winter dubai

Things to do in Dubai in Winter

When we think of winter, certain images may spring to mind; runny noses, driveways caked in snow, and the desire to wear all your clothes at once. Winter time isn't without its charms. After all, snow is pretty, and for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas takes place in the midst of the cold. But sometimes, the run-up to winter can be a bit disheartening. Vacation season is in the distant past, and if the roads aren't salted, you may be in for a bad time.

But what if we told you there's a magical place where none of that is true? What if we told you this magical place is temperate all year round and the perfect winter vacation destination? Well, that's what we're telling you. That place is Dubai, and during peak winter, temperatures only drop as low as 70°F. With temperatures like that, you could do any number of things in Dubai in winter. So, in the spirit of winter, let's explore the fun things you'll find indoors, where even the sun won't harm your withered frame.

Including:

  • Ski Dubai
  • IMG Worlds of Adventure
  • Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
  • Wavehouse
  • VR Park Dubai
  • and more!
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Snow, but not as you know it

If, for some reason, you miss the winter chill, why not carve some sick powder at Ski Dubai?

As the world's biggest indoor ski center, you'll find slopes aplenty and even a ski lift to take you all the way to the top. Yes, it's that big.

Whether your poison is skiing, snowboarding, or sledding, you'll find plenty to do at Ski Dubai. Even newcomers are welcome, with instructors on hand to show you the ropes. And all your equipment is included, so you needn't stuff your suitcase with appropriate attire.

Oh, and every few hours, everything grinds to a halt. Why, you ask? Well, because that's then the freaking penguins turn up to tour the premises. Penguins? In Dubai? What sorcery is this?

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Theme park life

From inside ski resorts to inside theme parks, Dubai has it all. Yes, even their theme parks are under-roof. Well, not all of them, but certainly IMG Worlds of Adventure. Oh, and it's also the biggest indoor theme park on the planet, because of course it is.

Across 5 unique zones, you'll find rides of all shapes and sizes and featuring characters from the likes of Marvel. Now you, of all people, can join the mighty Avengers and help them stop the newest world-ending threat. To them, it's just a Tuesday. But to you, it's the chance to finally be that hero you tell yourself you can be.

There are also spooky mansions to escape from, dinosaurs to outrun, and plenty of other mischief to be had. Glorious, and easily one of the best things to do in Dubai in winter.

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Another Dimension

If the reality-bending winter weather in Dubai isn't mind-blowing enough for you, why not enter another reality entirely and see how you get on? Thanks to VR Park Dubai, you can do just that.

Over the course of four wonderful hours, you'll enter seven worlds full of weirdness and whimsy. Well, some of them are less whimsical and more deadly, but you get the idea. If you have friends, they can join you as you enter virtual reality and dual it out with zombies, robots, or each other in a number of sports-related games.

Do you have the brains, brawn, and other 'b' words to grind them to dust? Or will you lose, again, and never hear the end of it? There's only one way to find out, and that way is to go here and do the thing.

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Escape mediocrity

A harsh winter can leave us feeling trapped in our homes. Snowed in with an empty fridge and no delivery drivers nearby is enough to bring tears to the eyes. If you miss that feeling while on your warm winter getaway, why not head to No Way Out escape rooms and get trapped all over again?

With 10 spooky rooms on offer, including authentic offerings from the IT and Ring universes, you and up to 8 prisoners - sorry, 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. If you have the stomach for it, No Way Out is definitely one of the best things to do in Dubai in winter!

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Surf's up

Ever time traveled? We'd bet on no, but if you ever want to relive the glorious nostalgia of the 80s arcade scene, give Wavehouse in the Atlantis Hotel and good go.

On top of the myriad arcade cabinets with old-school games and pinball machines, you'll find bowling alleys, a surf simulator, and even a stacked menu of American delights like burgers, pizzas, and hotdogs.

You can even take your food and drink outside, if you dare face the unbearable 70°F sunshine. You brave soul, you.

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Beneath the surface

In a place where water doesn't freeze, you may enjoy exploring the depths of the sea and making some new friends. Well, what are you waiting for? Go check out Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and meet some underwater buddies!

You'll explore a massive underwater tunnel, where you'll be immersed in sea life all around you. Make sure to snap some pics for your social media - if you dare to go nose-to-nose with a shark, imagine the flood of likes and dopamine that will come your way! Validation is the sweetest medicine, after all.

Then, you'll enter the Underwater Zoo, stacked with tanks showing off specific species of exotic underwater critters. Water's never been so fun unless you're thirsty, in which case, drinking it is pretty awesome.

And those were our picks for the best things to do in Dubai in winter! Looking for some sunny activities when the weather finally clears up? 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
Go City Travel Expert

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dubai in october
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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! 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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
beach clubs dubai
Blog

Best Beach Clubs in Dubai

Dubai is known for many things; great weather, awe-inspiring architecture, and a litany of entertainment opportunities you won't find anywhere else. But perhaps its best-known feature is its beaches. With winters that feel like summers in many other parts of the world, beaches are a mainstay for tourists and locals all year round. But on the beach, you have to fend for yourself. Who wants to get their own drinks and cook their own food when there's relaxing to be done? Thankfully, you can look to the curated experiences at beach clubs to scratch that itch. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and let someone else take care of the rest. Dubai has a host of beach clubs dotted about its coastline, but which is the best? Let's find out. These are our picks for the best beach clubs in Dubai! Including: SAN Beach Club Eva Beach Club DRIFT Beach February 30 Twiggy by La Cantine and more! SAN Beach Club Relaxing is the name of the game on Dubai's beach scene, and not many offer pure relaxation like SAN Beach Club. With fantastic views of the Dubai skyline, you'll find plenty of shaded seating to kick back on in this sandy paradise. If the heat gets too much, or you fancy a dip, the delightful pool is on hand to wash away the day. You may well never leave with a menu full of light bites that are perfect for the summer weather, refreshing drinks, and friendly staff on hand whenever you need anything. Well, you'll have to leave at some point. Don't be a weirdo. Eva Beach Club Swap exterior vibes for interior intricacy at Eva Beach Club. From its floor-to-ceiling wood carvings to its decorative features like hanging lights and floral pieces, it exudes class and calm all at once. Even though you're inside, you'll be bathed in light thanks to the giant windows that line the building. But enough about look and feel, what about the experience? Well, thankfully, you'll find a menu full of delicious treats like pizza, pasta, salads, and an assortment of seafood bites. And when you're inevitably thirsty, you can order an ice-cold drink to wash it all down. Delightful. Surf Club If you're looking for a little more excitement from your beach club, look no further than Surf Club. One of the busier spots on this list, it combines the relaxation of other clubs on this list with a thumping soundtrack that can go long into the night. Of course, if the music takes you there, you're free to bust some fresh moves. Thankfully, you won't be alone in your dancefloor endeavors as the whole place lights up around sunset. But after all that grooving and shape throwing, you might need to refuel. Well, you're in luck, because the surf brought in one of the best seafood menus in Dubai just for you! Divine lobster, delicious prawns, and many lighter fish dishes are on offer around the clock. And, if sea critters aren't your jam, they have plenty of other beach bites to tickle your taste buds. Nikki Beach Keeping things pumping is Nikki Beach, one of the younger clubs on this list. Resident DJs and live music are the real draw here, bringing party seekers from far and wide to sample its beach club delights. They even have a resident saxophonist. Nice. With views of the beautiful Pearl Jumeira coastline, and an enviable menu of delicious beach bites and refreshing drinks, Nikki Beach nearly demands a visit to sample its ambiance. DRIFT Beach How do views of Palm Island Bay and Dubai sound to someone seeking relaxation? Pretty freaking great, right? Well, DRIFT Beach has you covered and then some. But it doesn't end at the views; the entire DRIFT Beach experience is designed to drain your stress and rejuvenate your soul. With heaps of sun-soaked beds and cabanas that line the marvelous infinity pool, to its very own private beach, there's a reason it's one of the best beach clubs in Dubai! Couple all that lounging and swimming with a menu of light and delicious snacks, and you've got yourself a primo summer hangout spot. February 30 A beach club named after a day that doesn't exist, February 30 is a place out of time where the worries of everyday life fade away. Stacked with branded umbrellas and loungers, this Beirut mainstay has everything you'd want in a beach bar - a comprehensive beach bar, lighthearted lounging, and a menu featuring a fusion of Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine. Uniquely delicious if you're a fan of either area's food offerings. Ula Beach Club It makes sense that the perfect day-to-night beach club would be located a stone's throw from Dubai's Marina. And so it is, thanks to Ula Beach Club, which overlooks the reflective wonder of the Gulf. During the day, it's become a haven for laid-back business meetings and family lunches. When the sun goes down, expect a more adult, party-going crowd enjoying the kitchen delights and music on offer. Twiggy by La Cantine Twiggy by La Cantine needs no introduction. Its all-white decor has been the inspiration for beach clubs around the world. A little slice of Central European style in the heart of Dubai, it's easily one of the best beach clubs in Dubai. But why? Well, let's start with the 328ft infinity pool, which seemingly spills over into the bright blue sky Dubai is so known for. Then there's the art, which is inspired by the Swinging Sixties the club's namesake embodied. And finally, there's the menu, which offers delicious Mediterranean bites that will hit just right. Koko Bay What do you get if you combine Far East sensibilities with Dubai style? You get Koko Bay, and it's awesome. Overlooking Palm West Beach and the stunning Gulf, Koko Bay doesn't take itself too seriously. There's no need to feel underdressed here, just enjoy the Asian bites on offer, groove the music, and refresh at the bar. And there you have it, the very best beach clubs in Dubai! Once you're done relaxing, you might be looking for some more active things to do in this desert oasis. Well, 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

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