Things to do in Dubai

Palm Jumeirah Dubai, A-Z guide for first-time visitors

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Home to the world-famous Burj Khalifa and the largest mall in the world (land area wise), Dubai needs no introduction. JBR Open Beach, Umm Suqeim Beach, Kite Beach, Al Mamzar Beach Park, and the Palm Jumeirah Dubai are some of the best beaches in the desert city, making Dubai an ideal destination for beach lovers.

Set on the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeirah is one of Dubai’s most iconic and unique landmark, known for its architecture and lavish lifestyle. Palm Jumeirah is designed in the shape of a Palm tree and is home to many luxury hotels and resorts. The island is also known for its adventure and thrilling water activities.

Whether you are an adventure junkie or a luxury traveler, Palm Jumeirah is the best bet for you to experience all in one place!

What is Palm Jumeirah?


As the name suggests, Palm Jumeirah resembles a stylized palm tree within a circle. The 3-mile-long trunk and a fan of fronds are lined with luxury villas and five-star hotels. From lavish hotels to resorts and from water parks to water activities, Palm Jumeirah offers plenty of things to do. If you are on the hunt for a good party in Dubai, head to Palm Jumeirah where it offers live celebrity performances, DJ nights, and exclusive parties.

Why visit Palm Jumeirah Dubai?

  • To sit back and relax at luxurious hotels and to experience royalty at its best.
  • Spend a fun day at Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, the world's largest waterpark which boasts of over 105 record-breaking slides, attractions, and experiences.
  • Head to the Lost Chamber Aquarium for an immersive experience which will leave you spellbound. Home to over 65,000 marine creatures including sharks, rays, colorful fish, seahorses, and even jellyfish, this a must-visit.
  • Create a memorable experience by swimming with the dolphins in Dolphin Bay!
  • If you are a thrill seeker, book a speed boat ride to the best sites of Dubai to explore different islands and their coast.
  • Book a helicopter ride to get a bird’s eye view of Dubai.
  • One of the best places for skydiving in the world, book a skydive experience at The Palm Drop Zone.

Top 10 things to do at Palm Jumeirah


1The View at The Palm

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Set at 240 meters height, View at The Palm is an observation deck located at Palm Jumeirah which is famous for presenting 360-degree view of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and Atlantis - the Palm.

Plan a visit to the View at The Palm to admire views of famous landmarks of Dubai (including Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Sea, and the city's skyline) from level 52. Spend a day at the café, enjoy a creative exhibition to learn more about the island’s development, and visit the interactive aquarium-themed tunnels. If you are someone who loves to collect and gift souvenirs, there's a gift shop too!

Address
Palm Jumeirah Road,
The Palm Tower, 52ed Floor, Dubai
Find it on the map >
Opening hours
Monday to Thursday from 9 AM - 10 PM
Friday to Sunday from 9 AM - 12 AM

Recommended tickets to the View at The Palm


2Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

palm jumeirah

Spend a fun day at Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, often referred to as the mega water park of Dubai. As part of Atlantis, this water park covers an area of 17,000 hectares. The park offers over 105 record-breaking water slides, attractions, and experiences for visitors of different personas - adrenaline junkies, foodie lovers, for couples, and for families.

Popular attractions include: Blackout, Shockwave, The Aquaconda, and Water Coasters.

Address
Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, Dubai
Find it on the map >
Opening hours
Daily from 8:45 AM – 5:30 PM

Recommended tickets to Aquaventure Waterpark


3Lost Chambers Aquarium

palm jumeirah

Get lost in the sea world at Lost Chambers Aquarium as you walk through glass tunnels, admiring over 65,000 species of beautiful marine animals. Scattered through the aquarium are 21 attractions, where you can spot sharks, stingrays, piranhas, lobsters, seahorses, and many other sea creatures. An ideal destination for family, friends, and even couples, the Lost Chambers Aquarium is a must-visit place at Palm Jumeirah Dubai.

Experience thrilling adventure activities like snorkeling, Aquarium Dives, haunted underwater parties, Aquatheater Shows, and much more here!

Address
Atlantis, The Palm, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Find it on the map >
Opening hours
Daily from 10 AM – 9 PM

Recommended tickets to Lost Chambers Aquarium


4Skydive

palm jumeirah

Ever dreamt of floating in the sky like a bird? Make your dreams come true. Experience flying at an altitude of 13,000 ft and tick off Skydiving from your bucket list at Skydive Dubai. Feel the adrenaline rush and enjoy the bird’s eye views of Palm Jumeirah, endless expanse of blue-green sea and Dubai's skyline. Whether you're a professional or a beginner, skydiving at Palm Jumeirah is a must-try activity on your next trip to Dubai.

Address
Al Seyahi Street, Dubai Marina, Dubai
Find it on the map >
Opening hours
Daily, 8 AM - 2:30 AM

Recommended tickets to Skydive Dubai


5Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk

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Take a visit along the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk set on the Arabian Gulf. The beautiful beachfront destination is 6 meters wide and stretches for 11 kilometers across the outer crest of Palm Jumeirah. Filled with a selection of restaurants, beach resorts, thrilling water activities, and much more, Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk is a must-visit.

You can also choose to take a peaceful stroll with your loved ones or go cycling, early in the morning or late in the evening. You should definitel try out Arabic shawarmas and the classic fish n chips from the many foodtrucks parked on this stretch.

Address
44M9+C59 - Crescent Road, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Find it on the map >
Opening hours
Daily, 24 Hours

6Dolphin Bay

palm jumeirah

Fancy a swim with the Dolphins? Dolphin Bay Dubai welcomes visitors to play and interact with Dolphins, making it an ideal spot for adults and kids to enjoy! The visit even accomodates an educational dolphin experience which includes a FREE same-day entry to Aquaventure Waterpark. You can interact, swim with, or even feed the dolphins while learning more about these beautiful creatures.

Address
Atlantis, The Palm, Crescent Road, Dubai
Find it on the map >
Opening hours
Daily, 8:45 AM - 5:30 PM

7Trampo Extreme The Dubai Mall

The Trampo Extreme The Dubai Mall

An exciting destination for kids and adults alike, the Trampo Extreme The Dubai Mall will leave you bouncing with joy, literally! From trampoline dodgeball and slam dunking like a pro to to diving in a foam pit, Trampo Extreme has it all. The park also hosts awesome birthday parties.
Be assured that everything here is safe and is run by trained professionals, who will coach you on mastering that backflip!

Address
The Dubai Mall, Dubai
Find it on the map >
Opening hours
Sunday to Thursday: 10 AM – 10 PM
Friday & Saturday: 10 AM – 12 AM

8Speedboat ride

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Take a premium, 90-minute Yellow Boat speed boat ride at Palm Jumeirah to see all of Dubai's famous landmarks including the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Burj Al Arab. Experience the beautiful coastline of the Persian Gulf, either early in the morning and or late in the evening. This boat ride is a perfect idea for a dinner date with your loved one.

Address
The Yellow Boats, Dubai Marina Walk, Dubai
Find it on the map >
Opening hours
Daily, 8 AM - 6 PM

9Palm West Beach

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The Palm West Beach is considered to be the best beach in the Palm Jumeirah. It is a great place to unwind - swim, eat, sip, and repeat. Feeling adventurous? Rent E-bikes and explore the length of the shoreline or go on a food tour, because there are nuemerous restaurants and cafes to explore on the beach.

Address
The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Find it on the map >
Opening hours
Daily, 8 AM - 3 AM

10Al Ittihad Park

palJumeirahah

Al Ittihad Park is a public park that provides various activities for families to enjoy. It houses a jogging track, playground, cycling track, outdoor gym area, and more, making it perfect for a day out and for nature enthusiasts. You can also lay out a mat and enjoy a small picnic, read a book, or do yoga! The park is located close to the Golden Mile Galleria Mall, where you can head to after your day at the park.

Address
The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Find it on the map >
Opening hours
Daily, 24 hours

Map of Palm Jumeirah


Best places to eat around Palm Jumeirah



sushi
Nobu

Located on the 22nd floor of the Atlantis hotel on Palm Island, Nobu offers a rooftop sitting ambiance with an option of dining out. Nobu serves world-renowned Japanese cuisine with a Peruvian twist.

Timings: 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM and 6 PM to 1 AM
Must-try: Black cod miso, premium wagyu beef tacos, and sushi


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101 Dining, Lounge & Bar

Located on the pier, this restaurant is a fashionale hotspot in Dubai. Dine on light Mediterranean bites while enjoying sweeping views of the Arabian gulf and the city's skyline beyond it. This place is for those who want a great vibe and perfect ambiance. The views of the city and the beach nearby is a bonus here. To make it even better, the meals come with live musical performances.

Timings: 12 PM to 1 AM (last order at 10:45 PM)
Must-try: Handcrafted cocktails, tiger prawns, and seafoods in general


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Ibn AlBahr

Each bite that you take will transport you to the stunning shores of Lebanon. Claimed to best seafood restaurant in town, the only way to find out is by trying it out yourself!

Timings: 8:30 AM to 2 AM
Must-try: Fish grill and tandoori prawns with Lebanese-style cooking


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Zest

Dining at the Zest will take you on culinary journey across Italy, Middle East, and Asia. Rise with a lavish breakfast, fuel your day with a delicious lunch and indulge in an exquisite dinner!

Timings: 7 AM to 11 PM
Must-try: Authentic pastas and tomahawk steaks


Best hotels to stay around Palm Jumeirah


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FIVE Palm Jumeirah Resort

Capturing the vibe and glamor of Dubai, this resprt offers incredible views of the beach from all its rooms. Step in to luxury at the FIVE Palm Jumeirah Resort, complete with its in-house spa, cafes, restauratants, bars, gym, lounge, and many other amenities.


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Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

Anantara The Palm Resort, is a true holiday destination and offers top-notch spa treatments and wellness options. Admire the views of the Arabian Gulf or take a walk by the 400 meters of private shoreline!


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Kempinski Mall of the Emirates

Escape to luxury at the Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, called so since it is connected to the iconic Mall of the Emirates. This 5-star resort has spacious, plush rooms overlooking the mall on one side and Aspen Chalets with views of Ski Dubai on the other. You'll be spoilt for choice from the range of diverse dining and spa facilities that it offers.


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Dukes The Palm

Set in the heart of Palm Jumeirah, Dukes The Palm is a 5-star luxury hotel with a British elegance to it. Spend your evening at the private beach with sun loungers or feast on international cuisine at the three on-site restaurants. Don't worry, you can burn away the calories on the 14th floor gym which offers an aerial view of the city of Dubai.


Plan your visit to Palm Jumeirah


Best time to visit the Palm Jumeirah

Being a desert city, the best time to visit Palm Jumeirah is during the months of October to March. However, if you are looking for a place to chill during the hot summer days, the beaches of Palm Jumeirah are the perfect destination for you! If you wish to visit the place when its the least crowded and affordable, pick summer (June to August).

If you enjoy a quiet start, then mornings are the best time of the day to visit Palm Jumeirah. If you are a party animal, then visit the place at night. The island doesn’t have a specific opening time however, it is best to visit Palm Jumeirah from 11 AM to 12 AM


Getting to Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is easily accessible via the public transportation in Dubai. The city center of Dubai is well connected by several modes of transportation. If you wish to reach the destination easily, then book a private cab or taxi for yourself. However, the metro and bus services are an economical option!

By cab
The most convenient way to reach Palm Jumeirah is by private taxi. You can hail/book a taxi to reach Palm Jumeirah from wherever you are staying.

By metro
The nearest metro station to the Palm Jumeirah is Financial Centre Metro Station, which is a three-minute walk.

By bus
The closest bus station to the Palm Jumeirah is The Springs, Entrance Gate 5-2. It's a 12-minute walk away.

By Monorail
The first monorail station is the Palm Gateway, which is situated at the entrance to the island. Visitors can reach Palm Gateway via the Dubai Tram or by car. The monorail station has over 1600 parking spots for visitors to park.
Book your Monorail tickets to Atlantis Aquaventure from here.

Where to park?
There are almost 350 parking spaces available along the Palm Jumeirah walkway, so finding a parking space for your car will not be an issue. There are free parkings available at the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk too.

Insider tips


  • Avoid planning a visit to the Palm Jumeirah Dubai from April to September as the weather will be humid and sweltering hot. October to March is the best time to visit when the temperature falls to 12°C.
  • Carry your passport and immigration documents on you, at all times.
  • Keep yourself hydrated. The high heat and humidity can rapidly lead to dehydration.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and water bottles are some essentials to pack to protect yourself from the harsh desert heat.
  • Be respectful towards the culture of the place you are traveling to. While there are no dress codes in place, we suggest you that you wear comfortable attire and avoid showing too much skin (legs and shoulders, especially).
  • Don’t miss on the thrilling water activities at Palm Jumeirah beaches. From kite surfing to beach and beach tennis to swimming and kayaking, water activities are many! Kite beach is especially popular for these.
  • Explore the different restaurants in Palm Jumeirah to try out the authentic cuisine of Dubai.

FAQs


How was Palm Jumeirah created? 

Palm Jumeirah was created using a process known as land reclamation which involved dredging sand from the ocean's floor and then spraying it into shape using GPS technology for precision. Palm Jumeirah was taken up by Nakheel Properties (Dubai-based) in 2011. Interestingly, Palm Jumeirah is the smallest and youngest of the three Palm Islands - Palm Jumeirah, Deira Islands, and Palm Jebel Ali.

Why is Palm Jumeirah shaped like a palm tree? 

The island is shaped like a palm tree to serve as a unique and distinctive landmark when viewed from above.

 

What can I do on Palm Jumeirah? 

Palm Jumeirah is home to many luxury hotels, restaurants and bars. You can also find a number of beaches on the island, as well as a water park and an aquarium.

How long did it take to build Palm Jumeirah? 

Palm Jumeirah took around four years to build. Construction started in 2001 and the island was completed in 2005.

 

When is the best time to visit Palm Jumeirah?

The best months to visit Palm Jumeirah are during the winter (October - March) when the weather is cooler. December to February are the busiest months with visitors from all over the world. If you are looking for a more relaxing visit, with lesser crowds, March to May is a great time to visit Palm Jumeirah.

 

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