Dubai is more than just a city—it’s an experience. A place where tradition and innovation meet under year-round sunshine. From adrenaline-pumping desert escapades to glamorous waterfront cruises, this dynamic city never stops surprising visitors. If Dubai is on your travel list for 2025, you’re in for a treat.
We’ve rounded up the top ten tours in Dubai that capture the heart and spirit of the UAE. Whether you’re planning a mid-year getaway or ringing in the new year with the Dubai New Year’s Cruise 2025, this list has something for every kind of traveler.
1. Self-Drive Dune Buggy Dubai Tour – The Ultimate Off-Road Adventure
If freedom, speed, and raw desert landscapes call to you, then a self-drive dune buggy Dubai tour should be at the top of your list. Unlike guided desert rides where you’re a passenger, this experience puts you behind the wheel. Feel the rush as you navigate golden dunes in a powerful 4×4 buggy built for adventure.
You don’t need to be a professional driver—these tours come with safety briefings, helmets, and support staff. All you need is a love for the open desert and a thirst for thrills. This is a favorite among solo travelers, couples, and groups looking for high-octane fun.
2. Dune Buggy Dubai Tour with a Guide – For First-Timers and Families
Not quite ready to drive yourself? Go for a dune buggy Dubai guided tour. It’s an excellent way to experience the desert if you’re new to off-roading or traveling with family. Expert drivers take you across the dunes safely while delivering an exciting, scenic ride through the red sands.
Most operators include photo stops, snacks, and even short camel rides as part of the package. It’s a balanced tour for those who want both adrenaline and a chance to take in the serene desert beauty.
3. Dubai New Year’s Cruise 2025 – Celebrate on the Water
New Year’s Eve in Dubai is unlike anywhere else in the world, and the New Years cruise Dubai 2025 is hands-down one of the most magical ways to ring in the new year.
Hop aboard a luxury yacht or traditional dhow boat and sail along the Dubai Marina or Creek as the city gets ready to light up the skies. You’ll enjoy a gourmet dinner, live entertainment, and unbeatable views of the skyline. As the clock strikes midnight, the fireworks begin, offering a front-row seat to one of the most spectacular celebrations on Earth.
4. Burj Khalifa Fireworks Show – Watch the Sky Come Alive
Of course, no New Year’s celebration in Dubai is complete without seeing the Burj Khalifa fireworks show. Towering at over 828 meters, the world’s tallest building turns into a canvas for dazzling pyrotechnics and light shows that draw crowds from around the globe.
If you’re not on a cruise, consider booking a spot at one of the many rooftop lounges or restaurants near Downtown Dubai. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event you’ll never forget.
5. Sunset Desert Safari – A Classic Dubai Experience
A Dubai trip isn’t complete without a desert safari. Timed perfectly with the golden hour, this tour combines everything from dune bashing in a 4×4 to sandboarding, camel rides, and a BBQ dinner under the stars. Live belly dancing, fire shows, and henna painting bring the experience to life.
For a more luxurious touch, opt for a private safari with your own guide and vehicle—it’s great for couples or families looking to skip the crowds.
6. Helicopter Tour Over the City – See Dubai From Above
For a bird’s-eye view of Dubai’s jaw-dropping architecture and islands, a helicopter tour is an absolute must. In just 15 to 30 minutes, you can soar over landmarks like Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and the World Islands. It’s the kind of memory that sticks with you long after the trip ends.
7. Old Dubai Cultural Tour – Discover the City’s Roots
While the skyscrapers are stunning, Dubai’s heritage is equally captivating. A walking tour through Al Fahidi Historical District reveals narrow lanes, wind towers, museums, and spice and gold souks that offer a glimpse into the city’s past.
Don’t miss a ride on the abra (water taxi) across Dubai Creek—it costs only a dirham and gives you a slice of local life that feels worlds away from the glitz.
8. Ain Dubai Observation Wheel – The World’s Largest Ferris Wheel
Located on Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai offers panoramic views of the entire city. Take a ride in one of the massive air-conditioned pods and capture photos of the Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Khalifa in one sweeping glance.
Go at sunset for the most dramatic lighting and fewer crowds.
9. Dubai Frame – A Walk Through Time
One of Dubai’s most unique architectural wonders, the Dubai Frame is both an art installation and an observation deck. The structure “frames” the views of old and new Dubai, with one side showcasing heritage districts and the other highlighting modern skyscrapers.
Inside, interactive exhibits tell the story of Dubai’s transformation, and the glass floor walkway isn’t for the faint of heart.
10. Jet Ski Tour Along Jumeirah Beach – High-Speed Fun on the Water
For water lovers, a jet ski tour is a thrilling way to see Dubai’s coastline. Ride past the Burj Al Arab, Atlantis The Palm, and other iconic landmarks at your own pace. Many companies offer guided options that include professional photography—perfect for making your Instagram followers jealous.
Final Thoughts
Dubai is more than just a travel destination—it’s a place where you can experience a dozen adventures in a single trip. Whether you’re watching fireworks from a boat, zipping through dunes in a self-drive dune buggy Dubai tour, or stepping back in time in the old souks, 2025 is the perfect year to explore everything this incredible city has to offer.
With so many curated tours and world-class experiences, the only question left is: What will you try first?
