Tour guides United Arab Emirates > Dubai

5 ideas for guided tours in Dubai

• Madinat Jumeirah

  

  For a moment of calm, head to this enclave built like an old Arab town, complete with its souk, jewelers, antique dealers, and all kinds of souvenir shops. An artificial five-kilometer waterway runs through it, bordered by lush gardens.

  Glide gently aboard the abras, the country’s traditional wooden boats. The Madinat Jumeirah district is beautifully designed, with of course exceptional hotels and restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. A large private beach has been laid out, surrounded by lounges that come alive at night.

• Dubaï Mall

  

  Just steps from the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall rises like a city within the city. Its vast halls host hundreds of international shops, along with spaces where you almost forget you’re in a shopping center.

  There’s an Olympic-size ice rink, a massive aquarium with a glass tunnel, and even indoor waterfalls. Every corner seems designed to amaze, leading you seamlessly from luxury boutiques to lively family areas.

  In the evening, many head outside to watch the fountain show at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. Water, music, and light turn the setting into a living stage, bringing together both travelers and locals.

  Visiting the Dubai Mall is about more than shopping. It’s a place where entertainment, bold architecture, and simple moments meet—like sitting down at a café and watching the endless flow of people.

• Tour Burj Khalifa

  

  In Dubai’s skyline, the Burj Khalifa soars high above every other building. With its sleek lines and futuristic design, it houses offices, private residences, and the luxurious Armani Hotel, spread across several floors.

  Inaugurated in January 2010, its construction required nearly five years of colossal work. The tower reaches a total height of 828 meters, with the highest floor already standing at 585 meters. Simply looking up at the structure gives a dizzying impression.

  Two observation decks offer sweeping views of the city and the desert beyond. The spectacle changes with the time of day: in the morning, the avenues appear sharp and clear, while in the evening, the city lights turn the panorama into a glittering carpet.

  Here are the different options:

  – At the Top Observation Deck
  Access to the 124th floor
  Entry from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm and from 7 pm until closing
  Price: 125 dirhams (about €30)
  Entry from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm (better light and views)
  Price: 200 dirhams (about €50)

  – At the Top Sky Observation Deck
  Access to the 148th floor
  Entry from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm and from 7 pm until closing
  Price: 350 dirhams (about €80)
  Entry from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm (better light and views)
  Price: 500 dirhams (about €120)

• The old districts of Deira and Bur

  

  Although Dubai is a city looking toward the future, it still preserves two old districts full of charm and history. They lie in the northern part of the city, separated by the Dubai Creek. To fully experience these areas, it’s worth exploring them with a local guide in Dubai, who can help uncover their most authentic atmosphere.

  – Deira: the city’s historic commercial hub. Wander through its narrow alleys to reach two major souks: the Spice Souk and Gold Souk, where scents, colors, and glittering displays blend together.

  – Bur: another part of the old town, where you’ll find buildings from another era, such as the traditional wind towers known as barjeel and modestly sized mosques.

  Close to the creek, you’ll see the docks where goods arrive on dhows, the local boats that still trade with neighboring countries.

• Jumeirah Beach Residence

  

  Along Dubai Marina, the Jumeirah Beach Residence stretches out beside a promenade nearly two kilometers long. Skyscrapers mirror themselves in the sea, while pale sandy beaches welcome both locals and travelers drawn to the turquoise water.

  The district blends urban living with a seaside feel. Cafés, restaurants, and shops line the walkway, creating a striking contrast with the nearby sea. At sunset, the mood shifts to something calmer, as the fading light settles on the facades.

  From the beach, you can spot one of the emirate’s most iconic sights: the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree. At its tip stands Atlantis Hotel, famous for housing Aquaventure Water Park, a massive water park where slides seem to plunge straight into the sea.

  Stopping by the JBR means embracing this mix of modernity and seaside leisure. It’s a place for a swim, a meal on a terrace, or simply to watch the city and ocean come together.