Dubai is often called the city that never sleeps. People tend to associate Dubai with luxury hotels and expensive cars, but that's not really all. The city offers a wide range of leisure activities for all budgets, so you will always find something to keep you busy on any weekday or at the weekend.
The Global Village
The Global Village is a seasonal shopping and cultural event held in Dubai. It combines the different cultures of 78 countries around the world. Entry to the Global Village is AED 25 on weekdays or AED 30 for any day tickets. You can also buy tickets online for AED 22.5 on weekdays and AED 27 on any day. There are many concerts and events happening on the weekends. The Global Village lasts from November to April, and it is fully crowded on the weekends.
Cinema in Dubai
Alone or with friends, you can have a good time at Dubai Cinema. A standard movie ticket in Dubai costs around AED 42, including VAT (ticket prices are subject to change). You can find a cinema hall in every big mall in Dubai. Also, if you are planning to visit JBR Beach or La Mer, you will be able to enjoy beautiful beach views before entering the cinema hall. In winter, some hotels organize open-air cinemas under the sky full of stars – which is as perfect for couples as for friends.
The Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain at the Dubai Mall is a grand experience, even if you're not watching it for the first time. Take a walk along the broad path to get closer to the fountain. It is free of charge, and no booking is required. You just have to drop by the Dubai Mall. The show starts at 6 pm, every 30 minutes until 10 pm on weekdays and until 11 pm on weekends. You can also watch the fountains up close on a boat ride which costs around AED 73.25 (including VAT), or walk down the Dubai Fountain boardwalk for AED 25 (including VAT).
Museum of the Future
Dubai's driving force is innovation and future development. The Museum of the Future showcases what the emirate aspires to, from technological advancements to cultural tolerance. You must book your tickets online, and general admission costs around AED 149.
Immersive art in Dubai
If you're an art buff, you won't want to miss out on the different digital art experiences available in Dubai. Infinity des Lumières is located in Dubai Mall and includes an immersive digital art experience, where attendees walk into a room with art projected into the walls, ceilings, and floor. Tickets are available to book online and cost around AED 110. The Theatre of Digital Art (TODA) is located in Souk Madinat Jumeirah and is a smaller version of the Dubai Mall experience. You'll find bean bag chairs that you can relax on to enjoy the show. TODA offers a number of different shows, from classical art celebrating Monet to more modern showcases of Banksy. You can purchase your tickets online, starting at AED 120.
Discover different animals in Dubai
Animal lovers are in for a treat with two different and exciting family-friendly activities in Dubai. Dubai Safari Park is home to over 3,000 animals from all around the world. You can take a safari through a desert environment or get up close and personal with some of the animals. There are plenty of options to choose from, and tickets can be booked online starting at AED 50.
The Green Planet is another fun experience where you can meet and interact with a host of different animals. You'll step into an indoor rainforest filled with over 3,000 plants and animals, from anteaters to toucans. Day passes can be bought online starting at AED 155.
Shopping in Dubai
For the shopaholics, Dubai malls are open every day, usually until 10 pm, and on the weekends until midnight. The shopping malls are the best place to hide from hot weather during summer and enjoy the big sales events that are usually happening every 6 months. Dubai Mall is one of the world's largest shopping malls and is located next to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Besides outlets for lovers of high fashion and retail stores, there are so many things to do there. The Dubai Mall is the ultimate family entertainment destination with The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, the children's concept Kidzania, and a vast indoor cinema complex. No one has ever felt bored there.
Gardens and parks in Dubai
Dubai Miracle Garden is one of the parks that is open only during winter. Take a walk in the middle of the fresh blooms for AED 95 for adults and AED 80 for kids aged 3 to 12. It is one of the best spots in the city for photoshoots.
Since summer in Dubai is extremely hot, you will need a place to chill out. The city is also famous for its big water parks. Aquaventure is the biggest waterpark in Dubai and is set in the Atlantis Palm Resort.
Wild Wadi Waterpark is one of the oldest waterparks and has been operating since 1999. The rides are continually updated, and you can enjoy a fantastic view of Burj Al Arab while climbing to another slide.
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