Dubai in August

By Dom Bewley
dubai in august

Planning your vacation in Dubai this year? August could be the perfect month for you. There's always an answer to the intense heat, so check out our guide to Dubai in August and see if it floats your boat!

Including:

  • Dubai weather in August
  • Ski Dubai
  • JBR Beach
  • Aquaventure Waterpark
  • BBQ in the desert
  • and more!
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Dubai in August: What to Expect

Dubai is notoriously sweltering all year round, and August is one of the hottest years you can visit the desert oasis. So hot, in fact, that on average, you can expect highs of 105°F or more and lows of around 87°F. That means you need to be prepared for some intense sun, and be prepared to escape to the comfort of air-conditioning at a moment's notice.

Those that are none too fond of 105° weather may look to go at the beginning or end of the year when temperatures are much more manageable. However, if you snort at the thought of cowering away during peak summer, bear these things in mind. Keep bottles of drinking water on you at all times. Even on the beach, you'll find refilling stations to top yourself up. Staying hydrated in the heat is a must. Secondly, pack extra light clothing and a metric ton of sunscreen to protect your skin. Reapply that bad boy every hour or two if you're in direct sunlight in the afternoon; that's when the sun's fiercest.

Either way, we'll cover attractions both inside and out, should you want to break up your sweltering vacation with some cooler action.

Dubai in August: What to Do

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Get your skis on

If all that summer heat gets too much for you, why not cool off on the slopes? No, we're not talking about packing your bags and heading somewhere cooler. Thanks to Ski Dubai, you can have the perfect slope experience right in the city.

Ski Dubai is the world's largest indoor ski center. Really, you need to see it for yourself to understand just how big it is. Featuring multiple ski slopes where you can ski, board, or sled, it even has a ski lift to take you up to the very top. Fun for the whole family; even newbies can get to grips with the fine art of snow travel, thanks to the trainers on-site.

All the gear's provided for you, including skis, boards, jackets, and everything else you need to pretend you're in the Alps for a few hours. And hey, they even have penguins too. Don't believe us? Go and see for yourself. You might not see yourself skiing in Dubai in August, but trust us, it's the perfect way to escape the blistering heat.

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Beachlife

While heading to the beach when temperatures exceed 100 degrees might not seem like a good idea, you do have options. After all, beaches stick around after the sun goes down. So, why not venture out after dark and get lounging on Dubai's stunning sandy spaces?

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, lifeguards can keep an eye on swimmers when the sun goes down. But you can't expect them to work through the night. Hence, you'll need to vacate the cooling waters at 12AM.

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Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm

Just because it's super hot doesn't mean you want to miss out on all the UV all the time. And as they say, water isn't just for drinking. So, go out with a splash - outside, we mean - and head to the exciting slides and rides at Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm!

You'll be beckoned by rides like the plummeting Leap of Faith, which drops you into a massive tube surrounded by sharks and rays. That one's only for the brave out there. 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.

If you go in peak afternoon summer hours, apply and reapply sunscreen after a few slides. Slides do a good job of wiping off your carefully-applied protection, and the last thing you want is a blistery back after a blisteringly good time!

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Desert Adventure

Heading back to the warm hands and cool embrace of the night, another one of Dubai's draws is the magnificent sandy dunes surrounding the city. Dubai was built from nothing within them, so why not explore them for yourself with a brilliant desert safari and BBQ dinner?

You'll be chaperoned from your hotel in a plush, air-conditioned 4x4 and head into the desert proper. Make sure you snap pictures of the beautiful surrounding as the sun goes down. Then, you'll reach the BBQ camp and be treated to a mouth-watering menu of BBQ meat, grilled veg, and other local delicacies.

Once you're full, the entertainment kicks off. Watch authentic belly dancing, smoke up a shisha storm, ride a camel, and even get a henna tattoo. Not bad, and all of that without one drop of harmful UV in sight. If you need a break from the sun, try this tour when you visit Dubai in August.

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Landmarks and neon lights

And finally, you wouldn't want to leave Dubai without seeing some of its most recognizable landmarks, would you? Of course not, which is why you should take a Dubai Magical Night Tour and see them all in one fell swoop.

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. Then you can leave guilt-free, knowing you saw these amazing creations and didn't spend all your time inside!

And that's our guide to Dubai in August! Looking for a wide variety of attractions to make your trip to Dubai the best ever? 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
Go City Travel Expert

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The most adventurous things to do in Dubai

From sleepy Middle Eastern backwater to adventure hub within a single generation. From traditional, conservative culture to a world city in the same time frame. This is how Dubai rolls. Having grown wealthy off the back of oil revenues and having plenty of ready cash to hand thanks to an absence of income tax (just imagine!) the adventure industry has taken the emirate by storm. It means there are few extreme sports that can’t be enjoyed in Dubai, nor activities that don’t suit the adventurously minded. From ziplines to mountain bike tracks, these are the most adventurous things to do in Dubai. Adventures with a view Even the At The Top observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors of the Burj Khalifa can’t compete with the height achieved with Skydive Dubai, whose landing zone nestles on the edge of Dubai Marina. Their location ensures magnificent views of the Palm Jumeirah – the artificial palm-shaped archipelago that wowed the world when it was created in the early 2000s – from 4000 meters up. iFly Dubai provides a great indoor alternative using giant fans to give you the lift you need. A similar freefall experience can be had at XLine Dubai. The world’s longest urban zipline, and one of its fastest and steepest, it stretches across Dubai Marina for an entire kilometer. Shooting over the luxury private yachts moored here from Amwaj Towers to Dubai Marina Mall, zipliners hit speeds of 80 km/h tucked into the head-first superman-style harnesses. Sufferers of vertigo should also avoid our next recommendation – tackling the Edge Walk of the Sky Views bridge connecting two residential towers from over 50 stories up. Created by the same team of architects as the Burj Khalifa, Edge Walk is another way of taking in the cityscape without obstructions, just a safety harness! Unique ways to keep cool If supping from an ice cold drink simply doesn’t cut it, there’s a long list of adventurous things to do in Dubai that will not only keep you cool but also make you look cool at the same time. The new kid on the block of Dubai extreme sports is flyboarding, which you can try from the waters around the Ain Dubai observation wheel. Combining the look of a wakeboard with the propulsion power of a jet ski, flyboarders can reach heights of nine meters as they hover above the waves. A slightly more relaxing way to take to the waters of the Persian Gulf is with a stand-up paddleboarding lesson and tour around the Palm Jumeirah. Having mastered the basics – staying upright – you’ll drift between the Sofitel and Atlantis, taking in many of Dubai’s top sights from a distance along the way. Should stand-up paddleboarding somehow not hit the right spot, other water-based outdoor adventure activities in Dubai include kite surfing and parasailing. Kite Beach is the place to head, with several schools and rental agencies standing by to provide all you need to do battle with the offshore winds. Max out your adrenaline at Dubai’s amusement parks Those who travel the world based on a country’s theme parks might well just set up camp in Dubai and never leave. It has one of the largest numbers per square kilometer of anywhere on Earth, ranging from the child-orientated to the family-friendly. Continuing the watery theme, Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm has a good pick of adrenaline-inducing slides and rides. But for those in a mixed group with some who enjoy the thrill of feeling out of control and some who don’t, it also has lots of places to relax, including a 700 meter private beach. Relaxing is not a word generally associated with IMG Worlds of Adventure, whose four ‘worlds’ include the popular roller coasters of the Marvel zone as well as Lost Valley – full of dinosaurs and prehistoric planting. Younger children are well catered for too, with Powderpuff Girls and Ben 10 based adventures set to broaden the minds and smiles of visitors yet to hit double figures. Meanwhile, hop across the passport-free border to the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, for your chance to ride the fastest roller coaster yet created. It’s Ferrari World’s Formula Rossa that holds the record, with other attractions including simulators, live driving experiences and a whole host of other car-based challenges. Head offroad Whilst the tracks connected with Ferrari World will have you burning rubber in no time, heading offroad is even more adventurous. Only a short distance – yet a world away – from the glitz of downtown Dubai, the desert offers an array of potential adventures. Head out on a 4x4 quad bike tour and in addition to taking to a specialty track by quad bike you’ll also get to spend the morning traveling across the desert on the back of a camel and try to stay upright as you slide down one of the biggest dunes in the region strapped to a sandboard. But if you prefer two wheels to four, there are adventurous things to do in Dubai for you too. Suburban Mushrif Park has its own offroad bike track for those keen to remain within touching distance of central Dubai. Further afield, the gravel paths around Hatta Heritage Village in the Hajar Mountains offer up a more challenging experience as well as epic vistas across the waters of Hatta Reservoir. Adventurous things to do in Dubai with Go City The adventure and extreme sports scene in Dubai may be relatively new, but Emirati’s have certainly made up for lost time. The extensive list of adventurous things to do in Dubai include attractions with a view, those based around the region’s warm waters and those taking advantage of its desert location. One of the best ways of seeing many of Dubai’s biggest attractions is with Go City. Our passes exist to bring you huge savings on attraction admission, making them a must-have for any trip to Dubai, whether you’ve got your eye on the adventurous or intend to spend your time exploring in a more sedate manner!
Ian Packham
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Things to do in Old Dubai

‘Old’ and ‘Dubai’ aren’t necessarily words that fit together comfortably with our image of the emirate as a new city rising out of the sands of the desert. However, there is an Old Dubai, and it’s one of the richest areas for atmosphere and authenticity. Straddling both sides of Dubai Creek’s northernmost portions, things to do in Old Dubai aren’t difficult to find. Top attractions are found dotted throughout the neighborhoods which form the district. Running clockwise these are Deira, Al Seef, Al Fahidi and Al Shindagha. From museum spaces to historic marketplaces, here’s our guide to the wonders of Old Dubai. Get your taste buds popping When hunger beckons, quick and tasty eats appear to lie on every street corner of Old Dubai. The most popular spots are busy from mid-morning onwards, with shawarma wraps feeding the neighborhood’s hungry alongside Indian snack foods such as samosas – the best are found around the Indian enclave of Meena Bazaar. But if you can, it’s worth lingering over the flavors of Old Dubai to appreciate them fully. Take a walk through Deira’s traditional Spice Souk, where spices are piled in great mounds, and your senses will be opened to a world of colors, smells, sounds and tastes. The market’s teas make particularly good souvenirs, just don’t forget to haggle! An often overlooked aspect of Emirati culture is its tea drinking ceremonies, which can be explored at the Arabian Tea House a block away from the Dubai Museum. A visitor-friendly space combining authenticity with comfy cushions, the tea house has 150 different brews to choose between, as well as platters of delicious local sweets including syrup-soaked khabisah. Getting about Old Dubai you’ll probably find yourself crossing Dubai Creek at one point or another, whether by bridge, tunnel or abra small boat. However, to discover the importance of this waterway to the development of Dubai, a dedicated tour – such as a dhow dinner cruise – is a better option. Delve into the history of Old Dubai As the site of the emirate’s earliest settlement, much of Old Dubai has been preserved and restored to create districts very different from those around the Burj Khalifa. The low-slung buildings made of gypsum and coral stone hint at a proud if humbler past. For a quick-fire guide through culture, seafaring and heritage, slip through the grand entranceway of the Dubai Museum, housed within its oldest building, the Al Fahidi Fort. Constructed in the late 1700s to defend the growing settlement from attack from the sea, it contains a collection of artifacts that show off the skill of artisans hundreds of years before it became known internationally. The Al Shindagha Museum has a similar role to play, with plenty of multimedia additions to bring it all to life. If there’s no time on your itinerary to head out into the Rub Al-Khali desert in the emirate’s far east on a 4x4 quad bike ride or desert safari and BBQ dinner you can still explore some of its archeological wonders at Saruq Al-Hadid Museum. Meaning ‘the way of iron’, it displays iron age objects discovered in the desert by none other than Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Explore your artistic side Although Old Dubai is awash with the past, that doesn’t mean it isn’t also a destination for the culture of the present too. A leading light in contemporary Arab art, XVA Gallery is proud of its location on the creek between Al Fahidi and Al Seef. Along with its café and hotel, it aims to provide a space where the art of the Middle East as well as India can be enjoyed. It hosts regular exhibitions of established and emerging artists to ensure its walls are never the same for long. The nearby Majlis Gallery was once the residence of an interior designer and still has the feel of a home first and foremost. Hosting the works of local and international artists, it continues its ethos of being a ‘majlis’ or meeting place, where people are able to gather to share their common interests. Best of the rest By now you’ll be wanting to give your feet a well earned rest, so make your way to the nearest stop of the city’s Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus. A way of seeing those parts of Old Dubai that extend away from Dubai Creek, its route includes Al Shindagha Heritage Village – a living museum of craftsmen, fishermen and pearl divers – and the souks of Deira. If its Spice Souk impressed, the warren of narrow covered paths that make up the Gold Souk will also be high on your list. One of Dubai’s oldest trading places, there’s enough gold (and silver, platinum and pearls) to support the budget of a small country. Look out for merchants including the producers of the Guinness World Record holder for the longest handmade gold chain. Stretching for 5.5 km of 22 carat gold, it weighed 240 kilos and had four million individual links. For thrills which won’t break the bank, indoor amusement park Magic Planet has some physical rides and arcade-style video games. Children of all ages will find something that suits them, from soft play to a ten pin bowling alley. But for the biggest adrenaline rushes you’ll have to travel out of Old Dubai. Do that, and there’s suddenly a huge range of amusement parks to choose between. For instance, MOTIONGATE contains over 25 different rides and experiences, including roller coasters set around the Hunger Games and Ghostbusters, whilst LEGOLAND Dubai brings the charm of these tiny plastic bricks to the region for the first time. Checking out all the things to do in Old Dubai Having seen millions spent on its restoration and preservation, Old Dubai provides a fascinating insight into the traditions and origins of the modern multicultural city home to around 200 different nationalities. From its restaurants to its museums and its souks, there’s good reason to consider the quick metro ride from other parts of the city to explore. Head for the things to do in Old Dubai with Go City and you’ve also got the chance of reduced admission to many of them!
Ian Packham
Aquaventure Waterpark | Go Dubai Pass
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Best Water Parks in Dubai

Water - the great life-giver. While you're reading this, we'd like to remind you to have a drink of the good stuff. We don't drink enough water, and with temperatures rising across the globe, we need to stay hydrated to stay good. But water isn't just good for us, it can be a lot of fun too. And, with these hot days getting hotter and more frequent, what better way to cool off than at a waterpark? And where better to cool off than in Dubai, a city that lives in a near-perpetual heatwave during the brighter months? Unsurprisingly, Dubai is full of the watery wonders. So, if you want to know which ones to visit, read on and discover the best water parks in Dubai! Including: Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm Yas Waterworld LEGOLAND® Water Park Wild Wadi Waterpark Laguna Waterpark Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis The Palm Let's kick things off with arguably one of the best water parks in Dubai. Head to the grand Atlantis The Palm, and submerge yourself in pure, unadulterated fun. And water - lots of brilliant, flowing water. Built for kids and bigger kids alike, Aquaventure Water Park mixes it up with plenty of splashtastic fun while also providing plenty of places to relax and enjoy the weather. When you're vacationing in a hot desert oasis like Dubai, you'll need every opportunity to cool down! But what makes Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm one of the best waterparks in Dubai? Let's explore some of its highlights. Leap of Faith Imagine plunging down a nine-story slide through a transparent tube, all while you're surrounded by sharks and rays. That is Leap of Faith, and that's why it's awesome. Aquaconda Given the snake-like nature of this beast, the name does it justice. This windy slide hurls you through the dark before you drop into the world's largest fiberglass tube. Poseidon's Revenge Draw the ire of the great sea god, and feel his wrath as you plummet down at 60mph. Not for the faint of heart, but an adrenaline-fuelled ride for you daring sorts The Rapids Do your best River Wild impression as you hold on for dear life in this white knuckle, near 2-kilometer river ride. Splasher's Children's Play Area This kids-only play area has tons of mini slides, climbing frames, and even tipping buckets, so they won't miss out on all the fun. Aquaventure Beach Yes, this waterpark even has its own freaking beach. The perfect place to relax when you need a break from all the splashing. Yas Waterworld Located on the magical, mystical Yas Island, you'll find another of the best water parks in Dubai! Pretty much anywhere you turn, you'll run into a water park. And, with over 40 amazing rides, Yas Waterworld is well worth a visit. Appealing to all ages, sizes, and bravery levels, it's the perfect summer pitstop for flushed faces. Let's talk about its best bits. Bandit Bomber This brilliant ride is a suspended rollercoaster that darts, dives, and bombs around the park while inundating you with water, lasers, and other sensory delights. Liwa Loop Dubai sure love their plummeting rides! Liwa Loop combines the sheer drop with winding tubes and dumps you out with a splash. This one's for the brave. Sebag Go head-to-head with five other sliders as you race down this six-laner and see if you're aerodynamic enough to clinch first place. Falcons Falaj From a six-laner to a six-seater, this loopy ride will push you and five friends to the limit. Scream if you want, no one will judge you. Al Raha River Take your foot off the gas at this lazy river ride, which calmly carries you along beautiful streams and through dazzling caverns. Cinesplash If your idea of fun is a flooded cinema, you'll love Cinesplash. As the water rises to your knees, enjoy the 5D cinematic experience, which includes waterfalls, moving seats, and water explosions. Unmissable, in our book. LEGOLAND® Water Park While many of the best water parks in Dubai are child-friendly, LEGOLAND® Water Park is the only one that caters to them specifically. But just because it puts kids first doesn't mean older, bigger kids can't get in on the fun. With 20 LEGO®-themed rides featuring some recognizable faces, your kids will love it. And hey, maybe you will too. So let's see what they'll get up to. Build-A-Boat Challenge your kids to a boat-off, and see who can build the most impressive vessel. And let them win, yeah? Unless you're that type of parent. LEGO® Slide Racers Board your mat, and bomb your way down this white knuckle ride. Thrills, chills, and hopefully, no spills await you. Joker Soaker Face LEGO® Batman's arch nemesis as you splash and crash around his watery playground. Splash Out Another big drop ride, this one's a little more kid-friendly. But don't get it twisted - they still need to be brave to take the plunge! Red Rush Team up with the fam and steer your raft along the curving track. Twin Chasers Compete against one another as you race to the bottom of this twisting, spinning ride. Splash N Swirl Team up or go it alone on this swirling tube ride. DUPLO® toddler play area Perfect for the little little ones, they'll enjoy the slides, animals, water features, and other activities geared towards their wonder-filled minds. Wild Wadi Waterpark At the stunning Jumeirah Beach Hotel, you'll find this must-visit, Arabian-themed water park. Fun for the whole family, it caters to both young and old alike. Highlights include Jumeirah Sceirah, a nearly 400ft long tandem slide, where you and your sliding partner will reach speeds of up to 49mph! Breakers Bay is the biggest wave pool in the United Arab Emirates - do you have the will and determination to survive? Laguna Water Park Featuring four zones of fun, Laguna Water Park has it all. With each one dedicated to splashing, sliding, surfing, and relaxing, no matter what you're in the mood for, you'll find it there. Enjoy a relaxing float down the lazy river, or dare yourself to ride the thrilling slides - it's entirely up to you. Though the park is arguably more about beach vibes than thrill rides, we cannot leave without mentioning the WaveOz 180 Flowrider, the world's first 180-degree surf machine. It has to be seen to believed, and ridden to be respected. And those were our picks for the best water parks in Dubai! Looking for some drier, land-based activities to pair with your watery ones? 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

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