99 Ideas for What to do in Dubai This Summer

Your ultimate guide to air-conditioned oases, aquatic adventures, and mind-blowing discounts right in the heart of the Emirates.

“Dubai in summer? Are you crazy?!” — if you’ve heard this phrase, forget it. While some tourists wait for the saving coolness of winter, the smartest travelers are packing their bags right now. Why? Because summer in Dubai is a city without crowds, with jaw-dropping discounts on luxury hotels, and a whole universe of entertainment ingeniously designed to combat the heat. Forget about mere survival—this is all about pure enjoyment. This guide will prove that summer in Dubai isn’t a compromise—it’s a privilege. We’ll show you how to turn the scorching heat into your greatest advantage.

Where to start? Find your perfect summer Dubai

Dubai is huge, and so are our ideas. To save you from wasting time on the unnecessary, here’s a quick navigator. Which kind of getaway is yours? Pick your scenario and dive straight into the most exciting section.

• Perfect for families with kids: Conquer water slides at Aquaventure, explore the indoor tropical rainforest The Green Planet, try out different professions at KidZania, and marvel at the Museum of Illusions or VR parks.
• For a romantic getaway: Enjoy a dinner at Pierchic with a view of the Persian Gulf, treat yourself to spa treatments at Talise Ottoman Spa, take a sunset yacht cruise, or relax in the panoramic pool at Aura Skypool.
• For adventure seekers: Dive into the world’s deepest swimming pool at Deep Dive Dubai, embark on an evening desert safari when the heat subsides, or race on an indoor karting track at Dubai Autodrome.
• For budget travelers: Stroll through the evening ambiance of the historic district Al Seef, admire the free fountain show at Burj Khalifa, unwind on public beaches after sunset, or cross Dubai Creek on a traditional abra boat for just 1 dirham.

Oases of cool: World-class indoor entertainment

Forget everything you thought you knew about "indoor" entertainment. In Dubai, this isn’t just a way to escape the heat—it’s a self-contained, exhilarating world of its own. Under one roof, you’ll find ski resorts, tropical forests, and portals to virtual reality, making you completely forget about the numbers on the thermometer.

Conquering snowy slopes and virtual worlds

Imagine: it’s +45°C outside, yet you slip into a warm jacket and zoom down real snow on skis or a snowboard. This is the reality at Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort where temperatures are maintained at -4°C year-round. In addition to slopes of varying difficulty, you can also meet charming penguins here. And if the real world isn’t enough for you, head to the largest virtual reality parks, such as Play DXB in Dubai Mall, where hundreds of attractions will transport you to other dimensions—from zombie battles to space exploration.

But that’s not all. Here’s a quick checklist for those who want even more thrills under air conditioning:

• Race like crazy: Floor it on the indoor karting track at Dubai Autodrome. Professional track surfaces and high-performance cars will make you feel like a Formula 1 driver.
• Challenge gravity: Head to Bounce or Sky Zone trampoline parks. These aren’t just bounce sessions—they’re full-fledged arenas for acrobatic stunts, dodgeball games, and workouts where you can experience the thrill of being a superhero.
• Conquer heights: Put yourself to the test at state-of-the-art indoor climbing centers. Here, you’ll find routes suited for both beginners and seasoned climbers alike.
• Learn to fly: Experience freefall without jumping out of a plane at iFly Dubai wind tunnel. Powerful air currents will lift you into the air within a safe, glass-walled tunnel.
• Knock down pins: Spend an evening at one of the many bowling centers. Neon lanes, electrifying music, and a competitive spirit—this is the classic recipe for a great night out.

Cultural immersion in air-conditioned comfort

Escaping the heat can also be intellectually enriching. The main attraction is the Museum of the Future, whose futuristic architecture has already become a symbol of the city. Inside, you won’t find dusty artifacts, but rather interactive exhibits dedicated to the technologies, space exploration, and environmental sustainability of tomorrow.

Here are a few more ideas for those who want to combine coolness with intellectual stimulation:

• Learn about the history of the UAE: Visit the Etihad Museum, located on the very site where the declaration unifying the emirates was signed. Interactive exhibits will take you on a journey through the country’s transformation from desert to metropolis.
• Enjoy contemporary art: Jameel Arts Centre, situated on the banks of Dubai Creek, is an oasis of tranquility and avant-garde art. In addition to exhibitions, it features a sculpture park and a library.
• Step inside a painting: Theatre of Digital Art (TODA) offers a complete immersive experience in the works of great artists. These 360-degree multimedia shows will make you feel as though you’ve become part of Van Gogh’s or Klimt’s masterpieces.
• Discover hidden art treasures: Take a stroll along Alserkal Avenue—a creative hub where former industrial warehouses have been transformed into cutting-edge galleries, design studios, and conceptual cafés.
• Attend an opera performance in a ship-shaped venue: The luxurious Dubai Opera, designed in the form of a traditional dhow boat, presents a summer repertoire ranging from classical concerts to Broadway musicals.
• Read with a view of the bay: The futuristic Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, built in the shape of a Quran stand, impresses not only with its architecture but also with its vast collection of books and panoramic views.

Shopping therapy and the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) Festival

Dubai’s malls, such as The Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates, have long ceased to be mere shopping destinations. In essence, they’ve become self-contained entertainment cities under one roof, featuring giant aquariums, cinemas, ice-skating rinks, and hundreds of restaurants. During the summer, these malls transform into the epicenter of the city’s premier shopping festival—Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS)—when stores offer spectacular discounts, and the entire city buzzes with entertainment events and draws for valuable prizes.

What else can you do in shopping malls besides shopping:

• Meet the sharks: Visit the colossal Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at The Dubai Mall. Walk through the underwater tunnel and observe thousands of marine creatures, including stingrays and sand tiger sharks.
• Step into the jungle: Explore The Green Planet—a covered tropical rainforest with its own microclimate, where exotic birds fly freely and sloths leisurely crawl along the branches.
• Watch movies like a sheikh: Treat yourself to a visit to Reel Cinemas Platinum. You’ll find sofa beds, personalized service, pillows, blankets, and a chef’s menu delivered right to your seat.
• Let the Kids Get to Work: At the city of professions KidZania, young visitors can step into the shoes of a firefighter, doctor, pilot, or chef, earning and spending local currency.

Water-based adventures: From water parks to rooftop pools

Summer is the perfect time to explore Dubai’s aquatic treasures. Here’s how you can cool off and get an adrenaline rush and a burst of excitement.

A day at the Water Park: Adrenaline and family fun

Dubai’s water parks aren’t just about kiddie slides—they’re full-blown adrenaline machines. Pick your thrill: Want to scream your way through a transparent tube right past an aquarium filled with real sharks? Head to the colossal Aquaventure on the Palm. Dreaming of feeling like Sinbad the Sailor as you ride water slides overlooking the legendary sail-shaped hotel? Then cozy, atmospheric Wild Wadi is your choice. Both parks offer plenty of lazy rivers, wave pools, and vast play areas for the littlest ones.

More ideas for aquatic adventures:

• Relax at a stylish water park: Laguna Waterpark in the trendy La Mer district offers a more laid-back atmosphere, a surf simulator, and direct access to the beach.
• Swim with dolphins: At Dolphin Bay, you can do more than just watch these intelligent marine mammals—you can hug them, swim alongside them, and even ride on their dorsal fins.
• Dive into the abyss: Deep Dive Dubai is the world’s deepest diving pool, recognized in the Guinness World Records. At its bottom lies an entire submerged city waiting to be explored with scuba gear.
• Explore a lost world: The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis Hotel invites you to dive among the ruins of the sunken city of Atlantis, surrounded by 65,000 marine creatures.

Luxurious waterfront getaways: infinity pools and beach clubs

If you think a swimming pool is just a rectangular pool of water, Dubai will make you rethink that notion. Here, pools are observation decks, works of art, and social hubs, suspended high above the cityscape. Be sure to visit Aura Skypool—the world’s highest panoramic infinity pool, offering a 360-degree view of Palm Jumeirah and the city skyline. Equally impressive is the pool at Address Sky View, boasting postcard-perfect views of the Burj Khalifa. In summer, many beach clubs, such as Nikki Beach or Cove Beach, offer attractive deals for daytime visits, allowing you to soak up an atmosphere of luxury, enjoy DJ sets, and experience first-class service.

Here are a few more spots for the perfect day by the pool:

• Feel the Riviera vibe: Spend the day at the elegant beach club Twiggy by La Cantine, with its azure lagoon-style pool and impeccable style.
• Capture the best view of Burj Khalifa: Relax by the rooftop pool at the boutique hotel La Ville Hotel & Suites. From here, you’ll find one of the most Instagrammable views of the city’s iconic skyscraper.
• Combine relaxation with spa treatments: Visit one of the many hotel spas. Often, the price of a massage or treatment includes unlimited access to the pool and thermal area.

When the heat subsides: The magic of evening Dubai

As soon as the sun dips into the bay, Dubai seems to catch its second wind. The sweltering heat gives way to a warm, velvety evening, and the city bursts into life with millions of lights, transforming itself into a giant jewel box. This is the best time for adventures.

Fountain, Light, and Fire Show

Every evening at the foot of Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Fountain comes alive—a spectacular show of dancing fountains whose jets soar up to 150 meters high. This spectacle is completely free. For an even more technologically advanced experience, head to Dubai Festival City, where the IMAGINE laser-and-fire show takes place, featuring projections onto water screens. The best vantage points for viewing the fountains are the bridge near Souk Al Bahar market or the terraces of numerous restaurants with panoramic views.

More ideas for evening entertainment:

• Witness a drone dance: Enjoy the drone show in the JBR/Bluewaters area, where hundreds of glowing drones create three-dimensional shapes in the night sky (be sure to check seasonality and schedule).
• Stroll through an enchanted garden: Dubai Garden Glow (if open during summer—check the schedule) transforms into a magical world of millions of LED lights forming giant installations in the evening.
• Gaze at a giant screen: Several times each evening, the façade of Burj Khalifa becomes the world’s tallest screen, projecting breathtaking light shows.

Dinners and strolls under the stars

Evening Dubai is the perfect time for leisurely dinners with stunning views. The city boasts dozens of rooftop restaurants and bars to suit every taste and budget, offering panoramic views of glittering skyscrapers, the bay, or the desert.

More ideas for an unforgettable evening:

• Dine in the desert: Embark on an evening safari. As the heat subsides, you can enjoy a ride across the dunes, followed by a dinner at a Bedouin camp under a canopy of stars, accompanied by a traditional entertainment program.
• Take a dinner cruise: Sail aboard a traditional wooden dhow boat. Choose your route: the historic Dubai Creek with its historic buildings, or the modern Dubai Marina canal surrounded by glowing skyscrapers.
• Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the past: Stroll through the evening district of Al Seef, where contemporary architecture elegantly intertwines with recreated historic streets and markets along the waterfront.
• Hunt for souvenirs: Visit the night markets if they’re held during the summer season. It’s a great opportunity to buy unique items and experience the local flavor without the daytime heat.

Your summer voyage to Dubai: A practical guide

Now that you're inspired, it's time to start planning. This section contains all the practical tips you need for a comfortable summer trip.

How to cope with the heat: key survival rules

• Plan your day: Mornings (before 11:00 AM) and evenings (after 5:00 PM) are the best times for walks, beach visits, and outdoor activities. Dedicate daytime hours to entertainment in air-conditioned spaces.
• Drink water: Carry a water bottle with you and drink regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Dress appropriately: Choose light, loose-fitting clothing made from natural, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen). Don't forget a hat and sunglasses.

Transportation: getting around the city in comfort

All public transport in Dubai, including the metro, buses, tram, and even indoor bus stops, is fully air-conditioned. This is the most budget-friendly and comfortable way to travel long distances. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Careem, Uber) are also ubiquitous and always equipped with air conditioning. Renting a car is convenient if you plan to travel extensively between different emirates, but be prepared for heavy traffic.

Budget and summer discounts

Summer is the most advantageous season for traveling to Dubai. Airfare and hotel accommodations, including five-star hotels, can be 30–50% lower than during the peak winter season. Many attractions and restaurants also offer special summer promotions. Please note that all prices are approximate and subject to change; always verify current rates before your visit.

Dress code and cultural etiquette

Dubai is a modern and tolerant metropolis, but it’s important to respect local traditions. In public spaces such as shopping malls, museums, or the old town, it’s advisable to wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Within hotel premises, beach clubs, and water parks, the dress code is more relaxed and allows swimwear and beach attire.

So is it worth visiting Dubai in summer? A clear answer

So, is it worth visiting Dubai in summer? The answer is a clear and resounding "YES!" Forget about compromises. Summer in Dubai is a deliberate choice for those seeking maximum experiences at a fraction of the cost. Consider this: luxury hotels are more affordable than ever, major attractions are free from exhausting queues, and an entire world-class entertainment industry is working hard to keep you cool and entertained. So while everyone else waits for winter, go ahead and claim the city for yourself—without the crowds and without the overpriced deals. In summer, Dubai belongs not to everyone, but only to the most savvy travelers.