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All United Arab Emirates Dubai

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Dubai

11 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Updated July 15, 2025

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Unusual Attractions in Dubai

Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai Miracle Garden

Billed as the "largest natural flower garden in the world" this Middle Eastern show field has little competition at 45 million flowers.
World Islands

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The World Islands

This artificial archipelago was supposed to resemble a map of the world.
the Elephant Clock at the Ibn Battuta mall

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Elephant Clock

A faithful reproduction of Al-Jazari's enormous water clock.
Ski Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Ski Dubai

This indoor ski resort has a mountain contained inside a mall.
The Gold Souk, Dubai.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai Gold Souk

On any given day this sprawling market houses literally tons of government-regulated gold, gems, and precious metals.
Burj Al Arab from the air

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Burj Al Arab

A preposterously luxurious hotel with gold-plated iPads, Rolls Royce chauffeurs, and a staff that trains by watching "Downton Abbey."
Museum of the Future Building

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Museum of the Future

This futuristic building is yet another architectural wonder in Dubai.
Dubai Frame.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Dubai Frame

The world's largest frame offers spectacular views of the city's past and present.
See All 11 Things To Do in Dubai
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A
11
Islands 2
World's Largest 2
Architecture 2
Resorts 2

Dubai Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. Annetta Black
    1
  2. solarconstant
    1
  3. Max Cortesi
    1
  4. hrnick
    1
  5. luciadavis
    1
Join the Ranks!
Add an unusual place to Dubai.

Places Edited

  1. Collector of Experiences
    8
  2. hrnick
    5
  3. MissBez
    2
  4. Pericles Rosa
    2
  5. Erin Everywhere
    2
Join the Ranks!
Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

  1. MissBez
    10
  2. adamhickman84
    10
  3. Collector of Experiences
    10
  4. iainquinn
    9
  5. Noops
    9
Join the Ranks!
Visit a place in Dubai.

Recent Dubai Activity

  • ammk

    has been to Dubai Gold Souk

    1 day ago
  • ammk

    has been to The Dubai Frame

    1 day ago
  • pathumsundin

    wants to go to Etihad Museum

    1 day ago
  • breaingram

    wants to go to Etihad Museum

    about 22 hours ago
  • sppchicago

    has been to Dubai Gold Souk

    about 8 hours ago

Stories About Dubai

Podcast: Elephant Clock

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
by The Podcast Team
March 9, 2022
A two-year-old falcon and his trainer at a demonstration.

How the United Arab Emirates Became the Center of Falconry’s Gyre

And the hub of a world-spanning market for champion raptors.
by Joshua Hammer
February 11, 2020
That’s “robot cop,” not “robocop.”

Dubai Has Unveiled the First Robot Cop

I'd buy that for a dollar!
by Eric Grundhauser
May 24, 2017

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