The Iconic Architecture of Downtown Dubai
About the Tour
Downtown Dubai only covers two square kilometres, but it’s recognisable all over the world because of its superlative architecture. It’s also one of the planet’s most popular attractions. We’re going to find out why.
Along the way, you’ll discover how the tallest building in the world was inspired by a desert flower, and trace both the Dubai Opera and the city’s metro stations back to the UAE’s pearl diving, seafaring past. There’s insight into building a mall as big as a city too, at the end of the tour, along with a choreographed fountain that shoots water higher than any of its kind.
The question in Downtown Dubai isn’t “what if?” – it’s “what’s next?”. Join us as we find answers by exploring a visionary urban landscape that is so truly contemporary that it calls itself “the centre of now”.
Music:
Lee Rosevere - Here's the Thing
Lee Rosevere - Introducing the Pre-roll
Lee Rosevere - Puzzle Pieces
Chris Zabriskie - Candlepower
Chris Zabriskie - Wonder Cycle
Tour Producer
Visit Dubai
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Preview Location
Location 8
Burj Khalifa
Dizzying, isn’t it?
There are semicircular concrete benches over to your left. Take a seat on one of them for a few minutes.
The Burj Khalifa seems endless, piercing the sky like a shimmering silver needle. ... Read More
How VoiceMap Works
Major Landmarks
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Dubai Mall
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Burj Khalifa
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Dubai Opera
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Dubai Fountain
Getting There
Route Overview
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Total distance3km -
Final locationBurj Khalifa - Downtown Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates -
Distance back to start location1km
Directions to Starting Point
This tour starts at the Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall Metro Station in front of the ticket counter on the first floor.
Tips
Places to stop along the way
Burj Khalifa observation decks, Dubai Opera, Burj Park, Palace Downtown, Souk Al Bahar, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall. There are also coffee shops and restaurants at points all along this route.
Best time of day
We recommend setting out shortly before sunset, so you can see Downtown Dubai in daylight and at night.
If you’d like to catch a performance of the Dubai Fountain at the end of your tour, these happen every half hour from 18:00 to 23:00 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, or to 22:00 every other day.
If you’d like to go up to the Burj Khalifa’s observation decks after your tour, it’s best to book your ticket in advance. Final admissions are at 22:00.
Precautions
- Take care when crossing the road, even at pedestrian crossings.
- If you do this tour during the day, ensure that you have adequate protection from the sun and remember to stay hydrated.
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