The great thing about visiting Dubai is it’s just as action-packed at night as it is during the day.
Warm weather year-round means there is an active and thriving nightlife culture in Dubai from family-friendly activities to the party scene (which can also come in very handy for jet-lagged stopover visitors!).
Can’t read it now? Save it to Pinterest for later
12 Best Places to visit in Dubai at Night
Here’s our favourite pick of Dubai nighttime activities for families and fun:
Dubai Garden Glow
Dubai Garden Glow is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Dubai at night. This 40-acre park features a wide variety of glow in the dark art pieces. All of the displays are made using recycled material and millions of energy-saving LED light bulbs. It’s magical for families, as well as romantics – and incredibly instagrammable!
Additionally, there are a few different attractions to see within Dubai Garden Glow. There is the Dinosaur Park which features 120 animatronic dinosaurs as well as an Ice Park which contains a stunning assortment of beautiful ice sculptures.
Where to Find Dubai Garden Glow: Zabeel Park, Gate No. 6 & 7 Area – B
You can find our complete guide on how to visit Dubai Garden Glow here
Dubai Fountains
Seeing the Dubai Fountains is among the most fun things to do in Dubai at night with family. Every 30 minutes after 6 PM, these famous fountains put on a choreographed show set to the tune of incredible symphonies. This is an absolutely breathtaking scene that’s equally mesmerizing for both children and adults.
There are many places where you can watch the Dubai Fountains for free. Or you can watch them from the Burj Lake in a traditional abra for an even more remarkable view. Our favourite way to view the fountains though is to settle in atone of the many restaurants that offer spectacular fountain views.
Where to Find the Dubai Fountains: Fashion Parking – Dubai Mall – Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard
You can see our complete guide to experiencing the Dubai Fountains here
Watch the Sunset at a Rooftop Bar
The sunset in Dubai is truly otherworldly. It’s something you absolutely must-see while you’re in the city. And the best way to see the sunset in Dubai is from an amazing sundowner bar!
There are several bars in Dubai that allow you to dine on the roof. Level 43 Sky Lounge gives you a 360-degree view of the city and lets you watch the sunset over the city. Another beachside favourite is Pure Sky Lounge which offers a Sunset Happy Hour over the Arabian Gulf.
You can find a guide to all our favourite roof top bars in Dubai
Dubai Global Village
Visiting Global Village is a bit like visiting all of the world’s greatest landmarks at once. This open-air market features smaller, glow in the dark versions of Big Ben, the Taj Mahal, and many others. It aims to be the world’s largest entertainment project. At only 15AED to enter, it’s a steal!
In addition to this, it’s also a great place to get some food and do some shopping – the perfect place for picking up your Dubai souvenirs. It’s only open during the winter months, so make sure your plan accordingly.
Top Tip! Global Village usually shuts for the season in early April, when many vendors offer BIG discounts to clear their stock!
Where to find it: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311). Enter via “Gate of the World” or “Cultural Gate”
Global Village Opening Hours: Saturday to Wednesday 4:00 pm until midnight (Monday ladies only); Thursday & Friday 4:00 pm until 1:00 am.
Learn more at www.globalvillage.ae
La Mer Beach
This new waterfront destination in Dubai is just as popular in the evening as it is during the day. The beach may close for safety at sunset, but the party continues on in amongst the huge array or restaurants, colourful food trucks and playful touches for kids and adults a like.
You can learn more about La Mer and plan your night out here
Desert Safari Camp & Show
Of course, you haven’t really experienced a night in Dubai until you’ve had an adventure in the Arabian Desert. A desert safari offers all kinds of fun, nighttime activities. There’s camel riding, barbequing, sandboarding, Tanura dancing, belly dancing and everything in between!
If you book a Dubai desert evening tour, you also get to see a culture show that features falconry and belly dancing. The desert does get cold at night, so in the winter months, make sure you take some warm clothes with you. Conversely in the summer, it can be an incredibly sweaty experience so plan accordingly!
There are plenty of different options when it comes to desert camps, from those focused on the adrenaline-pumping thrills of Dune Bashing, Quad Biking rides and Dune Buggies, through to those more focused on Bedouin traditions and desert conservation so choose carefully!
Want to make a full night of it out under the stars? We have this detailed guide on all the different ways you can experience overnight desert camping in Dubai.
At the Top – Burj Khalifa
As you might expect, the best way to see the Dubai view at night is from the top of the tallest building in the world. From here, you can take in the entire city all at once. You can see the Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountains, skyscrapers along Sheikh Zayed Road, and so much more.
While you’re there, you can also get some refreshments at their famous SKY lounge. The Burj Khalifa is obviously one of Dubai’s top attractions, so be sure you make reservations ahead of time – especially if you want to see the sunset – this is one part of your Dubai itinerary you cannot leave to chance!
Where to find Burj Khalifa: Downtown Dubai, entry from basement level of Dubai Mall
Desert Star Gazing
Easily one of the greatest night attractions in Dubai is the sky itself. And one of the best places to see the sky in Dubai at night is the desert. There’s virtually no light pollution in the desert which gives you a crystal clear view of the stars and other celestial bodies.
You can also sign up for a Dubai night tour with the Dubai Astronomy Group. It’s free of charge, but you have to reserve your spot ahead of time.
Another option is to enjoy a full-catered desert night safari with astronomy lesson, a truly unique Dubai nighttime experience in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
Full Moon Yoga
Do you love yoga? Then why not spend an evening in Dubai performing your favorite poses under the full moon. At Talise Spa, you can do exactly that. Once a month they allow you to practice yoga by the beach under the full moon. This makes it one of the best places to visit in Dubai at night.
Full Moon Yoga costs 95 AED per person. It’s a spiritual experience unlike any other, so don’t miss it.
Where to find Talise Spa: Madinat Jumeirah, King Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud Street
Learn more and check the next Full Moon timing at jumeirah.com
Night Dhow Cruise
Another thing you can do in Dubai at night is take a traditional dhow cruise. There are several locations you can try this including the Dubai Creek, the Dubai Canal and Dubai Marina. This is an especially romantic option if you want to have a special night with your significant other.
Check out some of the available night cruise options here or see our complete guide to Dubai dhow cruises.
Evening Brunch in Dubai
Who said Brunch in Dubai has to be a daytime affair? The ever-popular Brunch concept in Dubai has evolved into an evening eating extravaganza to be shared with friends as unlimited food and beverage is served up at some of Dubai’s leading restaurants.
Normally an event saved for weekends, you will find evening Brunch occurring across the city on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
You can see our top picks for Dubai evening brunch here
Big Bus Night Tour
Perhaps the best way to see Dubai at night is by going on a Big Bus Night Tour. On this tour, you’ll see all of Dubai’s greatest landmarks. These include Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, Atlantis on the Palm, and the Jumeirah Mosque.
The tour starts at the Dubai Mall and is available in 12 different languages. It’s the most convenient way to familiarize yourself with Dubai at night – you even get to see a 15 minute light show at the Wafi Mall pyramids.
Where to find Dubai Mall: Financial Center Street, Along Sheikh Zayed Road, Next to Burj Khalifa
Learn more about Big Bus Night Tours here
Night Clubbing in Dubai
Checking out one of Dubai’s nightclubs is one of the best Dubai things to do at night. This city’s nightlife scene is legendary, and it’s something you have to experience for yourself. Get ready to dance all night and party till the sun comes up.
The Cavalli Club, Billionaire Mansion, Toy Room, and White Dubai are a few of Dubai’s best-known clubs. Keep in mind that Dubai’s legal drinking age is 21 – learn more about legally drinking in Dubai here.
See our complete guide to the best nightclubs in Dubai here
See an evening show in Dubai
Finally, if you’re still wondering what to do in Dubai at night, why not see a show? There’s always a big event happening in Dubai. Be sure you see what’s happening ahead of time before your trip.
Dubai Opera, in particular, is one of the most incredible places to visit in Dubai at night. It’s frequently referred to as the most prestigious square kilometre in the world. You can see everything from operas, ballets, concerts, and so much more. And the opera house is a work of art in itself.
La Perle is another Dubai nighttime show option. It features breathtaking aerial stunts, brilliant light shows, and awe-inspiring technological wonders. It is a nighttime experience that you will certainly never forget in Al Habtoor City, Dubai – see how to book your La Perle tickets here.
See more Dubai night tour options with our partners Get Your Guide
We recommend using premium ticket providers like Get Your Guide as they offer full cancellation up to 24 hours before your booked activity.
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai, a handy guide on what to pack, and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
- Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai.
- Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!!!
- Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
Take me back to the Dubai Travel Blog
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.
Dubai Travel Planner