21 Iconic Landmarks in Dubai: Uncovering the City’s Most Unique Structures
Dubai is renowned for its stunning skyline and impressive skyscrapers that leave visitors in awe. Looking at all these magnificent buildings, it is hard to believe that it was once just a desert. In this article, you will discover 10 most unique, spectacular iconic landmarks in Dubai, along with 2 impressive man-made islands and 2 man-made lakes.
- More information about traveling in Dubai and the UAE:
- 10 things to check for finding the best red dunes desert safari tour in Dubai
- Everything you need to know before visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi
- 5 best free beaches in Dubai, UAE for your perfect winter vacation
- Don't do in Dubai: 10 things to avoid to steer clear of legal trouble when traveling to UAE
- Jais Sledder, a thrilling roller coaster on the UAE’s highest peak for nature adventurers
List of Contents
- Museum of the Future
- Atlantis The Palm
- Atlantis The Royal
- Burj Al Arab
- Burj Khalifa
- The Opus Dubai
- Coca-Cola Arena
- The Address Beach Resort
- Address Sky View
- Al Yaqoub Tower
- Jumeirah Emirates Towers Dubai
- JW Marriott Marquis Dubai
- The World Islands
- Iris Bay Tower Dubai
- Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye)
- Al Wasl Dome
- Lake of Expo 2020
- Love Lake Dubai
- The Palm Jumeirah
- Bluewaters Island Dubai
- Dubai Business Central Towers
Museum of the Future
If you are wondering what the oval building in Dubai is, it is the Museum of The Future.
It first opened on 22, 2, 2022. In my opinion it is the most unique and creative building I’ve ever seen in the world. The calligraphy design on it is spectacular, and from far away the museum looks like an eye, that tells stories.
If you are going to Dubai, don’t miss it!!! and make sure you book the ticket in advance, because it is a popular new attractions in Dubai and sells out very fast!
Book your tickets HERE
Exact location: click here
Atlantis The Palm
A coral pink building with an Arabian style shape hole in the middle at the end of the Palm Jumeirah island is called Atlantis The Palm, a luxury seafront hotel and resort. The resort offers extraordinary experiences, including a 17-hectare water-themed amusement park called Aquaventure Waterpark, a huge aquarium known as Lost Chambers Aquarium, two underwater suites, an underwater restaurant and a lot more luxurious amenities. No wonder this is one of Dubai’s most iconic landmark.
Check the availability of Atlantis The Palm Hotel HERE
Exact location: click here
Atlantis The Royal
A building that is designed like a stack of legos or a set of Jenga is a new Atlantis luxury resort called Atlantis The Royal. It opened in 2023, and Beyonce performed a live private concert at its grand opening where many world famous influencers were invited.
Check the availability of Atlantis The Royal HERE
Exact location: click here
Burj Al Arab
A sailboat-shaped (ship-shaped) and unusual design building located on an artificial island in Dubai is called Burj Al Arab, a 7-star luxury hotel and the most iconic hotel in Dubai. It features a range of world-class restaurants and bars, as well as a wide range of activities and exceptional service.
Check the availability of Burj Al Arab Hotel HERE
Exact location: click here
Burj Khalifa
The sharp-shaped skyscraper (for me, it looks like bamboo) in Dubai is the world’s tallest building (828 metres heights) and Dubai’s most iconic landmark called Burj Khalifa, named after the former president of the UAE.
Visiting Burj Khalifa is the most popular thing to do for tourists in Dubai. Visitors can see the Dubai fountain water dance show, the light show on the building or go up to the observation deck on the top of the building, which offers stunning views of the city.
Check the availability for Burj Khalifa Observation Deck HERE
Exact location: click here
The Opus Dubai
Designed by Zaha Hadid, The Opus, a huge, cube-shaped, weird-looking building located at Business Bay, and houses a luxury hotel (ME Dubai by Meliá), residential units, and office space.
Check the availability of ME Dubai by Meliá Hotel: HERE
Exact location: click here
Coca-Cola Arena
A circular-shaped building illuminated with a red light, is called Coca-Cola Arena. It’s an indoor space for live concerts, shows, and more. The first time I went there was for the Martin Garrix live show. Although it felt a bit weird to attend a DJ show indoors, it was still amazing! Additionally, they sell beers and food at the arena.
Exact location: click here
The Address Beach Resort
Located at Jumeirah Beach Residences in Dubai Marina, the tall, rectangular-shaped building features a hole in the middle and is called The Address Beach Resort, a luxury beachfront hotel in Dubai. It is known for its rooftop infinity pool on the 77th floor, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the Dubai Eye.
Check the availability of The Address Beach Resort: HERE
Exact location: click here
Address Sky View
The skyscraper near Burj Khalifa that resembles Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore is called Address Sky View Hotel/Residence Tower. This tower is home to the popular aesthetic infinity pool, as well as the restaurant and bar, CÉ LA VI.
Check the availability of Address Sky View Hotel: HERE
Exact location: click here
Al Yaqoub Tower
The skyscraper that looks like Big Ben in Dubai is Al Yaqoub Tower, a 328 meters (1,076 feet), 69-story building . The design is inspired by London’s Big Ben, without the clock face.
Exact location: click here
Jumeirah Emirates Towers Dubai
If you are wondering about the triangle-shaped skyscraper on Sheikh Zayed Road, then here it is. Located in the heart of Dubai’s financial district, Jumeirah Emirates Towers consists of two towers: a 350-meter (1,140-foot) office tower and a 305-meter (1,000-foot) hotel tower.
Check the availability of Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel: HERE
Exact location: click here
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai
The JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is a world-renowned 5-star hotel located in Dubai’s Business Bay area. Standing at an impressive height of 355 meters (1,165 feet), it is one of the world’s tallest 5 -star hotels and a truly iconic landmark of Dubai.
The hotel consists of two identical towers that have a rectangular shape and are slightly tapered towards the top, resembling the shape of a pineapple (in my opinion). It is a magnificent twin-tower hotel that offers breathtaking views of the city and you can see Burj Khalifa from here.
Check the availability of JW Marriott Marquis Hotel: HERE
Exact location: click here
The World Islands
Another man-made island, and perhaps the craziest one I’ve ever known is located in the Persian Gulf, off the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It has been built to resemble a world map.
However, Lebanon Island is currently the only accessible island of The World Islands. With boat trips arranged by tour operators, visitors can have a day trip to explore this incredible project and witness the beauty of the islands while also enjoying views of Dubai from the other side.
If you want to get a bird’s-eye view of The World Islands, keep an eye out for them during your flight to Dubai. Alternatively, you can take a helicopter tour for a better view of it and other Dubai’s iconic landmarks.
Exact location: click here
Iris Bay Tower Dubai
Iris Bay Tower is a semi-circular building located near JW Marriott Marquis in Business Bay, Dubai. The building is primarily used for commercial and office purposes. It is one of the weirdest, unique curved shape buildings in Dubai in my opinion.
Exact Location: click here
Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye)
The huge ferris wheel located at Bluewater Island is called Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye) and is the world’s largest and tallest ferris wheel. It opened for public rides in October 2021, offering stunning views of JBR, Marina and famous Dubai landmarks such as Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab. Unfortunately, it closed in March 2022 but is expected to reopen someday. Once it reopens, it will be a cool experience to observe the views from here. I visited at night, and the view was spectacular, especially of the Palm Jumeirah.
Check the availability of Ain Dubai ride (when its open again) here
Exact location: click here
Al Wasl Dome
Long time ago, Dubai was known as Al Wasl, meaning “the connection,” as it served as a bridge between the East and West for travellers. The Al Wasl Dome, located at the heart of Expo 2020 Dubai, was designed with the same concept in mind, to bring together people from all over the world.
Expo 2020 Dubai is a global mega event (World Expo) that took place in the United Arab Emirates from October 1st, 2021 to March 31st, 2022. The theme of the event is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” and brought together nations, businesses, and visitors from all over the world. The event showcased 192 countries’ innovative ideas, products, landscapes, cultures and technologies. Now the Expo 2020 Dubai venue has become Expo City Dubai.
Exact location: the centre of Expo City Dubai
Lake of Expo 2020
The UAE has created another astonishing marvel in the middle of the desert – a man-made lake in the shape of Expo 2020 Dubai logo. The area is enormous and is a great place for camping or having a BBQ with no entrance fee. However, the only way to view the Expo 2020 Dubai logo shape is from a drone or flight.
Exact location: click here
Love Lake Dubai
If you see two hearts in the middle of the Dubai desert, don’t worry – it’s not a mirage. It’s another crazy project from Dubai – a man-made lake called Love Lake Dubai. Similar to Expo Lake, Love Lake Dubai can only be spotted from a higher angle.
Exact location: click here
The Palm Jumeirah
Built on the Persian Gulf, Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island located just outside of the Jumeirah area in Dubai, UAE. The famous luxury hotel, Atlantis The Palm, is situated at the end of the island. In addition, there is a Nakheel Mall, several luxury hotels, amazing aesthetic beach clubs, and numerous restaurants at Palm Jumeirah. It is one of my favorite areas in Dubai, as it feels more decent and less noisy than the city center, and it is surrounded by the ocean, and all with great vibes.
Check the availability of The Palm Observatory entry ticket HERE
Exact location: click here
Bluewaters Island Dubai
The area next to the big ferris wheel, Ain Dubai, and with structures that look like the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, is called Bluewaters Island. It is an oceanfront entertainment area where you can find numerous concept restaurants, retail stores, and the world’s tallest ferris wheel.
You can take a taxi there from anywhere in Dubai or simply walk across the bridge from JBR Beach. I really like it there especially at night time when dining or having a drink by the ocean.
Exact location: click here
Dubai Business Central Towers
Located in Dubai Internet City/Media City, the 2 towers look a bit like the Twin Tower in Malaysia or The Chrysler Building in New York, are commercial office and retail buildings called Dubai Business Central Towers.
Exact location: click here
Frequently asked questions about Dubai UAE
When is the best time to travel to Dubai UAE?
Due to the weather conditions, the best time to travel to Dubai is definitely from October to the end of March, with temperatures ranging from 26-35 degrees Celsius most of the time. This is when outdoor activity-related businesses start operating again and you can truly enjoy outdoor activities such as desert safari trips, visiting the best beach bars in Dubai, kite surfing, exploring themed parks, and more. It is also the time when locals and expats finally feel willing to step out of their air-conditioned rooms for a while.
Why don’t people go out much during the summer in Dubai and the UAE? Because temperatures can rise up to 50 degrees Celsius. It is way too hot and uncomfortable to be outdoors without AC for more than 10 minutes (from personal experience).
What is the easiest way to get around in Dubai and the UAE?
The best and easiest way to travel to other beautiful cities near Dubai and explore the unique landscapes of the UAE is by car. By doing so, you can save time, travel deeper, experience desert activities, try out the roller coaster in the UAE’s highest mountain or visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
You can rent a car, book a driver, take a taxi, or join amazing designed tours to conveniently see all that the UAE has to offer, with pick-up and drop-off services.
What are the best areas to find hotels in Dubai?
Here are 4 awesome areas to stay while traveling in Dubai, click below links to find available hotels at your prefer area.
- Palm Jumeirah: a palm shaped artificial islands on the Persian Gulf with many luxury, international 5-starts hotels, aesthetic beach bars, restaurants and is an awesome and high end place for the beach holiday.
- Jumeirah Beach Residence: right at the beach area where you can see Ain Dubai (biggest ferris wheel in the world) and magical Bluewaters Island right in front of you. There are a great amount of restaurants, cafes, shops and some bars for you to enjoy!
- Dubai Marina: is a nice canal city where you can find many restaurants along the canal and with stunning skyline view. It is close to the popular JBR beach, Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai (biggest ferris wheel in the world), as well as Dubai Mall, Pier 7 (where you get to find 7 decent restaurants that provide alcohol). So yes, it is certainly an energetic, convenient place to live or stay when you travel to Dubai.
- Downtown Dubai: a vivid trendy area where Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building) and the Dubai Mall located. If you love the vivid city life and seeing amazing skyscrapers from your hotels, you will love this area.
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