If you’re spending summer in Dubai, then lucky you.

But we want to make sure you’re doing Dubai summer properly, and there’s some things you need to tick off the to-do list.

In fact, that’s why we’ve created your summer bucket list, designed to ensure you have the best time possible over the next few weeks.

From cool treats to day trips, here’s the 10 things you absolutely must do this summer.

Have an ice-cream

We’re starting off simple, but a good ice-cream is a must have when the temperatures are peaking over 50 degrees.

Whether you order an ice-cream sandwich from Butter by the Dozen to enjoy at home, or head out to the new Italian ice-cream parlour in Souk Madinat, be sure to get multiple scoops – you’ll need them to cool down after all.

If you’re not an ice-cream fan, check out our guide of other cool dishes to try during the hot summer days.

Watch the sunset

Once the sun is on its way down, take a drive to Dubai Creek Harbour, and watch the orange colours against the silhouette of the Dubai skyline.

The spot is also a great location for a quick Instagram pic, before heading back into the AC.

If you want a location a little elsewhere in the city, try heading for a sundowner at West Beach on Palm Jumeirah and look out over the Dubai Marina while you wait for the stars to come out.

Take a road trip to another Emirate

From the comfort of your car (and the AC), take a summer road trip to some of the incredible locations less than two hours from Dubai.

Whether its an hour and 20 minute drive to see the cool shapes of the Fossil Rock in Sharjah, or a quick jaunt out to Love Lakes to watch the sunset, it’s a great way to get out of the house when it’s hot.

For a full list of road trip ideas, check out our guide here.

Have a sunset swim

Night swims are in this summer, and beach clubs and hotels across Dubai are opening up after dark to let you cool off.

Watch the last of the sunset as you nibble on some poolside snacks, before getting some lengths in under the light of the moon.

Even some luxury spots are offering up access at night, including the Burj Al Arab and Atlantis Royal, so don’t miss out.

You can find all of Dubai’s ongoing night swim sessions here.

Try a viral food

What do you mean you haven’t eaten the Matilda chocolate cake, or the Moon Slice truffle pizza?

This is your time to chow down on the dishes you’ve always been meaning to or visit the restaurants that you’ve never gotten round too.

Especially while reservations are quieter and there’s some great dining deals on, there’s never been a better opportunity for a viral snack.

Take a ride on the Heritage Express

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While you’re spending summer in Dubai, it’s a great idea to fit in a bit of culture.

And there’s no better way to do it than in the air-conditioned comfort of the Heritage Express.

You might recognise these special buses (or majlis), which can take you through the streets of Dubai while telling local folklore and stories about how the city came to be.

Also teaching you about local customs and heritage, you can pick your tour based on what you are most interested in.

Dhs250 per person. Timings vary. Pick up from Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. heritageexpress.com (800 07777).

Explore a new hobby

Why not finally get on the court for a game of padel, or sign up to a new pilates workshop.

While things are moving at a slightly slower pace, you should have some free time to squeeze in a new hobby.

From pottery and painting to long distance cycling, make sure you try something new for summer.

Visit an indoor market

It’s far too hot for browsing outdoor stalls, but why not take a visit to a cute indoor market to pick up some trinkets.

Relocating inside for the summer, the Ripe Market will be housed at the Springs Souk until the end of September.

Have a browse through stalls selling home-grown gifts and crafts, stock up on a few store cupboard items and support local businesses through a quieter time of year. There’s plenty for the little ones to eat, enjoy and explore too, so add a pit-stop at Ripe to your agenda.

Sat 10am-10pm. The Springs Souk, ripeevents.com (04 315 7000).

Try a new workout

You don’t have to be outside to break a sweat this summer.

Keep fit and active in the hotter months by trying a new form of exercise, whether it be a new workout class or sport in general.

If you don’t want to fully commit, there are some free gym and class trials across the city you should make the most of to get a taste for it too.

Visit a museum

Dubai is bursting with history and culture, and our bet is you haven’t taken full advantage of all the museums the city has to offer.

Showcasing the stories and communities that brought Dubai to where it is today, you can learn everything from the origins of Arabic coffee, to how locals coped before the introduction of AC.

Located in Al Fahidi, the Shindagha Museum will even give you free entry if you travel there by abra – pretty cool right.

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