The back story 1
In-depth stories behind the list.
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The back story
Desert to skyline: the back story
From a pearling town on a creek to the tallest building on earth: how Dubai grew, in dated steps from official sources.
21 of the best · Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Best Things to See and Do in Dubai
Burj Khalifa and the Fountain, Old Dubai by abra, Jumeirah Mosque, the waterparks and the seasonal Global Village.
Our 21 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
What's onThis week in Dubai
Insiders' picks
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love Dubai.
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828 metres
Burj Khalifa: At the Top
The world’s tallest building, with observation decks on levels 124–125 and 148.
1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, DubaiExplore View on map
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Every 30 minutes, 6–11pm
The Dubai Fountain
Water, music and light on Burj Lake, every evening at the foot of Burj Khalifa.
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Bur Dubai to Deira
Dubai Creek by abra
The wooden water taxis that cross the Creek between Bur Dubai and Deira.
The full list: Sights, A–Z
Show 20 of 21 places on a map
Neighbourhood
The icons 3
The sights everyone comes for.
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828 metres
Burj Khalifa: At the Top
The world’s tallest building, with observation decks on levels 124–125 and 148.
1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, DubaiExplore View on map
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Temporarily closed
Museum of the Future (from outside)
The calligraphy-wrapped torus on Sheikh Zayed Road; the exhibitions are temporarily closed.
Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre 2, DubaiExplore View on map
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Every 30 minutes, 6–11pm
The Dubai Fountain
Water, music and light on Burj Lake, every evening at the foot of Burj Khalifa.
Old Dubai & heritage 7
The Creek and its quarters.
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Dubai’s oldest building
Al Fahidi Fort (reopening after restoration)
The coral-stone fort that housed the Dubai Museum, reopening after restoration.
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Wind towers
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Lanes of wind-tower houses by the Creek: galleries, cafés and small museums.
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At the mouth of the Creek
Al Shindagha Museum
Dubai’s heritage museum in restored houses at the mouth of the Creek.
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Bur Dubai to Deira
Dubai Creek by abra
The wooden water taxis that cross the Creek between Bur Dubai and Deira.
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Across the Creek
Gold Souk and Spice Souk, Deira
The covered lanes of gold jewellers and spice traders in Deira.
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Open to visitors
Jumeirah Mosque
The white-stone mosque on Jumeirah Beach Road, where visitors learn about Islamic culture.
Views 2
Observation decks.
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Old and new Dubai
Dubai Frame
A giant picture frame in Zabeel Park, with a glass-floored bridge between old and new Dubai.
Days out 8
Waterparks, snow and more.
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World’s largest, says Atlantis
Aquaventure Waterpark
Slides, rivers and a beach next to Atlantis The Palm.
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Inside The Dubai Mall
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
The aquarium tank and underwater zoo inside The Dubai Mall.
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The Expo 2020 site
Expo City Dubai
The former Expo 2020 site, now a district of attractions, parks and the Al Wasl dome.
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Season 31: to May 2027
Global Village
Pavilions, food and shows from around the world, every winter.
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Beside Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Wild Wadi Waterpark
Dubai’s original waterpark, next to Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
Explore more of Dubai
38 of the best Restaurants
7 of the best Cafés
8 of the best Bars
26 of the best Hotels7 of the best Art & Culture
7 of the best Parks & Beaches8 of the best Walks
10 of the best Shopping
11 of the best Health8 of the best Property7 of the best Developments6 of the best Luxury Cars10 of the best Getting Around