abu dhabi day trip

Dubai in November

By Dom Bewley

Head to Dubai in November? A good choice, friend. Just the right side of Dubai's intense summer period, it's the perfect time to see and do everything you want. Check out our guide to Dubai in November, and see what's on offer!

Including:

  • Dubai weather in November
  • Dubai's water parks
  • Swashbuckling sea tours
  • Ferrari World
  • Dubai's best eats
  • and more!
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Dubai in November: What to Expect

For the unprepared, Dubai's summer can seem to drag on for about half the year. And unlike summers you may have experienced, Dubai's is different. Highs of 105°F are common during peak heat, so you might want to give a summer vacation a miss.

However, November is when things really start to cool down. On average, you can expect highs of around 87°F and lows of around 68°F. So, if you're looking to pleasantly sizzle rather than catch fire, November might be the perfect time of year in Dubai!

During the day, you'll want to dress light in tees, summer dresses, shorts, and sandals. But in the evenings, you may want to change into light jackets, long-sleeved shirts, jeans, and proper shoes. November is a 'best of both' month, giving you the sun you want as well as the cool evenings to unwind and sleep. Plus, Dubai's weather is damn sure to be better than wherever you live during late autumn/early winter!

Dubai in November: What to Do

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Make a splash at Dubai's water parks

On particularly hot days, you'll want to make the most of the autumn sun. And where better to soak up some rays and stay cool at the same time than at a water park? Dubai has a handful of the watery wonders, but we recommend you check out Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm. There, you'll find plenty of rides that cater to both the young and old. Aquaconda throws you down a head-spinning snake of a ride, with twists and turns around every scaly corner. There's the death-defying Leap of Faith, which drops you off a near-sheer cliff of a jump, straight into a tunnel surrounded by sharks! And after all that excitement and more, they even have their own beach where you can relax or hop in a kayak!

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If you're planning a family vacation and want to treat the kids, LEGOLAND® Water Park caters to them especially, with 20 LEGO®-themed rides featuring some recognizable faces from the building-block franchise. The Joker Soaker pits you against Batman's worst enemy as you splash around his playground. And at LEGO® Slide Racers, you'll board your mat and bomb your way down this white knuckle ride. Thrills, chills, and hopefully, no spills await you.

It may sound strange, but water parks are some of the best things to do on a warm November day in Dubai.

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Live like a pirate with the Black Pearl sightseeing cruise!

Sightseeing is fun and all, but why not add a little spice to your tour of Dubai's best bits? By spice, we mean spiced rum, and that can only mean one thing. A tour courtesy of Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean!

With his unsteady hand around the wheel, you'll sail past Dubai Creek Harbour and on to Mohamed Bin Rashid. Prepare your cameras because you'll then pass the tallest building on Earth, the Burj Khalifa. You can even ask the captain himself to take a selfie if he's not imbibed too much.

All through the journey, the "worst pirate you've ever heard of" will comically remark on your surroundings, giving you insight into the history of the landmarks. He'll likely regale you with his escapades while he's at it, so prepare for some tall tales!

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Speedy Thrills at Ferrari World

On a warm November day, what better way to appreciate the sun with the wind running through your hair? Or, better yet, crashing into your face and throwing you back in your seat at 150mph? Welcome to Ferrari World, home to the world's fastest rollercoaster.

Only the bravest dare test themselves on Formula Rossa. To replicate the feeling of driving an F1 car, you'll be propelled 150mph in just under 5 seconds. At that speed, you'll feel the equivalent of 5Gs of force, which isn't far off jet fighter pilots. Can you take the Gs? Only one way to find out.

There are plenty of other rides to try while you're there, so if you have a passing interest in fast cars or simply want to ride some of the most white-knuckle rides on the planet, give it a go.

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Exciting desert tours

If you want to take your white-knuckle adventures to Dubai's dunes, why not try a desert tour? Whether you want to try your hand at quad-biking, driving a dune buggy, riding a camel, or a relaxing BBQ evening, you've got plenty of options.

No matter which you'll choose, you can expect 5-star service. A plush 4x4 will pick you up from your hotel and take you out of the city. And, when the experience is over, they'll bring you right back.

The perfect way to avoid all the hassle of booking cabs or planning public transport routes, our desert tours ensure you get to see stunning sights and thrilling experiences without the headache!

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Grab some grub

And finally, after all the excitement of your trip, you might be feeling pretty hungry. Thankfully, Dubai has tons of restaurants that cater to every culinary desire under the sun. But who wants to click links when they can read our recommendations?

For South American delights, try Coya. This Peruvian restaurant, which also borrows generously from Spanish and far Eastern cuisine, is well known around Dubai as one of the best in town. It's also on the expensive side, so bear that in mind.

For French food and a lively evening atmosphere, hit up Bagatelle. A great menu combined with live music after dark makes it the perfect nighttime visit.

Or, if all-you-can-eat brunch sounds too good to pass up, check out Bubbalicious. Located in the Marriott's Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, you'll be free to gorge on lobster, curry, and countless other world dishes.

And that's our guide to Dubai in November! Looking to add to your itinerary? 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.

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Things to do in Dubai in December

December is a popular time to visit the desert state of Dubai. It’s one of the coolest times of year when it comes to the climate, whilst still providing the warmth that many will be missing back home. The emirate’s venues and attractions are alive with events too. Fancy a pre-Christmas break, or even spending the festive season amongst the souks, beaches and skyscrapers of Dubai? Check out our guide to Dubai in December! What’s the weather in Dubai in December? Usually weather sections are good news/bad news. Not so with Dubai in December, where it’s pretty much all positive. Whilst cold by Dubai standards, average daily temperatures hang around the mid-twenties Celsius, dropping to 16-19°C by night. That’s warm enough for most people to take a turn on Dubai’s beaches by day and head out and about by night with nothing more than a light coat, which are also useful additions for anyone entering the fierce air conditioning of the city’s malls and other indoor attractions. Describing it as rain probably makes too much of the showers that appear across two to four days of the month, since just 14 mm of precipitation is usually recorded for all of December. Like much of the rest of the year, days are dominated by sun, with eight hours of sunlight and 11 hours of daylight. Humidity levels hover around 60%, ensuring this isn’t much to worry about either. No wonder December in Dubai is peak tourist season! Making the most of the weather Out of bounds for several months because of the extreme heat, December welcomes people back to the dunes of the desert beyond the sky-piercing structures of downtown. An extraordinary contrast to the modern center of Dubai, the traditions of the sands can be explored with a desert safari and BBQ dinner. Capturing the dunes at sunset, this evening of Arabian delights includes authentic hospitality in the form of food, drink and entertainment. You’ll also have the chance to have your hands hennaed and ride a camel. Morning desert safaris and 4x4 quad bike rides are other ways to explore these landscapes. Further contrasts can be found at Miracle Garden. Never one to do things on a small scale – we give you the Burj Khalifa as an example – the Miracle Garden is the largest flower garden in the world, containing around 250 million individual plants. Open from October to April each year, December is a great time to visit both it and its attached butterfly garden – home to 15,000 of the insects from 26 different species. But if you’re somehow already missing the winter, you only need to head as far as the Mall of the Emirates, where amongst its boutique stores you’ll find Ski Dubai. It’s artificial mountain slopes provide over 22,000 square meters of skiable snow, alongside a small colony of gentoo and king penguins. Honor National Day If you hadn’t realized it already, behind its brash contemporary exterior Dubai has a soul that traces its heritage back to the pearl fishers of the Middle Ages. Saved from destruction, it’s Dubai Creek where much of this history is easiest to discover. The ideal place to start is Dubai Museum, occupying the 18th-century walls of Al Fahidi Fort. It is joined by the attractions of the Shindagha historic district, incorporating ancient structures in the heritage village and the Crossroads of Civilization Museum to boot. Cross the creek by boat or metro and you’ll be standing in the alleyways of the city’s souk marketplaces, from the reflected light of the gold souk to the rich aromas of the spice souk. It can all be enjoyed from the waters on a dhow dinner cruise of Dubai Creek. These are all the more special on the UAE’s national day on December 2, with skies lit up with major fireworks displays come evening. Christmas in Dubai Dubai has become a favorite destination for Christmas escapes. Acting as an international vacation and business hub has helped to ensure the season doesn’t go unnoticed, even if the vast majority of Dubai’s population are Muslim and don’t abide by the religious aspects of December 25. Large Christmas trees decorate many public spaces and santas set up workshops in many of the city’s malls with the help of their elves. Dubai Harbor and Souk Madinat Jumeirah are just two of the Christmas markets that appear, with ice rinks, food stalls and gift buying some of the attractions that await. Homely festive meals such as roast turkey with all the trimmings are easy to find in the restaurants of downtown, whilst those keen to attend mass are able to do so at Dubai’s churches. How to spend New Year in Dubai You only have to wait a few days after Christmas for the next celebration – New Year’s Eve. From quiet beginnings, midnight on December 31 has become an important way to advertise Dubai on the world stage. Celebrations usually center around the Burj Khalifa, with crowds gathering beside the Dubai Fountain next to it for several hours in preparation for the light show on the side of the building and the fireworks display above it. If you’d rather have a gala experience, there are plenty to choose between, with most of the city’s top venues the location of parties of one form or another, including the QE2. You’ll want to dress up for the occasion, so don’t forget to pack a cocktail dress or rent a three-piece suit in good time. Enjoy all Dubai in December has to offer Sun, sea, sand – and snow too if you want it – Dubai in December is everything you’ll want from a vacation destination during the festive season. Cool enough to explore the desert but warm enough to hit the beach, the Christmas events aren’t the only reason to holiday in Dubai in December. Grab your vacation time with both hands by taking advantage of the reduced attraction admission provided by Go City. Travel with one of our passes in tow and huge savings on many of the city’s top attractions will be at your finger-tips!
Ian Packham
Dubai
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A Week in Dubai Itinerary - 5 to 7 Days in Dubai for a Fun Filled Vacation

From the icy slopes of Ski Dubai to the thrills and spills of Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm, to the high fashion shops of Dubai Mall straight up to the soaring altitude of the Burj Khalifa, you can see and do it all in Dubai. If you're traveling for the first time or making a return visit, we've pulled together a week in Dubai itinerary to help you get the most out of your trip. We've packed in a ton of exciting, family-friendly, and individual activities for you to choose from in your five to seven days in the Emirate.  This itinerary includes many popular activities throughout most of Dubai, organized by neighborhood, including: The Palm: Cruises, Kayak tours, Paddleboating, Windsurf Lessons,... Sheikh Zayed Road: Big Bus Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, & Ski Dubai Dubai Marina: Beaches, RIB Speedboat Tour, & Sunset Dinner Cruise Downtown Dubai: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountains, Dubai Mall, KidZania, ,... Dubai Parks & Resorts: IMG Worlds of Adventure, LEGOLAND Dubai, Motiongate... Dubai Creek: Dhow Dinner Cruise, Glow in the Dark Mini Golf, ... CityWalk: Green Planet, Hub Zero, Mattel Play! Town, ... 🗓️ >> Even if you're spending less than a week in Dubai and still want some ideas for your trip, check out our one day in Dubai stopover, two-day weekend in Dubai, or three days in Dubai itinerary. The Palm itinerary attraction options: Dubai Palm Cruise Tour Explore a completely man-made archipelago, the Palm Jumeirah, while aboard a one-hour cruise around the inner circle of the Palm. You’ll get unbeatable views of Dubai and the exclusive Palm Jumeirah from the water while your tour guide tells you all about the area’s unique history, ongoing projects, and vision for the island. It's truly an iconic architectural masterpiece. Getting In: Dubai Palm Boat Tour tickets are included with the Go Dubai Card. Aquaventure Waterpark Next, head to Atlantis the Palm, where you'll get to experience the luxury of a world-class resort alongside the excitement and adventure you always dreamed of for your ideal vacation. Spend at least a few hours at Aquaventure Waterpark to get in some much-welcome cool fun (some people decide to stay here for an entire day). It's the perfect destination for families, offering a wide variety of rides and slides that are sure to be a blast. After you've finished exploring the rides, head to the beach to kick back and relax.  Getting In: Aqauventure Waterpark Dubai tickets are included with on all Go City Dubai passes. Lost Chambers Dubai Aquarium This distinctive aquarium offers a unique spin on the idea of an aquatic habitat. Lost Chambers re-imagines the lost world of Atlantis under the sea, and showcases this mythical city the way it might be - if you were to walk through the halls of a sunken palace. Explore ten themed chambers that highlight different sea creatures, ranging from the exotic to the quotidian. See thousands of creatures from an up-close-and-personal perspective, including jellyfish, stingrays, sharks, and more. Be sure to also check out one of their hourly Myth Tours (included with your admission) that showcases the stories and legends behind this imaginative attraction.  Getting In: Lost Chambers Dubai Aquarium tickets are included on all Dubai passes. Watersports with SeaYou Start your morning early with a sunrise paddle board lesson, where you'll learn the basic techniques of balance and safety before you head out for a paddle around the Palm and back. Or opt for a more intensive windsurfing lesson as you ride the waves. It's one of the most exciting ways to explore the waters of the Palm. If you prefer, take on a more leisurely pace with a 2.5-hour-long guided kayak tour around the Palm. Don't forget the sunblock! Keep in mind that these attractions are closed during the hottest months of the year, so be sure to check in advance of your visit what will be open during your trip.  Getting In: Paddle-boarding, windsurfing, and kayaking tours are each available on Go City Dubai passes. Sheikh Zayed Road itinerary attraction options: Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Dubai You should spend at least one day in Dubai with a journey down Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai's main artery connecting almost every part of the city. Take a bus tour to fully appreciate the range of attractions and landmarks that populate this busy road. A hop-on hop-off option is ideal for visitors to Dubai because it allows you the freedom to customize your trip based on your interests. Plus, there are three routes to choose from, so you'll get the maximum exposure to the city. Some of the sights you'll see include the iconic Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Spice Souk, CityWalk, Mall of the Emirates, and more.  Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Dubai tickets are included on all Go City Dubai passes. Ski Dubai Another delightful way to cool down in Dubai is by heading to a ski resort — seriously! Hit the slopes at the Middle East's largest indoor ski resort and the world's first indoor black diamond run at Ski Dubai. Fascinatingly, it's located adjacent to the Mall of the Emirates itself, so you'll feel like you've truly stepped into another world. With five slopes of varying steepness for skiing or snowboarding, sled and toboggan runs, and an ice cave, Ski Dubai offers fun for the entire family. When you've finished your snowy activities, take some time to seek out the park's wild inhabitants: some Gentoo and King penguins that you'll see waddle around throughout the day.  Getting In: Ski Dubai tickets are included with the Go Dubai Card. Mall of the Emirates This mega-mall features hundreds of shops, with high-end and affordable options, restaurants, a 4D cinema, and many other attractions. It's a great place to shop for souvenirs, plus pick up some exotic gifts for your friends and family (or for yourself, of course!). Take advantage of the wide variety of local and Western-influenced cuisine to choose the perfect place for lunch, and perhaps pop into a film. It's also right on the Big Bus line. Getting In: Entry to the mall is free, however, most attractions at the Mall of the Emirates are separately priced. Dubai Marina itinerary attraction options Stroll the Beaches Dubai Marina is one of Dubai's most beautiful residential and commercial areas, with gleaming skyscrapers, five-star hotels, public and private beaches, and an offering of global cuisines at your fingertips. Spend another day on your itinerary exploring this area of the city. Enjoy a walk down Jumeirah Beach Residence, stopping to savor any of the many restaurants and shops along the way. Breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf can be enjoyed from the public beach down JBR as you enjoy a traditional Arabic coffee or tea and ice cream.  Getting In: It's free to walk along the public beaches in Dubai. Speedboat Sightseeing Tour Hop aboard a speedboat for the ultimate in exciting tours! Jaunt around the waters surrounding the Palm, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab, and Lagoon, and enjoy live commentary of these top Dubai Marina sites. It's a great way to get out on the water and have fun (and cool off from the desert heat), all while learning about the amazing cultural heritage of Dubai. You'll emerge from this exhilarating 90-minute excursion feeling like an expert on the sights and sounds of Dubai Marina.  Getting In: Dubai Speedboat Tour tickets are included with the Go Dubai Card. Sunset Dinner Cruise Fully relish in the evening with a two-hour upscale cruise as the sun sets on an Xclusive Yachts Dinner Cruise. Gaze at the glimmering lights of the Marina's buildings and landmarks as you partake in a five-star buffet, from the luxury Address Marina hotel. It's the ultimate in dining luxury, plus it offers a charming sightseeing opportunity. Experience what a luxe vacation in Dubai can truly be like on this cruise.  Getting In: Dubai Sunset Dinner Cruise tickets are included on the Dubai Explorer pass only. Downtown Dubai itinerary attraction options Burj Khalifa - At The Top Of course, we can't let you leave Dubai without seeing the most iconic building in the Middle East. As you journey up more than 140 floors up the world's tallest building for a panoramic view of the city from At The Top At the Burj Khalifa, don't forget your camera! You can enjoy the dynamic architecture of this global city and then take in the Dubai Fountain Show from a prime viewing position.  Getting In: At The Top - Burj Khalifa tickets are included on all Dubai passes. SWITCH Restaurant Once you've worked up an appetite from shopping, head to SWITCH Restaurant to try their special Camel edition menu. From burgers to camel spaghetti or camel milk drinks, you won't want to miss this Arabian Gulf delicacy. No trip to Dubai is complete without trying some camel. Dubai Parks & Resorts itinerary attraction options IMG Worlds of Adventure You simply must visit IMG Worlds of Adventure during your week in Dubai. It's the world's largest indoor theme park with five amazing Adventure Zones to explore. You'll get to enjoy everything from imagined worlds by Cartoon Network™ and MARVEL to fascinating complexes exclusive to this park, including Valley – Dinosaur Adventure, IMG Boulevard®, and The Haunted Hotel.  Getting In: IMG Worlds of Adventure tickets are included on all Dubai passes.   Motiongate Dubai The Motiongate theme park blends three of Hollywood's most prolific studios: Dreamworks Animation, Columbia Pictures, and Lionsgate into a single, vast theme park. Go behind the scenes on a live-action shoot, embarking on a high-speed chase, Green Hornet style, or fighting a Ghostbusters battle. You'll get a taste of excitement and film production in the heart of the desert. Water rides, roller coasters, and interactive shows offer further outlets of entertainment.  Getting In: Admission to Motiongate Dubai is available on all Go City Dubai passes. LEGOLAND® Dubai At LEGOLAND you can tour the LEGO Factory to learn how the iconic bricks are made before you hop on the LEGO Technic Twister or create and race your own LEGO car. Finally, make your way through the maze of a miniature LEGO city built with 20 million bricks to form some of the Middle East's most iconic landmarks.  Getting In: Admission to LEGOLAND Dubai is available on all Dubai passes. Bollywood Park Make like a Bollywood star at the Bollywood Park as you celebrate the splendor of India or take part in a Bollywood musical production. Completely immerse yourself in the magical world of Indian cinema with a visit here, as you experience all the excitement and wonder of their famously expansive and glamorous productions.  Getting In: Admission to Bollywood Park is separately ticketed. Dubai Creek Itinerary Attraction Options  Dhow Dinner Cruise Another wonderful relaxing option to end a day with is a ride on the authentic dhow vessel, a ship that celebrates the intersection of modern and traditional that so characterizes Dubai. A dinner cruise is a great way to enjoy the variety and flavor of global cuisine, as well as a fun sightseeing opportunity. You'll get to see highlights of the downtown area, as Dubai Creek divides the city's urban heart into two. Top sights you'll see on your leisurely dinner cruise include the National Bank of Dubai and the Chamber of Commerce illuminated at night.  Getting In: Dubai Marina Dhow Dinner Cruise tickets are included on the Dubai Explorer pass only CityWalk itinerary attraction options: The Green Planet What's more amazing than a rainforest nestled inside a four-story building in the middle of the desert? Spend your morning at the Green Planet, Dubai's one-of-a-kind attraction that houses an entire rainforest, from Flooded Floor to Canopy. A visit here is not only beautiful and inspiring, it's also educational for visitors of all ages. Learn about the rainforest biome as it appears throughout the world, and how scientists are working to conserve this highly endangered habitat. Plus, you get to see some cool critters like tropical frogs and butterflies.  Getting In: The Green Planet Dubai is separately ticketed.  Let's Recap So if you're spending a week in Dubai, we hope this itinerary inspires you to craft your perfect vacation. Whatever you choose, we know you'll have a magical time in Dubai. Happy travels! Save up to 50% on Dubai attractions Discover our full line-up of Dubai attractions from the Burj Khalifa to Aquaventure Waterpark 🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you. 😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.
Lindsay Eagan

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