Top Things to Do in Dubai this Holiday Season
Secure Your Travel for Just AED 33*
4.6/5
24,098
ReviewsInsurance Partners
Trusted Customers
Policies Sold
Dubai is a wonderland to visit in December as it welcomes the holiday season with thrilling activities that locals and tourists can indulge in. So if you are a local and looking forward to what to do next weekend or you’ve got noting planned for the upcoming holidays, you can have a look at things to do in Dubai in December.
This write-up is a quick guide for locals and tourists on fun things to do in Dubai alike so they can make the most of their time in the city of gold.
Things You Need to Add to Your Bucket List this December
Desert Safari
One of the best things to do in Dubai is Desert Safari, where you can explore the expansive Arabian deserts on jeeps, quad bikes, sand boards, or camel. You can also go for a morning desert safari at the Al Khayma Camp and immerse yourself in adventure activities like dune bashing and sandboarding. The camp is 45 minutes away from Dubai and a perfect spot for relaxation and leisure camel rides. You can enhance your experience by relishing Arabic coffee, sweets, and dates in the morning desert.
Another fun desert safari spot is Al Awir, which is just the right place for wonderers on a budget. Here, you can experience an adrenaline rush with 20 minutes of dune bashing in a 4x4. You can even go for a quad biking session or a dune buggy ride with a personalised ticket. For this place, you will find several camps and tour organisers who can ensure that you don’t miss out on any fun.
Skydiving
Dubai is among the best places to tick skydiving off your bucket list. Skydiving is popular there and is considered one of the top things to do in Dubai. A fun fact – all the skydiving spots in Dubai are managed by Skydive Dubai, an agency with several Guinness World Records.
In Dubai, you have the option to choose from outdoor to indoor skydiving. In outdoor skydiving, you can go as high up as 13,000 ft., through a flight.
Indoor skydiving, compared to outdoor skydiving, is more affordable. Here, you would be required to enter a vertical tunnel where free-fall conditions are created using several simulations. If you are someone who is trying skydiving for the first time, this one may be quite suitable for you. This activity is even suitable for children in the age group of 12 years to 17 years.
Here are some tips to keep in mind before skydiving in Dubai –
- You must be at least 18 years old to go outdoor skydiving
- Carry your identification documents like your passport, driving licence, or authentic valid photo ID card
- Your body mass index (BMI) must meet the prescribed eligibility criteria
Helicopter Tour
Get ready for an awe-inspiring experience with an aerial view of Dubai in a helicopter. Since the weather in Dubai is usually clear in December, you can consider this tour by choosing from the different tour packages available. You can take a tour of the palm islands, Atlantis, Burj Khalifa, and Burj Al Arab on the Arabian Sea. You can even tour the other major skyscrapers in the city.
Evening Dhow Cruise
With Dubai Dhow tours, you can savour the unique delicacies served with scenic views. Dhow cruise will take you across the major landmarks in the Emirate. On top of this, you can enjoy these picturesque city views while relishing the rare delicacies and beverages. Some famous Dhow cruises in Dubai are –
- Dhow Cruise Creek
- Musandam Dhow Cruise
- Dhow Cruise Marina
- Dhow Cruise - Dubai City Tour
Dhow is a conventional wooden boat constructed by the local fishing society in the region for navigation. The modern-day dhows are major luxury cruises. On a dhow cruise, you can enjoy unlimited entertainment options starting from DJ parties and live shows to traditional Arabic dances.
The Arabic dance performances, for instance, begin with belly dancing and gradually move to Tanura, a conventional Turkish dance. The live shows are complemented by multinational cuisines across categories such as appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Once you are on a Dhow, you will be welcomed with Arabic coffee, dates, and other refreshments. One of the most popular delicacies on board is kahwa, an Arabic coffee that is worth a try.
Limo Tour
Feel like royalty with a high-class limo cruising tour across the city, with most of these tours starting right at your doorstep. You are welcomed with refreshing beverages along with world-class services by a friendly and at your service chauffeur. With a limo tour, you can get a view of the major landmarks in the city. You can reserve this tour on an hourly basis or for a full day. Once the tour concludes, you will be dropped back to your accommodation.
Shopping at Malls and Markets
One of the best things to do in Dubai is shopping, and Dubai indeed has a lot to offer when it comes to shopping. You can avail of great discounts and offers from the leading brands. Some of the best malls and marketplaces worth exploring are –
- The Dubai Mall – It is the world’s largest shopping mall with a colossal entertainment zone. You can visit the mall to shop for luxurious items and even spend quality time with family and friends. Some fun places to explore are Kidzania, Vr Park, and Reel Cinema.
- Wafi Mall – Wafi Mall is a perfect place to visit if you want to enjoy shopping as well as experience the leisure of fine dining, luxurious stay, and relaxation in the best spas of Dubai. You can explore the mall for purchasing designer clothes, kids’ clothes, and home decor.
- Deira Gold Souk – Deira Souk is one of the biggest gold markets in Dubai and is home to numerous jewellery shops. Here, you can buy jewellery in gold, silver, diamonds, and other precious stones. From 18-carat gold to pure 24-carat gold, real diamonds, and more, this market has it all.
- Mall of the Emirates – This shopping complex is renowned for its unique architecture and iconic shops. The mall is also home to hotels, classy restaurants, and the UAE’s largest indoor ski lodge.
- Ibn Batuta Mall – You can consider shopping at this breathtakingly beautiful mall, where you will be amazed around every corner. On its own, the striking and stunning architecture is a selling feature, but there is more – you can indulge in some delectable cuisines after shopping for your favourite brands.
One can also visit the cultural centres of other nations or watch a movie in the Vox centre. Several activities and cafes worth exploring over here. For instance, Starbucks, one of the most well-known cafes in Dubai, is located here.
Other malls and marketplaces worth exploring are Karama Shopping Complex, Deira City Centre, Dubai Outlet Mall, Perfume Souk, Textile Souk, Mercato Shopping Mall, Al Ghurair Centre, Farmers’ Market, Meena Bazaar, City Centre Mirdif, Dragon Mart, Burjuman Centre, and Spice Souk.
Feast on Emirati Delicacies
When it comes to food, the UAE won’t disappoint you. Several Emirati eateries in the city have a plethora of local delicacies for you to relish. You can try several recipes from bread to pastries to classic Arabian coffee. Some of the local dishes worth trying are –
- Luqaimat at Local Bites Cafe
- Knafeh at Qwaider Al Nabulsi
- Turkish cocktails like Anatolian Fizz at Ruya
- Samboosa stuffed with meat, vegetables, spices, and three types of cheese
- Arabic coffee and dates at Cafe Bateel
- Chicken Margoogat at Aseelah in the Radisson Blu Hotel
- Chebab at Logma
- Machboos, a traditional rice recipe
- Khubz at Arabian Tea House
One of the best ways to enjoy these delicacies is to dine with the locals, which is a part of Dubai’s cultural understanding programme.
Yoga with a View
There is nothing like practising yoga with a view of the Palm. You can indulge in morning yoga and breathe in the early morning view of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and other amazing landmarks in Dubai. Most of these classes are conducted by Core Direction, one of the best health and fitness companies in Dubai.
Walk by the Beaches
One of the best things to do with the family in Dubai is to walk by the scenic beaches. Dubai hosts some of the world’s best and most well-maintained beaches, which can be enjoyed in the evening. Some of the best beaches in the city are –
- JBR Open Beach
- La Mer
- Umm Suqeim Beach
- Kite Beach
- Al Mazmar Beach Park
- The Palm Jumeirah
- Marina Beach
- Sunset Beach
- Palm West Beach
- Al Sufouh Beach
- Jebel Ali Beach
- Black Palace Beach
- Open Beach
- Mercato Beach
All these beaches are full of white, fine sand, and are also about local delicacies that you can relish while strolling there. You can enjoy surfing, scuba diving, and other activities as well.
Visit Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa, often cited as the pride of Dubai, is the tallest completed building in the world and has about 162 floors. The observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors are worth a visit, where you can use elevators to see the major attractions like Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and more. Some other things worth exploring are –
- Relaxing at the Armani Hotel Spa
- Working out at the Burj Club
- Enjoying a luxurious dinner at At.Mosphere
- Visiting and unwinding at The Lounge for one-of-their-kind experiences like “Tea in the clouds”, “Bubbly Sundowners”, and “Cocktails under the stars”
One of the most recommended experiences here is Tea in the Clouds. Here, you get an opportunity to tour the outdoor terrace and relax on the couches in the open while savouring an assortment of fresh-baked bread, delicate sweets, and aromatic tea and coffee.
- Take your younger ones to “Schools at the Top” which is held at the observation deck. Here, they can view a documentary on the origin of the city and also about what led to the design and construction of the world’s tallest building – Burj Khalifa.
Visit Ski Dubai
The Mall of Emirates is a great place for skiing, as it is the world’s third-largest indoor skiing slope. This slope is built like a mountain and offers the same skiing experience as the natural slopes of the Alps. Everyone from professional skiers to amateurs, can enjoy and learn skiing indoors. Other activities that you can enjoy include snowboarding, zip lining, snow penguins, mountain thriller, and riding in the chair lift.
Weather in December
Dubai, as mentioned earlier, has pleasant weather in December. The humidity is comparatively low and the temperature ranges between 20 and 31 degrees Celsius. The sea temperature of around 27 °C makes it ideal for tourists to walk by the scenic beach and even participate in water sports.
Things to Consider When Participating in Activities or Exploring the City
Here are some tips that can make your trip memorable –
- The days are warm and the nights are slightly hot in Dubai at this time. You should carry cotton clothes.
- If you plan to enjoy a fine dining experience, you should follow the strict dress code laid down by the restaurants.
- Make sure you carry your sunscreens and hats while going to the beach.
Policybazaar UAE – Helping you navigate the wilderness of the insurance world!
