Dubai in October

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
dubai in october

Dubai is pretty warm all year round, but you may be surprised just how warm it can be during months you usually find colder. Take October, for example. Heading there then can feel like a summer holiday all on its own, so check out our guide to Dubai in October and see if it's the month for you!

Including:

  • Dubai weather in October
  • Cool off at Dubai's water parks
  • Dubai's brilliant beaches
  • Relax at Dubai's beach clubs
  • and more!
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Dubai in October: What to Expect

While for many of us, October is the final nail in the summer coffin as we prep for the cold and wet of the coming winter, that's not the case in Dubai. You can expect highs of around 97°F and lows of around 75°F. That's...peak summer weather in many parts of the world. As such, dress and prep for a summer holiday! Light clothes, giant hats, and liters of sunscreen should do the trick.

Dubai in October: What to Do

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Water parks

With temperatures that high, you'll want to make the most of the sun while staying as cool as possible. And what's the best way to do all that? Well, at a water park, of course! Lather up with your factor 1000, put on your best beachwear, and get sliding. Unsurprisingly, Dubai has some great water parks, such as Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm. There, you'll find plenty of rides that cater to both the young and old. Aquaconda - nice wordplay - throws you down a head-spinning snake of a ride, with twists and turns around every scaly corner. There's Poisiden's Revenge, which drops you down at 60mph into a massive pool. And to cool off, they even have their own beach where you can relax or hop in a kayak!

For little ones, there's LEGOLAND® Water Park, where the wonderful world of colorful building blocks comes to life. With 20 LEGO®-themed rides featuring some recognizable faces, your kids will love it. 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. Perfect for kids and big kids alike.

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Beaches

The brave among you may wish to forgo the pleasures of the splash and instead embrace the heat in all its glory. Well, where better to do that than at the beach? With enough sun, sand, and sea to make your head spin, just be sure to pack the aforementioned sunscreen and hat!

Jumeirah Beach Residence - or JBR, is one of the city's biggest and best beaches, if relaxation is your aim. This massive beach has everything you could ever want - clean white sand, warm blue water, and enough space to stretch out and make the most of it. You can't swim after sundown due to the lack of light in the water, but you can certainly pitch your tent on its shores all night long.

Or, if you want to make a day of it, check out La Mer. There, you'll find stunning seaside views, watersports, shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities you won't find anywhere else. There's a cinema on-site, if you like the talkies, and you can even rent your own private beach house for the day. Nice.

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Beach clubs

If you're looking for beach vibes but need a little shade on a warm October day, then hit up a beach club instead. Part beach, part pool club, part restaurant, they pack a relaxing punch you won't find anywhere else in Dubai.

For ultimate relaxation, hit up the Mediterranean stylings at Twiggy by La Cantine. Named after the famous model that embodied the spirit of the swinging sixties, you'll find this beach club laden with white silk, white lounge chairs, and white, well, everything else. Alongside the massive infinity pool, you'll enjoy a welcoming menu of European bites.

Alternatively, a livelier option is Surf Club, which features resident DJs, dancing through the day, and a stacked bar.

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A cool night's travel

Fancy seeing all of Dubai's sights, sounds, and highlights in one chilled night? Then you'll fancy the hell out of a Dubai Magical Night Tour.

Joined by a knowledgeable yet humorous guide, you'll be transported around the city, see the most recognizable Dubai landmarks, and do it all under the comforting coolness of Dubai's October night sky.

You'll cruise by the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the Burj Al Arab, Dubai Harbor and more. Make sure you have space on your phone camera to capture the stunning sights of the city's night lights.

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An evening stroll in the desert

If you're less about sightseeing and more about sight visiting, then how does a desert safari that culminates in a relaxing BBQ dinner sound? Pretty great, right?

From your hotel, a 4x4 will whisk you away to the amazing dunes in Dubai's surrounding desert. And yes, you'll still have plenty of time to snap pics of the mesmerizing scenery before you reach the desert camp. Then, you'll be treated to a traditional BBQ meal of 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, when the night is over, you'll be taken right back to your hotel.

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Night boat

And finally, we'll end our guide to Dubai in October with another cool night activity. Take to the waters around Dubai Marina and tour the shoreline, the highlight being the towering Ain Dubai.

Your one-hour tour will take you past Jumeriah Beach and Bluewaters Island, before you set eyes on Ain Dubai- the tallest observation wheel on the planet!

You can set off at 6:30PM to see the sunset, or at 9PM to see Dubai's lights shimmering off the water. Either is beautiful, so choose whichever suits you and get sailing!

And that's our guide to Dubai in October! Looking for other suggestions? Why not 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. There's so much to do, see, and experience that no matter what you decide to do, you'll love your time in the city!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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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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