A local’s guide to the best views of Dubai


Dubai is home to the world’s tallest building, the world’s largest mall, the world’s biggest dancing fountains, the world’s largest water park and the list goes on and on. If you’re wondering where to begin, don’t worry, we’re here to help! With the help of our chauffeur, we compiled a list of attractions that help you explore the city from every angle.

Aerial view of Dubai Palm Jumeirah island, United Arab Emirates. Image credit: Delpixart/iStock

Twenty years ago, Sidheeque moved to Dubai from Kerala in South India, and five years later he began his career as a chauffeur. After 15 years of transporting locals and tourists alike throughout the city, he has developed a level of expertise that goes beyond being a long-time resident.

“Since I came to Dubai, I realized that Dubai is one of the safest cities and is always kept green and clean,” Sidheeque said.

Dubai’s status as one of the fastest growing cities and one of the youngest major cities might have you picturing the future, but Sidheeque pointed out the city has a fascinating past, too.

Did you know the entire region used to be made up of different tribal states? It wasn’t until the early 1970s they joined together to form the United Arab Emirates. These origins and the massive influx of expats make it a fascinating intersection for a variety of different cultures.

Explore the city from all angles

From down the water to up in the air, there is no shortage of record-breaking attractions in Dubai. The city with the world’s tallest building and largest mall now has the world’s deepest dive pool! Let’s dive in.

Traditional abra boat in Dubai Creek. Image credit: majaiva

Experience a sunken city

Innovation and possibility are part of Dubai’s DNA. There is some kind of magic in this city that brings every imagination to life. Like the wild dream of exploring a sunken city! You can live that amazing experience at Deep Dive Dubai.

Listed by Guinness World Records as the deepest pool in the world, this epic new Dubai attraction is sure to take your breath away. Thanks to its staggering depth of 60 meters, it can hold 14 million liters of water. Compared to any diving pool in the world, this one is four times bigger. In other words, that’s the size of six Olympic-sized pools!

Here you can explore a stunning underwater attraction that is themed to resemble an abandoned sunken city. It will require multiple dives to fully explore this dreamy underwater city, which is filled with mystery and adventure.

Explore the city on a traditional teak wood sailboat

Let’s move a bit to the surface now.

Dubai is a feat of engineering, showcasing the best in modern architecture, so it’s no surprise Sidheeque has plenty of recommendations for how to see the city skyline. Continue your journey at ground level with a  Dhow cruise through Dubai Creek, which goes right through the middle of the city, or opt for a dinner cruise along the coastline. Either way, it’s a relaxing ride with a beautiful view.

Burj Khalifa is the center of every perfect shot. Image credit: Agnieszka Kowalczyk

160 Stories About 160 Storeys

A Journey to Dubai wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the top of the Burj Khalifa, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. “At the Top” is an outdoor terrace observatory located on the 124th and 125th floor of Burj Khalifa. It was the world’s highest observation deck when it opened in 2010, until it was bumped to number two when China built an observation deck in Canton Tower.  In an effort to regain its position, the UAE constructed another deck on the 148th floor, known as “At the Top SKY”.

With “At the Top SKY” surpassing its Chinese counterpart and rising to a height of 555 meters, Burj Khalifa is once again home to the world’s highest observation deck. You can literally experience what it feels like to be at the top of the world. Motion sensors also provide an interactive experience that allows you to observe prominent city landmarks.

Adventure is out there

A view of sprawling desert dunes and Dubai skyline is a great introduction to the emirate, isn’t it? As the desert awakens in the morning, the early tranquil silence and warm sunshine invite you to soak it all in: you are in Dubai! Hot air balloon rides provide unforgettable and luxurious adventures over the Dubai desert. The rides normally begin early in the morning and some operators engage in light falconry as well. After the ride, relax in a Bedouin camp and enjoy a delicious breakfast while looking through the amazing pictures you took in the sky.

Fortunately, Dubai has many hot air ballooning services. Packages may also include pickup, drop off, breakfast, and even camel rides. Take advantage of the best deals for the ride of a lifetime!

Sidheeque also highly recommends going on a desert safari. He said the coastline is stunning, but you’re only getting half the experience if you stay in the busy city the whole time. Seize the opportunity to go on a camel ride, go sand surfing, or just soak in one of the most dramatic landscapes our planet has to offer.