Your first trip to Dubai
ആദ്യമായി ദുബായിലേക്ക്
Visa, getting around, sights and etiquette — a first checklist for visitors to Dubai.
This is general guidance. Fees and rules change — confirm on the official link and apply only there.
Who needs this?
Step by step
- Check your visa (see Visit visa guide) and passport validity
- At the airport: get a SIM and a Nol card for Metro
- Day 1: Old Dubai — Al Fahidi, abra AED 1, Gold & Spice Souks
- Day 2: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall & fountain (book At the Top online)
- Day 3: Museum of the Future or Dubai Frame, then JBR beach
- Day trip: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi (bus E101, AED 25)
Fees
Where to go — useful links
Prices and timings are approximate and change — confirm on the official site before paying.
World's tallest building, observation decks on levels 124–125 (and 148).
Levels 124–125 non-peak about AED 189 (online deals sometimes lower); sunset/prime slots cost more
✓ Checked against official site (Nov 2026)
Huge mall next to Burj Khalifa; free fountain shows outside.
Free entry; fountain show free
Mall from 10am (closing ~11pm–midnight). Fountain: 1pm & 1:30pm (Fri 2pm & 2:30pm), then every 30 min 6pm–11pm
✓ Checked against recent news reports (Nov 2026)
Futuristic exhibitions in an iconic building on Sheikh Zayed Road.
AED 169 (age 4+); book a time slot online
Daily 10am–7pm (last admission 5pm)
✓ Checked against official site (Nov 2026)
150 m picture frame in Zabeel Park with old and new Dubai views.
AED 50 adults, AED 20 children (3–12)
Daily 8am–9pm
✓ Checked against official site (Nov 2026)
Seasonal cultural park with pavilions from 90+ countries, including India.
AED 25 weekday (Sun–Thu) / AED 30 any day; under-3s free. Season runs roughly Oct–May
Sun–Wed 4pm–midnight; Thu–Sat & public holidays 4pm–1am
✓ Checked against official site (Nov 2026)
Flower garden with giant floral displays (winter season).
Last season: AED 105 adults (residents AED 73.50), children AED 85 (residents AED 52.50); season starts around late Sept
Weekdays 9am–11pm, weekends 9am–midnight
✓ Checked against recent news reports (Nov 2026)
Old Dubai: heritage quarter, Gold & Spice Souks, cross the creek by abra.
Free to walk; creek abra AED 1 (routes CR1/CR2)
✓ Checked against official site (Nov 2026)
Free public beaches with walkways, cafes and showers.
Free
Swim only in flagged areas while lifeguards are on duty
Not confirmed — check the official site
Former Expo 2020 site: parks, Al Wasl dome, pavilions.
Free entry to the site; some attractions ticketed
Not confirmed — check the official site
Mountain area of Dubai: dam kayaking, hiking, Hatta Heritage Village.
Free to visit; kayaks and activities paid
Not confirmed — check the official site
Theme parks: Motiongate, Legoland, Real Madrid World.
Around AED 295 per park; frequent 2-park and resident offers
✓ Checked against official site (Nov 2026)
One of the world's largest mosques. Modest dress required; book a free entry pass online.
Free
Sat–Thu 9am–8:30pm; Fri 9–11:30am and 2:30–8:30pm
✓ Checked against official site (Nov 2026)
Art museum on Saadiyat Island under a famous dome.
AED 70 adults; children under 18 free
Galleries Tue–Thu 10am–6:30pm, Fri–Sun 10am–8:30pm; closed Monday
✓ Checked against official site (Nov 2026)
Presidential palace open to visitors; light show in the evening.
AED 65 adults, AED 30 children
✓ Checked against official site (Nov 2026)
Theme parks on Yas Island (Ferrari World, Warner Bros., Yas Waterworld).
Ticket prices vary by date — see official site
Not confirmed — check the official site
Islamic art and science museum; Sharjah has many other low-cost museums.
AED 10 adults, AED 5 children (2–12)
Sat–Thu 8am–8pm; Fri 4pm–8pm
✓ Checked against recent news reports (Nov 2026)
UAE's highest mountain: viewpoints, cool weather, world's longest zipline.
Free drive up; Jais Flight zipline listed from about AED 399 (regular AED 450)
✓ Checked against official site (Nov 2026)
Responsible authority
Common mistakes
- Planning midday outdoor walks in summer — the heat is severe.
- Forgetting prescriptions for medicines you carry.
Related questions
Can tourists use the Metro?
Yes — just get a Nol card.
Related guides
Official sources
MalluDubai is an independent information portal. We don't accept applications or represent the government.