We would all love to spend a week swanning around Dubai, trying out some of the glorious hotels, pools and attractions.
However, for most living in the UAE, you will most likely just have a weekend to enjoy what the city has to offer, or it might only be a day.
So if you’re searching for somewhere to escape for less than 24 hours – we’ve rounded up some of the best day passes in Dubai.
If you like this: 26 brilliant pool day deals you’ll want to share with your mates
From spending it with your feet-up in a spa, to getting a few rounds of golf in, here are some of our top suggestions.
The best day passes in Dubai to try now
See the animals at Dubai Safari Park
Running until Sunday June 2, the whole family can head out to Dubai Safari Park to get up close to some impressive animals.
Before the attraction closes for summer, a family pass is now on offer for a great price, costing only Dhs105 for two adults and two children – making for a Dhs90 saving.
Grab some lunch at the park, before feeding the rhinos, birds and giraffes. Then finish off the day with a tour round the gorilla and reptile houses. Or for a bit of entertainment, try the creatures of the world theatre show.
Open daily until Sun Jun 2, 10am-6.30pm. Dubai Safari Park, Al Warqa 5. dubaisafari.ae
Enjoy a ladies day out at Coya Spa & Salon
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Coya Spa™ (@coyaspadxb)
It’s time for a girls day. The day out package is guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed and pampered. Beginning with a Moroccan bath, you are then treated to a 45-minute massage and an express facial.
From relaxation to beauty, the next stage involves a hair treatment, blow-dry and mani-padi, leaving you strutting out the door at the end of the day.
Sounding pretty magical? Get it booked in.
Dhs950. Daily, 10am-10pm. Park Centre Mirdif @coyaspadxb (04 601 5555).
Soak up the rays at Raffles The Palm
The pool and beach day pass at the gorgeous hotel will give you access to features like the temperature controlled pool, or a lounger on the Palm facing beach. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere around the hotel and spend hours reading, swimming and snacking on the pool menu.
However, sunbeds are first come first served, so get their early to avoid disappointment.
Dhs250 adult/Dhs100 child (weekday), Dhs300 adult/Dhs100 child (weekend). Raffles The Palm Dubai, Palm Jumeirah raffles.com (04 248 888).
Splash around at Atlantis Aquaventure
Spend your daycation at the largest waterpark in the world, and you won’t be disappointed. Perfect for those looking to burn off steam on some slides, the park has everything to keep you occupied all day long, from winding flumes to vertical drop rides.
If you’re looking to get tickets on a good deal, there are a few options to reduce the cost. UAE residents are able to book on a lower rate if they have proof of their Emirates ID. If it’s your birthday then even better – as you’ll get in for free and 2 friends will get a 20 percent discount.
Prices vary. Open Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat 10am-5.30pm. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, www.atlantis.com/dubai/atlantis-aquaventure/aquaventure-waterpark (04 426 2000).
Celebrate the start of the weekend at The 305
This new spot on Palm West Beach has a pretty cool ladies’ day deal on Fridays giving you some cracking value for money. Make the most of the day with access to the pool and beach, five drinks and one dish, all for Dhs175. It’s valid from 9am, so get down there and make a day of it.
Dhs175. Fri, from 9am. Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, @305dubai (04 423 8322).
Tee off at JA the Resort
During the summer months, you can spend multiple daycations out on the course (or in the pool) at JA the Resort.
Offering an exclusive summertime deal, the package will give you daily access to the facilities between June 1 – September 30. As well as a 30-minute complimentary golf lesson, you will also get access to the courses, gym and pool access, free entry to soul beach club (before June 30) and discounts on spa treatments, food and golf wear.
Dhs3795 (individual), Dhs6995 (couple), JA the Resort, JA Beach Hotel, jaresorthotels.com, (04 814 5555).
Escape for the day at Nikki Beach
Nikki Beach venues are the staple of many party islands such as Mykonos and Ibiza, and Dubai’s location has been a firm favourite since it launched.
Feel as if the day has swept you off to Europe, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. You can’t reserve a sun lounger so, remember you’ll need to get there early for a good spot.
From Dhs200. Tues-Sun, 11am-8pm. Pearl Jumeirah, Dubai. Dubai.nikkibeach.com (04 376 6162).
Lounge around at the 25hours Hotel
If you live nearer to Dubai Marina, spending the day all the way next to Museum of the Future might feel like a vacation.
The hotel is kitted out with everything you need to spend the entire day here, starting with the redeemable swimming pool pass boasting incredible views. Once you’ve finished up on the sunbed, grab some food at one of the eateries inside, and end the day with a rooftop refreshment at Monkey Bar.
Pool pass Dhs150 (fully redeemable). Daily from 7am-10. 25Hours Hotel, One Central, Trade Centre (04 210 2525).
Go kayaking in Hatta
A mountain escape awaits just 90 minutes away from Dubai at Hatta. Trekking is free (just make sure to wear the right gear and pack plenty of water and snacks).
Or if you would rather cool down near the water, try out the range of different watersports at the Hatta dam from kayaking to donut boats.
Not got a car? You can hop on the Hatta Express coach service that goes from Dubai Mall bus station to Hatta for just Dhs25 one-way.
Free, Hatta, visithatta.com.
Bag a rooftop spot at Tonino Lamborghini Mare Nostrum Sky Pool
If you want to get that holiday feeling, it doesn’t get much better than booking out a bed at the rooftop pool.
Unwind with views of Bluewaters, The Palm, Dubai Marina, and Burj Al Arab – the pass also includes the use of a sunbed, towels and access to premium amenities.
Dhs500 (bottle of sparkling) Sun-Thu, Dhs700 (bottle of sparkling) Fri-Sat. Open daily 11am-sunset. Radisson Resort Hotel at West Beach, The Palm Jumeirah (058 559 4222).
Book a pamper day at the Heavenly Spa By Westin
If you’re in desperate need of some pampering, schedule in a little daycation to the spa to get recharged.
The heavenly spa offers a 30-minute foot, back and renew ritual, all for Dhs290 from Mondays to Friday and for Dhs350 on Sundays. You can also get 25 percent off food and beverages at the poolside bars if you want to use the spa facilities and chill for longer.
Dhs290 (Mon-Fri), Dhs350 (Sun). The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh, www.marriott.com/en-gb/default.mi (04 511 7901).
Looking for things to do in Dubai?
18 fully redeemable pool and beach days in Dubai
Pool days don’t have to break the bank, especially with this list
50 free things to do in Dubai in May
Feeling the pinch? Enter free things to do
Top UAE hotel deals and offers to book now
Enjoy a brilliant staycation without breaking the bank