As the temperatures creep upwards, the time has come to start thinking about making the most of your weekends before summer in Dubai hits.
There are only a few weekends left before you’ll be planning your free time around where has the best air conditioning. But fear not, there are still some great trips, activities and restaurants you can visit before then.
From day trips out for all the family to open air concerts and dining in the sun, read on to find out exactly how you should spend each weekend in Dubai before summer.
April 27 & 28
To do: Visit Hatta
Less than 2 hours drive from Dubai city, Hatta is well worth a last visit before the summer months.
Full of nature and often seeing slightly cooler temperatures than the centre of the city, the scenery and surroundings make for a perfect weekend road-trip.
Hire a kayak out on the Hatta Dam, explore Wadi Hub, then hike up to the iconic Hatta sign.
If fancy more than a day trip, why not spend a night at one of the accommodations and enjoy the full weekend.
Open daily, 7am-11am, 3pm-9pm. Hatta Dam, Hatta visithatta.com (056 6162111).
To eat: Sit outside at Duck Hook
Once you’ve returned from your trip and are back in the city, tuck into a Sunday lunch at The Duck Hook in Dubai Hills Estate.
Complete with a popular outdoor garden, enjoy the sunshine and some seasonal dishes – the roast dinner is one you won’t want to miss.
Open daily 11.30am-12am, facebook.com, Dubai Hills Golf Club, (800 323 232).
Last chance to: Have a rooftop drink at Folly
The Souk Madinat bar and terrace has been a top spot to soak up some rays during the cooler months for years.
However, the venue will be closing on April 30, meaning it’s your last chance to go to enjoy a tipple on the rooftop.
Mon-Thurs, 3pm-midnight, Fri-Sat 1pm-midnight. Souk Madinat Jumeirah, folly.ae (04 430 8535).
May 4 & 5
To do: Enjoy a beach club
While the temperatures are still bearable, make sure you take advantage of the many beach clubs the city has to offer.
Especially for those who don’t have their own pool, you may want to visit before cooling off in the sea isn’t possible.
Why not book a bed or cabana at Koko Bay, with the Bali-inspired beach club giving laid-back aesthetic vibes and a fully redeemable day pass.
From Dhs150 (weekdays), Dhs250 (weekends), Mon-Thurs 10am-1am, Fri 10am-2am, Sat-Sun 8am-2am. West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, kokobay.co (04 572 3444).
To eat: Picnic in the desert
A DIY dinner and one for all the family, why not drive out to the desert and set up a feast for the evening.
Whether you choose to camp overnight or not, it will be one of your last chances to get out there before the summer really begins.
However, make sure you check out all of the UAE camping rules before you head off.
Wondering where to visit on your desert trip? Have a look at some of the best UAE desert lakes you can drive to.
Last chance to: Spend your weekend at Global Village
The attraction will close for the summer on Sunday May 5, so there isn’t long left to stroll through the different countries, or have an afternoon or evening of fun at the theme park.
Make sure you also pick up some of the famed treats at the food stalls, as you won’t be able to grab them again for a while.
Dhs22.50 (Sun-Thur), Dhs27 (Fri-Sat). Open daily 4pm-midnight, globalvillage.ae (04 362 4114).
May 11 & 12
To do: Splash around at Aquaventure
This is the perfect time of year to spend the day at the world’s largest waterpark, before you get too hot queuing for the slides.
The attraction is designed to keep all the family happy, from daring drop rides to the lazy river — perfect for floating the day away.
Prices vary, daily 9.45am-6.30pm. Atlantis the Palm, aquaventureworld.com (04 426 0000).
To eat: Nobu, Atlantis the Palm
While you’re at Atlantis, you’re in the right spot to nip upstairs to Nobu, perhaps for some lunch before the big performance.
The restaurant has an incredible outdoor terrace looking over the entire Palm, and a business lunch menu that runs on the weekends.
Lunch, Friday-Saturday 12.30-3pm, dinner Sunday-Thursday 6pm-1.30pm, Atlantis the Palm, atlantis.com (04 426 0760)
Last chance to: Watch an open-air concert
If you’re a lover of dance music, be sure to get a ticket to watch Martin Garrix play at Atlantis the Palm.
The world-famous DJ will headline at the Dubai hotel on Saturday May 11. Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy some electric beats as they play into the night.
From Dhs300. Sat May 11, 8pm. Atlantis, The Palm. platinumlist.com
May 18 & 19
To do: Play some sports at The Block
Located on the d3 Waterfront, the area in Dubai Design District has its own basketball and volleyball courts and a skate park, perfect for spending a morning in.
Outdoor sports will be less enjoyable during the mid-summer heat, so make sure to get a game in now.
The Block, Dubai Design District, dubaidesigndistrict.com.
To eat: Visit Zeta 77
Boasting some of the best views in Dubai, the rooftop restaurant and bar is worth visiting before the hotter months.
Located on top of the Address Beach Resort on the 77th floor, treat yourself to some nibbles at the bar or book out a sunken pool table to enjoy a full dinner.
Reservations required, daily 12pm-2am. Address Beach Resort, Dubai Marina (04 879 8866).
Last chance to: Do an outdoor workout (and avoid melting)
Make the most of the weather and get yourself up and out for some exercise in the fresh air.
Whether it’s flexing into a yoga class in the sky at AURA Skypool, joining a running group for one last 5km, or even taking a cycle around Dubai Marina — don’t miss out before it’s too late.
AURA Skypool, Dhs180 (Mon, 8pm, Fri 6.30am), Dhs280 (Tue, Fri, Sat 8am followed by breakfast). The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, auraskypool.com (04 566 2121).
May 25 & 26
To do: Spend the day on a boat
Another fun way to be outdoors in Dubai, why not get a group together and hire a yacht out for the day. There are plenty of places you can hire a yacht quickly and easily.
Head out for a morning tour, or sail round the Palm and anchor down to watch the sunset.
To eat: Dine at Attiko
One of many rooftop spots to enjoy before summer, book a terrace table at Attiko in the W hotel in Dubai Marina.
With views stretching over the seafront and across to the Palm, it’s a stunning spot to watch the sunset. Book for Sunday if you’re looking for something more chilled, or if you’re in the party mood, sign up to the Sky Brunch on a Saturday afternoon.
Sun-Fri 5pm-2am, Sat 2-5pm, 7pm-2am, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, theattiko.com (04 350 9983).
Last chance to: Visit Ripe Market
The outdoor market will close its al fresco location on May 26 (before moving indoors), so make sure to have a browse before then.
Filled with local produce, gifts, jewellery and more, be sure to support some smaller vendors before they move inside for the season.
Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 9am-7pm, closes May 26. Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Sufouh 1. ripeevents.com
June 1 & 2
To do: Run or stroll round Palm Jumeirah
Really make the most of the weather and head out to the Palm. There are two routes to choose from, the 4km course up and down the trunk of the island, or if you’re feeling braver, the 11km route around the crescent, which offers some stunning views.
This might be one for the morning while temperatures are a little cooler. Head out on a solo expedition or take the family for a leisurely stroll.
Palm Jumeirah
To eat: Have a meal at Nuska
Tucked away at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Nuska is a stunning spot to savour one of your last outdoor lunches.
Looking onto Burj Al Arab, feast on some Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine and enjoy some drinks while you watch the sun go down.
Daily from 12.30pm to midnight. Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Umm Suqeim 3, jumeirah.com (800 323232).
Last chance to: Visit Dubai Miracle Garden
Another one closing for the summer, this is the last weekend you can visit the gardens and exhibitions.
The incredible gardens stretch over 72,000 square metres, with floral artworks and displays including an Emirates plane and even a clock.
One for all of the family, let the little ones run around and burn off some steam while you admire the botanical displays.
Open Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-11pm, closes June 2. Dubai Miracle Garden, Al Barsha South. Dubaimiraclegarden.com
June 8 & 9
To do: Spend the day at Kite Beach
A firm favourite with locals, spend the day on the sand and take one last dip in the sea at Kite Beach before it turns into soup.
Visit some of the stalls around the beach, or even book a volleyball or padel court if you’re in the mood to get active.
Street 5a, behind Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim.
To eat: Dine on the Time Out Market Terrace
After a long day at the beach, wrap up your weekend with a cold drink and some dishes at Time Out Market.
Before the terrace gets covered for summer, make sure you sit out under the sun and watch the Dubai Fountain show.
Fri Apr 19 noon-1am, Sat Apr 20 from 10am-1am, Sun Apr 21 from 10am-midnight. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com (054 375 2421).
Last chance to: Go to an outdoor festival
An outdoor festival in June might be a little warmer than you would like, but thankfully there is one on June 8 guaranteed to keep you cool.
Try the Korean WATERBOMB festival at Dubai Festival City, where you can listen to K-pop and dance music, all the while being blasted by powerful water cannons. The unique party is certainly a fun way to end what is likely to be the last outdoor event before the summer.
Prices TBC. On sale from Fri Apr 26. Fri Jun 7-Sat Jun 8. Dubai Festival City, waterbombdubai.com
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