Dubai’s architectural landscape is unrivaled, but do you know about its cultural, traditional or quirky side that is equally appealing? Yes, there is so much to enjoy and experience in Dubai other than Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain Show, and Burj Al Arab. So if you’re looking to take a break from Dubai’s usual sights, this read-on-top thing to do in Dubai will help you to put together your off-beat Dubai travel itinerary.
1. Go back in Dubai’s past
Most people think that Dubai is thin on the grounds when it comes to its historical attractions. But a trip to its beautifully preserved 19th century Al Bastakiya Quarter (also known as Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood) will leave you in awe, with its narrow alleys filled with ancient sand-colored structures. There are also many museums which you can visit for a glance into the traditional lifestyle of the Emiratis. Dubai Museum (within the city’s oldest fort), Coffee Museum, and Coin Museum all promise to give you an insight into the region’s authentic culture and heritage.
2. Visit SMCCU for an in-depth understanding of local culture and heritage
Intrigued to know about Dubai’s fascinating past or want to clear all your doubts about the region’s religious beliefs and cultural values? Do it through the most bonafide source at Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU.) Operating under the ideology of ‘Open Doors, Open Minds,’ it organizes various tours, sessions, and discussions where a local Emirati guide will give you the most genuine and resounding answers for all your queries on the region’s culture and heritage. What’s more? You can sign up for its mosque visit which takes you to the classic Jumeirah Mosque and even for its local Emirati culinary session. The rates start from just AED 25.
3. Go on a Heritage Express Dubai Sightseeing Tour
Get the chance to join a local Emirati ambassador on this relatively new Heritage Express Dubai tour conducted by SMCCU. Travel onboard a distinctly decorated classic red bus as you discover the hidden gems, listen to the region’s untold Arabian tales, and enjoy a first-hand look at the region’s historic or antiquated parts. What’s more? You’ll also get to savor traditional cuisines and further catch up with some amazing desert inhabitants like camels, falcons etc on this heritage tour.
4. Discover the world at Global Village
You may need a visit visa Dubai to make an entry to the place. But, Global Village in Dubai allows you to literally journey around the world without any passport or visa. With over 25 pavilions hosting about 80 countries, it goes without saying that this is the ultimate place for those who wish to immerse themselves in the culture, cuisines and highlights of different parts of the world. Add to these 3,500 plus outlets, more than 40,000 live shows including celebrity performances, and an exclusive funfair park for your little ones. Maximize fun and thrill with over 60 cool rides and games. Entry here is just AED 15 per person, but this is a seasonal attraction open only during winter months from October to March / April.
5. Dhow Cruise
Cruises are always extraordinary, but this cruise aboard a traditional wooden dhow is a bit more special. Yes, it’s more like revisiting the past. This Arabian vessel was once actively employed for pearl farming and fishing, though its real purpose completely waned with the oil boom in the region. They are now converted into a floating restaurant with two locations to choose from at Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina.The two-hour cruise comes with buffet dining and entertainment and gives you the chance to appreciate Dubai’s skyscrapers and intricate architecture from water. They are mostly twin-decked with open-air decks means you can look forward to enjoy unobstructed views over the surroundings.
6. Check out traditional souks
Who told shopping is expensive in Dubai? While it’s true, we don’t agree to this completely. Away from Dubai’s gigantic malls and premium branded outlets, Dubai’s traditional bazaars (locally called souks) are a real surprise package where you’ll find cute souvenirs and other merchandise for every preference and price point. They lie across Old Dubai in Bur Dubai and Deira areas. There is Spice Souk, Perfume Souk, Old Souk, and most importantly, the Gold Souk (yes, it has hundreds of shops selling dedicated to selling pure gold jewelry).
7. Spend a day at Mushrif Park
Want to ditch theme park fun but wish to have absolute thrill in the midst of the nature? Dubai’s Mushrif Park is your go-to place. Located amid natural Ghaf forest, Aventura Park is one of its centerpiece attractions where you can take to its over 80 challenges (including rope swinging, Tarzan jumps, bridge balancing, and zipline courses) arranged across its five circuits of varying levels. This makes it a cool alternative over usual visiting theme parks. Besides this nature park, Mushrif Park is home to the International Village and the region’s first of its kind Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre. Moreover, for hippophiles, there is Mushrif Equistrian and Polo Club.
8. Desert Safari
30 to 40 minutes away from the city centre, the region’s dune sands may appear to be lackluster but it’s brimming with vibrant desert life. A desert safari Dubai is one of the best ways to soak up and immerse in all. The star attraction of a standard safari is 4X4 dune bash and this is followed by an extensive roll of cultural activities and traditional entertainment. Camel ride, henna tattooing, Shisha smoking, falconry etc are to mention a few. Just make sure that you take the right pick from the collection of desert safaris, such as morning desert safari, evening desert safari with BBQ dining, and overnight desert safari with camping under the stars.
9. Relax in Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai’s most beautiful garden is also the world’s biggest natural garden. It’s truly a colorful oasis with millions of exuberant flowers occupying its 72,000-square-feet space. Take in the flowers of diverse shapes and sizes arranged in breathtaking patterns, walk along the floral passage, and of course relax in its cool shady areas. Entry fee is AED 40 for adults and AED 30 for kids from kids above 12 years. But it’s open only in winter season (November to March.)
10. Interact with the cool residents of Dubai Safari Park
Wildlife lovers looking to set out on a safari expedition don’t have to travel any far once in Dubai. All you’ve to do is to find your way to Dubai Safari Park. It spans over 119 hectares and shelters over 2500 animals in its five unique sections including Arabian Desert Safari, African Village, Asian Village, and Explorer Village. One of its main attractions is the drive-through safari experience which gives you the most up-close look at its mighty and cool inhabitants such as lions, tigers, antelopes, and chimpanzees.
Conclusion
This Arabian city is for everyone! So, if you’re sick of soaring structures or action-packed amusement parks, there is always a cool alternative for this in Dubai. And what’s best about the above Dubai things to do is that most of them are kid-friendly and make for some relaxed and quality fun moments with your family and friends.