Towering skyscrapers, buzzing restaurants and bars, sandy beaches, desert camps…Dubai has it all. Let Shangri-La show you our favourite sides of the city, from the unexpected to the record-breaking, and a few surprises in between.
Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and is commonly referred to as the capital of the UAE’s economy. Visitors to Dubai will find a land of startling contrasts, from endless stretches of desert to rugged mountains and a modern city with towering skyscrapers and sprawling suburbs. Because of its large expatriate population, Dubai is a cultural melting pot where churches, synagogues and Hindu temples coexist with Islamic mosques.
Whether it’s the adventure of discovering iconic landmarks or the thrill of a world-class theme park Shangri-La’s curated experiences of attractions get you out of your comfort zone and into the realm of unforgettable travel memories.
Burj Khalifa
Start your Dubai sightseeing with the amazing Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world. This architectural masterpiece offers stunning views of the whole city from its observatory deck in Level 124 and from the Shangri-La, you'll be able to almost reach out and touch this iconic landmark.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Rising to the third floor of The Dubai Mall, the aquarium is among the city’s most popular attractions, enjoyed by adults and children alike. It is home to 140 species of sea life and offers many incredible ways to experience the underwater world. Stroll through a 48-metre tunnel, with the aquarium enveloping you from overhead and around. It’s a complete fish-eye view, with sand tiger sharks and stingrays swimming overhead.
Kite Beach
Kite Beach is one of Dubai's most popular beaches – perfect for sun-seekers, foodies and sports enthusiasts alike. If you’re serious about your watersports and want to test your skills on one of the best free beaches in Dubai, Kite Beach has plenty of challenges. Located just off the Jumeirah neighbourhood, you’ll find high-quality equipment available to rent along the sand
Dubai Parks
Dubai Parks and Resorts is set to become the region's largest integrated theme park destination comprising of Three theme parks: MOTIONGATE™ Dubai, a movie inspired theme park showcasing some of Hollywood's most beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Studios and Lionsgate; LEGOLAND® Dubai, a unique, interactive theme park for families which will bring the well-known LEGO® brick to life in a playful learning environment; and LEGOLAND® Water Park, the region's first water park catering to families with children from 2 to 12 years.
From a simple walk in the park to exploring dramatic natural scenery, we’ve got nature-lovers covered. Escape to a private island, ride a horse at golden hour, kayak beneath towering cliffs, or simply soak it all up on one of our sandy beaches. Nature never felt so good.
Desert Safari
A desert safari in Dubai is an excellent way to familiarize with the unique attributes of a desert environment. The vast stretches of wavy sand dunes produce an uninterrupted breathtaking panorama of a sea of sand draping in golden sandy brown tones.
A 45-minute ride will take the visitors into the tranquil desert area in a luxury off-road vehicle. For the ones who prefer thrill and excitement, the desert style roller coaster ride will certainly become a fun filled memorable experience.
Dubai Miracle Garden
Open during the winter and spring, Miracle Garden comes to life with over 150 million flowers in full bloom. Spread over 72,000 sqm, it's the world's largest natural flower garden and is known for it's Guinness World Record-holding flower structures. It is also home to the world's largest indoor butterfly garden.
Love Lakes
This hidden gem, located in Al Qudra, consists of two intertwined heart-shaped lakes surrounded by sand dunes, greenery and sculptures of hearts. It's the perfect place to declare, commemorate or celebrate your love.
Whether it’s wandering some of the world’s greatest museums, discovering the culture and traditions of old Dubai or visiting some of the most beautiful mosques, we have our finger on the pulse of all the hottest cultural happenings.
Museum of the Future
One of Dubai's most famous landmarks, the Museum of the Future (MOTF) takes pride of place along the city's superhighway, Sheikh Zayed Road. Founded by the Dubai Future Foundation and launched on 22 February 2022, the museum explores how society could evolve in the coming decades using science and technology.
Termed a 'living museum', it incorporates elements of traditional exhibitions, immersive theatre and themed attractions, so visitors can look beyond the present and towards the future's limitless possibilities.
Al Seef
Al Seef is one of Dubai's most popular leisure districts, situated directly on the bustling Dubai Creek. The popular destination offers a charming atmosphere that pays homage to the UAE’s distinct heritage.
A neighbourhood steeped in history, Al Seef is the place for visitors looking to shop, dine and stay. Every building façade in Al Seef has been given an old school makeover to take you back to Dubai's past, from the shopping stalls right down to Starbucks, and the effect is simply delightful.
Abra Creek Crossing
An abra, which means “to cross” in Arabic, runs every few minutes throughout the day between four stations along Dubai Creek. The bustling Dubai Creek has been the lifeblood of locals for generations, as the favoured site for early settlers and where the city’s first port and pearling industry thrived.
Dubai Historical District
The area expands across 1.5sq/km, with 60 separate projects. Most of them will be showcasing traditional Emirati heritage. Get ready for a wide selection of new attractions including museums, forts, restaurants, exhibits, trading boats, restored trade stores, arts and performance centres.
Jumeirah Mosque
In a city with many fine mosques, Jumeirah Mosque is a large and beautiful mosque. A spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture, the mosque is a city landmark with its twin minarets and majestic dome. The mosque is particularly stunning at night, and is one of Dubai’s frequently photographed sights.
If your holiday isn’t complete without a little retail therapy, Shangri-La has you covered. We’ve scoured Dubai to find the best shopping experiences, from high-end boutiques to the high street, hidden gems at one-of-one shoppes, private ateliers and ancient markets.
The Dubai Mall
The world’s largest destination for shopping, entertainment and leisure, located next to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Featuring over 1,200 retail stores, two major department stores and hundreds of food and beverage outlets, The Dubai Mall covers more than 1 million sqm – an area equivalent to 200 football pitches.
City Walk
Take a stroll into City Walk, one of Dubai’s most exciting urban precincts. Expect chic shops, al fresco restaurants and beautifully designed outdoor spaces. This family-friendly lifestyle destination artfully combines shopping with entertainment, including, a cinema, play areas, and a year-round calendar of events at the Coca-Cola Arena.
Festival City
Nestled beside the spectacular waterfront on the shores of Dubai Creek rests the Festival City. It houses an impressive shopping centre featuring 600 retail outlets with 25 flagship stores, a 12 screen Grand Festival Cinema and 60 food outlets.
Souks
Souk is the Arabic word for a market where goods are bought or exchanged. Swarmed with people busy negotiating with shopkeepers in the age-old tradition, souks are a striking contrast to Dubai's modern shopping malls.
Dubai souks are located at Deira and sells gold jewellery, traditional spices and perfumes. Gold prices are among the lowest in the world here. Each shop window is crammed with gold necklaces, rings, bangles, earrings and brooches. In the evening the area is a hive of activity.
