Why Is Dubai a Top Tourist Destination in The Summer Despite the Heat? 

Why Is Dubai a Top Tourist Destination in The Summer Despite the Heat? 

Too hot to handle? Not in Dubai! 

 Every day is Beach Day! 

Despite summer temperatures often exceeding 43°C (109°F), with the hottest months typically being July and August, Dubai remains a popular tourist destination offering many activities to cover most tastes. One of the most popular remains the beach.  

Dubai has a wide selection of beaches and more exclusive beach clubs. Both tourists and residents flock to these during the summer, taking advantage of the guaranteed summer sun and the numerous activities available and enjoying the ideal swimming conditions. Dubai has also become a hub for watersports, offering discounted jet skis, paddle boards, and even floating Ferrari for water rides—yes, you read that right! This time of year is perfect for beach enthusiasts to relax, sunbathe, surf, swim, and indulge in various water activities. 

Dubai boasts numerous public beaches where one can engage in various social activities. Some famous public beaches in Dubai include Jumeirah Beach Residence, Kite Beach, Sunset Beach, Al Mamzar Beach Park, Jumeirah Open Beach, Black Palace Beach, The Beach at JBR, and Jebel Ali Beach. In short, it’s perfect beach weather in Dubai.  

Dubai’s beach clubs compete with the best in the World and offer a more exclusive experience where sunbathing can be a 5-star experience. Famous clubs include Nobu by the Beach, Verde Beach, Nikki Beach, White Beach, Bla Bla and Twiggy by La Cantine. 

Shop till you drop 

It’s sales time, and it’s a perfect time to freshen up the wardrobe or purchase a new gadget during DUBAI SUMMER SURPRISES, which runs from June 28th to September 8th. All malls participate, including Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta, City Centre, and beyond. There’s live entertainment for those with families, so youngsters and adults alike won’t get bored. 

Like all of Dubai, the malls are designed for the heat. Excellent air conditioning and plenty of outlets to rehydrate or grab a bite are available.  

Summer discounts!  

As one of the safest cities in the World, Dubai doesn’t have an off-season, as, during the summer, tourists and residents can take advantage of more favourable prices, whether for a two-week package or a staycation. Tourists can book via Emirates Holidays or search for other offers via their local tour operator, where they can take advantage of Half Board or All Exclusive deals. Emirates offers visitors exclusive offers, including access to some of Dubai’s top attractions, such as Wild Wadi Waterpark and Dubai Parks and Resorts. Emirates Pass also offers summer visitors discounts at various retail and dining establishments and luxury spas.    

Residents can also take advantage of the five-star lifestyle by booking a staycation at one of Dubai’s luxury hotels.    

High up in the clouds 

No visit to Dubai is complete without taking in the spectacular views and architecture, and Dubai offers numerous opportunities to do so. First and foremost, The Burj Khalifa. Book a ticket to the viewing platform and be a record breaker. The observation deck is currently the World’s highest at 1,821 feet off the ground. For those that prefer a coffee or a glass of champagne and canapes with their view, Atmosphere, located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, is unrivalled. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options with a view over the fountains, it is a decadent treat. There is a minimum cost of operating and booking in advance. 

Offering unrivalled views of the Palm Jumeirah and located in the Palm Tower, Aura Sky Pool’s 360-degree infinity pool is the World’s highest. Booking is essential via their website, and you can enjoy a selected brunch package with views you’ve never seen before on the 50th floor. 

Thrillseekers can walk the Walk. The Sky Edge Walk encircles the Address Sky View Hotel. Not for the faint-hearted, this hands-free trek around the top of a skyscraper in the heart of Downtown Dubai offers a unique perspective of this modern metropolis. If that’s not thrilling enough, the ultimate and highest of the lot is to book a skydive over the Palm Jumeriah. Open throughout the summer, Skydive Dubai is one of the best drop zones in the World.   

Combine the old and the new. Based in Zabeel Park is the Dubai Frame, which holds the record for being the most giant frame in the world. The Dubai Frame, completed in 2018, has an observation deck at around 150ft off the ground and views south of Old Dubai and the Creek and Downtown to the south.   

Soak in the culture   

Dubai has a rich history dating back hundreds of years. At the time of writing, the Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort (built in 1787) are temporarily closed. However, exploring the historic Al Fahidi district alongside Dubai Creek is still worth exploring. This is a heritage site, and in its alleyways are hidden a range of small galleries, museums, and traditional food outlets such as the Arabian Tea House.   

Bartering is another local tradition, and the Old Souk is within this district. The Spice Souk and Gold Souk are over the other side of the creek. Hop on an Abra at the cost of 2 AED to cross the creek.  

Etihad Museum covers the more modern era, focusing on the formation of the UAE. Located close to Jumeirah Mosque, which is open to the public, combining the two is highly recommended. Modest clothing is required to enter the mosque, and ladies must bring a headscarf.   

A new cultural landmark within itself, the Museum of the Future, opened in 2022, gives visitors a peek into their future lives. This unique and stunning architecture quickly becomes a firm favourite of residents and visitors alike.   

Alserkal Avenue 

Dubai’s “Shoreditch”—Al Serkal Avenue is a cool upstart and the hub of Dubai’s rapidly growing Art scene. Alserkal has several galleries, an independent cinema, artisanal cafes, and homegrown outlets.   

Food Lovers hub 

Dubai’s food scene has exploded recently, and the Michelin Guide’s recent arrival cements its growing importance as a global culinary contender.    

Whatever your tastes, Dubai caters for them all, whether they are exclusive 5* dining experiences or street food costing mere Dirhams. As part of Dubai Summer Surprises, the city hosts Summer Restaurant Week, which runs from the 18th-27thAugust. With over 60 top restaurants participating, offering set menus for lunch or dinner, this is a fantastic opportunity to try something new. Booking is required.    

Dubai is home to the bottomless brunch, and summer is no exception. While more raucous brunches are recommended for adults only, there are many Family-Friendly brunches that are just as much fun for the little ones. Palazzo Versace, Mina a’ Salam, and the Westin are three venues catering to adults and children alike.   

Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT)    

A not-so-hidden gem of the Dubai dining scene, JLT has everything. Step into Greece at Mythos, France at Couqley, New Orleans in NOLA and Thai at the multi-award-winning Cafe Isan.    

In JLT, you are really spoiled for choice, with tastes from as far and wide as Bali, Indonesia, Japan, China, Malaysia, Korea, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Azerbaijan, Iran, Lebanon, Italy, and the USA. There really is something for everyone there.    

Fun for the kids 

Children need entertainment just as much as adults and Dubai offers plenty.    

Modesh World is whole of child-focused activities and runs until August 18th. Kidzania, based in Dubai Mall, is a fun and educational day for children, where play is combined with life skills. Green Planet, Dubai’s indoor Rainforest, holds Summer Camps for Kids, focusing on conservation and saving the planet.   

For thrill-seekers, both IMG and Motion Gate are indoor theme parks. Excess summer energy can be burnt off at Bounce, the indoor Trampoline Centre or Ski Dubai. Fun for all ages, the Museum of Illusions offers a sensory experience and unique family photo opportunities.  

 Get fit 

Dubai’s Crown Prince is a fitness enthusiast, and the city continually expands its range of facilities to keep residents and tourists active, even during the summer months. Dubai Sports World runs from June 22nd to September 8th and offers many sporting activities for both experienced and newcomers.   

Get on your bike 

Bikes are available to hire throughout the city. Hop on a Careem bike and explore the length of Jumeirah Beach, visit ODB Bikes in Business Bay, and hire a bicycle to tackle the Business Bay and Meydan cycling routes. The Al Qudra desert cycle track is the most challenging, with routes up to 86km (about half the distance from Washington, D.C. to New York City), although the most popular is the 50km (about 31.07 mi).    

In summary, Dubai is a year-round destination, and the summer is no exception. For more information, contact us on 04 381 0200