Dubai this year offers even more reasons to be at the top of the travel bucket list. Whether it’s a first time or a return, the Emirati city is ready to captivate every type of traveler: from foodies to families, from art and design enthusiasts to solo travelers, not to mention wellness lovers.
Among the many reasons to visit Dubai in 2025specify the ever-evolving cultural and arts scene, the culinary scene that is being enriched with new addresses, plenty of outdoor adventures from the sea to the desert, and the opening of new designer hotels to suit all budgets.
1) The artistic side of Dubai: events not to be missed.
The “Art-Ventures” travel trend, identified by Skyscanner as one of the most important for 2025, finds Dubai a perfect destination. With art galleries, museums and international events throughout the year, the city’s art scene continues to evolve by turning the spotlight on independent artists and local works. Must-see events in 2025 include the Sikka Art & Design Festival (Jan. 31-Feb. 9), World Art Dubai (April 17-20), and Art Dubai (April 18-20).
2) Paradise for foodies: new culinary addresses
With more than 13,000 restaurants and cafes, Dubai continues to enrich its culinary offerings and ranks as the world’s third-largest dining destination by density. Among the anticipated new openings in 2025 are. CARBON, inside Atlantis The Royal, and KIRA, one of the gastronomic concepts at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab.
For those who love haute cuisine, they can be inspired by the 106 restaurants from 35 different cuisines included in the third edition of the MICHELIN Dubai Guide, presented last July. Excellent insights can also be found by consulting the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, in which two Dubai restaurants are featured: Trèsind Studio in 13th place and Orfali Bros. 64th.
3) New hotel openings: proposals for all tastes and budgets
Among the most anticipated openings of 2025 is the latest addition to Jumeirah’s portfolio. The luxurious Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, designed as an avant-garde superyacht by architect Shaun Killa, will complete the brand’s “ocean trilogy,” which includes the wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the sailboat-inspired Jumeirah Burj Al Arab.
Also opening its doors in 2025. Six Senses The Palm Dubai with 61 LEED-certified rooms and 162 residences on a private beach in Palm Jumeirah. The resort will offer a Six Senses spa, a social & wellness club, restaurants, a library and swimming pools. Not just luxury: The “funky” Mama Shelter brand, designed for millennials and solo travelers, has also just arrived in Dubai. Its 197 rooms in Business Bay combine innovative design by the Mama Design Studio, a pool terrace and cinema, offering an affordable stay with character.
4) Exploring Old Dubai: reopening Al Fahidi Fort.
Old Dubai is the historic heart of the city, a place where you can immerse yourself in the past, when Dubai thrived on trade and Dubai Creek was its vital hub. In 2025, after a period of restoration, Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in the city, reopened where visitors can discover the origins of Dubai.
This is in addition to museums located in the Al Shindagha district overlooking the Creek River, such as Al Shindagha Museum, which illustrates the evolution of Dubai through state-of-the-art multimedia technologies. The visit also includes entry to Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, former residence of the royal family.
5) Unexpected Dubai: a weekend of adventure in Hatta.
Located about 130 km southeast of Dubai, in the heart of the Hajar mountain range, Hatta is a lesser-known destination that offers a multitude of outdoor activities, wildlife and several accommodation options. Ideal not only for adventure and nature lovers but also for those who are looking for an escape from the hectic pace of the city, Hatta has something to offer everyone.
Among the outdoor activities available at theHatta Wadi Hub are hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding and camping. Guests can also visit the historic town Hatta Heritage, archaeological sites and historical monuments.
6) Year-round sunshine: always a good time for a day at the beach.
Dubai, with its coastline overlooking the Arabian Gulf, is a world-class beach destination with beaches of all kinds: from quiet public beaches such as Kite Beach and Sunset Beach to the private beaches of beachfront resorts to lively beach clubs. Among the latest additions is J1 Beach, a new beachside dining destination located in the heart of Jumeirah.
J1 is home to 13 upscale restaurants from celebrated culinary capitals that promise an immersive journey of different flavors and experiences. COVEBEACH beach club has also opened a location in the JBR area, while from Ibiza comes O Beach Dubai, overlooking Dubai Marina. In 2025, Zuma will open its first beach location, the Zuma Dubai Beachhouse.
7) A journey into the heart of Emirati traditions: cultural breakfasts and lunches.
To explore Dubai’s rich culture and delve into its customs and traditions, you can participate in cultural breakfasts, lunches or brunches organized by the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding. (SMCCU) with local people inside an old Emirati house in the heart of the old city. Here travelers can converse and hear many interesting facts about Emirati traditions while sampling typical local cuisine. Another not-to-be-missed experience to find out more about Dubai’s culture is theAl Marmoom Bedouin Experience, which allows you to relive the lives of the city’s early inhabitants.
8) Fun for the whole family: adrenaline-pumping adventures between city and desert
A popular destination for families, Dubai offers a wide range of accommodations, activities and events for all interests and ages. Children can spend unforgettable days at theme parks such as IMG Worlds of Adventure e Dubai Parks and Resorts, in water parks such as Aquaventure e Wild Wadi, or experience adventures in the desert.
The Dubai Mall, the celebrated temple of shopping and entertainment, offers attractions such as PlayDXB, dedicated to virtual reality, and KidZania, a miniature city for toddlers. Another must-see experience for families is the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, one of the largest aquariums in the world, where thousands of marine species can be observed.
9) Recharge mind and body: Dubai gives all-around wellness experiences
Dubai in 2025 will be an ideal destination for those seeking a rejuvenating break. With its many spas, opportunities to participate in holistic retreats and activities dedicated to wellness, the city offers countless ways to relax and recharge. The warm climate and beautiful beaches create the perfect backdrop for practicing yoga on the sand, outdoor meditation, and water sports, ensuring a totally relaxing experience.
Among the addresses not to be missed is the new The Lana, the only Dorchester Collection hotel in the region, houses the first Dior spa in the UAE, and the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, the luxurious five-star hotel on Palm Jumeirah’s West Crescent, with its award-winning Talise Ottoman Spa.
10) Ideal destination for solo travelers: a friendly and safe city for solo travelers
Traveling alone is an exciting and liberating experience, perfect for reflection and personal growth. With its high safety standards,diverse tourism offerings and welcoming atmosphere, Dubai is a perfect destination for solo travelers. Whether it’s your first solo trip or a seasoned traveler’s experience, the city offers endless possibilities that won’t make you miss a travel companion.
