Winter in Dubai

What to do during the winter season (and holidays) between events and special activities

In Dubai, the winter season is anything but traditional: here, among futuristic skyscrapers and golden sands, winter becomes a haven of sunshine, glamour and entertainment. With pleasant temperatures that invite you to spend time outdoors, it’s the perfect time of year to explore this corner of the world halfway between East and West at its most hospitable, enlivened by international events, limitless shopping and elegant dinners in fabulous skyscrapers. It’s now that Dubai becomes a meeting point between innovation and tradition, where the desert meets the sea and lavish celebrations blend with authentic experiences to astonish even the most exacting of visitors.

Dubai embraces the festive season with its unique style and beautiful light and colour games

Unmissable Winter Activities

Dubai is surrounded by one of the world’s most fascinating deserts, an essential destination for anyone holidaying here. You can choose from several types of desert experience, from camel rides to 4x4 dune safaris, quad bike tours or sandboarding. When the sun begins to set and the dunes are tinged with red and orange, the desert turns into an unparalleled natural spectacle. Enjoying the moment while sipping a strong Arabic coffee and nibbling on fresh dates is an experience that combines simplicity and awe. If you’re a fan of shopping, winter in Dubai coincides with one of the year’s most eagerly-awaited events, the Dubai Shopping Festival. A kaleidoscope of stunning experiences, endless thrills, top-level concerts and extraordinary adventures, with 38 days of iconic attractions curated specifically for this wonderful time of year. Inside one of the city’s best-known shopping centres, the Mall of the Emirates, a truly incredible experience awaits: skiing in the desert. This is the home of Ski Dubai, one of the Middle East’s most innovative and exciting tourist attractions: a magnificent indoor ski slope towering above the mall.

Ski Dubai

Surrounded by chalets and restaurants, you’ll have the unique opportunity to ski the pistes while watching people shopping right next door through huge windows. With the pleasant weather, treating yourself to a day on the beach is always a good idea, or you can book a cruise along Dubai Creek, perhaps with dinner on board. Another essential visit is the Global Village, a multicultural entertainment destination for families, halfway between a theme park and a market. Here you’ll find 78 cultures represented in 26 pavilions, with 3500 exhibitors from countries near and far, where visitors can pick up traditional handmade objects and sample culinary specialities from over 200 restaurants. The pavilions are inspired by iconic buildings or local architecture, inviting visitors to stroll from London’s Big Ben to the Tower of Pisa.

Global Village

Christmas Markets and celebrations

If you get a sudden pang of nostalgia for the traditional festive spirit, the Madinat Jumeirah (behind Burj Al Arab) turns into a genuine Christmas village for the duration: the Souk Festive Market with German-style stalls, a direct train to the North Pole and even Father Christmas in person. In Dubai too, the festivities are spilling over with excitement and magic.

New Year’s Eve in particular is marked by an explosion of light and colour, with a spectacular firework display lighting up the sky above Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah.

Every day (not just at New Year) in Dubai Marina, right at the foot of Burj Khalifa, there’s another astonishing sight: the stunning Dancing Fountain show, in which the usually solemn, elegant fountains dance to the rhythm of music, creating spectacular choreographies with their water jets.

Christmas and New Year in fabulous hotels

Dubai embraces the Christmas festivities in its own unique style. The hotels sparkle with light and invite guests to take part in special events and themed gala dinners, often with a touch of the exotic, combining international cuisine with Middle-Eastern flavours.

Four Seasons Resort DubaiJumeirah Al Naseem

Don’t miss the Italian Christmas brunch and the New Year’s Eve party at Bvlgari Resort Dubai. The New Year spirit is heightened by entertainments and exquisite food, and the pool area is transformed into an elegant party venue, lit by twinkling lights.

One&Only The PalmArmani Hotel Dubai

Savour a sophisticated afternoon tea surrounded by shimmering Christmas decorations at the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. Book the dinner of your dreams at The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm in the heart of iconic Palm Jumeirah, or feel the magic of Christmas by the sea, in a haven of peace far from the city at Four Seasons Dubai.

The St.Regis Dubai, The Palm (credits The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm) Jumeirah Burj Al Arab

Enjoy the Christmas brunch, moonlight toasts on the rooftop terrace, and children’s parties. And this might be just the time to visit Casa Amor, the new social beach house at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, for a unique seaside experience with fabulous food and a vibrant atmosphere, all framed by the hypnotic beauty of the Arabian Sea. Park Hyatt Dubai, Jumeirah Al Qasr, Armani Hotel, One&Only The Palm… you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful and elegant places to experience the magic of Christmas.

Park Hyatt DubaiBvlgari Resort Dubai