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Best Things to do in Dubai (2026)

Many of the best experiences in Dubai cost little or nothing. Crossing Dubai Creek by abra costs a single dirham and links Bur Dubai with the Deira souks, where the Deira Gold Souk and the neighbouring Spice Souk are at their liveliest in the evening. Kite Beach in Umm Suqeim is free, with a running track, watersports and beachside cafés, and Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz gathers contemporary galleries, design shops and cafés in converted warehouses, all free to browse.

Seasonal events shape the calendar. Global Village, the open-air park of pavilions, food stalls and rides in Dubailand, runs from mid-October to May and opens from 4pm, with Tuesdays reserved for ladies and families. The cooler months from November to March are the best time for beaches, markets and walking tours, while summer visitors should plan outdoor activities for early morning or after sunset. Combine the abra, the souks and the Al Fahidi heritage quarter in one half day, save Alserkal Avenue for a weekday afternoon when galleries are calm, and keep an evening free for Global Village if your trip falls in season. A taxi is the easiest way to reach Al Quoz, Kite Beach and Dubailand.

5 places · Updated November 12, 2026

Our top 3 things to do in Dubai

  1. Deira Gold Souk Traditional market, DeiraDeira's covered gold market, where lanes of jewellers display necklaces, bangles and bridal sets in their windows, close to the spice souk and Dubai Creek.
  2. Abra ride across Dubai Creek Traditional boat crossing, Bur Dubai / DeiraA short crossing of Dubai Creek on a traditional wooden abra, the cheapest and most atmospheric way to travel between Bur Dubai and the Deira souks.
  3. Alserkal Avenue Arts district, Al QuozA converted warehouse district in Al Quoz with more than 70 galleries, design studios, cafés and creative businesses, and a busy programme of exhibitions and events.

Thing to do

1. Deira Gold Souk

Traditional marketDeira

Deira's covered gold market, where lanes of jewellers display necklaces, bangles and bridal sets in their windows, close to the spice souk and Dubai Creek.

View details — Deira Gold Souk

Thing to do

3. Alserkal Avenue

Arts districtAl Quoz

A converted warehouse district in Al Quoz with more than 70 galleries, design studios, cafés and creative businesses, and a busy programme of exhibitions and events.

View details — Alserkal Avenue

Thing to do

4. Global Village

Seasonal cultural parkDubailand

A seasonal open-air park where pavilions representing more than 90 cultures sell food, crafts and goods, with rides, shows and fireworks through the winter season.

View details — Global Village

Thing to do

5. Kite Beach

Public beachUmm Suqeim

A wide public beach in Umm Suqeim with views of Burj Al Arab, a running track, watersports and casual food outlets along the sand.

View details — Kite Beach