The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, one of the world’s most ambitious projects, is a tourists’ paradise. This man-made archipelago, which juts out into the Arabian Gulf, is shaped like a palm tree, with a 3-mile-long trunk and a spread of fronds dotted with luxurious villas and five-star hotels. Discover 10 fun things to do on the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, ranging from water parks and wildlife encounters to beach clubs and boozy brunches.
The enormity of the Palm Jumeirah is among the first features that strike visitors when they arrive. The outer crescent of this massive archipelago is more than 10 miles long and visible from space. Walking is not recommended due to the large distance between each hotel. Taxis are inexpensive and numerous, and a monorail connects the base of the tree to the Atlantis, giving it a great base for seeing the Palm Jumeirah’s must-see attractions.
1. Make a Splash at Atlantis, The Palm
The rose-hued Atlantis, which stands proudly at the summit of the Palm, is one of Dubai’s most identifiable sights. There’s a five-star hotel there, as well as famous chef restaurants and a flurry of fun and enjoyment alternatives. At Aquaventure Waterpark, you may ride record-breaking waterslides (including one that blasts you through a shark tank), splash in the pools, or relax on the private beach with a cocktail.
2. Swim With Sharks, Dolphins, and Sea Lions
Once you exit the waterpark, the underwater thrills don’t stop. Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Bay, get up face to face with the resident sea lions, and enjoy a tour of Atlantis’ Lost Chambers Aquarium, where you can snorkel or dive through lagoons teaming with 65,000 marine animals, including 14 shark and ray species. Sign up for a yoga class where you’ll feel like you’re underwater while being accompanied by aquatic life, often without getting soaked.
3. Kick-Start Your Weekend With a Boozy Brunch
In Dubai, the weekend is Friday and Saturday, and Friday brunch is a big deal. The Nobu High Brunch, a four-hour feast of Nobu Matsuhisa’s famous mod-Japanese dishes mixed with free-flowing cocktails and champagne, will get your weekend off to a great start. Go to the Waldorf Astoria’s Secret Garden Brunch for a family-friendly brunch, which includes a kids’ section and free dining for children under the age of six. The Friday Fork & Cork at Crescendo, at Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, is another famous brunch on the Palm, with an array of cuisines and live culinary stations from across the world.
4. Get Your Pulse Racing With Splash Tours
Splash Tours will take you on a crazy ride. The 90-minute speedboat ride begins at Dubai Marina and travels around the Palm Jumeirah before stopping for a picture at the front of the Atlantis. After that, you’ll board the Burj Al Arab and glide past some of Dubai’s most opulent royal palaces.
5. Paddle Around the Palm
Experience the calm waters around the Palm Jumeirah with SeaYou if you want something just a little nerve-wracking. Paddle around the crescent on a guided kayak trip, soaking in views of Dubai Marina, the Burj al Arab, and the world’s tallest structure, the Burj Khalifa. Alternatively, test your stability with a Stand-Up Paddleboarding session in the tranquil waters surrounding the Palm, which includes yoga and pilates courses. Take a ride on one of SeaYou’s dragon boats if you’re going with a large group.
6. Awaken Your Senses With a Coffee-Spiked Spa Treatment
The Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, one of Dubai’s most opulent day spas, offers a variety of soothing treatments. The Coffee Peeling treatment will awaken your senses as you are cleansed and buffed in the hammam with Turkish coffee. Alternatively, indulge in “The World’s Most Luxurious Spa Experience,” a full-day package that includes a 24-karat gold mask, rose bath, and diamond body routine. This ultra-luxe package includes a two-night stay for two people as well as a caviar lunch with champagne.
7. Chill out at a Chic Beach Club
Riva Beach Club knows how to keep you cool when the temperatures in Dubai surge. A private stretch of sugar-white beach, a Mediterranean restaurant, a breezy gazebo bar pouring ice cocktails, and a palm-fringed swimming pool that’s frozen during the summertime (and heated in the winter) through a year dives are all part of this stylish refuge on the base of the Palm. At the luxurious hotel Rixos The Palm Dubai’s Paradise Beach, relax in a cabana or on a sun lounger.
8. Spy Dubai’s Iconic Sights from Above
You’re concerned about the time but not on funds. A City Circuit helicopter tour starting from Atlantis, The Palm will allow you to see some of Dubai’s most iconic attractions. The 25-minute trip provides a birds-ey perspective of the Palm and adjacent World Islands, as well as the Burj Khalifa and Burj al Arab, Sheikh Zayed Road’s towers, and Dubai Creek’s an old town’s heritage architecture.
9. Freefall Over the Palm Jumeirah
Skydive as it flies over the Palm Jumeirah for the maximum adrenaline sensation. Skydive Dubai provides tandem skydives from the Palm Dropzone, which reach speeds of up to 120 mph and provide breathtaking views over the Palm, the Dubai Marina, and the Arabian Gulf’s turquoise waters.
10. Enjoy Sunset Sips at the Penthouse
Hightail it to luxury newcomer The Penthouse as the sunsets. This adults-only sanctuary, located on the 16th level of the ultra-luxe Five Hotel, offers breathtaking views of the Dubai Marina skyline. Ladies, make a date at The Penthouse on a Tuesday night for Girls Night, when you’ll receive three complimentary drinks. Alternatively, visit during the day on a weekday to benefit from the Spa, Dine, and Pool package, which includes admission to the Penthouse pools, food and beverage vouchers, and a 45-minute massage.
