Top 10 places to visit in Dubai

It was in 2015, when I first visited Dubai. A must-see location! I would like to share you the top 10 place, which you should visit, if you visit Dubai. Dubai welcomes tourists from all cultures of the world. 24 hours in the city does not mean shortage of things to do.

1. Burj Khalifa

The smart design of the elevated building of Burj Khalifa was recognized to be not only the tallest building in the entire world but also to be the home of the highest observation deck, swimming pool (76th floor), restaurants and the fountain worldwide. The spire of the building is a total of 244 meter. With about 829.8 m (2722 feet) the interesting building consists of 108 floors with 57 elevators and 8 escalators. The elevators are the fastest in the world as they can travel 40 miles/h and reach the observation deck in 2 minutes. It is not for the faint-hearted, but it is really worth it. At the topmost floor and the weather will be 15 degree cooler.
Opening hours : daily 10 am – 11 pm

2. Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is the lower ground level of Burj Al Khalifa. Based on its total area, Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world. With 1200 shops, 120 cafés and restaurants, 250-room hotel and 22 cinema screens Dubai mall is a part of a downtown complex of 20 million dollars. There is no other place in the world where these products at unbeatable prices can be found. Its hundred malls cover everybody needs. The Dubai Aquarium and Discovery Center and an indoor theme part called SEGA Republic are parts of the unique mall.
Opening hours of the Underwater Zoo : Sunday to Wednesday : 10 am – 11 pm. Thursday to Saturday : 10 am – 12 pm

3. Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain at the base of Khalifa tower is an interesting feature. Located in the center of downtown Dubai, the unique fountain is the largest dancing fountain that has a choreographed system. The man-made monument was structured on a 30 acre at the Lake of the worldwide tower. The distinctive structure is illuminated with 6600 lights and equipped with 25 projectors. The fountain is around 275 m long, and can shoot water about 500 feet high into the air along with fascinating world music. The fountain display is to be observed clearly from all points.
Opening hours : Saturday to Thursday 1pm and 1.30pm; 6- 11pm every 30 minutes
Friday 1.30pm and 2pm; 6- 11pm every 30 minutes

4. Jumeriah Grand Mosque

The Fatimid-style mosque opens its doors to non-Muslims as well. The snowy white mosque structure with sophisticated design is greatly appreciated by its visitors. The hourly tours are organized by the Sheikh Mohammad Center for Cultural Understanding. It is informative tour first and foremost cares about the customs, cultural and religion. Cameras are allowed everywhere to capture the Islamic architecture and unique design.
Opening hours : Saturday – Thursday : 9 am to 17 pm.

5. Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is the smallest one in the three islands of Palm Island Dubai. Consists of Palm Jumeriah, the Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira; this beautiful archipelago is the world’s largest artificial island and the eighth wonder of the world. It is the place where the über-rich and guests of honour find it the ideal place to escape from the crowded cities. “The stylized palm tree was indeed the first unique offshore development to be done”. One of the greatest features is Palm Jumeriah Monorail, which connects the Gateway Towers to the remarkable Atlantis hotel.

6. Burj Al-Arab

The Big Ben of Dubai is worth watching. Built on an artificial island 280 m away from the Jumeriah beach and connected to the mainland with a private curving bridge, Burj Al Arab resembles a billowing sail and reflects the maritime heritage of UAE. With 312 m height Burj Al Arab is the third tallest hotel worldwide dominating the Dubai skyline. The main building has been designed in the structure of ship’s sail, as if it will sail into the Arabian Sea on a windy day. Wandering through the 7-star-hotel is an “ultra-luxury, fact-finding mission”.
Opening hours : 24/7

7. Al Fahidi Fort

Located in Bur Dubai and next to the old Grand mosque, Al Fahidi Fort guarded the city from the conquerors in the surrounding areas and from a prison it was developed to become the ruler’s palace. Built in 1787, the magnificent fort is recognized as one of the oldest structures in Dubai and its exhibits depict the land’s rich history of the antiquities in the 19th century. Al Fahidi Fort houses the Dubai museum.
Opening hours are from Saturday to Thursday between 8:30 am to 7:30 pm.

8. Dubai Museum

Built in 1987 and restored in 1993, Dubai Museum glimpses the simple life of Dubai before oil and it is highly recommended to be visited in Dubai. Some of its galleries have the old map of Dubai. And other rooms display all the old instruments of Dubai before oil starting from the wooden weapons to the heavy equipment. More than one gallery displays a video which depicts the story of oil discovery. The main entrance is located in the south west tower in the fort. Actually, inside the fort there is a lot of sites to visit.
Opening hours : Saturday – Thursday 8:30 am – 8:30 pm. Friday 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

9. Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek is an important port and a known saltwater, which divides Dubai to two major parts i.e. Bur Dubai and Deira. Ends at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, the most incredible buildings existed alongside the Deira side are Deira Twin Towers, Dubai Creek Tower, Chamber of Commerce, Sheraton Dubai Creek and The National Bank. On the other side the aromas of Dubai’s spice souk are to be met.
Dubai creek will be more amazing when one rides an abra across it at sunset. The Dubai Creek Park, one of the largest parks of Dubai, is present along the creek on the side of Al Maktoum Bridge. This creek also houses the Golf Club, the Park Hyatt Hotel and Dubai Creek Yacht. A private abra costs £10/hour.

10. Dubai Hot Air Balloon flight

The best time to try it is in the early morning before the sun rises in the heart of the sky. One hour inside the balloon basket up in the air as if one is flying with a magic carpet is a good experience in Dubai. Like Burj Al Khalifa the air balloon will let one capture a bird’s-eye view the most of the city especially the desert where oases, red sand dunes and gazelles.