Things to do in Dubai for long weekends
While there are a hundred ways to spend time in this beautiful city, you ought to find the ones that can make your holidays fun and entertaining. With this post, we bring you a list of all the fun activities you can indulge in during your long weekend in Dubai.
Enjoy a Hearty Brunch
What are holidays without your close friends and family? Not so much fun! A great way to catch up with everyone and enjoy quality time with them is to go out for one of the top brunches in Dubai. There are tons of options available, and the best part is, even the kids can join you.
It’s impossible not to consider food among all the things to do on a long weekend in Dubai. So pick one of the kid-friendly brunches in Dubai, like the Friday Brunch at JW Marriott Hotel Dubai or Art of Brunch and have a great time. Amazing food and spending quality time with loved ones are great ways to spend a long weekend in Dubai.
A Yacht Cruise May Be?
Looking for lavish long weekend getaways in Dubai? Book yourself a yacht cruise over the long weekend. Cruise along the Dubai Skyline while being treated like royalty. Bask on the deck in the sun, take a swim in the ocean, sip on your favourite drinks and soak in every moment of uninterrupted indulgence. There are many yacht rental companies that you get amazing deals from to celebrate the long weekends in Dubai with style!
There is absolutely no shortage of yacht cruises available in Dubai. If you’re lucky, you might even get your hands on an all-inclusive discount package for the same amount of luxury!
Plan a Luxury Staycation
While a vacation abroad may seem like the best of things to do on a long weekend in Dubai, it may not be the most feasible option. But worry not, there are plenty of staycation options for you to explore.
If you’re looking for luxurious getaways, your best bet would be to book an extravagant stay at one of the resorts or boutique hotels in Dubai. Allow yourself to be pampered with top-notch luxury and bask in the lavish experience that makes you feel like royalty.
A lot of A-list hotels in Dubai come up with last-minute promotions, offering discounts that make premium staycations affordable for the masses. If you’re looking for relaxing ways to spend a long weekend in Dubai, keep a lookout for staycation deals in Dubai.
Explore the Tourist Hotspots
While we talk about splurging, Dubai gives you ample opportunities to do that. Your best bet after a staycation could be to act like a tourist and explore all the trendiest hotspots over the long weekend in Dubai.
The Pointe
This waterfront destination in Palm Jumeirah welcomes you to a world of luxury. Shop at your favourite high-end retail stores, enjoy a delicious meal in an alfresco setting, or simply explore the place for entertainment options that excite you. Pointe will not disappoint you.
Bluewaters Island
200 retail options, unique dining concepts, tons of beach clubs and unparalleled entertainment and leisure – that’s what Bluewaters Island is all about. You’ll have plenty of chances to eat, indulge, and enjoy your long weekend in Dubai.
The Yard
Looking for things to do in Dubai with family? The Yard in Exit D89 is the place to be. With its rustic, farmhouse feel, the place transports you to a different world. This lakefront destination offers plenty of options for dining, including some fantastic food trucks. Besides this, there are pony rides, a wishing well, colourful murals, a picnic area and plenty more to keep you and the kids occupied.
Get Your Share of Amusement
Haven’t had the chance to visit your favourite theme park lately? Add it to the list of things to do on a long weekend in Dubai. Experience leisure like no other at the Dubai Parks and Resorts or enjoy at LEGOLAND. Is the sub-zero temperatures of Ski Dubai more your type of fun or is it the IMG World of Adventures that excites you more? Regardless of what sort of adventure and amusement you prefer, Dubai has something for everyone. You just need to find your indulgence.
Set Out on An Adventure
Are you an adventure junkie wondering how to spend a long weekend in Dubai? Don’t stress. Dubai is packed with fun adventures of all kinds. Here’s what you can do:
The Desert Safari
Cliche, we know. But the desert safari is an experience everyone should have at least once in a lifetime. The thrill of cruising through the desert is like no other. So, if you haven’t tried it yet, make the most of your long weekend in Dubai and try some of that dune bashing everyone raves about.
Skydive Dubai
Feel the thrill of freefall at more than 120 mph! You will be secured to a harness and accompanied by a world-class instructor so skydiving will have adrenaline rushing through your veins in no time.
Escape Rooms in Dubai
Those of you looking for fun things to do on a long weekend in Dubai that challenge your mind and excite your senses, try out the escape rooms. Dubai has a whole bunch of them, including HintHunt, and Challenge Chambers. This is a fantastic way to enjoy with your friends.
Also, try the urban maze at Jumble. It’s not exactly an escape room but packs a series of activities and challenges that will keep you on your toes till the very last minute.
The long weekend is a great time for adults to de-stress. Among other ways to spend a long weekend in Dubai, you might want to indulge in some fun activities to counter stress.
Witness the Spectacular IMAGINE Show
If you find the Dubai Fountain, IMAGINE at Dubai Festival City will blow your mind. This could be an interesting addition to your list of things to do on a long weekend in Dubai.
This mega display of fountains, lights, lasers and visuals synced with a massive sound system is a stunning addition to the list of free attractions in Dubai. The display takes place every day and brings in an element of surprise every now and then for its spectators. Their Game of Thrones spectacle in the recent past won the audience over in no time.
For those of you looking for pocket-friendly ways to spend a long weekend in Dubai, the IMAGINE display will leave you in complete awe.
Why Skip Out on Mother Nature
No, we are not asking you to hit the desert. But while you have free time during the long weekend in Dubai, pay the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary a visit. This place is an absolute haven for animal lovers, wildlife photographers and kids. The sanctuary features natural lagoons, mangroves and salt flats with their complete ecosystems.
When we talk about unconventional things to do on a long weekend in Dubai, a Ras Al Khor visit has to be an enlightening experience. Exploring the wetlands with over 500 species of flora and fauna and 60 types of birds – this is a great way to spend a long weekend in Dubai. The sanctuary is open Saturday to Thursday from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm. The entry is absolutely free – not much for a chance to see the beautiful flamingos!
Green Planet Dubai is another interesting place where you can experience nature at its finest. The indoor rain forest and zoology museum has more than 3000 species of animals, exotic plants, and birds.
Savour an Exotic Cruise Dinner
Whether it’s Eid or just another long weekend in Dubai, it can’t be complete without indulging in a culinary experience worth raving about. People who have been living in Dubai for a while now may have already tried the dhow cruise dinner. If you who haven’t yet – add it to your list of things to do on a long weekend in Dubai.
The traditional Emirati dhow cruises through the Dubai Canal, mesmerising you with unprecedented views of Dubai’s contemporary skyline. This 2.5-hour sail allows you to savour delicious food complemented with live entertainment. As the dhow glides unperturbed through the installed waterfalls, you’re transported to a different world. The entire experience is magical and definitely one of the most worthwhile ways to spend a long weekend in Dubai.
Hit the Beach
Why do we have the beach on our list of things to do on a long weekend in Dubai? It’s because it rarely costs you much. Plus, a day at the beach is always fun. Beaches and beach clubs in Dubai, like La Mer, offer a wide range of activities including watersports, beach games, food outlets and sometimes even cycling.
Pick your favourite beach activities in Dubai and make the most of your long weekend in Dubai.
Other Long Weekend Activities in Dubai
There is practically no end to the extent of things to do in Dubai on a long weekend. If the dhow cruise doesn’t make the cut for you, treat yourself to a fancy meal at one of the most expensive restaurants in Dubai. For movie aficionados, Dubai’s outdoor cinemas are a great option. Or try something new you’ve been meaning to do for a while now, like pottery or photography.
One of the best things to do in Dubai on a long weekend is to embark on a road trip to your favourite destinations in the UAE. Take up an adventure in Hatta or enjoy the beach resorts in Fujairah – it’s entirely up to you.
Would you rather spend a long weekend relaxing at home? Make use of this time to catch up with your friends and family. Host a “Netflix marathon” night at your rental apartment in Dubai. Alternatively, if you live in a bigger house – like a rental villa in Dubai, maybe host a garden party for friends and family.
A long weekend in Dubai is all about trying out or something new or experiencing something you haven’t done yet. Which of the things to do on a long weekend in Dubai excite you the most? Let us know on mybayut@bayut.com – we’d love to hear from you.
