure is preserved in large part.
Even while a stroll through Dubai’s Al Fahidi District won’t be one of the city’s most out-of-the-ordinary experiences, it will lead you to one of the city’s lesser-known gems. The Dubai Museum of Illusions is a fun place to spend a day. It’s a little museum stuffed with clever, endearing, and baffling displays. There are also some very unique spots for taking photographs.
If you’re looking to take your exploration of Dubai in an unanticipated direction, a stop to the Museum of Illusions is a must. It’s a fascinating alternative to the typical tourist fare in Dubai.
Abra Ride
Bur Dubai (the notable town) is separated from Deira (Dubai’s central business district) by the lively Dubai Creek. The brook has long served as the city’s lifeblood, making it one of Dubai’s most intriguing locations. It’s still an integral part of Dubai residents’ daily lives, despite being one of the city’s more hidden gems.
There isn’t much time spent waiting at the crossroads during the spring. In spite of this, it is one of the most popular things to do in Old Dubai since it shows you a different side of Dubai than the modern skyscrapers and ostentatious malls that dominate the city.
Boats of more traditional designs, known as abras, make the crossing of the spring at regular intervals throughout the day. The trip lasts less than 10 minutes and is one of the most affordable things to do in Dubai. Relax with the wind in your face as you take in the sights and sounds of the city from a new vantage point.
Approximately twenty passengers may ride in one abra, and they all take turns sitting on a single wooden bench. Early mornings see local vendors along the creek, along with colourful wooden dhows and the occasional passing boat.
Day or night, the spring is a breathtaking focal point. Take in the breathtaking views of Dubai and marvel at the striking contrast between the city’s traditional buildings and its modern skyscrapers and stunning minarets. A short distance away, you’ll find the Gold and Spice Souk, two architectural marvels that are required seeing on every trip to Dubai.
Coffee Museum
The centrepiece of Dubai is home to the Coffee Museum. Located in Bur Dubai on the western side of Dubai Creek, the Al Fahidi historic district is home to this and many other Dubai hotspots.
The Coffee Museum is one of the best places to see in Dubai to get a taste of its culture and history, and it is also quite typical. The gallery is housed inside a traditional Emirati home, and the design of the gallery’s interior nods to Emirati tradition as well.
In a natural setting, you may experience how the locals have enjoyed espresso for decades. Going in a completely different direction is the most exciting thing you can do in Dubai.
There isn’t better customer service elsewhere in Dubai. The employees dress in traditional Emirati garb, and the decor will transport you to another world entirely. Learn about many types of coffee from across the globe, including Arabic, Ethiopian, and Japanese. Examine how people from diverse cultures prepare, serve, and drink coffee. In spite of the fact that it isn’t among Dubai’s most popular tourist destinations, you may have an experience like no other here.