13 Things to Do in Dubai in Summer to Beat the Heat
It’s no secret that summers in Dubai get hot. I mean really hot. But if you’ve got a trip lined up during the summer, fear not. There are still plenty of things to do in Dubai in the summer – including many of this city’s epic bucket list activities!
So if you’ve booked a trip for the summer and you’re panicking that there won’t be anything to do, hopefully I can help. From taking in bird’s-eye views from the world’s tallest building and getting lost in the world’s second-largest mall to brunching like a local and zipping around the Dubai Marina on an e-scooter, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy during your summer trip to Dubai.
In an effort to make this list different than others written about the subject, I didn’t include obvious things like “cool off in the AC at a movie theater,” etc. I figure those go without saying. This article is more about showing you that experiencing the best of Dubai is still very much possible in the summer.
This list includes indoor activities in Dubai and some outdoor activities that can realistically be tackled in the scorching summer months, as well as practical tips on how you can beat the heat. I also included a list of major attractions and activities that will be closed during the summer season, just so you’ll have the heads up on what’s available to you.
*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of these links I may earn a small commission (which I’m so thankful for!) at no extra cost to you.
13 Things to Do in Dubai in Summer
1. Go to the 148th Floor of the Burj Khalifa
There’s a reason taking in the views from the top of the Burj Khalifa is at the top of most peoples’ Dubai bucket lists – the experience is like nothing else! And luckily, this just happens to be one of the best indoor activities in Dubai, too. With more than 160 stories, this is the world’s tallest building and it towers at 828 meters (2,716.5 feet)!
Reserve your “At the Top” tickets and you’ll have the chance to ride the “world’s fastest elevator” to the “world’s highest observation deck with an outdoor terrace” on Level 148, which is 555 meters (1,821 feet) high in the sky.
After that, you’re free to explore the 360-degree observation decks on both Levels 124 and 125. Be sure to have your camera at the ready because you’ll get unreal 360-degree views of Dubai and the Arabian Gulf.
2. Marvel at the Dubai Fountain Show
Although it’s not indoors, it’s well worth checking out the Dubai Fountain Show, even if it is hot outside. The “world’s largest choreographed fountain” show takes place on the 30-acre Burj Lake, which is set right outside both the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. The show takes place every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 11 pm every evening, even in the summer.
Insider tip: If you don’t feel like braving the heat, there are tons of restaurants and vantage points in the Dubai Mall where you can enjoy the fountain show views from the comfort of an air-conditioned room – or even just pop outside for a few minutes to catch the show. A few of the many options are the Social House, Carluccio’s, Joe’s Café, and Third Avenue Boutique, all in the Dubai Mall.
3. Stay Cool in the Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is massive. So massive, in fact, that it is currently the second-largest mall in the entire world. The 12-million-square-foot space is home to a whopping 1,200 retail stores, 200+ food and beverage outlets, and a wide range of attractions. And the best part is it’s all air-conditioned!
When it comes to indoor activities in Dubai, you’ll find some of the best at the Dubai Mall. You can easily spend an entire day marveling at sea creatures at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (pictured above), eating your way through Chinatown, taking selfies in front of the Dubai Mall Waterfall, sipping coffee drinks at local favorite % Arabica, shopping at Fashion Avenue, ice skating at Dubai Ice Rink, and so much more!
READ MORE: 12 Fun Things to Do at Dubai Mall
4. Wine and Dine at Time Out Market
When it comes to foodie-centric things to do in Dubai in summer, you’ll want to pay a visit to Time Out Market. This hip food hall is located just outside of the Dubai Mall, so it’s easy to check out if you find yourself in Downtown Dubai.
Time Out Market is home to 17 different food concepts, making it easy and fun to eat and drink around the world here. Grab Asian-American dishes at Little Jun’s, go Greek at à la grecque, nosh on “Eastern eats” at BB Social Dining, dig into a burger at Pickl, or try the best pizza in Dubai at Pitfire – to name a few options.
Time Out Market isn’t just about eating. This is a great spot to socialize over drinks. Go to Palace Bar for mocktails with a view and Atrium Bar for a selection of fine international wines. Or for drinks with unreal views of the Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa, Fountain Bar is your best bet!
5. Catch a Show at Dubai Opera
If you’re searching for interesting indoor activities in Dubai, it’s well worth seeing what’s going on at Dubai Opera during your visit. From concerts and comedy shows to orchestral events and theatrical performances, Dubai Opera hosts some of the best cultural performances in Dubai.
One thing that I love about seeing performances here is that the venue has a capacity of just 2,000. So no matter where you sit, there’s really no bad seat in the house! Do note that Dubai Opera often does not host shows in the heart of the summer, but in years past, there have been shows in June and July and again in September.
6. Take Advantage of the Summer Discounts
One of the best things to do in Dubai in summer is to shop and that’s because the city’s malls and retailers offer seriously amazing discounts during the summer months. “Dubai Summer Surprises” is a citywide festival that takes place from June to September each year.
In addition to mega sales at malls, expect family-friendly activities, pop-up events, discounted hotel rooms and activities, and curated menus at restaurants!
7. Try a Traditional Emirati Breakfast
No trip to Dubai is complete without sampling some Emirati cuisine and if you’re not sure where to go, Al Fanar Restaurant & Café has five locations across Dubai – all with indoor seating areas perfect for summer dining! Plus, each of these restaurants is designed to bring you back in time to 1960s Dubai, so there are plenty of photo ops and cultural vibes.
Al Fanar is all about “preserving the culinary traditions of the Emirates” and while the menus here are all huge, I recommend going for one of their breakfast trays, which feature mains like shakshouka, keema (minced beef), and balaleet (sweet vermicelli with cardamom, saffron, and an omelet) as mains, accompanied by a range of sides dishes from labneh & zaatar and dango (chickpeas) to cream with honey and flatbreads.
8. Watch the Sunrise at AURA SKYPOOL
If you’re looking for things to do in Dubai in summer for epic views, you’ll want to splurge on tickets to the AURA SKYPOOL. Located at the top of Palm Tower on the famous Palm Jumeirah, AURA SKYPOOL is the “world’s highest infinity pool,” offering insane views of the Dubai Marina skyline, Ain Dubai (the world’s tallest Ferris wheel), Burj Al Arab, and Palm Jumeirah.
You can go at any time of day, but if you really want to beat the heat, book the Sunrise Pool Experience. You’ll have access to the climate-controlled pool from 6 am to 9 am while you watch the sunrise over Dubai. It really is pure magic.
9. Take in Downtown Views from Sunrise Beach
But if you don’t feel like splurging on a morning at AURA SKYPOOL, you can catch the sunrise for free at Sunrise Beach. As the name implies, you’ll get to experience a beautiful Dubai sunrise, including amazing views of Downtown Dubai and the iconic Burj Khalifa.
While it will still be hot at sunrise, hopefully it won’t be unbearable!
10. Zip Around the Dubai Marina on an E-Scooter
One of the coolest things to do in Dubai is to walk around the iconic Dubai Marina while marveling at the fancy yachts and towering buildings. I’ve lived in the Marina for years and the views never get old.
The 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) Dubai Marina Walk will lead you around the iconic marina. I wouldn’t really advise walking the route in the height of summer, even at night, but you can always hop on one of the many e-scooters in the area and zip around with the wind in your hair!
11. Cool Off at the World’s Largest Waterpark
When it comes to family-friendly things to do in Dubai in the summer, a trip to Aquaventure Waterpark is always a fun idea. In addition to being the world’s largest waterpark, this place also boasts “105 record-breaking rides, slides, and attractions!” It’s so big that you can easily spend an entire day cooling off in the park’s chilled waters.
Insider tip: If you’re going to be in Dubai for your birthday, sign up for the Birthday Pass ahead of your trip and you’ll get free entry!
12. Brunch Like a Local at BB Social
Brunch is an institution in Dubai, and luckily there are plenty of indoor brunch places with strong AC scattered around the city. If you’re looking for an excellent spot for Saturday brunch, BB Social Dining (DIFC) is always a great option.
Their Saturday Brunch is from noon to 4 pm and the menu features Eastern-influenced sharing plates ranging from Crispy Sprouts, Kung Fu Wings, and Bao Baskets to Wagyu Teriyaki, Mushroom Barley Risotto, and Prawn & Chicken Shumai.
If you want to make things boozy, there’s also the option to add unlimited House Drinks & Prosecco for AED 399 or French Bubbles for AED 499. Overall, this is a great spot to socialize over drinks, food, and music, and the super stylish interior is an added perk! So, if you’re looking for indoor activities in Dubai that are perfect for socializing and beating the summer heat, why not do brunch?
13. Go Skiing in a Mall
It may be boiling outside, but this is Dubai, so of course hitting the slopes is an option! Located inside the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai is easily one of the most unique indoor activities in Dubai, and it’s surreal to be shivering in the snow when it’s over 40°C (104°F) outside.
You can ski or snowboard down the slopes, take a lesson, go bobsledding, dance around in live snowfall, and even see an adorable penguin march. No matter what age you are, Ski Dubai is always a fun experience!
A few things that will be closed over the summer…
- Ain Dubai
- Global Village
- Dubai Miracle Garden
- Dubai Glow Garden
- Glamping Experiences
- Hatta Resort
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