Top 17 Famous Landmarks In Dubai

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Curious what are the most famous landmarks in Dubai?

Dubai is packed with incredible landmarks that make it one of the most exciting cities to visit. From record-breaking skyscrapers to stunning man-made islands, there’s no shortage of iconic sights.

While visiting Dubai many times, I had the chance to experience most of them.
In this guide, I will introduce you to the top 17 famous landmarks in Dubai, each offering something unique.

Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious, these spots are worth knowing about!

The Most Iconic Landmarks In Dubai

Dubai is all about creating the biggest, tallest, deepest, and largest attractions. Here are the top Dubai landmarks that you must see.

1. Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is number one on the list that you must see while visiting Dubai. With its 828 meters is the tallest building in the world.

Except for being the tallest building in the world, it has many more breaking records.
For example, the highest outdoor observation deck in the world, an elevator with the longest travel distance, the tallest service elevator in the world, the highest restaurant At.mosphere, and the world’s highest New Year display of fireworks.

The Burj Khalifa is located in Downtown next to Dubai Mall where you can take nice pictures of it. Moreover, you can go to the top for a special experience. Here are three options.

➡️Book your Burj Khalifa At the Top 124+125 floor HERE
➡️Book your At the Top Burj Khalifa Sky 148+124+125 floor HERE
➡️Book The Lounge Burj Khalifa 154+153+152 floor HERE

2. Dubai Fountain

Dubai Fountain located right in front of Burj Khalifa is signed in the Guinness World Records Book as the largest fountain in the world. It is an amazing water show with lights and music that you can’t miss while in Dubai.

Illuminated fountain show at night with modern skyscrapers in the background and traditional boats on the water.

It is 275 meters long and the water shoots up to 152 meters. For the show, they used 6,600 lights and 25 colored projectors.

Each show lasts about 5 minutes and is accompanied by international or Arabic songs. Dubai Fountain is free to watch from outside Dubai Mall or you can book a table in one of the restaurants.

For a special experience, you can book an Abra boat directly on the Burj Lake next to the fountain.

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    3. Dubai Mall

    Dubai Mall located Downtown next to Burj Khalifa is the second largest mall in the world. The size of Dubai Mall is equivalent to 50 football pitches and attracts millions of tourists annually, constantly setting new records.

    Except for hundreds of retail shops, you will find there restaurants and food courts, entertainment facilities like a cinema, ice rink, aquarium, Kidzania, Hysteria, Dubai Dino, Human Waterfall, and many more.

    Moreover, the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall metro station is connected to Dubai Mall with a tunnel.

    4. Burj Al Arab

    Burj Al Arab the only 7* hotel in the world is the most iconic landmark in Dubai, built in the shape of a sail of a dhow. It stands on an artificial island connected by a private bridge.

    High-angle view of the Burj Al Arab hotel, a distinctive sail-shaped skyscraper, situated on a man-made island in Dubai, overlooking the coastline and city.

    The interior of the hotel is from gold, marble, and crystals. To visit Burj Al Arab Hotel you need to be a guest of the hotel, have a reservation in one of the restaurants, or take an organized tour.

    ➡️Get a ticket for a guided tour of Burj Al Arab HERE

    5. Palm Jumeirah

    Palm Jumeirah Island is an artificial island in the shape of a palm tree. It is so big that it can be seen from space. You can reach the island either by monorail, which is a public transportation, or by taxi.

    Aerial view of the Palm Jumeirah islands in Dubai, showing sea, residential buildings, and a Atlantis Hotel.

    At the top of the island, you will find Atlantis the Palm Hotel, home to Aquaventure Waterpark, Lost Chamber Aquarium, and Dolphin Bay.

    Next to it is the newly built Atlantis the Royl which features an amazing infinity pool Cloud 22.

    For a beach day, you can spend a day at Palm West Beach which is a free public beach with dining and shopping options.

    For a stunning 360-degree view of Palm Jumeirah, head to the View at the Palm Observatory.

    6. Museum of the Future

    Museum of the Future is an unmissable iconic building located alongside the Sheikh Zayed Road in the Financial District.

    Museum of the Future in Dubai with full moon shining in the middle of the building

    This seven-floor museum focuses on the future of science, technology, and innovation. The building features Arabic calligraphy with a poem about the future, written by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

    The museum officially opened on February 22, 2022. The museum is suitable for all ages and tickets need to be booked in advance.

    7. Dubai Frame

    Dubai Frame is the largest frame in the world with a height of 150 meters. It is located in Zabeel Park in Bur Dubai and it serves as an observatory where on one side you see the old Dubai and on the other side the new Dubai.

    Large golden frame in Dubai against a clear blue sky, with palm trees and greenery in the foreground.

    You can walk on a glass bridge and experience a virtual tour of Future Dubai. Book your entry ticket to Dubai Frame here.

    8. Ain Dubai

    Large illuminated Ferris wheel-Ain Dubai at night, with city skyline in the background and people on the waterfront.

    Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest observation wheel, stands 250 meters high on Bluewaters Island. You can also spot it from JBR Beach. The wheel offers a 360-degree view of the city from its 48 cabins, and tickets are available online.

    9. Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

    Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, also called Al Bastakiya, is one of Dubai’s oldest areas, offering a look into the city’s past.

    Evening view of traditional Arabian architecture along a canal with illuminated floating docks and restaurants in Old Dubai

    It was built in the mid-19th century by Persian merchants and still has many of its original buildings. With traditional courtyard houses and wind towers, it gives a glimpse of what life was like back then.

    You will find here Al Seef with a market and restaurants, galleries, a coffee museum, and the Sheikh Muhammad Center for Cultural Understanding.

    So if you are interested in history and would like to see not only the shiny part of Dubai but also the old, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood is must must-visit.

    ➡️For a better experience, book a guided tour of Old Dubai here.

    10. Dubai Marina

    Dubai Marina is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Dubai. It is a stunning water canal with a 7 km promenade lined with skyscrapers, restaurants, a mall, and cafés.

    Night view of illuminated skyscrapers and yachts in Dubai Marina.

    Luxury yachts are docked here, and you can also enjoy a Dhow or yacht cruise for a scenic experience. Dubai Marina is especially fascinating at night with all the city lights.

    In Dubai Marina, you can also experience the longest urban zipline called XLine Dubai.

    11. Global Village

    Want to experience a trip around the world in a day? Visit Global Village! With 27 pavilions showcasing different countries through architecture and unique products, it’s a great place to explore.

    Iran Pavilion in Global Village Dubai at night

    You can also try a variety of cuisines and enjoy traditional performances from different cultures. If you’re up for some excitement, there are plenty of rides for both families and thrill-seekers.

    12. Miracle Garden

    Emirates airbus covered in flowers in Dubai Miracle Garden

    Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest vertical garden. 45 million blooming flowers are spread over 72,000 square meters in different designs, for example, Disney characters, smurfs, and many more. The theme of the garden is changed every year.

    The garden is open from May to October and closes in the summertime.

    13. Aura Skypool

    Aura Skypool is the highest 360-degree infinity pool in the world. 210 meters above sea level you will experience relaxation and breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline.

    Except for the infinity pool, you can come for yoga or a massage. The tickets can be booked through their official website.

    14. Al Quadra Lakes

    Al Qudra Lake is a man-made oasis in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, created to support eco-tourism in Dubai. The area includes several artificial lakes surrounded by dunes and wildlife.

    Quadra lakes in Al Marmoom Desert Dubai

    One of the highlights is Love Lake, where two lakes are shaped like intertwined hearts and the surrounding plants spell the word “Love.”

    This stunning spot is so vast that it can be seen from Google Earth! It’s also considered one of the most romantic places in Dubai.

    15. Jumeirah Mosque

    Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most visited tourist attractions. The construction of Jumeirah Mosque began in 1975 and the mosque opened in 1979.

    The architecture of the Jumeirah Mosque is inspired by Syria and Egypt and can hold around 1,500 worshippers. You will find it on Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1.

    The mosque visit is a popular activity as part of the Open Doors, Open Minds program by the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding.

    16. The Green Planet

    The Green Planet is an indoor zoo and garden. It has over 3,000 plants and animals in the rainforest, including birds, reptiles, and fish.

    In the center of the bio-dome stands an 82-foot (25-meter) tall tree with an artificial trunk. A small bridge leads to the tree, but it can only hold up to four people at a time.

    There’s also an artificial waterfall. Visitors enter on the fourth floor using a lift and can then walk down a spiral slope. You can experience birds, sloths, Armadillo, reptiles, and echidna encounters.

    For a special experience, you can book camping in the rainforest or become a zookeeper for a day. Book your tickets for The Green Planet here.

    17. Dubai Creek

    Dubai Creek is a natural saltwater creek and it is the heart of Dubai. It was once the heart of trade, fishing, and pearl diving.

    Man on a traditional Abra boat in Dubai Creek with other boats and buildings in the background

    It divides Bur Dubai and Deira and has historically been a docking point for dhows traveling to India and East Africa. Today, it remains a lively area where you can take a traditional abra ride, visit historic souks, and enjoy waterfront restaurants.

    All of these 17 landmarks in Dubai are remarkable. When visiting Dubai, choose the ones that resonate with you.

    To get or share information about Dubai, join my free Facebook group, I love To Visit Dubai. I’m looking forward to seeing you there.  

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