United Arab Emirates · Asia

Discover Dubai with Rafeek

Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai.

Seeing Dubai without the story is only half the trip

The problem

Group tours run on someone else's clock, printed signs say too little, and searching for context on your phone pulls you out of the moment. Most travellers leave Dubai with photos but no sense of what they actually saw.

How Rafeek fixes it

Rafeek is a personal audio guide in your pocket. Press play at each landmark in Dubai, listen at your own pace, and keep your eyes on the place instead of a screen. Guides work offline, so no roaming or signal worries.

What you'll discover in Dubai

36 landmarks with their own audio guide — tap any one to read what you'll hear.

Ain Dubai

The world's largest and tallest observation wheel, located on Bluewaters Island. It provides stunning 360-degree views of the Dubai skyline, including landmarks like the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, during its 38-minute rotation.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Also known as Al Bastakiya, this is one of the oldest parts of the city, offering a glimpse into Dubai's past. The area is characterized by its traditional wind-tower architecture, narrow alleyways, art galleries, and museums.

Al Shindagha Museum

Situated on the banks of the Dubai Creek, this museum complex explores the city's rich heritage and origins. It includes the 'Dubai Creek: Birth of a City' multimedia experience and the Perfume House, which highlights traditional Emirati scents.

Aquaventure Waterpark

A massive waterpark located at the Atlantis, The Palm resort. It boasts record-breaking slides, a lazy river, a private beach, and unique marine animal encounters, making it a top attraction for families and thrill-seekers.

Atlantis, The Palm

A majestic luxury hotel and resort situated at the apex of the Palm Jumeirah. It is a destination in itself, featuring the Aquaventure Waterpark, The Lost Chambers Aquarium, and world-class restaurants.

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

A global icon of Arabian luxury, this hotel is famous for its distinctive sail-shaped silhouette. Standing on its own artificial island, it is known for its opulent interiors, fine dining restaurants, and unparalleled service.

Burj Khalifa

The tallest building in the world, this iconic skyscraper is a centerpiece of Downtown Dubai. Visitors can ascend to observation decks on the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and surrounding desert.

City Walk

An open-air lifestyle destination that combines high-end retail, dining, and entertainment in a sophisticated urban setting. Its European-style pedestrian streets are adorned with street art from renowned international artists.

Dubai Creek

A natural saltwater inlet that divides the city into two main sections, Deira and Bur Dubai. Visitors can take a traditional wooden boat, known as an abra, for a scenic and affordable tour of the waterway and its surrounding souks and old buildings.

Dubai Dolphinarium

An indoor air-conditioned facility in Creek Park where visitors can watch entertaining shows featuring dolphins and seals. The dolphinarium aims to educate the public about marine life and conservation while providing a fun family experience.

Dubai Frame

An iconic architectural landmark in Zabeel Park, designed to look like a giant picture frame. It offers panoramic views of both old and new Dubai from its glass-floored bridge, with a museum on the ground floor depicting the city's history.

Dubai Miracle Garden

The world's largest natural flower garden, featuring over 150 million flowers arranged in incredible designs and structures. This seasonal attraction includes a floral A380 airplane, a heart-shaped pathway, and numerous other whimsical displays.

Dubai Museum

Housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest existing building in Dubai, this museum chronicles the city's rapid transformation. Exhibits depict traditional Emirati life, with dioramas and artifacts showcasing the era before the oil boom.

Dubai Opera

A premier performing arts venue located in Downtown Dubai, with an iconic design inspired by a traditional dhow. The multi-format venue hosts a wide range of performances, including opera, ballet, concerts, and theatre.

Dubai Parks and Resorts

The largest integrated theme park destination in the Middle East. It comprises three main theme parks: Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, and Legoland Dubai, along with a Legoland Water Park.

Dubai Water Canal

A 3.2-kilometer man-made waterway that runs from the Creek in Old Dubai to the Arabian Gulf. The canal is lined with pedestrian walkways, a mechanically operated waterfall, and offers stunning views and boat tours.

Etihad Museum

A modern museum dedicated to the story of the founding of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Located on the historic site where the constitution was signed, it features interactive exhibits, photos, and films.

Global Village

A vast multicultural festival park that offers a unique shopping, dining, and entertainment experience. It features pavilions representing over 90 countries, showcasing their native products, food, and cultural performances.

Gold Souk

A world-famous traditional market located in the heart of Deira. The souk's covered walkways are lined with hundreds of shops displaying a dazzling array of gold, platinum, and diamond jewelry.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

One of the world's largest indoor theme parks, offering year-round entertainment for all ages. The park is divided into zones based on Marvel comics, Cartoon Network characters, and original concepts, featuring thrilling rides and attractions.

Jumeirah Mosque

A magnificent example of modern Islamic architecture, this mosque is a prominent city landmark. It is one of the few mosques in Dubai open to non-Muslim visitors, offering guided tours to promote cultural understanding.

Kite Beach

A popular and lively beach known for its pristine sands and excellent conditions for watersports, especially kitesurfing. It offers spectacular views of the Burj Al Arab and features a running track, skate park, and numerous food trucks.

La Mer

A trendy beachfront destination in Jumeirah that blends rustic and contemporary design. It features a beautiful beach, a wide range of cafes and restaurants, boutique shops, and the Laguna Waterpark.

Museum of the Future

An architectural marvel that explores the future of science, technology, and innovation. The building's unique torus shape is covered in Arabic calligraphy, and its immersive exhibits offer a journey to the year 2071.

Palm Jumeirah

A remarkable man-made archipelago shaped like a palm tree, visible from space. It is home to luxurious hotels, including Atlantis The Palm, upscale apartment towers, and private villas with beach access.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

A vast wetland reserve located at the end of Dubai Creek, serving as a critical habitat for migratory birds. It is famous for the thousands of flamingos that flock here during the winter months, which can be observed from dedicated viewing hides.

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House

A historic building that was the former residence of Dubai's ruler from 1912 to 1958. Now a museum, it provides a fascinating insight into the city's history through a collection of old photographs, documents, and artifacts.

Ski Dubai

An extraordinary indoor ski resort located within the Mall of the Emirates. It features an 85-meter-high indoor mountain with 5 slopes of varying difficulty, a snow park, and opportunities to meet penguins.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

A modern re-creation of a traditional Arabian souk, complete with winding alleyways and a central waterway. It offers a mix of boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants, with stunning views of the Burj Al Arab.

Spice Souk

Situated next to the Gold Souk, this aromatic market is filled with the scents of exotic spices, herbs, incense, and traditional perfumes. It offers a sensory journey through the region's trading heritage.

Textile Souk

Located in the Bur Dubai district, across the creek from the other main souks. This vibrant marketplace is a treasure trove of colorful fabrics, including fine silks, cottons, and embroidered materials.

The Beach at JBR

A bustling beachfront complex located in the Jumeirah Beach Residence area. It combines a wide public beach with a promenade featuring a wide array of restaurants, shops, an outdoor cinema, and family-friendly activities.

The Dubai Fountain

Set on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake, this is the world's largest choreographed fountain system. The fountain performs daily shows, shooting water up to 500 feet in the air, illuminated by over 6,600 lights and set to a range of music.

The Dubai Mall

One of the largest shopping malls globally, located at the base of the Burj Khalifa. It features over 1,200 retail stores, an Olympic-sized ice rink, the massive Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, and numerous dining options.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium

An Atlantis-themed aquarium at the Atlantis, The Palm hotel, featuring underwater halls and tunnels. It is home to over 65,000 marine animals and offers a mesmerizing journey through the mythical lost city.

Zabeel Park

One of Dubai's largest and most popular public parks, offering a vast green space for recreation and relaxation. It is home to the Dubai Frame, a boating lake, barbecue areas, and a technology-themed garden.

How Rafeek works in Dubai

Download Rafeek

Get the app on iOS or Android and pick your destination.

Choose a guide

Browse the landmarks nearby and choose the ones you want.

Press play and walk

Listen as you go, at your own pace, online or offline.

About Dubai

Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. It is on a creek on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf. As of 2025, its population stands at 4 million, 92% of whom are expatriates. The wider urban area includes Sharjah and has a population of 5 million people as of 2023, while the Dubai–Sharjah–Ajman metropolitan area has a population of 6 million people.