Dubai suits an early riser. Just look at all the dawn boot camps, brilliant breakfast spots and morning activities available in the city.

That’s fine. But sometimes, let’s be honest, you don’t want to get up and out early on. You want to stay in bed, watch TV, hide under a duvet and not emerge until offices are closing and the sun is setting.

That is fine, too. Especially as Dubai has so many late-night experiences to enjoy.

Here are the best things to do in Dubai at night:

Brighten up your evening at Dubai Garden Glow

Not the easiest concept to explain to a first-time visitor, this glow-in-the-dark theme park is one of the UAE’s more surreal attractions. Part collection of optical illusions, part immersive art instillation and part illuminated fantasy land of brightly coloured scenes. It is only open during the evenings as so many of the sights depend on the ten million energy-saving bulbs to provide colour and excitement against the dark of night.

Dhs70. Dubai Garden Glow, Zabeel Park, dubaigardenglow.com, (055 918 8126).

Catch a film in a cool area of the city

Cinema Akil is definitely a slick spot. If you haven’t visited, where have you been? On a serious note, this should be on your list if you’re a movie buff or a culture vulture. Kick back and catch a movie at one of the coolest arty cinemas in Dubai. The cute cinema – kitted out with red velvet seating and walls lined with vintage film posters – sometimes puts on free screenings so it’s worth keeping an eye on the website for when free events are on.

Price varies. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, cinemaakil.com (058 909 7798).

Challenge reality at VR Park

It doesn’t matter what time it is if you’re living in virtual reality. The world’s largest VR park offers up experiences that fall beyond the scope of mere sunrises and sunsets. Take a drone flight through futuristic Dubai, go dune bashing in the UAE desert, battle zombies, have a virtual snowball fight at any time of day thanks to the wonders of modern technology. There are also rides to amuse young and old, plus the rest of The Dubai Mall to explore.
Free entry. VR Park, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, vrparkdubai.com, (800 38224 6255).

Cool down with an ice skating session

Whether you’re a speedy skater whizzing around the rink, a delicate figure skater twirling to tunes, or a stumbling side hanger, your next ice skating experience just levelled up. The Dubai Ice Rink in the Dubai Mall will be filled with skaters whizzing (and dancing) to funky tunes every Friday and Saturday night. The ideal way to cool down and chill out with friends this summer.
From Dhs125 (per person). Every Friday and Saturday, 8.15pm-9.45pm. Dubai Ice Rink, The Dubai Mall. entertainment.emaar.com

Dine at Time Out Market Dubai

When it comes to food, entertainment and good times, Time Out Market Dubai is your go-to hangout. With an array of vendors serving up every type of food you fancy. You’ll even be able to catch a glimpse of the incredible fountains in front of Burj Khalifa.
Time Out Market Dubai, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai. timeoutmarket.com/dubai.

Enjoy stargazing in the desert

For Dubai’s best after-dark experience, you have to head into the desert. Dubai Astrology Group put on regular stargazing events in the Al Qudra desert which are advertised on its website. It is sure to be a great learning experience as a guide will pass on some stargazing knowledge. If you are wanting a private lesson then you can arrange a private session and choose to delve deeper into one of three topics; Arabian astronomy, Greek mythological astronomy or ancient civilisations.

Various dates. dubaiastronomy.com.

Go night kayaking with a guide

One of the more Instagrammable night-time moments, and definitely one to remember. Head out with a group and an experienced kayak guide in a glass-bottomed kayak lit up with fairy lights. Watch as the sun goes down on the Dubai skyline and the high-rise buildings light up and sparkle. Choose a single kayak, or double up with your bestie. This will help you remember why you love Dubai so much.

From Dhs249. Crystal Clear Water Sports, Dubai Fishing Harbour 1. crystalclearwatersports.com (050 473 8459).

Ooooh and aaaah At The Top

Get the timing right and the world’s tallest building and the fountain at its base can give you a day-to-night experience like no other. It is all about picking your moment. At The Top is the observation deck attraction high up in the Burj Khalifa. Set off just before sunset and you will see the light change over the coast and Sheikh Zayed Road from a vantage point on the 125th floor. As night takes over and the lights start to come on in neighbouring skyscrapers and cars hundreds of metres below you see a different side to Dubai. After you descend be sure to catch one of the night-time-only performances of the Dubai Fountain.

From Dhs169. Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, burjkhalifa.ae, (800 28 843 867).

Roll around the rink at Roll DXB

Get your skates on, literally, as this is one night-time activity you’ll want to rush along to. Roll DXB is a super-fun place for a laugh-a-minute night as you skid around the roller rink. Whether you’re a pro or a complete novice it’s sure to be heaps of fun. It’s open until 11pm every night of the week and until midnight on Fridays, too.
From Dhs65. Open Sat-Wed 11am-11pm, Fri from 11am-midnight, Marina Cubes, Port Rashid, Deira rolldxb.com (04 238 6206).

Smash balls into the night at TopGolf

Ninety-six hitting bays facing the Dubai Marina put some swing into regular golf as micro-chipped balls bring a degree of hi-tech simulation to a normal driving range experience. Different targets, accuracy and power challenges make this as much like playing a video game as engaging in sport. One of the quirkiest nightlife venues in Dubai, it is open until 2am every day of the week and is a day-to-night attraction like no other.

From Dhs200 per hour (5pm-2am), from Dhs100 for 30 minute extension. Topgolf, Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills, topgolfdubai.ae, (04 371 9999).

Swim under the moonlight 50 storeys high

Fancy swimming under the stars as you’re perched on the edge Dubai’s highest infinity pool? If this sounds like a bit of you, why not book in and enjoy a Sunday evening summer swim at AURA Skypool. Sitting 200m above the city, with incredible views over Palm Jumeirah, this might just be one of those special Dubai moments that can’t be recreated. With a live DJ spinning tunes, and the pool open until midnight, you need to add this to the list.
From Dhs225. Tue, Wed, Fri and Sat, 8pm-11pm. auraskypool.com.

Watch the laser and light show at Dubai Festival City

Lasers dance in the night sky every night alongside a spectacular fountain display at IMAGINE at Dubai Festival City, so are well worth going to see under the cover of darkness in the hotter months. Expect to be wowed; it’s earned two Guinness World Records. This is one that people of all ages will be impressed by.
Free. Mon-Thu 6pm-11pm, Fri-Sun 6pm-11pm (every hour). Dubai Festival City Mall, dubaifestivalcitymall.com.

Zoom around Dubai Kartdrome

There are indoor and outdoor kart tracks open until midnight at the Dubai Autodrome circuit. Arrive and drive facilities mean you can pull up and get a speed fix late into the night any day of the week. Helmets, overalls and, most importantly, karts are all provided so all you need for a night drive fix is some extra adrenalin and a few fist bumps for when you are on top of the race podium.

From Dhs140. Dubai Kartdrome, Motor City, dubaiautodrome.ae, (800 KARTING).

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