One of my top dream destinations for as long as I can remember was Dubai. For years, I watched YouTube videos of Dubai and was mesmerized by its opulence, luxuriousness, and by how wheelchair accessible it seemed. I dreamed of the day when I’d finally get to experience it for myself. In early 2026, I decided to have the ultimate birthday trip and I treated myself to the wheelchair accessible Dubai trip of my dreams. It was better than I could’ve ever expected.
Over the course of about ten days, we shopped till we nearly dropped at souks and the largest shopping mall in the world, we enjoyed popular attractions like the Burj Khalifa, we ate delicious food, went on a day trip to Abu Dhabi, and we stayed in multiple remarkable hotels. It was a flawless trip from start to finish and much of that was thanks to the incredible travel advisors at Fora Travel.
Since I really wanted this to be a dream trip, I decided to use a travel agency to organize everything. After talking to Aashima, my travel advisor at Fora Travel, over Zoom nearly a year before I actually went to Dubai, I trusted that she could plan a wonderful trip and I’m happy to say that Aashima and her team were exceptional. They organized wheelchair accessible transportation, found hotels that worked perfectly for my accessibility needs, booked accessible attractions and restaurants, and truly went out of their way to exceed my expectations in every possible way. I am now Fora Travel’s number one fan and I cannot recommend using them enough for your next trip, no matter where you’re going.
In this wheelchair accessible Dubai travel guide, I’ll start by telling you all about some of the best attractions and things to do, then I’ll tell you about my day trip to Abu Dhabi, and lastly, I’ll cover the three hotels I stayed in. By the time you finish reading this guide, you should be fully prepared to experience this magical destination for yourself, no matter what your abilities are.
Also, I totally understand that now is not the time to travel to Dubai. I am very lucky to have gotten out of Dubai just three hours before the first missile strikes took place, and I’m thinking of everyone that’s affected in the Middle East currently. I debated publishing this blog post, but I’m sharing it with the hope that Dubai and the rest of the Middle East will return to normal in the near future. It’s a beautiful destination with so many friendly people, many of which depend on tourism for their livelihood, so I really hope to visit again one day in the not too distant future.
Wheelchair Accessible Dubai Attractions and Things to Do
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, standing at an incredible 828 meters (over 2,700 feet tall). It opened in 2010 and has become one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks. You really can’t miss it because it towers above the whole city skyline.
When it comes to accessibility, I was impressed. The entrance is smooth, and the elevator is super fast, taking you straight up to the viewing decks without any hassle. Every floor I visited was wheelchair accessible, including the outdoor terrace.
We went with the premium ticket option, and I’d definitely recommend it. It gave us access to higher floors that the standard ticket doesn’t cover. Plus, they welcomed us with snacks and champagne, which made the experience even more special.
The views were incredible, but what made it even better was being able to go outside at the top. Feeling the wind up there and looking out over all of Dubai was unforgettable. And since the Burj Khalifa is right by the Dubai Mall, it’s super easy to plan your day around both.
Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall on Earth. It’s huge. You could spend days there and still not see everything. We shopped for hours, and I still felt like we barely scratched the surface.
One of the coolest parts was the Dubai Aquarium. It’s inside the mall and it’s massive. The aquarium tunnel lets you walk through with fish, rays, and sharks all around you. It was fully accessible, and I loved every second of it.
We also ate at Texas Roadhouse. I know, not local cuisine, but it’s cool that the mall has American spots too. Honestly, you can find every kind of food there. There are so many restaurants that it’s hard to choose.
Beyond that, they even have an ice skating rink inside. Whether you’re shopping, dining, or checking out wheelchair accessible Dubai attractions, the whole mall is accessible. They had elevators so I could get to every floor easily.
Ain Dubai
Ain Dubai is officially the tallest observation wheel in the world, and experiencing it was fantastic. The entire process was accessible. I rolled right into the pod with my power wheelchair, and there was tons of room to move around. The pods are huge, similar to the ones on the London Eye or the High Roller in Las Vegas.
The full rotation takes about 38 minutes. That gave me plenty of time to take in the views, everything from Atlantis The Palm to the Burj Al Arab and the coastline. It was all laid out in front of us, and the slower pace meant I could enjoy it without any rush.
We were lucky to have a quiet time slot, so there were only about eight of us in the pod. With that space, I could easily turn around and see every angle. Whether you love heights or just want a unique view of Dubai, this is definitely worth doing.
Dubai Miracle Garden
The Dubai Miracle Garden is probably the most beautiful botanical garden I’ve ever visited. We spent about two hours there, and honestly, it could’ve been more. The whole place is filled with giant topiaries and floral exhibits. They had these massive flower castles, heart-shaped arches, and even a floral Emirates A380 plane.
It’s all outdoors, so just keep the weather in mind. It can get hot in Dubai, but on a nice day, it’s perfect. The paths are paved and smooth, so I had zero issues navigating in my wheelchair. A couple of areas had a slight incline, but as a power wheelchair user, it was no problem. Even for manual chairs, it’s manageable.
On top of the amazing exhibits, there are food options throughout the garden. So if you need a snack or a drink, you’re covered. We grabbed a quick bite while taking a break.
Overall, I was impressed by how accessible it was. It’s one of those places where you could easily spend hours wandering around. If you love flowers, it’s a must visit.
Global Village
Global Village was absolutely fascinating. It’s fully accessible, with paved pathways that made it easy to navigate, even though it’s huge. The best way I can describe it is like Epcot at Walt Disney World, except way bigger. Each country has its own section, with its own vibe, shops, and food.
There are over 90 countries represented. I loved wandering through the Egypt pavilion, and I couldn’t resist the Turkey section where I had some kunefe. Each area feels like its own little world, and the food is authentic, like a global tasting tour.
What’s really cool is that you’ll find places you wouldn’t usually see in other theme park style setups. I explored pavilions for Palestine, Yemen, Iran, Oman, and more. The UAE section was huge as well, and each country had its own charm.
The people working in each country’s area are often from that country, so you can chat with them and ask about life there. It really feels like traveling the world in one place. We stayed for about five hours, and you could easily stay longer. It was one of my favorite things we did on the trip.
Spice Market and Gold Souk
The Spice Market in Dubai was a memorable experience. The moment I entered, I was surrounded by the vibrant colors and aromas of spices. Saffron, which the UAE is known for, was everywhere, along with teas and other local delights.
I had a great time sampling spices and chatting with the vendors. Beyond spices, there were plenty of souvenirs, magnets, keychains, and more. It was a great place to pick up little treasures and gifts.
Accessibility was impressive, with paved walkways and wide aisles, so I had no issues getting around. After exploring the market, I headed over to the Gold Souk.
The Gold Souk was also paved and accessible from the outside. While many jewelry shops had a step inside, I could still admire the displays from the windows. One shop even brought out a gold necklace for me to try on that was worth over $30,000.
Markets like these are one of the best parts of traveling, in my opinion. You get to interact with locals, ask questions, and get a real feel for the culture. Between the Spice Market and the Gold Souk, I felt immersed in the traditional side of Dubai.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Souk Madinat Jumeirah is entirely indoors and has a modern yet traditional souk feel. The main pathways inside were smooth, so it was easy for me to roll around. That said, some individual shops had small steps at the entrance, and a few were a bit tight inside.
Even so, I was able to get into plenty of shops. There was a wide variety, including textiles, souvenirs, and beautiful local crafts. And the best part is, once you’re ready for a break, you can step outside near the canals and take in the view of the Burj Al Arab.
The restaurants along the water were fully accessible, so it was the perfect place to relax after shopping. The contrast between the indoor souk and the outdoor scenery made the experience even more special.
All in all, while not every shop was accessible, I still enjoyed plenty of them. Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a great blend of modern comfort, indoor browsing, and beautiful outdoor views.
Al Hadheerah Dinner Show at Bab Al Shams Resort
The Al Hadheerah Dinner Show is located at the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, about a 45 minute drive from the center of Dubai. It’s set out in the desert, which makes for a stunning backdrop as the sun sets and the evening comes alive. The atmosphere is magical, an authentic desert setting under the night sky.
Before the show, I got to meet the camels and a falcon. Since rolling a wheelchair on sand is impossible, the dinner show team went above and beyond. They laid carpets over the sand so I could roll right up to them.
That was all arranged by Fora Travel, my travel agency, who made sure everything was accessible. Thanks to them, I was able to pet the camel and even hold the falcon. It was such a personal and unforgettable moment.
After that, we indulged in the enormous buffet. The food was incredible, with everything from fresh seafood to kabobs and desserts. There were so many options that it felt like you could try a bit of everything.
The show itself was spectacular, with fire stunts, singing, dancing, and live animals. Outdoors in the desert at night, it was a beautiful setting for a memorable evening. If you love dinner shows and want authentic cuisine, this is not to be missed.
A Wheelchair Accessible Abu Dhabi Day Trip
Abu Dhabi is just about an hour’s drive from Dubai, making it a perfect option for a wheelchair accessible day trip. Fora Travel, the incredible travel agency I used, arranged everything, including a wheelchair accessible van with a lift and secure tie down straps inside, so I could travel safely and comfortably.
A bit of background: Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and the largest emirate, covering over 67,000 square kilometers. It’s known for its modern architecture, rich cultural heritage, and is home to over 1.5 million residents. With its blend of tradition and innovation, it’s a fascinating place to explore.
Our first stop was the immersive TeamLab Phenomena exhibit, which was absolutely mind blowing. It’s a digital art installation that uses light, color, and sound to create a fully interactive environment.
All but one of the rooms were fully wheelchair accessible, and a TeamLab staff member guided us through each exhibit, ensuring we followed the accessible route. In addition, they had accessible companion restrooms, making the entire visit seamless.
This wasn’t my first time at a TeamLab exhibit. I previously visited one in Tokyo, Japan, and I can confidently say this one in Abu Dhabi was just as impressive. Each location has its own magic, but both left me completely in awe.
The Presidential Palace, known as Qasr Al Watan, is one of Abu Dhabi’s most remarkable landmarks. Opened to the public in 2019, it is both a working presidential palace and a cultural hub. The building is a stunning blend of traditional Arabian craftsmanship and modern design, symbolizing both the past and future of the UAE.
When I approached the palace, I was immediately struck by its grandeur. The white marble domes and expansive courtyards gave the palace a sense of calm and elegance. Inside, every exhibit was fully accessible. As a wheelchair user, I could navigate every gallery and admire the intricate details without any barriers. It was a truly immersive experience.
I spent a long time inside, taking in the beautiful halls, each one filled with history and artistry. The staff were welcoming, and I never once felt out of place. Every corner of Qasr Al Watan told a story, and I left feeling inspired by its beauty and accessibility.
After the palace, we visited the Emirates Palace Hotel, one of Abu Dhabi’s most luxurious addresses. We had lunch at Talia, an Italian restaurant inside the hotel. The standout dish was their truffle pizza. Each bite was rich and indulgent. The setting was elegant, and it was the perfect way to relax after a morning at the palace.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was the last stop on my Abu Dhabi day trip, and I can confidently say it was the best. This stunning mosque opened to the public in 2007 and quickly became a symbol of the UAE’s culture and faith. The white marble, intricate carvings, and reflective pools create a sense of tranquility that is hard to describe.
As a wheelchair user, I was amazed by how accessible the mosque was. We started by rolling along the exterior, surrounded by beautiful gardens and domes. Once inside, I followed the accessible routes and was able to see the main prayer hall, the chandeliers, and the detailed Islamic art. It was a moving experience.
As I explored the mosque, I made sure to respect the dress code. Women are required to cover their hair and men also need to dress modestly, with long sleeves and trousers. The staff were incredibly welcoming, and every corner of the mosque felt thoughtfully designed so that everyone, regardless of ability, could enjoy it.
I could have spent hours there. I left with a deep sense of peace, and I truly saved the best for last on this incredible day trip.
Where to Stay in Dubai
During my time in Dubai, I stayed at three distinct wheelchair accessible Dubai hotels, each offering its own charm. The Burj Al Arab is the epitome of extreme luxury, with its iconic sail shaped design and unmatched service. SLS Dubai, on the other hand, is a sleek, modern hotel that blends trendiness with accessibility. Finally, Atlantis The Palm is a vibrant resort, bursting with energy and home to world class attractions. In the sections below, I’ll dive into the details of each stay.
Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab has always been my number one dream hotel in the world. Known as the only “seven star” hotel, it represents the pinnacle of opulence, and staying there had been a lifelong dream. We were fortunate to spend three nights in this iconic hotel. After confirming with them in advance, I learned that the only truly accessible suite with a roll in shower was the two bedroom family suite, and we stayed in room 2008.
My bedroom was on the downstairs level, which was the only accessible area for me. The king size bed sat at 28 inches high, and it was by far the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in. That said, the clearance under the bed was only two inches, so for anyone using a hoyer lift, it might not provide enough space.
The bathroom downstairs was a perfect fit for my needs. There were two pull under sinks, fold down grab bars by the toilet, and both a bathtub and a roll in shower with a smooth entry. Everything was designed just right.
Upstairs, there was a second bedroom and another bathroom, both very similar in layout. While I couldn’t access that upstairs area, it was beautifully appointed, and I loved how the entire suite was filled with natural light.
Floor to ceiling windows wrapped around the entire suite, offering the most breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Arabian Gulf.
Each afternoon, we were spoiled by a dedicated butler who brought us a selection of canapés and champagne. Every day, that small ritual made us feel so special. There was caviar, delicate bites, and it was such a luxurious treat. The service was impeccable, and it felt like we were living in a dream.
Watch this short video tour of our suite at Burj Al Arab –
We also took time to visit the spa, which was an absolute dream. I got a facial while reclining in my power wheelchair, and my mom had a massage. The staff were incredible. They adjusted everything so it was perfectly comfortable and accessible for me. I left feeling so relaxed and pampered, and I can’t recommend the spa enough.
We also indulged in two of the hotel’s restaurants. One evening, we dined at SAL, a vibrant modern spot with stunning views. Another night, we went to the restaurant Al Mahara, which features a floor to ceiling aquarium. I had the sea bass with whipped potatoes, and it was some of the freshest seafood I’ve ever tasted.
The pool area at the Burj Al Arab was stunning. While the pool was easy to access, there wasn’t a pool lift, so I couldn’t get into the water. However, I could roll right up to the side and enjoy the incredible views.
By staying at the Burj Al Arab, we also got access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark nearby. Although the waterpark did not have a pool lift either, they did have zero entry pools, and the staff offered to help lift me in if I wanted to try.
Staying at the Burj Al Arab was a once in a lifetime experience. From the breathtaking views to the impeccable service, every detail was perfection, making it a wheelchair accessible Dubai stay I will never forget.
Atlantis The Palm
Atlantis The Palm in Dubai is one of the most iconic resorts, set on the spectacular Palm Jumeirah. From the moment I arrived, its grandeur was undeniable. The resort is filled with aquariums, attractions, and a vibrant mix of shops and restaurants. It felt like a destination in itself.
I stayed in a wheelchair accessible room that was spacious, with a king bed and a sofa bed. Originally, the bed was 23 inches tall, but upon my request, the staff raised it to 26 inches, making it more accessible for me.
The bathroom had a bathtub, a sink, grab bars by the toilet, and a roll in shower with a fold down seat.
We had a large balcony that was wheelchair accessible, so I could easily roll out and enjoy the view. The pools at Atlantis didn’t have pool lifts, and on the beach, there were no beach wheelchairs. However, some hard packed sand sections allowed me to roll close enough to see the water easily.
The resort is packed with shops and restaurants, including an underground mall. One highlight was The Lost Chambers Aquarium, which we visited for free as hotel guests. It was fully accessible, and I enjoyed exploring the marine life.
By staying at Atlantis The Palm, we also got free access to Aquaventure Waterpark. The waterpark was wheelchair friendly with ramps, and while there were no pool lifts, there were zero entry pools, and the staff offered to assist if needed.
We dined at some amazing restaurants. Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant had fantastic fish and chips. Another night, we ate at En Fuego, a lively Mexican restaurant with bold, delicious flavors. But the highlight was Nobu, where the sushi was the best Japanese food I’ve ever had, even surpassing what I ate in Japan.
By the end of our stay, I felt like I had experienced luxury, adventure, and culinary excellence all in one place. Atlantis truly delivered a blend of accessibility, comfort, and unforgettable memories.
SLS Dubai Hotel
SLS Dubai is a chic and modern hotel, known for its bold architecture and energetic atmosphere. It’s set in the heart of the city, offering panoramic skyline views from its upper floors, making it a trendy spot for travelers seeking style and luxury.
Our wheelchair accessible room had two single beds, each 26 inches tall. The room offered enough space to maneuver, though the balcony was not wheelchair accessible, so I couldn’t step out onto it.
The bathroom was well designed, with a roll in shower and smooth entry. There were grab bars by the toilet and a pull under sink, and though the shower seat was small, everything was fully functional.
One of the highlights of SLS was Filia Dubai, the region’s first female led restaurant. Located on an upper floor, Filia offered stunning views of the Dubai skyline. We sat right by the window, enjoying handmade pasta, calzones, pizzas, and tiramisu. Every bite was fantastic.
The hotel also has a rooftop pool with breathtaking city views. There was no pool lift, but it’s still a great spot to relax and take in the views, even though accessibility for swimming was limited.
Overall, SLS Dubai blended style, good accessibility features, and incredible dining. Between the unforgettable meal at Filia and the city’s views, it’s a hotel that made a lasting impression and offered a stylish Dubai experience.
As I reflect on my time in wheelchair accessible Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I can’t help but feel deeply grateful. The seamless accessibility, the breathtaking sights, and the extraordinary people I met along the way made this a trip of a lifetime. Despite the current challenges in the region, my hope remains that peace will return and that others will have the chance to experience the same magic.
If you’re dreaming of visiting, I encourage you to plan for the future. Whether you’re exploring the world’s tallest buildings, enjoying delicious cuisine, or immersing yourself in rich culture, there’s a place for everyone, no matter your abilities. Until my next adventure, I’ll be holding onto these incredible memories, and I hope this wheelchair accessible Dubai guide helps you create your own.
.
.
