Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Saturday, Feb 21, 2026

Israelis, say hi to Dubai

Israelis, say hi to Dubai

From flowers to towers and skydiving to sky lights, normalization deal with the UAE opens up Dubai's collection of amazing attractions to Israeli tourists, and the Emirati city is already anticipating an influx of first-time visitors

A source in Dubai's tourism industry told Ynet on Sunday that preparations are already underway for the expected influx of Israeli tourists, just days after the two countries announced a normalization agreement.

"Until recently, government officials told us to wait when it comes to bringing in groups from Israel, even those with a foreign passport, to Dubai. Now we have been given the green light," he said.



Dubai by night


"But due to the coronavirus pandemic, the number of tourists to the city has gone down drastically. Now we are waiting for Israeli tourists and businessmen how surely will want to do business here and fill Dubai's streets and attractions."

It was also reported that the UAE's two national flight carriers, Emirates and Etihad Airways, have already started preparations for direct flights from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.


The Burj Khalifa skyscraper



According to sources, the routes could become operational as soon as October.

"There is a reason Turkey so vocally condemns the normalization agreement between Israel and the UAE," a source said

"One of the main economic victims of this deal is Turkish Airlines, which is very popular among Israelis."

So what is there to do in Dubai?


Dubai's most popular attraction of course is the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, the tallest tower in the world, from the top of which a beautiful panoramic view of the city can be seen. Admission costs 110 Dirham (1 UAE Dirham = 0.93 Israeli shekels), but tickets can be bought at a lower price through coupon sites.

At the base of the tower lays the Dubai Mall, which houses a beautiful aquarium (admission is 120 Dirham) and also a fashionable boulevard with many designer shops.

Also at the mall is a beautiful water show that can be seen freely. The spectacular performance happens every half hour and starts at 6pm.


The Dubai Mall



Exiting the city by transport from the mall, visitors reach the Miracle Gardens (admission 50 Dirham), where you can see gigantic statues made out of flowers of Disney characters, Alice in Wonderland and even a life-sized airplane.

The city's newest shining attraction is the "Dubai Frame" - a massive architectural installation, shaped like a golden picture frame, towering at 150 meters.


Dubai's Miracle Gardens



At the Frame, there is an audiovisual performance on Dubai's past, present and future (admission 52 Dirham).

Dubai proudly shows its Emirati and Arab heritage. If you wish to see and feel that heritage, two attractions are a must.


The Dubai Frame



The first if the Global Village - a massive fairground presenting over 90 cultures from around the world. Each section is filled with shops, restaurants, concerts and carnivals from each respected culture.

The Village's main showcase is the various Arab nations and cultures, where you can find dancing performances, fancy restaurants and spectacular firework performances (admission 15 Dirham).


The Dubai Aquarium



Driving along the main highway leading to the border with Oman, you can take a desert safari ride. The trip includes a dune buggy ride not for the faint of heart, an authentic Emirati dinner, a belly dancing show and more. The trip lasts about half a day and costs about NIS 300 all-included.

Even though it might be the middle of the summer, but you still feel like skying, Dubai has got you covered.


The Dubai Fountain



"Ski Dubai", located at the "Mall of the Emirates", is a massive complex with over 22 km of ski lanes and other attractions (admission 200-500 Dirham). The mall is also a great place to shop at low prices.

If you're tired of the more modern attractions of Dubai, you can head north from the "Mall of the Emirates" and head down to the Old City, where you can also find the massive Al Souk Al Kabir.

Ski Dubai



The traditional Arab souk is a great place to buy souvenirs, traditional clothing and beautiful houseware.

On the other side of the canal crossing of the Old City are Dubai's spice, gold and clothing markets.


Dubai's Spice Souk



The Palm Islands are an awesome sight to see, filled with the city's best and most luxurious hotels and could even be seen from above with a 15-minute helicopter ride which costs around 800 Dirham.

Dubai is also home to a variety of theme parks and child attractions. Two of the most recommended ones (and not only for kids) are "Lego Land" and "Atlantis," the city's local waterpark.

Dubai is also home for great culinary experiences of all kinds and prices. You can eat at a Persian or Lebanese restaurant for 50-100 Dirham, or one of its Michelin Star eateries or chef Gordon Ramsey's "Bread Street Kitchen & Bar" on the Palm Islands.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Concerns Mount Over Potential Saudi Uranium Enrichment in Prospective US Nuclear Accord
Trump Directs Government to Release UFO and Alien Information
Trump Signs Global 10% Tariffs on Imports
Investability Emerges as the Defining Test of Saudi Arabia’s Next Market Phase
Saudi Arabia’s Packaging Market Accelerates as Sustainability and E-Commerce Drive Transformation
Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Minerals Drive Offers Lessons for Europe’s Supply Chain Ambitions
Saudi Arabia Unveils $32 Billion Push Into Theme Parks and Global Entertainment
Saudi Crude Exports to India Climb Sharply, Closing Gap With Russia
Saudi Arabia’s Halal Cosmetics Market Expands as Faith and Ethical Beauty Drive Growth
United Kingdom Denies U.S. Access to Military Base for Potential Iran Strike
ImmunityBio Secures Saudi Partnerships to Launch Flagship Cancer Therapy
Türkiye and Saudi Arabia Launch Expanded Renewable Energy Partnership
US Supreme Court Voids Trump’s Emergency Tariff Plan, Reshaping Trade Power and Fiscal Risk
UK Intensifies Efforts to Secure Saudi Investment in Next-Generation Fighter Jet Programme
Saudi Arabia Tops Middle East Green Building Rankings with Record Growth in 2025
Qatar and Saudi Arabia Each Commit One Billion Dollars to President Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ Initiative
Ramadan 2026 Prayer Times Set as Fasting Begins in Saudi Arabia and Egypt Announces Dates
Saudi Arabia Launches Ramadan 2026 Hotel Campaign to Boost Religious and Leisure Tourism
Saudi Arabia Seeks Reroute of Greece-Bound Fibre-Optic Cable Through Syria Instead of Israel
Saudi-Backed Scopely Acquires Majority Stake in Turkey’s Loom Games to Expand Mobile Portfolio
Zodiac Milpro Launches Zid Marine Joint Venture in Saudi Arabia to Expand Regional Shipbuilding
Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Reform Path Amid Claims of Ideological Reversal
Calls Grow for Saudi Arabia and UAE to Settle Differences Through Direct Dialogue
Jensen Huang just told the story of how Elon Musk became NVIDIA’s very first customer for their powerful AI supercomputer
British couple sentenced to 10 years in Iran for espionage
Former British Prince Andrew Arrested on Suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office
Unitree Robotics founder Wang Xingxing showcases future robot deployment during Spring Festival Gala.
Prince William Holds Talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman During Saudi Visit
Saudi Arabia’s Humain Commits $3 Billion Investment to Elon Musk’s xAI
SCOPA Executive Unveils Ambitious Relaunch Strategy for Saudi Production Company
Saudi Arabia Sees Rise in Business Visa Rejections Amid Tighter Compliance Checks
Saudi PIF Transfers Take-Two Stake to Savvy Games Group in Strategic Gaming Push
Jimmy Carr Says He ‘Loved’ Saudi Arabia Show Amid Debate Over Performing in the Kingdom
Sotheby’s ‘Origins II’ Auction Signals Saudi Collectors’ Shift Toward Cultural Legacy
EY and Microsoft Deepen Saudi Arabia Partnership with Launch of EY Studio+
Google Pay Launches Support for Mastercard Cards in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia Bolsters Maritime Surveillance Fleet with Four C-27J Patrol Aircraft
Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia Deepen Strategic Partnership with New Investment and Energy Agreements
Saudi Crown Prince Receives Written Message from Kazakhstan’s President Amid Expanding Strategic Ties
ImmunityBio Shares Rise After Saudi Arabia BCG Manufacturing Update Spurs Investor Optimism
Global Music Star Tyla Confirmed as Headliner at 2026 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Entertainment Lineup
Somalia and Saudi Arabia Forge New Military Partnership Amid Regional Power Shifts
Saudi Arabia and Several Nations Criticize Israeli West Bank Land Measures as Diplomatic Tensions Rise
Saudi Public Investment Fund Transfers Stake in Take-Two Interactive as Portfolio Strategy Evolves
Saudi Arabia’s Flagship Defense Expo Highlights Industrial Ambitions and Expanding Arms Portfolio
Strategic Divergence Deepens as Saudi Arabia and UAE Recalibrate Gulf Partnership
Saudi Arabia Confirms Start of Ramadan as Crescent Moon Sighted, While Other Nations Begin a Day Later
Rubio Calls for Sweeping U.N. Reform, Saying It Has Failed to End Wars in Gaza and Ukraine
10,000 Condoms Distributed at Winter Olympics 2026 Athlete Village Depleted Within 72 Hours
Prince William Meets Saudi Crown Prince as Epstein-Andrew Fallout Casts Shadow
×