Things to do in Dubai in Winter

UPDATED JULY 2024
winter dubai

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 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
Family in Dubai
Blog

Weekend In Dubai Itinerary - Two Days In Dubai

Planning a weekend in Dubai for the first time, but don’t know where to begin? We’ve compiled a wonderful two-day itinerary for Dubai that will showcase the best that this global city has to offer in just one weekend! This weekend in Dubai itinerary includes the following attractions: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour Ski Dubai Mall Of The Emirates Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountains Dubai Festival City Aquaventure and The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm Sunset Dinner Cruise in Dubai Marina 🗓️ We’ve also put together one-day, three-day, and seven-day itineraries for planning the ultimate vacation in the Emirates. 💰 >> See how you can save up to 50% on Dubai attractions You can gain admission to many of Dubai’s top attractions with the Go City Dubai passes, which include entrance to some of the most popular attractions and activities. Check out the passes, attractions, and prices Please note that some of the attractions included in this itinerary are not included with Go City® passes. Day One in Dubai, Stop #1: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai tour  Enjoy the energy and excitement of the city from a bird’s eye perch on the Hop-On, Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour, as it rolls down Dubai’s main highway, Sheikh Zayed Road (or SZR, as it’s affectionately called by locals). This is the best way to begin your introduction to Dubai, as many of the important landmarks branch out directly from SZR and you can explore at your leisure by hopping off whenever you like. You’ll have the chance to see more than 40 different points of interest on the bus tour, and an onboard guide will give you context, history, and entertaining anecdotes for each site. The most popular tour highlights include Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Mosque, The Palm, Dubai Marina, and much more. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Dubai tickets are included with all Dubai passes. Stop #2: Mall Of The Emirates (free, unless you do some shopping, of course)  Next, plan to stop at one of the world’s largest and most elite malls: Mall of the Emirates. Just down SZR, this incredible shopping destination features hundreds of shops of all tastes and price points, world-class restaurants and cafes, a 4D movie multiplex, and more. Shop until you drop and even pick up a few souvenirs of your trip to take back home from the mall’s selection of local specialty stores. Now is also a good time to enjoy a hearty meal from one of the mall's restaurants or in the food court. From Italian to Arabic, to Mexican, to Chinese, to American food, you’ll find a taste for whatever you’re craving. Getting In: It's free to explore the Mall of the Emirates.  Ski Dubai Attached to the Mall of the Emirates is Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s biggest indoor ski resort, and the world’s first indoor black diamond run. The venue houses multiple areas for adventure and excitement. Check out "Mountain Thriller," a bobsled course the whole family will love. Play in a snow cavern and practice your snowball-making (and throwing!) skills. Don't forget to watch real Gentoo and king penguins walk across the slopes at periodic intervals. Ski Dubai offers lessons and rentals for every skillset, from beginners to pros. Kids will enjoy a session in the penguin zone or on the icy playground. Getting In: Ski Dubai Polar Pass tickets are included on Dubai passes. Stop #4: Dubai Fountains at Dubai Mall (free!)  Dubai Mall once held the title of the biggest and most state-of-the-art mall in the world. Today it’s hardly fallen from glory with an amazing array of shops, dining options, KidZania children’s club, a mega multiplex movie theater, and an indoor ice skating rink. Not to be missed amongst Dubai Mall’s offerings are the famous dancing Dubai Fountains. The world’s largest choreographed fountain system is located just outside the mall, spread out over Downtown Dubai. The fountains spring to life every day with performances set to both Arabic and world music and a light show. They are a wonderful place to watch the desert sunset. Getting In: It's free to explore the Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountains.  Stop #5: At The Top - Burj Khalifa  Now is your chance to travel up more than 140 floors of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. You’ll get a jaw-dropping panoramic view of Dubai from "At The Top - Burj Khalifa", one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. You can fully appreciate the dynamic architecture of the city from a prime viewing position and snap photos to commemorate your trip. This isn't one for those who have a fear of heights, that's for sure! Getting In: At the Top, Burj Khalifa tickets are included on all Dubai passes. Stop #6: Dinner In Dubai Festival City  A short journey from the Burj Khalifa lies Dubai Festival City where you can indulge in three-course, authentic meals and family favorites in a fun, whimsical venue. The perfect spot to relive your favorite moments from your first day in Dubai.  Day Two in Dubai, Stop #1: Mattel Play! Town (for families with kids)  Get an early and fun start to your second day in Dubai with a stop at Mattel Play! Town in the City Walk area of the city. This popular, urban residential and entertainment district offers a variety of places to explore. Kids will enjoy the educational play experiences, entertaining live shows, and hands-on activities and crafts at Mattel Play! Town. They’ll be challenged to use their teamwork and problem-solving skills to increase their creativity and socialization. Their favorite characters come to life as they join in on adventures from their favorite franchises like Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, Thomas the Tank Engine, Barney, and more. Getting In: Mattel Play! Town Dubai is separately ticketed. Stop #2: Aquaventure Waterpark  Make a splash at Aquaventure at Atlantis The Palm. Offering fun for all ages, you can splash down on water slides, relax in the lazy river, or enjoy the pristine beach of the hotel’s tropical landscape. Feeling adventurous? Take the plunge at the Leap of Faith slide that rockets you through a shark-filled lagoon at top speed. Or you can ride the maze of the Aquaventure River Rides connected waterways to discover the Tower of Neptune or the surging Torrent River. The kids will love playing at the Splasher’s Children’s Play Area complete with climbing frames, water slides, rope bridges, water cannons, and a giant tipping water bucket. Sit back and relax under an umbrella at the Aquaventure private beach. Getting In: Aquaventure Waterpark Dubai tickets are included on all Dubai passes. Stop #3: Lost Chambers Aquarium  There's more watery fun to be found at the Lost Chambers Aquarium. Learn about the lost civilization of Atlantis as you wind your way through the city’s underwater ruins, filled with all sorts of sea creatures. The aquarium contains 10 different chambers where you can see a variety of marine life up close, such as piranhas, jellyfish, stingrays, sharks, and an array of fish. A myth tour (hourly, included with admission) will give you further background on the lost city and the sea creatures. If you visit during the afternoon, you might even catch a glimpse of the Lost Chambers’ scuba divers as they check on all the animals in the tanks and put on a live feeding show. Getting In: Lost Chambers Aquarium Dubai tickets are included on all Dubai passes.  Stop #4: Sunset Dinner Cruise, Dubai Marina  Cap off a thrilling weekend of adventure with a sendoff sunset dinner cruise around Dubai Marina. Step into luxury as you board the yacht to cruise around one of Dubai's most beautiful areas. Enjoy the glittering lights of the Marina as you cruise past the Burj Al Arab, an iconic seven-star hotel. Hang around on air-conditioned or open-air decks, depending on the weather and your preference. Enjoy a luxury buffet catered by the Address Hotel Marina along with unlimited soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee as you reflect on a wonderful getaway. Culinary options include a lively selection of international fare (including local Arabic cuisine), pasta stations, and sumptuous desserts. Getting In: Dubai Sunset Dinner Cruise tickets are included on the Dubai Explorer Pass. Save up to 50% on Dubai attractions Discover our full line-up of Dubai attractions from At the Top - 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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