What Are the Yas Island Theme Parks?

Yas Island in the Abu Dhabi emirate is home to four of the world’s greatest theme parks, all within a short distance of one another. These are:

• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (open daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM)
• Yas Waterworld (open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
• Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi (open weekdays 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, weekends 8:00 PM)
• SeaWorld Yas Island (Open daily 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM)

NB: Opening times can vary during the Holy Month of Ramadan, public holidays, and special events.

NB – The newly announced Disney Abu Dhabi will also be on Yas Island, but we don’t expect to see this open until at least 2030-2032; do keep it on your radar when planning a future trip to the UAE!

Dubai to Yas Island FREE Shuttle

When you book your tickets to any of the Yas Theme Parks, you can take advantage of the FREE Yas Express shuttle bus service from Dubai to Yas Island. This is by far the most convenient way to travel to Yas Island from Dubai at no additional cost.

You will need evidence of an e-ticket for any of the theme parks; the bus operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are now multiple designated starting points in Dubai (take note of the latest timetable here). Yas Express Route D includes buses that depart from:

• D1 Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights Hotel Suites & Apartments (leaves 9:30 AM, returns 9:25 PM)
• D2 Millennium Place Marina (leaves 9:30 AM, returns 9:40 PM)
• D3 Rixos Premium JBR, JA Ocean View Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai – Jumeirah Beach (Leaves 9:20 AM, returns 10:00 PM
• D4 Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel, The H Hotel Dubai, Sheraton Grand Hotel, Conrad Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road (leaves 9:20 AM, returns 10:30 PM)
• D5 V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton (leaves 9:30 AM, returns 9:50 PM)
• D5 Citymax Hotel Bur Dubai (leaves 9:30 AM, returns 10:30 PM)
• D7 Deira City Centre (beside Colors Cafe) (leaves 9:30 AM, returns 10:30 PM)
• D8 JA the Resort, JA Lake View Hotel (leaves 10:00 AM, returns 8:00 PM)
• D9 Al Seef Heritage Hotel, Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef, Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Seef (leaves 9:30 AM, returns 9:25 PM)

Timing is subject to traffic conditions. All buses stop at Yas WaterWorld/WB World Abu Dhabi first, then at SeaWorld, then at Ferrari World.

Free Yas Express Shuttle from the Northern Emirates to Yas Island

There is also a daily service operating from the Northern Emirates to assist guests on a day trip to Abu Dhabi. This service departs from different locations each day:

• Ras Al Khaimah on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
• Fujairah on Tuesday
• Sharjah on a Thursday
• Ajman on a Saturday and Sunday

Dubai to Yas Island Transfers

If the Yas Island Shuttle bus timings do not work for you, and you already have your theme park tickets, you may prefer to arrange your own transfers; this is undoubtedly the fastest way to get to Yas Island from Dubai and will maximise your time at the parks. These are options to consider:

• Private transfer to Yas Island theme parks from Dubai – Your most comfortable option with different classes of cars to chose from to fit your group and budget – offer via Klook

• Use Get Transfer – a service that allows users to put in their journey details, and drivers bid for your fare. You set the vehicle size you need and whether you’d like it to be one-way or a return transfer. A good way to get competitive pricing over the regular ride-share service that will set your price for you (Works sort of similarly to In Drive, which you may be familiar with; In Drive is not presently an option available in the UAE)

Dubai to Yas Island Public Bus

You can choose to make your own way to Abu Dhabi from Dubai by Intercity Bus, then onwards to the Yas Island theme parks.

It’s not the most direct route and takes a long time, but if you plan to see other things in Abu Dhabi, it could be a practical option.

There is a reasonable public transport system in Abu Dhabi, albeit as a smaller city, nowhere near as comprehensive as Dubai.  We explain here exactly how to take the public bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi central bus station in Al Wadha.

• From Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, you then need to catch a local bus service to Yas Island
• Local bus route number 190 leaves once an hour to Ferrari World/Yas Mall, via Saadiyat Island
• Alternatively, a taxi from Al Wadha back to Yas Island is approximately 50 AED.

Your Intercity bus to Abu Dhabi will cost 25 AED on a comfortable coach, plus the local bus fare of 6 AED.

Self-Drive Dubai to Yas Island

If you have access to a car or wish to rent a car and drive in Dubai, you can easily self-drive to Yas Island:

• From Dubai, take the E11 Highway (Sheikh Zayed Road)
• Stay left at Al Shahama for the E10, signposted to Abu Dhabi
• Take the Yas Island East Exit for the E12 (also marked ‘Yas Leisure Drive‘)
• Follow the blue signs that say ‘Yas Leisure Drive‘ until you reach the brown tourist signs. Follow each to your final destination – each theme park has its own free car parking.

Transfers from DXB Dubai Airport to Yas Island

There is no direct transfer service that runs from DXB to Yas Island; you would need to:

• Get yourself from DXB to one of the pickup locations described above for the free shuttle
• Pay for a taxi door-to-door
• Arrange a private transfer driver as we’ve described above
• Take public transport

Transport on Yas Island

Once you are on Yas Island, there is the free Yas Express, which runs between the theme parks, Yas Plaza hotels, the Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Bay, and the Yas Marina bars and entertainment area.

You can also catch taxis within the island, but bear in mind the minimum fare you will pay is AED 12 flat rate.

A new alternative, if you are after something unique, is hailing a Txai on Yas Island – not a spelling mistake! These unique driverless Robotaxis can be booked via app. They operate between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island with predetermined pick-up and drop-off locations, only at this stage, not the whole of Abu Dhabi city.

Yas Island to Dubai Transport

Returning to Dubai from Yas Island, you can return the same free shuttle service with your ticket as evidence that you have been to the parks. 

If this does not fit your timings, however, you may need to take a metered taxi back to Dubai from Yas Island, or try a ride-share service such as Careem. They are available at all four venues and will take you door-to-door.

Want to Stay on Yas Island?

There is plenty to keep you busy on Yas Island for a full two days, so it’s a great idea to turn it into at least an overnighter from Dubai. 

The closest hotel to the theme parks is The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, sitting immediately adjacent to the entry of WB World and Yas Waterpark. It is the ideal place to base yourself overnight, especially with the kids, who will love the themed rooms. There are many top-rated restaurants at the venue and themed weekend brunches.

Nearby, you’ll find the Yas Plaza hotels. All of these hotels offer theme park tickets with your stay (if the option is selected when booking), making them a great alternative at a lower price, just a short shuttle ride from the Yas Island theme parks.

Another excellent hotel for a longer stay on Yas is the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, located at the centre of Yas Bay – a thriving new nightlife destination with a wonderful pool. They also offer ticket-inclusive packages that can equal great savings.

You can see all Yas Island hotels and nearby accommodation options here.

Make sure you head to our partner site, Abu Dhabi Travel Planner, to learn more about Things to do on Yas Island and more ideas for exploring Abu Dhabi.

Ramadan District at Jumeirah Emirates Towers

February 28th to March 15 2026 – 5:00 pm to 12:00 am 1.00 am at weekends

Returning for its second season this Ramadan, the Ramadan District at the Plaza Terrace aims to blend cultural heritage with contemporary entertainment. Expect community activities, including board games, arts and crafts, cooking classes, and stage performances. You’ll also find henna and calligraphy artists.

You will find everything here, from big-name luxury goods brands to small local businesses, set in the backdrop of The Museum of the Future.

You are adjacent to the Ramadan Majilis at Jumeirah Etihad Towers, which hosts nightly iftar and suhoor.

Entry is free, but there are paid activities

Learn more at ramadandistrict.com or @ramadan.district

Dubai Festival City Mall

February 18th to March 28th 2026

Join the celebrations at Dubai festival City Mall, where there will be an evening programme of events and cultural experiences throughout Ramadan in their Ramadan Majlis by the Bay.

Alongside a Ramadan market, there will be a special Ramadan edition of the IMAGINE water, sound and light show, drone displays, live performances, parades and so much more!

Entry is free, but there are paid activities

Learn more at dubaifestivalcitymall.com

Dubai Municipality Ramadan Souq in Bur Deira

Open until end of Ramadan

This is a good one to attend in the run-up to Ramadan, noting that it’s actually scheduled to stop before the Holy Month starts.

Many locally will be making their Ramadan preparations by heading to this outdoor souq held on Old Municipality Street in Bur Deira. This souq will offer shoppers a unique range of products, including kitchen essentials, fabrics, and traditional food items.

Visitors can also enjoy entertainment and family-friendly activities. This is a great spot for visitors to Dubai during March to understand more about the culture and community surrounding Ramadan, as well as supporting the city’s traditional market traders.

Free entry

Learn more at dm.gov.ae

Ramadan Street Food Festival

19th February – Eid 2026

The Sheikh Hamdan Colony will be transformed this Ramadan with colourful decorations and more than 130 vendor kiosks serving all manner of south Asian street foods from February 19th to February 28th.

From the 28th February the focus will shift to entertainment and live activations until Eid.

Free entry

Learn more here

Hai Ramadan at Expo City

February 22nd until March 17th 2026; 5:00 pm to midnight

The market held in Al Wasl Plaza will host a mix of culture, tradition, and family-friendly activities with food outlets, handmade crafts, traditional garments, and Ramadan-themed items.

There are various iftar offerings at Hai Ramadan this year including a refined seated experience at ‘Iftar Al Majlis’ and a street-food iftar package at ‘Iftar Al Souk’.

Guests can also enjoy seeing the Al Wasl dome come alive with light projections that tell stories rooted in Ramadan tradition.

This will also be one of seven locations in Dubai where you can see the Iftar cannon fired.

Learn more at expocitydubai.com

The Moonlight Market

February 18th until March 20th 2026, 6:00pm to 2:00am

Head to uptown Dubai for the Moonlight Market every day from 5.00pm. This modern take on a traditional Ramadan market includes a variety of vendors selling locally produced items as well as delicious food and beverages. There will be live entertainment, cultural workshops, games and more!

Free entry

Learn more at uptowndubai.ae

Other Interesting Ramadan Events in Dubai 2026

Dispelling myths that ‘there’s nothing to do in Dubai during Ramadan’, keep your eye out for these Ramadan-related events.

Ramadan Nights at Al Safa Art & Design Library

February 27th & 28th 2026

For something a little different, head to the Al Safa Art and Design Library for a creative market featuring the work of local artists, or perhaps test your own skills in the creative workshops on offer. There’s lots to keep you, and the little ones entertained with live cooking shows, a children’s corner, family games and a henna station.

Other events will also be held across Dubai’s network of libraries and museums. Learn more at mediaoffice.ae

Ramadan Majlis at the Museum of the Future

Saturday 28th February 2026 brings an exploration of Islamic jewellery and art to the Ramadan Majlis at The Museum of the Future. Discussions will focus on links between heritage and forward-thinking and jewellery as expressions of spirituality and religious symbolism.

Learn more at museumofthefuture.ae

Ramadan Nights at Jameel Arts Centre

March 6th to March 8th 2026; 8:30 PM to Midnight

Two intriguing evenings of cultural learning alongside a curated souk offering a range of Ramadan treats, fresh produce and artisanal goods.

If you are a visitor to Dubai or wanting to learn more, this would be a great education experience to attend.

Learn more at jameelartscentre.org

Take a stroll at City Walk

Throughout Ramadan 2026

Fancy something other than a hotel iftar buffet? Well there’s plenty on offer at City Walk, with a wide range of Ramadan special offers. Perhaps you’ll be tempted by the special 125 AED menu at Wagamama, or a Ramadan bundle at Pickl for just 89 AED?

After Iftar, take a stroll through city walk where you’ll find beautiful Ramadan decor, live performances, art and craft sessions, games and more. Complimentary karak tea is also available.

Spend a 100 AED at City Walk to participate in activities for free.

Learn more at www.citywalk.ae

Before You Head to a Dubai Ramadan Market

It is important to remember that Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection and togetherness. While these Dubai Ramadan events are by no means limited to the Muslim community, please be mindful that you are attending a religious occasion in an Islamic country.

Whilst Dubai may come across as ‘business as usual’ these days during the Holy Month, please be mindful when attending a Ramadan event where you are; dress appropriately for the occasion and refrain from eating and drinking around those fasting until after sunset.

We explain more about the Ramadan Rules for Tourists in Dubai During Ramadan here.

How much difference will it make to your Dubai experience to visit in the cooler months of the year? Exactly how cold does it get, and can you expect sunshine or rain? Is it still beach weather in the middle of the Dubai winter season? What’s going on during winter 2025-26 to make it worth the visit?

Winter in Dubai brings with it mild temperatures, plenty of sunshine, festivals and live entertainment, with a very low chance of your winter plans being washed out by inclement weather. Let’s take a deep dive into Dubai’s desert climate and the best winter activities in Dubai and The United Arab Emirates.

If you’re interested in what to expect on the flip side, you can see our full guide to visiting Dubai in Summer here – along with our monthly guides to Dubai weather & events calendar.

When is Winter in Dubai?

Following the northern hemisphere seasons, winter in Dubai falls from December to March. However, unlikely much of Europe and North America don’t expect snow and freezing temperatures. Dubai likes to blissfully glide into a mild winter of blue skies, sunny days, and crisp cool evenings – but rarely what most would call COLD.

Rather than a traditional four seasons, Dubai’s seasons can best be described as simply summer and winter, with huge degrees of heat variation between the two (or hot, very hot, and OMG, I can’t believe it gets that HOT!).

The cooler, more bearable months of the year generally run from late October, where we see a significant drop in daytime highs (from the 40’s°C down to the lows 30’s°C in November), through to mid-May, where the temperatures start hitting into the 40°C/100°F + realms once more.

Dubai Winter Temperature: How Cold Does Dubai Get in Winter?

The coolest month of the year for Dubai is January, where the average temperature is 24.2°C (76°F). The average overnight low in January is 14.6°C (58°F), and the average sea temperature of Dubai in January is 23.9°C (75°F).

You can expect, on average, 8 hours of sunshine on a Dubai winter’s day.

There can, of course, be extremes in Dubai at any time of year, and winter is no exception. Daytime temperatures in January can climb over 30°C (86°F), and nighttime temperatures in the mountains and desert can get as cold as freezing – snow can occur on the UAE’s highest peak – Jebel Jais – on the coldest of days.

Does it Rain in Dubai in the Winter?

Rain is not a daily occurrence in Dubai; however, increasingly, rainstorms can occur – usually downpours all at once rather than days on end of rain and drizzle.

On average, you can expect five rain days per month between December and March. It is hard to predict precisely when it might rain in Dubai more than a few days out, so we wouldn’t go planning a winter holiday in Dubai around the weather, nor even pack an umbrella.

However, be aware it CAN happen and when it does…. oh boy! Flash flooding and traffic chaos can ensue. It’s best if it rains during your trip to Dubai to head somewhere safely indoors and wait it out until it passes >> see our indoor suggestions below!

Be aware that Dubai also engages in cloudseeding, which has resulted in more frequent rain showers than the UAE has historically experienced.

Fog in Dubai

By far, a bigger issue in Dubai in winter than rain is fog. For most of the winter months in Dubai, in fact, from even as early as September, you will start to experience some phenomenal morning fogs descending upon the city due to the overnight humidity.

This low-level fog normally burns off by mid-morning to leave a beautiful, crisp, and sunny day ahead. The fog can, however, cause air traffic chaos and problems on the fast-flowing roads. On rare occasions, it can be so severe as to close DXB airport.

Things to Do in Dubai in the Winter

So, on to the fun stuff and why we love winter in Dubai so much: the cooler weather means a return to our favourite parks and outdoor activities! Winter 2025/26 really starts with the return of outdoor markets and seasonal favourites like Global Village and rolls on with Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and so much more, making the most of the great outdoors.

Dubai Safari Park – Found in the Al Warqa 5 area, the park plays host to over 3000 animals, with educational, conservation, and protection at the core of their mission. Last winter they also offered evening sessions, we are waiting to see if these will return.

The Walk & The Beach JBR – this iconic beachfront area of Dubai has something for everyone. City meets beach on the bustling waterfront walk. Enjoy cosmopolitan restaurants to ice cream stands and kids splash parks, camel rides along the beach, and a huge range of water sports are on offer.

Al Seef – where old meets new along the western bank of the Dubai Creek. Traditional architecture seamlessly blends the city’s oldest neighbourhood into this modern waterfront destination. Catch your boat tours from here or enjoy a bite overlooking the water and stroll the touristy shops.

You can find our complete guide to Dubai’s best parks and outdoor spaces here as well as a guide to our favourite public beaches in Dubai.

Desert safaris, dune sports and camping in Dubai in winter

Winter is an ideal time to explore Dubai’s desert. On an evening, overnight safari, or early morning hot air balloon ride, you will definitely want to pack a warm jumper/sweater and take long trousers with you, along with closed-toe shoes. You may even want a beanie and scarf if you’re particularly susceptible to the cold, but it’s not super cold. Organised desert camps will provide you with the necessary blankets.

With the cooler day temperatures too, winter is the best time for a daytime Dubai desert safari. Operates have re-opened post-Covid-19 with a strict range of safety measures in place to make them a fun and enjoyable experience for all.

A fun desert activity to enjoy in the winter for your adrenaline junkies is a dune buggy tour – check out exactly how you can book your dune buggy tour in Dubai over here.

If you’d prefer something more sedate and eco-friendly, we strongly suggest you try one of the tours in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where the focus is moe on the native flora and fauna and appreciating the serenity of the desert.

You can see our complete guide to overnight camping and glamping in Dubai here.

Al Fresco Dining in Dubai

Dubai enjoys a spectacular array of outdoor dining venues, and in the winter months, people take full advantage of this to enjoy the city’s spectacular skyline.

Whether it’s city vistas and a thriving party scene you are after with views of the Burj Khalifa or romantic and uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai has a rooftop bar to suit!

You can find our latest guide to Dubai’s best rooftop bars here.

We also love an outdoor brunch in the cooler winter months; you can find a selection of weekend favourites here, or try a traditional Sunday roast at these incredible venues for the perfect get-together with family and friends.

For something truly unique, why not try one of these desert dining experiences – bringing the city’s 5-star culinary scene to the dunes? This will be a truly unforgettable way to experience winter in Dubai.

Explore the Old City and Souks of Dubai

The cooler months of winter make it ideal for longer strolls outside. You could spend a full day exploring the museums around Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, then take a traditional abra over to the Deira side of Dubai Creek to experience the many souks of Dubai, most popular the Gold & Spice Souks, and pick up some Dubai souvenirs!

The newly re-opened Shindagah Historic District would make a great outing this winter to rediscover a historic part of the city brought back to its former glory.

You can see a complete guide to Dubai’s Museums and cultural attractions here.

Hit the beach

Whilst many hotels have their own private beaches, there are a number of public beaches and beach clubs around the city offering a variety of different experiences. From sophisticated beach hang-outs to chilled-out family spots like Kite Beach,; Dubai really does have it all when it comes to beach experiences.

Most beach clubs close during the hottest months, and whilst December and January may not feel like beach weather for many residents, temperatures are still considered ‘warm’ by many visitors. If you want to seek out some winter sun, this is our current choice of the best beach clubs in Dubai (there are always new choices being added!)

You can find out more about Dubai’s best public beaches here, including advice on what to wear and which beaches are free vs paid

Visit the Theme Parks

Winter is the perfect time for theme park fans to visit Dubai with pleasant weather.

• Dubai Parks and Resorts, with the combined theme parks of Legoland, Motiongate and real Madrid World, makes for an excellent winter choice.

• IMG Worlds of Adventure makes a great choice for inclement weather as it’s entirely indoors.

• Heading down the road to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, there are now 4 mega-theme parks to enjoy – Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld Yas Island.

Day Trip to other Emirates

The cooler days of winter make it a great time to explore the other emirates of the UAE (did you know Dubai is one of 7 Emirates of the UAE? Here are our top Dubai day trip suggestions:

• A trip to the Capital Abu Dhabi, is a must. Marvel at the stunning grandeur of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, tour the Presidential Place Qasr Al Watan or explore the history of humanity at The Louvre Abu Dhabi – learn more about the Culture Express bus running this winter.

• Adrenaline junkies, head to Ras Al Khaimah! Home to the UAE’s tallest peak Jebel Jais, and the UAE adventure capital, this is where to head for scenic drives, mountain hiking and biking, wadi tours, camping and any extreme outdoor activity you can think of!

• The perfect mix of outdoor adventures and history, head to the far east coast of the country and explore the emirate of Fujairah. From snorkelling opportunities at Snoopy Beach to dhow cruises at Dibba, this is our favourite day trip from Dubai in winter for a taste of the “other side” of the UAE, away from the modern high rises.

Read this guide if you’ll be renting a car and driving in Dubai to see if its the right fit for you or an organised tour may be better.

Dubai Water Parks and Water Sports in Winter

So, just how cold does the seawater get in winter? If you want to dip in the Arabian Gulf waters in winter, it can drop as low as 22°C (73°F) in the middle of winter.

Our super-sensitive desert kids would squeal that this is far too cold, but visitors from the depth of European winter will no doubt find it positively balmy!

• Water Parks in Dubai remain open almost throughout the year, but you may find they close for a fortnight at some point in the winter (generally outside of school holiday times). It’s worth checking any possible closure times before you travel if this is an important part of your Dubai travel plans. Aquaventure at Atlantis remains the largest in the Middle East, but also the most crowded and can suffer from long queues. Also consider Wild Wadi Waterpark or with littles, Legoland Waterpark.

• Resort swimming pools, on the other hand, are far more likely to be temperature controlled, so you will find them wonderfully heated in the winter (in fact, pools will start being heated to maintain a steady 28°C-30°C water temperature from about October!). Not all hotel pools are created the same in this regard! It pays to check the fine print if you’re booking a Dubai hotel in winter.

• If in doubt, why not book a hotel in Dubai with an indoor pool? Plenty of places offer indoor pools, from lap pools to luxury indoor spas, for year-round relaxation at ideal temperatures.

Dubai Cruises and Boat Rides

You will undoubtedly be able to enjoy getting out on the water around Dubai in plenty of other ways.

• Winter is a good time to take a tour out of Dubai Marina, or a traditional abra across Dubai Creek is popular, or extend your evening with a more formal dinner dhow cruise.

• There are many yachts, from Dubai Marina, in particular, where you can privately charter a yacht for your party, be it a daytime sightseeing cruise or a fun evening party out on the water.

Remember, it can get chilly in the evenings, so wear appropriate warmer clothing if you’ll be hitting the water at night.

Dubai’s Seasonal Winter Events

Many events and Dubai winter attractions will only open over the cooler months of the year, though these “seasons” are gradually creeping longer each year!

Here’s just a selection of our favourites for visitors to enjoy a different side of Dubai:

Global Village

The crowds and colours of Dubai’s Global Village need to be seen to be believed. Like a giant world’s fair representing over 70 countries through food, dance, and live performances.

• This outdoor extravaganza from 16 October 2025 through until early May (the closing date can be weather dependent)

Dubai Garden Glow

A spectacular nighttime light display, this attraction has undergone quite a few changes and a relocation over the summer.

The new format, just in a different location within Zabeel Park (Now found at Gate 3 adjacent to the Dubai Frame) sees a 2-4-1 attraction with the ever-favourite Dinosaur Park being joined by Fantasy Park – which doesn’t look like it glows!

Whether the full glow park is returning later in the season is still yet to be seen!

Dubai Miracle Garden

The largest flower garden in the world by total blooms sits right here in Dubai! Marvel at the floral creations from the iconic A380 permanent feature to the swinging gardens, the floral clock, incredible topiary collections, and an annual changing lineup to impress!

• This year’s season will run from 29 September 2025 to early May 2026. Learn more here.

Festive Winter Wonderlands in Dubai

Although Christmas is not a marked religious holiday in the United Arab Emirates, there’s no denying it’s celebrated in a big way! It may still be warm outside, but magical winter wonderlands with snow machines, Christmas trees, and market stalls for Santa himself will appear across the city in December.

All the large shopping malls will be in on the action, along with places like Souk Madinat, JBR, Winter District, Expo City, Habtoor City and Ski Dubai – see our complete Christmas in Dubai guide here (plus we share here our guide to seeking out Santa in Dubai if you’re after a festive photo for the family).

Ripe Market

Only closing now for the hottest few months of the year, the Ripe Farmers Market has a few roving locations across the city during the summer months. In winter, however, you can find it at Academy Park in the Umm Suqeim area of the city every Saturday and Sunday. The sprawling market is a great place to pick up fresh organic fruits and vegetables and also meet local artisans selling their hand-crafted products.

• This year’s dates are 11 October 2025 to 3 May 2026

What if it Rains in Winter? What to do in Dubai When it Rains

On rare days, it does rain in Dubai, but don’t worry about it ruining your travel plans – Dubai is a city also built to be enjoyed indoors! Here are just a few suggestions to fill a rainy day in Dubai (with & without kids):

• Dubai Frame – rain or not, you can still enjoy a bird’s eye view beneath the towering Dubai Frame – observe the Dubai Creek and Old Dubai from one side and the modern skyscrapers of Dubai to the west. See our review of the Dubai Frame here.

• Dubai Mall – always a fail-safe; whatever the weather, there’s so much to see and do in and around Dubai Mall. Take a trip up the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, or take a tour of the incredible Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. (Just be warned, peak times/dates for Burj Khalifa will book up FAST!)

• Little ones will love Kidzania Dubai, or Play DXB (VR Park) for your bigger kids and the giant cinema complex – even try your hand at ice skating on the Olympic-sized rink! See our full review of the Dubai Mall activities here.

• The Green Planet Dubai – Offers an incredible indoor rainforest experience in the heart of the city. Snake your way around the giant artificial tree inside a giant biodome adjacent to the City Walk entertainment precinct. There’s now the added feature of an outdoor Nature Park – a large edutainment area featuring a treehouse with viewing platforms, adventure trails and slides, plus realistic animatronics of all manner of creepy crawlies (the outdoor exhibit is best for dry weather!)!

• The Museum of the Future is a fascinating journey to the future of space, health and innovation (though do note that tickets need to be booked many weeks in advance; you can’t pop in here as a last-minute plan!) History buffs, though, will find Etihad Museum an excellent Dubai rainy-day choice without the queues and crowds.

• Ski Dubai – this huge indoor ski centre in the Mall of the Emirates never fails to impress visitors; its the perfect spot to practice your ski skills in Dubai before experiencing the “real thing.”. Their festival experience in December is also one of the best in the city -though does book out early.

You can see our complete guide to Dubai’s best indoor activities here.

Possible Cons of Visiting Dubai in Winter

Now, it’s undoubtedly true the best time to visit Dubai is in the winter, but are there any drawbacks to a winter trip to Dubai? No deal breakers, but it’s worth considering:

• It gets really busy. Crowds have unfortunately become a huge problem when visiting Dubai in the winter and during peak season. We’d highly suggest that if you are planning a visit to Dubai in the winter, be aware of the busiest periods over school holidays (generally the last three weeks of December). If you have flexibility, come on a weekday and outside the major school breaks to avoid lines at popular attractions.

• It’ll cost you more: Being high season (particularly December through early January), you’ll find hotels are charging premium prices, and the best places will book up fast; there’s very little chance of finding a great deal over the cooler winter season in Dubai.

• It could rain: Could is the key here – we’ve had winters without a drop of rain, then other years several days of deluge and localised flooding – its absolutely not a deal breaker; you are more likely to get a string of days with blue clear skies, but do have a contingency plan in mind, rain is usually forecast at least a week out.

We are normally full of positivity about visiting Dubai at any time of year, but see here our least favourite time to visit Dubai.

So, is it Worth Visiting Dubai in the Winter?

Absolutely! We can’t promise clear blue skies in Dubai every single day, but it’s pretty darn close to perfection for your mid-winter vacation!

You can check out exactly what to expect each month throughout winter here:

Regular Race Days in Dubai

Horse racing in Dubai generally takes place during the cooler winter months only on the dirt and turf courses at Meydan Racecourse, just outside Downtown Dubai.

Dubai Racing Carnival 2025-26

Races occur every Friday evening from 5:30 p.m. until late, from 7 November 2025 until the Dubai World Cup on 28 March 2025. There are a few special events during the season, including:

• Festive Friday – 19 December 2025
• Fashion Friday – 23 January 2025
• Emirates Super Saturday – 28 February 2025

This is the Meydan Racecourse calendar by DRC for the Dubai 2025-26 horse racing season at Meydan.

Tickets to the races can be purchased at the track or booked online for a premium package (though note that hospitality packages bought at the gate will cost you more and are subject to availability).

• General Public – you’re at ground level here with a selection of picnic tables and an open outdoor food court until the end of the last race. Adults AED 5, grab free kids’ entry tickets at the gate – Gate B.
• The Premium By McGettigan’s includes a kids’ playground and a cash bar in a dedicated ‘village.’ Kids Village is open from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Music at McGettigans continues until midnight. Adults AED 65, Family packages AED 180. Kids’ tickets are at the gate, entry Gate A.

Enjoy the races in Dubai with a premium dining package

TBC if these packages and prices are still correct for the 2025/26 season; we have left the previous year’s packages as a guide

The Grandstand at Meydan offers commanding views over the track, and the Parade Ring offers many different dining packages to suit different budgets:

• Parade Ring Lounge – Centrally located on the ground floor, this is where you want to head for a close-up view of the action with a buffet dinner, al fresco seating, and entertainment. Soft Packages AED 295; House Beverages AED 395

• Paddock View – A step up on level 4, this is a good choice for a mixed age group with great views, indoor and outdoor seating, and a bottomless buffet dinner. Soft Packages AED 365; House Beverages AED 495

• Invasor Room – An elegant and upscale offering on the 2nd floor with great views of the track and parade ring. This is where you want to head for a classy and exciting evening. Soft packages AED 445; Premium Beverages AED 595

• Winners Circle Restaurant – On the 2nd & 3rd floors with excellent views through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Winners Circle. This includes a 3-course sit-down dinner—Soft Packages AED 345 and house AED 445.

• Levels 3 and 4 of the Grandstand are dedicated to private suites, which can be booked for corporate events and special occasions throughout the racing season in Dubai.

Visit dubairacingclub.com to learn more about specific weekly fixtures and special events. If you think you’ll be a regular racegoer, it’s well worth checking out the DRC season memberships.

Dubai World Cup 2026

One of the richest days on the international racing calendar, with $30.5 million in prize money on offer, the Dubai World Cup showcases the finest thoroughbreds of the season. The event brings out Dubai’s social elite and a glamorous international audience.

This year, the Dubai World Cup will take place on Saturday 28 March 2026

The hospitality packages we mentioned above are not available for the Dubai World Cup; an entirely different set of hospitality packages is available, with a broader range of bars and restaurants open specifically for Dubai World Cup night.

Refer again to the dubairacingclub.com website to purchase packages for the Dubai World Cup.

What Type of Horse Racing do They Have at Meydan?

Meydan Racecourse consists of both a 1,750-metre dirt track and a 2,400-meter turf track. Most Friday race nights will involve a combination of both tracks being used.

Each evening consists of six or seven races, held 35 minutes apart.

The hospitality services start 30 minutes before the first race, so on most Fridays, this means things start at 5:30 PM with racing commencing at 6:00 PM. To get the most out of your experience, aim to be seated early in the hospitality spaces. This will give you ample time to dive into the race program, complete your Pick 6/7 in plenty of time, and enjoy your first drink before the action begins.

Limited tables are available in the general public space, so you’ll want to be in early to nab one. The gates open at 4:00 PM.

The Meydan Hotel Dubai At Meydan Racecourse

If you want to make a complete night of your horse racing experience in Dubai, then we’d suggest arranging to stay at the attached Meydan Hotel. You are within walking distance here to the Grandstand, though they can assist you with an electric buggy ride door to door.

You can see the racing action from your rooms, too, though you’re a little far from the finish line. To be at the heart of the action, we suggest booking with the hotel and combining your stay with a hospitality package.

The Rooms at The Meydan Hotel

You have the choice of rooms or suites. They are renowned for having some of the most spacious hotel rooms in the city.

• Grand Deluxe Balcony Room, Grand Premium Balcony Room (higher floors), and Grand Superior Balcony Room – all 62sqm
• Panoramic Suites – 132sqm, Presidential Meydan Suites (4 adults two kids), and Presidential Duplex Suites (split level sleeps up to 6)

Whilst they don’t offer those sought-after Gulf water views, it’s still a pretty spectacular and fascinating view to wake up to, and it’s in an excellent location for visiting other city attractions. Meydan is around 10 minutes by taxi from Downtown Dubai and 15 minutes from DXB Airport (all traffic dependent).

You can book your room at Meydan here – though note that going direct with ticketoffice@dubairacingclub.com you may get a better package including dinner at the track and breakfast at Farriers

Dining at Meydan Hotel

Meydan offers both formal and casual dining options.

• Farriers is their international restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• The Millennium Lounge for track views, al fresco dining, and drinks
• Qube Sports Bar, with its screens, is perfect for big event days
• Grip n Sip is ideal after a round of golf
• Or enjoy Equus Pool Bar for rooftop sips

NB – The hotel’s ‘in-house’ dining package includes dinner at Farriers on race nights. Yes, Farriers overlooks the course, but it is NOT the same as the hospitality packages and restaurants we mention above which sit immediately above the racing action and Parade Ring; your views from Farriers are quite distant.

• If not included with your stay, the race night packages at Farriers, including buffet and bottomless drinks, start from AED 249 Soft to AED 599 Sparkling.
• Alternatively, the Millennium Lounge is a little closer to the action with an open terrace, shisha, an à la carte menu, and a minimum spend of AED 150.

Other Leisure facilities at Meydan

Aside from attending the horse racing, there’s a great range of other options. You are attached to a Golf Course, set around 6 lakes and the Meydan Tennis Academy, as well as the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views from the rooftop pool 9.

If you’re coming with the kids, there’s a separate kiddy pool on the rooftop with a few pieces of playground equipment (why not ask the hotel to organise a nanny, though, so you can pop out and enjoy the races?!).

Even if you’re not there for the racing, guests can arrange stable tours during their visit to the Meydan Hotel for a unique Dubai experience.

Gambling on Horse Racing in Dubai

In case you are not aware, gambling is still illegal in Dubai. That, as you can imagine, does not stop people from doing so, but you’d need a VPN to access any gambling sites from the URL.

You won’t see trackside, however, any bookies or TAB huts, etc, that you may be familiar with at horse racing events in other countries.

To keep the evening entertaining for punters, every guest is given a Pick 7 prediction game as an alternative to gambling. These cards are distributed at the gate and must be submitted 15 minutes before racing starts.

Lucky Draw prizes are also up for grabs, with car prizes and giveaways happening throughout the season.

Other Horse Experiences in Dubai

While you might think Dubai is all about camel racing and camel rides – which indeed it does well – there are still opportunities for equine lovers to have enjoyable experiences in the UAE.

• Our complete guide to Dubai horse riding locations and equestrian events is coming soon!

Dubai Fountain Show Timings

• Daily Evening Shows 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM every 30 minutes
• Seasonally, lunchtime performances at 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM (2:00 PM & 2:30 PM weekends)

Over Eid & Public Holidays the Dubai Mall fountain show times may change schedule and extra shows may be scheduled to run all afternoon through to midnight. The lunchtime performances have historically not run over Ramadan and start after Iftar – first show this year we expect will be 7:00 PM.

The Dubai Mall dancing fountain show runs for about 5 minutes at a time.

Burj Khalifa Light Show Timings

It’s nice to catch the first Dubai Fountain show at dusk and then return for a later nighttime show, when you can also capture the LED lighting displays on the Burj Khalifa from 7:45 PM. The Burj Khalifa light show runs every 30 minutes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until 10.45 PM.

On weekdays, every hour from 7.45 PM

(Note that this program is subject to change! Every time we publish an update to these timings, we turn up and the timings are different from what Emaar advises on their website!)

This is a great stopgap entertainer while you’re waiting for the fountains. Often, the Burj Khalifa features special themed lightings for national and international celebrations, awareness campaigns, and special occasions – you can’t get a more prominent announcement than having it displayed on the Burj Khalifa!

Where Can I Watch the Fountain Show in Dubai?

The Dubai Fountain is built on a 30-acre lake, called Burj Khalifa Lake, or simply Burj Lake, which sits between the Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar, and Burj Khalifa. The fountains are choreographed to music, making it appear as though they are dancing; hence, they are often called “the Dancing Fountains of Dubai.”

They tend to alternate between classic Arabic music and modern pop songs.

The waterfront promenade in front of the Dubai Mall is the most popular and easiest location to view the Dubai Fountains – for free. It’s also one of the busiest. Most people tend to exit Dubai Mall from the central exit (underneath the mega Apple store – which also has an outdoor viewing balcony!)

This can be exceptionally crowded at peak times of the evening, 10 to 15 minutes before every show. Unless you are looking to cut across the bridge to Souk al Bahar, we DO NOT recommend you take this exit. If you are travelling with strollers, young children, the disabled, or the elderly, be really conscious of this.

Instead, if you head to the Lower Ground Floor exit near “At the Top”, at the Fashion Avenue end of the Dubai Mall, the exit here is far less crowded, and you will be in a better position to see the fountains and the Burj Khalifa.

There are plenty of other ways to ensure a good view of the Dubai Fountains, including:

• Taking a fountain lake ride on a traditional abra around Burj Lake (see more below!)
• Walk on to the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk (see more below!)
• Dining at one of the nearby restaurants with outdoor seating over the lake (see more below!)
• From the walkway around Souk Al Bahar
• From up above in one of the city’s towering skyscrapers, including At The Top Burj Khalifa

Please note that it’s best to arrive in position around 15 minutes before the show. The water will start to twinkle around 10 minutes before, and then the promenade lights will be dimmed in preparation.

Fountain Lake Ride – Seeing the Dubai Fountains From the Water

You can get up close to the performance on a wooden abra that circles Burj Khalifa Lake. The boats depart in timed slots, 15 minutes before each show (i.e., at quarter past and quarter to the hour), and last for 30 minutes.

• Advance Purchase Dubai Fountain Lake Ride tickets here
• They start at 5:45 PM and run until 11:15 PM
• The 2025 ticket price is AED 68.25 (with VAT) per person (all persons over 2 years old need their own ticket)

You can quickly check the availability of the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride here:

Note that these tickets are collected from At the Top (the Burj Khalifa ticketing counter) on the lower ground floor of the Dubai Mall. You must be organised well in advance, as it takes several minutes to get from the ticketing counter back to the “Lake Ride” entrance point on the promenade- and this is a very busy tourist area.

• We’d strongly suggest if you plan to go up the Burj Khalifa too, to buy combo tickets and collect them at the same time.

You can enhance your water experience by taking a Dubai Canal Cruise. This is on a much larger dhow boat and will include a 5-star dinner buffet, seeing the Dubai Canal highlights lit up at night, including IMAGINE at Dubai Festival City, and the new waterfall under Sheikh Zayed Road

• Advance purchase your Dubai Canal Cruise tickets here

(NB the dinner cruise departs from Dubai Festival City Mall, not Dubai Mall, at 7:00 PM nightly; the Dubai Mall fountains are a passing stop on a much longer itinerary, a superb way to capture many of the city’s best night shows on water. This is NOT the same thing as an abra on Burj Lake; in our opinion, the longer tour is better with more variety)

See the Fountains on a Night Tour of Dubai

Another touring option is to see the Dubai Fountains as part of a combined nighttime tour of the city’s highlights. This 4-hour private tour (available in English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, or German) includes a stop at the Dubai Fountains.

• Check out ticket pricing for the Dubai night tour here

Dubai Fountain Boardwalk

The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk (also known as the Dubai Fountain Walk Bridge) is a floating platform from Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, which provides one of the most up-close experiences for viewing the fountains; at its closest point, you are only 9 metres away!

There is an entry charge to the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk of AED 20, but you can stay on the 272m long boardwalk as long as you like. Open 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily; children must be over 4 years old.

• You can buy a combined Burj Khalifa and Boardwalk ticket here

The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk is included in the “Dubai Pass” Select, Flexi Attraction and Unlimited packages

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Restaurants Overlooking Dubai Fountain

Both the Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar have many restaurants overlooking Burj Khalifa Lake. There are also nearby hotel restaurants (licenced) where you can catch a glimpse. This is the best way to experience the Dubai Mall fountains.

Catch our complete Dubai Fountain restaurant guide here

Our favourite Dubai Mall restaurants with fountains views

• On lower ground level try; Social House – casual international dining, Carluccios – Italian, Wafi Gourmet – Lebanese. For some quick bites, look out for Nandos, Pizza Hut, and KFC.
• Level 1 – OFK (Open Flame Kitchen) – upscale international
• Level 2 – Tribes – casual African dining with a great vibe

NB restaurants within Dubai Mall are all dry – i.e. they do not serve alcohol while hotels and those within Souk Al Bahar are licensed.

Our favourite Souk Al Bahar restaurants with fountain views

• Timeout Market – Mixed food stalls, cafes & bars
• Bice Mare – Italian Seafood
• The Tap House – Gastropub
• Abd el Wahab – Lebanese

Our favourite nearby restaurants with fountain views

• At.Mosphere – Level 122 Burj Khalifa
• Thiptara at Palace Downtown – Thai food with arguably the best terrace views! (Check it out in our guide to the most romantic restaurants in Dubai!)

Dubai Fountains – How to Get There

If you are not taking a taxi or self-parking, the most convenient way to access Dubai Mall is via Metro.

The most convenient stops are both on the red line:

• The Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall Metro Station is the closest, albeit it can be incredibly busy in peak times (around a 10-minute walk even with travellators).

• Business Bay Metro is a further away walk (around 15 minutes) but can be less busy in the evenings if you want to avoid walking through the mall.

Our complete guide here to Dubai Mall explains all of your options.

You could easily combine in one evening a trip to At the Top Burj Khalifa and seeing the fountains at ground level. It’s spectacular to see Downtown lit up from above, but more atmospheric, and to hear the music, you need to be nearby.

Nearby Attractions to Dubai Fountains

The Dubai Fountains are truly the tourist epicenter of the city. If you only have one night to spend exploring Dubai, this is probably where your night will start or end.

• You are immediately adjacent to the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa
• Easy to access from the fountains, “At The Top” Burj Khalifa observation deck
• The Dubai Opera house is within easy walking distance
• Burj Park is a lovely spot of green amidst the skyscrapers, making it great for photo ops too, you’ll easily spot the ‘3 fingers’ statue.
• Directly across the Lake from Burj Khalifa, look out for the ‘Wings of Mexico‘ photo opportunity in Burj Plaza
• With kids? Check out the Downtown Slide in Burj Plaza
• Within Dubai Mall, there are several family attractions including The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, kids edutainment centre Kidzania, VR Park for all your virtual reality games, and the giant Ice Skating Rink.

Where to Stay Near the Dubai Fountains

For those looking to stay close to Downtown and the fountains, there are plentiful accommodation options – it all depends on your group size and budget.

• Best Views – Palace Downtown – sensational contemporary Middle Eastern luxury and views you will never want to leave.

• Value pick – Rove Downtown, a 10-minute walk away and accessible via a crossing over Financial Centre Road, offers prices as low as $86 USD per night, making this an excellent central option.

• Family Pick – Roda Al Murooj Residences – this is our top pick for families as it includes apartment options with the luxury and facilities of a resort, about 8 minutes to Dubai Mall using the sky bridge attached to Kempinski The Boulevard (formerly Address Boulevard).

• Best proximity – Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai (formerly Address Dubai Mall) – accessible from within the mall. This is the best for ease of access, especially if you have elderly or disabled people in your group.

• The most luxurious option is the Armani Hotel Dubai, located within the Burj Khalifa, where you may even secure a room with a fountain view.

See all your nearby Downtown Dubai hotel and VRBO apartment options here:

Dubai Fountain Facts

First operational in May 2009, the Dubai Fountains predate even the opening of the Burj Khalifa! Here are just a few fun facts to know about the Dubai Fountains:

• The fountains cover over 900 feet in length
• High-pressure shooters are what make the fountains “dance”
• Super shooters can fire 240 feet into the air
• Water from the extreme shooters can shoot as high as 500 feet (a 50-story building!!)
• Up to 22,000 gallons of water can shoot into the air at any one point
• There are 6,600 Superlights and 25 colour projectors.
• The songs played vary between classical Arabic and contemporary hits
• The fountains were designed by WET Design, who also designed the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas

Pop over here if you want more Fun Facts About the Burj Khalifa!

More Frequently Asked Questions on the Downtown Dubai Fountains & Burj Light Show

Global Village

Open Dates: 15 October 2025 to May 2026

Spectacular Season 30 of Dubai Global Village will see the return of the city’s favourite multicultural evening entertainment venue. Millions of visitors gather at this outdoor venue throughout the winter to experience shopping, handicrafts, cuisines, and entertainment from around the globe.

Special events such as Eid al Etihad (Formerly National/Union Day), Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Ramadan, and Eid al-Fitr are all celebrated within the park’s unique atmosphere.

We have a detailed guide here on what to expect at Dubai’s Global Village, or check out the Global Village Website for an exact calendar of events. Although the entry price has now crept up to AED 20 per person (cheaper online – Season 30 price TBC), it’s still one of the best-value nights out in Dubai.

• Open Monday to Thursday, 4:00 PM to midnight, and Friday to Sunday, 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM

Learn more at www.globalvillage.ae

Miracle Garden

Open Dates: from 29 September 2025 – closing TBC

Dubai Miracle Garden is a breathtaking floral wonderland in the heart of Dubailand. Boasting over 150 million flowers arranged in intricate designs and awe-inspiring shapes, it’s the world’s largest natural flower garden by number of blooms.

From life-sized houses to an A380 adorned in blooms, the garden transforms the arid desert landscape into a colourful paradise every winter, offering visitors a unique sensory experience filled with vibrant colours, mesmerizing patterns, and sweet fragrances.

• Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Saturday-Sunday 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM
• Entry has risen to a whopping AED 100 adults / AED 85 for kids (UAE Resident discounts apply with EID)
• New this winter: Get free entry on your birthday (photo ID required)

We have a detailed review of Dubai Miracle Garden over here, or learn more at www.dubaimiraclegarden.com

Dubai Garden Glow

Open Dates: Still TBC

This spectacular nighttime light display has taken place in Zabeel Park for the past 10 years. A unique theme park in Dubai that combines the beauty of art, light, and eco-friendly innovations. It features luminous displays, sculptures, and installations crafted using thousands of energy-saving bulbs and yards of recycled luminous fabric.

The big change for 2025-26 is that they are relocating! It’s a closely guarded secret where, but all will be revealed this October, so stay tuned for what to expect this winter and which elements from the previous garden will be transferred to the new venue.

• Opening hours will need to be confirmed upon re-opening.

You can read our complete review of Dubai Garden Glow, or learn more and book tickets at www.dubaigardenglow.com

Dubai Safari Park

Open Dates: 14 October 2025 – closing TBC

A unique animal experience run by Dubai Municipality, the 119-hectare open-air park on the city’s outskirts closes over the hottest months. Home to over 3,000 animals, the park consists of five sections: African Village, Asian Village, Arabian Desert Safari, Explorer Village, and the Valley.

In addition to day pass entry tickets, you can upgrade to more intimate new experiences, such as Dine in the Wild and Behind the Scenes, which offer a closer look at the family care services provided to the animals that call the safari park home.

• Open daily 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Learn more at www.dubaisafari.ae

Hatta Wadi Hub

Open Dates: 15 September 2025- closing TBC

The emirate’s adventure playground, Hatta Wadi Hub, is nestled in the Hajar Mountains, 90 minutes south of Dubai city.

Cooler weather brings back serene desert glamping experiences, adrenaline-pumping adventure activities, and fun family experiences, including zorbing, archery, tubing, big plunge trampolines, and an Aerial Adventure Park.

Other additions to look out for include a giant swing, a 45-degree zipline, a free-fall zone, and a high ropes course.

Read our complete review of Hatta and Hatta Wadi Hub, or learn more at visithatta.com

Dubai Fountains

Open date: 1 October 2025

Now, this attraction is technically open year-round; however, after a 6-month closure, it deserves a special spot on our re-opening list for winter 2025.

Extensive renovations have been underway in Downtown Dubai this summer to upgrade the world’s most spectacular fountain show with enhanced sound and lighting as well as improved choreography.

• Shows take place nightly from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm, every 30 minutes, and last 5 minutes
• There are lunchtime shows at 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm (2:00 pm and 2:30 pm Fridays)

The show is free to watch from anywhere around Burj Lake, or you can take an abra ride onto the lake for a close-up view.

More Things to Do in Dubai this Winter

If you are planning a winter trip to Dubai, we also recommend you dive further into our archives and check out:

• The best outdoor adventure activities in Dubai
• Where to find the best weekend family brunch in Dubai for al fresco dining at its best
• The perfect place to catch rooftop drinks in Dubai
• All of Dubai’s best parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces
• Where to go cycling in Dubai – bike rental places and the best tracks
• All the best events that are happening in Dubai during 2025 – and a look forward to the 2026 Dubai events calendar

Global Village Dubai Timings

Season 30 of Global Village Dubai will open on October 15th, 2025, and run until early May 2026 (closing date is always TBC based on weather and crowds).

• Sunday to Thursday 4:00 pm to 12:00 am (last entry 11:30 pm)
• Friday and Saturday, 4:00 pm to 1:00 am (last entry 12:30 pm)

Note that Tuesdays are family night (unless it is a public holiday); only women, children, couples, and direct male relatives may attend.

Global Village Dubai Ticket Price

Entry into Global Village Dubai has always been very affordable, encouraging visitors from all parts of the Dubai community to participate.

There was a substantial price increase in Season 29; however, we don’t know if this will increase again for Season 30. As a guide from last year, tickets now cost:

• Weekday Tickets (Sunday to Thursday) AED 25
• Any Day Tickets AED 30
• Fazaa Card Holders Weekdays AED 20
• Fazaa Card Holders Any Day AED 24
• Children less than 3 years old are free, as are over 65s and People of Determination

Carnival rides & games come at an additional cost; you can pre-purchase a Wonder Pass and top it up with credit for these rides.

Note that Public Holidays are charged at weekend rates.

Tickets go on sale at the gate up to 30 minutes before opening time, but your best bet is to book online before your visit. You can now also download tickets via the Global Village app (here on Apple or here for Android).

New in 2024-25 Exo Planet City

An exciting new entertainment installment in 2024 is Exo Planet City, an intergalactic space experience that combines thrilling activities with cutting-edge technology and immersive storytelling. Features include an Infiniti mirror maze, 5D cinema and Neo Flight Flying Theatre.

We still await full pricing once the theatre fully opens – they are currently advertising Combo Saver Tickets for this new experience at AED 85

Global Village VIP Packages

Introduced a few years ago, Global Village Dubai offers VIP Packages. Released only in a limited number each year, pass holders are entitled to privileges such as VIP Parking, restaurant reservations, and skip-the-line privileges on some attractions.

VIP packs for Global Village in 2024-25 (these tend to sell out BEFORE season opening so get in early for 2025-26):

• Mega Gold VIP 4,745 AED
• Mega Silver VIP 3,245 AED
• Platinum VIP 3,100 AED
• Gold VIP AED 2,350
• Silver VIP AED 1,750

In addition to Global Village attractions, VIP ticket holders will also receive exclusive offers from Dubai Parks & Resorts, The Green Planet, and Roxy Cinemas.

If you really enjoy your first visit to Global Village, keep this information bookmarked for next season around end of September!

Where is Global Village Dubai?

Global Village Dubai is situated just off the E311 Freeway, accessible via Exit 37 from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.

Driving to Global Village

There are ample parking spaces for over 23,000 cars! Though be warned, the parking lot is HUGE! For the spots nearest to the entrance, you must be among the first to arrive around 3:30 – 4:00 pm.

Public Bus to Global Village Dubai

Several Dubai RTA bus routes service Global Village Dubai on a seasonal basis. You’ll need to have a Nol card to tap and pay when you board, journey cost from the city approx AED 10.

• Route 102 Operates from Rashidya Bus Station every 60 minutes
• Route 103 Operates from Union Bus Station every 40 minutes
• Route 104 Operates from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station every 60 minutes
• Route 106 Operates from Mall of the Emirates Bus Station every 60 minutes

From Other Emirates

Ajman Transport has also launched a new service in conjunction with Dubai RTA. This ‘Global Village Route’ from Al-Musalla Station goes directly to Global Village every evening and costs AED 25. With three services in each direction, you can pay by Masaar Card or cash.

Taxi or Careem/Uber to Global Village

This is a great way to get to Global Village without the hassle of parking. There is a large taxi rank to take you home at the end of the evening but we suggest pre-booking your spot using Careem/Hala Taxi to beat the rush at closing time.

Global Village Hotels

Surprisingly, there are still no hotels located in Global Village. You will find these hotels near Global Village Dubai for the most convenience, though still a taxi ride away:

• The S Hotel Al Barsha (4-star)
• Premier Inn Dubai Silicon Oasis (3-star)
• Arabian Ranches Golf Club (2-star)

Major Tourist Attractions in Dubai That Are Indoors

These are our top pick of tourist attractions and indoor places to visit in Dubai that you can still visit even at the peak of summer (do be mindful that there may still be short walks from the car park to the entrance).

• The Dubai Frame* – superb views as well as interactive displays around Dubai’s past and present in Zabeel Park.

• Dubai Opera – not only has a sensational show lineup covering everything from musical classics to comedies and kids’ stage shows, but you can also take an architectural tour.

• Etihad Museum* – learn more about the country’s recent history and journey to unification.

• Museum of the Future – the latest incredible Museum to open in Dubai, focusing on technology and the future.

• The View at the Palm – indoor 360-degree observatory in the centre of Palm Jumeirah for epic offshore city views.

• La Perle * – evening extravaganza by Dragone is one of the city’s most highly acclaimed stage shows in Al Habtoor City.

What is Dune Buggy Riding?

The natural desert landscape of Dubai is breathtaking, and if exploring it over a fast-paced ride excites you, Dune Buggy riding is perfect for you.

Unlike Dubai dune bashing, which takes place in 4×4 cars with certified drivers holding special driving permits, the buggies used for dune buggy riding are small, lightweight automotive vehicles with oversized, low-pressure tyres for riding on the sands and are completely safe for beginner drivers.

With no prior experience needed, it is entirely up to you how fast and thrilling you would like to make it for yourself. You can even choose from single buggies or tag along with a buddy on the double-seated buggies. It is the challenging terrain and the stunning views of the landscape that make this adventurous activity so thrilling.

Newcomers should note that quad biking is very similar to dune buggy riding. Both have four large air-filled wheels capable of tackling tricky terrain. The key difference is that quad bikes are single-rider ATVs and don’t have the distinctive roll bars; they also tend to be a little heavier and more difficult for newbies to sand sport to maneuver.

Many camps and desert safari tour operators in Dubai will offer the choice of quad bike or dune buggy ride. Both should be used with safety gear and strictly following instructions from expert guides.

Top Dubai Desert Locations For Dune Riding

Although your pick-up location with a safari guide will likely be in Dubai, you may actually cross into other emirates in the United Arab Emirates for desert adventures. These are popular locations for desert buggies to operate:

• Al Badayer/ The Big Red: The deep red colour of this large sand dune is where it gets its name from. Located 45 minutes from Dubai on the Hatta/Oman (E44) highway, this spot is popular for all desert-related activities and some spectacular activities.

• Al Faya Desert: If you’re looking for even bigger sand dunes, Al Faya Desert is perfect for desert adventure seekers. It is located along the Sharjah- Kalba (E55) road, a 50-minute drive from Dubai, and secluded away from the city noise.

• Fossil and Camel Rock: A spot that’s not only a favourite amongst the dune riders but also the photographers, thanks to the rugged rock formations. These formations include marine fossils from millions of years ago and a famous rock formation resembling a camel resting in the sand. This location is a 50-minute drive from Dubai towards Sharjah/Kalba road.

Booking a Dune Buggy Experience in Dubai

Dune Buggy riding is a safe and thrilling way to follow the natural trails of the desert landscape and a unique opportunity to explore more of Dubai. Once you are ready to embark on this fun-filled journey, all you need to do is find the right dune buggy tour provider to book with – and there are quite a few!

Consider Timings

Choose a provider that suits your area of interest and preferred timing. While most Dubai desert safari tours operate during the daytime, riding at sunset is also available with some tours (often combined with dune bashing and other extreme desert sports).

Another thing you will want to consider when booking is the duration of the tours. The longer the hours, the more opportunity you will have to explore the desert and experience more of this natural landscape; many combined camps/tours advertise dune buggy rides, but you might be lucky to get a 15-20-minute experience.

Group Tour vs Private Tour

Are you happy to be part of a large group to keep the cost down and make some new friends, or would you rather have your guide’s undivided attention and a vehicle to yourselves? Private tours undoubtedly cost more, but they could work out quite economically if there are 4+ of you all riding or your group is willing to share vehicles.

Extra Inclusions

Most buggy rental services in Dubai include pickup and drop-off from your hotel or place of residence, and some even offer a complete package with BBQ dinner, soft drinks, and live entertainment. Just check the fine print under the headline price to see what’s included and whether you really need everything offered (if you’ve already booked a 4×4 desert safari, many activities may be repeated).

Dune Buggy Provider Recommendations

Here are a few options for you to have a look at, which can be easily booked online with Viator:

Recommended Tours on Viator that include Dune Buggy Tours:

• This is a great introductory-level tour, including buggy rides. Learn to ride at Fossil Rock, and then you have the option to add a BBQ Dinner, camel rides and door-to-door transfers – learn more here.
• Try a combined desert evening experience, including a 1-hour dune buggy ride for 2 (or 30 minutes each), dinner, camel riding, Tanura dance, and belly dancing shows (total evening experience is about 6 hours) – see more details here.

Premium Dune Buggy Experience:

A premium desert experience to look at is Zerzura Dune Buggy Experiences. The only operator in Mlehia National Park, Sharjah, your 1.5 hour ride will include a stop at Fossil Rock and an option to go sandboarding at Camel Rock.

A self-drive experience here can be bundled to include private transfers and a VIP dinner under the stars in a secluded desert location. Just 45 minutes from Dubai, your dune buggy ride here can also includes a camel ride and nature walk for a complete Dubai desert experience without the crowds.

When you want to focus just on the dune buggy riding:

• A great option for couples and small groups of up to 4 to consider is a private buggy experience with an experienced instructor for several hours during the day – guaranteed at least an hour to actual Dune Buggy time.
• This premium tour is also an ideal option for groups, flexibly choose between an early morning desert safari or a later afternoon dune buggy driving experience for up to 5 participants. Your tour guide will take you deep into the desert – allow approximately 4 to 6 hours in total, including pick up/drop off.

What Should You Wear For a Dune Buggy Ride?

In order to protect yourself from the sun and sand, it is advisable to wear comfortable clothing for sporting activities. We’d recommend that to protect against the elements, you wear long-sleeved T-shirts, even when it’s hot. Don’t forget your sunglasses and sun hat.

You can choose to wear a jacket depending on the weather, and if you plan to stay late into the evening – the desert evenings can get surprisingly chilly in winter.

Closed-toe shoes work best and will be most comfortable for riding the dune buggies. You can also expect sand to get in your hair, so wearing a scarf, hair tie, or hat is a good idea.

All your protective clothing and necessary safety equipment will be provided with your buggy tour package provider.

See our complete guide to what to wear in the Dubai Desert

Best Time of the Year to Go Dune Buggy Riding in Dubai

This is one activity that theoretically can be experienced all year round, with the winter season in Dubai being the busiest and perfect time for an unforgettable adventure without the heat.

If you visit Dubai during the summer, you can make the most of fewer crowds and cheaper tour package prices, but be prepared for a hot and sweaty experience anywhere from May to October! You can try to beat the worst of the high temperatures by booking evening tours.

What Makes Dune Buggy Riding in Dubai So Great?

Still wondering whether to add a dune buggy ride to your Dubai trip? Here’s why we think you should do it!

1. The spectacular views of the desert: This unique adventure activity is the perfect way to explore the desert terrain at your own pace. Follow your group of buggy riders and your expert guide, and they’ll demonstrate how to navigate the desert and where to go.
2. Make it your first time: You don’t need to be an expert at dune buggy riding. As long as you are following your instructor’s safety rules, you are fit for an unforgettable experience.
3. It’s safe: Dune buggy riding in Dubai is done with your comfort and safety in mind. Before you begin, you will be trained on how to operate the dune buggy safely and briefed on the path. Your guide will also provide you with protective gear like helmets and eye goggles. Your buggy comes fitted with seat belts and roll cages.

More Frequently Asked Questions about Dune Buggy in Dubai

The Ultimate Relaxation Experience

A Moroccan Bath, or Moroccan Hammam, is not your average spa treatment. It’s a traditional bathing ritual passed down for centuries in the Middle East. This luxurious bath involves a staged process of exfoliating, steaming, and scrubbing with a kessa (mitt) to leave your skin soft and supple. 

An essential element of the Moroccan Hammam is using black soap (also called Beldi soap or sabon bildi) – a high-alkaline soap made from olive oil and macerated olives.

But there’s more: almost all Moroccan baths offer a complimentary massage that leaves you feeling like you’re walking on clouds. No tensed muscles, no wired nerves, just pure bliss.  Some spas may even add on a hair treatment with argan oil, a Ghassoul clay mask, and refreshments like tea and dates.

How Does a Moroccan Bath or Moroccan Hammam Differ from a Turkish Hamman?

Two relatively similar cleansing experiences steeped in tradition exist, but there are some subtle differences. This is mainly in the way the room is heated. Both encourage the body to produce sweat, relax muscles for effective massage, and open pores for deep cleanings.

The Turkish Hammam is generally a more leisurely process. Guests move through progressively warmer rooms before vigorous scrubbing, followed by a gentle and relaxing massage with a cloth bag filled with soapy froth. Once cleansed and massaged, patrons move to a cooler room for relaxation and refreshments.

Now that you know what to expect, let’s dive into the best Moroccan Hammam experiences in Dubai (with a couple of our favourite Turkish Hammams thrown in, too!)

You May Also Like: Our Favourite Spas in Dubai For a Relaxing Treat

Bvlgari Spa

Do you dream of relaxing in a private Moroccan hammam in Dubai? If so, Bvlgari Spa is your place. This 1700 square meter spa oozes the same exquisite luxury that the famous Italian brand is known for. It features seven treatment rooms, a luxurious hammam, and a private couples suite. 

The highlight is their signature Majestic Hammam journey. This is a 5-hour treatment that’ll melt away your stress and transport you to another world. During the treatment, the experts pull out all the stops, using top-notch ingredients like natural black soap and a fancy body balm with sesame oil and honey extracts.

In this experience, you’ll also get a soothing scalp massage, a pampering hair-washing ritual, and the indulgence of a nourishing hair mask. To top it off, it’s all wrapped up with a specialized skincare facial treatment.

It doesn’t end there; the spot also features an indoor pool, fitness centre, sauna rooms, and a beauty salon for all your pampering needs.

Want to learn more? Here’s where you’ll get all the details: www.bulgarihotels.com. We are sure you’ll love your experience at the Bulgari Spa.

Location: Bulgari Resort Dubai

One&Only Spa

Dubai is where luxury knows no bounds, which is evident at the One&Only Spa. This luxurious spot features some of the best Moroccan bath treatments in Dubai. The highlight is their traditional Arabian Hammam, which will transport you back in time.

One & Only Spa boasts 12 treatment suites, steam rooms, saunas, and plunge pools. And the interiors? Oh, they’re absolutely stunning! Moroccan tiled walls, artistically lit pools, and comfortable heated marble slabs. 

They also feature a couple’s room with two heated marble treatment beds and a private sauna. The spa provides you with towels, robes, and slippers. All you have to do is arrive on time and enjoy your experience. 

Their Signature One&Only Moroccan Hammam starts with a steam session followed by a scrubbing ritual that’ll leave your skin feeling baby-soft. The rose-scented moisturizer in the massage will leave you smelling like a garden of roses.

Discover more about One & Only’s oriental hammam experience at their website. Here’s where you’ll get more details: www.oneandonlyresorts.com.

Location: One&Only Royal Mirage Resort

The SPA

Don’t fall for the short and sweet name; this spa is everything but simple. This spa is opulent and grand with 1000 square meters of wellness and relaxation. The SPA features seven luxe treatment rooms and an exclusive suite with a private Jacuzzi and monsoon rain shower. If you want to get your nails done, their nail studio is the bomb, too!

If you’re looking for a place offering Moroccan baths for men in Dubai, end your search here. This place has the best Moroccan massage Dubai offers for both men and women. In fact, you can also check out their website for deals as good as 50% off. 

Their Moroccan Hammam experience is known to be one of the most authentic in Dubai, thanks to their skilled therapists who use traditional techniques and products imported from Morocco. Whether you get their Traditional, Signature, or Ceremonial Hammam package, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.

For those who want to dedicate an entire day to self-care and wellness, the SPA offers a 7-hour-long package called The Ultimate. It includes chauffeur services, breakfast, lunch, Signature Hammam, and Ceremonial Massage services. You’ll also get a nice blow dry, an amazing manicure and pedicure, and a rejuvenating rose facial. It really doesn’t get better than this!

If this place seems like a treat, check out more details at www.palazzoversace.ae. Remember to check out their discounted packages page!

Location: Palazzo Versace Dubai

Anjana Spa

Prepare for an elevated spa journey at Anjana in Dubai, where you’ll discover many lavish amenities. We’re talking saunas, ice fountains, and pools that await to enhance your spa experience. 

Anjana Spa offers many services, including massages, healing therapies, facial treatments, and more. The best part about this spa is that it has something for the little ones, too. Their foam rainbow for kids will truly amaze you! 

Now, moving on to their Moroccan bath wonders. Whether you want to invest 20 or 70 minutes, Anjana Spa has something for everyone. You can choose from their Moroccan bath treatments, which include the traditional black soap experience or the rose-infused milk bath. 

For a sultan-level pampering, go for their Hammam Hurrem Sultan experience. This 70-minute treatment uses gold-infused oils and a luxurious body balm to leave your skin feeling nothing short of silky smooth.

Go through Anjana’s packages at their website. Click here for more: www.rixos.com

Location: Rixos, The Palm

The Talise Ottoman Spa offers various hammam services, each lasting 45 to 60 minutes. We recommend trying their Arabian Rose or Gold Mask Hammam and Green Tea Revival Hammam. 

If you’re interested in other services like facials, massage, and wellness therapies, they offer those services, too. To truly enjoy this sensory adventure, set aside at least half a day for your visit. Rest assured, every moment spent here will be totally worth it for your well-being!

Check what Talise Ottoman Spa has in store for you at www.jumeirah.com.

Location: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

More Indulgent Dubai Activities

If you’re looking for more fun and luxurious ways to fill your days and enjoy a little pampering in Dubai, you may also want to check out:

• The best afternoon tea experiences in Dubai
• Where to dine with a view in Dubai
• Dubai’s most extreme adventure activities
• Feel like a celeb – here’s how to hire a luxury sports car for your trip to Dubai

What is the Quranic Park?

Spanning over 60 hectares, the different sections at the Quranic Park are inspired by the plants and miracles mentioned in the Holy Quran.

The two main attractions at this park are, ‘Glass House’, a temperature-controlled greenhouse for plants and ‘Cave of Miracles’, a man-made cave illustrating some important stories from the Quran.

You will also find here 12 orchids displaying the different plant species mentioned in the Quran, such as figs and black seed.

Inside the Quran Park Dubai

The park offers visitors a beautiful and intelligent insight into the teachings of the Quran while being a fun place to visit as a family. You will find here lawns of green grass, flourishing flowers, and rows of date palm trees.

You will be able to spot golden trees leading up to the ‘Glass House’, which are solar paneled ‘trees’ providing shade, a place to rest and the opportunity to charge your phone.

The lake you find here is a visual representation of a story mentioned in the Quran. A walkway goes along the centre of the lake depicting the splitting of the sea, a story from the time of Prophet Musa/Moses. The other two attractions and the most frequently visited at the Quran Park are the ‘Cave of Miracles’ and ‘Glass House’.

Cave of Miracles

This man-made cave is the first attraction you will encounter upon entering the Quran Park. Utilising clever lighting and interactive displays, the cave educates visitors about the seven miracles mentioned in the Quran.

As you enter the cave, you are welcomed with an introductory video clip of the Quran. This is then followed by video displays in different sections of the caves, highlighting the various miracles associated with the Prophets mentioned in the Quran.

The audio that accompanies the video is currently in Arabic (English subtitles are not currently available, though we understand they will be in the future).

Glass House

This large greenhouse made of glass panels replicates a cool-dry Mediterranean climate to be able to grow the 29 different plants and trees that are mentioned in the Quran and the ‘Sunnah’ (the way of the Prophet).

Once inside, you will find yourself surrounded by plants that are not usually found growing here, such as corn, olive trees, basil, barley, pomegranates, banana, wheat, and much more. You don’t need to be an eager botanist to find yourself marveling at the beauty of these plants.

With clear signboards for each species of plant and tree, you can learn more about the health benefits they provide and where they have been mentioned in the Quran. It is difficult not to feel a sense of calmness and wonderment when strolling through this temperature-controlled greenhouse. Many plants that would otherwise not grow outside their natural habitat can now be seen blooming almost all year round in this desert city.

You must not give up on the opportunity to stroll up towards the observation deck. The place gives excellent views of the Glass House and is the perfect spot to capture some memorable photographs.

Facilities at Quranic Park Dubai

At the Quranic Park, you will find clean toilets, food kiosks, a cafe, a small playground, and prayer rooms. Around the perimeter of the park is a soft jogging track.

Entrance fees for the Quranic Park

• Adults and children are allowed to enter the Quran Park for free.

However, there is a minimal fee of AED 5 per person, to be paid at each of the attraction sections, ‘Glass House’ and ‘Cave of Miracles’ should you wish to enter.

You can make the payment using the RTA issued Nol cards. A Nol card top-up machine is available close to ‘Cave of Miracles’ should you wish to fill your card with credit.

When is the Quranic Park open?

• Daily 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

The timings for the attractions have now been aligned with the park’s opening hours.

The park timings may vary during Ramadan. It is a very popular spot for families taking Iftar.

Dress code for Quranic Park

Ladies, in particular, should note that the dress code here is stricter than in other parks and public spaces in Dubai due to the religious nature of the park. Ladies require ankle-length trousers or skirts. Entry will be denied by security if you are in shorts or short skirts.

You can learn more about dress code in Dubai here

Quran Park Dubai Location: How to get there

The Quran Park is a 20-minute drive from Dubai Downtown. It is located on Zayed Bin Hamdan Street, in the Al Khawaneej district. It is very close to the Last Exit Al Khawaneej by Meeras, a popular nearby attraction.

If you’re travelling by car, you can access the park via Al Khawaneej Road (D89). From the roundabout, exit onto Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street (D54), where the Quranic Park Dubai is located. You will find plenty of parking available outside the Quranic Park. 

If you’re looking to travel by Metro, the nearest Metro station to the Quranic Park Dubai is Centrepoint (formerly Rashidiya Station) on the Red Metro Line. From there, you will have to take a taxi and make a 10-minute drive to reach the park.

If you are looking to take the RTA bus, the buses 11A and 11B stop near Quranic Park.

Where can I stay near Quranic Park?

The most convenient location to stay nearby is in one of the hotels that surround Dubai International Airport giving you many options from budget all the way through to luxury resorts – you can find our full guide to DXB airports here.

For other nearby accommodation options on this side of town, check out Airbnb as well as Booking.com hotel options here:

Nearby attractions to the Quranic Park:

You can easily spend a few hours in the Quranic Park, or make a complete day outing by visiting one of these nearby popular Dubai attractions.

Last Exit – The Yard by Meeras

A farm-inspired suburban food truck and recreational destination for the whole family. The two things you simply must not forget to bring with you here are your camera and taste buds.

The playful murals, farm-inspired installations and eccentric themes provide the perfect shots for Instagram. One of the iconic features you will find here are the two pedestrian bridges across the man-made lakes filled with engraved padlocks that visitors leave behind, symbolising their everlasting love.

The Last Exit food trucks and the indoor restaurants serve a variety of cuisines, ranging from Local Emirati cuisine to sushi and mini donuts.

As if that’s not enough, Al Khawaneej Walk is an indoor mall, designed to look like a greenhouse. You will find here a supermarket, a cinema and lots of shopping options.

Mushrif Park

One of the oldest public parks in Dubai, spanning an impressive 320 hectares of green lawns and natural forests. With so much to discover at the park, you’ll want to come early. There are park benches and designated barbecue areas for a family picnic feast.

Get your walking shoes on, as you explore the international village, a section of the park where mini replicas of traditional houses from around the world are waiting for you. If you’ve got children with a soft spot for horses, the equestrian centre is a wonderful place for enjoying horse riding.

There is the Aventura Park for the more adventurous too. It comes complete with exhilarating circuits of different levels as you find yourself swinging and zip-lining to the finish line.

There is also a kids’ play area, swimming pool, sports courts and food kiosks all to be found within Mushrif Park.

Despite its popularity with locals, it still remains a relatively hidden gem in Dubai for tourists. Those looking to more thoroughly immerse themselves in local culture should definitely make time in their itinerary for a visit out to Al Khawaneej to experience the Quranic Park.

More cultural experiences and religious advice for Dubai

You may find these further articles within our Dubai Travel Blog helpful:

• The Call To Prayer in Dubai – when does this happen and what should non-Muslim visitors do during the Call to Prayer.
• Visiting a Mosque in Dubai – which ones are open to the public in Dubai & the UAE and the best way to experience Islamic Culture during a trip to Dubai
• The do’s and don’t of visiting Dubai – understanding dress code, culture and religion as a first-time visitor to Dubai.
• Ramadan in Dubai as a Tourist– A Q&A for non-Muslim visitors to Dubai during the Holy Month.

Background & Facts about Ain Dubai

Ain Dubai – or as it was referred to in the early stages of development, Dubai Eye – stands a staggering 250 metres high on the man-made development of Bluewaters Island – snuggly in between the Palm Jumeirah and popular tourist hotspot JBR.

Initially due to open in line with Expo 2020 in Dubai, unsurprisingly with COVID, the opening was pushed back a year in line with the revised Expo 2020 timings to October 2021.

It stayed open for just 6 months when bookings were abruptly halted in March 2022 for ‘enhancement’ works that were expected to last a month or two but took nearly 3 years.

Rolling the clock forward to late December 2024, here’s what you need to know about Ain Dubai, the largest observation wheel in the world!!

• The Ain Dubai project was announced in 2013, and construction commenced in 2015.
• Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Starneth Engineering are the primary design and construction contractors.
• The project for the wheel itself has an estimated cost of AED 1 billion ($270m).
• The wheel already stands at a staggering 250 metres tall.
• Upon its opening in October 2021, Ain Dubai became the tallest observation wheel in the world, surpassing the previous record holder, the 167.6m (550ft) High Roller in Las Vegas, by 42.5m (139ft).
• The wheel has 48 capsules and a total capacity of 1,900 passengers.
• One ride around the wheel will take 38 minutes.
• 9,000 tonnes of steel were used in the wheel’s construction.
• Each spoke cable that holds the wheel in place weighs 5 tonnes and is the length of one football pitch!
• 2,400 kilometres of cable wires are housed inside the spoke cables.
• A multi-purpose tourist attraction, one of the wheel legs will also host the highest climbing platform in the world.

Tickets to Ain Dubai – How much does Ain Dubai cost?

You can now purchase tickets to Ain Dubai directly from the official website, starting from AED 145 per person. Let’s take a look at each of the currently advertised categories:

1. Ain Dubai Views

Enjoy a shared cabin experience with 360-degree views, there are options to sit or stand during your journey. Cabins can fit up to 40 passengers. Timed entry slots are given but do expect to queue for your turn.

• Adults (12+): AED 145
• Children (3+): AED 115
• Infants: Free
• Family Pass (2A+2C): Starting from AED 415

2. Ain Dubai Views Plus

In addition to a shared cabin experience as described above, indulge in snack and soft beverage options added along with fast-track queueing.

• Adults (12+): From AED 195
• Children (3+): From AED 155
• Infants: Free

3. Ain Dubai Premium

With the addition of private check-in and a premium decked-out cabin, enjoy fast-track queuing and two complimentary beverages^

• Adults (12+): From AED 265
• Children (3+): From AED 215
• Infants: Free

^ Standard pricing includes a mocktail; you can upgrade to cocktails, bubbly or full F&B packages

4. Ain Dubai VIP + VIP Plus

Enjoy a private cabin experience with an exclusive VIP entrance, relaxation in the Seaview Lounge, house, sparkling and bubbly options and 8 complimentary digital images or photo folders per person.

• Party of 6 from AED 1260
• Party of 10 from AED 2800
• Party of 20 from AED 3400

5. Ain Dubai VIP Plus

The most exclusive of the private experiences on offer, ideal for special occasions and corporate group bookings, the Plus package also includes AED 800 redeemable in the lounge for food, mocktails, house beverages and more.

• Party of 10 from AED 2800
• Party of 15 from AED 6150

Ain Dubai Combo Tickets

At present, tickets appear to only be bookable 2 weeks out and direct with Ain Dubai using their platform Tickit; we are assuming after a soft launch period, tickets will become available with licenced ticket resellers such as Get Your Guide, Viator, Cobone etc., who can package your experience with other top attractions in Dubai.

Opening times for Ain Dubai

As advertised on their relaunched Website, Ain Dubai will be open 6 days a week (closed Mondays)

• Tuesday to Friday 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Saturday & Sunday 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday
• Ticket holders will be asked to arrive 60 minutes before their booked time to prepare for boarding

What else is there to do in Bluewaters Island

Designed as a luxury urban retreat, you will find at the heart of Bluewaters a trendy dining and retail district marked by distinctive canopy structures that look particularly sensational when lit up at night.

With 132 leisure and retail units, many great restaurants have come and gone in the time it’s taken for Ain Dubai to reopen, but we expect the area to be flourishing again with the reopening of this key landmark attraction in Dubai.

The Ain Dubai Plaza has been launched, including evening DJs, hip-hop street battles and a ‘Light of Dubai’ Show at 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM.

You will also find in the area other fun attractions such as Madame Tussauds Dubai and popular family entertainment centre Tr88house.

You can find our full guide to Bluewaters here

How to Get to Ain Dubai

Ain Dubai is accessible via car, metro, foot and even by water!

Ain Dubai by foot

You can get to Bluewaters easily on foot from Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) – The Beach over a pedestrian footbridge known as The Wharf Link that connects the two beachside entertainment zones of the city.

Ain Dubai by Dubai Metro

The closest Metro station is DMCC, but it’s a long walk. It is better to alight at Jabal Ali Metro Station and take the F57 bus to Bluewaters Island.

Ain Dubai by water taxi

If you alight Red Line Metro at DMCC Station, you can catch a water taxi from Dubai Marina Mall Marine Transport Station (approximately a 15-minute walk). From there, take the BM3 water taxi to Bluewaters Marine Transport Station.

Water taxis operate between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm daily. See the RTA schedule, or arrange a private charter calling

Ain Dubai by car

There are over 2000 parking bays on-site, making it easy to self-drive. Alternatively, catch a taxi or ride-sharing service to the door. You need Exit 29 from Sheikh Zayed Road.

Where to stay near Ain Dubai

If you want to stay in the heart of the action on Bluewaters, you have a couple of luxury resort hotel choices:

• Delano Dubai at Bluewaters – Private 5* resort with private beach frontage, 3 swimming pools and six onsite dining options.
• Banyan Tree Dubai at Bluewaters – Renowned wellness brand offering a pool, spa & wellness centre, private beach, kids club and 3 dining options

Beyond this main hotel complex at the tip of the island, many private luxury apartments on Bluewaters can be rented directly from owners, providing access to superb modern facilities that are perfect for longer-term guests in Dubai. You can check out all the nearby options at Bluewaters here:

NB the Caesars Resort that originally opened on Bluewaters has been sold and replaced with the resorts listed here.

What is there to see and do at Dubai Miracle Garden

The gardens are designed to let your imagination run wild. There are Instagram moments and points to relax and enjoy the floral displays simply.

It is one of the best places in Dubai to take your kids, but it has charm and appeal for all ages. Romantics especially will enjoy the Miracle Garden experience.

While some exhibits are seasonal, some have remained permanent fixtures. Most prominently, the floral A380 Emirates airplane is now a permanent exhibit within Dubai Miracle Garden.

Some other favourites that have returned for many seasons include:

• The giant 18m tall topiary teddy bear
• The 15m wide floral birthday clock
• Hearts passageway – utterly instagrammable floral archway
• Floral Castle – every little prince and princess dream
• Disney Avenue – your favourite characters in giant floral arrangements – including an 18m tall Mickey made with 100,000 flowers and weighing an incredible 35 tonnes!

Of course, the garden is constantly being added to and changed each season, so even if you’ve visited before, it’s well worth coming back to see the latest breathtaking display.

Where is Dubai Miracle Garden & how to get there

This 19-hectare plot of land was created and first opened in 2013 in an area previously known as Dubailand, south of Al Barsha. It has since been expanded to its current size (and we suspect, from construction work in the area, there’s more to come!).

Coming by car to Dubai Miracle Garden

You can find Miracle Garden at the junction of the E311 and E63  freeways. There is a large adjacent car park. Like anything in Dubai, the earlier in the day you come, the better parking spot you’ll get! There’s space for 2000 cars to park, which is normally easy on all but the busiest days in winter.

Bus to Dubai Miracle Garden

The Gardens are also serviced by bus route 105 from Mall of the Emirates.

The journey takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes and costs 5 AED per person. It runs in the afternoons; times vary by day of the week. See the RTA timetable here.

Metro to Dubai Miracle Garden

There is no direct Metro route to Dubai Miracle Garden; you best catch the Red Line Metro to Mall of the Emirates and then transfer to Bus 105.

Taxi to Dubai Miracle Garden

If these public transport options don’t suit you and you don’t have your own vehicle, it’s easy to catch a Dubai Taxi or Uber/Careem to Dubai Miracle Garden.

There is a taxi rank at the main park entrance for your return journey.

The other alternative is to go with an organized tour that will assist you with hotel pick-ups and ticket purchasing. You could try:

• Klook offers a door-to-door service that can also be combined with Dubai Global Village or the Dubai Frame for a complete outing with a driver.
• Also on Klook, combine a full day city tour with tickets to Miracle Garden; this will include photo opportunities at many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, a great choice for Dubai visitors who love their photos.
• Viator offers several transfer options, as well as combined tickets with entry to Global Village and other Dubai attraction deals, either shared transfers or private vehicles; see below:

Dubai Miracle Garden Timings

As you can imagine, being an outdoor attraction in Dubai, the opening hours are seasonal, though the season is getting longer each year. Previously opening in late October, we’re seeing an open date for Dubai Garden Glow in September 2023.

Dubai Miracle Garden opening times are:

• Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Dubai Miracle Garden Photo Gallery

These images remain the copyright of Dubai Travel Planner and OurGlobetrotters.Com. Do not copy these images without express permission. (Please note these images have been taken across many seasons of Dubai Miracle Garden, some attractions may no longer be available as pictured)

Frequently Asked Questions for Dubai Miracle Garden

Hatta: Where Is It, And What’s There?

There are seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Hatta is part of the Dubai emirate, even though it is not located within the city’s main boundaries.

It sits close to the border of Oman, along the stunning Hajar Mountains, and is less than a two-hour drive away from Dubai. Technically, it’s an enclave as you pass through the emirate of Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and even part of Ajman to reach the township of Hatta.

Due to its location and natural landscape, the area experiences cooler temperatures than other parts of the country.

Although it may not feel any different during the hot summer months, winters are unquestionably cooler. If trekking up the mountains or camping overnight in winter, it is advisable to pack warm jackets and sweaters.

Navigating your way around Hatta’s highlights

Hatta for Adventure-Lovers

1. Hatta Wadi Hub

This is the perfect escape for adventure seekers looking for a wide range of experiences to try out. Choose from downhill carting, zorbing, a human slingshot, axe throwing, archery, free-fall jumps, adventure rope courses, wall climbing, or trampoline.

New experiences continue to get added, including an inflatable obstacle course, drop in slides and a four-wheel off-road electric scooter experience.

Prices vary depending on the experience chosen, and the centre opens only from October until May 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Learn more here.

Exploring Hatta – Nature & Culture

If adrenaline sports aren’t for you, or perhaps you’re travelling with young kids or elderly parents, there’s still plenty more to see and do in Hatta.

Hatta Sign

In the style of the iconic ‘Hollywood’ sign, the Hatta sign proudly sits atop the mountains of Hatta. Almost 60 meters tall, the sign is visible upon entry and also lights up at night. You can also take the trek from Hatta Wadi Hub to reach the sign and take some memorable photos.

Hatta Honeybee Discovery Centre

Wear bright yellow beekeeper suits and experience this unique attraction as you learn about the importance of bees to our environment. Get up close to a hive filled with thousands of bees, and explore the Bee museum, where you learn about their sustainable beekeeping practices and purchase delicious fresh honey. There’s even a children’s outdoor play area and an organic cafe on-site.

Tickets start from AED 50 and are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Learn more at hattahoney.ae.

Hatta Swan Lake

Situated close to the Heritage Village, this large pond attracts several local birds. It is a wonderful place to do some bird watching, relax with family and friends, and have a picnic.

Entry to Swan Lake is free and open 24 hours a day.

Where to Stay in Hatta

What level of luxury do you need? Hatta can pretty much cover the lot, so let’s take a look around. (Note that on weekends in the winter, here, book up FAST!)

Camping in Hatta

There’s no better way to connect with nature, enjoy the splendour of Hatta’s landscape and get in touch with your wild side than to pitch your own tent at Hatta’s dedicated campsite.

Whether staying in a tent or your own caravan, the Hatta Campsite grounds are a perfect spot for settling down under the stars.

It is close to Hatta Wadi Hub, where various adventure activities are available. Just in case your BBQ is taking time to get started, there are also a few food trucks around to grab a quick bite!

Get in fast for weekends, as only 18 camping pitches are available, with a maximum occupancy of 5 per family. Water is available to connect, but no mains power or sewerage; you’ll need to use the shared facilities.

Hatta Caravan Park

This is the region’s first luxury caravan park, complete with luxurious caravans that can be rented for a short stay and comfortably accommodate a family of four. The caravan park operates only between October and April.

You have four different vans to choose from (all of which they describe as fitting a maximum of two adults and two children under 12; we’d argue they could fit more from our own experience staying there, but you’d need to make your own enquiries):

• Standard Caravan
• Deluxe Caravan
• Premium Caravan
• Elite Caravan

All offer guests an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, cooking amenities outside their van, and access to a fire pit.

Glamping in Hatta

Glamping is a true specialty offering in Hatta, Dubai. It is an experience that absolutely needs to be on a Dubai itinerary. Visitors can get close to nature without letting go of their Wi-Fi connection and plumbed-in toilets.

Hatta has recently added glamping trailers, domes, and lodges dotted around the scenic Hajar mountains. These places combine the Bedouin lifestyle with comfortable and modern living. All include amenities such as TV, free Wi-Fi, and washrooms, and most also include housekeeping.

Hatta Dome Park

A glamping park with 15 dome-shaped luxury tents, perfect for a family of four. The dome tents come with 40 square metres of accommodation space and include outdoor space for a private barbecue and a fire pit.

Nestled on rocky terrain, these domes offer uninterrupted panoramic views of the Hajar Mountains during the day and an escape under the stars at night.

Damani Lodges Resort

Perched along low-lying mountain tops, these purpose-built lodges provide a cosy place to get close to nature. The simple lodges can sleep two adults (or a family of four if kids are under 12) and come with a private terrace to enjoy the amazing mountain views.

Overlooking the Hatta Wadi Hub activity park, you can order your meals directly to your lodge from any on-site dining options and use all of the onsite facilities, or tuck yourselves away in your own private retreat.

Sedr Trailers Resort

We understand this park is currently undergoing renovations and bookings are presently not possible – we are leaving this information here, though, as we expect it will return later this winter!

This campervan park is built out of 13 Airstream trailers, which offer’ trailer-hotel’- style glamping. These classy silver trailers have everything a family of four could need, including a private outdoor terrace area and a communal fire pit.

You can choose to grill your BBQ or order take-out from on-site food trucks. Located by the banks of the breathtaking Hatta Dam, this place is so remote that you’ll need a 4X4 vehicle to get there!

JA Hatta Fort

This resort has existed since the 1980s and has undergone a modern transformation to achieve its four-star status. The views of the majestic mountains against the resort’s lush lawns look impressive as you stand on your private balcony from either your room or three-bedroom chalet.

A recent addition worth noting for families are their new Terra Cabins. these have flexible floorplans including pull out beds and bunks.

There are so many activity options here, from mini-golf, petanque, and archery to air-gun shooting, a zip line, swimming pools, and even a maze.

Relax at their spa and wellness centre, play at their indoor recreation centre, and even interact with the resident animals, which include deer, ponies, bunnies, tortoises, and exotic birds. Pet owners will be pleased to know that well-behaved dogs are also accepted here.

Resorts and Farmhouses in Hatta

If comfort is key, Hatta has a few options that ensure you have a pleasant time without compromising on the breathtaking mountain views. These are perfect for exploring what Hatta has to offer while treating yourself to a relaxing staycation.

Sunrise Farmhouse Hatta

A secret little farmhouse with quaint rustic interiors, an elevated swimming pool and outdoor terrace space hidden amongst the mountain landscape of Hatta. Inside, the farmhouse can comfortably accommodate up to six people, and outside during the cooler weather, you can warm up around a fire pit under the stars.

To learn more email info@amaken.ae

Where To Dine In Hatta

There are various local food trucks and restaurant options to dine at when staying at Hatta.

Some of the popular food trucks located in tourist spots offering good food and unmissable views of the Hatta horizon include Sedr Bites, Damani Bites, Alberi Cafe, serving hot and cold brews, Doner Race Sandwich for Shawarmas and Adrina serving Italian.

For a taste of Arabian and local Emirati cuisine that serves hearty authentic local dishes and is usually popular among meat lovers, head over to Tanoor Lahm restaurant or Al Hajarian restaurant, located at the Hatta Heritage Village.

The Yamm Cafe at Hatta Wadi Park is a popular place for Arabic breakfast and local red tea.

If you are looking for a luxury dining experience with an extensive a la carte menu and buffet-style dining options, try the restaurant’s Cafe Gazebo and Jeema at JA Hatta Fort Hotel.

How to Get to Hatta From Dubai

Private transport to Hatta

Hatta is the ideal destination for renting a car in Dubai and self-driving.

If you are travelling from Dubai, you need to take the Sharjah-Kalba route and follow the signs to Hatta. The route is approximately 90 minutes long.

If travelling from Abu Dhabi, you need to take the same route, and it may take you at least 2.5 hours to complete the journey.

Public Transport to Hatta

You can also reach Hatta using public transport. The RTA has launched a new service, the H02 Hatta Express, which starts at Dubai Mall Station and goes directly to Hatta Bus Station.

• The route is operated by deluxe coaches with bathrooms onboard, aircon and wifi.
• The route operates from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM with buses every 2 hours
• The journey costs AED 25 per person one-way

We believe this has replaced the previous E16 route, which used to operate from Al Sabkha Bus Station in Deira and make multiple stops.

• You’ll find our complete and comprehensive guide on how to get from Dubai to Hatta here.

New Attractions coming to Hatta in 2026 and beyond

The number of tourists visiting Hatta has increased considerably in the past few years, and plans for new developmental projects in Hatta are underway.

Construction plans are currently afoot for:

1. A 504m-long cable car which will pass over the Hatta Dam Lake.
2. The ‘Hatta Sustainable waterfalls’ project, which will use the slope of the upper dam to create a natural waterfall. All the water used in the waterfall will be collected at the end of the stream, recycled and pumped back to the top of the dam.
3. The ‘Dubai Mountain Peak’ at Jebel Umm Al Nisour, the highest natural summit in Dubai, 1,300 metres above sea level.
4.  The construction of hiking trails to Jebel Umm Al Nisour.
5. Hotels with cave-like interiors featuring rocky walls and views of the Hatta Lake and mountain range.

Who would Dubai Garden Glow suit?

This is a great winter evening experience to enjoy with children and friends, and even as a romantic treat.

It gets very busy, especially on the weekends (Friday and Saturday nights). If you are visiting from overseas, it’s better to pick another night. We strongly recommend you pack a bucket load of patience if you’re waiting for some of the best photos.

And yes, you will find yourself taking hundreds of photos. We strongly recommend bringing your backup battery pack.

Top Tip: With young children, we recommend you head there early when the gates open. First, enjoy Dinosaur Park, perhaps stop for a bite to eat, and play in the playground. Then, catch the sunset, and Glow Park will come to life before the bulk of the crowd arrives after dark. You will definitely want a stroller, as a lot of walking is involved.

Opening Times for Dubai Garden Glow

Season 10 commenced in late September 2024 and will run through Dubai’s winter months until approximately May 2025 – the exact closing date is TBC, but they are running a longer season every year now!

It is open 7 days a week. Glow Garden timings are:

• Sunday to Friday, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm (last tickets 10:00 pm)
• Saturday & Public Holidays, 5:00 pm to 12 midnight (last tickets 11:00 pm)
• Please make enquiries with the park direct if you have queries on discounts, accessibility etc – 055 918 8126

Ticket Prices for Dubai Garden Glow

You can purchase your tickets online in advance, or you can pay at the gate; but be warned, as the evening gets busy, you will face queues.

• All tickets online for adults & children are now AED 78.75 (including VAT)
• The Magic Park is an additional AED 45
• Children under 3 years old/1.2m, over 65 years old and People of Determination are free

Note that standard tickets give you access to Dinosaur Park + Glow Park + Fantasy Park.

• Buy Dubai Garden Glow tickets combined with nearby Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park on Klook
• Try these tickets from Viator that include transportation

How to Get to Dubai Garden Glow

Dubai Garden Glow Location: Zabeel Park, Gate No 6 & 7.

• Taxis are the easiest way to get to and from Dubai Garden Glow. They will drop you off at Gate 6/7 at Zabeel Park, and there is a taxi queue outside the exit for pickups.

• The nearest Metro stop is Max on the Red Line – but it’s a fair walk. The nearest bus station is Al Jafilia.

• If you are driving and parking, be mindful that the car park quickly fills up, especially on weekends. You could end up with quite a long walk if you don’t get a spot near the gate.

A trip to Dubai Garden Glow can also be combined with a trip to nearby Dubai Frame, a walk across Zabeel Park and under the freeway.

Where to stay near Dubai Garden Glow

There are plenty of accommodation options close to Dubai Garden Glow. You can stay at a nearby hotel and walk during the cooler months.  You are about a 12-minute walk away from the Novotel World Trade Centre, or the Ibis One Central is a good budget choice for families.

You can check out all the nearby accommodation options here:

Find our complete listing of Dubai accommodation options here.

Dubai Garden Glow Photos

Here’s what you can expect to experience at Dubai Garden Glow (please note some images are from previous seasons, many exhibits change each year)

Other things you may need to know when planning a trip to the Glow Garden

• There are food and beverage outlets inside the Parks
• You can no longer bring in your own food and drink for a picnic, including no alcohol
• It can get chilly in the coldest months of the year, so pack a light sweater
• No smoking or vaping in the parks
• No scooters but strollers are permitted
• No pets

We hope you will enjoy the 2024-25 instalment of Dubai Garden Glow, one of the best outdoor activities in Dubai.

See more great ideas on what to do with your kids in Dubai this winter here

The number of world-class theme parks you will find in Dubai and the UAE may take you by surprise!

Currently, three are in line for “best in class” for families living in and visiting Dubai, and another three are just over the border in Abu Dhabi. You could easily take a “theme park only” short break in Dubai and not leave disappointed (but take the time to stop and see the amazing beaches and the desert as well!)

Understandably, if you are entirely new to the Dubai theme park scene, there’s a lot to learn! Not all theme parks have instantly recognisable names (i.e., there’s no Disney or Universal!), and they are not in the easiest-to-access locations, but they are packed full of the kids’ favourite characters, shows and thrilling rides – and frequently without the queues you might expect.

Helping you sort out where your Dubai theme park time and money is best spent, this post gives a detailed review of the three largest ones:

• Legoland Dubai
• Motiongate Dubai
• IMG Worlds of Adventure

Where Can You Find Dubai’s Best Theme Parks?

Two of the parks mentioned above, Legoland Dubai and Motiongate Dubai, are located in the Dubai Parks & Resorts complex (DPR), situated in Jebel Ali, 50 km southwest of Dubai Downtown (and only one hour’s drive from Abu Dhabi).  

The site currently houses three theme parks (four if you count Legoland’s waterpark as a separate park), two hotel resorts (one of which is Lego-themed) and an entertainment district known as Riverland. There’s also Neon Galaxy, a space-themed indoor play area featuring a variety of activities (including ninja courses and parkour) for all ages.

The other theme park on the Dubai Parks and Resorts site is Real Madrid World (formerly the site of Bollywood Dubai). Whilst this may be popular with football fans, it’s not quite as big a player as the other two parks, and frankly still feels a little lost in the whole set up; we’re focusing on the other two big parks for this review.

Next, we will examine IMG Worlds of Adventure, an entirely indoor theme park, in detail before deciding which park you should spend your precious holiday time at!

Our review is NOT on Dubai water parks – you can pop over to this post if you’d like to learn more about the mega water parks in Dubai

Legoland® Dubai

A park made especially for the junior audience! The target market here is your Lego-loving 2- to 12-year-olds ready for moderate thrills.

Joining the Legoland® family of worldwide theme parks, the indoor Miniland is the centrepiece and most unique part of Legoland Dubai. Housed in a vast dome, it houses a full-size replica of Dubai city and many famous Middle East landmarks, from Petra to Abraj al-Bait Towers in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque.

The park is then split into four ‘lands’—City, Kingdoms, Imagination, and Adventure. Each has rides ranging from sedate to somewhat thrilling, as well as character meet-and-greet opportunities and a 4-D Cinema with rotating shows throughout the day.

The park has plenty of opportunities to build, dine, and shop. However, it’s important to note that most rides are outdoors, while the shows and building areas are indoors and air-conditioned.   

Is Legoland Dubai suitable for toddlers?

While the park is aimed at 2-12-year-olds, children under 1.05 meters will sadly find their choice of rides very limited.

Duplo Valley is great for younger kids, but older children may find it too babyish, which, in our experience, makes it a challenging park to visit when you have children in different age groups/heights.

There are just two rides with an 80cm restriction, which fits most toddlers – Duplo Valley Express (pictured) and Submarine Adventure. At 90cm they can join in Lost Kingdom Adventure (a shooting game).

95cm is a big breakthrough point, though, opening up the following options:

• Junior Driving School (City)
• City Airport (City)
• Rescue Academy (City)

The next big jump up is 1.05m, where they can start to enjoy:

• Lego Technic Twister (Imagination)
• Dragon’s Apprentice (Kingdoms)
• Merlin’s Challenge (Kingdoms)
• Merlin’s Flying Machines (Kingdoms)
• Wave Racers (Adventure)
• Beetle Bounce (Adventure)

One thing Legoland does really well is family bathrooms. These are large enough to fit a stroller and have good changing facilities.

They also have a dedicated mothers’ lounge where you can privately feed your baby. The room includes a full kitchenette for warming bottles, baby food, and a play area to keep your little ones entertained while you feed the baby. This feature alone is a real winner for young families, especially in the Dubai heat.

Will older kids still enjoy Legoland Dubai? 

Now, this is a tricky one! Young and young at heart, right?  No one likes to admit when they are ‘over’ something, but we know plenty of adults who still just adore Legoland Dubai. 

Sure, your tweens and teens might think it’s just not quite cool enough, and there are indeed more thrilling rides elsewhere in Dubai, but Legoland is a great place to spend a nostalgic family today. With peer pressure, though, you’ll have a hard time getting your 10 to 15-year-olds to admit they actually really love it! It wouldn’t be our first choice from ages 10+.

Can you visit Legoland Dubai & Legoland Waterpark on the same day? 

A 2-park pass for DPR is a great idea in the heat. During the cooler months, if you only have one day, you could easily spend 6-8 hours alone at Legoland if you try all the experiences. 

However, you would benefit greatly from combining the two in summer and the warmer months. Note that Legoland Water Park has a slightly altered opening schedule in off-peak months; if you plan to combine both, do check their opening schedule.

Note that the Waterpark will close for a couple of weeks every January/February for annual maintenance during the coldest part of the year.

Can you visit Legoland Dubai in the Summer? 

Despite the desert weather, Dubai’s theme parks remain open in the hotter summer months. 

Of the three theme parks reviewed here, Legoland has the most outdoor areas. These are well-shaded, but in temperatures of more than 45c, visiting during the summer may not be desirable for young children. That said, if you and your little ones are determined to visit, it is manageable, especially if you team up your visit to Legoland with a trip to the Legoland Waterpark.

You can read a detailed guide here to visiting Dubai Parks & Resorts in the Summer

The parks are immediately adjacent, and after visiting Legoland, you can combine the shaded and indoor parts with the refreshing chill of the waterpark.

You can read a more detailed family review of Legoland Waterpark here

What are the queues like at Legoland Dubai? 

If you visit early in the day (the normal opening time is 10 a.m.), you shouldn’t need to queue for anything. On weekdays, there are no crowds whatsoever unless it’s a local school holiday.

On weekends (remember that schools and many offices finish early on Fridays) and public holidays, the popular rides can be crowded by early afternoon. Only visit on these days in the winter if you have no other choice!

What does Legoland Dubai cost?

Legoland Dubai 1-Day Ticket

A day pass to Legoland Dubai OR Legoland Dubai Water Park costs AED 295 per person if purchased online in advance or AED 330 if purchased at the gate on the day of your visit. Certain discounts apply to residents with the Fazaa card.

If you’d like to visit BOTH Legoland Dubai and Legoland Dubai Water Park on the same day, tickets cost AED 355 per person if purchased online in advance or AED 395 per person if purchased at the gate on the day of your visit.

Children under three years of age enter for free. Children over 3 pay the standard adult rate.

Check out some third-party deals that may work out cheaper:

Annual Passes to Legoland Dubai

For both Legoland and the Legoland Water Park, you can buy annual passes that allow unlimited visits for 12 months. The passes are categorised as silver, gold, and bronze and come with varying benefits, which may include discounts on food, beverages, and merchandise.

• Annual passes for Legoland (only) start at 495 AED per person for the silver package and rise to 795 AED per person for the VIP Platinum package.

• Annual passes combining Legoland Water Park start at 695 AED per person and rise to 995 AED for the VIP Platinum package.

You can find out more about annual passes for Legoland and the Legoland Water Park here.

Special Offers & Discounts

Always check the Legoland Website for special offers and discounts. These are often available during the Summer months as well as during public holidays. You can find out more here.

Motiongate Dubai

So, what exactly is Motiongate? This UAE concept park is based on a sample of favourite Hollywood movies and characters. But don’t be fooled by a less recognisable name; this is as good as any US movie-based theme park!

There are five main sections to Motiongate:

• Columbia Pictures – a real mixed bag of movie favourites, including Ghostbusters, the Green Hornet, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and Hotel Transylvania.
• The Smurfs Village – as you’d expect, all things Smurfie
• Lionsgate – more thrilling rides and simulator based on Hunger Games and other action thriller movies
• Dreamworks – indoor theme park set around favourite characters from Shrek, Dragons, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda.
• Studio Central – interconnects of the parts of the park with plenty of retail opportunities

The rides here really vary from slow and easy, movie adventure stories (Shrek, Hotel Transylvania, Smurfs Studio Tour) to rollercoasters, rapid rivers and 4D simulators.  There’s a lot of variety, depending on your desired thrill level! There are also lots of shows and character meet-and-greet opportunities.

Is Motiongate suitable for toddlers?

Younger children can enjoy a surprisingly good mix of rides here. Children under 1.00m can enjoy:

• Hotel Transylvania – ride through the hotel set (90cm)
• Ghost Busters Battle for New York – shooting game (92cm)
• Mr Pings Noodle Fling – spinning cups (90cm)
• Melman go-round – merry-go-round (95cm)
• Shrek’s Merry Fairy Tale – interactive story ride (92cm)
• Smurfs Studio Tour – behind-the-scenes ride (90cm)

There are several play and climbing spaces for kids, the largest being the Woodland Play Park. Indoors, Flint’s Imagination Lab and the Smurfberry Factory provide great play opportunities. In the Dreamwork’s Dragon zone, you’ll also find Camp Viking, where little ones can explore splashy water features on Viking long boats.

Of course, there will be some waiting around for them if they have older siblings, but there seems to be a good balance of rides for different age groups in each section except Lionsgate, which is really geared to tweens+.

Are there long ride queues at Motiongate?

You will need to queue for the popular rides on weekends and holidays. On the busiest days, the queues can be over one hour long -but this is the exception, not the general rule. Just like Legoland, if you visit midweek in the hottest months, you could get around the parks almost queue-free.

Is it worth getting a Q-Fast?

If you have no choice but to visit during the busy winter holidays or weekends, yes, you will benefit from a Q-Fast, but still, expect to queue! Some people mistake these for meaning no queue, but all the Q-Fast does is put you into a shorter queue; ride operators will fill rides from the regular and Q-Fast lines.

You can upgrade to a Q-Fast at customer service on the day to test how busy things are. They are a pricey addition, though (variably priced based on demand, so expect AED 150-300), so we’d only recommend this approach if you’re really short on time and want to pack a lot in.

NB – VIP Annual Pass holders already have QFast included

Are there single-rider options at Motiongate?

Sadly, no. For the unfamiliar, the single-rider concept is that if you don’t want to ride in a group, the spare seats in a row/ride are filled by people from the single-rider queue. This usually results in a much quicker queue and stops the frustration of rides being sent around half-empty.

Is Motiongate open in the summer?

Yes, the park is open 365 days a year. Getting between the different parts can be hard in the heat, but many—in fact, most—of the rides are indoors, so your queue is, at least, in air conditioning.

The whole of Dreamworks is indoors and airconditioned and can help you occupy several hours out of the heat.

The good thing is that Motiongate is open until late in the evening. If visiting in the summer, we would suggest waiting for the sun to go down to miss the worst of the heat. 

What does Motiongate Dubai Cost?

Motiongate Dubai 1-day ticket

Like Legoland, a day pass to Motiongate will set you back AED 295 if you book online at least one day in advance. Alternatively, you pay AED 330 per person if you buy your ticket at the gate.

Better yet, buy a combined 2-Parks Pass and enjoy either Legoland, Legoland Water Park, or Real Madrid World on the same day. Motiongate opens at 11 a.m. and stays open until 8 p.m. during the week and 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s a great combo for the Lego parks that close early (6 p.m.). 

As we mentioned at the outset, if you plan to visit 3 theme parks in Dubai, the iVenture Dubai Theme Park Pass is the best value we’ve found; you can choose any combination including the top Dubai water parks.

The parks take about 10 minutes to walk between but enjoy the stroll through Riverland, there’s always street entertainment and special events going on.

Motiongate Dubai Annual Pass

Annual passes start at AED 495 for the silver pass, rising to AED 795 for the Platinum Pass. Here is a breakdown of the benefits included with each:

• Silver – unlimited access to the park (except on blackout days where a AED 50 charge is applicable), 10% discount on food and beverages within the park and 20% off in-park photos – AED 495 per person.
• Gold – unlimited access to the park, free popcorn (up to 6 visits). 15% discount on food and beverages and retail, 20% discount on in-park photos, nanny pass for an additional AED 50 – AED 595 per person.
• Platinum – unlimited access to the park, up to 6 free meals, six free drinks and six free popcorns, free Q-fast, 20% discount on food and beverages and retail and 30% discount on additional admission tickets – AED 795 per person.

You can find out more about ticket pricing, annual passes and special offers here.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

Our final contender for Dubai’s best theme park is a real mixed bag. Again, it isn’t easy to sell to overseas visitors as it doesn’t have an instantly recognisable international name. When we start saying Marvel Comics, Cartoon Network, and Lost Valley, you start to get the gist of what to expect!

At 1.5 million square feet, a lot is going on here! It’s the best of the Dubai parks to visit if you are a bit of a thrill seeker – and tall! The six main zones to explore are:

• Marvel – rides based on the Hulk, Avengers, Spiderman and Thor
• Lost Valley – Dinosaur-based rides and adventures
• Cartoon Network –  a live show plus Ben 10 and Powder Puff Girl rides
• IMG Boulevard – retail and dining zone & Boulevard Express train for littles
• The Haunted Town – includes the very popular “Haunted House” (for 15 years+ only, they will check ID!)
• IMG Kids Zone – made specially for your littlest ones

The park is based in an outer area of Dubai on the E311, near to Global Village and Arabian Ranches.  There is a hotel shuttle service, but be warned it makes a lot of stops.  You may be best paying for a taxi to take you door to door.

Is IMG Worlds of Adventure suitable for toddlers?

Some parts are suitable, but overall, this is not the best theme park for younger children. Entry is only charged once children are 1.05m, though even then, they can enjoy very few rides.

There are play areas in LazyTown Robbie’s Liar, the Dinosaur Adventure Zone, and the Adventure Fortress. A new kids’ zone has also been developed with younger guests in mind. The zone includes an inflatable playground, climbing walls, a football pitch, slides, and a sweeper game.

Access to this area is subject to an additional fee of AED 50 for an hour or AED 100 for all day (but remember, if they’re under 1.05m entry to the park is free. Where it gets awkward is for your taller preschoolers.

Whilst IMG Kids Zone is a great addition to the theme park, it does mean that you need somebody happy to supervise the little ones whilst older group members enjoy the more thrilling rides in the other areas of the park.

All in all, kids will enjoy IMG Worlds of Adventure a lot more once they are over 1.2 m, and almost unrestricted above 1.3 m.

Are there long queues at IMG Worlds of Adventure?

You will need to be patient at weekends and public holidays. Arrive early and go straight to the rides that you really want to experience to avoid any queuing.

Weekdays are usually no problem except during school holidays. If visiting on a weekend, we’d recommend you upgrade to include an Ultimate Fast Pass to get the most out of your day.

Can you do a “family rider swap” at IMG Worlds of Adventure?

Yes! We’re pleased to report that if you have a little one with you who’s too short for the ride, your group can line up together, and parents can switch riders after their turn without needing to line up again.

Can you visit IMG Worlds of Adventure in the summer?

Absolutely. This is an entirely indoor theme park, so it’s your best bet for beating the summer heat.

What does IMG stand for?

Good question! It is named after its owners and operators in the UAE, Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari (IMG).

What does IMG Worlds of Adventure Cost?

A day pass is AED 365- you can advance book a discounted ticket through Get Your Guide. Annual passes can be purchased for AED 765. Children under 1.05m do not need to pay. 

Accommodation near Dubai’s Theme Parks

Dubai Parks and Resorts includes Lapita, Dubai Parks & Resort, which is conveniently located next to Riverland and within easy walking distance of all the parks. When booking directly, you can get an inclusive ticket and hotel package.

For Lego fans, there’s also the 4-star Legoland Dubai Hotel. Everything here is wonderfully themed around the Lego concept, and you can choose from Kingdom, Ninjago, Pirates, Adventure, and Friends-themed rooms. Oh, and you get a complimentary theme park ticket for every night you stay! Learn more here.

On a budget, we’d also suggest looking at Rove at The Park. Located near the Dubai Outlet Mall in Jebel Ali, this value hotel chain offers a shuttle service to take you to and from the parks, and usually, a night here is substantially cheaper than the two resort hotels on site.

IMG Worlds of Adventure is in quite an isolated part of Dubai as far as accommodation goes.  You are just as well off staying in popular areas such as Downtown or Jumeirah Beach and getting a taxi or the shuttle bus. You can locate nearby accommodation options here:

Want to stay at another Dubai Resort? Check out our guide to the best family hotels and resorts in Dubai, plus we share all the best hotels that throw in extras like water parks and slides!

Other UAE Theme Parks

As we mentioned at the outset, we have only included the biggest new theme parks in Dubai and excluded the water parks.

We have also excluded the theme parks on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Here, you will find Ferrari World, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, and the new Seaworld Abu Dhabi. All of these are located just a 45-minute drive further west of Dubai Parks and Resorts (or about 1 hour 10 minutes without traffic from Downtown Dubai).

We discuss each of these theme parks in much greater depth on our partner site, Abu Dhabi Travel Planner.

They are very easy to access from Dubai. You can find out more about how to get between Dubai and the Yas Island theme parks here.

Are there better places to take your toddler in Dubai?

Frankly, yes! Sure, there are elements toddlers can participate in at each theme park, but they are not ideally designed for this age group. If you are visiting Dubai with an under-four only (i.e., no older siblings to keep happy too!), there are better-themed entertainment options than the big theme parks. 

OliOli experiential play museum and Woohoo! are two much better hands-on options for toddlers in Dubai. There are also dozens of choices of soft play centres across the city! Some of the bigger Edutainment chains include Caboodle, Fabyland, KidsHQ.

• You can find a complete guide to Dubai with Toddlers here
• You will find more ideas for indoor entertainment here

Our Verdict: Is There a “Best” Theme Park in Dubai for Families?

‘Best’ can be too subjective to call. However, from our experience, families with younger children tend to enjoy Legoland and the Legoland Water Park the most. Anyone with older children may get more from Motiongate. It has a surprisingly good mix of indoor airconditioned rides and thrilling rides.

However, for the real thrill seekers and those wanting to beat the peak heat of the UAE, it has to be IMG.

We are happy to help with your Dubai theme park-related questions! With many years of experience taking our own kids to all of these parks, we can help you narrow down which park might best suit your needs.

What Dubai attractions are included in the Dubai Pass?

The Dubai Pass covers a huge range of Dubai’s most popular attractions (and makes for a great checklist of exactly what there is to see and do in Dubai). 

In most ticket categories, you must select between either attractions classed into different pools, or for a smaller list of included attractions – we explain exactly what’s currently included below!

You can find a detailed guide to all of Dubai’s major tourist attractions here.

Listings are correct per iVenture March 2024, Check the current listing here.

How many days do I need a Dubai Pass for?

You then need to select how many days you want your ticket to last. Once activated, the days must run consecutively, ie a 7-day pass must be used within one week of being activated, you can not use 7 days over 2 weeks for example.

You have 6 months from purchasing your Dubai Pass to then activate it.

Dubai Select Attraction Pass

This is the Dubai Pass that lets you see three top attractions over the space of a week, but each attraction must come from a different pool 1, 2 & 3 as set out in the attractions list here:

Pool 1	Pool 2	Pool 3
Desert Safari with Dinner*	Harbour Dhow Cruise	Dubai Fountain Boardwalk*
iFly Dubai*	At the Top, Burj Khalifa	Dubai Dolphinarium
Real Madrid World	Palm Jumeirah Kayak Tour	Dubai Fountain Lake Ride*
Dubai Canal Cruise	Dubai Creek Harbour Sunset Tour	Dubai Frame*
Ski Dubai	DAUZ - Aqua Nursery	Dubai Mall Ice Rink
Wild Wadi Waterpark	Modern Dubai Tour*	Al Shindagha + Etihad Museum*
TEPfactor*	Splash Tours (Speedboat)*	Sky Views Observatory*
La Perle by Dragone	City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Bus	Flying Cup
Sea Camel Self-Drive Speedboat Tour	The View At The Palm*	Kitmytrip Wi-Fi Rental
Motiongate	Ekart Zabeel	The Green Planet
Legoland		Traditional Dubai Tour*
Legoland Waterpark		The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis
Marina Dhow Cruise

Those marked * mean they are bookable tours; once you’ve purchased your Dubai Pass, you’ll need to book an exact time for these, and spaces could be limited for your dates. For all others, you can turn up and present your pass on yourpohone.

The notable absentees from this list are some of the theme parks – IMG Worlds of Adventure and Aquaventure are excluded – these can only be found on the Dubai Theme Parks Pass, see below. Musume of the Future is also conspicuously absent, and you won’t find some places like Dubai Garden Glow or Dubai Miracle Garden which are somewhat seasonal.

Dubai Flexi Attraction Pass

This one costs slightly more than the Dubai Select Pass, but as the name suggests, it gives you more flexibility. You can still choose a 3-attraction option, but they can be from the same pool. Or you can make it a 5 or 7 attraction pass (by the time you hit 7, though, look into Dubai Unlimited for better value).

See also the Dubai Theme Park Pass as it might be a better fit for families with little thrill-seekers.

Dubai Unlimited

This is where you will get the best savings as it’s open to all attractions. You have only 3 to 5 days to use it, but you can squeeze multiple attractions into one day (only conditions, no repeats allowed, and there must be at least one hour between redeeming each attraction).

At present, 34 attractions are included in total, which can add up to a whopping big savings over the space of 5 days. Again, the notworthy absentees are Aquaventure, IMG Worlds of Adventure & Museum of the Future.

We share over here exactly how we’d fill a 3-day Dubai Itinerary or 5-days in Dubai to see if you can squeeze out maximum value!

Dubai Theme Park Pass

Does what it says on the tin! For your theme park buffs out there, this is a specialised ticket for water parks and theme parks, allowing you a few flexible options to choose from. You can choose three parks to be visited within five consecutive days from:

• Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis
• IMG Worlds of Adventure
• Wild Wadi Waterpark
• Motiongate Dubai
• Legoland Dubi
• Legoland Water Park
• Real Madrid World

It looks like they’ve now scrapped the 5 park/7 day pass, but there’s still a pretty good range of choice here.

This guide will help you select the best Dubai theme parks based on age, height, and interests.

Still confused by which attractions you are getting the best value for? Pop on over to the Dubai attractions section of our website for detailed reviews of the top tourist attractions in Dubai.

Next Step – Registering your card & booking times

Once you’ve completed your purchase, you will be asked to register your card. This will allow you to pre-book any activities that have specific time slots before you arrive.

Boat tours, city tours, and desert safari activities need booking in advance for timed slots.

Where do I collect my Dubai Pass from?

iVenture has finally moved into the 21st Century since COVID days and all passes can now be accessed electronically via the SmartVisit App (Google Play | App Store).

Our biggest bugbear with this pass in the past used to be that on day one, you had to get to the collection point in one of the big malls to get a physical card. Having this electronically now means you can hit the ground running as soon as you land and visit your attractions without delay.

This will, however, mean you need Wi-Fi access or data to use your App throughout your trip—check out our guide on how to stay connected in Dubai.

Is the Dubai Pass value for money?

If this is your first trip to Dubai and you are here for the action and family adventures, then you will absolutely get plenty of value for a Dubai Pass.

The fact they have finally moved to an online ticket, which does not require physical collection, is a huge plus.

However, the need to buy a separate theme park pass now for many of the most popular family attractions has really reduced the overall value of the Unlimited ticket while the price for the Dubai Pass has significantly risen in the last 4 years (in line with attraction price increases across the board).

Convinced yet?  Click here to save now on your Dubai Pass

If you’re only in Dubai for a very short period of time and only want to see the absolute highlights, we’d also suggest you look at the Tiqets Dubai Digital Pass – essentially a Burj Khalifa/Desert Safari combo ticket with a few perks thrown in.

Heading to Abu Dhabi? Then look out for the Official Abu Dhabi Pass. Run by the DCT there’s some great multi-attraction savings to be had that can be bundles with free transport within the city and 2GB data.

Why is Dubai an Excellent Location for a Babymoon?

With brilliant winter sunshine, top-class accommodation, and first-rate health care, Dubai is a great place for a memorable and relaxing babymoon.

The Weather

Whilst the high heat of summer isn’t recommended for expectant mothers from cooler climates, Dubai is a fantastic babymoon destination during the cooler months (October to March).

October can still be rather humid, but from November to February, Dubai experiences almost perfect weather with sunny skies and lower levels of humidity. Expect temperatures around 25-30°C (75 – 86°F) during the winter. March can be a bit hit and miss, as if it is going to rain in the UAE, it always seems to be in March!

Things start to heat up in April, so you need to think carefully about travelling in April or May and how good your heat tolerance is. June, July, August, and September are extremely hot, and for your comfort, we’d not recommend a Dubai babymoon over the summer.

The Accommodation

Dubai has some of the world’s best luxury resorts where you can mix beach time with a little pampering. Some of the city’s resorts feel like you’re a million miles away from it all, whilst you’re just a stone’s throw from all of the action. Many hotels have free shuttle buses taking you to Dubai’s major sites. Travelling by taxi is also cheap and easy in Dubai.

Air Conditioning

All indoor spaces in Dubai are air-conditioned, making it easy to cool down if you feel like you may be getting too warm. Places like Dubai Mall offer the chance to walk around and shop in a comfortable temperature. Public transport and taxis are also all air-conditioned.

Romantic Experiences

Dubai is full of romantic places to enjoy with your loved ones. Whether it’s a stroll through a park or garden or sundowners at an atmospheric bar by the beach, Dubai has plenty of places where you can feel the love. (Just be careful, though, as overt public displays of affection are not allowed. Anything more than hand-holding or a peck on the cheek in public could get you in big trouble – see Dubai’s do’s and don’ts)

A Less Boozy Culture

As much of the country is Muslim and does not drink, bartenders are talented in the mocktail department so that pregnant mamas won’t miss out on their fancy drinks!

Smoking in public places is not common in Dubai. Locals tend to favour shisha, but this can only be smoked on specially licensed premises, which pregnant women are forbidden to enter. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public spaces, parks, beaches, buses and on the metro. It is also illegal to smoke in an indoor private space or vehicle in the presence of children.

Food and Hygiene

Not only will you find some of your favourite Western chain restaurants (to satisfy all those cravings) in Dubai (Cheesecake Factory, IHOP, Wagamama, Pizza Express), but you’ll also find high food hygiene standards. If you’re sticking to a particular diet throughout pregnancy, you’ll be relieved to know that all menus are written in English and that you’ll be able to discuss any dietary requirements with ease, as everybody working in the food and beverage industry speaks English.

Excellent Healthcare

We all hope that a visit to the doctor shouldn’t be needed when away on holiday, but during pregnancy, doctor visits are a lot more likely! Should you need to visit a doctor in Dubai, rest assured that the UAE’s healthcare standard is second to none.

The great part of Babymooning in Dubai is that you can have ready access to Kids’ Clubs and babysitting services, if need be. Some of our favourites with superb family facilities allowing you the best of both worlds include:

• Fairmont The Palm
• Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa
• Atlantis the Palm
• Jumeirah Beach Hotel
• Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
• Rixos Premium Dubai JBR

Check out our complete guide to family friendly hotels and resorts in Dubai if you need a few more suggestions!

Things You Can Do on Your Babymoon in Dubai

Sightseeing tour

There’s no reason why you shouldn’t go sightseeing on your trip to Dubai. A visit to the air-conditioned Dubai Mall can also include visiting the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. The lift can be a little pushy and shoved, but you can ask for assistance if needed, and if you’re obviously pregnant, people are likely to be kind.

Another famous sight that you can enjoy after a trip to Dubai Mall is the mesmerising Dubai Mall Fountain show. This can be viewed from the promenade, or if you’d rather sit down, book a table at one of the nearby restaurants with fabulous fountain views, or for a little romantic touch, you can hire an abra and head out onto the water (don’t worry, very slow moving!)

Take a stroll

There are plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy in Dubai for a long stretch of your legs, as well as al fresco dining and outdoor entertainment. Some favourites to try on your Dubai Babymoon include:

• A stroll through Dubai Miracle Garden which can make a fun, romantic outing with some perfect photo spots for couples.
• The Walk JBR – A lovely marina sidewalk with access to plenty of places to sit down and have a cold drink.
• Al Seef and Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood – a stroll around these connected neighbourhoods will help you to get under the skin of Dubai.

Bask by the Pool or Beach

Even if your budget can’t afford a resort throughout your trip, why not spoil yourselves with a day pass to one of the luxury beach clubs or pools? Especially during the week, you can nab yourself a deal where your entrance will cover your F&B too.

Our recommendations for couples include:

• Cloud 22 at Atlantis The Royal – stunning rooftop views
• Be Beach – Dubai Harbour – chic new opening
• Drift at One&Only Royal Mirage – classic Mediterranean beauty
• Riva Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah – best budget pick

Memorable Photo Shoot

A growing trend amongst expats in the UAE is to have a pregnancy photo shoot. These can be arranged in various places, including the desert, Miracle Garden and the Palm Jumeirah.

If you’re interested in a pregnancy photo shoot, a few recommendations we regularly see pop up in local groups include:

• Emma Staples Photography
• Sherazade Photography
• Barbara Crepaldi Photography
• Sophia Mattia Photography

Have a Spa day

Whilst massages are not advised before 12 and after 32 weeks of pregnancy, in the 2nd and early 3rd trimesters, they can offer welcome respite from the strains of pregnancy. Spa staff are used to making adjustments for pregnant ladies, and most hotels offer special massages and other treatments for expecting ladies.

Some hotels with excellent spas offering pregnancy massages include:

• Heavenly Spa by The Westin at Dubai Mina Seyahi
• The Mandarin Oriental
• The Four Seasons

You do not have to stay at a hotel to use its spa facilities. Another option outside of a hotel is Sensasia Spa, which offers a range of treatments for mums (and dads-to-be).

Retail Therapy

I bet you’re busting to get some gear for your new arrival, and you will find a HUGE range of baby products. Particularly if you are a fan of high-end labels – you name it – you can probably get it in Dubai.

For those on a lower budget, you’re well catered for too, with the likes of Mothercare, Centrepoint and Max.

Pop over and see our complete collection of Dubai itineraries depending on how long you’ve got for your Babymoon in Dubai. Most activities you can manage whilst pregnant, except where we’ve highlighted below.

Take a trip to Abu Dhabi

There’s lots to do and see in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi, around a 1.5-hour drive from Dubai. Why not explore the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the UAE’s presidential palace Qasr Al Watan, or delve into Abu Dhabi’s rich history at Qasr Al Hosn?

We recommend taking a tour or hiring a car when pregnant to take any stress out of the journey.

Whilst there are sometimes queues for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and some considerable walking (in underground air-conditioned corridors), special provisions are made for pregnant ladies. The same is true of the Qasr Al Watan.

For more ideas on what to do in Abu Dhabi, visit our sister site Abu Dhabi Travel Planner.

What not to do on a Dubai Babymoon

Whilst you may be keen to explore Dubai to the extreme, there are a few activities in Dubai we’d recommend against:

Water activities and extreme sports

Skip all the extreme water sports, and the speed boat too, If you re going to hit the waters, look for a gentle swim in the water (bearing in mind sea temperature in winter can actually be a little nippy)! Outdoor pools tend to be heated or cooled depending on the outdoor temperature and there are some hotels with indoor swimming pools too!

We’re sorry but you also wont be allowed on most theme park rides so it’s probably best to give places like Motiongate a miss. Whilst you could get away with the Legoland Water Park if you were on a family babymoon, it’s prudent to avoid the big parks as they are really are not suitable for pregnant ladies.

Desert Safari

Avoid desert safaris, too. Most involve an element of dune bashing to get to your camp. Pregnant women are strictly prohibited from participating in the dune bashing element for obvious reasons.

However, if you’d still like to enjoy dinner in the desert, speak to your tour operator. Often, they can arrange a different route for pregnant women and small children to enter the camp. Alternatively, try one of the operators in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. They can offer romantic dune dinners and luxury glamping, which is a far more sedate and serene way to experience the desert.

Our favourite pick, though, would be to spend a night at Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, where you can sit in your own beautiful infinity pool overlooking the desert (be warned, though, it’s at the pricier end of the budget scale!)

Emergency Help in Dubai for Pregnant Ladies

No one expects to go into labour during their babymoon, but should something happen, and you’d like to see an emergency gynaecologist, there are several choices, many of them open 24/7. You could try:

• Mediclinic City Hospital
• Saudi German Hospital

Always travel with good health insurance. Whilst you could pay cash to access emergency health care, no one wants their babymoon to end in disaster. Check you have appropriate coverage and no exclusions for location, activity or based on your delivery date.

We hope we’ve convinced you to come and try Dubai for your much anticipated Babymoon. You have the best of a beautiful beach paradise and a city with everything you need close to hand, no concerns about needing to take a boat or light aircraft to a tiny island and being miles from medical help (should you need it) – literally everything and anything that you could possibly need is on hand in Dubai!

To find out more about travelling while pregnant, check out this guide.

Top 10 Dubai Mall Kids Activities

Here’s our pick of the top 10 activities families will love to experience in Dubai Mall.

1. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo sits bang-smack in the middle of Dubai Mall and is truly unmissable. Whether you plan actually to go inside or not, it will be an utterly mesmerising experience for kids who love marine animals.

Famous for having the largest acrylic viewing panel on a suspended aquarium in the world, the giant screen measures 8.3m high by 32.88m wide and 75cm thick. From the Ground Floor through to Level 2, it can be easily viewed for free, giving a superb preview of the aquatic life inside.

Inside the aquarium, you can expect to experience hundreds of sharks and stingrays among the 140+ species on display. Within the zoo, there are plenty of add-on experiences to be enjoyed, from the glass-bottomed boat to caged shark walks, King Croc encounters, shark dives, ray encounter experiences, and feeding presentations.

Recommend for all age groups, but some hands-on activities have lower age limits, under 3’s go free.

Cost: Basic entry (1-years-old to adult) starts from 150 AED

• Check pricing and packages for Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo here
• We’d suggest bundling the aquarium with Burj Khalifa (more below!)

2. KidZania Dubai Mall

In a similar model to KidZania branches that you’ll find worldwide, this is an incredible 7,000 m² real-to-life city built just for kids!

The KidZania Dubai edutainment centre at the Cinema end of the mall, Level 2, incorporates over 40 real-life activities for kids to enjoy, from role-playing to critical thinking to crafts and sports. Kids work to earn their own KidZoos (money!) that can then be spent on leisure activities within the city.

One of the best Dubai Mall activities for kids, we recommend it is the perfect place for children 4 to 11 years old – they need to be independent of a parent/carer to join in, so it’s not the best for toddlers).

Cost: Starts from 195 AED for an Economy ticket or Premium 260 AED. Accompanying parents are 80 AED and toddlers (2 to 3 years old) 110 AED; Under 3 Free.

• You can advance purchase your discounted Kidzania tickets here

3. Play DXB (formerly VR Park)

A dedicated virtual reality theme park—the largest of its type in the world—lets players enjoy dozens of virtual reality experiences, from motion rides such as the popular Dubai Drone, in which a simulated roller coaster flies you past Dubai’s landmarks, to popular video game classics.

Height restrictions and age recommendations apply per ride. There are some activities for little ones, but we’d recommend that they be at least 8 years old to enjoy them properly.

(NB this park used to be called SEGA Republic when the Mall first opened, then renamed to VR Park, and most recently to Play DXB; you may still find older Dubai guides referring to SEGA or VR Park – it’s all the same place in the mall!)

Cost: Entry just to walk around the park is free. You can enjoy the Soft Park Soft Play for 120 AED or buy Pay & Play Credits with bonuses from 200 AED.

• You can pick up your park pass in advance here

5. EKart Zabeel

In a new extension to Dubai Mall – Dubai Mall Zabeel, head to the 9th-floor rooftop for go-karting! There are standard track sessions available through to race events that can be organized in groups of up to 8

Drivers must be at least 14 years of age and 140cm.

Cost: Standard tickets start from 95 AED, race events 200 AED

• Learn more about EKart Zabeel and book your tickets here

6. Emirates A380 simulator

Fancy yourself piloting an Emirates A380 aircraft? A cutting-edge simulator can be found on the 2nd floor of the Dubai Mall where you can enjoy a 15, 30, or 60-minute instructed lesson on how to land this megalithic aeroplane at 12 of the world’s busiest airports. Recommended from 10 years+ (9 to 12-year-olds must be accompanied)

Cost: Varies by time peak/off-peak and if you have an Emirates Skywards card. Starting from 15 minutes off-peak AED 160. A full hour in peak time AED 650.

• Learn more about the Emirates A380 Experience here

8. Trampo Extreme

Time for the kids to burn some energy? A new branch of Trampo Extreme indoor trampoline park has opened within the Dubai Mall (2nd-floor Cinema end)

With eight different play attractions, from jumping to ball pools and challenging mazes, this is a great spot to come on a Dubai rainy day or when the days are too hot to keep them moving.

Bouncers should be 3 years+, three to 6 years olds need a guardian with them; Older kids, you can use their ‘shop and drop service’.

Cost: From AED 90/hour or a full day pass AED 240

• Learn more about Trampo Extreme here

9. The Burj Khalifa

The world’s tallest building is conveniently attached to the world’s largest shopping mall.

If you want to go all the way to “At The Top” Observation deck on level 124/125, we’d strongly suggest you pre-book your trip to Dubai Mall around this time slot.

Buying on the day costs exceptionally more, and tickets can sell out.

Do be warned, if you’re visiting at peak times such as over winter school holidays, even with a timed slot ticket, you should expect queuing through the Lower Ground Floor level of the Mall before you even get to the lift. (Bring your arsenal of kiddy queuing entertainment and anticipate you could be there for one hour+; strollers need to be checked).

Once you get to the top, you are obviously spoiled with spectacular city views as far as the eye can see over the thriving inner city and outward to the Arabian Gulf and the desert. It’s undoubtedly a kiddy winner, but do consider the cost when working out your Dubai budget.

Open to all ages, under 3’s are free.

Cost: Standard adult tickets start from 129 AED, and children (4 to 12 years) from 87 AED. Prices increase at peak times and if you add extra observation decks or experiences.

We have a detailed guide on how to visit the Burj Khalifa here – as well as other ticketing options and special treats you might want to consider visiting the world’s tallest tower or the benefits of seeing the Burj Khalifa at Night.

** Save with a Dubai Aquarium and Burj Khalifa combined ticket. This is one of the most popular combo tickets in town, and visiting both, plus stopping for a meal in the mall will take up the best part of a day on a Dubai stopover.

10. Dubai Fountain Show & Burj Khalifa Light Show

Please note that the Dubai Fountains were temporarily closed in May 2025 for extensive renovations; an official reopening date is yet to be announced

Watching the Dubai Fountains dancing show and seeing the Burj Khalifa light up at night is one of the best free activities with kids in Dubai. No matter how often we’ve seen this spectacular light and sound show, our kids are still mesmerised.

A big warning, though, if you are visiting with kids, especially on weekends (Friday to Sunday evenings), it can be exceptionally busy, to the point we wouldn’t recommend trying to get out to see it with small kids in strollers.

• We have a complete guide to the Dubai Fountain timings and what to expect here.

If you are smart and plan ahead though, you can beat the crowds. Don’t try to watch the show from the main mall entrance opposite Souk al Bahar (under the Apple store). This is the most congested and scarily crowded area with kids. You should aim to head outside about ten past and twenty to the hour, this gives you a good 20 minutes to find a comfortable position.

Another way to enjoy the fountains is to take an abra (traditional boat) ride on to Burj Lake and experience them up close or take a further walk around the lake to the 272m long Dubai Fountain Boardwalk (a small charge of 20AED), which lets you stand as close as you can among the fountains!

Alternatively—and this is our preferred option with children—time it with your dinner so you have seating and little mouths fed while enjoying several rounds of the fountain show. You can see our full guide to the best Dubai Fountain restaurants here.

There are also daytime shows that are much less crowded – though admittedly not AS spectacular as seeing the fountains at night – keep an eye out at 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM Monday to Thursday and 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM Fridays to Sundays.

Dining Time! Family-Friendly Dining In Dubai Mall

One thing Dubai Mall isn’t short on is family dining options. Undoubtedly this is the easiest place to get a feed with fussy kids in the city as there is just so much choice.

Many will understandably head straight to the giant food court on Level 2, which offers a huge range of international cuisines at very reasonable prices. There is a further food court on the lower ground floor to consider, too, which is an excellent option if you are combining your trip to Dubai Mall with visiting the Burj Khalifa.

As well as the restaurant guide above with fountain views, some favourite family sit-down restaurants within Dubai Mall include:

• Tribes found on Level 2 inside the Mall, you not only get a great fountain show but tastes from all over Africa.
• Social House is a great choice if you need to cater to a range of tastes in your group; it’s very centrally placed within the mall, so easy to find.
• Five Guys – a burger joint with the best views in the house, a super choice for casual dining overlooking the fountains, though due to its prime location, it can be exceptionally busy.
• The Cheesecake Factory of international fame, you know what you’re getting and great menu choice to suit everyone.
• Black Tap is a burger and shakes favourite on the Lower Ground Floor.
• Hurricane’s Grill for an Australian-style steakhouse with South African and Portuguese influence, including a separate kids menu – find them in Fashion Avenue with Burj Lake views.

Special Treats For Kids in Dubai Mall

Sweet Treats in Dubai Mall

Oh wow, where do you start?! If you’re not quite ready to fork out the cash on the kids trying Patchi chocolates, our next best recommendation would be to sniff out Candylicious or Candy Hearts. You may also want to time in a special stop at:

Bubbles& Booba – Taiwanese Bubble Teas have hit Dubai! Lots of fun. Lots of fun milk teas, shakes, and juices to choose from (second floor)

Toy Shops Galore in Dubai Mall!

Of the non-sweet variety, there is an absolute goldmine of kids’ toy shops in Dubai Mall to explore. The largest is the giant Hamleys on level 2, and The Toy Store on the Lower Ground Floor – and the ever-favourite Lego Shop, now found on the Lower Ground Floor as well.

Others not to miss on your circuit around the mall include Mothercare, Early Learning Centre and Virgin Megastore for your gadget-loving geeks! Those into gaming will want to catch Geekay Games.

And bookworms rejoice! You could seriously get lost for hours in Kinokuniya Bookstore.

Kids’ Fashion in Dubai Mall

If your kids are little fashionistas, this is arguably one of the best shopping spots you’ll find in the world, with a huge selection of children-only luxury boutiques from Diesel Kids to Fendi Kids or Gucci.

There are plenty of budget-friendly options, too, though remembering where you are, it will not be the cheapest clothing shop you’ll do in Dubai, but it is certainly amongst the best selections.

Learn more about the Dubai Mall dress code and what is appropraite for tourists to wear

Dubai Pass for Families

Let’s be honest; costs in Dubai can seriously add up for a family if you attempt to do everything on offer.

One way to keep costs under control is to look into a Dubai Pass by iVenture. There are several different categories on offer to suit the type of trip you are planning.

We have a complete run-through here on the different types of Dubai Pass available.

Depending on which Dubai Pass you invest in, you can get the following Dubai Mall attractions included:

• Play DXB (Pool 1)
• At The Top Burj Khalifa (Pool 2)
• Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (Pool 2)
• Reel Dine-in Cinema (Pool 2)
• Dubai Fountain Boardwalk (Pool 3)
• Dubai Fountain Lake Ride (Pool 3)
• Dubai Ice Rink (Pool 3)
• Hysteria Haunted Attraction (Pool 3)
• Kidzania (Pool 3)

A Dubai Select Pass lets you choose one attraction from each “pool”, whilst a Dubai Unlimited allows you to visit them all -amazing value if you want to squeeze a lot into 3 or 5 days!!

Conveniently, the City Sightseeing counter within Dubai Mall is one of the pickup points for the Dubai Pass, so it can be a great starting point for families on their Dubai adventure.

We’d also suggest looking at the Go City Dubai Pass if you are interested in the Dubai Ice Rink and the Dubai Aquarium, both of which are included activities.

Things Families Should Know Before Visiting the Dubai Mall With Kids

Remember, like all things Dubai, things are much quieter in the mornings than in the evenings. You will find this very true, especially on weekends; it gets much busier after Ṣalāt al-Jumuʿah prayers on a Friday.

The evenings on weekends at Dubai Mall on weekends can be crazy busy. We do not recommend this as the best time to visit with kids. Have a plan of attack and what they should do if you become lost or separated. Dubai is very safe, but those few moments you can become separated from a child are terrifying.

You will definitely want the option of a stroller or pushchair (there are points where these can be hired if you did not bring one with you from Guest Services). We have easily clocked up days of 10,000+ steps in half a day just walking around Dubai Mall.

There are family-friendly facilities throughout Dubai Mall, including feeding rooms for mums and family-sized change rooms if you’re visiting Dubai with a baby or toddler. – though they’re normally attached to the female bathrooms still.

If you are coming from the Metro station, yes, it’s connected by a covered, air-conditioned walkway and travellator the whole way, but it still takes a good 15 minutes to get to the mall – Fashion Avenue end. It’s about a further 10-minute walk to get to the Cinema End of the Mall where you’ll find most of the kid-friendly attractions.

• Check out these convenient hotels if you’d prefer to stay near Dubai Mall

Make no mistake, it’s a huge building, and even on a full-day excursion, you will not cover it all. Pick and choose which activities you’d like to do in advance to save queuing and give yourself a bit of leeway for the amount of walking and queuing that may be required.