If you’re seeking something bold, unique and unforgettable, this city serves up experience after experience. And with daily flights from Christchurch, getting to this extraordinary place is extraordinarily easy!

Check out our ten Dubai must-dos below.

Top 10 to-dos in Dubai:

1. Sky-high views: Dubai from every angle

You can admire the Burj Khalifa from just about anywhere in Dubai, but the real magic happens when you head up. Soaring to 555 metres, the world’s tallest building offers sweeping views from iconic observatories. Enjoy fine dining, café refreshments, immersive exhibits and even aquarium-themed tunnels – or simply gasp in amazement at the spectacular city and ocean views laid out below.

2. Dine like a Michelin insider (without the price tag)

Eating well in Dubai doesn’t mean blowing the budget. Try 3Fils, a waterside gem serving Asian-inspired dishes, or step back in time at Al Fanar Restaurant & Café, with Emirati classics like machboos and lentil soup. For a Michelin moment, visit Hawker Chan at Dubai Mall’s Chinatown district, a Singaporean outpost famous for offering the world’s most affordable Michelin-star meal.

3. Romance among the dunes and lakes

Dubai is the perfect setting for a little romance. Experience a breathtaking sunrise from a hot air balloon, or embark on an intimate desert safari with thrilling 4x4 rides through the dunes followed by a traditional camp experience with camels, falconry and henna art. Top it off with a visit to Love Lake in Al Qudra. This pair of heart-shaped lakes nestled in the desert will have you swooning!

4. Soak up the sun at Dubai’s best Beaches

From calm coastal strolls to beach volleyball and paddle-boarding, Dubai's beaches offer something for every mood. Kite Beach buzzes with family fun, while The Beach at JBR blends sandy relaxation with restaurants and retail. For a more exclusive vibe, Riva Beach Club offers a private stretch of sand, climate-controlled pools, chic dining spots and all the glitz and glamour you can handle.

5. Dinner with a view (and a twist)

Why sit still to eat? Bustronomy transforms a luxury double-decker into a moving restaurant, gliding past Dubai’s most iconic landmarks as you enjoy a gourmet meal. For a truly elevated experience, Dinner in the Sky takes dining to new heights. Suspended 50 metres above Dubai Marina, this unforgettable meal-in-the-sky comes with panoramic views of the city, the Palm, and the Gulf.

6. A walk through the soul of the city
 
Step into the quiet laneways of historic Al Fahidi, where traditional wind towers and courtyards reveal the heart and soul of old Dubai. Pop into the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding to explore Emirati customs, then follow the scent of saffron to the bustling Spice Souk. From there it’s just a short stroll to the Gold Souk, with its profusion of glittering jewels.

7. Stay, save, and travel smarter

Dubai’s sleek Rove Hotels are known for their great design and wallet-friendly prices, but the real trick lies in travel hacks. Pick up a Dubai Pass or Go City card to access dozens of attractions for less. Flying with Emirates? Flash your boarding pass for discounts through My Emirates Pass at over 600 restaurants, spas, shops and more.

8. Where imagination becomes reality

Step into the future with Dubai’s cutting-edge attractions. At the Museum of the Future, interactive AI and tech displays bring science fiction to life. Nearby, AYA in WAFI City Mall invites you into an immersive digital dreamworld of gravity-defying light displays. And at House of Hype in Dubai Mall more than dazzling 100 experiences await, from gaming arenas to hyper-stylised dining zones.

9. Fun for all ages

Travelling with whānau? You’ll love Dubai’s family attractions. Kids (and grown-ups too) can let loose at Loco Bear in Al Quoz, a 6,500sqm indoor playground. Inside Dubai Mall, Boo Boo Land lights up imaginations with over 30 attractions — it’s like a whole mini city just for kids. From refreshing splash-pads to the world’s largest inflatable park, family time in Dubai comes supercharged!

10. Take wellness to a whole new level

Looking to unwind in style? Dubai offers wellness in spades. From snow rooms, Turkish hammams and Thalassotherapy pools at the opulent Talise Ottoman Spa, to underwater yoga at Atlantis, or the newly opened Dior Spa where luxury and serenity await. Whatever mode of relaxation you prefer, you’ll find it at its finest in Dubai.

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Getting there is easy with Emirates

Flying to Dubai from Christchurch is smooth with Emirates' daily service via Sydney, connecting Kiwis to this Middle Eastern civic jewel in comfort and style. Enjoy award-winning hospitality, a generous baggage allowance, and a chance to start your Dubai experience before you even land. Plan your next getaway here.