Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Dubai

Transforming from a small village surrounded by water on one side and barren desert on the other to one of the world's ever-changing urban cities, Dubai has come a long way and is an exciting destination for luxury shopping, ahead of its time architecture and a lively nightlife scene. A hit destination among families, tourists have loads of astounding one-of-a-kind attractions to visit while holidaying in Dubai. Here are some of the top listed attractions which are a must visit on a Dubai vacation.

Marvel at the striking sights of Dubai from top of Burj KhalifaThe world’s tallest building and the new icon of Dubai, Burj Khalifa, lives up to the modern day example of world class design and impeccable feat of architecture and also lives up to its vision of being the icon of innovative phase of Dubai. A trip to the observation deck on a high speed elevator on to the 124th floor and the panorama of glittering marvels of modern dynamic Dubai leaves you awe struck. Here you can have expanse views across the city skyline as well as across the skyscrapers to the desert on one side and the ocean on the other from a bird's-eye perspective which are simply breathtaking. For an illuminating and astounding experience, visit the tower at night to watch the city shimmer and to view a captivating water, music and light spectacle of the Dubai Fountain. Enjoy an afternoon tea at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

Before Burj Khalifa conquered the title of being the icon of Dubai, the sail shaped structure of Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah, on a manmade island was a marvelling engineering feat that was the starry eyed fascination of wanderlusts flocking to Dubai. The world's only self-acclaimed seven star hotel in the world is ultimate in luxury living with 202 all-suite accommodations with magnificent interiors, fleets of luxury cars, beautiful dancing fountains along with exclusive personalized services that are made to make you feel royally special. However, if you are not staying at the hotel, you can opt for an afternoon tea at this magnificent hotel and indeed get a taste of the royal luxury ambience and its perfect services.

Shop till you drop at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall

Dubai is a shopper's paradise; there is everything under the sun that you can shop here - right from exquisite jewellery to electronics to designer brands, you name it and you get it here. Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping mall and an entertainment destination in itself offering around 1200 stores of luxury and leading brands in the world along with a range of other exciting activities such as the Dubai Ice Rink, KidZania, Dubai Dino and the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. The Mall of the Emirates on Sheikh Zayed Road offers a multitude of shops with leading brands and an assortment of family leisure - Magic Planet family entertainment area, a 14-screen VOX Cinemas and Ski Dubai - the Middle East's first indoor ski resort and snow park. Themed on the unique multi-cultural travels of Ibn Battuta, the Ibn Battuta Mall is inspired by regions explored by the famous traveller which include Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China and reflects its essence in its six courts and offers great brands and family activities.

Visit the famous Dubai Souks

Though Dubai’s extravagant malls have changed the shopping scenario in the city, the ever bustling traditional souks of Dubai still holds its charms in the winding streets of Dubai. The most glittering street of Dubai is the Gold Souk in Deira where the street sides are lined with jewellery shops laden with astounding displays of gold, silver and precious stones. Spice Souks are set adjacent to Gold Souks and is a street filled with aroma and colourful displays of spices having hundreds of vendors selling all types of spices from all over the world. Textile Souks has a range of shops specialized in selling huge range of fabrics from cashmere, wool, expertise handicrafts and souvenirs.

Take a serene trip on the Dubai Creek on Dhow Cruises

Enjoy an evening cruise on a traditional Arabic Dhow and dissolve into the shimmering city lights and the calm musical ambience with a sumptuous Arabic or International cuisine as it glides through the still waters subduing the rushes of the bustling city of Dubai. This relaxing cruise under the glistening Arabian nights amid shimmering city of Dubai is a must do when you visit Dubai.

Add a pinch of adventure to your holiday with Desert Safari

Hop into a 4x4 vehicle and dash out into the vast arid desert sands of Dubai. Enjoy some exciting dune bashing and other desert activities like quad biking, sand surfing, camel riding and unmissable desert safari in dubai. An evening tour is more suitable as the desert cools down and after the activities you can enjoy watching a beautiful sunset in the desert, followed by a traditional dinner with belly dancing and Arabic folklore.

Experience winter in desert at Ski Dubai Snow Park

Yet another innovative marvel of Dubai, the Ski Dubai Snow Park is world's largest indoor ski resort and is located in Mall of the Emirates. This resort is a complete ski destination fully covered with snow, and it is a thrilling adventure for kids and families alike to experience snow amid the hot desert conditions. It features an 85-meter-high indoor mountain with five slopes of varying steepness and has activities like snow sledges, skiing, snowboarding, toboggan runs, and an ice cave. It also has rides and chairlifts for a spectacular bird's eye view of the entire park. Not to miss is the ‘March of the Penguins ‘which is free for Snow park guests.

Explore the cultural potpourri at Global Village Dubailand

Claimed as the world's biggest tourism, leisure and entertainment attraction, Global village Dubailand set at Sheikh Zayed Road, is a seasonal attraction in the cooler months in Dubai. It offers unique family entertainment and shopping experience while bringing the essence of different cultures of countries of Middle East, Asia and Europe, showcasing their unique handicrafts and cuisine. The venue is also host to spectacular activities, an array of exciting cultural shows and musical events. Families can enjoy at Fantasy Island funfair ground that has variety of thrilling rides designed for both families and adventure seekers. This year the Global village season begins from 3rd November 2015 till 9th April 2016.

Splash around at the Wild Wadi Water Park

Set near Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, this amazing water park offers 30 exhilarating rides and attractions apt for families that suit all ages. The water park offers thrill seekers some adrenaline rushing rides and surfing experience, whereas kids can enjoy activities, water slides and much more.

Enjoy a laid bay day at the Jumeirah Beach

This coastal stretch of Dubai is the most popular beach in Dubai surrounded by luxury, ultra chic hotels and resorts, one being the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah perched on a corner on its manmade island that makes the view picture perfect. The sights are spectacular and quite a place to laze around with soft sandy beach and calm waters, and it offers various water activities, numerous cafes and food outlets to enjoy.

Discover the Ocean life at Dubai Aquarium and Under Water zoo

Situated inside The Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium and Under Water Zoo features one of the largest suspended tanks in the world, featuring one of the world's largest viewing panel and gives a striking glimpse of the ocean life with an enormous variety of marine species, with over 300 sharks and rays. Tourists can have a close view of this amazing spectacle through 270-degree acrylic glass walkthrough tunnel, get on a Glass-bottom boat ride providing unique views of the tank from beneath their feet, and opt for a Cage Snorkelling experience. The Underwater Zoo leads you to a fascinating world of aquatic animals such as otters, Humbolt Penguins, Lionfish, Seahorses and much more.

Watch Dolphins play at Dubai Dolphinarium

The Middle East's first indoor fully air conditioned Dolphin sanctuary is one of the most loved attractions in Dubai where you get to come close to bottlenose dolphins and playful seals at the action-packed interactive shows where these beautiful marine creatures showcase a variety of skills. Other main highlight at this attraction is The Creek Park Bird Show - an exotic bird show that showcases twenty species of birds and parrots. A hot favourite with the kids, the Dubai Dolphinarium has sections focussed specially for kids' activities and also has many recreational activities like Mirror Maze and 5D cinema.

Brad is travel writer, Who love travel on various destination and share their view.