✈️ Dubai: which tours are worth your money and time

Dubai has packed the world's tallest building and artificial islands into one city. Planning a trip here is tricky: there are dozens of attractions, and travelers usually have only three or four free days. We picked 25 tours that cover the entire emirate: walking tours of the old city, sea cruises, dune safaris, and day trips to Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, and Al Ain.

The range of formats is wide. There are short two- or three-hour walks, full-day routes, and a helicopter flight that takes just half an hour. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is open to tourists seven days a week and free of charge (official website), while a sunset ticket to the Burj Khalifa observation deck costs almost twice as much as a daytime one (official website). Choose by duration and group composition, and we'll break down each option separately.

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1. Full-day sightseeing tour: from the old city to Dubai Mall

Panorama of Dubai skyscrapers with Burj Khalifa

💡 In short:

Take this tour at the start of your trip: it covers the main sights in one outing.
The route lasts all day and ends at the dancing fountains.

This is a full-day sightseeing tour. The route starts in the historic center, passes through markets and waterfronts, and ends at Dubai Mall. The guide explains how the city lived before the oil boom and what has changed over the past decades.

In the old part, you'll walk through narrow streets filled with the scent of spices and incense, see Al Fahidi Fort, and the abra boats on the canal. Then the route moves into an upscale district: an artificial island, yacht clubs, and the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel.

You spend the end of the day at the dancing fountains and in Dubai Mall, where a huge aquarium with tropical fish is located. This program also suits shopping enthusiasts.

Format: group full-day sightseeing tour.
What it covers: old city, markets, Marina, sail-shaped hotel, dancing fountains, Dubai Mall.
Who it's for: for a first trip, when you want to see the main sights in one day.

2. Private walk with an observation deck and a rooftop bar

Dubai skyline with Burj Khalifa above the water

This walk is convenient to take on the first day. The format is flexible: you'll linger longer at one site and quickly see another. The guide shows the city through the eyes of a local and doesn't overload you with historical facts.

You'll go up to one of the observation decks and see the Burj Khalifa from above, drive through the upscale Dubai Marina district, and look at the peacocks near Sheikh Mohammed's palace. The best shots come from the man-made island: it offers a panorama of the entire coastline.

The day ends at a rooftop bar on one of the skyscrapers. Wear comfortable shoes, there will be a lot of walking.

Format: private guided walk, the pace is adjusted to you.
What it covers: observation deck, Dubai Marina, sheikh's palace, rooftop bar.

3. City of the future: from the emir's palace to Palm Jumeirah

Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the UAE in the northeast of the Arabian Peninsula. The country invests oil revenues in infrastructure: architects and engineers from around the world are invited here, so construction never stops.

The guided walk takes about five hours and shows the city of the future. The first stop is at the emir's palace: you'll see the triumphal arch with a sculpture of rearing horses. Outsiders are not allowed inside Sheikh Mohammed's grounds.

Next, you walk along Sheikh Zayed Road among skyscrapers and come out to the Burj Al Arab. After a photo stop, the group passes through Madinat Jumeirah with its canals and abra boats, then drives to Palm Jumeirah to the Atlantis The Palm hotel. The finale is at the aquarium in Dubai Mall and at the Burj Khalifa.

View the walk program on GetYourGuide

Format: guided tour, about five hours, the group drives to Palm Jumeirah.
Route: emir's palace, Sheikh Zayed Road, Madinat Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall.

4. Past and present: museums, metro, and dancing fountains

Dubai Marina skyscrapers by the water on a clear day

This is one of the most packed tours: in one day you'll see both the past and the present of the city. Part of the route passes through old quarters with narrow streets filled with the scent of spices and Arabic perfumes.

The program includes the Islamic Art Center and a wax museum. In the modern part, you'll walk along the main avenues and ride the metro, where cars are divided by gender and by passenger preference.

Separate stops: Sheikh Mohammed's residence, the Burj Al Arab hotel, and the Burj Khalifa. In the evening, the dancing fountain show awaits you.

Format: group full-day tour.
What's included: old quarters, Islamic Art Center, metro, dancing fountains.

5. Dubai by convertible

Convertible driving along an avenue among skyscrapers

AIIllustrative image: AI-generated

If you're traveling solo and want an unusual format, go for a convertible. The two-seater car takes you along the city's main streets. It's best to plan the ride for the cooler season: sitting in an open car in summer is tough.

A guide who has lived in Dubai for a long time will point out cafes, restaurants, and shops worth visiting, and suggest which other tours to add to your plan. The route includes the Burj Khalifa, the sail-shaped hotel, and a view of the city from a man-made island.

Convertibles are booked from November through April, when the weather is most comfortable.

Book a convertible tour

Format: private ride in a two-seater convertible.
When to go: November through April; the format is uncomfortable in the hot months.

6. City lights at night

Dubai transforms at night: millions of lights, illuminated skyscrapers, fountains in every color of the rainbow. The private tour lasts about two hours, and the route is adjusted to your preferences.

You'll see the Burj Khalifa after sunset, the illuminated dancing fountains, and Souk al Bahar, which looks more like a palace than a market. The sail-shaped hotel on the bay looks different at night than it does during the day.

There's a separate stop at the man-made island: it looks especially striking in the dark. Summer nights work better for this kind of walk. During the day, Dubai is too hot for walking around on foot.

Format: private evening tour, about two hours.
What you'll see: Burj Khalifa, dancing fountains, Souk al Bahar, Palm Jumeirah.

7. Six emirates in one day

This express tour covers six emirates and gives you an overview of the country. It starts in Dubai, then moves on to contrasting Sharjah with its museums, theaters, and galleries, followed by the mountain scenery of Fujairah.

Fujairah stands out from the rest: green valleys, wide beaches, and high humidity. In the city, the group visits a traditional market with silk carpets, cashmere, gold jewelry, and pearls.

Lunch is at a hotel on the Indian Ocean coast, with time set aside for swimming afterward. Diving is possible, but bring your own gear. On the way back, you'll see camels in the sands of Ras Al Khaimah and the non-touristy Umm Al Quwain.

Book the express emirates tour

Format: full-day group express tour, six emirates.
What's included: Sharjah, Fujairah, market, lunch on the ocean coast, swimming.

8. Arabian desert safari

Camel caravan walking across desert sand dunes

A safari is a one-day trip with driving over sand dunes. The slopes here reach heights of fifty meters, the vehicle tilts at an angle, and sand flies up in a column. People compare the experience to a roller coaster.

A short stop is needed to take photos and let the engine cool down. After that, the dunes keep coming one after another until you reach the Bedouin village.

In the village, you can ride quad bikes or camels. In the evening, you'll have dinner with an oriental dance performance and then head back to the lights of nighttime Dubai.

Book a desert safari

Format: full-day group desert tour.
What's included: dunes, Bedouin village, quad bikes, camels, dinner with a show.

9. Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Ferrari Park

Marble hall of Sheikh Zayed Mosque with chandelier

Abu Dhabi is multifaceted: brand-new skyscrapers stand next to ancient mosques, and markets sit alongside ultra-modern malls. The itinerary covers only the landmark sights, so you won't get worn out in a single day.

The route includes the main square with six symbols of the city, a heritage village, the snow-white Sheikh Zayed Mosque, and the Emirates Palace hotel. The palace sits right on the beach and is surrounded by extensive gardens.

The second stop is Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Here you'll see the stages of car assembly and learn about aerodynamics, take a ride on a Formula 1 simulator, and kids can enjoy a go-kart track with electric cars. Everything is housed under a roof shaped like the Ferrari logo (official website).

Format: full-day group tour in Abu Dhabi.
What's included: Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace, heritage village, Ferrari World.

10. Dinner and evening show on a dhow boat

The cruise on a traditional Arabian dhow boat lasts about two hours. During that time, the vessel travels along Dubai Creek, the saltwater inlet that divides the city into two parts.

This is exactly where the metropolis began. First houses appeared here, then shops, and now the area is home to shipyards, the Chamber of Commerce, the National Bank, and dhow berths.

Dinner is served buffet style. Drinks are not included in the price and are paid for separately.

Choose a dhow boat cruise

Format: evening dhow boat cruise, about two hours.
Important: buffet dinner included, drinks paid separately.

11. Burj Khalifa skyscraper

Panorama of Dubai with Burj Khalifa on the right

Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world: 828 meters and 163 floors (Burj Khalifa page). The observation decks occupy the 124th and 125th floors, and from a height of 452 meters you get a panorama of all of Dubai.

The tower was originally called Burj Dubai and was renamed at its opening in honor of the UAE president. The concrete section was poured at night: the special mix requires low temperatures. The building's surface area is comparable to seventeen football fields.

Inside there are a hotel, restaurants, offices, apartments, and pools. A sunset ticket costs almost twice as much as a daytime one, and skip-the-line entry costs almost three times as much. Guide services and a souvenir photo are paid for separately.

Book a morning or late evening slot: during the day it's easy to lose extra time in the elevator line.

Format: self-guided visit to the observation deck.
Keep in mind: sunset slots cost more, and a separate rate gives you skip-the-line entry.

12. Dubai by night with a boat ride

Illuminated Dubai Fountain at night against skyscrapers

The evening program is split into two parts: a walking tour and a sea voyage. First you'll see the dancing fountains at Burj Khalifa, shop at an old market, and take photos with Burj Al Arab in the background.

Palm Jumeirah is memorable for the Atlantis The Palm hotel: inside there's a water park, an aquarium, and dolphin areas. The second part is a boat ride through the Dubai Marina district.

The finale is a panorama of the city at night from the forty-fourth floor of the Grosvenor House hotel. One drink at the bar is included in the price.

Book the night boat ride

Format: evening tour with a boat ride.
What's included: fountains, market, Dubai Marina, panorama from the Grosvenor House hotel, one drink.

13. Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina by boat

The artificial Palm Jumeirah archipelago looks like a palm tree: a trunk, sixteen curved fronds, and an eleven-kilometer crescent breakwater. It's one of the most famous engineering projects in the world.

The speedboat route is designed for a small group of six people. Parents with children can ride together.

The trip lasts about two hours. The boat passes through the man-made canal in the heart of the most prestigious district, goes past the Dubai Eye observation wheel, and runs along the Jumeirah Beach Residence beachfront complex.

Then the vessel takes you along the villas and hotels of the Palm, led by Atlantis The Palm.

Format: boat ride, about two hours, group of up to six people.
What to see: the canal, Dubai Eye, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Palm Jumeirah.

14. Flower park and Global Village

Emirates flower plane in Dubai Miracle Garden

This is a private five-hour mini-trip for a family or group of up to four people. A driver-guide takes you in his own car and stops for photo sessions, telling you about life in the UAE along the way.

The first stop is Dubai Miracle Garden. The displays here are made from roses, petunias, and tulips, and the figures of living flowers depict swans, peacocks, and an airplane. There's an arch of hearts and a Burj Khalifa palace. The park operates seasonally: it's closed in summer and opens in the fall.

The second stop is Global Village with its fair. Pavilions represent different countries: China, India, Thailand, France, Italy, and countries of Africa and the Middle East. Here you can try national cuisines, watch ethnographic shows, and buy souvenirs.

Global Village is also a seasonal project: the fair runs from fall to spring.

Book a tour to Miracle Garden and Global Village

Format: private trip in a guide's car, about five hours.
When to go: both parks are seasonal, they are closed in summer.

15. Fujairah: beach and diving on the Indian Ocean

Fujairah skyscrapers by the sea against mountains

The trip to the east coast takes about ten hours. The format is private: a group of friends or a family, in a guide-driver's car. The limit on the number of participants is because a passenger car is used.

Along the way, the guide will tell you the story of Fujairah, the youngest emirate. You'll have lunch at a local hotel restaurant, then beach time on the Indian Ocean coast.

Those who want can go diving: snorkeling gear is rented at the hotel. On the way back, the guide will show you ancient structures, the Al Badiyah Mosque, and Portuguese fortifications.

Format: private trip in a guide's car, about ten hours.
What's included: lunch at the hotel, beach, swimming, optional diving, Al Badiyah Mosque.

16. Toward the wonders of Abu Dhabi

Dome of a white mosque in an arched opening

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the Emirates, and a trip here deserves its own day. Bus tours are designed for groups of up to thirty-five people and last about ten hours. Parents with children can go together.

The route starts with the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. People of any faith are allowed into the inner halls; the snow-white marble walls sparkle with gold and gemstones. The mosque welcomes guests seven days a week (Sheikh Zayed Mosque page).

Next, you'll walk along the scenic corniche and the capital's main street, stopping at the royal family's palaces. Then the Heritage Village with Bedouin tents and artisans' houses, the date market, and a photo stop at the golden Emirates Palace.

Lunch is at a five-star hotel. The last stop is on Saadiyat Island at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a museum under a futuristic dome (official website).

Book an Abu Dhabi tour

Format: group bus tour, about ten hours, group of up to thirty-five people.
What's included: Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Heritage Village, date market, lunch, Louvre Abu Dhabi.

17. Trip to Al Ain

Al Ain is the only major city in the UAE without access to the sea. It sits on the border with Oman in a natural oasis, and locals say this is where you truly feel the atmosphere of an Arab city.

The founder and first president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was born here, and a museum is dedicated to him. He ruled the country for more than three decades and was re-elected several times, directing oil revenues toward the development of the federation.

The ten-hour trip includes Jebel Hafeet mountain. From the viewing platform, you can see a green oasis amid the sands; at the foot of the mountain, there are traditional baths at the hot springs. A stop there is not planned.

In the city, the group has lunch, then heads to the UAE's largest zoo. The grounds cover hundreds of hectares, the animals live in conditions close to natural, and some of them can be fed by visitors.

Format: full-day group tour.
What's included: Sheikh Zayed Museum, Jebel Hafeet mountain, lunch, zoo.

18. Evening Abu Dhabi with the royal palace

Panorama of Qasr Al Watan palace with the plaza by day

An evening trip to the capital is more pleasant than a daytime one: the temperature drops, the streets are cool, and the lighting comes on across buildings, fountains, and greenery. The bus tour takes about ten hours and is designed for a group of up to thirty-five people.

The main item on the program is the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. It is open to guests of any faith, but women need to follow a covered dress code. The exterior lighting makes the mosque especially striking.

Next, the group heads to the presidential palace Qasr Al Watan, where foreign delegations and heads of state are received. Inside, the walls are decorated with gold Arabic calligraphy inscriptions.

After that, the bus drives along the central street and the green waterfront, stopping at the date market. Dinner is served at a hotel restaurant as a buffet. Everyone then returns to Dubai late in the evening.

Book the evening Abu Dhabi tour

Format: group bus tour, about ten hours.
What's included: Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Qasr Al Watan palace, date market, dinner.

19. Musandam, or fjords the Eastern way

Fort with a tower, Omani flag and mountains

The Musandam Peninsula is fjords, emerald water, and coastal caves. The guide shows them from a traditional Arabian two-deck dhow boat, with fishing possible along the way.

The trip lasts about ten hours, with a group of up to thirty people. Departure from the hotel is on Tuesdays and Fridays. The bus arrives in Dibba, where the group transfers to the boat. Lunch is included in the program.

The format is not suitable for families with small children or elderly people: the road is long, and the water can be rough.

Format: group trip with a boat excursion, about ten hours.
Departure days: Tuesday and Friday.
Not for: families with small children and elderly people.

20. Culinary run

This is a street food route. Dubai is home to people from more than two hundred nationalities, so dishes from different cuisines sit side by side here.

The guide leads the group through tried-and-tested spots: shawarma, tea, kebabs with rice, chicken mandi, and doughnuts in date syrup. Guests learn which dessert is considered the healthiest in the UAE and where it is served.

The walk is designed for a group of up to six people and lasts about four hours. Parents with children can join.

Come to the meeting with the guide hungry: there will be plenty of tastings.

Format: group food walk, about four hours.
What's included: shawarma, kebabs, mandi, tea, doughnuts in date syrup.

21. Fujairah: a canyon in the Hajar Mountains and ancient mosques

One day in Fujairah means the Hajar Mountains, a canyon, and the east coast. The private trip in the guide's car lasts about ten hours and is designed for a group or family of four. Children can come along.

Along the way, the guide tells the story of the youngest emirate. The first stop is at a scenic canyon in the Hajar Mountains.

On the coast, lunch awaits you at a local hotel restaurant, followed by the beach and swimming in the Indian Ocean. Diving gear can be rented at the hotel.

Before leaving, the guide shows a seventeenth-century fort, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque with six minarets, and the region's oldest mosque, Al Bidya.

Book the Fujairah trip

Format: private trip in the guide's car, about ten hours.
What's included: canyon, hotel lunch, beach, fort, Al Bidya Mosque.

22. Hatta's natural heritage

Hatta is a mountain resort in the foothills of the Hajar range, away from the beach heat. The private trip in the guide's car takes about seven hours and is designed for a group or family of four.

The road passes through sandy desert and oases, and it is especially beautiful here at dawn and sunset. The guide makes stops for photo sessions.

In Hatta, you will explore an ancient Arab settlement and learn about Bedouin daily life and crafts, see one of the oldest mosques on the Arabian Peninsula, and a seventeenth-century Portuguese fort. The resort itself is an open-air museum.

In the afternoon, the group arrives at a mountain lake. Here you can ride a catamaran or simply walk in silence. Lunch is served at a cafe, and at the end of the tour you will be taken through a local mini zoo. On the way back, there is a stop at the carpet and pottery market.

Format: private trip in the guide's car, about seven hours.
What's included: Bedouin settlement, mosque, fort, mountain lake, lunch, mini zoo.

23. Helicopter flight over Dubai

The flight over Dubai lasts about half an hour, but it stays with you for a long time. The helicopter takes off from a pad near the Police Academy, with a small group on board.

From above, you can see that Palm Jumeirah is laid out in the shape of a palm tree, and The World Islands trace the outlines of continents. The helicopter circles Burj Al Arab, then heads toward Burj Khalifa and the old quarters with their trading rows.

Before takeoff, everyone goes through a safety briefing. During the flight, passengers are allowed to hold the controls and try a turn or a climb.

Book the helicopter flight

Format: group helicopter flight, about half an hour.
What you see: Palm Jumeirah, The World Islands, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa.

24. Seven-hour drive with a guide

View from Burj Khalifa of Downtown Dubai and the lake

The private drive in the guide's car lasts about seven hours, and the car fits four people. You are picked up at your hotel, and along the way the guide talks about the country's customs and traditions.

In the Downtown area, the guide points out hotel facades shaped like coins and two dolphins. In Jumeirah, you will walk through the local version of Times Square, packed with cafes and restaurants.

Next comes the House of Islamic Culture with carpets and jewelry, the Burj Al Arab hotel, and Madinat Jumeirah, often called the Venice of Dubai.

The route passes through the labyrinths of a traditional market, Palm Jumeirah with Atlantis The Palm, and Dubai Marina with its yachts. The finale is at Dubai Mall with its dancing fountain jets, after which you are driven back to your hotel.

Format: private drive, about seven hours, up to four people.
What's included: Downtown, Jumeirah, House of Islamic Culture, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall.

25. Old quarters: group tour

Courtyard of the Al Fahidi historical district with a tree and shops

This is a walking tour of the historic center. Comfortable shoes are a must: there will be a lot of walking.

The route starts in the old quarters with narrow streets, where the fairy-tale East seems to come alive. You will see Al Fahidi Fort, built from shells and coral, which once served as the city prison.

The guide tells what Dubai was like before it became a modern hub. Then you will visit the textile market, where handmade lace and velvet are sold, and cross the creek on a small abra boat.

At the end, you can try dates and camel milk chocolate, and also ask the guide questions about the old part of the city and map out routes for exploring on your own.

Book the old quarters tour

Format: group walking tour of the historic center.
What's included: old quarters, Al Fahidi Fort, textile market, abra crossing.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How many tours can you realistically fit into one trip?

Plan on one outing per day. Short walks like the evening lights or a dhow cruise take about two hours, while trips to Abu Dhabi and Fujairah run about ten hours. Over a week you can comfortably fit five or six routes, including a safari and a boat trip around Dubai Marina.

When is the best time to plan tours in Dubai?

The comfortable season runs from November to April. During this time a convertible is available, and you can walk around during the day. Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village open in the fall and close in the spring; they are closed in summer. Summer evenings also work: a night tour lets you get around without the heat.

Do you have to take a tour if it's your first time in Dubai?

Not necessarily, but a full-day sightseeing tour saves time. In one outing you'll see the old town, Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Mall. After that it's easier to pick themed routes: a safari, Abu Dhabi, or Hatta, without spending days figuring things out.

What should you choose if you're traveling with kids?

Trips by guide-driven car work well: the flower park and Global Village, Hatta with its mini zoo, or Fujairah with a beach. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is designed for families and has a go-kart track with electric cars. Musandam, with its long drive and rough seas, is better left for another time.

Can you see Dubai and Abu Dhabi in one day?

Yes, bus tours to the capital run about ten hours and include the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Heritage Village, and Louvre Abu Dhabi. The evening option adds Qasr Al Watan palace. If you want a relaxed pace, it's better to take two separate days: the route involves a lot of travel.

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In short: what's worth booking

The matrix is simple. If you have just one day, take a sightseeing tour from the first section. If it's your first time in the city, add Abu Dhabi or a desert safari. If you're traveling with kids, choose the flower park, Hatta, or Ferrari World. If you want thrills, go for a helicopter or a convertible. On a long layover, the evening lights or a dhow cruise will be enough.

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How to see Dubai and the emirates: 25 routes for a first trip