Dominated by the world’s tallest skyscraper, Dubai City Centre is a bustling district that lies alongside the city’s atmospheric Old Town. It was previously known as Umm Al Tarif before being developed as a mixed-use complex, with shopping malls, entertainment facilities and the world’s largest choreographed fountain.
Things to do in Dubai City Centre
Rising 828 metres above Dubai City Centre is the Burj Khalifa, a spectacular skyscraper that stands as the tallest structure in the world. Its design was inspired by the Islamic architecture of the region while incorporating structural steel from East Berlin’s Palace of the Republic. Ride the elevator that leads to the 124th-floor outdoor observation deck, from where you can see all the way to Iran on a clear day.
Surrounding the Burj Khalifa is a leafy park with a design inspired by the Hymenocallis flower, offering plenty of benches where you can relax and watch the world go by. Coincide your visit with a light and music show at the Dubai Fountain, which sees water shoot 150 metres into the air accompanied by Arabic music.
Need a retail fix? Adjacent to Burj Park is the Dubai Mall, where you’ll find international retailers, department stores and chain eateries. You can catch the latest flicks at the multi-screen cinema, skate along the Dubai Ice Rink or walk through the underwater tunnel of the Dubai Aquarium. A short walk from the mall is Souk Al Bahar, an Arabic-style mall that specialises in antiques and carpets.
Getting around Dubai City Centre
Dubai City Centre is around 15 minutes’ drive from Dubai International Airport and is served by the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. Buses also stop outside the entrance to Dubai Mall, from where most of Dubai City Centre’s attractions are accessible on foot.