Summer 2023: 24 of the best things to do in Dubai

There is no doubt that the summers in Dubai can be hot. Like really hot! But that doesn’t mean summertime here is dull.

Whether you’re a resident of Dubai or just planning a holiday soon, summer is a great opportunity to explore Dubai. For one, venues are less crowded than during the rest of the year, and there are lots of fun places in and around Dubai! 

With summer soon on the way, we asked everyone in the office what their favourite things to do in Dubai during summer are. 

Top 24 things to do in Dubai this summer

1. Deep Dive Dubai

“With a depth of 60 meters or close to 200 feet, this is the world’s deepest pool verified by the Guinness World Records. Explore an abandoned sunken city, complete with streets, homes, and bicycles! If diving is not your thing, you can try their surface snorkelling experience.”

2. Dubai Frame, Zabeel Park

“You should take your family or friends to Dubai Frame if you haven’t done so already. The world’s largest frame is a spectacle you have to see to believe. As well as offering stunning views, it also offers an immersive time-travel experience that takes you through the UAE’s past, present, and future.”

3. Dubai Dolphinarium, Creek Park

“Get up close and personal with the dolphins at Dubai Dolphinarium. This fully air-conditioned indoor venue houses seals and dolphins and you can watch and interact with these majestic sea creatures during the show.”

4. The Green Planet, City Walk

“With over 3000 exotic flora and fauna, The Green Planet is one of the most popular animal attractions in the UAE. Once you step inside, you enter a green oasis that recreates a tropical rainforest which is a treat for nature lovers like me!”

5. Museum of the Future, Sheikh Zayed Road

“With its floating form, windows in Arabic calligraphy, and space-age finish, it’s nearly impossible to miss this new Dubai landmark located on SZR. There are plenty of things to see inside with seven floors dedicated to different exhibitions.”

6.The Farm Restaurant, Al Barari

“One of the nicest hidden places in Dubai is The Farm Restaurant in Al Barari. During the summer months, the outdoor glass tent is an ideal place to escape the heat and enjoy fresh food, surrounded by a pond and lush greenery.” – Ben Bargh, CRC Managing Director

7. The Coffee Museum, Bur Dubai

“It is located in the Al Fahidi district, also known as Bastakia, where you can visit the Dubai Museum and the Al Fahidi Fort, which is the oldest structure in Dubai. You can stop by the coffee museum if you’re in the area and enjoy a cup of coffee while learning about the history of coffee in the region.”

8. Brothaus Bakery, Business Bay

“It’s a great place with a cool vibe and excellent German food. You can have coffee, food, or drinks. They also offer German baking classes. So it’s a pleasant place to spend time indoors during the summer.” – Zubin Firozi, Octopus CEO 

9. Stomping Grounds, Jumeirah

“On Friday afternoons, I usually escape with my girls to Stomping Grounds, a quaint coffee joint in Jumeirah 1. They have a wide range of coffee selections with a divine menu away from the drone of modern life.”

10. Kite N’ Surf, Jumeirah Beach

“I go kayaking at Kite N’ Surf in Jumeirah Beach in the summer. Weekend mornings during summer are ideal. It’s easy to hire the kayak if you have a Classpass membership or you can just pay AED 60 on the spot if you don’t. Kayaking helps you get your cardio done for the day while restoring balance. Plus, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the city and Burj Al Arab.” – Aliya Siraeva, Marketing Executive

11. Aquaventure Waterpark, Atlantis The Palm

“Enjoy a hot summer day submerged in water at the fun-packed Aquaventure Waterpark. With over 30 attractions to choose from, there is something for all members of the family to enjoy. There is a 2.3km lazy river for the less adventurous and leaps of faith for the thrill seeker. There are also plenty of swimming pools to relax in while the kids check out the attractions. Food can be quite pricey so it’s worth bringing along a cooler bag with a packed lunch.”

12. Wasit Wetland Centre, Sharjah

“The place I recommend is not in Dubai, it’s actually in Sharjah called Wasit Wetland in the Al Wasit area. It’s a scenic place with a big lake surrounded by green vegetation, and a lot of birds and animals. And it is very cheap. With some AED 20, you can roam the entire park in a buggy” – Praveen Nair, Property Management Team Leader

13. Emirates National Auto Museum, Abu Dhabi

It is located near Liwa Oasis, south of Abu Dhabi, with one of the largest collections of trucks and cars in the world. BBC’s Top Gear also featured it. It’s a great place to visit if you have kids and if you’re an automotive enthusiast.”

14. Hatta Dam, Hatta

“There is no hidden gem in Dubai that is as beautiful as Hatta Dam in my opinion, and I would be hard-pressed to find one. It is a natural water dam, located in Hatta, and it is a perfect place to relax and enjoy kayaking while enjoying the lovely scenery!”

15. Extreme Fun, Motor City

“Located in Motor City, the indoor soft play area is ideal for toddlers. An excellent place to spend time with your kids if you are trying to escape the heat.”

16. Air Maniax, Al Quoz

“Air Maniax is one of the most popular adventure parks in Dubai, located in Al Quoz. This indoor recreation hub has a huge inflatable soft playground and a cafe, where parents can relax and chill out while still keeping an eye on the kids.” – Robert Villalobos, Branch Director, Dubai Marina

17. The Lime Tree Café, Sheikh Zayed Road

“My first tip is to keep toddlers (and dads!) entertained around Jumeirah. Firstly, the LimeTree Cafe of SZR. It is roomy so you won’t feel trapped inside. The breakfasts are great and there is a little playroom for younger kids. I can happily spend an hour reading the paper over breakfast while my daughter entertains herself.”

19. Mercato Mall, Jumeirah

“My second tip is the giant slide at Mercato Mall. It is great fun for kids and dads. It tires out the most active kids going up and down it and most importantly it is free!” – Richard Waind, Group Managing Director

19. iFly, City Centre Mirdif

“For those who want to find out what it’s like to fly, iFly in City Centre Mirdif is the place to go. This indoor skydiving experience lets you experience the thrill of flying through a vertical wind tunnel.”

20. Shark Diving, Dubai Mall

“In Dubai Mall? Ditch your streetwear for a wetsuit and get up close and personal with some of the ocean’s most fascinating predators at Dubai Aquarium. This is perfect for adrenaline junkies and diving enthusiasts; not for the faint of heart.”

21. Sega Republic, Dubai Mall

If you find yourself strolling around Dubai Mall, make sure to stop by Sega Republic, one of the largest indoor theme parks in the Middle East. Sega Republic offers exhilarating rides, interactive activities, and virtual arcade games for all ages.”

22. Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates

“Who says you can’t enjoy snow in Dubai during the scorching summer months? There are dozens of ways for you and your family to enjoy this 3,300-square-meter winter wonderland. You can take skiing lessons at the ski slope or say hello to the cute penguins at the snow park for example.”

23. Dubai Museum, Al Fahidi

A visit to Dubai Museum will take you back in time. This museum, located in Al Fahidi Fort, was built in 1787 and is the oldest building in Dubai and has even served as a prison in the past. There are many exhibits that illustrate life in Dubai before the discovery of oil.”

24. Water taxis, Deira Old Souq

“Water Taxis, or abras, are traditional wooden boats found mostly on Dubai Creek. It’s a great way to see Old Dubai and the beautiful creek. They are air-conditioned and beautiful to look at. Perhaps, the best part is that you can call the toll-free number, 8009090, and an operator will pick you up at the nearest station.”

Whatever your plans for summer 2023, we hope you have an amazing time exploring Dubai!