Best Things to Do in Dubai: Complete Guide for 2025

 

Dubai is a city of superlatives. The world’s tallest tower, some of the largest shopping malls, record-breaking theme parks and futuristic museums all sit beside old souks, traditional dhows and stretches of golden desert. In recent years, Dubai has added even more attractions, from the immersive Museum of the Future to Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool.

If you are travelling from Pakistan, Dubai is one of the easiest and most popular international getaways. With frequent flights, visa options and tailored tour packages, it is perfect for families, couples, honeymooners and groups.

This updated guide covers the most interesting things to do in Dubai in 2025, with tips and ideas on how Malik Express Travel & Tours can help you plan a smooth and memorable trip.

1. Soar Above the City at Burj Khalifa

No Dubai trip is complete without visiting Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at over 828 metres. Observation decks on levels 124, 125 and 148 offer panoramic views of the desert, city and sea.

• Book sunset slots for dramatic sky colours and city lights.
• Combine your ticket with nearby attractions like Dubai Aquarium or a fountain show dinner.

Tip: Pre-book “At The Top” tickets for prime time slots to avoid long queues, especially during peak travel seasons such as winter and school holidays.

2. Shop, Eat and Explore at The Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain

Next to Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in the world, with hundreds of brands, restaurants and entertainment options. The Dubai Fountain, located on the Burj Lake, hosts nightly water and light shows choreographed to music.

Must-do experiences here include:

• Strolling through the mall’s fashion avenues and waterfront promenade
• Watching the free fountain show after sunset from the boardwalk or a lakeside restaurant
• Visiting Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo for a walk through its underwater tunnel

Tip: Plan at least half a day for Dubai Mall plus Burj Khalifa and stay for the evening fountain show to get the full experience.

3. Experience the Desert: Safari, Barbecue and Sand boarding

A desert safari is one of Dubai’s most iconic activities. Tours usually include:

• 4x4 dune bashing across the red sand dunes
• Sunset photo stops
• Sand boarding and sometimes quad biking
• A traditional camp with barbecue dinner, live entertainment and cultural activities

Many travellers rank desert safaris among the top experiences in Dubai, especially in the cooler months from October to March.

Tips for desert safaris

• Wear light, breathable clothing and closed shoes for the sand.
• Bring a light jacket in winter evenings as the desert can get surprisingly cool.
• Check whether your package includes hotel pickup, soft drinks and activities, so you know exactly what you are paying for.

4. Discover the Future at Museum of the Future

Opened in 2022, the Museum of the Future has become one of Dubai’s most talked-about landmarks. The torus-shaped building on Sheikh Zayed Road is covered in Arabic calligraphy and houses immersive exhibits about the future of technology, climate, health and space.

Inside, visitors move through themed floors that blend interactive screens, AI-driven experiences and imaginative storytelling.

Tip: Tickets often sell out, particularly on weekends and holidays. Pre-book online and arrive a little early to enjoy photos of the building from the outside before your time slot.

5. Walk Through Time at Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame is a huge picture-frame-style structure in Zabeel Park that offers contrasting views of “Old Dubai” on one side and “New Dubai” on the other. Visitors can ride up to a sky deck with glass-floored sections and exhibitions about Dubai’s past, present and future.

Tip: Sunset is the most popular time, but a morning visit can mean fewer crowds and clearer views.

6. Old Dubai, Creek and Traditional Souks

To balance the modern skyline, make time for Old Dubai:

• Wander through the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, with restored wind-tower houses and art galleries.
• Take an abra (traditional boat) ride across Dubai Creek.
• Shop for gold, spices and souvenirs at the Gold Souk and Spice Souk.
• This area offers a glimpse of Dubai’s trading heritage before the skyscrapers.

Tip: Dress modestly, especially when visiting heritage districts and markets, and always ask permission before photographing local people.

7. Relax at JBR and Dubai’s Beaches

Dubai’s coastline offers clean, well-maintained beaches with excellent facilities. Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Kite Beach are among the most popular, with:

• Long sandy stretches for swimming and sunbathing
• Cafes, food trucks and seaside restaurants
• Walking tracks, kids’ play areas and water sports

Tip: Swimwear is fine on the beach, but cover up when leaving the beach areas and heading into malls or residential neighbourhoods.

8. Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis

The man-made Palm Jumeirah Island is famous for its palm-shaped design and luxury hotels. At the far end is Atlantis, The Palm, home to:

• Aqua venture Waterpark, with record-breaking slides
• The Lost Chambers Aquarium
• Beach clubs and fine dining
• From the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk or from viewpoints at The Pointe, you can also get excellent views of Atlantis and the city skyline.

Tip: Consider a monorail ride along the trunk of the Palm for scenic views without booking a private tour.

9. Dubai Marina and Dhow or Yacht Cruise

By evening, Dubai Marina becomes one of the liveliest parts of the city, with illuminated skyscrapers, cafes and waterfront walkways. A dhow dinner cruise or modern yacht cruise along the Marina and JBR shoreline lets you enjoy the skyline from the water with dinner and entertainment.

Tip: Choose an upper-deck outdoor table for the best views, and bring a light layer during winter evenings.

10. Global Village and Miracle Garden (Seasonal)

During the cooler months (typically October to April), Dubai hosts several seasonal attractions:

• Global Village: A multicultural festival park with pavilions from around the world, live shows, street food and shopping.
• Dubai Miracle Garden: A vast flower garden with creative floral sculptures, arches and pathways, refreshed with new designs each season.

Tip: Check official opening dates each year, as seasons and timings can change.

11. Deep Dive Dubai: The World’s Deepest Pool

For something unique, adventurous travellers can visit Deep Dive Dubai, recognised as the world’s deepest swimming pool at around 60 metres, filled with 14 million litres of fresh water. The underwater environment is designed like a sunken city, and the facility offers experiences for beginners as well as certified divers.

Tip: This activity is best booked in advance, especially if you need an instructor or a photo and video package.

12. Ain Dubai: The Giant Observation Wheel

Located on Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai is the world’s largest observation wheel. It offers enclosed cabins with views of the Marina, Palm Jumeirah and the city skyline. After a long closure for enhancement works, it has reopened to visitors with updated experiences and ticketing options.

Tip: Combine Ain Dubai with a visit to Bluewaters Island and JBR for a full day of shopping, dining and beach time.

13. Theme Parks, Water Parks and Family Fun

Families and thrill-seekers can choose from several major parks around Dubai:

• Aqua Venture at Atlantis and Wild Wadi Waterpark
• IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts
• Indoor ski slopes at Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates
• These parks are ideal for school holidays and longer stays.

 

Practical Tips for Visiting Dubai

To make your Dubai trip smooth and enjoyable, keep these practical points in mind:

Best time to visit

• November to March offers cooler temperatures and is the most popular season.
• Summer (June to August) is very hot; focus on indoor attractions and air-conditioned malls if you visit then.

Dress code and culture

• Dubai is relatively liberal, but modest clothing is recommended in public places, especially malls, souks and religious sites.
• Swimwear is acceptable at pools and beaches only.

Transport

• The Dubai Metro, trams and buses cover many tourist districts.
• Taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available and usually metered.

Money and connectivity

• Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but keep some cash for small shops or markets.
• Local SIM cards and eSIM are easy to purchase at the airport and malls for data and calls.

 

Sample 4-Day Dubai Itinerary

Here is a simple, flexible itinerary based on the attractions above:

Day 1: Downtown Dubai

• Morning: Dubai Mall and Aquarium
• Afternoon: Burj Khalifa
• Evening: Dubai Fountain show and dinner at the waterfront

Day 2: Old Dubai and Creek

• Morning: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Dubai Museum area
• Afternoon: Abra ride and souks (Gold and Spice)
• Evening: Dhow cruise on Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina

Day 3: Desert and Modern Icons

• Morning: Free time or shopping
• Afternoon to night: Desert safari with dinner and entertainment

Day 4: Future and Coastline

• Morning: Museum of the Future or Dubai Frame
• Afternoon: JBR Beach or Palm Jumeirah
• Evening: Ain Dubai or Marina walk

You can easily extend this to five or seven days by adding theme parks, Global Village, Miracle Garden or Deep Dive Dubai.

 

How Malik Express Travel & Tours Can Help

As a trusted travel agency based in Pakistan with more than 35 years of experience, Malik Express Travel & Tours can help you get the best out of Dubai:

• Tailor-made Dubai tour packages from Pakistan, including flights, hotels, airport transfers and guided city tours
• Assistance with Dubai visa processing, documentation and up-to-date entry requirements
• Pre-booked tickets for popular attractions like Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future, Dubai Frame and desert safaris, helping you avoid last-minute price hikes and sold-out slots
• Family, honeymoon and group packages designed around your preferred budget and travel dates
• Expert advice on crafting a balanced itinerary that mixes shopping, sightseeing, desert adventures and relaxation

Instead of spending hours comparing deals and worrying about logistics, you can let Malik Express handle the details while you focus on enjoying Dubai’s skyline, beaches, souks and deserts.

 

Plan Your Dubai Adventure

Dubai continues to reinvent itself year after year, offering more attractions, experiences and world records for visitors to enjoy. Whether you want luxury and shopping, culture and history, or adventure and theme parks, the city has something for every traveller.

For personalised Dubai packages, updated visa guidance and reliable bookings from Pakistan, get in touch with Malik Express Travel & Tours and start planning your next unforgettable Dubai holiday.