When it comes to innovation in design and engineering, Dubai has left other cities way behind. Be it the use of advanced technology, brilliant minds, and skilled workforce from around the world, the city has held no limits. The city has been relentlessly pushing all the boundaries for building astonishing design and engineering marvels. No wonder, the architectural landmarks in Dubai are so famous in the world. From the tallest building in the world to unique structures that reflects a fine fusion of tradition and modernity, there are some of the top architectural wonders of Dubai to explore.
1. Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa has surpassed all the heights of engineering levels. With 828 meters in height, it is the tallest structure in the entire world. This famous Dubai building is one of the major tourist attractions in the UAE. Its rich, stylish, and tapering design is inspired by Hymenocallis flower that stands as a symbol of Dubai’s aspirations for growth and development. Its height and overall shape and design has redefined Islamic architecture. It features offices, hotels, residential apartments and three observatory decks on the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Location: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai, Dubai, UAE
Specialties:
- Height: With 828 meters in heigh, it is the tallest building in the world.
- Design: Taken from the Hymenocallis flower, a regional desert flower; it has given Islamic architecture a new definition.
- Facilities: Smart offices, elegant hotels, world’s tallest art gallery, luxurious residential apartments, and three observatory decks on the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors for visitors to soak in panoramic views of Dubai.
Tickets: You can book the tickets on official website. We also provide Burj Khalifa tours with
transfers.
Timings: 9 am to 10 pm
Nearby Attractions: Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai
Ice-Rink, several high-end hotels, and restaurants.
2. Burj Al Arab
Constructed in a billowing sail shape, it is one of the most attractive architectural wonders in the world. Its design is a perfect testimony to Dubai’s impressive maritime heritage. It is 1,053 feet tall, which makes it the tallest hotel in the world. This elegant hotel is located on the artificial sand strip and gets linked to the mainland through a private bridge. Its unique design and lavish interiors represent Dubai’s hospitality and luxury. It features 202 duplex suites, an underwater restaurant, and a sky view bar. The Burj Al Arab provides its guests the world-class dining and unparalleled luxury experience. It is global symbol of luxury and a significant architectural landmark in Dubai.
Location: Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, UAE
Specialties:
- Height: 321 meters. Appears in the list of the tallest hotels in the world.
- Design: This all-suite hotel is designed in a billowing sail shape.
- Features: Extraordinary suites, fine-dining restaurants, amazing beaches, helicopter pad, an underwater restaurant, a sky view bar.
Tickets: The Burj Al Arab Tours tickets are available at official website. You can also book a guided
tour with us.
Timings: Open 24/7 for hotel guests. For visitors, tours are provided from 10 am to 7 pm.
Nearby Attractions: Global Village, Duba Frame, Museum of the Future, The Palm Jumeirah
3. The Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame a new addition to the list of the great architectural landmarks in Dubai. This unique architectural masterpiece is 150 meters in height and 93 meters in width. It offers an amazing opportunity for visitors to witness two contrasting side of Dubai from one angle. The best thing about this unique tower is the opportunity to witness Dubai’s two sides from one place. From its observatory deck, visitors can see old Dubai with bustling souks and historic neighborhoods and new Dubai with skyscrapers. It is most-visited tower and hence recommended booking Dubai frame tickets in advance.
Location: Zabeel Park, Dubai.
Specialties:
- Height & Width: 150-metre & 93-metre.
- Design: Photo Frame
- Features: Observatory deck that provides an opportunity to view Dubai’s contrasting sides from one angle.
Tickets: Available at official website. We also offer Dubai Frame tour with transfers.
Timings: Daily from 9 am to 9 pm.
Nearby Attractions: Dubai Garden Glow, Burj Park, Gold Souk, Museum of Illusion, Zabeel Park
4. The Palm Jumeirah
When the construction of this artificial island started, it was one of the costliest projects in the world in terms of scale and money. Such was the hype of this impressive civil engineering projects, that it had grabbed the world’s attention. The artificial island is constructed in a palm tree shape, and hence the name. It is an esteem landmark in Dubai with luxurious hotels, high-end offices, prestigious apartments, 5-star restaurants, pristine beaches, and more. The building and construction of the island is done on a reclaimed land from the sea. It is said that you can see the island even from space. While The Palm Jumeirah is one of the ultimate tourist destinations due to its sandy beaches where people can relax and entertain, it is also good to enjoy the ‘Lively’ nightlife.
Location: Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirate
Specialties:
- Design: Constructed in a palm tree shape.
- Facilities: Luxurious hotels, high-end offices, exquisite apartments, pristine beaches, 5-star restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
Tickets: No entry fees or tickets required. You can visit the hotels and restaurants to access the
island. Timings: 24 hours. However, some of the establishments may have different operation timings.
Nearby Attractions: Aquaventure Waterpark, Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina, and more
5. The Museum of the Future
The unique shape and design of the Museum of the Future makes it one of the most appealing architectural structures in Dubai. Its attractive and unique architectural design had made it a symbol of innovative thinking. The Museum is constructed in the shape of a tours. The Arabic calligraphy inscriptions on its exterior gives the building an extra appeal and also reflect a blend of tradition and future aspirations. The museum is best to explore anything that can potentially impact human lives and the environment. It showcases futuristic technology, design, and sustainability that offers interesting experience for all concerned with the future of this world.
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Specialties:
- Design: Torus shape with Arabic calligraphy inscriptions all over its façade, representing innovation thinking.
- Exhibits: Futuristic technology, design, and innovations that impact human lives and the environment.
Tickets: Available at official website and at the entrance. You can book the tickets with us.
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm.
Nearby Attractions: The Green Planet Dubai, Dubai Frame
6. Jumeirah Mosque
Constructed in the Fatimid style that incorporates geometric designs with Arabic calligraphy inscriptions and keel motifs on the domes, Jumeriah Mosque is one of the most photographed mosques in Dubai. It is located on Jumeirah Beach Road – Jumeirah 1 – Dubai. It is the only mosque in Dubai that allows entry to non-Muslims. It’s a large mosque with a capacity of 1300 people. It features exquisite exterior with minarets and domes, and intricate interiors. You can take a guided tour of the mosque and learn about Islamic culture and traditions. The tour is for 75 minutes wherein you can traditional Emirati refreshments.
Location: Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, UAE.
Specialties:
- Design: Geometric designs, keel motifs, and Arabic calligraphy signifying Fatimid style.
- Cultural Experience: The only mosque in Dubai where people of other faiths are welcome. Guide tours for visitors to learn about culture and traditions of Islam.
Tickets: We offer guided tours with transfers.
Timings: Monday to Thursday from 10 am. There are no tours conducted on Fridays.
Nearby Attractions: Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Water Canal, Madinat Jumeirah, Burj Al
Arab
7. Dubai Opera
Dubai Opera is a modern architectural wonder located in Downtown Dubai. It is a multi-format center and a versatile venue suitable for operas and ballets, concerts and theater plays, and other events. The building is constructed in a traditional dhow style with glass exteriors from all the sides. Besides being perming arts center, the architecture of the building itself is a masterpiece of art. The Opera can accommodate 2000 people at one time. You can view the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa through it glass façade.
Location: Downtown Dubai, Dubai. UAE
Specialties:
- Design: Traditional dhow shape design with glass exteriors.
- Facilities: A multi-format center for operas, ballets, concerts, theater plays, and other events
Tickets: Available at official website and at the entrance. We also provide Dubai Opera tours.
Timings: Vary by performance schedule.
Nearby Attractions: Dubai Miracle Garden, Dubai Creek, Dubai Museum, Global Village.
Conclusion
Dubai’s architectural landscape is a sign of the city’s passion for becoming a global leader in design and innovation. The architectural landmarks in Dubai are perfect for any architecture enthusiast or tourist to witness what creativity, brilliant minds, and advanced engineering prowess can achieve. The best thing about these landmarks is that they throw light on the past, present, and future of the city. So, when visiting Dubai, don’t forget to include these iconic landmarks and explore Dubai’s architecture marvels.
FAQs:
1. Why is the Burj Khalifa one of the most visited landmarks in Dubai?
At present, there is no building in the world as tall as the Burj Khalifa. It is 828 meters in height and constructed in the form of a Hymenocallis flower. It features offices, hotels, residential apartments, and three sky observatory decks that offer panoramic views of Dubai. This famous building in Dubai in terms of height and design has taken Islamic architecture to a new level and testifies Dubai passion for growth and development.
2. How can one see both the old and the new Dubai from the Dubai Frame?
Dubai Frame is a modern and recent architectural wonder that Dubai has included in its repertoire. It is constructed in the shape of a photo frame and is 150 meters tall and 93 meters wide. Visitors can see both the parts of Dubai from the top of the frame. The two towers of the building are connected by a bridge built of glass walking on which is an exhilarating experience. Before going, book your Dubai Frame tickets in advance.
3. Why Palm Jumeirah tops the list of amazing architectural landmarks in Dubai?
This is one of the largest civil engineering projects globally. This artificial island is constructed on a strip of land reclaimed from the sea. It is replete with fantastic hotels, smart offices, high-end restaurants, impressive apartments, and white sandy beaches. The island is also best to experience Dubai’s vibrant nightlife.
4. What’s so special about the Museum of the Future in Dubai?
There are very few buildings in the world that blend tradition and modernity like the Museum of the Future does. It is constructed in the form of a torus with an objective to introduce people to the future. Its exterior features Arabic calligraphy inscriptions and it highlights futuristic technology that would impact the future of human lives and the environment.