Nestled within the Arabian Desert, Dubai captivates with its seamless blend of tradition and modernity. Known for its iconic skyline and rich cultural heritage, Dubai offers an array of attractions that cater to every Indian traveller’s taste.
Whether you are planning to visit with family or as a couple, the City of Gold provides countless experiences to explore. And while there’s a lot to see and do, we’ve curated a list of the ultimate destinations you can add to your Dubai tourism package.
Standing at a staggering 828 meters, Burj Khalifa is considered the world’s tallest building. An architectural marvel located next to the Dubai Mall, this iconic structure has two observation decks: At the Top on the 124th and 125th floors and one of the world’s highest observation decks (555m) on the 148th floor.
Timings: 9 AM to 10 PM
Tickets: Starts at AED 179 for adults and AED 145 for children aged 3-8
An engineering marvel, Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island shaped like a palm tree and home to luxurious resorts, upscale restaurants, and chic beach clubs. A great first stop on Palm Jumeirah is Atlantis, The Palm, known for its striking architecture and world-class dining options.
Atlantis Aquaventure, the resort’s attached waterpark, offers a dozen exciting rides, slides, and access to the Lost Chambers aquarium. You can also book a ride on the Dubai Balloon and enjoy a stunning view of Palm Jumeirah and Dubai. Another excellent observation point is The View at The Palm, which offers a 240m-high viewing platform above Palm Jumeirah’s trunk. And after your trip into the sky, wander around Nakheel Mall’s shops and restaurants.
Tickets: AED 100
The Museum of the Future — launched by the Dubai Future Foundation on 22 February 2022 — showcases future societal possibilities through science and technology. It combines traditional exhibitions, immersive theatre, and themed attractions, inviting visitors to explore a visionary future. As the headquarters for Dubai's "Great Arab Minds" initiative, it aims to identify 1,000 exceptional Arab talents in crucial fields.
Tickets: Adult tickets start at AED 149. Entry Tickets to the Museum of the Future are free of charge for Children under the age of four.
Timing: 9:30 AM to 9 PM
Tip: Use the Zero Forex* Fi-Federal Debit Card and avail 15% off* on ticket bookings.
*(offer launching soon)
An architectural wonder, the Dubai Frame offers a panoramic view of both old and new Dubai from its 150-metre-high glass bridge. Located in Zabeel Park, the observatory has a museum that tells about the city’s evolution over the years and a mezzanine-floored gallery that shows a glimpse of the future.
Tickets: AED 50 for adults, AED 20 for children between 3-12 years, and free for infants
Timing: 9 AM to 9 PM
Located inside Dubai Mall, the giant ten-million-litre tank massive aquarium and underwater zoo is home to 140 species of aquatic species. It houses over 33,000 fish (big & small) and has the most extensive collection of sand tiger sharks. In addition to taking a stroll inside the aquarium, you can ride a glass-bottom boat, have a mermaid makeover, or even try an oxygen tank to go swimming with the animals.
Tickets: Starts from AED 199 on weekdays or AED 209 Friday to Sunday
Timing: 10 AM to 10 PM
Ski Dubai, located inside the Mall of the Emirates, is one of the most unique places to visit in Dubai and a must for thrill-seekers. This indoor ski resort offers a winter wonderland with five ski slopes, a snow park, and even penguin encounters—all in the heart of the desert! Ideal for both beginners and pros, Ski Dubai provides skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing experiences.
Ticket: Starts from AED 250
Timing:10 AM to 11 PM
Any Dubai itinerary is incomplete without experiencing the Desert Safari, which gives an authentic Arabian adventure. Experience thrilling dune bashing and a scenic camel ride across the golden sands. At Al Khayma Camp, enjoy a traditional Bedouin-style evening with delicious Arabic cuisine and cultural performances like Tanoura and belly dancing.
One of the oldest traditional markets in the Emirates, the Dubai Gold Souk has over 350 retailers trading gold of different carats, designs, and weights. Take an abra ride across Dubai Creek to reach the Souk, where you can bargain for gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, and platinum jewellery. Once you've done your shopping, you can check out the nearby attractions like Bur Dubai Grand Mosque, Al Seef, and Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Tickets: Free entry
A shopping paradise, Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping centres in the world. It covers more than 1 million sqm and has over 1,200 retail stores and countless entertainment options, such as ice rinks, movie theatres, etc. Additionally, the mall’s most photographed spot, the indoor fountain show, is a must-see place when in Dubai.
Timing: 10 AM to 10 PM
Pro tip: Tap and pay using the Fi-Federal Debit Card to shop seamlessly without spending a single penny in forex.
Located on the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, this multicultural park is a carnival with pavilions representing countries worldwide. Open during the cooler months (November-February), Global Village offers unique shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences in a lively, festival-like setting.
Ticket: AED 30 per person, Free for Senior Citizens & children under 3 years
Voted one of the 50 coolest neighbourhoods in the world, Dubai Marina is a vibrant waterfront district offering a perfect mix of leisure and scenic beauty. For those who want to experience Dubai’s nightlife, this social destination is a must-visit. Known as the city’s hub for water-based activities, the recommended way to see the Marina (also the whole of Dubai’s coastline) is by chartering a yacht for the day. But you can also stroll along the marina promenade, explore chic cafes, or indulge in upscale shopping.
A vibrant garden in the middle of a desert, Dubai Miracle Garden is home to over 150 million flowers in dazzling arrangements. This seasonal attraction, open from November to April, has flowers shaped into arches and life-sized floral sculptures, including an Emirates A380 floral display. A perfect spot for nature lovers, this garden is a must-see for any Dubai travel itinerary.
Tickets: AED100 for adults and AED85 for children between three and 12 years.
A natural saltwater inlet, Dubai Creek extends about 9 miles inwards and forms a natural port, used back in the day to trade and transport. Separating Deira and Bur Dubai — locations known for their old-world charm — the best way to explore the creek is by taking an abra (traditional boat) ride to the other side. Don’t forget to check out the local vendors on the creek selling items like spices, unique handcrafted jewellery, and textiles.
Tickets: Free entry
One of Dubai’s most popular beaches, Jumeirah Beach, offers views of the Arabian Gulf. With soft white sands, clear blue waters, and views of the iconic 7-star luxury hotel, Burj Al Arab, it’s perfect for a relaxed day out. You can also indulge in water sports and find many sunbathing spots.
Tickets: Free entry
A trip to Dubai would be incomplete without exploring Bastakia. Also known as the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, it is one of the oldest districts in Dubai. While casually strolling through this heritage site, explore art galleries, museums, cute cafes with traditional backdrops, and Arabian architecture-rich lanes.
A visit to Dubai might seem pricey—1 AED is roughly ₹22—but your trip can be affordable with thoughtful planning.
Book flights early, consider staying in budget-friendly homestays with kitchen facilities and opt for public transport wherever possible.
Also, to save on forex fees for your transactions, don’t forget to use the Fi-Federal Debit Card. It helps you save up to 5% on every spend. Plus, the card offers impressive perks and discounts like:
1. 35% off on food and cab bookings with Careem
2. 20% off on Visa bookings with StampThePassport
3. ₹1000 off on flight bookings with EaseMyTrip and 10% off on Air India
Category | Details |
Destination | Dubai |
Currency | United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) |
Time Zone | GMT+4 |
Accommodation | Hotels, Hostels, Airbnb, Resort, Luxury Villas |
Transportation | Metro/Buses/Trams, Car Rentals, Ride-sharing Apps (Uber, Careem) |
Safety | Extremely safe for tourists, especially women. Perfect for Solo Travelling. |
Language | Official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken |
Burj Khalifa | Dubai Mall | Dubai Marina |
Palm Jumeirah | Desert Safari | Dubai Creek |
Dhow Cruise Dubai | Dubai Frame | Museum of the Future |
Global Village | Dubai Zoo | Ski Dubai |
Dubai is mostly hot all throughout the year. So it's advised that you carry comfortable, summer-friendly clothes. Always carry large bottles of sunscreen since the weather is largely unforgiving. Pack deodorants, face wipes, sunglasses, hats/caps, and water bottle.
The best time to visit Dubai is between November and March when the weather is pleasant and cool. This is also the time of the Dubai Shopping Festival. The pleasant weather lets tourists to enjoy outdoor activities like dune bashing, desert safari, cruise and other beach activities.
Make sure you have your passport and visa documents always with you. Additionally you can also keep the proof of accommodation handy while travelling in Dubai.
Read to know about the latest Dubai Visa Changes
Markup charges can be hefty when making any transaction. Hence always look out for a zero-forex travel card like the Zero-Forex Fi-Federal Debit Card. It is the ultimate cost-effective solution that helps you to control your spends overseas. How? Unlike traditional forex cards, which either charge hidden fees or impose loading charges each time you top up your card with foreign currency, the Zero Forex* Fi-Federal Debit Card offers a smooth international experience by eliminating such unnecessary costs. What's more? Accepted at any ATMs near you, the Fi-Federal Debit Card is designed to make your trip to Dubai seamless.
To know more, read: Ultimate Savings Guide when travelling abroad using the Fi-Federal Debit Card
Dubai isn’t just a city; it’s an experience. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway, or a fun adventure with friends, Dubai offers something for everyone. So pack your bags and prepare to explore this jewel of the Middle East.
*Note: Any mention of zero forex linked to the Fi-Federal Debit Card in this blog implies Zero Forex is available on select account plans.