Dubai’s scorching summer sun might seem daunting, but this vibrant city offers a surprising array of activities to keep you cool and entertained. Whether you crave heart-pounding thrills, cultural immersion, or family-friendly fun, Dubai has something for every taste. Here is the WAWW guide to how to enjoy Dubai in Summer.
The Lost Chambers Aquarium
Dive into an underwater wonderland at The Lost Chambers Aquarium, located within the luxurious Atlantis, The Palm Resort. This captivating aquarium boasts over 65,000 marine animals, promising an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Wander through labyrinthine tunnels, feeling like you’ve stepped into the lost city of Atlantis itself. Encounter a dazzling array of marine life, from vibrant fish darting through coral reefs to majestic rays gliding effortlessly.
The aquarium boasts a themed atmosphere, with ancient ruins and passages evocative of Atlantis, to the detailed carvings and sculptures of mythical creatures of Atlantean life. Get up close to the incredible creatures with interactive experiences! Witness fascinating feeding shows, touch gentle sea creatures in the touch tanks, or even embark on an exciting behind-the-scenes tour or diving experience (availability may vary).
PRICE: Adults 12 years and above: AED 135 (online) & AED 160 (offline); Children between 4 and 11 years old: AED 95 (online) & AED 110 (offline) Free entry for children under 3 years or below 1.2 metres in height.
Indoor Trampoline Parks
BOUNCE is a massive indoor trampoline park featuring a free-jumping arena, dodgeball courts, slam dunk hoops, a giant airbag, a climbing wall and a unique area dedicated to children. They also offer fitness classes and host birthday parties. Jump Boxx, a favourite among people, has an open-jump arena, dodgeball courts, slam dunk hoops, a foam pit and more. It’s a perfect place for fun and a great workout for all ages. Trampo Extreme has locations in Dubai Mall, Nakheel Mall, and Al Ain Mall. It has a variety of jumping areas, a climbing wall, a soft play area for toddlers (only in Nakheel Mall) , and the UAE’s largest indoor cave (Nakheel Mall only). For more thrillseeking activities, Gravity inside the Mall of the Emirates offers several obstacle courses and exciting challenges.
PRICE:
BOUNCE: One-hour pass – Adults (over 110cm) between AED 80 TO AED 90. Children (under 110cm) AED 80. All day pass- Adults (over 110cm) between AED 180 TO AED 220. Children (under 110cm) Between AED 180 to AED 185. Grip socks are mandatory and cost AED 5.
Trampo Extreme: AED 80 for JUMP & CLIMB PASS, for one hour for anyone above 3 years old and above 110 cm in height.
Gravity: 1-hour pass for 1 person – AED 39; 1-hour pass for 4 people – AED 145
LEGOLAND® Dubai
Centred around the iconic Lego bricks, LEGOLAND® Dubai is a great theme park destination for families with children aged 2-12 in Dubai Parks and Resorts. Imagine your little ones getting their very own LEGO® driver’s licence, building their dream creations, or exploring jungles and the Nile River by boat. For a touch of excitement, the Lost Kingdom Adventure promises thrilling twists and turns! Magnificent castles and a fascinating factory tour unveil the secrets behind everyone’s favourite building blocks.
Little daredevils will love heart-stopping rides like the Dragon Coaster. Plus, there are opportunities to meet beloved LEGO® characters, take part in creative building workshops, and stock up on souvenirs at the dedicated LEGO® retail store.
PRICE: 1 day pass AED 295 (online) & AED 330 (offline)
Madame Tussauds Dubai
The only Madame Tussauds on Bluewaters Island in Dubai. This museum comprises 60 life-like wax figures ranging from musicians, actors, athletes, and world leaders. Some interesting zones to explore are the A-list zone, Bollywood and Tollywood zone, music zone, film zone, leaders zone, and sports zone. In addition to these zones, you can also experience the tea spot with a virtual queen Elizabeth, learn some Bollywood dance moves with an instructor and take pictures with celebrities in special themed settings.
ONLINE PRICE:
Standard ticket – AED 130
Exclusive Fame Experience – AED 275
UAE Resident Offer – AED 115
Family Ticket – AED 440
Night Swim Parties at Terra Solis by Tomorrowland
Terra Solis by Tomorrowland lets you experience the magic of the Arabian dunes under a blanket of stars. This one-of-a-kind desert oasis offers the perfect escape from Dubai’s summer heat.Take a dip in their stunning pool, with mesmerising views of the desert landscape stretching out before you. Every Saturday, Night Swim Saturdays transform the pool into a vibrant scene – the perfect place to cool off and soak up the atmosphere. Terra Solis offers luxurious accommodations, so you can extend your desert escape and make a night of it. Indulge in
PRICE: AED 950 for two people Polaris tent; ranging up to AED3,700 for pool-side Orion Cabin.
Dubai Summer Surprises Festival
For shopping enthusiasts, the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival is a dream come true. It is an annual festival that lasts 65 days, usually from late June to early September. You can expect massive discounts offered by various retail outlets, live performances, character meet-and-greets and celebrations at Modesh World (the official mascot of DSSF), restaurants with special menus, raffles and prizes. Dubai Mall, considered the heart of DSSF, features a variety of participating stores and brands, and hosts special events. Dubai Festival City is another lovely option, known as a hub for DSSF. It features not only diverse offerings by stores but also fun, family-friendly entertainment options like an indoor theme park and a giant water slide.
PRICE: Free to enter
Mini Golf
Enjoy a fun and challenging round of mini golf at Dubai’s themed courses. Tee & Putt is located in Wafi Mall, featuring a unique glow-in-the-dark mini golf course, with an 18-hole space-themed course with luminous lights and interactive obstacles. It is great for families, kids, and friends of all ages. 3D Blacklight Mini Golf is an eccentric glow-in-the-dark experience in the Jumeirah Beach Residence district. This 18-hole course has beautiful hand-painted walls, floors, and ceilings centred around the ocean, outer space, and the desert. The most popular game involves wearing 3D glasses and glow-in-the-dark putters and balls. A game lasts about 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the number of players and their skill level.
PRICE: 1 person – AED 39 for the 18-hole game; 4 people – AED 144
Art Galleries
Dubai features a variety of art exhibitions, showcasing contemporary and traditional art, by various artists. Highlights include:
Alserkal Avenue: This complex has been transformed into art galleries, cafés, boutiques, and more creative spaces. Some impressive galleries include Green Art Gallery, Lawrie Shabibi, and Grey Noise. https://alserkal.online/
Opera Gallery: An international art gallery, founded in Paris, specialises in modern and contemporary art. It offers art exhibitions, art advisory, private sales, and museum exhibitions. The gallery showcases artworks by artists like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and even younger talents. https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/opera-gallery
XVA Gallery: Specialises in Arabian contemporary art from Iran and the Subcontinent. They host art exhibitions, with details about the artists and their artworks. They also offer art consultancy services relating to assistance with art acquisition, collection management, and organising exhibitions. https://www.xvagallery.com/
PRICE: Free to enter , while the galleries in Alserkal Avenue may have separate admission fees.
Dubai Museum and Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Dubai Museum exhibits a rich tapestry of culture and history of the UAE, located in the Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in Dubai, built-in 1787. The museum was opened by the Ruler of Dubai, striving to showcase the traditional lifestyle of the Emirate of Dubai. The museum comprises local antiques and artefacts traded from Africa and Asia, visual representations of life before the emergence of oil, that include traditional Arab houses, Mosques, Souqs, Date farms, Desert and Marine life. For art connoisseurs, The Louvre is designed by French architect Jean Nouvel and is the largest art museum in the Arabian peninsula on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. It represents a cultural agreement between the UAE and France; inclusive of art from ancient civilizations and the contemporary period. The highlights of the Louvre are the Permanent Collection, The Temporary Exhibitions, The Children’s Museum and The Dome.
PRICE:
Louvre Abu Dhabi – Adults: AED 63; Children (13-18 years): AED 30
Dubai Museum – Adults: AED 3; Children (below 6 years old): Free
Afternoon Tea for hydration
Several venues in Dubai offer flavoursome afternoon tea for hydration and relaxation during summer in Dubai. Here are a few places:
- La Farine Café & Bakery at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel: La Farine Café offers a pleasant afternoon tea experience; you can choose from Moroccan Night, Earl Grey Flora, Currant Dream, Rosa, or Jasmine Pearl. In addition, enjoy some baked scones, an assortment of delicious cookies, classic finger sandwiches and savoury treats. AED 185 per person https://www.morecravings.com/en/menus/1052
- The Lana in Business Bay: The Lana’s afternoon tea is served in their luxurious and elegant lobby lounge, Gallery. With beautiful interiors, and large windows overlooking the Dubai Canal. They offer a variety of teas and a collection of finely made finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and sweet treats. AED 600-700 https://www.dorchestercollection.com/dubai/the-lana
- Al Fayrooz Lounge at Jumeirah Al Qasr: Indulge in afternoon tea with savoury bites, pastries, and freshly baked scones with the backdrop of the magnificent Arabian Gulf and the iconic Burj Al Arab. AED 185 per person https://press.fourseasons.com/dubai/hotel-news/2024/herbalists-apothecary-afternoon-tea-at-shai-salon/
- Raffles Salon at Raffles The Palm Dubai: Raffles Salon offers a “travellers afternoon tea” experience. It is a delightful curation of scones, finger sandwiches, pastries, and varieties of tea: Herbal tea, Black Tea, Green tea and Iced tea. AED 185 per person (travellers’ afternoon tea) https://www.menumodo.com/app.php/viewer/outlet/6123?lang=en&tags=h
- Shai Salon & Terrace at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach: Their signature collection is The Herbalist’s Apothecary Afternoon Tea, influenced by herbalism and traditional apothecaries, where each dish is infused with a variety of herbs. They serve sandwiches, scones, and pastries with a selection of teas. AED 240 per person or AED 420 for two. (Herbalists Apothecaries) https://jumeirah-al-qasr.jumeirahgifts.com/vouchers/a85a4f53-5225-96a4-404f-0fcb8723d8fc/afternoon-tea-for-two
Water Parks and Pool Bars
Dubai’s water parks and pool bars are perfect for beating the summer heat. Visit Wild Wadi Water Park for thrilling rides like the Jumeirah Sceirah, Tantrum Alley, Burj Surj, Master blasters, Juha’s Dhow & Lagoon, high waves of flood river, a long, lazy river, and many more. Aquaventure is another exciting waterpark featuring one-of-a-kind rides like Medusa’s Lair, Posideon’s Revenge and the Leap of Faith – the tallest slide in the Middle East. For a laid–back option, chill out at Nikki Beach, a luxurious beachfront resort that offers guests a variety of experiences. Bask the sun on the beach and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Arabian Gulf while savouring delicious food and drinks. Wet Deck is an adults-only pool at W Dubai, The Palm. It is renowned for its vibrant ambience, gorgeous views of the Palm, and chic clientele. The pool kitchen & bar offer an international menu with refreshing cocktails and happy hour from 3 PM to 5 PM. This venue also features DJs and live music, enhancing summer fun with an energetic and lively atmosphere.
PRICE:
Wild Wadi- Day pass: AED 215.
Aquaventure- General pass for adults: AED 345; Children: AED 295; Children under 1.2 metres tall enter for free.
https://www.aquaventureworld.com/aquaventure-waterpark/discover-attractions
Nikki Beach: Free to enter; average meal costs approx. AED 200 per person.
Wet Deck: Free to enter; food and drinks approx. AED 185 and AED 455.
Pilates and Yoga at Posture
Posture is a pilates studio offering reformer, mat pilates, and more mind – body practices. They have a studio in Palm Jumeirah and offer reformer pilates, mat pilates, yoga, and barre. Their second location is in Downtown Dubai, and has a coffee and a shake bar, along with state-of-the-art workout rooms. This wellness centre offers classes for all levels, ensuring a rejuvenating experience for the body and mind. They also have personalised packages, memberships, and introductory lessons for new clients.
PRICE: Drop-in classes at AED 120; Membership starting from AED 1,300 per month
Spa Retreats with Luxurious Hammams
Unwind amidst 26 hectares of lush gardens at the secluded One&Only Spa sanctuary. This hidden oasis promises to “unwind, restore and elevate – their core principles. Indulge in a variety of personalised treatments, from massages and scrubs to rejuvenating facials, all designed to leave you feeling refreshed. Make the most of the complimentary steam rooms, saunas, and plunge pools before and after your treatment, all housed within 12 exquisite suites inspired by traditional Arabesque architecture. On top of that, try out the Royal Turkish hammam, with classic treatments at Talise Ottoman Spa in Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel. It’s known as the best spa in Dubai,praised for its beautiful décor, excellent service and a selection of treatments including massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps. Other facilities include 42 treatment rooms, steam rooms, saunas, snow rooms and two thalassotherapy pools.
PRICE: Turkish Hammam AED 675
https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/royal-mirage/experiences/spa
https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/jumeirah-zabeel-saray/wellbeing/signature-talise-ottoman-spa
Helicopter Tour
Go on an aerial adventure to experience Dubai from a bird’s-eye view with Dubai’s leading helicopter tour operator, HeliDubai. This thrilling adventure takes you on a helicopter tour of the city’s iconic landmarks, providing stunning aerial views and unforgettable memories. They offer a variety of tours, including The Iconic Tour, The Palm Tour, The Vision Tour, The Grand Tour, and The Odyssey Tour, which range from 12 minutes to 40 minutes. Additionally, charter a helicopter to see the city from a new angle and explore remote locations. Other services include Corporate and VIP transfers and aerial Filming and photography.
PRICE: AED 646 for a 12-minute tour; AED 8,925 for a 40-minute tour
Bedouin Oasis
Bedouin Oasis is Located in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, about an hour’s drive from Dubai. It offers a glimpse into the Bedouin culture, where you get to experience their traditions and hospitality. Get ready for activities from camel rides and sand boarding, to henna painting, belly dancing performances, and a delicious BBQ buffet dinner under the starry skies. Stay in comfortable tents or luxurious chalets with a swimming pool and hot tub.
PRICE:
Premium Tent at AED 800 per night;
Bedouin Family Tent at AED 750;
Nature View Tent at AED 700 per night;
Bedouin Couple Tent at AED 500 per night.
KAVE - The Story of Things
KAVE is a unique space that combines an upcycled cafe, a fair-trade shop, and event venue. They’re committed to minimising waste and creating a greener, more sustainable environment by giving discarded items a new lease of life – upcycling them until there’s nothing left to upcycle. They believe in strong families, thriving communities, and protecting the environment. This ethos is reflected in their upcycled café, where recycled materials are incorporated into the décor, cutlery, and crockery. They nourish your body with delicious, organic food. Plus, you can explore their collection of fair-trade products and take part in workshops like art, storytelling, and even open mic nights!
PRICE: Dishes ranging from AED 20-50
Fashion Avenue at the Dubai Mall
Fashion Avenue in The Dubai Mall is a must-visit for fashion lovers. This luxury wing houses flagship stores of over 200 high-end brands, like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and many more. Fashion Avenue hosts exclusive events, previews of new collections, and personalised shopping experiences.
PRICE: Free to enter.
Dubai Design District (d3)
Dubai Design District is the city’s creative hub close to Mohammed bin Rashid City and Dubai’s Business Bay. Dubai Design District is where you can explore cutting-edge fashion from emerging designers. During the summer, d3 organises events like pop-up shops, fashion showcases, and design workshops. It’s a great place to discover unique and innovative fashion pieces while supporting local talent.
PRICE: Free to enter.
