Things to do in Dubai When it Rains - Wet/Rainy Activities

Published: July 18, 2024
rain dubai

Rain - the bane of many a made-up mane, falling water is something many of us would rather avoid entirely. In a desert oasis like Dubai, you may think you're safe from the sprinkly pestilence. But you'd be wrong. Dead wrong. See, it turns out Dubai does experience rain. But don't let a little rain spoil your vacation. Instead, seek shelter from the storm, and fun undercover. Below, we've detailed the best things to do in Dubai when it rains. You don't even have to lift a finger. Now, prepare your eyes for an onslaught of useful information.

Including:

  • Ski Dubai
  • IMG Worlds of Adventure
  • Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
  • Wavehouse
  • VR Park Dubai
  • and more!
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Ski with the roof up

Even at its coldest or wettest, Dubai's temperature never really dips below 65-70°F. So even when it's raining sideways, you might be looking to chill out those warm bones. Well, if it's chill you want, look no further than Ski Dubai - the world's biggest indoor ski center.

Featuring slopes, ski lifts, and even penguins, stepping inside this icy park is like being transported to another country entirely. You're free to ski, snowboard, or toboggan to your heart's content. You can even descend in a giant snowball, if that's your sort of thing.

With all your equipment provided and instructors on hand for newbies, it's the perfect place to try out winter sports if you've never partaken. If you're a seasoned vet, feel free to go ahead and tear it up however you like.

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Themed park

"Theme parks? But they're outside!" We hear your cries, but they are in vain. Stifle your screams into your nearest pillow and listen up. IMG Worlds of Adventure isn't just your average, weather-friendly theme park. It's not only an inside theme park; it's the biggest indoor theme park on the planet.

With thrilling rides themed around beloved characters from pop culture, including Cartoon NetworkTM and MARVEL, you'll spend hours exploring and enjoying each of its five zones.

Will you survive a night in the Haunted Motel? Can you help the Avengers stop Ultron? Are your legs strong enough to outrun a velociraptor? Only time, and a visit to IMG Worlds of Adventure, will tell. Who says the rain has to keep you away from the rollercoasters? Not Dubai, that's for sure.

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Beneath the waves

With all the rain tumbling down outside, the last thing you might want to do is surround yourself with water. But you'd be wrong, rain avoider! There's a whole world to explore under the ocean, so go check out Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and see it for yourself.

The bulk of the experience takes place in a massive underwater tunnel, where you'll be able to see all sorts of aquatic species going about their day all around you. 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. Despite its watery nature, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is easily one of the best things to do in Dubai when it rains.

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Wave for the camera

Even the oldest of us like to pretend we're young again every once in a while. For some, that can mean buying modern clothes to help us look young. For others, it can be doing silly things our bodies aren't capable of achieving anymore. But what if there was a way to relive your youth without any unnecessary embarrassment? Just head to Wavehouse in the Atlantis Hotel and transport yourself back to the good old days of 80s arcades!

They've got bowling alleys, arcade games, and even a surfing simulator to embarrass yourself on. Plus, you can pair all that fun with a host of delicious American diner-esque dishes, from succulent burgers to mouthwatering pizzas. Just make sure you surf those calories off; your metabolism isn't getting any younger, either.

Image of Photography, Face, Head, Person, Portrait, VR Headset,

Explore worlds without rain

If you want to avoid the rain, why not travel to another world entirely? It may sound farfetched, but thanks to the state-of-the-art technology on offer at VR Park Dubai, your dreams of a rain-free world can become a reality.

For four hours, you'll have the opportunity to choose 7 from 25 games and enter virtual reality. Simply slip the 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.

And who knows, maybe when your four hours are up, the rain will have passed, and you'll be free to roam the sunny streets once more?

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Find a way out

Of course, escaping the rain is your top priority. But what if your rain escape leads you into a trap?! Imprisoned in a room that demands all your wits and grit to escape? An...escape room, if you will. Well, lucky for you, all your nightmares can come true thanks to No Way Out escape rooms!

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, and 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 showing 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 when it rains!

And those were our picks for the best things to do in Dubai when it rains! 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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A woman shopping for clothes at a pop up market in Dubai
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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
best beach clubs in dubai
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Dubai in June

If you're planning a vacation in Dubai, you'll need to know when to go. June might sound like the ideal month to pack your bags and jet off, but Dubai's intense summer can beat even the best of us. Check out our guide to Dubai in June below, and see if it's the perfect month for you! Including: Dubai weather in June Snowy escapes Beach beauties Shady clubs Water worlds and more! Dubai in June: What to Expect June is the beginning of summer for those of us in the northern hemisphere. But in Dubai, what you think is summer started long ago. In this desert oasis, June is the beginning of the end times. Fire, brimstone, and every other joke you want to make about really, really hot places. Because temperatures in Dubai typically hit highs of 100°F, lows of 80°F, and not a drop of rain in sight. That could be a bit much for some of you. That's understandable, given what we're used to. As such, if high temperatures and 12 hours of sun aren't your thing, consider traveling in the winter months, where temperatures are much more bearable. It goes without saying that if you do decide to travel to Dubai during the summer, leave the jumpers and jackets at home. Pack the lightest clothes you own, the largest hats in your closet, and stuff the rest of your suitcase with factor 1000 sunscreen. It's the only way. In the interest of keeping you alive, we're going to mix up our recommendations with plenty of outdoor, indoor, and nighttime experiences. After all, everyone needs a break. You are very welcome. Dubai in June: What to Do Risky Beaches Dubai's known for its beautiful beaches, and we really have to talk about them. After all, kicking back and relaxing might be the main reason you're taking your Dubai vacation in June. However, might we suggest avoiding the searing sun and instead going at night? Your skin will thank you. Thankfully, Dubai's beaches are open 24 hours. Umm Suqeim Beach may be your best bet, as you can swim there until midnight. Most beaches ban swimming after dark due to the risk to swimmers, but at Umm Suqeim Beach, Smart Lights keep the shores lit until the clock strikes 12, so you can still get your lounging and swimming done in the dark. Nice. Watery Goodness Another way to keep cool when the heat rises is by submerging yourself in H20. But why stay static in a pool when you can blitz around at a water park? Dubai's full of brilliant places to slide, glide, and dive into the refreshing goodness. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm is one of the best, with plenty of amazing rides for both kids and adults. From death-defying drops to snakey slides, they even have a kids-only area and their own beach if you need to relax. Another top water park is Yas Waterworld, but you'll need to travel to the nearby Yas Island to get there. Featuring over 40 amazing rides, including a flooded 5D Cinema experience, it's the perfect place to get your water fix. For kids, LEGOLAND® Water Park ticks all the boxes. Featuring 20 rides themed around many of their most recognizable characters, it might not be as exhilarating for adults as the other two, but there's nothing stopping you from getting on the rides and having a blast. Magical desert tour If you want to see the dunes around Dubai's outskirts but fear the mix of heat and desert could have you passing out, you're in luck. Thanks to this evening tour and BBQ experience, you can fit your experience around the weather. After an air-conditioned ride from your hotel to a camp in the dunes, you'll be treated to a fantastic BBQ meal with plenty of succulent meat and veg to fill you up. After the meal, the entertainment begins. Featuring belly dancing, shisha, camel riding, and henna tattoos, it's an evening packed with fun! Then, you'll be taken right back to your hotel when the night is over. You'll have the best sleep in months. Hideaway on the slopes When the heat wins out, it might be an extreme suggestion to up sticks and escape to a snowy paradise. But just because you take a few hours out to carve some powder doesn't mean Dubai has you beat. Far from it. Ski Dubai is what you seek - a winter wonderland right in the heart of Dubai. The biggest indoor skiing center on the planet, Ski Dubai lets you ski, board, or sled down a multitude of artificial hills. Catering to newbies and experienced sorts, you'll have the chance to take a ski lift, see penguins, and get your chill on even in the oppressive June heat. And best of all, everything is provided for when you arrive, so there's no need to lug your skis on the plane. Easily one of the best ways to beat the June heat in Dubai. Go clubbing And finally, we'll end our guide to Dubai in June with some more R&R. If you want all the relaxation of the beach with none of the direct sunlight, hit up one of Dubai's beach clubs. You'll find plenty of these relaxation stations in Dubai, but let's talk about our top picks below. Twiggy by La Cantine matches its arresting all-white facade with the biggest infinity pool of all Dubai's beach clubs, a rocking 60s aesthetic, and light Mediterranean bites that hit the spot. Nikki Beach marries live music and even a resident saxophonist with a refreshing drinks menu, all against the backdrop of the beautiful Pearl Jumeira coastline. And DRIFT Beach offers not only lounge beds, cabanas, and light bites typical of the beach club scene in Dubai, it also gives you access to their own private beach. Sometimes, the draw of the sand is just too great. And that's our guide to Dubai in June! If the above wasn't enough, do you want to know what else awaits you in Dubai? Try 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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