Things to do in Dubai for British tourists

The short answer: what British tourists do in Dubai

The things to do in Dubai that British tourists book most are an evening desert safari, a morning in old Dubai (the Gold Souk, the Spice Souk and an abra across the Creek), a day at Atlantis Aquaventure, a weekend brunch and a beach club day. Longer stays usually add a winter sport event, the Burj Khalifa observation deck or a day trip to Abu Dhabi.

This page is only about activities. For flights, money, the time difference and costs, use our Dubai planning guide for British visitors. For the rules that catch UK holidaymakers out, read what British tourists need to know about Dubai law before you go.

Which activity suits which traveller

1. Evening desert safari

The desert safari is the activity most UK package holidays include, and it suits people who want one packed evening rather than a full day out. A standard evening trip collects you from your hotel in the afternoon, drives the dunes in a 4x4, stops for sunset and finishes at a camp with a barbecue dinner and a show. Morning, overnight and private formats exist if you want fewer crowds.

• Choose a family format if you have young children, as dune driving is rough and some operators set age limits.
• Get the price, the pickup zone, the dinner and the drop-off time in writing.
• Bring a layer: desert evenings in winter are noticeably cooler than the city.

Our guide to choosing a Dubai desert safari compares the formats and what each one includes.

2. Old Dubai: the souks, the Creek and Al Fahidi

Old Dubai is the part of the city British visitors most often say they wish they had given more time. Start at the Gold Souk in Deira, where jewellery is priced by weight at the day's gold rate plus a making charge. Agree the weight, carat and making charge separately; the making charge is the part to negotiate. The Spice Souk is next door.

Cross the Creek by abra, the wooden water taxi, which costs a small cash fare, then walk the lanes of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Note that the Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort has been closed since 2021, so don't plan your morning around it. Go early in the day: the souks are more pleasant before the midday heat, even in winter.

3. Atlantis, The Palm: Aquaventure and The Lost Chambers

For British families, a day at Atlantis, The Palm is often the highlight of the trip. You don't need to stay at the resort: day tickets for the Aquaventure waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium are sold separately. Teenagers head for the big slides; younger children have a dedicated play area. Couples tend to skip the waterpark and book dinner at one of the resort's restaurants instead.

Ticket prices change by season and are often cheaper online in advance, so check the official Atlantis site before you go. February half-term, Easter and the October half-term are the busiest weeks for UK families.

4. Weekend brunch (now mostly on Saturday)

Many British visitors still talk about the "Friday brunch", but since the UAE moved its weekend to Saturday and Sunday in 2022, Saturday has become the main brunch day. Some venues still run Friday sittings. A Dubai brunch is a fixed-price, set-time meal, usually with tiered drinks packages, and the atmosphere ranges from relaxed family lunches to loud, party-style events.

Check the age policy before booking, as some brunches are adults only. Alcohol is served only in licensed venues and the legal drinking age is 21, so a group with anyone under that age should pick a family brunch. Compare venues by budget and atmosphere in our Dubai brunch guide.

5. Beach clubs and public beaches

A beach club day pass typically buys you a sunbed or daybed, pool and beach access, and often a minimum spend on food and drink. Clubs cluster on Palm Jumeirah, around JBR and along the Jumeirah coast. Check what the entry fee includes and whether the minimum spend is per person or per bed.

If you'd rather not pay, the public beaches at JBR and Kite Beach are free, with showers, cafés and space for children. Our guide to Dubai's beaches compares the free and paid options.

6. Winter sport: rugby sevens and golf

Two events draw large UK crowds each year. The Emirates Dubai Sevens rugby tournament is a long-standing fixture for British supporters, many of whom travel in fancy dress. The DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates closes the European golf season. Both are usually held in late autumn or early winter, but dates change, so confirm them on the official event sites before booking flights. If you play golf, Dubai's courses are easiest to enjoy between November and March.

Watching Premier League football is easy too: many hotel sports bars show live matches, though kick-off times are later in the evening in Dubai.

7. Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai

The observation decks at the Burj Khalifa are a first-timer's staple. Sunset slots sell out first and cost more, so book ahead or pick a morning slot for clearer views and lower prices. Afterwards, the Dubai Fountain show runs in the evenings beside Dubai Mall. The Museum of the Future is temporarily closed, so check its status before you plan around it.

8. A day trip to Abu Dhabi

With five nights or more, a day in Abu Dhabi adds the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and, for thrill-seekers, the Yas Island theme parks. It is roughly a 90-minute drive each way, so most people join a tour or hire a driver. Our Dubai to Abu Dhabi day trip guide covers the routes and timings. Mosque visits require modest dress, with a headscarf for women.

A three-day activity plan

This plan covers the core list without rushing and assumes a hotel around Dubai Marina or JBR.

• Swap Day 2 and Day 3 if your stay doesn't include a Saturday.
• Pack a light cover-up for the souks and malls, where shoulders and knees should be covered.
• Leave one evening free: the safari finishes late and the next morning often starts slowly.

Frequently asked questions