Friday, September 27 marks World Tourism Day, and as Dubai goes above and beyond to reach the target of 20 million visitors, this list ranks this list of things to do when you get here…

According to people who live here.

If your favourite spot isn’t on the list, PUH-LEASE share it with us in the comment section, residents sharing their little-known-gems is the by far the best way to get to know this city.

Here are the top 10 things to do in Dubai according to people who live here

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10 The Lovin Dubai Cruise

*Cough* Maybe be biased, but The Lovin Dubai Cruise every Saturday ticks all the boxes.

It’s brilliant value, (food and drinks are included in the cost) it’s suitable for all ages, you get to go on a huge cruise, you pass Dubai’s most iconic hotels (we see you Atlantis, The Palm and Burj Al Arab) there’s a pool, a cinema, a jacuzzi and a DJ on board and it sets sail from next to Dubai Marina every Saturday.

Book it in!

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9. A nightstroll along Dubai Marina

Whether you splash the cash in a five-star hotel or find budget-friendly accommodation, a stoll along Dubai Marina is free. And if you do it once, or do it 100 times, it will take your breath away. Every. Single. Time.

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8. Have a UAE coffee experience

The UAE is made up of 90% expats and there’s one thing many functioning adults can bond over- caffeine.

Dubai has a really incredibly local coffee culture, where the best spots roast their own brews and offer insane coffee menus.

Read: Here Are The 10 Best Spots For Coffee In Dubai In 2019

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7. Hit Kite Beach on a windy day

Not many major cities have the luxury of being located next to miles and miles of sandy coastline. And Dubai has many beaches worth a visit.

Hit JBR for a day of people spotting and restaurant hopping, you’ll find great spots for breakfast, lunch and dinner, coffee, juices, desserts and everything in between. There’s also shisha, local market, watersports and beds to rent for the day.

For a more local spot, visit Kite Beach, where some parts are well serviced with restaurants and cafes and others are quieter, meaning more private beach time.

The beach is clean, the water is fresh and (for most of the year) the weather is glorious!

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6. Get to know the local food

Dubai has many foodie influences but a visit is not complete without sampling Arabic cuisine.

The Arabian Tea House in Al Bastakiya kills three birds with one stone.

Serving up authentic Arabic cuisine since 1997, a visit to the Arabian Tea House is like hitting three birds with one stone. It’s located in Old Dubai, it serves up amazing local cuisine and it’s decked out in blue and white interiors which are somehow insanely ‘grammable yet suitably traditional, plus it feels like you’re sitting in an outdoor garden BUT it’s covered. Dream!

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5. Road trip to Hatta

This very road has been listed as one of the world’s greatest road trips, so how could you not?

After an incredible rejuvenation last year by Meraas, Hatta is the perfect mountainous escape for adventurous folk, featuring well-known hiking trails, kayaking, mountain biking and a whole load of other activities, two days here is not enough.

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4. Paddleboarding by the Burj Al Arab

‘Cos if you can’t afford to be IN the hotel, floating on a paddleboard in front is the next best thing.

You can join a Stand Up Paddleboarding tours and venture out towards the Burj, tours are usually about 60-90- minutes and operate seven days a week. More info here.

A thoroughly unique experience, where else could you paddleboard with an iconic hotel *dubbed as the only seven-star worthy hotel* in the world as your backdrop?

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3. Brunch (Dubai style)

An institution and unique to Dubai where you feast and guzzle to your heart’s content for four hours on a Friday. It’s certainly indulgent, and we would nearly suggest it’s not as popular as it was five years ago, (gasp!),but it’s still something you need to try at least once.

If you have a birthday bash, a friend visiting, a leaving do, a hen or s stag, the brunch is the go-to.

Read: The 10 Best Brunches To Hit This Summer In Dubai

READ: Here Are The Top 10 Evening Brunches To Do In Dubai Right Now

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2. A day trip to Al Seef

No visit to Dubai is complete without a visit to Al Seef located near Dubai Creek, a waterway that was once the hub of commerce in Dubai. Take a walking tour through Dubai’s heritage district where you’ll marvel at how traditional architecture meets new Dubai, hop on board a classic dhow and for just AED1 you’ll cross over to the gold and spice souks where you’re likely to spend hours haggling for the best price with vendors situated there.

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1. Go camping or hit the desert for a picnic

While this city is amazing, it’s the natural landscape that surrounds it that’s truly breathtaking.

Looking for weekend plans? Pack a picnic, head out past Al Qudra and park anywhere. The rolling sand dunes are perfect for a day out, free to roam, pet-friendly, just remember to leave it tidier than the way you found it.

As the weather inches towards cooler temps, this is the activity you should be the one you’re looking forward to most.

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