If you’re a Dubai resident, you’re probably just as chuffed as me that winter is finally here. The uncomfortable heat and humidity has finally said goodbye for the year (though it’s still a little toasty in the sun) and residents and tourists alike are taking to the outdoors. With that in mind, here’s my recommendations for cool things to do in the winter (that don’t break the bank, either!).
1. MIRACLE GARDEN
Okay, this is easily one of the coolest places in Dubai. At first glance it can seem like a lame take-your-grandparents-out-for-the-day (which I did…) activity, but it’s so much more than that.
Launched on Valentine’s Day 2013 (you can see why), Dubai’s Miracle Garden is the world’s largest natural flower garden, occupying a whopping 72,000 square metres.
The sights are absolutely breathtaking; with huge sculptures and floral displays of well known characters and figures, including an impressive flower-made Emirates A380.
topiary displays at Miracle Garden
I’d block out a few hours for this one as you’ll want to walk around a view times; if the floral displays, cartoon characters and don’t-know-how-they-did-it airplane don’t take your fancy, there are also a number of water features, topiary figurines, attraction shops, food outlets, themed tunnels, and plenty of resting cabanas – all of which can be taken in from a central platform, giving you an uninterrupted view of the gardens in all their glory. For those of you with little ones that might get bored of topiary after ten minutes, there’s a well-stocked play area near the entrance. They also hold shows in the evening where the characters come to life!
If you get bored on the way home, there’s a lovely cafe in JVC called Pastry and Ideas which won’t disappoint. With gorgeous food, fresh pastries and cakes, and homemade lemonade, it’s certainly worth going a little out of your way.
General Admission: 55 AED, online or on the door
Best time to go: Weekdays, November – March
Recommendations: Check out the floral castle and Smurf Village before enjoying a karak tea by the water, finishing with a breathtaking view of the airplane and the dancing ladies from the central platform.
Tips and tricks: Take sunscreen and a water – you’ll probably be wandering around for longer than you think.
For more information: Visit https://www.dubaimiraclegarden.com
2. EXPO 2020
Oh, come on, do you really think I could write a blog about things to do in Dubai right now without mentioning the biggest fair in the world? Please.
I know a number of people that have visited this impressive site this past month, all with glowing reviews, and I’m certainly not here to tell you any different.
Stretching a colossal 1,080 acres, Expo 2020 is home to 200 pavilions, 191 of which represent a participating country (a number unheard of at previous Expos).
Expo 2020 Dubai
Considering the sheer size of this breathtaking exhibition, you’ll probably need to set aside a week or two if you want to comfortably see everything. Don’t worry, you can keep track of the pavilions you have visited by purchasing an Expo 2020 Passport, which you can get ‘stamped’ each time you visit a new country’s display.
The park is split into 5 sections, so I would recommend being a little strategic beforehand and mapping out the pavilions you would like to visit – you can do this either with one of Expo’s handy paper or online maps, or by downloading the official Expo 2020 smartphone app.
In addition to the country and partner pavilions, there are also cafés, bars, restaurants, and resting areas all through the site. For a taste of some traditional cuisines, you can visit the food outlets in the country pavilions, or find well-known chains and Dubai F&B staples dotted all through the park.
a few of our favourite pavilions
Once you’ve visited the pavilions, be sure not to miss the spectacular 360-degree views from the rotating Garden In The Sky, where you’ll get a full view of the World Expo site from 55-metres in the air (for an extra 30 AED… worth it).
This is definitely an all-dayer if you want to properly experience the site, so I would block out at least 4-6 hours and make sure you’re wearing some comfy shoes. Saying that, there are plenty of attractions taking place throughout the day (including the magnificent Irish Riverdance), so if you’ve only got a few hours one evening there’s still plenty to do.
As for getting there, there are plenty of carparks, though by far the most efficient way of traveling to the site is the Dubai Metro. With a new metro line added specifically for Expo 2020, stopping at Jumeirah Golf Estates and Discovery Gardens along the way, it’s never been easier to reach.
the new metro line makes it super easy to reach
General Admission: 45 AED (weekdays in November); 95 AED (standard daily admission); 195 AED(multiple entry for 30 days); 495 AED (season pass); kids & seniors go free
Best time to go: Weekdays, October – March
Recommendations: Pavilions – KSA, UAE, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Luxembourg, Pakistan; Events – Riverdance, Stars in the Wild, Expo Drone Show; Attractions – Garden in the Sky, Infinite Nights
Tips and tricks: Plan ahead and map out your route. Wear comfy shoes and take a refillable water bottle. Sunscreen is also your friend.
For more information: Visit https://www.expo2020dubai.com/en
3. HIT THE BEACH
Sure, this one is kind of generic, but with over 20 beaches in Dubai (I mean, it’s really just one) we’re spoilt for choice for beaches to hang out at. Plus, with temperatures in the high 20s/low 30s, there’s never been a better time to don a swimsuit and get some sandy toes. Here are some of my favourites:
JBR – Obvious choice, I know, but with tonnes of bars, cafes, playgrounds, and restaurants it earns it’s place as a solid contender. You might be fighting for a patch of sand on what is daily one of the emirate’s busiest free beaches, but with views of the Marina, Bluewaters Island and, of course, Ain Dubai, it’s not to be missed. Grab a towel and head straight for the inflatable Aqua Park, especially if you’ve got little ones in tow.
TL;DR – free admission, public toilets, great for tourists and families.
breathtaking views from JBR
KITE BEACH – Another freebie with absolutely loads to do. Great for kids and adults alike, Kite Beach boasts a number of food outlets, rest areas, sports facilities (particularly watersports), and kids attractions. Located in Umm Suqeim with awesome views of the Marina skyline as well as the Burj Al Arab, Kite Beach is a super easy, super fun day out for the whole family. I’m really underselling this one, so check out their website to se all the cool things you can do there: https://www.kitebeach.ae/en/
TL;DR – free admission, great for F&B, loads of sport and activities (may require prior booking).
a cool Friday morning at Kite Beach
RIVA BEACH CLUB – Okay, so this one isn’t free, but it’s an excellent all-rounder. With a great pool, atmosphere for families, singles, and couples, and beach loungers on a private stretch of the Palm Jumeirah, RIVA is certainly worth a visit. During the week you can get a day pass for 75 AED (which includes a cheeky 20% discount on food), giving you access to the pool beach, bar, and restaurant. RIVA is also home to Ignite Watersports, so if you want to make a day of it pop by early doors for some stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking around the fronds of the Palm. Check it out over at: https://riva-beach.com.
TL;DR – Weekday day pass 75AED for pool & beach access, great food, fun activities.
4. FEELING SPORTY?
I’ll admit, I’m not the sportiest of people, but with everything that’s going on during the winter it’s kind of hard not to partake. Obviously there’s tonnes of watersports (read: jet-skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, wake-boarding, kite-surfing), but there’s so much else going on. From the Cricket T20, to the local Polo teams, to the rugby 7s: there’s something out there for everyone. If you fancy getting involved, head over to Barsha, Sports City, or Jebel Ali to have a kick about with a football, get padded up in some cricket nets, or hit a few golf balls on the driving range.
If you’re feeling brave, Dubai is home to some world-class golf courses where you can play a smooth 18 (thought it might set you back a few bob). If you’re facing yourself more of a spectator, head over to Jumeirah Golf Estates to catch the Race to Dubai, or plan ahead for the Rugby 7s during National Day weekend (1-4 Dec). The latter is a little further out, but with tonnes of local and national teams playing an array of sports, great food stalls (and, of course, bars) it’s a great weekend for residents and tourists alike.
get outside and get that heart rate up while the temperatures stay low
5. HEAD DOWN TO THE CREEK
This is by-far one of my favourite things to do in the cooler months. Grab a ride or a metro down to Bur Dubai and experience a different side of the city. For just 1 AED (each way), you can take a ride on a traditional wooden boat known as an Abra across the creek. On either side of the water you will find traditional Souks, great for picking up some spices, gold, or tourist-y tidbits, or just to soak up the rich Middle-Eastern culture. The boats depart every 5 minutes and a ride across the creek takes no more than 10, but is a very refreshing and scenic experience.
a lazy afternoon in Old Dubai
TL;DR – This is without doubt the best time of year in our little desert city so make sure you’re getting out and making the most of it. This is by no means an extensive list but it’s a great place to start.
For more adult-friendly (read: boozy) ideas for the winter months, check out the next post.
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