The Most Popular Buildings in Dubai

In Dubai, nothing is created to be ordinary. In fact, the city is famous for its buildings that have become symbols of modern architecture.

From the tallest building in the world to one of the most unique structures existing today, there’s so much to see around this beautiful city.

If you’re interested to learn more about these buildings, read on!

The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall may look like any other mall, but it’s the building’s vastness that makes it one of the best malls in Dubai and the world.

Covering 13 million square feet of total land area with 5.4 million square feet of retail floor area or the size of 200 soccer pitches, it’s the second largest mall in the world.

The Dubai Mall opened on 4 November 2008 and it welcomed more than 39 million visitors a year after.

Today, the Dubai Mall is one of the city’s most visited attractions with at least 750,000 visitors every week.

Top Attractions in The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall has everything you need and more, from the best brunch places to the top fashion brands.

It also has more than 1,200 retail outlets including Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette as its two major department stores. 

But there’s more to do in the Dubai Mall than just shop. Here are some of the must-visit attractions in and around the mall:

Atlantis The Palm

It’s hard to miss the grandeur of Atlantis The Palm dominating Palm Jumeirah’s skyline. 

Inspired by the famous myth of the same name, this five-star resort combines beautiful Greek design with Arabian details in a building that has become one of the most iconic symbols of Dubai.

Atlantis The Palm opened on 24 September 2008 with 1,548 rooms spread across the East and West Tower.

These two towers are connected by the famous $30,000 per night Royal Bridge Suite where celebrities like Kim Kardashian stayed before.

But starting this year, the Royal Bridge Suite will already be home to the luxury restaurant Nobu owned by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and business partner Rober de Niro.

Rooms at Atlantis The Palm

True to its theme, Atlantis The Palm offers accommodations that make you feel like you’re in a different world. 

Guest Rooms and Imperial Club Rooms

Featuring 45-47 square meters of space the Guest Rooms and Imperial Club rooms give you the option between the view of the Palm or the ocean, each with their own balconies.

What makes the Imperial Club rooms different is your daily access to the Imperial Club and other premium benefits.

Terrace Suite

If you’re looking for a room with a view, the Terrace Suite is the perfect option with options between the Palm or the Arabian Sea as your view.

At 94 square meters, you have plenty of space to relax in this beautiful room that’s decorated to make you feel like true royalty.

With the Terrace suite, you also have the option between a 1-bedroom suite featuring a King bed or a 2-bedroom suite with a King bed and two Queen beds.

Skyline Suite

At 101 square meters, the Skyline Suite is designed for pure luxury with its own living and dining area and a bedroom with a King bed.

You also get to enjoy stunning views of the Palm or the Arabian Sea from your balcony and wake up to daily breakfast during your stay.

Regal Suite

One of the biggest suites at Atlantis The Palm,the Regal Suite features over 164 square meters of space with separate dining and living areas.

The master bedroom is fit for royalty with its huge King bed, a living area and a balcony with stunning views of either the Arabian Sea or the Palm.

Booking the Regal Suite also gives you access to the Majlis Lounge and free daily breakfast during your stay.

Presidential Suite

Atlantis The Palm spared no expense on its Presidential Suite, one of the grandest accommodations that you can find in Dubai.

This massive suite has 220 square meters of space complete with a living area, lounge, dining area and office space.

Your balcony also offers you sweeping views of the Palm or Arabian Sea and you get to enjoy en-suite check-in for the ultimate in luxury and convenience.

Grand Atlantis Suite

At 429 square meters, it’s easy to feel at home at the Grand Atlantis Suite. 

The entrance alone features marin-themed fountains to welcome you to your accommodation. 

This suite also has five balconies to soak up the views and your own outdoor jacuzzi, so you don’t need to go out of the room to relax.

The huge master bedroom is designed for ultimate comfort with a King bed and his and hers bathroom.

The second bedroom also has its own King bed with an ensuite bathroom. The Grand Atlantis Suite also has a 24-hour butler service. 

Underwater Suite

Of course, Atlantis The Palm wouldn’t be complete without its signature Underwater Suite where your room includes a floor-to-ceiling window that looks out directly to the huge marine aquarium of the hotel.

At 165 square meters, this suite may not be as large as the other suites, but you get exclusive access to the Ambassador Lagoon and a 24-hour butler service. 

Top Attractions at Atlantis The Palm

Aside from its opulent rooms and suites, Atlantis The Palm also offers a myriad of attractions that guests can enjoy including:

• The Lost Chambers Aquarium

Atlantis wouldn’t be what it is without its ruins, and that’s exactly what The Lost Chambers Aquarium is.

This massive aquarium is home to more than 65,000 marina animals including piranhas, stingrays, lobsters and sharks housed in tanks that resemble the ruins of Atlantis.

• Dolphin Bay

Dolphin Bay is another must-visit attraction in Atlantis The Palm, especially for  families.

Here, you can play, swim and interact with bottlenose dolphins in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• Aquaventure

Known as the best waterpark in Dubai and the Middle East, Aquaventure has more than 105 record-breaking attractions and slides for you to choose from.

Don’t forget to try the Leap of Faith slide with its 9 storeys drop and the famous Poseidon’s Revenge.

• WHITE Beach 

Atlantis The Palm’s famous beach club WHITE Beach is one of the best places to lounge during the day and party at night.

Here, you can enjoy the beautiful views of  the Arabian Gulf during the day and dine and drink at night, as this area transforms into an outdoor club.

Top Restaurants at Atlantis The Palm

Atlantis The Palm is also home to international restaurants by some of the best chefs in the world including:

• Nobu

The world famous Nobu restaurant by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa was named by the MICHELIN Guide as one of the best restaurants in Dubai.

Offering world-class Japanese cuisine with some Peruvian influences, Nobu Dubai is famous for its sushi and wagyu beef tacos.

• Gordon Ramsay Bread Street Kitchen and Bar

The famous celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay opened his restaurant Bread Street Kitchen and Bar at Atlantis The Palm offering elevated British fare.

Since then, it’s been a favorite for those who crave British classics including the infamous beef Wellington.

• Hakkasan

For guests who want to enjoy elevated Chinese food, Hakkasan is the place to be.

This MICHELIN-starred restaurant is run by Chef Andy Toh and his team where they offer a menu combining traditional techniques and the best ingredients.

Dubai Frame

Standing tall in the middle of Zabeel Park is the Dubai Frame, the largest frame in the world at 150.24 meters high and 95.53 meters wide.

Although it doesn’t look like your typical building, this structure is considered an architectural wonder. 

In fact, the design was chosen among 926 proposals for  the Thyseenkrupp Elevator International Award in 2009.

Fernando Donis who designed the Dubai Frame said that he chose this design since Dubai already has a lot of emblems.

So, instead of building another structure, he proposed to create a frame with a void of 150 meters by 105 meters to frame the old, new and future Dubai. 

The Intellectual Property Rights Controversy

The original design of the Dubai Frame went through a controversy when Fernando Donis filed a lawsuit against the Municipality of Dubai for stealing his design.

The Dubai government said that his contract stated that he would waive his intellectual rights to the project to which Donis denied.

He filed the lawsuit in 2016 in the United States against the Municipality of Dubai and ThyssenKrupp Elevator for not receiving compensation for his design and a contract.

As of today, the case still hasn’t  reached any conclusion.

Despite the hiccup, construction of the Dubai Frame continued and it was opened in 2018.

More than 9,900 cubic meters of reinforced concrete, 2,900 square meters of laminated glass and 2,000 tons of steel were used in the construction.

The rectangular design of the Dubai Frame was inspired by the 1.618 golden ratio, which represents the ideal structural balance in architecture and design.

Today, the Dubai Frame is one of the most visited landmarks of Dubai with 17.73 million visitors in 2019.

Top Attractions at the Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame is more than just a symbolic structure. Being an observatory and museum, it offers different experiences including:

• Old Dubai Gallery

Since the Dubai Frame is a symbol of the Old and New Dubai, you start your journey with a tour of the Old Dubai Gallery to learn more about its history. 

• The Old and New Dubai

As you ascend to the glass bridge connecting the two towers, you get panoramic views of the Old Dubai from the north and the New Dubai from the south.

• The Future of Dubai

Located on the other side of the mezzanine level is the Future Dubai Gallery showing the government’s plans over the next five decades. 

• Glass Bridge

Of course, the highlight of the tour is the 75-second elevator ride to the skywalk and the sweeping views that you’ll see at 150 meters above the ground. 

JW Marriott Marquis

The JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Hotel stands out from a line of buildings in Business Bay because of its unique facade.

The twin tower complex stands at 355 meters high making it the second tallest hotel in the world. 

The JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Hotel was originally just a single building. But because of a creek extension, the twin tower design was launched in 2006.

The unique design of the hotel was inspired by the date palm, which is one of the most important trees in the Middle East.

Today, the hotel has 1,364 guest rooms, 240 private suites and 4 presidential suites. It also has a 1,000-capacity banquet hall, over 19 restaurants and more than 18 shops.

The JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Hotel is also home to one of the largest spas in the city.

Rooms at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

In true Marriott fashion, the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is designed with pure luxury and opulence in mind.

This five-star hotel is the perfect choice for guests who want exclusivity while staying in the heart of the city, as it’s located in Business Bay.

Here, guests can book one of these rooms and suites:

Deluxe Rooms

JW Marriott Marquis has Deluxe King and Deluxe Twin Rooms at 44 square meters each and fitted with either twin or King beds.

You also have the Deluxe Corner Suite at 88 square meters with a separate living room and a King bed.

Executive Rooms

The hotel also has Executive King and Twin rooms still at 44 square meters but with additional amenities and access to the Executive Lounge.

If you need a bigger space, you can opt for the Executive Corner Suite with 88 square meters of space and the same amenities as the other Executive rooms.

Presidential Suite

With more than 624 square meters of space, the Presidential Suite at the JW Marriott Marquis is opulence at its finest.

Here, you have two bedrooms with a King Bed and two twin beds. You also get a separate living and dining area, a study and a mini bar.

Top Restaurants at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Aside from its luxurious accommodations, the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is also home to some of the best restaurants and lounges in the city including:

• Prime68

Dubbed as the best steakhouse in Downtown Dubai, Prime68 is famous for its high quality meats, side dishes and wines.

Dining at this restaurant also gives you sweeping views of the city, which is perfect especially at night.

• Rang Mahal

Rang Mahal offers a new take on Indian cuisine with dishes featuring traditional flavors and both meat and vegetarian options.

• Vault

Located at the 71st and 72nd floors of the hotel, Vault is a popular lounge bar that serves a range of beers, wines, cocktails and cigars.

Here, you can enjoy your favorite drinks while being surrounded by sweeping views of Downtown Dubai.

• Positano

Named after a place in Italy, Positano offers an authentic Italian cuisine experience with freshly made pizza and pasta.

Museum of the Future

One of the newest additions to Dubai’s impressive lineup of buildings is the Museum of the Future.

Unlike most museums that focus on exhibits from the past, the Museum of the Future was designed to be a space where people can see, touch and experience the future.

Located in Dubai’s Financial District, this exhibition space was founded by the Dubai Future Foundation and it features three elements: building, void and green hill.

It was officially inaugurated on 22 February 22, which is a palindrome date, and it has featured different futuristic exhibitions ever since.

The Thought Behind the Design

The Museum of the Future is one of  the most complex buildings in the world with its unique design.

Designed by Killa Design and constructed by Buro Happold, its exterior is composed of more than 1,024 composite panels,each carefully shaped for the Arabic script that wraps the entire facade.

Attractions at The Museum of the Future

The Museum of the Future  is composed of seven floors, each dedicated to an exhibition that focuses on the future. Here, you can experience these attractions:

• Journey to the Future

Experience what it feels like to travel to space in a virtual journey to the space station where you’ll see how astronauts work.

This space also teaches you how the moon could be used for renewable energy in the future.

• Tomorrow Today

This evolving exhibition space will show different innovations and technologies that will help shape the future and address current issues such as climate change.

• The Vault of Life

This area is essentially a DNA library where the DNA of different species are stored and studied for future uses.

• Digital Amazon

Experience the wonders of the Amazon rainforest and see its different species without traveling to Brazil. 

• Future Heroes

This area is dedicated to the world’s future heroes, the children. Here, kids can enjoy an interactive “screen-free”  experience that helps to shape future skills. 

• The Future of Wellness

In this area, you can disconnect from your digital life and take back the balance between your body, mind and spirit. 

• The Center

Another space dedicated for wellness, The Center offers experiences that focus on mediation, movement and water.

Burj Al Arab

Before Burj Khalifa became the symbol of Dubai, there was Burj Al Arab, the most popular luxury hotel in the city.

Located on a man made island created especially for  the hotel, Burj Al Arab is about 280 meters away from Jumeirah Beach and it’s connected to land by its own private bridge.

The design of the hotel is inspired by the shape of a sail, which symbolizes Dubai’s history. 

It took two years to build the man made island that the hotel sits on and another three years to complete the structure. Burj Al Arab was opened in 1999 and has been an iconic landmark ever since.

The Work Behind the Iconic Landmark

Since Burj Al Arab’s design is different, it took a lot of planning before it was completed. 

Architect Tom Wright of Atkins designed the building but the construction was managed by Rick Gregory from the same firm.

The contractor for this project was Murray and Roberts and Al Habtoor Engineering while the interior design was conceptualized by John Coralan and Khuan Chew of KCA International.

The hotel’s helipad, on the other hand, was designed by architect Rebecca Gernon.

At the peak of construction, there were more than 2,000 workers building Burj Al Arab.

The Suites at Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab is managed by the Jumeirah Group and it features 199 private suites that offer the ultimate luxurious experience for its guests. 

Each suite has a dedicated staff of eight people offering a 24-hour butler service.

Deluxe Marina and Palm Suites

At 170 square meters, the Deluxe Marina and Palm Suites are two-storey accommodations with amenities that spell luxury on every front.

• Two-storey one-bedroom suite
• In-suite check-in and check-out
• Living room and powder room
• Master bathroom
• Remote controlled amenities
• Hermes toiletries
• Access to private beach, The Terrace and spa
• Unlimited entry to Wild Wadi Waterpark and Summersalt Beach Club
• Complimentary tour
• Choice of eiderdown duvets, 9 types of pillows, Egyptian cotton linen and personalized bed for posture preferences

The Sky Marina and Palm Suites, on the other hand, are duplex suites that offer the same space and amenities as the Deluxe Suites with additional amenities like:

Panoramic Suite

One of the more luxurious suites at Burj Al Arab is the loft-style Panoramic Suite with 225 square meters of space.

You also get the same amenities as the basic suites with the difference of being a loft, which is perfect if you’re traveling solo or as a couple.

Club One-Bedroom Suite

If you’re looking for extra space, especially if you’re traveling with family, this double height suite offers 330 square meters of floor area with separate living  and dining areas.

Of course, you get the same luxuries that the other suites in Burj Al Arab offer for the ultimate holiday experience.

Burj Family Suites

Designed specifically for families, the Burj Family Suites have either two or three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, living and dining areas and kids’ amenities.

The two-bedroom Burj Family Suite covers 335 square meters while the three-bedroom suite is massive at over 670 square meters.

You can also go with the Deluxe Two Bedroom Suite that’s as big as the Burj Family Suite but without the kids’ amenities.

Diplomatic Three Bedroom Suite

At 670 square meters, there’s plenty of space to relax at the Diplomatic Suite with its three bedrooms and three separate living areas.

Aside from the usual amenities that come with a suite at Burj Al Arab, you also get to enjoy:

• Complimentary luxury airport transfers from Dubai International Airport
• Personalized in-suite bar
• Dining room for six people
• Separate staff entrance with private butler’s kitchen

Presidential Two-Bedroom Suite

For the ultimate Burj Al Arab experience, you have the grand Presidential Suite at 667 square meters. 

This two-bedroom accommodation is decked out in gold from floor to ceiling with accessories and furniture decorated in gold and velvet elements. 

And if you book the Presidential Suite, you actually get $816.82 resort credit per stay that you can use towards other amenities in the hotel.

Restaurants at Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab is also home to some of the most exclusive restaurants in the city including:

• Al Muntaha

This Michelin-starred restaurant is run by Chef Saverio Sbaragli offering the best in Italian and French cuisine.

• Sal

This pop-up restaurant offers a more casual dining experience with views of the Arabian Gulf.

• Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara

Enjoy a unique dining experience with the best Italian cuisine from Chef Andrea Migliaccio of the two Michelin star restaurant Ristorante L’Olivo in Capri.

Burj Khalifa

This list wouldn’t be complete without the most important icon of Dubai and the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa.

Standing at 829.8 meters, you can easily see this building from anywhere in the city and it was designed to symbolize Dubai’s plans of standing out from the rest of the world.

Burj Khalifa is built in the middle of the massive Downtown Dubai development including the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa Lake.

The Design Philosophy of the Record-Breaking Landmark

Burj Al Arab was designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM), the same designers of the One World Trade Center in the United States.

Hyder Consulting supervised the engineering aspect of the project while NORR Group Consultants International Ltd. 

The spiral design of Burj Khalifa was based on Islamic architecture where it’s reminiscent of some spinal minarets at the Great Mosque of Samarra.

The decreasing cross section of the tower as it rises from the ground is also beneficial in reducing vibration and making the building more stable.

Amenities at Burj Khalifa

At more than 160 storeys, Burj Khalifa is one of the biggest mixed use buildings in Dubai.

In fact, the building is divided into different sections:

• Armani Hotel Dubai

Concourse to Level 8

The Armani Hotel Dubai is the first hotel in the world to be designed and developed by the great Giorgio Armani.

This sophisticated hotel has all of Armani’s signature style, from the best Italian furniture to bespoke linens and furnishings.

•  Armani Residences

Level 9 to 16

For those who want to call Burj Khalifa their home, Giorgio Armani created the Armani Residences.

Here, residents can indulge in fully furnished apartments that are personally designed by Armani featuring accessories by Armani/Casa and Italian furniture.

• Armani Hotel Dubai

Level 38 and 39

In these levels, you’ll see the Armani Signature Suites, which is still part of the Armani Hotel.

• The Residences

Level 19 to 108

The most prestigious address in all of Dubai, The Residences features 900 residences in Burj Khalifa for those who want to live the ultimate luxurious lifestyle.

You can choose from studios, one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom residences offering unparalleled views of the city.

The Residences also have indoor and outdoor swimming pools, recreation areas, fitness facilities and other amenities for residents to enjoy.

• At.Mosphere

Level 122

Known as the highest restaurant in the world at 442 meters, At.Mosphere offers the ultimate dining experience in Dubai where you get panoramic views of the city.

The restaurant also has some of the best offerings from Executive Chef Jerome Lagarde.

• At the Top Burj Khalifa

Levels 124 and 125

One of the highest public observation decks in the world, At the Top offers a 360-degree view of Dubai from Level 124 of Burj Khalifa.

• Corporate Suites

Levels 112 to 154

The Corporate Suites is the perfect address for businesses that want to make their mark in the city and the world.

Occupying 37 floors, the Corporate Suites is home to some of the top local and international companies. 

These spaces are designed to not only meet  their occupants’ needs but also fit the luxurious lifestyle that Burj Khalifa is famous for.

• At the Top Burj Khalifa SKY

Level 148

At 555 meters high, At the Top Burj Khalifa SKY puts you at one of the best spots in the world where you get the best views of the city and beyond.

You begin your journey At the Top where you’ll ride a private elevator that will take you to three observatories at Level 124, 125 and the highest one at 148 where you get to enjoy the highest outdoor observatory in the world.

• The Lounge Burj Khalifa

Levels 152 to 154

Of course, you can’t miss being in the highest lounge in the world at 585 meters. Here, you can enjoy high tea in the afternoon and some cocktails at night while you’re literally on top of the world.

Dubai’s Most Popular Buildings

Dubai has indeed become a powerhouse over the last few years, and it has built some of the most magnificent structures in the world.

So, if you’re visiting Dubai, make sure to stop by or stay in one of these buildings where you get a feel of what being in Dubai really feels like.

Many choose to call it the city of dreams, after all, so don’t miss the chance to live the dream by experiencing the most popular buildings in the city.