A trip to Dubai would not be complete without visiting Palm Jumeirah. This iconic slice of the city is a mixture of residential buildings, resorts, and even its own transport network, set on a two-square-mile archipelago of man-made islands.
There is a whole host of things to do across the Palm’s 17 sandy fronds, from running along shady parks and strolling seafront promenades to spending time on the sand or luxuriating over long lunches. Add the world’s largest waterpark and a record-breaking fountain, and you’ll be set for a unique urban adventure.
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17 Fun Things to Do in Palm Jumeirah
Have a blast at Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
The enormous Aquaventure Waterpark, part of the iconic Atlantis hotel, isn’t just big: it’s the world’s largest waterpark. Here you’ll find a selection of 105 slides and rides to keep you entertained throughout the day. There’s even a splash play area for kids and a kilometer of sandy beach to relax on.
There’s so much to do here, and thankfully you don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to use it (you can pay for a day pass; or for the whole season, if you want to). It’s a great way to cool off from the sometimes relentless heat of the city.
Lap up the scenery at The View at the Palm
The Palm is an incredible man-made landmark, but to truly see just how impressive it is you should get a bird’s eye view of the palm-shaped island. The place to do this is at The View, a viewing deck on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower.
Located 240 meters above the ground, The View offers up a 360-degree panoramic vista of not just Palm Jumeirah, but the Arabian Gulf beyond and the sparkling cityscape of Dubai itself. There are two levels to The View; a lower and upper level, complete with a VIP lounge.
One tip is to go in the evening when you can see the Palm illuminated against the inky sea and the glittering lights of the city’s skyscrapers (it also makes for a good cocktail spot).
Browse and buy at the Nakheel Mall
Shopping opportunities are never far away in Dubai and Nakheel Mall is in Palm Jumeirah’s premiere retail zone. Here you can shop ’til you drop among 300 stores, which include high street staples like H&M and supermarkets such as Waitrose.
But it’s not all about shopping — there’s also a cinema and a gym at this all-round entertainment hub. One of the main bonuses is just how accessible it is: the St. Regis Hotel is directly connected to the mall, plus you can get there via the Palm Jumeirah Monorail as the mall has its very own station.
Sate your appetite at Torno Subito
For some world-class Italian food, book a table at Torno Subito. Opening its doors in 2019, this Michelin-starred eatery is considered the signature Italian eatery of The Palm. The aesthetic is a nod to a fun-loving Italy of the 1960s: think bright, punchy decor with black-and-white stripes, color pops, and graphic artwork.
Continuing the focus on fun, outdoor dining at Torno Subito looks more like a playground than the high-end cuisine would let on. But it’s surprisingly affordable, with delicious pizzas well within budget. However, if you can’t decide, there’s always the 10-course tasting menu to sample a whirlwind of treats.
Go jogging (or walking) at Al Ittihad Park
Al Ittihad Park is a local favorite for jogging, walking or simply sitting for a while, watching the world go by. Running along the center of the Palm from Nakheel Mall to the very tip, this park is more than just an attractive running track. In fact, it’s a veritable oasis; here you’ll find over 100 different types of local plants and trees, creating a laid-back atmosphere.
You can take a break here and enjoy an easy-going walk under the shade of trees, bring a book and read on a bench. If you’ve got a bike, there are cycling routes too. The calm, clean environment is particularly nice in the early morning or early evening when it’s slightly cooler. Runners, however, will love that 2.5-kilometre dedicated running track.
Stay a night at Atlantis The Palm
Think of Palm Jumeirah and you think of the Atlantis Hotel. Sitting right on the end of the palm looking out across the water, the luxury hotel opened in 2008. Inside this palatial hotel, the decor is themed on the mythical lost city of Atlantis.
There are over 1,500 rooms to choose from here, all decked out in nautical themes — some of them are even situated underwater. If you want to live out a truly luxurious time in a bucket-list hotel, then staying just one night at Atlantis The Palm will deliver an unforgettable experience. It’s not exactly cheap, but it’s also not the most expensive hotel in Dubai.
Ride the Palm Jumeirah Monorail
The Palm Jumeirah Monorail has the accolade of being the first monorail network to be built in the Middle East. Just under four-and-a-half kilometres in length, and consisting of one line, there are further extensions planned to this convenient rapid transport network (a connection to the metro is planned).
The British-run, Japanese-built endeavor first opened in 2009 and remains an important way to get around The Palm. Stations include Atlantis Aquaventure, The Pointe, Nakheel Mall, Al Ittihad Park, and Gateway. One of the coolest things about the Palm Jumeirah Monorail is that it is driverless; so, grab a seat up front and you get to experience a real-life roller coaster ride.
Learn how to scuba dive
You may not associate Dubai with scuba diving, but there are some prime dive spots just off the coast here. Some are for experienced divers only, such as the spectacular wreck of the MV Dara, but thankfully there are some much easier dive experiences for beginners.
Dive Atlantis is one of these. Here you can head underwater and swim among 65,000 marine animals including rays and even sharks. This incredible adventure is available for all types of swimmers, while children can embark on a snorkeling tour from age six and above. Don a special diving helmet and plummet to the depths of an aquarium, or go on a dive discovery tour for a real scuba excursion.
Kick back at Palm West Beach
Palm West Beach is the place to go if you’re in the mood for sun, sea, and sand. This popular public beach measures in at 1.6 kilometers long and is backed by a seaside promenade. Along the promenade, you’ll find beach bars and clubs aplenty, all shaded by hundreds of palm trees.
Hotspot hangouts along Palm West Beach include the boho-chic Eva Beach House, the over-21s Greek-themed Kyma, and Five, which is a particularly fashionable place to be (complete with a party atmosphere).
Watch the illuminated Palm Fountain show
As far as fountains are concerned, Dubai may be more famous for the fountain show that wows visitors nightly at the foot of the Burj Al Arab. However, the Palm Fountain in front of the Atlantis Hotel holds the record for being the world’s largest fountain.
Here jets are spurted 105 meters into the air from two floating platforms and are illuminated in a parade of iridescent colours from over 3,000 LED lights. Shows start every half an hour and it’s completely free to watch. With its relaxing ambiance and music, it’s one of the best ways to kick off an evening in Palm Jumeirah.
Trace the man-made coastline along Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk
Constructed along the rocky breakwater behind Atlantis The Palm, this 11-kilometer boardwalk is a great place for those who love to stroll by the sea. Along the way you can stop off for a bite to eat from one of the handful of food trucks that regularly park up here; some of them even lay out tables, chairs, and sunshades so you can sit for a while with a coffee and a snack.
Another favorite pastime at this part of the Palm is running. You often see keen joggers out for their daily runs on the Boardwalk, and if that’s your thing note that it’s best done either early morning or early evening.
Marvel at the food on offer at Depachika
Depachika takes its name from the Japanese depachika (literally “beneath the department store”), a particular type of food court often found in the basement of large department stores in the East Asian nation.
This is home to a huge array of deli-style dishes and take-away food. Wander around, browse the different counters, and take your pick of just about anything — sushi, burgers, Greek food, ramen, vegan cheese, and craft coffee, among other things. There’s even an Asian supermarket so you can stock up on Korean snacks.
See the marine life at The Lost Chambers Aquarium
Part of the Atlantis hotel, the Lost Chambers Aquarium is packed full of marine life. As the name suggests, this place is themed around the lost city of Atlantis. You, too, can lose yourself among the 20 marine exhibits, where thousands of species of underwater life swim around. There are even mazes among the tanks, making it a super fun way to spend a few hours at Palm Jumeirah.
But it’s not just about the fun — the staff are on hand to offer up fascinating information about the different marine animals you see. Comfortable seating areas also allow you to simply sit and immerse yourself in the spectacle. You’ll really feel like you’re under the sea!
Spend the day at Club Vista Mare
Part of Nakheel Mall, the waterfront Club Vista Mare is the premiere spot at Palm Jumeirah for lapping up the sunshine. The best part of this complex is the fact that it’s not just one restaurant or eatery, but a whole collection of hotspots, set within 55,000 square feet of waterside goodness.
The upscale area is a great place to stop for lunch or brunch, with chances to devour a whole selection of different cuisines, from Spanish and Italian to Greek or Middle Eastern. All eateries here have both indoor and outdoor seating, while some even offer beachside dining.
Dine on dim sum at Ding Tai Fung
In the mood for dim sum? Then get yourself over to Ding Tai Fung, the Nakheel Mall iteration of the popular Taiwanese chain famed for its handmade dumplings. Created with high-quality ingredients and with some great service too, expect to wait in line if you want to grab a table here — wait times can be upwards of an hour.
The food, however, is well worth the wait. It’s a particularly good spot if you’re eating with friends or family, as the sharing aspect of the different dumplings on offer makes for a fun evening. And if you’re a fan of fried rice, get ready: it’s semi-legendary at Ding Tai Fung.
Stroll along The Pointe
The 1.5-kilometre promenade known as The Pointe is set at the very tip of Palm Jumeirah. One of the best things about this spot is its location; being situated at the tip, the views across the sea back towards the Atlantis Hotel are pretty stunning.
The best time to head here is after dark when you can join locals and visitors alike in taking an easy stroll along the paved boardwalk. Then either pick a spot for dinner or stand and enjoy the scenery, which includes the illuminated fountain display at the foot of the Atlantis hotel.
Pamper yourself with a spa
After all the strolling, shopping, eating, and diving, there’s nothing better than indulging in a spa treatment (or two). Luckily there are dozens of spas located on Palm Jumeirah, with plenty to choose from depending on what level of service or what vibe you’re looking for.
One example is the Turkish-style Anjana Spa; another is the Talise Ottoman Spa with its enormous Jacuzzi and Olympic-sized swimming pool. Or you could opt for the immaculate Anantara Spa for a very therapeutic experience indeed.