There are quite a few places to visit in Dubai during summer, and this article will highlight some of the exciting places I saw in May 2017.
As you already know, summer in Dubai can get hot outdoors, and this story will focus on the indoors.
The summer season in Dubai starts in mid-May and continues until late August, and temperatures can reach up to 45 Degrees Celsius; hence, outdoor activities during the day can take a toll on your body.
However, the good people of Dubai have overcome this by providing many indoor places to visit in Dubai during the summer.
Places To Visit In Dubai During Summer
On a recent trip to Dubai in May 2017 with Dubai Tourism, my entourage was brought to many of the indoor places around this rapidly growing city in the Middle East.
It was also my inaugural trip to Dubai, as this fascinating city has always been on my travel bucket list, and what an experience this was.
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| An incredible view of Dubai from the top of Burj Khalifa. |
My accommodation was at the luxurious Address Hotel Dubai Mall, one of Dubai's fastest-growing chain of hospitality groups.
The hotel is connected to the world's largest mall, the world's tallest building and the world's most impressive outdoor fountain. You can now see why this hotel is so convenient.
Let's get to the many places to visit in Dubai during the summer, as this is what you would be doing there.
Summer Experiences in Dubai
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| The incredible Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. |
This is the ultimate must-do thing when you visit Dubai, going up the world's tallest building, 829.8 m (2,722 ft).
The Burj Khalifa is connected to the Dubai Mall, and every day, thousands of visitors will be seen here as this is currently the number one thing to do in Dubai.
The Burj Khalifa was named in honour of the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the United Arab Emirates, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The building was officially opened on 4 January 2010 and holds 17 world records to date, which is rather impressive.
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| View of Dubai city from the 125th floor of the Burj Khalifa. |
For those who want to go higher, you can visit level 148 at AED350.00 (USD95.00). This ticket gives you an all-level pass.
After going up the Burj Khalifa, I have to say that the experience and view are exhilarating, especially at the outdoor deck of level 126.
Note that during prime hours of 5.30 PM to 7.00 PM, the price is AED200 (USD54.00). This is for the sunset view.
This is highly recommended by me, as it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you can then say, been there, done that.
Where: Dubai Downtown
Website: Burj Khalifa
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| The fantastic Dubai fountain is a sight to behold. Image from www.dubaifountain.info. |
Another major attraction to catch in Downtown Dubai is the impressive Dubai Fountain, where at any one time, 22,000 gallons of water is sprayed in the air, accompanied by 6,600 lights and 50 coloured projectors.
Water is also shot at an incredible height of 150 meters (500 feet) in the air, supported by music.
The backdrop is set with the fantastic Dubai skyline, which includes the Burj Kalifa. This fountain is one of the best free attractions in Dubai and is best seen in the evenings or at night.
I recommend you take the 30 cruises around the fountain on the traditional Arabian Abra boat.
Dubai Fountain Video
The price is AED65.00 (USD17.50) per person, as this experience lets you cruise around the lake in the traditional boat during the fountain show. If you have a family, this would be perfect, too.
Dubai Fountain Video
The price is AED65.00 (USD17.50) per person, as this experience lets you cruise around the lake in the traditional boat during the fountain show. If you have a family, this would be perfect, too.
Fountain Times: 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM as well as every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 10 PM on weekdays and from 6 PM to 11 PM on weekends
Where: Downtown Dubai
Website: Dubai Fountain
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| Inside IMG Worlds Dubai. |
The world's largest indoor theme park is to be noticed for those travelling with kids. This mega indoor theme park is divided into four zones, and two of the four zones represent Cartoon Network and Marvel, while IMG Boulevard and the Lost Valley. In total, the area covers over 1.5 million square feet.
My visit here was on a weekday; hence, there was no line at any of the attractions, making it fast and easy to see the place. In general, you would need at least four to six hours here, and some of the rides are exciting.
I must have visited all the thrill rides in the park, and to me, the craziest ride was Thor Thunder Spin. My instinct told me not to do it, but I had to. The outcome... I leave it to you to try.
I must have visited all the thrill rides in the park, and to me, the craziest ride was Thor Thunder Spin. My instinct told me not to do it, but I had to. The outcome... I leave it to you to try.
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| Inside the world's largest indoor theme park in Dubai. |
This ride is not for the faint-hearted; that is all I have to say. Another name-deceiving ride is the Power Puff Girls Ride in the Cartoon Network Zone.
For the family, everything you need here, including restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and most importantly, an amazing time.
As a shopping bonus, you can visit the Dubai Outlet Mall (review below), which is quite near IMG Worlds of Adventure in Dubai.
How Much: Adult AED245.00 (USD66.00). Kids AED 225.00 (USD61.00)
Where: City of Arabia, Dubai
Website: IMG Worlds
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| Entrance to Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates. |
The world's most exotic indoor ski resort is found at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. If you have always wanted to ski or even play in the snow, this is the place to do it.
Who would have thought to build a snow park in the middle of the desert? Well, they managed to do this here.
Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort with 22,500 square meters of indoor ski area, which includes an 85-metre-high indoor mountain with 5 slopes and a 400-meter-long ski run.
The highlight here is the world's first indoor black diamond run. There is a ski chairlift that will take you to the top of the snow mountain.
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| Inside Ski Dubai, an incredible skiing experience and snow world. |
For Asians or those who come from countries without four seasons, this is highly recommended, as you can experience winter here in Dubai.
The average temperature inside is -4 Degrees Celsius, and winter clothing is provided, including boots and gloves.
How much: Snow Park Tickets AED200.00 (USD54.00), Full Experience AED500 (USD136.00)
Where: Inside Mall of the Emirates
Website: Ski Dubai
Etihad Museum
Recently opened in January 2017, this unique museum tells the story of the birth of the United Arab Emirates or UAE and the story of the founding fathers behind this historical moment.
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| The futuristic design of the Etihad Museum in Dubai. |
Recently opened in January 2017, this unique museum tells the story of the birth of the United Arab Emirates or UAE and the story of the founding fathers behind this historical moment.
This museum used to be called Union House and is now officially known as the Etihad Museum. For those who want to learn more about the United Arab Emirates, this is where you should start.
The futuristic design of the museum does not give the perception of any museum, but once inside, you will be brought through a historical journey from 1968 to 1974.
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| Visitors get information inside the Etihad Museum. |
Where: Jumeirah Beach Road
Website: Etihad Museum
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| An exciting conservation concept is called The Green Planet Dubai. |
One of the most exciting attractions in Dubai, which showcases a unique tropical forest, is inside a five-story building.
More of an educational experience, you will find over 3,000 plants and animals and the world's most giant indoor man-made and life-sustaining tree here.
As I come from a tropical country, I did not expect much, but when I walked in there, it was a whole new world for me.
As I come from a tropical country, I did not expect much, but when I walked in there, it was a whole new world for me.
Seeing the massive man-made tree with tropical birds on it was an eye-opener, as I have never seen some of these birds in real life.
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| Visitors inside the amazing Green Planet Dubai. |
The Dubai City Walk is just next door, and after exploring The Green Planet Dubai, you can continue to explore one of Dubai's modern shopping, lifestyle and entertainment areas.
I recommend you come here after lunch and head to City Walk for dinner and some walking.
How Much: AED95.00 (USD25.00) Adults, AED70.00 (USD19.00) Kids
Where: City Walk, Al Wasl, Dubai
Website: The Green Planet Dubai
The SMCCU is probably one of the highlights of my trip to Dubai in May 2017. Thinking it was another cultural attraction, I was impressed with the entire experience here.
This centre was actually coined in 1998 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, when His Majesty saw the need to reach out and educate expatriates in the traditions and customs of the UAE.
How Much: AED95.00 (USD25.00) Adults, AED70.00 (USD19.00) Kids
Where: City Walk, Al Wasl, Dubai
Website: The Green Planet Dubai
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| The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in Dubai. |
Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU)
The SMCCU is probably one of the highlights of my trip to Dubai in May 2017. Thinking it was another cultural attraction, I was impressed with the entire experience here.
This centre was actually coined in 1998 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, when His Majesty saw the need to reach out and educate expatriates in the traditions and customs of the UAE.
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| Inside SMCCU, guests gather at the Majlis before starting. |
In return, we were told to ask any kind of questions that we had about the Arabic lifestyle, even if it was controversial.
I raised my hand to ask a sensitive question about how the Arab people dressed, especially about the Burkas or Veils and the Abaya that the women wear.
I raised my hand to ask a sensitive question about how the Arab people dressed, especially about the Burkas or Veils and the Abaya that the women wear.
My follow-up question was about the Tawb or Dishdash that the men wear, and both questions were answered very well. I now have a much better understanding of how Arab people dress.
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| A demonstration of Emirati women's attire is openly discussed at the SMCCU in Dubai. |
While questions and answers were exchanged, we were treated to some traditional Arabic food and tea, which made the experience of visiting a traditional Arabic home here in Dubai.
I recommend this experience at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding or SMCCU in Dubai, purely because of learning and understanding the Emirati traditional culture and lifestyle.
I recommend this experience at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding or SMCCU in Dubai, purely because of learning and understanding the Emirati traditional culture and lifestyle.
As a bonus, we were each allowed to dress in traditional Emirati attire to take photos. This was such an experience for me.
Where: Al Musalla Road, Dubai
Website SMCCU
Legoland Dubai
Where: Al Musalla Road, Dubai
Website SMCCU
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| Inside one of the rides of Legoland Dubai. Image from Legoland Dubai. |
I never had the chance to visit this place, but if you are a theme park and Lego lover, this is the place to stay. Located near Palm Jebal Ali, you can bring your family to both theme parks and spend the entire day here, outdoors and indoors.
There are two parks here, Legoland Park and Legoland Water Park. At the central park, there are over 40 themed rides, shows and attractions in six themed areas.
If you have kids, they eat for free. During the summer, the main park is open from 4.00 PM to midnight, and the water park is open from 10.00 AM to 7.00 PM.
As a bonus, I recommend The Last Exit, a specialised food truck park near Legoland. Imagine a gourmet food truck park in a particular area where you can drive through or dine in. Beautifully created and with good taste.
How Much: AED145.00 (USD39.00) for one park or ARD195.00 (USD53.00) for both parks
Where: Near Palm Jebel Ali
Website: Legoland Dubai
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| Outlet Village in Dubai. |
Overall, being indoors, especially in the summer, is a normal thing for most people. In the Middle East, the weather can get scorching and humid, with temperatures up to 45 Degrees Celsius.
You can also read my other article on summer shopping in Dubai for those who plan to do a bit of both. There is much to explore, especially at the world's largest mall - The Dubai Mall.
Also, you can find out more information from the official Dubai Tourism website, as they frequently update the information according to the seasons.
Conclusion
For anyone visiting here from June to August, this list of places to visit in Dubai during summer will be helpful for you and your family.
For anyone visiting here from June to August, this list of places to visit in Dubai during summer will be helpful for you and your family.
Even if you travel solo, as a couple or for a business trip, there is always something to do here in Dubai.