Best things to do in Dubai during summer 2024
A host of fascinating leisure spots lure thousands of visitors to Dubai annually. There is much to do in the city, from shopping at the glittering malls to refreshing dips in the gorgeous pools. Travellers planning to visit the emirate in the sweltering summers won’t be disappointed, as various summer activities in Dubai keep the fun factor at an all-time high. Here’s a list of the most exciting indoor and outdoor things to do in Dubai in the summer.
FUN INDOOR THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI IN SUMMER
You can indulge in a plethora of indoor activities in Dubai and have a blast with family, friends or even solo. Here are some top indoor things to do in Dubai summer 2024!
SKATE AND GLIDE AT DUBAI ICE RINK
One of the most fun things to do in Dubai in summer 2024 is to experience the Olympic-sized Ice Rink in Dubai Mall. It offers the best in-mall entertainment and is perfect for kids and adults. You can skate your heart out while grooving to the beats helmed by the DJ at the rink.
Dubai Ice Rink also offers skating sessions and learning programmes. It is a great spot to host events and organise birthday parties.
- Prices: Starting from AED 90
- Location: The Dubai Mall, Financial Centre Road, Downtown Dubai
- Timings: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Monday to Thursday) | 10:00 am – 12:00 am (Friday to Sunday)
- Contact: 800-DUBAIMALL (800-382246255)
GO SKIING AT SKI DUBAI
Located in the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai offers an experience like no other! You can enjoy the thrill of skiing on real snow amidst wintry conditions during the hot, scorching summer.
Apart from skiing, there are many other snow-based activities at Ski Dubai. Besides the slope and the snow park, Ski Dubai is home to Snow Penguins, where visitors can say hello to the cute flightless birds. Pick any of their penguin packages for a memorable experience.
- Prices: Starting from AED 220 depending on the activities
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha
- Timings: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm (Monday to Thursday) |10:00 am to 12:00 am (Friday) | 09:00 am to 12:00 am (Saturday and Sunday)
- Contact: +971-4-409-4000
EXPERIENCE INDOOR SKYDIVING AT iFLY
Embark on an indoor skydiving adventure at iFly this summer! Nestled in City Centre Mirdif, iFly offers visitors a simulated gravity-defying VR skydiving tour.
Once fully geared up in a wind suit and protective goggles, you’re taken to a wind tunnel that moves the air up, making you feel like you’re flying in the sky.
The experience is exhilarating, and the facility takes good care of you to ensure you’re always comfortable. Inside the tunnel, you’re accompanied by an instructor who helps you during those pre-flight jitters.
- Prices: Starting from AED 179
- Location: Level 1, City Centre Mirdif
- Timings: 12:00 pm – 09:00 pm (Monday to Thursday)| 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Friday – Sunday)
- Contact: +971-4-231-6292 | 600-599905
DISCOVER STUNNING MARINE LIFE AT DUBAI AQUARIUM AND UNDERWATER ZOO
Want to enjoy underwater adventures this summer? Head to Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. This stunning aquarium in The Dubai Mall comprises a 10-million litre tank that contains over 33,000 aquatic animals, including the deceivingly ferocious sand tiger sharks!
You can watch 140 species of sea creatures floating overhead as you stroll through the 48-metre-long underwater aquarium tunnel. The zoo section of the facility is also enjoyably interactive. Many animals, including the giant King Croc, will be relaxing in comfortable habitats.
- Prices: Starting from AED 199
- Location: Ground and Level 2, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
- Timings: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm (Monday to Friday) | 10:00 am – 12:00 am (Saturday and Sunday)
- Contact: 800-DUBAIMALL (800-382246255)
GET UP CLOSE WITH DOLPHINS AT DUBAI DOLPHINARIUM
This summer, get ready to meet and play with dolphins at the Dubai Dolphinarium! Offering the spectacular sight of dolphins and seals accomplishing fantastic acrobatic feats, this hub of fun is hugely popular with visitors in Dubai.
At Dubai Dolphinarium, you can see marine creatures dancing, juggling and jumping through hoops all day. Along with sea mammals, you can even explore 20 different species of animals and birds. The facility also hosts a Dolphin & Seal Show six days a week.
- Prices: Starting from AED 62 for adults (Dolphin & Seal Show) | AED 35 per child
- Location: Creek Park Gate 1, Umm Hurair Road
- Timings: 09:00 am – 07:00 pm (Wednesday to Friday and Sunday) | 09:00 am – 08:00 pm (Saturday and Monday) | Tuesday: closed
- Contact: +971-4-336-9773
TRY SOME INDOOR GAMES AT GLITCH
Home to the only indoor roller glider in the city, Glitch in Al Ghurair Centre is a massive entertainment park with many fun-filled activities. Several adventure zones here are made for kids, teens and adults.
Apart from action-packed activities, Glitch Dubai offers the GamePort Arcade, where you can play retro video games or test out their VR experiences that will whisk you away to a different realm.
- Prices: Starting from AED 39
- Location: Level 2, Al Ghurair Centre, Deira
- Timings: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Monday to Thursday) | 10:00 am – 12:00 am (Friday to Sunday)
- Contact: +971-4-205-5263
SPEND A DAY AT THE GREEN PLANET
Another interesting thing to do in Dubai in summer is to explore the stunning Green Planet in Dubai. Situated in City Walk, this indoor rainforest in Dubai is the epitome of the UAE’s vision of sustainability.
The enchanting biodome is a beautiful tropical sanctuary with fascinating flora and fauna in Dubai. You can witness over 3,000 plants and animals at this facility.
Spread over four levels, the Green Planet features running waterfalls and roaming creatures. You can encounter sloths, sugar gliders, reptiles and birds during your visit.
- Price: Starting from AED 170 (11 years and above) | AED 150 (2 to 10 years)
- Location: City Walk, Al Wasl
- Timings: 10:00 am – 06:00 pm (Monday to Saturday) | 12:00 pm – 06:00 pm (Sunday)
- Contact: 800-7699
HAVE FUN AT INDOOR PARKS IN DUBAI
There are many indoor theme parks in Dubai that you can visit during the summer. While IMG Worlds of Adventure immerses you into the worlds of Marvel and the Cartoon Network, Dubai Parks and Resorts offers a barrel load of high-octane fun. Each park has a brilliantly eclectic mix of different rides and attractions.
Parents who want to take their kids to indoor play areas in Dubai may consider KidZania and Mattel Play Town. KidZania offers kids an opportunity to experience practical life-based fun, whilst Mattel Play Town brings their favourite cartoon characters to life.
- Locations:
- IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts: Sheikh Zayed Road
- KidZania: Dubai Mall
- Mattel Play Town: City Walk
ENJOY A SHOPPING SPREE AT MALLS IN DUBAI
Shopaholics can visit any of the popular malls in Dubai this summer. Whether it’s the mega Dubai Mall or the Mall of the Emirates, all these shopping havens have high-end stores and local shops for reasonably-priced accessories. Along with shopping, you can enjoy a meal at the malls’ food courts. Many popular café and restaurant chains have outlets at these malls.
- Locations:
- Dubai Mall: Downtown Dubai
- Dubai Hills Mall: Dubai Hills Estate
- Mall of the Emirates: Al Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road Interchange 4
- Dubai Festival City Mall: Dubai Festival City
- Ibn Battuta Mall: Sheikh Zayed Road, Jebel Ali Village
- City Centre Mirdif: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Mirdif
- City Centre Deira: 8th Street, Port Saeed
- BurJuman Centre: Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, Al Mankhool
- Mercato Shopping Mall: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1
- Dubai Marina Mall: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina
- Wafi City: Oud Metha Road
WATCH A MOVIE AT CINEMAS IN DUBAI
Summer is a good time to have an indoor movie experience. There are many cinemas in Dubai where you can check out the latest blockbusters with your family and friends. Popular cinema chains include Reel, Vox, Novo and Roxy Cinemas. They are spread across multiple locations in Dubai and have varying showtimes. You can look for showtimes and book tickets via their websites.
- Locations:
- Cinemacity: Arabian Centre in Al Mizhar
- Reel Cinemas: Multiple, including Dubai Mall
- Vox Cinemas: Multiple, including Mall of the Emirates
- Novo Cinemas: Ibn Battuta Mall and Dragon Mart 2
- Roxy Cinemas: Multiple, including Dubai Hills
LEARN ABOUT THE EMIRATE’S DIVERSE HISTORY AT MUSEUMS IN DUBAI
Whether vacationing in Dubai during the summers or being a longtime resident, it’s always interesting to explore the region’s rich history by visiting museums and cultural centres. Alongside its renowned museums and cultural centres, the Museum of the Future offers a glimpse into the world of tomorrow.
Shindagha Museum is another popular destination in the city, offering a glimpse into the origins of modern Dubai and the customs and traditions of its inhabitants.
Visitors who want to step aside from the traditional museums can also visit the Museum of Illusions in Dubai. With over 80 optical illusions, it tricks your mind in an instant!
- Locations:
- Museum of The Future: Trade Centre 2, Sheikh Zayed Road
- Shindahga Museum: Al Shindagha area, Bur Dubai
- Museum of Illusions: Al Seef
Additionally, you can consider some of the best indoor activities in Dubai in the summer of 2024:
- Check out the 3D Blacklight Minigolf Dubai
- Smash your stress away at Smash Room
- Break a sweat at Dubai Sports World
- Jump and Flip at Sky Zone, Bounce Trampoline Park and BOUNCE-X
- Rock away your day at Wavehouse Dubai
- Take your kids to Neon Galaxy
- Solve clues and riddles at TEPfactor
- Have fun at Air Maniax
- Learn go karting at Dubai Kartdrome, Ekart Zabeel
- Go for an action-packed day at Dubai International Bowling Centre (Dubai Bowling Centre)
INTERESTING OUTDOOR THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI IN SUMMER
Despite the soaring temperatures, Dubai still has plenty of outdoor fun during summer. Here are some of the outdoor activities worth considering.
ENJOY AN ALL-DAY BEACH EXPERIENCE AT ZERO GRAVITY
Zero Gravity is one of the hottest party destinations in Dubai. It’s a great place to relax and unwind during the summer. You can enjoy great food at their Killa Grilla or even book a private BBQ party for your friends and family.
If you need to cool off (and probably will!), check out their infinity pool or dip in the ocean on their luxury private beach.
There are frequently hosted events at Zero Gravity, try and plan your visit around their summer brunch or one of their popular club events.
- Location: Skydive Dubai, Dubai Marina
- Timings: 10:00 am – 09:00 pm (Sunday and Monday) | 09:00 am – 09:00 pm (Tuesday and Thursday)|Wednesday: closed |10:00 am – 02:00 am (Friday and Saturday)
- Contact: +971-4-399-0009
SOAK UP THE SUN AT BEACHES IN DUBAI
Set alongside the azure waters of the Gulf, there’s no shortage of beaches in Dubai. The emirate’s sandy beaches are all well-developed and have many amenities and activities to enjoy. While the days are too hot for the beaches during summer, you can always enjoy the evenings before the sun goes down.
The public beaches offer free entry and an array of facilities. There are changing rooms, toilets, seating areas, running and cycling tracks, and a few (like Al Mamzar Beach) even have outdoor gyms. You can also visit Kite Beach in Dubai for watersports and other activities.
If you are into water adventure sports, visit North Beach, where you can experience kite surfing and paddle boarding. Sunset Beach in Jumeirah offers perfect waves to hang ten, while Kite Beach allows you to engage in competitive kiting.
DINE AT OUTDOOR RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI
There’s no shortage of amazing outdoor restaurants in Dubai. Whether you want to dine out on a budget or satisfy your taste buds with decadent gastronomical delights, Dubai has everything you might like. You can find an excellent range of cuisines from all corners of the world.
Indulge in exquisite Thai dining at Pai Thai, experience the best French cuisine at La Cantine Du Faubourg or feast on Italian goodness at the Il Borro. No matter your choice, your palate will be delighted with exotic food and your senses suitably entertained by your glorious surroundings.
COOL OFF AT DUBAI’S WATERPARKS
Adrenaline junkies can head to any waterpark in Dubai for a day of fun and adventure. These parks are perfect for adults and children alike, boasting a choice of themed, pulsating slides and year-round sunshine. Away from the plethora of rip-roaring rides, you can dip in the calm pools, soak up the sun and enjoy some quiet downtime at these waterparks.
Wild Wadi Waterpark, Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark and Legoland are some of the hottest waterparks you can visit this summer. While Wild Wadi has a gentle wave pool, Aquaventure Waterpark is known for zip-lining and its shark safari!
- Locations:
- Wild Wadi Waterpark: Opp. Burj Al Arab – Jumeirah St – Umm Suqeim
- Aquaventure Waterpark: Atlantis The Palm
- Legoland: Dubai Parks and Resorts
INDULGE IN WATERSPORTS IN DUBAI
Dubai is a wonderful paradise for watersports enthusiasts. With tons of beaches and thrilling activities at your disposal, there’s no limit to the fun in summer.
From jet skiing to flyboarding, wakeboarding and parasailing, Dubai has everything thrill-seekers need to keep their adrenaline pumping in the hotter weather.
If you want more laid-back activities on the water, you can go kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding or kick back on a doughnut ride. There are plenty of options if you’re up for watersports in Dubai.
FAQs
WHAT ARE THE BEST FREE THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI?
Dubai is a tourist hotspot that offers an array of leisure options. Those looking for fun on a budget can also find some great free things to do in Dubai. Souks, malls, heritage sites and museums are some places to visit in Dubai in summer for free.
WHICH HOTELS ARE OFFERING SUMMER STAYCATION DEALS IN DUBAI?
Many hotels have amazing Dubai summer staycation deals — take your pick from the ultra-luxury Palazzo Versace to the fun-packed Legoland Hotel.
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR FAMILY-FRIENDLY PLACES IN DUBAI?
You can find many family-friendly places in Dubai. The city has numerous parks, beaches, shopping malls, outdoor amusement parks and museums.
That ends our guide on the things to do in Dubai in summer. Interestingly, many activities occur at the city’s top cultural, historical and leisure spots. People flock from all over the world to see and experience these tourist attractions in Dubai.
Apart from Dubai, numerous tourist destinations in the UAE are spread across all seven emirates that you can explore with the family. From beaches to theme parks, the options are never-ending.
What better way to beat the summer heat than by dipping in the pool and relaxing with cold drinks? If you are wondering where to find awesome pools in Dubai, here is a list of the best swimming pool deals in Dubai for the summer.
What do you like to do during summer? Did we miss your favourite Dubai attractions in summer? Let us know in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you!
