10 stunning architectural landmarks in Dubai and where to spot them

Do you find yourself peering out of taxi windows in sheer wonder at the Dubai landscape whizzing by? More than 200 years ago, this metropolis was only a small fishing village. After the discovery of oil beds in the 1960s, the city rapidly grew to become a sophisticated tourist hub. Skyscrapers were erected at top speed and make up Dubai’s memorable skyline today.

The emirate is proudly home to Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, the Palm Islands, Gevora Hotel which is the world’s tallest hotel, and many other gravity-defying structures. These landmarks boast commanding views, and make for fantastic photo ops, too.

On your next Middle Eastern adventure, discover 10 of Dubai’s architectural marvels.

Where: Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Center, Trade Center 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Nearest metro station: Emirates Towers

Zoom along Sheikh Zayed Road and you’ll notice a massive, torus-shaped building. This cutting edge museum was conceptualized by South African architect Shaun Killa. Representing Dubai’s vision of the future, The Museum of the Future holds exhibits featuring space travel, climate change and sustainable living. The building is clad in stainless steel and emblazoned with Arabic calligraphy, giving it an imposing facade. Buy a ticket from $40 if you have time to browse the exhibitions.

Museum of the Future is located within Dubai’s Financial District, so it’s only a five-minute drive to Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall. Combine your visit with other neighboring attractions to get the most out of your city sightseeing tour.

Where: 1 Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Nearest metro station: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall

Since its 2010 inception, Burj Khalifa has gone on to break eight world records—one as the world’s tallest building at 2,722 feet. If this cloud-piercing tower looks familiar, it’s because it appeared in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. Today, Burj Khalifa houses the Armani Hotel, luxe apartments and restaurants like At.Mosphere.

Designed by a Chicago-based firm, the tower was inspired by the spider lily desert flower. Learn more by booking tickets to At the Top Burj Khalifa—starting from $43—and bask in the aerial views of Downtown Dubai from 124 floors. After clicking those postcard-worthy shots, visit the adjacent Dubai Fountain or splurge at The Dubai Mall.

Where: Zabeel Park Jogging Track, Za'abeel, Al Kifaf, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Nearest metro station: Al Jafiliya

Dubai’s ambitious architecture continues with the Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park. This structure boasts a surreal silhouette: a supersized photo frame with gold motifs. Be sure to secure skip-the-line tickets, from $29, to save time.

The Dubai Frame is perfectly nestled between old and new Dubai, melding the emirate’s rich past with its future. To the north, spot the Dubai Creek, old settlements and traditional souks in Deira. The south offers contrasting vistas of modern cityscapes and neon-draped towers. From the glass-bottomed bridge atop, you can revel in unobstructed views from every angle. Soak in the scenery before enjoying the rest of your afternoon at Zabeel Park.

Where: Crescent Road, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Nearest monorail station: Atlantis The Palm

Atlantis, The Palm has an exclusive address—at the tip of Dubai’s extravagant Palm Jumeirah. You can’t miss its colossal sandcastle design and coral edifice. The architecture embodies the allure of mythical Atlantis while interweaving Arabic elements—Moorish arches and minaret towers.

Enter its palatial doors and stroll through the 5-star hotel, past its celebrity chef restaurants like Nobu and Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, and admire The Lost Chambers Aquarium. That’s not all—there’s also a nautical-themed Aquaventure Water Park. We guarantee you’ll have plenty to do here.

Where: 1202, Al Barsha Heights, Teacom, Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Nearest metro station: Sobha Realty

At a glance, the Cayan Tower resembles a giant beanstalk twisting from the ground. The secret behind its helical design? Each floor is rotated 1.2 degrees clockwise, achieving a full 90-degree twist to the top. Plus, its curved design protects the interiors from direct sun exposure, while minimizing the impact of winds.

In 2013, this monument stood as the world’s tallest residential tower at 1,004 feet. Today, it remains a sight to behold at Dubai Marina. Here, you can enjoy captivating views of Jumeirah Beach and the super yachts. Avid photographers recommend heading to the tower before sunset to bask in its inimitable glow.

Where: Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Nearest metro station: Al Ras

Designed to resemble a billowing traditional dhow sail, Burj Al Arab continues to be at the forefront of luxury hotel design. It’s dubbed the first “7-star” hotel in the world, and is a hotspot among billionaires and celebrities. Tennis star Roger Federer, pop sensation Justin Bieber and Bollywood power couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai have all stayed in the sumptuous rooms.

If you prefer to gaze at Burj Al Arab fully lit up, a night tour is recommended. After that, consider retail therapy at the Mall of the Emirates nearby or Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Alternatively, if you’re swinging by during the day, cool off at Wild Wadi Waterpark.

Where: No. 1 Palm, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Nearest monorail station: Palm Gateway

The giant glass-cubed foyer and terraced guest rooms at the FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai are truly eye-catching. The resort’s layout gives the illusion that it seamlessly unfolds from the sea. From another perspective, it can also be a gateway framing the breathtaking waterfront views.

There are epic photo ops all around this glamorous property. Besides posing in a chandelier-topped pool, you can revel in the open-air bar known as The Penthouse. From the 16th floor, gaze at the stunning Arabian Gulf and Ain Dubai—the world’s tallest observation wheel.

Where: City Walk, Al Wasl, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Nearest metro station: Business Bay

The Green Planet in City Walk might be less imposing than Dubai’s skyscrapers, but deserves special mention for its clever origami-inspired architecture. Think of The Green Planet as an award-winning science center, replete with an indoor equatorial rainforest. The glass cylinder houses the rainforest and a huge man-made tree.

There are some 3,000 species of tropical plants and animals thriving in the biodome—not a typical sight in the Middle East. Take time to appreciate the forest pools, tree top platforms, cliff-hanging gardens and waterfalls. The Green Planet breathes new life into the city, and is great for an educational family day out in Dubai. Pair your admission tickets with hotel transfers for added convenience.

Where: Jumeirah Street, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Nearest metro station: Equiti station, followed by a 10-minute taxi ride

Just a walking distance from Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel’s sweeping wave-like structure is hard to miss. At a height of 341 feet, the hotel’s stylish architecture was inspired by the shape of a breaking wave, designed by the same firm behind Dubai Opera. The wave symbolizes Dubai’s rich seafaring heritage.

Aside from dominating the Jumeirah Beach shoreline with its prominent outline, the resort promises panoramic sunset views, thanks to its curved corridors. Whether you’re staying at the exquisite beach villas or cozy suites, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel makes for an indulgent getaway.

Where: Al Maktoum Road, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Nearest metro station: Al Rigga

As one of Dubai’s oldest architectural landmarks, Deira Clocktower was constructed to celebrate the first oil exports and trade from the UAE. It was also widely used as a navigational tool for visitors in the 1970s, and now doubles as a roundabout to aid traffic flow from Bur Dubai to Deira.

The design of the clock tower was kept simple and remained faithful to its era. It has withstood the test of time and continues to be a functional landmark until today. Spot this landmark as you leave Dubai International Airport, since it’s only a five-minute drive away.

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