local tours dubai

Experience the best of Dubai with Withlocals

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Enjoy Dubai like a local

There’s so much more to Dubai than luxurious hotels and shopping! It is full of amazing Middle Eastern food, incredible desert nature, and unique things to do. We are crazy about it and you will be too, especially with a local experience!

Top 10 things to do in Dubai

Make your stay in Dubai complete with these things to do

1 The 10 Tastings of Dubai: Street Food

2 Highlights & Hidden Gems of Dubai

3 A Magical Evening in Dubai: City Tour

4 Withlocals Your Way! - Dubai City Tour

5 City Discovery: Abu Dhabi Day Trip

6 Exclusive Scenic Dubai Tour on a Private Yacht

7 Dubai in a Day - Ancient & Modern city experience

8 The Ultimate architectural gems & Burj Khalifa Day Trip

9 One of a Kind Desert Adventure Experience

10 Dubai Private Layover Tour & Transfers

“ We did our first Withlocals tour when arriving to the city and can highly recommend people to do the same. ” Travelers about our local experts

Explore Dubai with our incredible locals

Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Dubai with locals

Why you should book a Withlocals tour

100% customizable.

Let your local host tailor the tour completely to your wishes.

Private guided tours

No strangers on your tour. It’s just you and your local host.

Responsible

Our tours are designed with people, places & the planet in mind

Things to do in Dubai

Our locals will give you the best experiences that Dubai has to offer

The 10 Tastings of Dubai: Street Food

Highlights & hidden gems of dubai, a magical evening in dubai: city tour, withlocals your way - dubai city tour, city discovery: abu dhabi day trip, exclusive scenic dubai tour on a private yacht, dubai in a day - ancient & modern city experience, the ultimate architectural gems & burj khalifa day trip, find experiences by category.

Discover experiences based on your interest

• City highlights tours 9
• Day trips 4
• Food tours 3
• Art & Culture tours 1
• Night tours 1
• Off the beaten track tours 1
• Skip the line tours 1
• Food & Drink tastings 1
• Sports & Leisure 1
• Wildlife & Nature 1

Travelers love our locals

What other guests say about our tours and locals

Best tour ever!

"We have been on many tours around the world and this has been one of the best. Sandy is a knowledgable, engaging and informative host who gave us a very good insight into the history of the city - old and new - and its development. Having a driver as well as a host was a huge advantage too as it meant that we could visit so many places. Excellent value for money. "

Exceptional Private Tour of Dubai!

"My experience with the Dubai Private Layover Tour & Transfers was nothing short of spectacular! From the moment we were picked up in a pristine white SUV, I knew we were in for a treat. Sandy, our guide, was not only extremely knowledgeable but also passionate about Dubai’s history and culture, which made the tour deeply engaging. In just 4 hours, we explored both the old and new facets of Dubai, with a perfectly balanced itinerary that Sandy adjusted to accommodate our interests. This flexibility allowed us to maximize our short time and see everything we had hoped for and more. The convenience of having a private car and driver cannot be overstated; being dropped off right at the entrance of each site saved us so much time and hassle, making our tour smooth and enjoyable. Sandy shared fascinating facts about Dubai’s rapid development and transformation, which enriched our understanding and appreciation of each site we visited. The personal touches and deep insight provided by Sandy made this tour one of the highlights of our trip. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to experience Dubai’s highlights in a short amount of time without feeling rushed. It’s a fantastic way to get a comprehensive overview of the city with the luxury of a knowledgeable guide and no logistical worries. Thank you, Sandy, for such a memorable and insightful experience!"

Fantastic tour and brillant tour guide

"We booked a tour with Melwyn and was really impressed. His knowledge of Dubai was excellent and was a really lovely person. Melwyn really took the time to explain about Dubai and its history and we learnt a lot. There's a lot more to Dubai than the hotels and beaches. I would throughly reccomend Melwyn and this tour if you want to know more about Dubai with a fantastic tour guide. Thanks Melwyn! From Vanessa and Andy "

friendly and knowledgeable in dubai

"had a great few days with ali in dubai and abu dhabi. informal and laid-back style, and extremely informative."

Very friendly guide

"Ali is a very friendly guide who knows a lot about the history of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. He was on time at the at the meeting point. The tour through the souks of Dubai was really interesting and included visiting a coffee museum, having bites of local food at the market and going to a spice shop. We would fully recommend Ali."

Super Knowledgeable

"We enjoyed a few hours with Sandy experiencing the sights, sounds and tastes of Old Dubai. The spice and gold markets were really interesting. Sandy was able to help us navigate the gold trade in a way that we could never have done on our own. The water taxi was a unique experience as well. I’m so glued we met Sandy and got to see Old Dubai. It’s a must visit if you’re spending a few days in Dubai. "

Night tour in Dubai

"We were very happy with the service, punctuality, availability given the time we requested, from 3 to 7 in the morning, excellent and prepared guide, I highly recommend."

"thx to sandy for the very nice und perfect tour. we had enough time so see the small shops at the suks. "

Super knowledgeable and lovely guys!

"Sandy was a great communicator, very accomodating and super knowledgeable! Highly recommended a tour of Dubai with this team!!! "

Excellent Tour

"We did the food tour with Sandy and it was great. He told us a lot about Dubai, was very personable and also catered to our personal wishes. In addition, the food stops were totally delicious, authentic and so plentiful that we couldn't finish everything at the last stop. We felt well looked after all round and would book a tour with Sandy again at any time. Many thanks again for everything - 100% recommendation! "

Enjoy the Best of the Dubai Like a Local

Our top picks for dubai.

Get ready to experience Dubai like never before with our epic list of top things to do! We've got the inside scoop on the coolest spots, local tips, and must-see attractions that'll blow your mind. From soaring skyscrapers to sandy beaches, spice souks to jaw-dropping desert safaris, Dubai's got it all. Buckle up and let's dive into the ultimate adventure in this dazzling city of dreams!

Explore Middle East cuisine like a local

Bring your appetite! The beauty of Dubai is that it is a mini version of the Middle East and features the delicious cuisine of the entire region. Enjoy a fantastic breakfast at Zaroob, a local Palestinian joint. Make sure to try the Manakeesh! Have a local chef make you the Gulf favorite dishes Haneeth or Mandi, a hearty delicacy of meat (lamb or chicken) and rice. Get ready for a food coma! But leave room for tea and DATES!

Did we mention the best dates in the world? You can get dates a dozen different ways: plain, stuffed with nuts or chocolates.

Local tip The next day? Check out the Bu Qtair fish shop, a simple local establishment that serves incredibly delicious fresh fish and seafood.

Take a stroll in Deira, get lost in the markets

Deira (Old Dubai), the heart and the soul of the city, is the perfect getaway from the upscale luxury of Dubai.

Your host will be thrilled to walk with you through the bustling markets around Deira. You will find the winding gold, spice, and perfume souks (markets) and the beautiful textile and pashmina souk across the waterway in Bur Dubai. Don’t forget to bargain for the best deals! Your host will be happy to take you on an ‘abra, a waterbus ride around the creek where you can enjoy the contrast of old and new—skyscrapers and old markets.

Spend the day and night on Palm Jumeirah Island

Although it is touristy, the Palm Island is not to be missed, shaped like a Palm tree; this manmade island is best seen with a local who can show you its impressive design. Take a drive, bike ride, or walk around the leaves of the island, marvel at the view and stop in at a few of the luxurious hotels. Your host will explain and show you the brilliant architectural design of the island, its backstory and its hidden gems.

In the evening head to Nasimi beach, a local hangout for a night out in the town. Enjoy the experience with a local host where you can devour a delicious Mediterranean meal and a night of Dubai clubbing, which many say is the best in the world!

Experience the thrill of night crab hunting

Yes, go hunting for crabs at night! Night crab hunting is a very unique and splendid experience that you can only do with a local in Umm Al-Quwain, a short drive from Dubai. Many locals enjoy this nighttime sport and you can too! Your host will lead you on a glass bottom boat ride into the mangroves. You will look for the crabs with special underwater lights.

You will also see the fascinating wonders of the sea. Afterwards bring your appetite because you will enjoy the crab you just caught as part of a delicious dinner. It is an unforgettable experience! We highly recommend you give it a try with a local host!

Marvel at the Mosques

If you’ve never been to a mosque, it is an experience you should not miss. If you have been, then you don’t want to miss seeing the incredible mosques in Dubai. Visiting a mosque is best done with a local. It is a moving and beautiful experience; the Grand Mosque and Jumeirah Mosque will leave you stunned.

Go with one of our hosts who will keep you informed of the appropriate customs for an authentic visit and will also give you both a detailed history of each of these places of worship and an overview of some of the main rituals of Islam, the main religion in the United Arab Emirates.

Local tip If you're planning to step inside a mosque, make sure you're dressed according to their house rules. They've got some specific guidelines, so it's better to be prepared!

Enjoy a day at the local Kite Beach

Seeking some rest and relaxation on a beautiful local beach? Or perhaps an active beach day filled with water sports, kite surfing and volleyball? Well, you’re in luck because Kite Beach is a local favorite and has it all! Head to Kite Beach for the day and you will find a gorgeous beach, emerald blue waters, a view of the famous “Burj al Arab,” lots of shops, and cute little cafes to stop in for a snack.

Walk around letting your toes sink in the sand, spend the day swimming, tanning or kite surfing with your host! Maybe even take a surfing lesson with your host? Or perhaps ask your guide if they can personalize your tour for one of many water sports activities? The sky's the limit!

Go ritzy at Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall

Craving some of the ritz and glitz Dubai has to offer but the local version? The tallest building in the world and largest mall in the world. What? Go with a local and you won’t regret it! Have a private tour of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall with one of our guides and avoid the boring touristy version. Your host will offer a fascinating tour.

They will tell you the backstories, the controversies and everything in between about the biggest and largest that the world has to offer. That way you also won’t get lost in the overwhelming experience of being in the largest mall in the world. Your host will show you the incredible aquarium and many other gems including the biggest shoe store in the world. Ladies and gentlemen, you’re in for a treat!

Enjoy a delicious traditional Bedouin meal

Dubai is well known for its Desert safaris followed by a traditional Bedouin meal. Bedouins are communities who live in the desert year round. To avoid the touristy generic tours, go with one of our local hosts for an authentic Bedouin experience. Your host will take you on an amazing ride into the heart of the desert sand dunes. You will see some falcons and admire the sunset.

The evening’s main attraction will be a delicious Bedouin prepared meal. It usually consists of grilled meats, fresh salads, rice and chicken and lamb, awesome sweets with tea and perhaps even a hookah pipe. You shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity of this experience with a local and making new friends?

Go on a Dubai nightlife tour

No visit to this tiny Emirate would be complete without a night spent out on the town. And it is well worth it! You haven’t partied until you’ve partied in Dubai! There are several unique and incredible clubs you should spend your time in: White (an outdoor club), Stereo Arcade (80s and 90s music and theme), and Cirque le Soir (bespoke circus act).

Go with your host to get the full nightlife experience, hopping from club to club, dancing with your new friends late into the night, and then in the early morning satisfy your hunger at Zaatar w Zeit on Sheikh Zayed Road for some amazing freshly baked Lebanese breakfast pies.

Get lost in Al-Bastakia

There is rich cultural history hidden in the glitz of Dubai. Visiting Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood dating back to the 1890s is one of them. Also known as the Al-Bastakia quarter located in Bur Dubai is a top thing to experience with a local. The neighborhood was initially built by Iranian merchants from Bastak, where it got its name.

Take a private walking tour with your host who will guide you through the great labyrinth of roads, old merchant houses, historic buildings, cafes and art galleries. Its bohemian flavor is a lot of fun, especially when you have a host to make sure you don’t miss any of its local hidden gems!

Authentic things to do in Dubai

Discover Dubai with a local by your side! From strolling around the aromatic spice souks to seeing the city unfold from the top of the Burj Khalifa, you’ll find some amazing things to do in Dubai with your local host. There are such contrasting activities in Dubai that your bucket list will continue to grow as you discover more and more things to do in Dubai! Foodies will love strolling through the fragrant souks with delicious tabbouleh, dates and tahini. You may even like to try the camel burger! City buffs can visit the beautiful mosques, wander through colorful neighborhoods, catch a river cruise or visit the aquarium. Let your local host know which kinds of activities you most enjoy, and they will show you the best places to go and things to see in Dubai! If you’re looking for things to do in Dubai, you’ll be amazed by how easy it is to discover the top activities in Dubai with your local host. Having someone who knows every corner of Dubai like the back of their lets you customize your day with personalized activities. Whether you prefer to stroll through the Marina or see the city lights across the fountains at Dubai Mall, your local host will ensure you visit the best places to go in Dubai. When you’re planning activities in Dubai, you’ll agree that a 100% private Withlocals tour that can be fully customized is the best way to discover all the things to do in Dubai. Simply let your local host know the things you would love to see, and they’ll sort it all out locally for you!

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• Guides in Dubai
• Tours in Dubai
• Activities in Dubai
• City Highlight Tours in Dubai
• Day Trips in Dubai
• Food Tours in Dubai
• Art & Culture Tours in Dubai
• Night Tours in Dubai
• Off The Beaten Track Tours in Dubai
• Skip The Line Tours in Dubai
• Sports & Leisure in Dubai
• Wildlife & Nature Experience in Dubai
• Things To Do In One Day in Dubai
• Things To Do For Couples in Dubai
• Things To Do Today in Dubai
• Burj Khalifa Tours in Dubai
• Burj Al Arab Tours in Dubai
• Dubai Marina Tours in Dubai
• Layover Tours in Dubai
• Dubai Gold Souk Tours in Dubai
• Desert Safari Tours in Dubai
• Dubai Spice Souk Tours in Dubai
• History Tours in Dubai
• Markets in Dubai
• Things To Do At Night in Dubai
• Mosque Tours in Dubai
• Things To Do Alone in Dubai
• Things To Do In A Weekend in Dubai
• Things To Do Tomorrow in Dubai
• United Arab Emirates