dubai in september

Dubai in September

By Dom Bewley

Howdy there, traveler! So you're planning a trip to Dubai, are you? This desert oasis draws visitors from all over, so you're in good company. But when do you plan to visit? Is September a good time to vacation in Dubai? Well, scroll down, browse our guide to Dubai in September, and see what you think!

Including:

  • Dubai weather in September
  • VR fun
  • Underwater adventure
  • Spooky escape rooms
  • and more!
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Dubai in September: What to Expect

It's hot. Really hot. Surprising perhaps no one, September in Dubai isn't your typical fall month. Instead, it's merely the tail end of Dubai's long, long summer. But the tail end doesn't mean you're in for a cooler time. Not really. That's because temperatures in September reach highs of 100°F or more and lows of around 79°F. So prepare for extreme temperatures, or perhaps go another month where the heat is more manageable.

However, if you insist on September, then there are certainly some things to bear in mind. Bring a big hat, pack a load of factor 50 sunscreen, and avoid direct sunlight at peak hours to avoid shriveling up like a toasted prune. With those caveats in mind, we've peppered our recommendations with both inside and outside fun. You are most welcome, friend.

Dubai in September: What to Do

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Nighttime BBQ Shenanigans

When temperatures are enough to cook eggs on your car, embrace your inner vampire and stick to the shadows instead. But why settle for small shadows when you can utilize the humungous shadow that is nighttime? With nary a ray of sun in sight, you'll be safe. And where better to explore in this newfound safety than the beautiful sand dunes outside the city? On this BBQ and entertainment trip to the desert, you'll do just that.

You'll be escorted from your hotel in a plush, air-conditioned 4x4 to the dunes. Then, you'll reach a camp and be treated to a mouth-watering menu of BBQ meats and veg. And refreshing drinks, of course.

Once you're full, the entertainment kicks off. Catch a belly dancing show, partake in some sweet shisha, ride a camel, and even get a henna tattoo. Not bad. Then, as things wind down, you'll get a lift right back to your hotel to sleep off all the success. This BBQ soiree in Dubai is perfect for those looking to make the most of the cooler September nights.

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Evening Landmark Adventure!

One of the joys of vacationing in an exciting new place is exploring the region's landmarks. And you'll be thrilled to know that Dubai has heaps of awe-inspiring buildings all across its skyline. And, in the spirit of your newfound vampirism, why not go see those sighs at night on a magical evening bus tour?

Be sure to snap pictures of the grand Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), Dubai Mall, the Burj Al Arab, Ain Dubai, and the city harbor. That way, you'll get enough snaps to show your colleagues around the watercooler, and dodge the worst of the sun in the process! Does that smell like a win? Because it sure smells like a win to us.

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Spooky Escapes

Looking for any other excuses to escape the heat? Look no further than Dubai's terrifying escape rooms at No Way Out. Because when it's hot outside, nothing quite beats being chased around the place by an ax-wielding maniac in the comfort of air-conditioning.

With 10 spooky rooms on offer, including authentic offerings from the IT and Ring universes, you and up to 8 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. Marvelous and cool, thanks to the aforementioned air-con.

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Explore sunny locales at a safe distance

Another way to beat the heat is to simply travel to another realm. But how can that be? Aren't you firmly stuck in this reality? Well, not quite. Thanks to VR Park Dubai, alternate realities are just a headset away.

Visitors, or adventurers, if you will, are welcome to immerse themselves in 7 games over the course of four hours. Suit up, slip your headset on, pick your poison, and play away. Can you make your way out of the VR Maze? Can you stop the robot uprising in Robocom? You can even challenge your friends or family to competitive games, including sports, platforming, and puzzle-solving genres.

The perfect answer to an abrasively warm afternoon, explore virtual reality and see what all the buzz is about!

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Explore life beneath the surface

And finally, let's end our cool list of sun-dodging goodness with perhaps the best escape of all - a journey beneath the oceans. And where better to find such an escape than at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo?

You'll start your adventure in the aquarium's massive underwater tunnel, where you'll be able to see all sorts of aquatic species going about their day. Sharks, rays, and other exotic species will be swimming right above your head, and may even approach you if you're not too scary looking. Perfect for photo ops, as well as a strangely serene stroll, it's a one-of-a-kind experience in Dubai, and well worth a visit.

After you've wandered along the tunnel, you'll reach the Underwater Zoo, where you can get up close and personal with tons of exotic fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic wonders. You'll meet spider crabs, otters, piranhas, penguins, and other colorful characters. Delightful, and a great way to escape September heat in Dubai!

And that just about wraps our guide to Dubai in September! If you dare face the sun head-on and are looking for some outside activities, 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. Yes, even the shadeless bits for all you thick-skinned boys and girls!

Dom Bewley

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Dubai Airport Transfers and Transit

Picture the scene, if you will. You've booked your trip to Dubai, and you're excited. Looking forward to the warm weather and sunny days, you pack your bag with all your summer bits. You board the plane, eager for the long trip to be over so you can step into the desert oasis that is Dubai. You wake just as the pilot announces that your journey is nearly over. The wheels hit the tarmac, and your heart skips a beat. It's finally time. But when you finally get through security and leave the airport, this feeling washes over you. You brush it off at first; surely it's just nerves bundled with excitement? You head to a bus stop, but you can't read the listings. You open your GPS app, and you're having trouble connecting. The world begins to close in on you, choking you with all its sunny goodness. What if you never find your hotel? What if you're stuck here, on the cusp of paradise, doomed never to see Dubai in all its glory? Just like that movie with Tom Hanks, where he hangs out in an airport for years. Airport jail, probably Now imagine none of this happened, because you booked an airport transfer weeks ago, and your driver's here to greet you with a smile and some sweet aviator shades. Feeling like a diplomat, or someone of equal import, you shimmy into the backseat of an air-conditioned vehicle, and before you know it, you arrive at your hotel. Doesn't that sound way better than the whole 'eternal airport limbo' we made up earlier? So, here's everything you need to know about travel from Dubai airport, including transfers! Travel in Dubai - how long are airport transfers? The good news is that, if you're staying in the city center, it's only a 3-mile drive from Dubai International Airport. This will take roughly 25 minutes, or double that if you're staying in Downtown Dubai. Travel in Dubai - why you should book a transfer from the airport As a stranger in a strange land, it couldn't hurt to get some know-how from the locals. And that's what you'll get in spades if you book an airport transfer. Cab drivers will be able to provide you with local tips and tricks with a vacation twist, so be sure to strike up a conversation and see what tasty gossip nuggets you can mine. Besides, you may have already started celebrating your vacation on the plane, so leaving the driving up to someone else might be the best, and legal, course of action! We've touched on the stress many holiday-goers can feel when they leave the airport in an unfamiliar place. Not knowing the local language can be a barrier between you and public transport. So it's good to know that when you get off the plane, you'll have a car and driver waiting for you, who knows exactly where to take you! And better still, as they know your route, you'll already have a pre-agreed price. Hell, you may have already paid for the trip. With airport transfers, you don't have to worry about getting scammed or overcharged, or having enough local currency on you to pay. Travel in Dubai - types of transfer vehicles from the airport Cheapest - shuttle A cheap and cheerful shuttle will certainly do the job, with prices around $7-10. However, you will be traveling with others, and that may mean you end up making multiple stops before your desired destination. That also means your journey will be significantly longer at around 60 minutes, and you'll only have a small personal allowance for luggage. If you're traveling in a group, you're probably better off with one of the more expensive alternatives. Small group - private car These come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, with some (around $25) allowing up to 3 passengers, and others like mini-buses (around $35), allowing up to 7 passengers. The quality/brand of the vehicle will determine the price you pay, with classier rides being significantly more expensive for the same short journey. But hey, if you want to pay over $200 to ride in style for 15 minutes, you do you! Large group - coach This one's for the extended family-type trips, where you meet three cousins you never knew existed. Seating anywhere from 35 up to 50 people, you'll pay handsomely for the privilege, but it's unarguably the best way for huge groups to travel. Travel in Dubai - final tips on airport transfers Whenever you book a transfer, make sure to research the travel company online to see their reviews. That way, you hopefully won't be surprised by false advertising, or end up in a car that's falling apart. Make sure that your luggage allowance is enough for the transfer vehicle you hire! At best, you might be stuck with heavy bags on your lap for the journey. At worst, they might refuse to take you entirely! If your driver is super helpful and goes above and beyond in regards to their advice, hints and tips, or they're clearly making an effort to be chatty, be sure to tip them right back. But like, with money rather than life advice or anything. And finally, make sure you keep all receipts/emails with your booking info handy, either printed out on paper or on your phone's mailbox. That way, if you do run into any problems, you'll have quick access to the info you'll need to resolve the problem! And that about covers everything you need to know about air travel and transfers in Dubai Airport! Looking for fun in Dubai without the fuss? Look no further than Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. If you seek some extreme sports to get the blood pumping, why not check out our guide to the best thrill-seeking activities in the city? Live for the night? Read up on our recommendations for the best neon-soaked activities. Hungry and want to know what's good? We've got you covered, thanks to your ultimate guide to the best eats in Dubai.
Dom Bewley
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Best markets in Dubai

Dubai is known for its shopping. Its malls strive to be world beating when it comes to both size and the experiences they offer – is there anywhere else in the world you can watch a screening of the latest Hollywood blockbuster, ski and scuba dive all in the same afternoon in the same place? Probably not. But Dubai’s malls aren’t the only place to satisfy your need to splurge. A trading post long before the advent of modern stores, you shouldn’t miss Dubai’s souks and markets either. Which are the best markets in Dubai? We’ve brought together our hit list for anyone not sure where to start. The Ripe Market Running throughout the year, The Ripe Market was one of the first of a new crop of marketplaces to set up in Dubai. Primarily focused on foodstuffs, its stalls are piled high with fresh organic produce, tasty looking vegetables and regional delicacies, whilst food trucks stand ready for anyone wanting to sample a range of cuisines then and there. In the winter months, The Ripe Market occupies an outdoor space within Police Academy Park, beside Ski Dubai and the Mall of the Emirates. In the hotter summer months, it moves inside, to the Times Square Center every Saturday. Market at The Beach With something for everyone, Market at The Beach is exactly as it sounds. Located on the shoreline at Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR) from first thing in the morning until last thing at night, the stalls here are split into two zones. Operating over the winter months, one section is dedicated to fashion, small homeware items and jewelry, whilst the other offers up a tempting array of meals which can be enjoyed on the beach alongside views across the water towards the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel. Spice Souk The aroma of spices will probably reach you long before you reach the Spice Souk’s official boundaries. Sacks of saffron and armfuls of cinnamon sticks release a rich scent alongside a selection of teas and sweets. For a taste of Dubai, look out for bezaar, a blend of spices made up of coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, cinnamon and turmeric. It’s used in recipes including majboos, a savory rice dish similar to pilaf. Dubai Flea Market Fans of previously-loved items and upcycling shouldn’t miss Dubai Flea Market. Popping up at one of several locations multiple times each month, be sure to check in advance whether it's Zabeel Park, Ibn Battuta Mall or some other address you’ll need to head to. Find the right place and you’ll be met by roughly 300 different stalls. The strict requirement for sale items to be second-hand ensures a certain level of uniqueness and spontaneity in purchasing, with fabrics, ceramics, furniture and clothing just some of what’s on offer. Throw a little friendly haggling into the mix, and the whole event is difficult to resist. Gold Souk For traditional shopping, head to the Gold Souk in the Deira neighborhood, which has been the center for the region’s gold trade for centuries. Partially covered, its narrow alleyways are lined with hundreds of independent jewelry stores showing off their best wares in glittering window displays. As one of its oldest souks, it has to be considered one of the best markets in Dubai too. Irrespective of whether you’re looking for a piece of gold or just looking to discover its streets for the experience, the designs you see will have you admiring the craftsmanship on display. ARTE Standing for ‘Artisans of the Emirates’, ARTE is a weekend market that’s been going from strength to strength during its 15 years of existence. It connects Dubai’s small time makers and craftspeople with an audience of appreciative buyers at pop-ups in malls including Mercato and Times Square Center. Around 150 different makers have items available at any one event, with a guarantee that each and every piece on sale has been designed and made by vendors themselves. It means that for unique Dubai souvenirs, there’s probably nowhere better to find textiles, soaps, pottery and greetings cards. The Farmer’s Market An alternative place to The Ripe Market for vegetables is The Farmer’s Market. Created as an outlet for those brave souls growing produce in one of Earth’s driest environments, this is one of the top food markets in Dubai and appears on Bay Avenue on weekends during the winter. The focus is on fresh produce, whether that’s eggs or eggplants, which may be of limited interest to visitors to Dubai. However, there’s also usually a good selection of edibles which make nice mementos of your trip, including local honeys and jams. The best thing is that most of the produce is sold by the farmers themselves, allowing a rare connection between grower and buyer. Global Village If the Spice Souk has history and authenticity on its side, Global Village has variety. Amidst the funfair rides and interpretations of the Kremlin in Moscow and Leaning Tower of Pisa in... Pisa are stalls selling trinkets from every continent. Just down the road from IMG Worlds of Adventure, some may find the whole enterprise slightly baffling. However, if you’ve any children in tow they’re sure to learn something. Nor has Global Village forgotten its 1990s roots as a group of stalls carrying everything from Afghan carpets to argan oil from Morocco. Souk Al Marfa Situated along the waterfront of the new development on the Deira Islands, Souk Al Marfa provides a modern take on Dubai’s traditional souks. This enclosed space is now home to around 400 stores which have a little bit of everything. It will soon rival the city’s big malls with around 1000 shops once fully opened. So whilst it may not meet some definitions of a market, it does fill a gap between the original souks of Deira and Dubai’s modern megamalls. Visiting the best markets in Dubai Markets and Middle Eastern destinations such as Dubai have gone hand in hand since before recorded history. The best markets in Dubai are as diverse as any you’ll find, with traditional souks and modern farmers’ markets creating plenty of choice. Include a stop at one of our market picks during your vacation in Dubai and you won’t regret it. Travel to Dubai with Go City and you won’t regret that either! We offer visitors substantial savings on admission to many top attractions so you get to see the sights without worrying about your budget.
Ian Packham

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