United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building at 828 meters and one of the defining icons of Dubai tourism. Opened in 2010, it was designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill using a triple-lobed Y-shaped plan inspired by the Hymenocallis flower, making it a standout feature in any Dubai travel guide. The tower has 163 floors with a mix of residential spaces, corporate offices, and the Armani Hotel Dubai. For visitors, three observation levels are open, offering some of the best views in Dubai sightseeing. “At the Top” on floors 124 and 125 sits at 456 meters, “At the Top SKY” on level 148 reaches 555 meters, and the highest accessible lounge is on floor 154. At its base lies Dubai Mall, one of the top attractions in Dubai, along with the Dubai Fountain, a 275-meter-long choreographed water and light show that runs every 30 minutes from 6 PM. Together, they are essential stops on any well-planned Dubai trip.

A desert safari is one of the most popular experiences in Dubai tourism. This half-day Dubai trip usually heads into the dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve or the red sands of Lahbab Desert. The experience typically begins with a 3 PM 4WD pick-up, followed by 30 to 45 minutes of dune-bashing in a Land Cruiser convoy, making it one of the most thrilling things to do in Dubai. Afterward, there’s a stop at a high dune for sunset photos, a highlight of Dubai sightseeing in the desert. The evening continues at a Bedouin-style camp with activities like camel rides, sandboarding, henna art, and shisha. A buffet dinner featuring grills and Arabic dishes is served alongside live performances such as tanoura and belly dancing, making it one of the top attractions in Dubai for first-time visitors. For a more refined experience, premium operators like Platinum Heritage and Arabian Adventures offer smaller group safaris, often using vintage 1950s Land Rovers within protected reserve areas, adding a unique touch to Dubai travel.