Dreaming of Dubai in November? Here’s what’s on in 2021

Everything you need to know about visiting Dubai in November

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November brings with it some of the most pleasant weather of the year, perfect to start exploring Dubai’s great outdoors again and seeing many seasonal events return for the winter season.

2021 brings with it the additional excitement of the much-anticipated Expo 2020, the opening of landmark Ain Dubai, the World’s observation wheel and the welcoming of tourists from all over the world to one of the most open cities post-pandemic.

A large proportion of UAE residents are now vaccinated – amongst the highest vaccination rates in the world -and countrywide COVID case rates continue to remain low (<100 cases reported per day, across a population of just under 10 million).

Learn more about Dubai’s re-opening to tourism and COVID testing requirements here.

• Further Reading: The best times to visit Dubai

Dubai weather in November

Temperatures drop significantly over the month of November from highs of 38°C/100°F at the start of the month down to the high 20s/low 80s by month-end. Overnight lows are around 20°C/68°F and as the humidity starts to fall, morning fog can be a common occurrence – leading to some spectacular cityscape views.

The sea temperature averages 28.4°C/83°F so it is still pleasant to take a refreshing dip in the water and perfect for the sun worshippers too without getting too hot and sweaty.

You can read our complete guide to Dubai Weather in November here, as well as our suggested ideas of what to pack for Dubai in November.

Dubai Special Events November 2021

• Flag Day – Held every year on 3 November, Emiratis take great pride and honour in displaying their National Flag. Signaling the unification of the 7 Emirates – the flag represents justice, peace, tolerance, power, and moderation. Homes and businesses will unfurl their flags on this day and all the way through to National Day on 2 December you will see the city blanketed in red, green, white & black.
• Dubai Air Show – 14 to 18 November 2021 – events will take place at the Dubai Airshow Site, DWC.
• Diwali – 4 November 2021 With a big Indian expat population this is a widely celebrated event in the UAE including beach front fireworks on Bluewaters island and don’t miss heading into old Dubai for one of the most sensational residential light displays you’ll see outside of India!
• Dubai Design Week – The region’s largest creative festival, held in Dubai Design District between 8 November and 13 November 2021, covers architecture through to interior design and graphic design.
• Thanksgiving – US expats will be celebrating in style at venues across the city! 25 November 2021
• #NoFilterDXB – 24 to 27 November a brand new event for the newly opened Dubai Harbour, 4 days of motoring and fitness madness. This urban lifestyle event includes a Dubai supercar parade on Saturday 27th November from JBR to Dubai Harbour, one not to be missed by your petrolheads!
• Down to Earth 2021 –  For all things green, eco-conscious and sustainability-aware held to Jameel Arts Centre, Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park from 1-9pm on 26 November and 1-7pm on 27 November for this free family festival.
• Expo 2020 – ongoing from October 2021 to March 2022

Suggested Dubai activities in November

As the weather is starting to cool, it’s a great time to check out the return of some amazing seasonal events and enjoy the great outdoors.

• Dubai Global Village reopened for Season 28 on 28 October 2021 and will run through until early April 2022. An incredible world showcase of food, shopping, and entertainment (like a mini Expo every year!) – and only 15 AED entry it’s one of the bargain night-spots in Dubai
• Explore the city from the water. There are plenty of services that offer tours from several locations now, including the Dubai Canal, Dubai Creek, and Dubai Marina. Our top pick is to hire a small group boat and choose your own itinerary, BYO your own snacks and let your captain whisk you around Dubai’s top sites!
• Take on an evening desert safari, quad bike, ride a camel and enjoy a traditional Bedouin feast while watching a belly dancing show and smoking shisha! Check out just some of the available options here, or even consider an overnight desert camp.

• Attend an outdoor market, such as Ripe Markets held every Friday & Saturday.
• Try out one of Dubai’s evening Brunches, many are held in outdoor gardens for a unique Dubai experience.
• Enjoy sundowner drinks from many of Dubai’s most exclusive beachfronts and rooftops.

Day trips from Dubai in November

Entry into neighbouring Emirate Abu Dhabi has become a whole lot easier with the removal of the border crossing point and COVID tests, however, note there are still some international arrivals rules apply in Abu Dhabi, and Green Pass is needed on the Alhosn App to enter basically any public space.

If you meet all the criteria though and get your ICA approval, absolutely it’s the top spot to be visiting from Dubai in November.

• Check out the Yas Island theme park trio of Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World
• Take in the important cultural sites of Abu Dhabi, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Hosn (Presidential Palace)

There’s still plenty to explore beyond Dubai city too, there are 7 Emirates in the UAE to be explored! If you head south to the mountains and northeast to the Northern Emirates, you’ll discover a whole different side of the country.

Some suggestions for the cooler days of November:

• Day trip to Hatta in the Hatta Mountains – enjoy a variety of outdoor sports at Wadi Hub and water-based activities on Hatta Dam. You can hike mountain bikes or even horse ride through the mountainous desert terrain at this outdoor adventure hot spot, super popular on weekends.
• Take on the UAE’s tallest peak Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah and enjoy a huge variety of outdoor adrenaline activities from the world’s longest zipline to the Jais Sky Maze perched atop the mountain.
• Enjoy a snorkelling trip to the country’s east coast Fujairah.

>> Our complete day-trippers guide for Dubai can be found here

With the kids in Dubai this November?

• Spend an afternoon and evening at the ultra-fun new beachfront venue La Mer. Here you will find the Laguna Water Park, not as big as Dubai’s main water parks Atlantis & Wild Wadi but a perfect size for families and still plenty of classic rides with thrills and spills. Head onward to an evening of fun with the colourful beachfront and food outlets of La Mer.

• Nighttime extravaganza Dubai Garden Glow is back for its 8th season from 1 November 2021. A beautiful evening light display, get there early to also experience the Dinosaur park as day turns to night then watch the light show come alive.
• Get kids active outside at Aventura Parks. A ropes and zipline course will see them confidently flying through the treetops of the Ghaf forest in Mushrif Park.
• Dubai Safari Park – A nature experience not far from the city, the new and improved safari park promises family’s the opportunity to see over 2500 through interactive experiences and large enclosures.

You can find our complete guide of things to do with your kids in Dubai here.

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Check out the best things to do in every month in Dubai here!

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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links.

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