Things to do in Dubai for UK expats

Dubai rises from the desert as a spectacular vision of glass and steel that attracts tourists and shoppers from across the world. While in Dubai, here are the 10 top places to visit, as voted by TripAdvisor:

Dubai Fountain

The world’s most spectacular choreographed fountains – a fantastic display shooting 500 feet into the air. The $218 million show includes 6,600 coloured lights, 25 projectors and measures just over 900 feet long.

  • WHERE: The lake between the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
  • WHEN: 1pm and 1.30pm daily except Fridays, when the times change to 1.30pm and 2pm. In the evenings, the fountains go off every 30 minutes between 6pm and 11pm
  • COST: Free


At the Top to Burj Khalifa

The world’s tallest skyscraper, topping out at 2,722 feet. An observation deck on the 148th floor at 1,821 feet is open to visitors.

Dubai Mall

The world’s largest shopping and entertainment mall, including 1,200 shops and 200 restaurants. Entertainment includes an aquarium and underwater zoo, Sega indoor park, 22 screen cinema complex and ice rink.

  • WHERE: Foot of the Burj Khalifa beside the Dubai Fountain
  • WHEN: 10am to 11p Sunday to Wednesday and 10am to midnight Thursday to Saturday
  • COST: Free

Burj Al Arab

An extraordinary sail-shaped building standing on a man-made island off the coast. Burj Al Arab claims to be the world’s most luxurious hotel with 200 rooms. The most expensive is the royal suite, billed out at $24,000 a night.

  • WHERE: Jumeirah Beach
  • WHEN: Any time
  • COST: Afternoon tea costs $170 a person in the Skyview Bar

After the luxury, spectacle and thrills of Dubai’s biggest tourist attractions, here are a few more days out to tick off the list.

A guided city tour is a must, covering all the landmarks and sights to see from just $22 a person. For the more adventurous, taking a four-wheel drive vehicle out for a spin in the desert is also popular ($33).

Cool down after your trip at the Aquaventure Water Park ($27), Ski Dubai at the Mall Of The Emirates ($50), a cuddle with a dolphin at Dolphin Bay ($220) or Wild Wadi Water park ($75). For a modern take on desert life, the Dubai Desert Safari has displays on falconry, henna art, camel rides and belly dancing ($150).