Muscat: Planning a trip to neighbouring Dubai this summer? Explore our curated selection of the top five destinations guaranteed to elevate your experience in the city.
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure brimming with captivating sights and exhilarating activities.
Let these remarkable locales be your guide to creating cherished memories and capturing breathtaking moments.
Museum of the Future
One of Dubai’s most famous landmarks, the Museum of the Future (MOTF) takes pride of place along the city’s superhighway, Sheikh Zayed Road. Founded by the Dubai Future Foundation and launched on 22 February 2022, the museum explores how society could evolve in the coming decades using science and technology.
Termed a ‘living museum’, it incorporates elements of traditional exhibitions, immersive theatre and themed attractions, so visitors can look beyond the present and towards the future’s limitless possibilities. Furthering a global intellectual movement, it’s also the headquarters for the city’s ‘Great Arab Minds’ initiative that aims to identify 1,000 exceptional Arab talents across key fields.
What to expect at the Museum of the Future?
A gateway to the world 50 years from now, the landmark development will contribute to a better humanity and stronger global economy by demonstrating how next-generation solutions – incorporating everything from artificial intelligence to augmented reality – can enhance our lives. The main museum experience is split into five chapters:
1. OSS Hope: experience life on a space station, 600km above the Earth.
2. The Heal Institute: an augmented- and virtual-reality view of Dubai and the world in 2071.
3. Al Waha: “The Oasis” offers soothing experiences and a Sensory Room.
4. Tomorrow Today: Learn about the futuristic technologies that already exists today.
5. Future Heroes: an interactive play-space designed to inspire children through missions and games.
Visitors will have the chance to engage with this game-changing technology. Each floor of the museum is designed like an expansive, interactive movie set, brought to life by expert storytellers, technologists and visionary artists. Topics in focus include the future of space travel and living, climate change and ecology, health, wellness and spirituality. Aside from ground-breaking innovations, there will also be special workshops and talks from the world’s greatest minds.
Designed as an asymmetric torus clad in steel and glass, the Museum of the Future has been recognised by National Geographic as one of 14 most beautiful museums in the world. It’s a credit to architect Shaun Killa, who wanted the structure to represent Dubai’s vision of the future.
The museum’s striking exterior also stands out thanks to its artistic use of Arabic calligraphy, which functions as glass windows too. Designed by Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej, they reflect lines of inspirational poetry by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Of the three quotes enveloping the facade, one translates to: The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it and execute it. It isn’t something you await, but rather create.”
Aquaventure Waterpark
Experience the thrill of Aquaventure, the crown jewel of waterparks worldwide. With over 105 record-breaking slides, attractions and experiences, it’s a playground like no other. Plunge into excitement as individuals can navigate through a labyrinth of pulse-racing slides, or take a leisurely float along our lazy river.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Dive into Dubai’s favourite aquarium, where guests will encounter mesmerising marine life and explore the wonders of the underwater world. And don’t forget to visit Atlas Village, where the friendly Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and South African fur seals await to delight and enchant guests with their playful antics.
At Atlantis Aquaventure, every moment is legendary. Whether guests are seeking heart-pounding thrills or unforgettable animal encounters, Atlantis Aquaventure promises an experience beyond compare.
Wavehouse, Atlantis The Palm
Whether you like home food or a health conscious individual, the restaurant in Wavehouse Dubai serves an eclectic menu to fulfil all your cravings, from light bites and fresh salads to pizzas and burgers.
Let the good times roll at Wavehouse, Atlantis Dubai’s home of fun, food and family entertainment. Where else can you strike it lucky on the bowling alley, hit a high score in the games arcade, and test your skills on the Surf’s Up wave rider?
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, tuck into a burger or pizza in the industrial-chic restaurant, sip an ice-cold drink at the bar, or head outside to the sun-soaked terrace, where live tunes, swinging seats and a festival vibe make this Dubai’s liveliest dining and entertainment hub.
Dubai Parks and Resorts
Dubai Parks and Resorts, part of Dubai Holding Entertainment, is the largest theme park destination in the Middle East with over 100 thrilling rides, indoor attractions and entertainment. With three theme parks, one waterpark and one indoor play-world, Dubai Parks and Resorts offers a thrilling experience like no other.
Visitors can discover more than 100 fun-packed indoor and outdoor rides and attractions at Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Park and Neon Galaxy. Some of the attractions include - JumpX – largest inflatable bouncy castle in the MENA region, the world’s fastest single-car spinning roller coaster on which riders will reach speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour, John Wick: The world’s first John Wick themed ride, MOTIONGATE Dubai – the largest Hollywood-inspired theme park in the Middle East with 29 rides and attractions across across five zones, LEGOLAND Dubai - features a mix of over 40 indoor and outdoor interactive rides, attractions and building experiences attractions for year-round fun. The park features 15,000 LEGO models made with over 60 million LEGO® bricks.
For people wanting to stay in the Dubai Parks and Resorts, there is LAPITA and LEGOLAND Hotel.
Real Madrid World
Home to over 40 themed experiences and attractions including the region’s first wooden roller coaster, the tallest amusement ride in the world, the Real Madrid World was officially opened on 9 April 2024. The first ever Real Madrid-themed park celebrating football and basketball the Real Madrid way.
Opening at Dubai Parks™ and Resorts, the Middle East’s largest theme park destination, the fascinating theme park will be home to over 40 original Real Madrid-themed experiences and attractions that offer all guests the exclusive opportunity to feel closer to their football heroes. From visiting the locker rooms of Real Madrid players and exploring the secret sanctuary guarding the club’s winning trophies, to enjoying thrilling attractions, captivating entertainment shows and topped by the region’s first wooden roller coaster and tallest amusement ride in the world – guests are in for an unforgettable adventure, surrounded by captivating attractions and immersive experiences like never before.
That’s not all! Fans will explore an impressive collection of official Real Madrid retail and merchandise in Dubai at Real Madrid World, where fans are invited to personalize the Club’s shirts and other collectibles to celebrate football the Real Madrid way as well as enjoy numerous dining venues and carts offering flavourful treats with Spanish twists.
Fernando Eiroa, Chief Executive Officer at Dubai Holding Entertainment, said, “Dubai Parks™ and Resorts is the first theme park destination worldwide to announce a major partnership with Real Madrid. The world’s first and only Real Madrid-theme park celebrates the world’s love for sports and theme parks, presenting a unique adventure that has never been done or seen before. Real Madrid World will showcase the winning spirit of Real Madrid, embodying the deep passion that brings the club to life.”
Eiroa added: “We take immense pride in crafting extraordinary entertainment experiences for guests of all ages. Our commitment contributes significantly to Dubai’s success by boosting tourism and firmly establishing the emirate as a captivating global destination.”