Five days in Dubai will give you enough time to check off the region’s iconic sights, visit its amazing neighborhoods, explore the historical and cultural landmarks, and even add some sheer fun and entertainment to your holiday. But, if you don’t know how to fill in your Dubai program, this post covers you! We have compiled these top activities and attractions that you can add to your five days Dubai itinerary, along with some valuable tips and important information, in order to help you have the most unforgettable Arabian holiday. Featured photo by Sam Gao under creative commons.
Things To Do And See In Five Days
- Dedicate a Whole Day to Discover Burj Khalifa & the Dubai Mall
This is a must-do on any Dubai holiday, particularly if it is your first-time visit to the city. Both attractions are in the heart of Dubai at Downtown Dubai. Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building with a variety of world records to its credit, while the Dubai Mall is a massive mall that hosts a world of shopping, leisure, and entertainment options under its colossal roof.
To gain entry into Burj Khalifa, you can book tickets to its ‘At the Top’ observation decks on the 124th or 148th level. As for the Dubai Mall, make sure that you pre-plan your visit here – be it for a retail session or for the most exciting experiences. Some of the unmissable attractions here are Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, Ekart Zabeel, and KidZania Dubai.
- Go on a Heritage Express Tour
This classical sightseeing tour, organized by Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), is one of the ultimate ways to explore the delights of Old Dubai. The slow-paced tour aboard a red heritage trolley bus gives you the perfect overview of sights and sounds that depict the unpretentious charm and glory of a long-gone era. You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable Emirati ambassador means you will be able to gain an in-depth knowledge of every spot covered in the route.
- Rotate on Ain Dubai & See Madame Tussauds Dubai
Ain Dubai probably needs no preface; this recently unveiled attraction on Dubai’s Bluewaters Island is the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel (at a height of over 250 meters). Take in the unparalleled views of the modern skyline and city coastline across Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Palm Jumeirah as you enjoy a revolution in one of Ain Dubai’s 48 enclosed cabins. A single rotation lasts for about 40 minutes means you get plenty of time to admire the striking sights around.
Located a few blocks away in the vicinity of Ain Dubai is Madame Tussauds Dubai – it is the first and only museum of its kind in the Middle East where you can mingle with the life-size wax models of your beloved celebrities and strike a pose with them.
- Desert Safari
Armed with five days, be sure to add a session of desert safari in Dubai. It is highly recommended to take a guided desert safari where everything from hotel pick-up to dune bash (aboard a 4X4 vehicle), camel ride and other staple activities included in your tour will be immaculately arranged by your service provider. Depending on your preferences, you can select from morning safari, evening desert safari (with dining and entertainment), or overnight desert safari that is a blend of morning and evening safaris.
- Take to the Fantastic View at the Palm
It is worth setting aside an entire day to discover the giant, man-made island of Palm Jumeirah that is instantly recognizable for its palm tree kind of structure rounded out by a crescent on its top. Taking to the heights is the only possible way to catch the views of this island in its exact form. With the recent launch of the View at the Palm, it is now easier than you think. This dedicated observation deck on the 52nd level of Palm Tower is both an economic and risk-free alternative over going on a helicopter tour or a sky diving session.
- Inside Burj Al Arab Tour
Built during the late 1990s, Burj Al Arab continues to reign as one of Dubai’s most legendary attractions. It is striking for its majestic sail-shaped structure and is ranked among the world’s top expensive hotels where its out-of-the-world comforts and features exude luxury like no other. If you are not able to afford a stay in this all-suite accommodation, you can still catch a glimpse of its stunning interiors, thanks to Burj Al Arab tour. It is a butler-guided tour that lets you access its marvelous sections including Royal Suite, the largest of its kind atrium and UMA Lounge, among others.
- Experience Endless Snow and Winter at Ski Dubai
It is very unlikely that you will find snow in the desert. Given you are in Dubai, you can look forward to be part of the most exciting and unbelievable experiences. Not to mention, you get to ski, snowboard and sledge, among other snow activities, while in Dubai. Simply find your way to Ski Dubai; located in Mall of the Emirates, it is the Middle East’s first ski resort, complete with skiing slopes (perfect for all skill levels) plus a massive snow park enriched by the most fun-packed winter experiences. There are also adorable Gentoo penguins to add to your visit here.
- Journey into the Future
Get ready to journey almost 50 years into the future as you step into Dubai’s latest museum, Museum of the Future. Yes, it is contradictory to typical museums that transport you to the past. With the most high-end and extraordinary exhibits on display, the museum showcases how Dubai as well as the world be like by 2070. It, however, is not all about its exhibits; located against the backdrop of the iconic Emirates Tower, the structure itself is uber futuristic, with its silver ring like design complemented by a hollow part in the middle.
- Visit Dubai Parks and Resorts
It is unimaginable for hardcore theme park enthusiasts to complete their Dubai holiday without making a stop at Dubai Parks and Resorts. It is the Middle East’s first integrated resort that accommodates four parks plus several hotels and an exclusive dining and retail section in its vast premises. Motiongate is the largest of all four parks and an ultimate haven for Hollywood-inspired rides and attractions. If Hindi movies are your thing, there is Bollywood Parks Dubai for you! Furthermore, families with kids from 2 to 12 years are in for a treat here at its LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park.
Looking for more convenient theme park alternatives? You can buy IMG Worlds of Adventure tickets or visit VR Park in the Dubai Mall or Hub Zero at City Walk Dubai.
- Dhow Cruise
Whether you wish to kick off or end your five days in Dubai at a relaxed note, a dhow cruise in Dubai is second to none. The approximately two hours cruise sails you down Dubai’s waters aboard a traditional wooden dhow at Dubai Marina or Dubai Creek. It not only allows you to experience Dubai’s vibrant pace and marvelous attractions from water, but also lets you enjoy lavish buffet dining and traditional live shows like Tanura onboard.
Important Dubai Travel Tips & Information
- Dubai can be visited during any part of the year. That said, the peak season is winter months from November to March. For those who wish to save on their Dubai holiday, there is no better time to visit here than on summer months (June to August.)
- No matter you choose to visit Dubai during peak time or off-season, you can keep your expenses within limits by booking all aspects of your Dubai holiday in advance, mainly hotel accommodation, transfers, sightseeing tour, and entry tickets to important landmarks.
- Respect local traditions and further wear modest dresses, Dubai being part of an Islamic country.
- Acquaint yourself about the region’s laws and regulations before you travel to Dubai. It prevents you from the payment of fines (worth huge amounts) as well as jail imprisonment. For instance, it is not permitted to smoke in public or exhibit any kind of PDAs.
- To get around in the city, Dubai’s public transport including Dubai Metro is both efficient and cost-effective.
- If you prefer to drive in Dubai, don’t forget to bring your international driving license.
Conclusion
Whether you are in Dubai for family fun or the most brand-new or exotic experiences, you will never leave the place disappointed. The best part is that you can choose to splurge or alternatively see Dubai with a very limited budget. This is probably one of the top reasons that Dubai is beloved by all types of visitors. So what are you waiting for? With this guide, come pick and pack in all your favorite Dubai experiences in five days.
