Oh, You’re Going to Dubai? Here’s What’s Actually Worth Your Time (and Cash)

So, you’re headed to the glittering oasis of Dubai. The land of sky-high buildings, souks that smell like spices and money, and adventures that scream “luxury.” But let’s be real for a second—Dubai has more options than a Michelin-starred buffet, and not all of them are worth your time (or your dirhams). Lucky for you, I’ve sifted through the gold-plated, the overrated, and the straight-up fabulous to bring you this list of what you should actually do in Dubai. You’re welcome.

1. Thrills: Deep dive with Sharks!

Sharks in Dubai? You bet. At Aqua venture Waterpark in Atlantis the Palm, you can dive deep with some of the ocean’s most fascinating (and toothy) residents. Who needs the open sea when you can get up close and personal with sharks right in the middle of your luxury vacation? It’s an adrenaline rush you won’t soon forget—and yes, you’ll live to tell the tale. And for the true daredevils, there’s the moonwalk—literally walking in the middle of the sea with sharks circling you. It’s like being in your own underwater movie, just with a lot more teeth! Musafirh Pro Tip: Not ready to dive with sharks? Try the Shark Safari, where you can walk underwater with a special helmet—no diving certification needed! It’s perfect for those who want the thrill without getting too close for comfort.

2. Desert Safari... But Make It Luxe

Yes, you’ve heard all about Dubai’s desert safaris, and they sound like a tourist cliché, right? Wrong. Done the right way, it’s an experience that’s all sand dunes and stardust. Skip the crowded jeeps and go for a private, vintage Land Rover tour with falconry shows and a gourmet dinner in the middle of nowhere (but with WiFi, of course). This isn’t your run-of-the-mill dune bashing—it’s the desert done deluxe. You’ll sip champagne as the sun sets and wonder how the rest of the world lives.

Insider Tip: For an extra pinch of exclusivity, book a night-time desert safari. You’ll stargaze under the clearest skies with a private astronomer to guide you through the constellations, turning the desert into your personal observatory.

3. The Ultimate Sky Dining Experience

Ever eaten dinner at 40,000 feet? Dubai’s got a way of turning even your meal into an extreme sport. Dinner in the Sky literally suspends you and your three-course meal from a crane, dangling you above the city skyline. Think of it as thrill-seeking for foodies. Bonus points if you can snap an Insta pic without dropping your fork (or your nerves).

Musafirh Pro Tip: Book the sunset slot. The golden hour glow over the city will make your Instagram followers wish they were as fabulous as you. And since you're hanging in the air, there’s no bad seat in the house—every angle is a winner.

4. Beach Days, But Make It Boujee

If you think all beaches are created equal, you haven’t been to Dubai. For those of us who prefer sunbathing with a side of champagne, check out Nikki Beach or The Palm’s private beaches. White sand, plush sun loungers, and waiters that bring you ice-cold drinks every five minutes—it’s basically heaven on earth. And no, this isn’t the kind of beach where you’ll end up covered in someone else’s sunscreen. Pure class, darling.

How to Do It Right: Want extra privacy? Opt for the cabanas at Nikki Beach. Yes, it’s a splurge, but you’ll feel like royalty with your own personal space to relax, nap, and people-watch.

5. Indoor Skiing Because Why Not?

Desert heat? Pfft. Dubai laughs in the face of nature with Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort where you can shred the slopes, even in 45-degree weather. Yes, it’s weird, but where else can you ride camels by day and hit the slopes at night? Bonus: no frostbite, and the hot cocoa comes in gold-plated mugs (just kidding... maybe).

Pro Tip: Not a skier? No worries. Check out the penguin encounter inside Ski Dubai. That’s right, you can actually meet real penguins—because who wouldn’t want to hang with adorable Arctic creatures in the middle of the desert?

6. Yacht or Nada

Forget taking a boring old ferry or a disappointing cruise. In Dubai, if you’re not chartering a yacht, are you even doing it right? Private yacht tours give you views of the city’s skyline, the Palm Islands, and the Burj Al Arab that’ll make you feel like the star of your own action movie (or at least a music video). Just bring your best “I’m too fancy for this” sunglasses and sail into the sunset like a boss.

Insider Tip: Not ready to shell out for a private yacht? You can still join luxury yacht parties that sail every weekend and pay in a group. Sip cocktails, mingle with Dubai’s chic crowd, and soak up the atmosphere without owning a yacht... yet.

7. Skydiving Over The Palm

Now, this one’s for the adrenaline junkies who want to take “I saw Dubai from above” to a whole new level—literally. Skydive Dubai lets you free-fall over the Palm Jumeirah, and if you’re not screaming your lungs out on the way down, are you even having fun? It’s a must-do for anyone who thinks dinner at sea level is too basic.

How to Prepare: Don’t forget to book well in advance—this experience fills up quickly! Pro tip: wear comfy, lightweight clothing and avoid a heavy meal beforehand unless you want to lose it mid-air. Also, go for the photo package—you’ll thank yourself later.

8. Family Fun at Atlantis The Palm

Okay, okay, so you’ve got the little ones in tow and the yacht life isn’t exactly their speed. Cue Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm, where you can ride water slides that go through shark tanks (yes, seriously) while the kids scream their way through every splash zone imaginable. It’s an aquatic wonderland that lets you pretend you’re responsible for a day, while secretly having as much fun as they are.

Musafirh’s Family Insider Tip: While the kids are off conquering every slide, sneak away to the Atlantis Spa for a luxurious massage. Trust me, you’ll need the zen after a full day of waterpark chaos.

9. A Night in the Burj Al Arab

Think your regular 5-star hotel is the pinnacle of luxury? Guess again. The Burj Al Arab is like staying in a billionaire’s personal palace—complete with gold everything and a butler service that would make royalty blush. Even if you can’t afford a stay, just taking a tour or having tea there is enough to let you say, “Yeah, I did Dubai right.”

How to Make It Memorable: If you’re not staying overnight, the next best thing is booking afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar. You’ll still get those breathtaking views, bottomless tea (and champagne), and all the luxury vibes—without the eye-watering price tag of a room.

So, What Are You Waiting For?

Dubai isn’t just a city—it’s an experience, a lifestyle, and let’s be honest, a flex. Whether you’re diving headfirst into luxury, chasing thrills, or just soaking up the sun, Dubai’s got a little (or a lot) for everyone. But remember, doing Dubai right is an art form—so skip the tourist traps, follow these insider tips, and make your trip the stuff of envy. Trust me, your Instagram feed will thank you later. Ready to turn your Dubai fantasy into reality? Time to pack your bags and let the adventure begin.