There’s no end to the dazzling delights a Dubai holiday brings.

A world of unrivalled attractions, activities and entertainment awaits, and when the sun sets, the fun doesn’t stop. You’ll find new adventures and experiences to be had right around the clock, with families, friends and couples all catered for. Venture to Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence or Palm Jumeirah and let yourself be awed by the beauty that is Dubai at night. Whether you’re travelling for a summer holiday with the children, a romantic winter sun getaway or a thrilling desert adventure, you’ll find it all plus more. Spend your days soaking up the sun on the glorious golden sands of the beach, lounging by the pool of your stunning resort or touring the iconic landmarks Dubai is famous for. Then, when evening comes, get ready for more excitement. Let us shine a light on the wonders that await after dark and tell you why it’s worth staying up late when you’re on holiday in Dubai.

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Attractions

Dubai dazzles with its exceptional attractions that are just as exciting at night as they are in the daytime. Dubai Festival City Mall is an option for mesmerising evening entertainment. As well as being a shopping, dining and leisure destination, the venue also hosts a daily water, light and laser show over Dubai creek. Alternatively, you could head to Dubai Mall, which is open late every night and promises unmatched escapades. Pay a visit to Dubai Ice Rink, the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo or the newly expanded Chinatown. Another option is to take a sunset or dinner dhow cruise on Dubai River Canal. Combining gastronomy and scenery, this unique evening experience is not to be missed. One world-famous night-time spectacle that you’ll have to be quick to catch, or visit later in the year for, is The Dubai Fountain. Coming to life at 6pm, the attraction lights up Burj Lake every 30 minutes, until 11pm. The fountain will be switched off later this month (April) for renovation work, which is due to take six months.

Entertainment

Dubai’s entertainment scene really comes to life after sunset. Get glammed up for a night of finery and show-stopping performing arts when you attend the Dubai Opera. Highlights include the ballet, opera, musicals and plays. This hive of culture is located in Downtown Dubai, near the monumental Burj Khalifa. More live shows can be enjoyed at the Global Village, with street performances and daredevil stunts that are perfect to experience as a family. The venue closes on May 11, before reopening again in October. You may prefer to tee off in the flood-lit golf courses that remain open after dark. A golf holiday to Dubai can be enjoyed all the more on the quieter, less populated greens, where you can play a full game, practise putting or see who can drive the furthest. The Track at Meydan, Emirates Golf Club and its sister-course, Faldo, are all perfect spots for a nighttime round. For a relaxing evening to take in the sights, opt for a dhow cruise down Dubai Creek.

Dining

Delectable dining is available across the Emirate, but Dubai at night promises unrivalled mouthwatering treats in an array of venues. Ossiano is a Michelin-starred restaurant located inside Atlantis, The Palm. Open till midnight every night, you can enjoy the speciality seafood dishes with panoramic views of the in-house aquarium that holds more than 65,000 marine creatures. Heading to the theatre? Stop by Jun’s. This hotspot is conveniently close to Dubai Opera and blends flavours from the Far East, India and North America. Ascend to the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa to dine at At.mosphere. This luxury eatery offers fine dining and unparalleled views of the city in all of its glory. Dubai also delivers a plethora of affordable eateries, with Time Out Market, as well as a host of open air markets, among the great spots to enjoy meals that won’t break the bank. There are also plenty of deals across the city to wet your whistle, especially for women who visit restaurants and lounges on Ladies’ Night.

Shopping

Shop till you drop in Dubai at night, with the traditional souks offering an immersive evening experience combining cultural encounters with a spot of retail therapy. You’ll be drawn in by the lights and sounds of these lively markets, where you can buy everything from souvenirs and perfumes to fabrics and jewellery. The Global Village is another sensational late-night shopping experience offering more than 3,500 outlets to explore, all open well into the evening. Be sure to check out the two-storey kiosks on Fiesta Street to pick up some special memorabilia of your Dubai holiday. Alternatively, you could head to one of Dubai’s malls for your nighttime shopping fix, including Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Walk and Dubai Marina Mall. As well as a multitude of high end and high street stores, you’ll also find a fabulous assortment of enticing cafes and restaurants to discover.

Desert

The Arabian Desert is a nocturnal wonderland that you can visit on a guided excursion. Overnight stays are extremely popular among holidaymakers seeking to experience a traditional Bedouin camp. Sleep outdoors and stargaze in the soft amber sands while also enjoying cultural music and dancing, barbecuing and camp fires. Another unique nighttime escapade you can take part in is a 4X4 desert safari. These are often overnight adventures that are complete with an astronomy lesson for an insight into how the desert used to be navigated. You can catch an awe-inspiring sunset from the top of the dunes in the comfort of your jeep and enjoy an authentic Emirati meal. The Arabian Desert can become cold at night, depending on the time of year you visit, so it’s important to ensure you pack the appropriate clothing for your excursions.

Best Time To Visit

To enjoy all of the activities and attractions on offer across Dubai at night, we’d recommended visiting during winter (October to April). A pleasant year-round warmth is maintained by the desert climate that the Middle East is known for, with temperatures regularly staying between 25 and 35℃. It can get colder in the desert, however, so if you’re planning on venturing out for an epic adventure on the sand dunes, bring layers. If it’s a family holiday to explore Dubai at night that you’re searching for, this is definitely the best time to visit. Sun-seekers and couples who want bliss in divine conditions should visit during the summer months (May to September) as you’ll relax in temperatures that reach the high-30s to low-40s. Spend your days keeping cool in the swimming pools and aquapark or partake in water sports on the beach before venturing out at night for an unforgettable experience of lights, culture and memory making.

“Experience never-before-seen wonders when you explore Dubai at night. This buzzing metropolis is a hive for entertainment, action-packed attractions and a vibrant, immersive culture that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

“Take yourself on a journey for the senses when you walk through the pulsating streets of the city centre. Venture to incredible sites like the Global Village for an evening of enchantment that suits the whole family or enjoy intimate moments with the love of your life on a romantic boat trip down Dubai Creek.

“The desert is a vast space brimming with fun and one-of-a-kind excursions. Trek through the sand dunes under the starry night sky and camp like the nomadic Bedouin tribes.

“After fun-filled days in the sunshine, visiting Dubai’s highlights like the aquaparks, theme parks, zoos, cultural zones and malls, you can venture out after sunset for a whole new outlook of Dubai.”

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

A staple of Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort is the chance to stay in a luxury low-rise overwater villa with views of the stunning lagoons, as well as an infinity pool and glass floor panels for a unique panorama of the depths below. This opulent 5-star hotel also offers al fresco dining under the stars and a location on the legendary Palm Jumeirah with a private beach for ultimate rejuvenation in the sunshine.

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Dukes The Palm, A Royal Hideaway Hotel

Blend quintessential British hospitality with the luxury of the UAE when you stay in the 5-star Dukes The Palm, A Royal Hideaway Hotel. A perfect retreat for once-in-a-lifetime family holidays, children can look forward to hours of fun at the kids club and splashing about in either the indoor or outdoor swimming pools. For adults seeking a wellness haven, expect serene treatments at the spa, a private beach and beach club as well as an infinity pool and divine international cuisine.

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Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Step foot directly onto Jumeirah Beach Residence’s most popular promenade, The Walk, when you stay at Softiel Dubai Jumeirah Beach Hotel. This opulent 5-star abode boasts more than 400 rooms that overlook the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf or Ain Dubai while also offering an array of lavish facilities. Embark on a culinary journey in the dining venues, lounge by the pool, relax at the spa or keep active in the modern fitness centre.

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One&Only The Palm

Enjoy the resplendance of One&Only The Palm, making complete use of all of the 5-star facilities on offer. Located on Palm Island, you’ll stay in elegant living spaces and enjoy irresistible cuisine in a choice of splendid dining destinations. Enjoy intimate moments together as a couple or make lifelong memories as a family. Let your little ones loose in the kids’ club while you seek solace in the spa or restore your inner calm at Safina, an adult-only pool beach experience.

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Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

Stay in splendor in one of the largest and most luxurious hotels on The Palm. The Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah is a picture-perfect location for your next family holiday, with the fun-filled Coco’s Kids’ Club. Wellness is prioritized here, with the Waldorf Astoria Spa offering 50 divine treatments as well as a fitness centre and tennis court. Choose from American, Italian, Asian and international cuisines in the delectable restaurants and enjoy a beverage in the many chic lounges.

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Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah

Take in all the sights and sounds of dazzling Dubai when you stay at the 5-star Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah. Top-class amenities create an atmosphere of pure serenity for all guests, no matter your age. Dine in outstanding restaurants, lounge by sparkling aquamarine pools sipping delightful beverages and feel pampered by the dedicated staff. The modernly furnished rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious balcony to highlight the jaw-dropping views of Dubai city.

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