Things to Do in Dubai During Summer: Top Attractions and Experiences

Summer in Dubai brings extreme heat with daytime temperatures consistently exceeding 104°F. Not only does it bring extreme heat, it also experiences intense humidity that peaks in July and August.

With temperatures taken into consideration, you should organise your itinerary to guarantee your activities will offer enjoyment instead of stress.

With careful planning, you can experience a wide range of things to do in Dubai during summer, keeping you cool and safe. We've compiled a list of 12 things to do in Dubai you can consider when planning your next getaway!

Things to Do in Dubai: Indoor Attractions to Beat the Heat

1. Dubai Mall & Dubai Aquarium

When the summer heat hits its peak, the Dubai Mall is the ultimate air-conditioned escape. It's not only a shopping destination, it has an entire entertainment district all under one roof.

You can lose hours visiting luxury stores with high-street fashion, eating in a hundred different restaurants or cafés, or catching a flick at its massive cinema complex.

If you want to take a break from shopping, you can visit the Olympic-sized ice rink or the Dubai Aquarium & UnderWater Zoo. Here, you can come face-to-face with sharks, stingrays, and thousands of aquatic animals through one of the world's largest suspended tanks.

2. IMG Worlds of Adventure

IMG Worlds of Adventure offers a world of excitement with climate-controlled environments that prevent sunburn.

IMG Worlds of Adventure holds the title of the biggest indoor theme park worldwide. It's filled with high-speed rides and 3D attractions across Marvel superhero and Cartoon Network-themed zones.

The theme park operates under climate control, letting you enjoy roller coasters, haunted hotels, and dine at themed restaurants without exposing yourself to heat.

This location promises thrilling fun on a massive scale, helping you stay cool whether you bring children along or you're just a grown-up who loves fun!

3. The Green Planet

The Green Planet bio-dome features more than 3,000 types of plants, animals, and birds that create a functioning ecosystem.

It offers exciting encounters where sloths, toucans, tree-dwelling reptiles, and butterflies share the space with birds that fly directly beside you.

During your visit, you can explore the canopy and bat cave, providing you with excellent learning opportunities. This unique experience provides both educational value and a refreshing atmosphere.

It's perfect for families, nature lovers, and adventurers looking for a distinctive escape from the heat!

4. Museum of the Future

The Museum of the Future is a mind-bending escape from the heat. This futuristic museum contains interactive exhibits that place you into the future.

Every aspect of what you experience screams future, be it space exploration, innovation in artificial intelligence, sustainable living, or future medicine.

It has everything a tech-lover has ever dreamt of! It is an exciting, cool (literally and figuratively) experience that will give you the chance to explore a possible future without breaking out into a sweat.

Things to Do in Dubai: Summer-Exclusive Luxury Experiences

5. Chillout Ice Lounge

If you're looking for something really cool, the Chillout Ice Lounge offers a unique experience of eating at sub-zero temperatures. The Ice Lounge is in downtown Dubai, and is the only ice lounge of its type in the world with temperatures below zero.

The Ice lounge is made of a total of ice, from the seating to the walls. When visiting, you will be given thermal wear as you taste hot drinks or have delectable snacks while being surrounded by beautiful ice sculptures.

It Is a fun way to experience a cooler part of Dubai, taking a comfortable break from the summer heat.

6. Spa Days at Luxury Resorts

To experience ultimate relaxation and escape from Dubai's summer heat, you should go for a spa day at a luxury hotel or resort.

Guests at the Burj Al Arab, Atlantis The Palm, and the Armani Hotel can enjoy spa experiences that combine relaxation and pampering with luxury and indulgence at the highest level.

A signature massage, refreshing facial, or reviving body treatment will pamper you from head to toe in an air-conditioned cocoon. A trip to the spa is a great way to refresh and recharge away from the heat, enjoying the finest Dubai has to offer.

7. Private Yacht Tours (Evening or Sunset)

If you are looking for a luxurious getaway, nothing beats a private yacht tour along the beautiful coast of Dubai. These are either private yacht evening tours or sunset yacht tours.

The evening yacht tours are a great option for taking in the sea breeze while watching the sunset. You will enjoy stunning views of the city skyline, including the Burj Khalifa and the Palm Jumeirah.

You can cool off from the summer heat, enjoy chilled drinks, and even take a dip in the bay.

Whether you have a special occasion to celebrate or just want a fun new outing, a private yacht tour in the city is a fun way to enjoy recreational beauty.

Things to Do in Dubai: Family-Friendly Escapes

8. Aquaventure Waterpark – Early Access or Evening Passes

Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm is one of the best places in Dubai for families looking for fun and adventure. If you're going during the summer months, you should consider getting early access or evening passes.

Early Access

When visiting Atlantis The Palm, you can get access to the waterpark before everyone else, usually at 9:15 AM. You can skip the line and enjoy popular rides with shorter wait times.

You can try your luck with rides such as the Odyssey of Terror and The Leap of Faith without worrying about the massive crowds during the middle of the day.

Evening Passes

If you want to enjoy the park after the sun has set, Aquaventure After Dark has extended hours on select dates and stays open until midnight!

During these eventful times, the park offers over 20 rides and slides, music zones, and as many activities as you can fit in (including competitive challenges with prizes!).

There are food stations available throughout the park, giving you plenty of options to refuel yourself while you are having all your evening fun!

9. Ski Dubai – Snow in the Desert

Snow Park Adventures

Ski Dubai Snow Park includes 4,500 square meters of activities that everyone in your family can enjoy.

You can go zorbing down snowy hills, slide down the snow tubes, speed down the Mountain Thriller bobsled ride, or take a chairlift to see the whole snowy scene from above.

If you're looking for a little break, you can stop by Avalanche Café for a hot chocolate and snacks amongst the cosy alpine surroundings.

Penguin Encounters

You can visit Ski Dubai's Penguin Encounter to see live Gentoo and King penguins. This location has multiple daily showings of March of the Penguins, allowing you to observe these magnificent birds performing their natural behaviors.

The Peng-Friend Encounter offers a hands-on experience where you can play with penguins and enjoy underwater viewing at a depth of 2.5 feet.

Things to Do in Dubai: Dining Experiences with a View

10. Atmosphere at Burj Khalifa

Experience Dubai's highest restaurant Atmosphere on Burj Khalifa's 122nd floor with spectacular views that will take your dining experience to a new level!

This exclusive restaurant will give you unparalleled views of the city's skyline and desert landscapes while you look out over the Arabian Gulf.

The menu features gourmet dishes from various international cuisines with tender seafood, flavourful meats, and decadent desserts. The restaurant is an ideal location for special events that presents you with a remarkable view of Dubai's beautiful skyline.

11. Dinner in the Sky

Dinner in the Sky offers a dining experience in Dubai through its high-quality food and once-in-a-lifetime views. The table setup places guests 50 meters above ground level with views of Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Marina.

Dinner in the Sky was featured on Forbes' published list of the world's 10 weirdest restaurants because of its unique setting.

Dinner in the Sky dinner experiences are available each day, with seating from 2:00 PM to 11:30 PM. The entire experience lasts about 90 minutes, including 15 minutes to board and unboard and 60 minutes to dine while suspended.

However, the evening sessions are more exhilarating because the views of the city lights fill the skyline, making it the perfect time to have a romantic dinner.

12. Pierchic or Ce La Vi

Pierchic is known as the seafood lover's paradise at Al Qasr's pier end within Madinat Jumeirah. The Arabian Gulf waters encircle the restaurant, offering excellent views of both the sea and the Dubai skyline.

This restaurant offers elegant intimacy through its beautiful décor and exceptional food for romantic evenings and special events.

Ce La Vi sits atop the Address Sky View Hotel, providing views of the city, including the Burj Khalifa and Dubai's full skyline. This popular rooftop venue is upscale with a trendy vibe, offering an international menu that incorporates Asian flavor elements.

Whether you're sipping cocktails among friends or dining under the stars, Ce La Vi is an excellent option for dining.

Things to Do in Dubai: FAQs

1. Which sightseeing locations attract the most visitors in Dubai?

The Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, The Dubai Fountain, Burj Al Arab, and The Dubai Marina are some of the main attractions in Dubai.

2. What summer activities can I enjoy while visiting Dubai?

The summer season in Dubai offers many indoor activities, including Ski Dubai, IMG Worlds of Adventure, aquarium visits, and the Museum of the Future. Also popular are evening desert safari tours and rooftop dining experiences at hotels.

3. Does Dubai offer a family-friendly environment for vacationers with children?

Yes! The Dubai Parks and Resorts, Aquaventure Waterpark, Legoland, The Green Planet, and The OliOli Children's Museum are great entertainment options for kids.

4. Are there free activities that I can find in Dubai?

Yes! Jumeirah Beach, Al Seef exploration, and the Dubai Fountain are some of the free activities available in Dubai.

5. What are Dubai's top shopping destinations?

Dubai is a shopping heaven! You can explore The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and the Ibn Battuta Mall to experience both luxury retail and local shopping options.