Beat the Heat with These Must-Do Activities
Dubai’s summer sizzles with temperatures soaring above 40°C, but don’t let the heat stop you! From indoor snow parks to thrilling evening safaris, Dubai offers endless ways to stay cool and have fun. Here’s our handpicked list of the 12 best things to do in Dubai this summer, perfect for tourists and residents alike. Let’s dive in!
Indoor Adventures to Escape the Heat
1. Ski Down Slopes at Ski Dubai
Swap the desert heat for a winter wonderland at Ski Dubai, the world’s largest indoor snow park. Ski, snowboard, or meet penguins in sub-zero temperatures. Thrill-seekers can zip down the Snow Bullet zipline.
Where: Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha
Hours: Mon-Thu 10 AM-11 PM, Fri 10 AM-12 AM, Sat-Sun 9 AM-12 AM
Cost: From AED 210 (~$57 USD)
2. Ride Rollercoasters at IMG Worlds of Adventure
Explore the largest indoor theme park in Dubai at IMG Worlds of Adventure. Battle villains in the Marvel zone, laugh in the Cartoon Network area, or brave the Haunted Hotel. It’s a family-friendly blast!
Where: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, City of Arabia
Hours: Sun-Tue 12 PM-10 PM, Wed-Sat 12 PM-11 PM
Cost: From AED 365 (~$99 USD)
3. Marvel at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Stroll through a massive 10-million-liter tank at Dubai Aquarium in Dubai Mall. Spot sharks, rays, and 65,000 marine creatures, or hop on a glass-bottom boat for a closer look.
Where: Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
Hours: Mon-Fri 10 AM-11 PM, Sat-Sun 10 AM-12 AM
Cost: From AED 199 (~$54 USD)
4. Discover The Green Planet
Step into a tropical biodome at The Green Planet in City Walk. Meet over 3,000 plants and animals, from sloths to exotic birds, in air-conditioned comfort.
Where: City Walk, Al Wasl
Hours: Daily 10 AM-6 PM
Cost: From AED 135 (~$37 USD)
5. Skate at Dubai Ice Rink
Glide across an Olympic-sized ice rink in Dubai Mall. Groove to DJ beats or join a skating session, perfect for kids and adults.
Where: Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
Hours: Daily 10 AM-10 PM
Cost: From AED 100 (~$27 USD)
6. Visit the Museum of the Future
Peek into Dubai’s vision for 2071 at the Museum of the Future. Explore interactive tech exhibits in a stunning, futuristic building.
Where: Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre
Hours: Daily 10 AM-7:30 PM
Cost: From AED 149 (~$40 USD)
7. Shop and Dine in Dubai’s Malls
Indulge in retail therapy at Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates. Savor global cuisines at Time Out Market or catch a movie at VOX Cinemas. Summer festivals add free entertainment.
Where: Dubai Mall (Downtown), Mall of the Emirates (Al Barsha)
Hours: Generally 10 AM-12 AM
Cost: Free entry, variable for activities
Evening and Outdoor Fun
8. Embark on an Evening Desert Safari
Race across dunes in a 4×4 after sunset, then enjoy a BBQ, belly dancing, and stargazing. The desert cools at night, making it perfect for summer.
Where: Various operators, hotel pickup
Hours: Typically 3 PM-9 PM
Cost: From AED 150 (~$41 USD)
9. Sail on a Dhow Cruise
Cruise along Dubai Creek or Marina on a traditional dhow. Relish a buffet dinner with city views under the evening breeze.
Where: Dubai Creek (Deira/Bur Dubai), Dubai Marina
Hours: Typically 8 PM-10:30 PM
Cost: From AED 120 (~$33 USD)
10. Chill at JBR or Kite Beach
Hit JBR Beach or Kite Beach in the early morning or evening. Try watersports, jog along the shore, or catch a sunset.
Where: JBR Beach (Dubai Marina), Kite Beach (Umm Suqeim)
Hours: Open 24/7, best before 9 AM or after 5 PM
Cost: Free
11. Admire Views from Burj Khalifa
Gaze at Dubai’s skyline from levels 124 and 125 of Burj Khalifa. Book sunrise or evening slots for cooler vibes.
Where: Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
Hours: Weekdays 9 AM-11 PM, Weekends 5 AM-12 AM
Cost: From AED 179 (~$49 USD)
12. Splash at Aquaventure Waterpark
Dive into the world’s largest waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm. Tackle record-breaking slides or float along a 2.3km lazy river.
Where: Palm Jumeirah
Hours: Daily 10 AM-6 PM
Cost: From AED 299 (~$81 USD)
Top Tips for Summer in Dubai: Stay Cool: Wear light clothes, slap on sunscreen, and drink plenty of water. Stick to indoor spots during midday. Save Big: Snag summer discounts on hotels, tickets, and shopping. Look for combo deals like Green Planet + Dubai Frame. Get Around: Ride the air-conditioned Dubai Metro, hail a taxi (around AED 110 from Deira to Palm Jumeirah), or use the Palm Monorail for Aquaventure.
Plan Your Dubai Summer Adventure
Dubai’s summer shines with endless possibilities, from snowy slopes to starlit safaris. Book your tickets early, pack light, and dive into these unforgettable experiences. Share your favorite Dubai summer hacks in the comments below!