Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis and Burj Al Arab: A Visitor's Guide

Seen from above, Palm Jumeirah is one of the most recognisable places on Earth: a man-made island shaped like a palm tree, with a trunk, 16 fronds and a crescent-shaped breakwater, built out into the Gulf from Dubai's coast. At its tip stands the famous Atlantis The Palm resort, and just along the coast rises the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, one of the world's most photographed hotels.

This guide covers what to see and do on the Palm and around the Burj Al Arab, from water parks and viewing decks to beaches and the best photo spots.

Palm Jumeirah was built in the early 2000s using millions of tonnes of sand and rock. The trunk is lined with apartments, hotels and restaurants; the fronds hold private villas; and the crescent is home to luxury resorts such as Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal. The Palm Monorail runs along the trunk to Atlantis, and the Palm West Beach and Club Vista Mare offer beach clubs and restaurants with skyline views.

The View at The Palm, on level 52 of The Palm Tower, gives a 360-degree view over the island, the Arabian Gulf and Dubai Marina, and is the best place to appreciate the palm shape from above without taking to the air. Sunset is the most popular time. A glass-floored edge-walk experience is available for the brave.

The pink, arched Atlantis The Palm resort opened in 2008 and is a destination in itself, even if you are not staying there:

• Aquaventure Waterpark: one of the world's biggest water parks, with record-breaking slides, a lazy river, a private beach and rides for all ages.
• The Lost Chambers Aquarium: underwater tunnels and tanks themed on the lost city of Atlantis, with sharks, rays and thousands of fish.
• Dolphin Bay and Sea Lion Point: encounters with marine animals.
• Restaurants: from celebrity-chef dining to casual buffets.

Next door, Atlantis The Royal, opened in 2023, is an ultra-luxury resort with stacked architecture and sky pools.

• Buy tickets online for better prices; combo tickets with the Lost Chambers are good value.
• Arrive at opening time to enjoy the big slides before queues build.
• Height restrictions apply to some rides; there are dedicated areas for younger children.
• Bring swimwear, sunscreen and a towel, or rent lockers and towels on site.
• In summer, go in the late afternoon when it is cooler.

See our guide to Dubai theme parks and water parks for more family fun.

Rising 321 metres from its own island off Jumeirah Beach, the Burj Al Arab is shaped like the sail of a traditional dhow and is often called the world's most luxurious hotel. Non-guests can see it up close by booking a restaurant, afternoon tea or the official "Inside Burj Al Arab" guided tour of the gold-filled atrium and suites.

Best photo spots: Jumeirah Public Beach (Sunset Beach), Kite Beach, the Souk Madinat Jumeirah waterways and the boardwalk of Madinat Jumeirah, especially at sunset.

Beside the Burj Al Arab, Souk Madinat Jumeirah recreates a traditional Arabian market, with canals, abra boat rides, shops and restaurants with views of the Burj Al Arab. Next door, Wild Wadi Waterpark is a favourite with families, with slides and a wave pool in sight of the hotel.

The Palm is about 30 to 40 minutes from Downtown Dubai and 10 minutes from Dubai Marina by road. You can take the Dubai Tram to Palm Jumeirah station and connect to the Palm Monorail, or use a taxi or ride-hailing app. Our city tour includes photo stops at the Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis.

For the ultimate view, take a helicopter tour or, for the brave, a tandem skydive over the Palm. Yacht cruises from Dubai Marina sail around the crescent with views of Atlantis and the skyline. Read about more places to visit in Dubai.

Palm Jumeirah has several beach clubs on its west side with day passes, and the resorts on the crescent have private beaches for guests. For free public beaches nearby, head to JBR, Al Sufouh Beach or Kite Beach. Swim only in designated areas, follow the lifeguards' flags and use plenty of sunscreen.

A night or two at a Palm resort turns a city break into a beach holiday, with private beaches, pools and often free access to water parks for guests. It suits honeymooners and families who want resort facilities; the trade-off is that Downtown and old Dubai are 30 to 45 minutes away.

The Dubai city tour in our Dubai Delight package includes photo stops at the Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis, and Aquaventure or The View can be added on a free day. We can also arrange a stay on the Palm or at a beach resort; see our guide to where to stay in Dubai.