Dubai: Sightseeing Tours

Dubai rises like a mirage from the surrounding desert and embodies human resourcefulness and ingenuity. Best known for its ultra-modern architecture. luxury shopping and lively entertainment scene, Dubai is far more than just a busy connection point for travelers heading elsewhere.

Sightseeing in Dubai ranges from activities in the city to excursions beyond the city limits. Dubai has grown from being the Middle East’s commercial and transport hub to also being a fast-paced, cosmopolitan city that is a sought-after holiday destination.

Local guides and tour operators can provide you with unique insights and information about this unique and enthralling destination.

Dubai Marina

The Dubai Marina is built along carefully constructed waterways and includes upmarket residences, a leisure complex, cafés and craft markets, and a mall. It is also the starting point for luxury yacht cruises, and water-based and adventure activities ranging from jet-skiing to skydiving.

To get the most of your sightseeing in Dubai Marina, combine a Yacht or boat tour with time spent exploring all the nearby landmarks and attractions.

Dubai City Tours

A Dubai city tour is the perfect way to become familiar with the culture, history and top attractions of a destination, and Dubai is no exception. Half day and full day tours typically include the history and roots of Dubai as well as visits to many of its most iconic landmarks, attractions and historically significant locations.

You can even sightsee from the comfort of a luxury convertible or head off for a tour of the surrounding desert landscape on camelback.

Along with tours of the city of Dubai, it is also possible to visit neighboring Abu Dhabi on a full day city tour excursion.

Dhow Cruises

A Dhow cruise on board a traditional Arabian dhow, or flat boat places you in the unique position of sailing through some of the world’s most modern and cutting-edge constructions, while being safely transported on a type of boat with ancient origins.

During the day you can admire the sights of the bustling Dubai Marina, while in the evening, you can marvel at the city skyline and lights while enjoying some live entertainment and a relaxed meal.

Burj Lake

The Burj Khalifa lake is an eye-catching man-made lake that is surrounded by some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. The Dubai Fountain stands in the middle of the water feature and is a choreographed fountain system.

You won’t want to miss  the water display that is accompanied by a range of Arabic and contemporary music and utilizes more than 6,000 lights and 25 color projectors. Fountain “performances” occur once during the day as well as every 30 minutes from 6pm until late at night.

Dubai Walking Tours

There are a variety of different walking tours offered to visitors in Dubai. Many of these tours focus on the historical districts of the city where you will be able to get a feel for a more traditional “Old Dubai”. Tours of the modern city, visits to markets or souks, and even walking food tours are all possible.

Walking tours are offered on a small group and private basis, or you can choose from one of the free walking tours offered, when you don’t pay a booking fee, but do tip your guide at the end of the tour.

Guided tours typically last for around 2 hours, leaving you with plenty of time to continue exploring on your own. Entrance fees may or may not be included, so check the list of what the tour cost covers before booking.

Palm Jumeirah

The man-made archipelago of Palm Jumeirah is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of its designers and creators. It is part of a series of developments that were created using land reclamation and should be on the to-visit list of every traveler to Dubai.

A monorail connects Palm Jumeirah to the mainland and marine wildlife including dolphins and jellyfish may be spotted in the surrounding waters. Multiple water sports and activities including stand up paddleboarding, flyboard, jet ski and boating can all be included in your day of sightseeing.

Dubai Hop on Hop off bus tours

Hop on hop off bus tours combine convenience and variety as they travel on set routes throughout Dubai on a regularly scheduled basis. You can choose between a 1, 2 or 5 day ticket and discover the vibrant city at your leisure. Pre-recorded commentary in 12 languages ensures that you do not miss out on any details about the places you are seeing.

Sites like Burj al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Mosque and others are within easy distance of the bus stops and on multi-day tickets, you will also get entry to the Ambassador Lagoon, Lost Chamber Aquarium and even a Desert Sunset tour included in the price of your ticket.

Dubai Explorer Pass

If you have a long list of attractions on your Dubai sightseeing list, then a Go City Dubai pass may be exactly right for you. By purchasing a city pass, you save on entrance fees, and you have access to a curated list of Dubai’s top attractions, tours and activities.

If you don’t have too much time, then a Dubai Explorer Pass may be adequate. If you’re going all out, then consider an All-Inclusive pass that offers unlimited access to Dubai attractions for the period your pass is valid.

This option is particularly cost-effective if you are wanting to visit big-ticket attractions, and some passes include entrance to attractions in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

iVenture Dubai

An iVenture Dubai Card is valid for 7 days from the first date of use and provides entry to 3 of Dubai’s attractions and tours for one price. Sightseeing attractions and tours are divided into 3 pools, and you have the freedom to select one activity or attraction from each pool.

Theme parks, tours, water activities and entrance to some of the city’s top landmarks are options with an iVenture pass.

Scooter Tours

Dubai offers two different types of scooter tours. The first is an electric or e-scooter which is used as your means of transport on a guided tour of the Dubai Marina. These fun tours are great for zipping around this bustling district.

Alternatively, if you have a motorbike license, you can join a scooter excursion on a comfortable MAX scooter to the Maleha area to watch camel trainers and see magnificent views of the Arabian desert.

Scavenger Games

Use your smartphone to navigate Dubai, and discover the city as you follow the clues that lead you to some of the Al Fahidi district’s best spots. This interactive experience is a great way to learn about Dubai and do some sightseeing while having fun.

The Scavenger Hunt game is supported by an online customer service agent the entire duration, making sure that you feel safe a supported throughout.