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Things to do in Dubai alone, with your partner or with friends

beach in Dubai
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Updated byLama Al-Haqhaqon 04 April 2024

There is so much to discover in Dubai. If you don't believe us, just hop on the largest Ferris wheel in the world, the Ain Dubai, which opened in 2021, and see for yourself. And if you are still not sure how to keep yourself busy in Dubai, alone, with your friends, or with your partner, here are some tips.

Dubai Calendar

Dubai is an amazing city with lots of activities going on, including the opening of new cafés and restaurants, water parks, etc. The Dubai Department of Tourism has recently launched a mobile application called “Dubai Calendar” so that you won't miss out on any events happening in the city. Whether you are moving there alone, with your partner, or with friends, there is a vast choice regarding entertainment, from luxury resorts and beaches to staycations, no matter what your budget is.

Beaches in Dubai

Many of Dubai's beaches belong to the hotels and are accessible only to their guests or visitors who are prepared to pay a fee. However, there are some beaches where you can soak up the sun without spending a dirham. Some of the best public beaches to enjoy the sun are Umm Suqeim Beach, JBR Beach, Kite Beach, Al Mamzar Beach, and La Mer. All those beaches are surrounded by many coffee shops and restaurants, so you can take a break from the sea and relax with a cold drink. There are plenty of watersports to try too, including wakeboarding, flyboarding, kite surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking. Dubai is famous for its beach clubs. You should visit these with friends before it gets too hot. DRIFT Beach, Nikki Beach, Bla Bla, and Kyma Beach are the most popular beach clubs in Dubai. Some of them offer a promotion for ladies (“Ladies Day”), access to the pool beach, unlimited drinks, and lunch at a discounted rate. Usually, beach clubs are full of ladies on those days.

Escaping the city life in Dubai

If you want to escape city life with your family, a desert safari is an excellent choice. You can even spend a night in the desert. This activity is a favorite during winter as summer is scorching, and it gets hotter in the desert. Many companies offer safari trips, depending on your budget and preference. If you choose safari and travel with children, they would have to be old enough to sit in a car and wear a seat belt. People with back or neck problems, as well as pregnant ladies, may have issues with the trip in four-wheel drives through the dunes.

If you're planning to travel with your family, you can also go to another emirate like Fujairah or Ras Al Khaimah. While the first one is best known for its beautiful beaches, Ras Al Khaimah offers abundant nature and mountains. It is the perfect place for weekends far from bustling Dubai.

Become a tourist for a day in Dubai

It's easy to get caught up in the busy day-to-day lifestyle of Dubai, which means that many residents miss out on the exciting sites and activities that most tourists tend to visit. Go to the top of the Burj Khalifa or see both old Dubai and new Dubai from the Dubai Frame. Get up close and personal with the animals at the Dubai Safari Park, or take a step forward in time at the Museum of the Future.

Nightlife in Dubai

If you want to dance all night, you will definitely enjoy rooftop cocktails as the sun sets. Dubai has a range of venues to suit your mood. The city regularly hosts some of the most in-demand artists in the world, including Solomun, David Guetta, Carl Cox, and 50 Cent. Due to the various licensing laws in the UAE, most of the clubs are located inside or are connected to hotels.

Keep in mind that the legal drinking age in Dubai is 21 years, and nightclubs always adhere to this rule. As the regular working week starts on a Monday and ends on a Friday, the majority of clubs, such as BO18, Sky2.0, 1Oak, and Soho Garden, are at their busiest on Fridays and Saturdays. Some clubs also host a ladies' night, which usually takes place on either Wednesday or Thursday. On these days, ladies will be entering for free and will even be offered free drinks and food.

Useful links:

Dubai Calendar (Google Play)

Dubai Calendar (App Store)

Kite Beach

Drift Beach Dubai

Nikki Beach

Bla Bla

Kyma Beach

Burj Khalifa

Dubai Frame

Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye)

Museum of the Future

Dubai Safari Park

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

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I obtained a degree in Journalism in 2018 and am experienced in writing primarily feature articles for news publications. I also have over 10 years of professional experience in SEO.

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