Dubai

10+ Things to Do in Dubai for Teens

Dubai is a dream destination for teenagers - it's got sunshine, adrenaline-fueled adventures, and sky-high views.
By Katie Sagal

Keeping the teenagers entertained in Dubai.

Traveling to Dubai is a magical experience - and it's likely to be one the teens in your lives will never forget. But planning a family is always a tricky balance, and teenagers are more likely to enjoy action-packed activities than sightseeing or historic markets. Fortunately, there are plenty of teen-friendly things to do in Dubai. For some trip inspiration, we've put together a list of attractions, including:

  • Aquaventure Waterpark
  • IMG Worlds of Adventure
  • Lost Chambers Aquarium
  • Virtual Worlds Gaming
  • Rock Republic Climbing Walls
  • Ski Dubai
  • And much, much more!

Aquaventure Waterpark

Aquaventure_Waterpark

This is the mother of all waterparks. Located within the Atlantis the Palm resort, it offers peaceful relaxation, exhilarating waterslides, and even lazy rivers to tube along. Although there are certainly areas suitable for younger children, teens will probably get the most out of the high-octane slides like the Tower of Neptune and Torrent River. Parents can chill on the beach while their teens go off on their own adventures.

Feel comfortable exploring and relaxing here, just as you would on any beach in Miami or San Diego.

Lost Chambers Aquarium

Jelly_Fish_Aquarium

For teens who love animals, history, and/or mythology, a visit to the Lost Chambers Aquarium is perfect. Stroll through the many fascinating chambers of this aquarium, designed to recreate the Lost City of Atlantis as it might look below the ocean waves. You’ll get to see all the sea’s most enchanting creatures, like sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, and more.

Lost Chambers also boasts the largest open-air marine habitat in the Middle East, so you know you’ll truly experience the ocean vibe. Join up with a guided tour, or explore on your own. You’re sure to have a blast either way!

Ski Dubai indoor skiing

Indoor_Skiing

Who doesn’t love the idea of skiing...in the middle of the desert? Find out why Dubai is the wonder of the Middle East with a few trips down the slopes at the world’s largest indoor snow park.

Swoosh and swivel down slopes of real snow as you enjoy the arctic chill around you. Skiers, snowboarders, toboggan riders, and more are all welcome. Plus, there are even some wild inhabitants that roam the park every once in a while, so keep an eye out for Gentoo and King penguins.

RIB Speed Boat sightseeing

Speed_Boat

If you’re looking to explore Dubai’s gorgeous waters (and believe us, even your teen will be enticed by that proposition), then opt for an exciting choice that’s sure to engage their sense of adventure. A RIB Speed Boat tour offers a thrilling experience for 90 minutes of high-speed fun. Leave the Dubai Marina (itself a very cool sight) and head out to see major landmarks like the Palm, the Burj Al Arab, and more.

Your teens will delight in the chance to get splashed around on this exhilarating ride! Plus, it's a nice chance to cool down in all that heat.

MOTIONGATE Dubai

MOTIONGATE_Dubai

Inspired by the magic of Hollywood cinema, MOTIONGATE Dubai resort is the perfect place for your teens to see why Dubai can do it all, bigger and better than almost anywhere else in the world. This is the only place outside of Hollywood where you’ll get to experience the movie magic you’ve always dreamed of seeing. Explore areas like Columbia Pictures, Dreamworks, Lionsgate, and much more.

A particularly popular area is Smurfs Village, where you’ll be able to enjoy rides and attractions from the popular cartoon, now a mega-movie franchise.

Bollywood Parks Dubai

Bollywood_Parks_Dubai

If your teens love the magic and delight of Bollywood cinema, then a trip to Bollywood Parks Dubai is a must. Swirl around in the midst of a realistic Bollywood movie set, see and sing along to their famous songs, marvel at the ornate costuming, and much more. It’s a delightful experience for any cinema fan, and is a good way to expand your teen’s cultural viewpoint.

IMG Worlds of Adventure: Indoor Theme Park

Indoor_Theme_Park

IMG Worlds of Adventure is another top destination the whole family will love. With multiple adventure zones including creative franchises like Marvel, Cartoon Network, and more, find more of your Hollywood favorites come to life.

Americans are especially enthralled by the Cartoon Network area of the park, where you can enjoy rides and attractions that are inspired by things like Adventure TimeThe Amazing World of GumballPowerpuff Girls, and more. Of course, there are also plenty of other thrilling rides to explore, like the Lost Valley Dinosaur Adventure Zone – sure to be a big hit with kids of all ages.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Aquarium_Underwater_Zoo

Located in the famed Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium is the top option for visiting teens. There’s a HUGE aquarium tank housing thousands of sea creatures from over 140 different species. You’ll see over 300 sharks and rays alone, including their popular Tiger sharks!

Then, the Underwater Zoo is home to the only slightly terrifying King Croc, an Australian crocodile that weighs over 1650 pounds! Check out his impressive habitat and marvel at his massive size. Plus, when they’re done at the Aquarium, they’ll want to explore the Mall itself – an area that includes attractions, stores, and restaurants galore.

Big Bus Dubai Sightseeing Tour

Touring Dubai can be a tricky proposition on your own, but it’s easy and convenient to do so with a guided bus tour. Teens will be entertained by the narration, and they’ll surely enjoy the flexibility a hop-on hop-off option offers them. Big Bus Dubai offers three loops, each featuring exciting sights from around the city that your teens will love to photograph. The Blue Tour in particular offers plenty of beachy fun!

Burj Khalifa Observation Deck

Burj_Khalifa

Who doesn’t want to see the amazing glittering city of Dubai from above? Take a ride to the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa for some of the most stunning views you’ll ever see. At the Top offers unparalleled, 360-degree sights from the tallest building in the world.

There are plenty of interesting, interactive exhibits along the way that tell the story of the construction of the Burj Khalifa and of Dubai’s modernization. This is one place where that perfect Instagram shot is guaranteed.

There's endless fun for teens in Dubai

Whew. As you can see from this list, there are more teen-friendly attractions in Dubai than you’ll probably have time to visit on one trip. From theme parks to an indoor rainforest to the tallest structure in the world, there’s bound to be something your teen will love. Happy travels!

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abu dhabi best day trips from dubai
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Best Day Trips From Dubai

Dubai is all well and good. After all, you did decide to vacation there, and you are, of course, infallible. But what lies beyond Dubai's bright and brilliant walls? Well, explore the lands beyond on one of the best day trips from Dubai! Read on, and discover our top picks. Including: Abu Dhabi Qasr Al Watan Desert BBQ experience Quad Bike rides Camel-top travels and more! Best Day Trips from Dubai - Abu Dhabi One of the best day trips from Dubai is easily a tour of Abu Dhabi. The UAE's capital city, it's one of the most historic cities in the entire region. Compared to the modern decadence of Dubai, it's certainly a city with less of a focus on experiences. But that doesn't mean it isn't worth experiencing, if you catch our drift. Kicking off on the coast, you'll pass by famous spots such as the vast Jebel Ali Port, the National Exhibition Centre, Etihad Towers, the Louvre Museum, and Emirates Palace. Snap-worthy landmarks, if ever we saw some! With the perfect mix of culture, history, and modernity, it's the perfect place to hop out and explore. So, take this day trip from Dubai and see all of Abu Dhabi's best bits! Best Day Trips from Dubai - Visit Qasr Al Watan One of the biggest draws of taking a vacation abroad is exploring new cultures and learning about their customs. You might not get much of that in Dubai, as it's a city built for industry and tourism. So, if you want to explore Arabic culture, as well as the region's historical significance, with a trip to Qasr Al Watan? On the outside, you'll be treated to a magnificent white palace housed in the Presidential Palace compound. On the inside, you'll learn all about Arab heritage and culture and how it evolved over millennia. For centuries, the region was at the forefront of science and medicine, all while the rest of Europe was deep in the Dark Ages. Then, explore the Qasr Al Watan Library, which culture vultures will love to dive into. All in all, Qasr Al Watan makes for one of the most fascinating day trips from Dubai. Best Day Trips from Dubai - Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner You don't even need to venture too far from Dubai's city limits to experience one of the city's best day trips. Thanks to this delightful desert tour of the dunes, you can get a beautiful barbeque at your backdoor. Well, not literally. From the very start, you'll be treated like a VIP. Festivities begin as soon as you leave your hotel, when a deluxe 4x4 will pick you up. You'll travel in style and comfort into the desert surrounding Dubai, where you can take photos and admire the beauty of the setting sun. Then, you'll reach your basecamp, where you'll find the grill piping hot. Then, indulge in a whole host of BBQ treats, from grilled meats and veg to other local delights. When you've eaten your fill, prepare for an evening of entertainment! With belly dancing, a traditional Egyptian dance show, some smoky shisha, sandboarding, camel riding, henna painting, and more on offer, you're in for a great night! Then, when the festivities wind down, you'll hop back in the 4x4 and get a lift back to your hotel. The perfectly pampered end to a perfectly pampered evening! Best Day Trips from Dubai - Bug out in Dubai's desert! Switching gears now to something a bit more adrenaline-pumping. If you've never ridden over the dunes outside Dubai in a dune buggy, you've never truly lived. Change all that, and get behind the wheel on this amazing day trip out of Dubai. Like the BBQ evening, you'll get a ride in a 4x4 from your hotel to basecamp. Then, you'll board your metal hog and take the beast for a spin. For 30 glorious minutes, you'll do donuts, skids, and other buggy-related moves. And your guide will be on hand to ensure you don't blow up - or anything less explosive. If you've never boarded a dune buggy and, let's face it, you probably haven't, then give it a go on one of the best day trips from Dubai! Best Day Trips from Dubai - burn rubber atop a Quad Bike! If dune buggies don't quite do it for you, why not try a quad bike instead? These four-wheeled wonders can make quick work of Dubai's dunes, so consider hopping aboard and tearing up the desert like nobody's business. After your ride drops you at camp, you'll kick off your desert escapades by boarding a four-legged camel to take a more methodical tour of the surroundings. After your camel is sick of the sight of you, you'll reach a specially designed track nestled deep in the beautiful dunes. And then, well, it's time to ride, baby. You'll have plenty of time to ride around, squealing with glee. No one can hear your squealing out here, so let it all out. Then, when you've ridden your wheels down to the bone, hop back in your 4x4 and head right back to your hotel room. Excellent. Best Day Trips from Dubai - camel action! And finally, if the thought of riding a camel seems a lot more exotic than anything with an engine, don your best headwrap and live out your Laurence of Arabia dreams on this fauna tour of the dunes. Like the above, you'll be escorted in comfort - and air conditioning - to a camp deep in the dunes. From there, you'll saddle up and ride your two-humped friend for 30 gloriously bizarre minutes. Try and take some pics aboard a camel that cares not for your social media following. Good luck with that. Then, when you're done, you'll be taken back to camp, where you can refuel, relax, and enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, dates, and more before heading back to the city. Very nice. And those were our picks for the best day trips from Dubai! If you're looking for more fun within the city, 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.
Dom Bewley
dubai scorching summer sun
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Dubai in July

Interested in visiting Dubai this summer? July might be the right month for you. Check out our guide to Dubai in July below, and see what's on offer! Including: Dubai weather in July Dubai's beaches Dubai's best water park Cool nighttime tours Chilled out skiing and more! Dubai in July: What to Expect Dubai is notoriously warm all year round, and July is the hottest year you can visit. And when we say hot, we mean hot. On average, you can expect highs of 105°F or more and lows of around 91°F. As such, you really need to be prepared for your summer vacation if you decide to go in peak summer. If you're of the paler sensibility, perhaps pick another month, or plan to spend most of your time inside during the hotter hours. If you're brave and insist on July, then pack the lightest clothes you own, your largest hats, and enough sunscreen to cover yourself tenfold. Due to the high temperatures, we'll discuss some inside and outside experiences below. That way, you'll always have an escape from the intense heat and sun, should you need it. Dubai in July: What to Do Dubai's beautiful beaches Let's kick things off with some of the braver forays you can make into Dubai's heat. Dubai is known for many things, and its stunning beaches might just be the jewel in her crown. With endless white sand, crystal clear waters, and plenty of space to stretch out and relax, Dubai's beaches are magnificent. However, rather than heading there during the day, we'd recommend avoiding the sizzling sun and instead heading there after dark. You'll still get all the goodness of the beach, just minus the third-degree burns. Jumeirah Beach Residence - or JBR, is one of the city's biggest and best beaches. And while you can't swim there after dark, you can certainly lounge on its pristine beachfront through the night. Umm Suqeim Beach, on the other hand, does allow you to swim in its calm seas until the clock strikes midnight. Thanks to its Smart Power lighting system, the sea stays safe after the sun goes down. And, like JBR, you are free to lounge there after dark for as long as you like. Both are brilliant during the day, but on a sweltering July in Dubai, maybe settle for some post-sun fun instead. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm If you insist on the sun, at least compliment it with a healthy splash of cold water. At Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis the Palm, you'll get just that and a spoonful of fun while you're at it! With rides such as the plummeting Leap of Faith, which drops you into a massive tube surrounded by exotic aquatic life, even adrenaline junkies are catered to! Or, if heights aren't your things, test your mettle at The Rapids, which puts you on a raft battling choppy waters for a mile. Even kids will get their fix thanks to the Splasher's Children's Play Area, which features tons of mini slides, climbing frames, and even tipping buckets, so they won't miss out on all the fun. Just make sure you bring your supplies of sunscreen with you and reapply it fastidiously. Waterslides can easily wipe the sunscreen off your back and leave you exposed to the intense sun. We speak from experience - reapply regularly! And if you need a break, they even have their own beach if you need to relax under a parasol. See the sights at night If you want to see all of Dubai's highlights but fear the sun's merciless rays, why not do so at night instead? On a Dubai Magical Night Tour, you'll get just that. With the cool Dubai breeze running through your hair, you'll join your guide on an open-top trip around the city. See the most recognizable Dubai landmarks, and do it all under the relative coolness of Dubai's July night sky. But will you see? Well, be sure to snap pictures of the grand Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), Dubai Mall, the Burj Al Arab, Dubai Harbour, and more. You might not be in Dubai to see the sights specifically, but that doesn't mean you can't dedicate a cool night to learn more about them. Skiing. Yes, really If it all gets too much and the heat has you beat, you may debate whether Dubai in July was a mistake. Should you have booked a winter holiday instead, full of snow, skis, and other chilly goodness? Well, wipe those hideous thoughts from your mind. You needn't settle for one or the other, thanks to Ski Dubai. It's the world's largest indoor ski center, and it is mind-bogglingly awesome. Inside, you'll discover lovingly-recreated ski slopes where you can strut your stuff. There's even a ski lift up to the top of the slopes! And every few hours, the festivities are stopped to welcome a family of penguins across the slopes. There's no need to pack all your ski equipment either, as everything is provided on arrival. Never skied before? Never fear; they'll teach you on-site. An evening stroll in the desert And finally, we'll end things on another evening escapade. Because, if it wasn't evident enough, we'd recommend avoiding the sun as much as you can if you visit Dubai in July. So why not try a desert safari and BBQ dinner? You'll receive 5-star treatment from the get-go, with a plush 4x4 picking you up from your hotel and taking you deep into Dubai's dunes. Once you reach camp, you'll be treated to a delicious BBQ featuring grilled meats, veg, and other delights. But that's not all; there are also activities and entertainment for you to enjoy long into the night. Watch a belly dancing show, smoke some authentic shisha, ride a camel, and even get some henna painted on you! Then, you'll be taken right back to your hotel when the night is over. Nice. And that's our guide to Dubai in July! If you're looking for more fun experiences on your Dubai vacation, try Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley

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