1. Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa gained the official title of “Tallest Building in the World” at its opening on January 9, 2010 with a total height of 830 m. Dubai’s most known claim to fame.

There are three different observation levels open to the public. The first two are part of the misleadingly named At The Top, which includes floors 124 and 125 at 452m (not actually at the top, but just over half way up the building). Then there’s luxury lounge, SKY, on level 148, which sits at a height of 555m.

It costs 50USD for access to At The Top during peak hours, and you can pretty much spend as long as you like up there. Hefty pricetag sure – but it’s the tallest building in the whooooole world. A ticket for SKY (which costs a princely 140USD for just 30 minutes) will also get you into At The Top.

In my opinion is At The Top-ticket fine, view is pretty much the same! You can book in advance to ensure you get the best time, and if you’re banking on seeing sunset, book at least 90 minutes before to get the most out of it.

Remember: You won’t actually make it to the very top of Burj Khalifa, as there are expensive luxury apartments up there and the owners like some privacy. Still the view of Dubai from top is epic!

2. The Fountains

A nice follow up to the pricey Burj Khalifa is the lazer/light/water show at the bottom of the building. Every night from six PM, they show an amazing combination with the fountains every half an hour – oh, and it’s free.

3. Desert Safari

It’s the middle-east folks, and for most visitors here it’s the only middle eastern country they’ll likely visit, so it’s the main chance to hang with the nomadic Bedouin tribe, ride over sand dunes in a Range Rover, sleep in a tent in the desert and see the most amazing night sky imaginable. You don’t want to miss that!

4. Ski Dubai

Skiing is possible in the Middle East, and yes it’s awesome, and yes it’s pretty expensive, like most tourist attractions here. You can hire literally everything you need, so turn up in your shorts and flip-flops yet within thirty minutes you’ll be on the slopes. Pretty impressive Dubai, well played.

5. Burj Al-Arab

Dubai’s first iconic building has been bumped down the list since the Burj Khalifa opened, but still the gorgeous curves and the islamic-inspired architecture of one of the World’s only 7 star-hotels is still something amazing to marvel at. There are a lot of cocktail bars, where you can gaze out on the Burj, as it changes colour throughout the night, beautiful.

Good luck, and happy travels.