beach clubs dubai

Things to do in Dubai in Summer

By Dom Bewley

Summer is most people's favorite time of year. The sun is out, the sky's no longer grey, and it's the time of year when vacations often turn from dreams into reality. So, where do you choose to go on your summer vacation? Dubai - one of the hottest cities on the planet. Fair play, we respect the commitment to summertime. So, you'll be wanting to know about the best things to do in Dubai in summer, won't you? Right this way, please. The doctor is ready to see you. Dr. ...Fun. Dr. Summer Fun, MD.

Including:

  • Cool off at Dubai's excellent waterparks
  • Check out the relaxing beach club scene
  • Chill out on the slopes
  • Kick back on the beach
  • Take to the seas and tour the sunny surroundings

Make a splash

When it comes to summertime, water is a human's best friend. We drink it to hydrate us, we spray it on our faces to cool down, and we like to submerge ourselves in it when the temperature rises. But why settle for swimming when you can cannon down a water slide and make a real splash?

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Dubai waterpark scene is popping off, with a number of the wonders dotted about the city. Arguably the best is Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm. You'll find a good mix of kid-friendly entertainment and stuff for the grown-ups and opportunities to relax between the action. Make sure you check out the Leap of Faith, which drops you nine stories into a transparent tube surrounded by deadly sharks; Aquaconda, which is a snakey slide that will leave your head spinning; and Aquaventure Beach, which lets you relax and dry off after a hectic splash.

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If you're willing to travel, take a boat over to the beautiful Yas Island and check out Yas Waterworld. Featuring over 40 unique rides and appealing to all ages, it's the perfect remedy to the summer heat. Our recommendations are Bandit Bomber, a suspended rollercoaster that cannons around the track and splashes you with water; Liwa Loop, another plummeting ride that drops you into winding tubes; and Cinesplash, a thrilling 5D cinema experience that will leave you mouth agape and your legs thoroughly soaked!

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If you've got the little ones with you, why not treat them to a waterpark built just for them? That would be 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 will pit you against LEGO® Batman's arch nemesis, as you splash around his playground. 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. And, at Splash Out, you'll plummet down into the water in a kid-friendly way this time.

Go clubbing, Dubai style

We're not talking about busting some moves at the discotheque here; we're talking about beach clubs. These hubs of rest and relaxation can be the perfect answer to a long, hot day in Dubai. So it's no wonder that you'll find plenty of them lining the coast. Providing great views, great food, and good vibes, they're one of the best things to do in Dubai in summer.

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We recommend Twiggy by La Cantine. Its Central European splendor is exemplified by its all-white decor. Think white loungers draped in white sheets, and you're halfway there. But alongside the ambiance and a delightful menu of Mediterranean bites, its biggest selling point is unarguably the near-330ft infinity pool.

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Or, if the discotheque sounded like music to your ears, then you'll have your head turned by Surf Club. There, you can join the dancing masses on the dancefloor while DJs spin bouncy cuts, or simply sit back, admire the atmosphere, and feast on some delicious seafood. Whichever way you like your beach clubs, Surf Club's got you covered.

Ski for your life

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When things get too hot outside, it could leave you wishing you'd gone somewhere cold instead. Rather than hiding inside, you could be hitting the slopes. Well, turn that frown upside down, you warm devil, because Ski Dubai is here to bring the chills and thrills where you'd least suspect them. How can snowy hills exist in Dubai, which is categorically hotter than the sun? Well, thanks to the largest indoor ski center on planet Earth, that's how!

With plenty of slopes to conquer, lifts to scale, and even adorable penguins to see, it's about as close as you can get to an authentic mountaintop experience in the middle of the desert. Oh, and they provide you with all the equipment and teach newbies too, if you need the guidance. Easily one of the best things to do in Dubai on a hot summer day.

Son of a beach, I'm in

And finally, after all our recommendations for avoiding the heat, let's end with one that embraces the furnace. After all, it may have been the white dunes and pristine beaches that brought you here in the first place. So buckle up because it's beach time, baby. Let's talk about some of Dubai's finest sand factories.

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One of the biggest and arguably best beaches in Dubai, and well worth adding to your travel itinerary, is the Jumeirah Beach Residence - or JBR. 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. It's also open 24 hours, though swimming is not permitted after the sun goes down due to the risks involved.

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Our other recommendation goes to Umm Suqeim Beach, which has a bigger focus on water sports and activities. You'll find more than a few surfers riding the waves here, and while they're hardly magnificent, they're about as good as you'll get in the Persian Gulf. It's a 24-hour beach too, but this time you can swim until midnight thanks to Smart Power lights that flood the beach.

And that's our list of the best things to do in Dubai in summer! If you're in the market for some more unforgettable activities, 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.

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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lusail qatar
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Travel From Dubai to Qatar

2022 has been an odd year for many of us. For some, it's meant a return to the 'normal' that existed before 2020. To others, it meant great uncertainty and displacement. But as we approach the latter half of the year, there's one thing that's obvious. 2022 is a big year for Qatar. It's a World Cup year, and they have the privilege of hosting the most watched sporting tournament on the planet. Usually a summer tournament, due to the average temperatures in the region during the summer months, the Qatar 2022 World Cup is not only the first held in the Arab world, but the first to take place in winter. People from all over the world will come to watch countries face off on the field. And one of those people may well be you. Image courtesy of fifg/Shutterstock However, the sharp-eyed of you out there may have noticed which country neighbors Qatar. We're talking about the United Arab Emirates, and the jewel in its crown, Dubai. So, if you want to make the most of your trip around the world, you might want to split your vacation between the two. Dubai has some of the most highly praised experiences on the planet, so it's absolutely worth a visit. But what is the best way to travel from Dubai to Qatar, so you can go see the games? Let's talk about it. Travel from Dubai to Qatar - the cheapest way As you may expect, the cheapest way to travel from Dubai to Qatar is by car. However, the trip, which pretty much runs along the coast of the Persian Gulf, will take nearly 7 hours to complete. You can expect to pay around $100 for gas, and that doesn't include the price of the rental vehicle, which could set you back another $5-200, depending on the car you choose. So, it's definitely an option, especially if you want to make the most of the views, and time is on your side. However, if neither of those takes your fancy, let's explore the other options on offer. Travel from Dubai to Qatar - the quickest way Unsurprisingly, the quickest way to travel from Dubai to Qatar is by good old airplane. You can take a direct flight from Dubai International Airport to Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, in just over an hour. This could cost anywhere between $180-$500, so if you're lucky and book ahead, you could actually save money when compared to renting a car. However, you will need to take travel to and from the respective airports into account, depending on the location of your hotel or accommodation. If you're lucky, an affordable bus will take you close enough to where you're staying. If you're not lucky, you may have to take a cab. And if you do, the costs could add up. Bear in mind that this is only if you're pitching a tent in Doha. If you're staying in one of the other Qatarian states hosting matches, we'll need to talk about those too! Traveling to other cities in Qatar As with all World Cups, the tournament is held in multiple places throughout Qatar. Rather than cities, these are called states. So, if you're not staying in Doha, and have instead chosen to stay in one of the other states that are hosting matches, let's talk about how to reach them! Al Wakrah Al Wakrah is the closest state to Doha. So close, in fact, that you'll be able to take a 13-minute cab from Hamad International Airport to the center of Al Wakrah. The cab should set you back about $18, so easy peasy. If you hire a car when you arrive at Hamad International Airport, the journey will be the same period of time, so 15 minutes. Al Rayyan Al Rayyan is a little further away from Doha than Al Wakrah, so getting there will be a bit harder. After arriving at Hamad International Airport, you'll need to get a bus or cab to Al Mansoura, and then a train to Education City. These will likely cost around $12 and take around 25 minutes. If you hire a car when you arrive at Hamad International Airport, the whole journey will take around 23 minutes. Lusail Further still from the above is Lusail. To get there, take a 40-minute train from Hamad International Airport to Lusail , which is super cheap at around $2. Then, get a cab from the station to your accommodation. Prices will vary because, unfortunately, we aren't mind readers, and have no idea where you're staying! If you hire a car when you arrive at Hamad International Airport, the entire journey will take you around 38 minutes. Al Khawr (Al Khor) The final and furthest World Cup state on the list is Al Khawr, sometimes referred to as Al Khor. To get there, the recommended route says you should take a bus from Hamad International Airport to Al Khawr Gardens. This will take about an hour, and set you back around $40. Then, hail a cab to your temporary residence. If it's in the center of Al Khawr, it will cost around $7. If you hire a car when you arrive at Hamad International Airport, the journey will take you around 43 minutes. And that about covers everything you need to know about travel from Dubai to Qatar! If you're heading to the World Cup, have fun, and make sure you respect the traditions and laws that govern Qatar. If you're heading to Dubai and looking for fun 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're looking for 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. Feeling peckish and want to know what's good? We've got you covered, thanks to your ultimate guide to the best eats in Dubai. 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
Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm
Blog

Yas Waterpark Vs Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis Palm

Water parks are big business in the United Arab Emirates, with hundreds vying for your dirham across the region. We took a deep dive at Yas Waterpark and Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis Palm to find out what each has to offer...
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
dubai at night
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Things to do in Dubai at Night - Evening Activities

You know what they say about the nighttime - it's when the sun sets, and things get dark. Do you know what else they say about the night? It's when the real fun starts. That is what they say, check the dictionary. So, if you're in Dubai, make the most of your evenings by checking out the best things to do at night! We've taken the pain out of it, and put all the best bits down below. Enjoy! Including: Ain Dubai evening boat tour Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner Dubai Magical Night Tour Dubai Ice Rink VR Park Dubai and more! Flashing, reflecting, refracting lights There's nothing quite as stunning as seeing the bright lights of a burgeoning city beaming off of the sea. Well, maybe there are, but in this instance, we'll pretend otherwise. That's because one of the best things to do in Dubai at night is an evening boat tour of the city's coast! For an entire 60 minutes, you'll explore Dubai Marina, enjoy stunning views of the city's skyscraping 5-star hotels and the luxury yachts docked here, and cruise past Jumeirah Beach and get a chance to ogle at the opulent high-rise residences here and on Bluewaters Island. But the best sightseeing on this tour is undoubtedly the Ain Dubai. At 250 meters, it's the tallest observation wheel on the planet, dwarfing the likes of The London Eye and the High Roller in Las Vegas. BBQ in the barrens Deserts can be unforgiving beasts. Miles upon miles with no water, shade, and the delirious mirages of water fountains and freshwater streams are all things we'd rather avoid. However, a curated trip to the desert can actually be a blast, and that's what you'll experience on this desert safari and bbq dinner. You'll start proceedings by being driven from the city into the desert in a 4x4, where you can watch the beautiful scenery of the setting sun. Then, you'll reach a camp, where you and many others can enjoy a delicious bbq meal of grilled meats and other Arabic delights. Then, settle in for the evening's entertainment. Belly dancing, shisha, sandboarding, camel riding, and more are all available to partake in, should you feel up for it after the epic feast. After all that, you'll be taken straight back to your hotel. Epic nights don't get much better than that, and you never have to worry about dying of thirst. Brilliant! Tour the night While touring the Dubai coast and seeing the city's lights dance off the water is one thing, seeing them up close on dry land is quite another! So why not go explore the city's nightlife on a magical evening tour of Dubai? Highlights include the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the Burj Al Arab, Dubai Harbour, and more. And believe us, all of these are truly spectacular to see at night. And, while you're cruising in luxury, air-conditioned comfort, your guide will fill you in on the history of each landmark, as well as the city's near-future plans. If you want to learn a little more about the city you're visiting, as well as snap some of the fluorescent delights on full display, do yourself a favor and take a curated tour! It was a cold and icy night How does carving some sweet powder on solid ice sound for an evening? Is that what people call it? Carving powder? Who cares, because you can carve whatever you want when you take a PM trip to Dubai Ice Rink! Head to the Dubai Mall, put on your best icing skates, and get ready for some pirouette action as you dazzle the crowds with your ice skating moves. Or, crawl around the edge of the rink holding on for dear life as your feet betray you. Whatever floats your boat. That wasn't an iceberg pun, simply a happy accident. Suitable for both skating enthusiasts and newbies, the rink has ice marshals on hand to ensure you don't hurt anyone else, let alone yourself with your long, gangly dancers' legs. Still, if you can brave the embarrassment, or you're somehow an 'expert' ice skater, you'll have tons of fun doing the business. Reality, but not as you know it Sometimes, reality doesn't quite cut it. Even if you're in Dubai, you might be looking for some alternatives to the beautiful city, the mesmerizing desert, and the wonderful waters. You might be looking for something a little more out of this world. Well, put your search to rest, because Dubai's own VR Park has just the ticket, a ticket to the extraordinary. With 25 games to choose from, pick seven to play and enter the virtual space. Then, whichever mind-blowing experiences and adventures you like! Play a few rounds of VR sports, hop across platforms in mythical, uncharted worlds, and even face off against your friends in competitive modes. Try your hand at the likes of Dubai Drop, Dune Bash, Robocom, Arena, and many more! Eat, drink, and be merry And finally, let's end this exploration of the best things to do in Dubai at night with everyone's favorite evening pastime - dinner. Nothing quite beats an epic meal to end the day, and you'll be pleased to hear that Dubai has a massive amount of amazing restaurants within its opulent walls. Whatever you desire is sure to be on offer in the city. Even the fussiest eaters will find plenty of delightful places to sit down for a plate or three. In fact, there are so many that we wrote an entire article talking about them. If you don't feel like reading all that, don't worry, we'll break the best one down here. If all-day brunch is your jam, check out Bubbalicious at the Marriott's Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. It's all you can eat, and covers every Earthly cuisine imaginable, so you're bound to find some treats to enjoy. Looking for something a little more lively? Try the French restaurant Bagatelle, which happily combines a delicious yet unique menu with live music and refreshing drinks in the evening. Many people even head there after dark to make the most of the festivities! Or, for a classy Italian spot, seek out Armani/Ristorante, and indulge in the likes of foie gras, lobster, and all the other good things on this Earth. And those are our picks for the best things to do in Dubai at night! Looking for some daytime ideas too? 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.
Dom Bewley

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