Things to do in Dubai in Winter

When we think of winter, certain images may spring to mind; runny noses, driveways caked in snow, and the desire to wear all your clothes at once. Winter time isn't without its charms. After all, snow is pretty, and for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas takes place in the midst of the cold. But sometimes, the run-up to winter can be a bit disheartening. Vacation season is in the distant past, and if the roads aren't salted, you may be in for a bad time.

But what if we told you there's a magical place where none of that is true? What if we told you this magical place is temperate all year round and the perfect winter vacation destination? Well, that's what we're telling you. That place is Dubai, and during peak winter, temperatures only drop as low as 70°F. With temperatures like that, you could do any number of things in Dubai in winter. So, in the spirit of winter, let's explore the fun things you'll find indoors, where even the sun won't harm your withered frame.

Including:

• Ski Dubai
• IMG Worlds of Adventure
• Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
• Wavehouse
• VR Park Dubai
• and more!

Snow, but not as you know it

If, for some reason, you miss the winter chill, why not carve some sick powder at Ski Dubai?

As the world's biggest indoor ski center, you'll find slopes aplenty and even a ski lift to take you all the way to the top. Yes, it's that big.

Whether your poison is skiing, snowboarding, or sledding, you'll find plenty to do at Ski Dubai. Even newcomers are welcome, with instructors on hand to show you the ropes. And all your equipment is included, so you needn't stuff your suitcase with appropriate attire.

Oh, and every few hours, everything grinds to a halt. Why, you ask? Well, because that's then the freaking penguins turn up to tour the premises. Penguins? In Dubai? What sorcery is this?

Theme park life

From inside ski resorts to inside theme parks, Dubai has it all. Yes, even their theme parks are under-roof. Well, not all of them, but certainly IMG Worlds of Adventure. Oh, and it's also the biggest indoor theme park on the planet, because of course it is.

Across 5 unique zones, you'll find rides of all shapes and sizes and featuring characters from the likes of Marvel. Now you, of all people, can join the mighty Avengers and help them stop the newest world-ending threat. To them, it's just a Tuesday. But to you, it's the chance to finally be that hero you tell yourself you can be.

There are also spooky mansions to escape from, dinosaurs to outrun, and plenty of other mischief to be had. Glorious, and easily one of the best things to do in Dubai in winter.

Another Dimension

If the reality-bending winter weather in Dubai isn't mind-blowing enough for you, why not enter another reality entirely and see how you get on? Thanks to VR Park Dubai, you can do just that.

Over the course of four wonderful hours, you'll enter seven worlds full of weirdness and whimsy. Well, some of them are less whimsical and more deadly, but you get the idea. If you have friends, they can join you as you enter virtual reality and dual it out with zombies, robots, or each other in a number of sports-related games.

Do you have the brains, brawn, and other 'b' words to grind them to dust? Or will you lose, again, and never hear the end of it? There's only one way to find out, and that way is to go here and do the thing.

Escape mediocrity

A harsh winter can leave us feeling trapped in our homes. Snowed in with an empty fridge and no delivery drivers nearby is enough to bring tears to the eyes. If you miss that feeling while on your warm winter getaway, why not head to No Way Out escape rooms and get trapped all over again?

With 10 spooky rooms on offer, including authentic offerings from the IT and Ring universes, you and up to 8 prisoners - sorry, friends - will battle the clock, devious traps, puzzles, and contend with creepy actors playing their parts as they try and scare you senseless.

And if that wasn't enough, you can even stay after your game and sit down for a bit of interactive horror cinema. Each show features wind, water, and other special effects that will assault your senses as you watch. But, be careful. You never know when one of the actors will be creeping right behind your seat. If you have the stomach for it, No Way Out is definitely one of the best things to do in Dubai in winter!

Surf's up

Ever time traveled? We'd bet on no, but if you ever want to relive the glorious nostalgia of the 80s arcade scene, give Wavehouse in the Atlantis Hotel and good go.

On top of the myriad arcade cabinets with old-school games and pinball machines, you'll find bowling alleys, a surf simulator, and even a stacked menu of American delights like burgers, pizzas, and hotdogs.

You can even take your food and drink outside, if you dare face the unbearable 70°F sunshine. You brave soul, you.

Beneath the surface

In a place where water doesn't freeze, you may enjoy exploring the depths of the sea and making some new friends. Well, what are you waiting for? Go check out Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and meet some underwater buddies!

You'll explore a massive underwater tunnel, where you'll be immersed in sea life all around you. Make sure to snap some pics for your social media - if you dare to go nose-to-nose with a shark, imagine the flood of likes and dopamine that will come your way! Validation is the sweetest medicine, after all.

Then, you'll enter the Underwater Zoo, stacked with tanks showing off specific species of exotic underwater critters. Water's never been so fun unless you're thirsty, in which case, drinking it is pretty awesome.

And those were our picks for the best things to do in Dubai in winter! Looking for some sunny activities when the weather finally clears up? Check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.