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In 2024, Dubai shines as a dynamic hub, enticing global travelers with its innovation, luxury, and cultural fusion.

With an iconic skyline, lavish hotels, diverse cuisine, thrilling adventures, rich cultural immersion, and a vibrant event calendar boasting sports, festivals, and entertainment, Dubai offers an unmatched fusion of modernity and tradition. Explore why Dubai is one of the best 2024 destinations:

New and upcoming hotels

Dubai’s luxury hotel scene is rapidly expanding, introducing gems like Atlantis The Royal, ranked 44th globally. Recent openings like Banyan Tree Dubai and Vida Creek Beach Hotel offer unique experiences. Anticipated 2024 arrivals include the millennial-focused Mama Shelter Dubai, Siro One Za’abeel emphasising wellness, and Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab defining luxury. Additionally, The Lana by Foster and Partners promises a captivating rooftop transformation, completing Dubai’s diverse hotel offerings for the year.

Hotels for all kinds of travellers

Dubai hosts diverse hotels suiting various travelers. Notable ones include Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, resembling an Arab village in the desert, and 25Hours, a city boutique with local art and Cinema Akil. Similarly, W Dubai - Mina Seyahi offers an adults-only beach retreat, while NH Collection Dubai The Palm stands out for vegan-friendly rooms and sustainability efforts.

Experience Dubai’s skyline at its most captivating

Sky Views Dubai at Address Sky View offers Edge Walk and Sky Glass experiences on the 52nd and 53rd floors, plus a thrilling glass Sky Slide revealing panoramic city views from 219.5 meters above ground. The monumental Dubai Frame is an unmissable experience when in Dubai. The AURA Skypool, suspended 200 meters high, presents the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool, allowing guests to swim while immersed in breathtaking views of Dubai’s iconic skyline, Palm Jumeirah, and the Arabian Gulf.

Iconic architecture

Dubai boasts iconic structures like the Burj Khalifa, and Burj Al Arab. Visitors can explore history at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, experience innovation at the Museum of the Future, and discover vast collections at Mohammed bin Rashid Library, showcasing the city’s architectural brilliance and cultural richness.

Unwind at beautiful beaches

Dubai flaunts diverse public beaches like Kite Beach, Sunset Beach (Umm Suqeim), and The Beach at JBR, each offering unique experiences. Additionally, beach clubs like Limonata at Club Vista Mare and February 30 at Palm West Beach are popular. With upcoming openings at J1 Beach, including Bâoli, Gitano, and Gigi Rigolatto, the beach scene continues to thrive. Visitors can engage in a range of beach activities and water sports along Dubai’s extensive coastline, from parasailing and kitesurfing to sailing, jetskiing, and kayaking, catering to varied interests for adventure or relaxation.

Captivating live sporting events

Dubai hosts prestigious sports events throughout the year: the glamorous Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on March 30, the iconic Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship from February 18 to March 2 at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, the Emirates Dubai 7s in December, a three-day event with global athletes at The Sevens Stadium, and golf tournaments like the Dubai Desert Classic (January 18-21) and the DP World Tour Championship (November 14-17).

Play and learn

Dubai offers kids-friendly experiences: KidZania at Dubai Mall immerses kids in 70 professions; The Green Planet hosts a tropical rainforest with camping and zookeeper experiences. MOTIONGATE™ Dubai presents unique roller coasters, while IMG World of Adventures features five themed zones. Additionally, visitors can enjoy water parks like Wild Wadi and Aquaventure, and Global Village showcases 90 cultures in one place for a comprehensive day of exploration.

Go-to place for adventure

Dubai, a dynamic adventure haven, caters to adrenaline seekers with Hatta’s trails, Deep Dive Dubai, urban ziplining, desert quad biking, hot air ballooning, and motorsports at Dubai Autodrome.

The great outdoors

Dubai boasts diverse outdoor adventures, from mountain escapades in Hatta to family-friendly fun at Mushrif National Park, catering to all with ziplining at Aventura Parks and scenic trails at Al Qudra Cycling Track.

Ultimate destination for shopping

Dubai, a shopper’s haven, features diverse malls like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, catering to all budgets and preferences, from serene experiences at Dubai Hills Mall to discounted designer finds at The Outlet Village.

Souks & markets

Exploring Dubai’s vibrant souks for jewellery, spices, and fabrics is a must, including quieter alternatives like the Gold and Diamond Park. Don’t miss Deira Waterfront Market for fresh seafood, and consider Souk Madinat Jumeirah or The Ripe Market for unique shopping experiences.

Immersive history and cultural heritage

The Etihad Museum chronicles the UAE’s founding, emphasising events from 1968 to 1974. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre immerses visitors in Emirati culture, while the Coffee Museum celebrates ‘gahwa,’ and Al Shindagha Museum traces Dubai’s transformation from village to metropolis.

Immerse yourself in art

Dubai’s vibrant art scene offers immersive year-round experiences at AYA Universe and Alserkal Avenue housing diverse creative entities. Attend Art Dubai in March for a rendezvous with art enthusiasts.

Authentic local experience

Platinum Heritage Desert Safari offers authentic desert experiences, including wildlife drives and cultural shows. Sonara Camp, a short drive away, provides an eco-friendly setting amidst the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Hatta, 90 minutes from the city, boasts stunning mountain ranges and adventurous activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Unwind with rejuvenating wellness experiences

Dubai offers diverse wellness experiences: Talise Ottoman Spa offers Turkish hammam, SEVA features holistic wellness with fitness spaces and vegan cuisine, while The Lost Chambers at Atlantis hosts ‘Yoga Under the Sea’ amidst marine life.

Gastronomy

Dubai boasts 13,000+ eateries, 200 cuisines, and hosts the annual Dubai Food Festival from April 19 to May 12, featuring diverse flavors, live cooking shows, and Michelin-starred dining like underwater experience at Ossiano, Japanese fare at 3Fils, and modern Indian cuisine at Trèsind Studio.

Diverse dining options

Experience genuine Emirati cuisine at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant or Arabian Tea House in Old Dubai. Alternatively, explore unique homegrown eateries like Kinoya, Moonrise, and Orfali Bros Bistro, while anticipating new dining experiences at hotspots like The Guild, Nola Bijou Bistro & Bar, Blue Box Café, La Petite Ani, and KashKan.

Unmissable events and festivals

Dubai hosts a diverse year-round calendar features Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, Jan 31-Feb 6, highlighting renowned authors like Sophia Webster and Claudia Rankine. Dubai Opera’s 2024 schedule boasts The Little Prince and The Phantom of the Opera. Art Dubai, Mar 1-3, is an engaging global art dialogue. Dubai Summer Surprises offers bargains, live shows, and exclusive draws. Dubai Fitness Challenge in November encourages daily fitness activities.

Ideal for solo travellers

Dubai, acclaimed for solo female travelers, offers diverse culinary tours by Frying Pan Adventures and exclusive wellness experiences at AURA Skypool. Additionally, solo explorers can discover iconic landmarks through flexible sightseeing bus tours, fostering connections with fellow travelers.

Perfect escape for couples

Dubai offers romantic getaways with overwater dining at Pierchic, while Anantara The Palm provides luxury stays and unique experiences like hot air balloon rides or a memorable evening at the MICHELIN-starred Ossiano surrounded by an aquarium.

World-class golf

Dubai boasts diverse courses like The Montgomerie, The Els Club, Dubai Hills, and Dubai Creek, catering to both seasoned players and beginners. Topgolf Dubai offers an engaging, all-age golf experience with music and dining options.

Bucket list adventures await

Dubai caters to varied tastes with iconic experiences like sunset views from Burj Al Arab’s deck, thrilling Skydive Dubai jumps, and serene stays at Al Maha Resort in the Desert Conservation Reserve.

Experience Dubai at night

Q’s Bar and Lounge at Palazzo Versace offers fine dining and live music reminiscent of a New York jazz bar, curated by Quincy Jones. La Perle showcases Franco Dragone’s stunning show featuring 65 international artists, displaying aquatic and aerial spectacles since 2016. CÉ LA VI, offering Burj Khalifa views, serves global cuisine on its expansive terrace, ideal for socialising and capturing cityscapes. Explore historic Dubai Creek, spanning 14km, for local dining, abra tours, and waterfront dinners in Al Seef district.

Discover a taste of Dubai on a stopover

Dubai, a stopover haven, offers retail therapy, thrilling adventures, and diverse culinary scenes. Explore an abra ride, Wild Wadi, and cultural experiences like art at Jameel Arts Centre.

This content is produced in collaboration with Dubai Economy and Tourism Department and is not associated with or reflective of the views of Images and Dawn.com or its editorial staff.