Top Rated Attractions in Dubai

Located at the Al Quoz Industrial Area, the Green Art Gallery focuses on contemporary art. The gallery displays prominent works of various artists hailing not only from the Middle East but also from Africa, Southern Asia and even parts of Turkey. The gallery promotes every artists' research-based approach and encourages participation without age and nationality barriers. Feel free to keep a track of up-coming exhibitions on their official website. If you are an art connoisseur a visit to the Green Art Gallery is a must when in Dubai.

One of the most recognizable buildings in the world, the Burj Khalifa rises to a staggering height of 829.8 meters (2,722 feet). The towering edifice appears to pierce the sky itself, soaring high above the city with its contemporary design. Completed in 2010, the skyscraper broke records at the time to become the world's tallest freestanding structure. Some of its most iconic highlights include the outdoor Observation Deck which is set on the 124th floor and offers breathtaking views of the city, surpassed only by the Sky Deck on the 148th floor. The extravagant interiors only add to the building's appeal, and the structure is also home to a luxury hotel and a high-end restaurant. The Burj Khalifa is a landmark that is synonymous with the city, as is evidenced by the myriad replicas of its iconic form fitted into souvenir stands and depicted on postcards.

Spread across a sprawling area on the Burj Khalifa Lake, the Dubai Fountain was designed by the same firm that orchestrated the iconic Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas. Considered to be one of the greatest choreographed fountains in the world, this marvelous ensemble of faucets features projectors equipped to present over 20 colors and thousands of lights. Shooting jets of water about 152.4 meters (500 feet) up in the sky, the musical fountain boasts of exciting shows throughout the day. As the sun sets, the fountain's vibrant lights are turned on, thus bathing the entire area in a surreal glow. The lovely Dubai Fountain can definitely transport enthralled visitors to another world, owing to its magical illuminations, choreography, and music!

A dazzling one-stop destination, Global Village is a hub of entertainment, dining and shopping. This sprawling entertainment complex features individual pavilions representing countries from all around the world, each a unique architectural and cultural unit that retails specialty wares, food, and experiences from that region. You can enjoy a number of special events like concerts and kids' theater shows, as well as carnivals and festivals. If you're traveling with family, you can rediscover the charm of old-school entertainment with adventure rides and roller-coasters galore. With its larger-than-life personality, the myriad experiences it offers, and the array of cultures it represents under one roof, Global Village is nothing short of a global fair and an unmissable attraction in the city.

One of the largest sacred structures in Dubai, the Jumeirah Mosque is a significant city landmark. Built in the medieval Fatimid tradition, this mosque is a spectacular architectural wonder with its dual towering minarets that flank the mosque's engraved dome. At sundown, the mosque comes aglow with warm lights that further enhance its beauty. Besides its marvelous artistry, the mosque is renowned for yet another spectacular feature, which is the 'Open Doors, Open Minds' policy. This policy enables all visitors, regardless of their faith, to visit, explore and understand the mosque's religious and architectural significance. It is no wonder then that it is one of the city's most frequently photographed mosques. Tours are available, however, apart from the admission charge, traditional attire is a pre-requisite to gain entry to the Jumeirah Mosque, which you can borrow from the visitors' center.

The Wild Wadi Waterpark is a popular tourist destination in Dubai. Offering a refreshing respite from Dubai's heat, this water park has many exciting rides to entertain visitors of all ages. The theme of the park is inspired by Juha, a character in Arabian folklore. It features many breath-taking rides like the Jumeirah Sceirah Slide, Tantrum Alley and Flood River. From leisurely rivers to exhilarating slides, the park has got something for everyone. It is also home to the Breaker's Bay- one of the largest wave pools in the Middle East. Wild Wadi has trained lifeguards on duty at any given time to ensure its patrons' well-being. Admission rates differ according to the height of the visitor.