Things to do in March in Dubai

Updated: 5 enero 2024
 By Pri

Dubai is a beautiful blend of the old and the new, with high-rise buildings adorning the skyline in the new part of the city and stoned-colored houses with Barjeels (towers) in the older part of the city.

This post covers the top 10 things to do in Dubai in March, including evening activities, free activities, and family-friendly activities, updated for 2024.

It includes free entertainment, after-dark activities, family-friendly things to do, concerts, festivals, and tours.


TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN MARCH

With the temperatures dropping, December to March is the ideal time to visit Dubai!

Though it is the peak tourist season, it is the most enjoyable time to be in the city. The weather is pleasant and perfect for both sightseeing and taking part in outdoor activities.

Read our post on March weather in Dubai for more information.

Whether you are in Dubai for a vacation or just for a short layover, we have a list of activities ready for you.

Here are the top ten things you can do in Dubai in January.


1. Visit the Sikka Art and Design Festival

Dubai has a thriving art scene which is all because of the passion and support of the city’s residents and the government.

The Sikka Art and Design Festival, which takes place from February 23rd to March 3rd, is just one of the events taking place during the official Dubai Art Season.

Other events include:

  • Emirati Lit Festival January 31st-February 6th
  • Art Dubai | March 1st-3rd
  • Dubai Canvas | March 1st-3rd
  • World Art Dubai | May 2nd-5th

The word Sikka means "alleyways of Bastakiya". Bastakiya is one of the oldest heritage sites in the city, now known as the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, where the festival takes place.

The festival is proud to encourage local emerging talents and focuses on the work of artists based in the UAE and GCC regions. It is a combination of visual arts, performing arts, music, and film.

You can visit the Sikka Art and Design Festival on your own or opt for a private art tour with Dubai By Foot.

If you plan on visiting by metro, go to the Al Fahidi metro station on the green line. Take xxit 3 and walk straight for about 10 minutes.

If you plan on visiting the fair by car, there is parking available behind the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.

If you are new to Dubai, you can read our post on how to get around in Dubai.


2. Experience Global Village

This is the 28th season for Global Village, a multicultural festival park and the region’s first family destination for culture, shopping, and entertainment. It combines the cultures of 90 countries in one place.

There’s something magical about Global Village. Part theme park, part market, Global Village features pavilions with displays from countries near and far.

The pavilions are designed in the image of iconic structures or local architecture, inviting all to meander from London’s Big Ben to Italy's Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Children and adults alike will delight in the bright lights and lively atmosphere. There are parades and all kinds of shows, from fire-breathing street performances to star-studded concerts.

There’s even more fun to be had with countless games and thrilling rides.

This celebration of diversity and creativity runs from October 18th, 2023 to April 28th, 2024.

Visit the Global Village website for more information, or purchase tickets here.


3. Attend the Dubai World Cup 

Dubai is famous for the many sporting activities held throughout the year.

Horse racing is one of the heritage sports of Dubai, and the Dubai World Cup is one of the biggest events on the region’s event calendar.

The race takes place at the end of the UAE racing season and has one of the highest purses in the world. The top prize winner receives USD 12 million.

The event is a star-studded affair. Many international and regional celebrities can be found in the exclusive lounges and private teterraces,ith all eyes on the best-bred horses on the tracks.

The Dubai World Cup is held at Meydan Racecourse.

If you are coming from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, take the 2nd interchange, Exit 47 from the Sheikh Zayed road. Turn left onto Al Meydan Road and follow the signs to Meydan Racecourse.

If you plan on coming by the metro, take the metro to Business Bay metro station and take a taxi to Meydan Race Course.


4. Attend Other Sporting Events

There are a few other big sporting events in March

Dubai International Boat Show

The Dubai International Boat Show runs from February 27th - March 2nd.

This 30-year-old event is called a lifestyle show because it includes boat builders, water sports, and "refined living – from aviation and supercars to high-end fashion and marine-inspired art."

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship takes place February 18th-March 2nd.

This popular tennis championship combines a men's event (which has taken place for over 30 years) and a women's event (which has taken place for almost 25 years).

It pulls the top players in the game. Past players have included Serena Williams, Andrew Agassi, Martina Hingis, Roger Federer, Linsay Davenport, and Andy Murray.


5. Spend A Day Out With Your Kids

There are several places in Dubai you can take children that they will find enjoyable.

Note that some of these will be free or reduced with the purchase of a discount pass.

OliOli

Children ages two to 11 can have fun while learning at this experiential play museum.

The spaces have been inspired by the thoughts of leading global educators, development psychologists, artists, and fabricators.

There are eight galleries spread across two floors with over 40 interactive galleries (such as Air, Water, Creative Lab, Future Park, Fort Building, Toddler Gallery, and Cars & Ramps) where kids can play.

Each gallery offers an immersive sensory experience and has been carefully designed with art and modern equipment.

Visit the OliOli website here.

Dubai Dolphinarium

This aquarium is home to dolphins and seals.

There are shows with both, and people are allowed to swim and have their photos taken with dolphins.

There's also a bird show where the birds interact with the audience and do tricks.

Visit the Dubai Dolphinarium here or purchase a discount pass with the Dubai Dolphinarium on it.

Dubai Garden Glow

Dubai Garden Glow features scale models of UAE landmarks like the Burj Khalifa that are made from recycled materials.

With more than 30 glow-in-the-dark installations created by 150 artists and spread across 40 acres of park, Dubai’s Glow Garden is best visited after dark.

Explore up to 10 different zones, which include Dinosaur Park, Art Park, Glow Park, and Magic Park, just to mention a few.

Purchase tickets here or visit the Dubai Garden Glow website.

Dubai Parks and Resorts

Covering a massive 25 million square feet, Dubai Parks and Resorts is UAE’s largest multi-themed leisure and entertainment park.

You can head to Motiongate, which features some 27 rides, Bollywood Parks for an Indian-themed adventure, or Legoland Water Park, and more.

You can purchase a two-park pass to Dubai Parks and Resorts here or visit the Dubai Parks and Resorts website.

Legoland Dubai

Legoland Dubai is a family theme park in Dubai and is designed for families with children from ages two to 12 years old.

The park is divided into six fun zones for kids, with unique rides and activities in each zone that the kids can enjoy.

Like many other Legoland theme parks, Dubai includes a Mini-Land where over 20 million Lego bricks are used to create 15,000 miniature models of different landmarks and structures around the world.

Buy tickets to Legoland Dubai or visit the Legoland Dubai's website.

Dubai Aquarium

The Dubai Mall features thousands of aquatic creatires and a 270-degree walk-through tunnel.

There are around 40 displays here housing creatures such as piranhas, penguins, crocodiles, lizards, snakes, otters, and eels.

You can take a ride on a glass-bottom boat to view over 33,000 aquatic animals and you could also go cage diving with sharks!

Tickets to the Dubai Aquarium can be purchased online or at the counter in the mall. The ticket is valid for one entry only.

Purchase tickets here or read more about it at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo website.


6. Take High Tea at the Burj Al Arab

Visit or stay in the hotel that first marked Dubai as a luxury tourism destination.

Burj Al Arab, with its distinctive sail-shaped silhouette, is now one of the most iconic hotels in the world. It is built on a man-made island and rises 321 meters above sea level, offering great views in each direction.

You can truly experience living like a royal if you book a stay in the Burj Al Arab. It includes gold interiors, lavish restaurants, and a helipad.

Check out our post on High Teas at Burj Al Arab for more details!


7. Take a Tour

Dubai has emerged as a thriving metropolitan city that has become the most popular tourist destination in the Middle East.

Dubai’s humble beginning as a fishing village keeps the city grounded and stands in sharp contrast with the level of advancement it has achieved.

The megacity has earned the title of being the land of superlatives because of its affinity for having the best of everything.

From infrastructure to lifestyle, every day, the capital city of the Emirate of Dubai sets a new example of excellence for the world.

Dubai City Tour

The best way to experience what the city has to offer is to go on a Dubai city tour.

Who doesn’t love skyscrapers, high-rise buildings, and culture together? Our city tour is a blend of all, and we make sure to let you have the experience of both sides of Dubai.

One moment you could be among the clouds as you zip through Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and the next you could be sailing through the bustling waterways of Dubai in a traditional Abra ride.

Old Dubia Heritage and Soulks Walking Tour

On our Old Dubai Heritage and Soulks Walking Tours you'll get a glimpse of the city’s past.

Old Dubai boasts a cluster of traditional marketplaces (souks) with a variety of wares on offer.

You'll find diamond-encrusted ornaments, strings of pearls, platinum, glittering gold, silver, savory spices, fresh fragrances, and silken shawls.

All merchandise is carefully regulated by the Dubai government to ensure authenticity and quality.

There are lots of bargains to be found. Retailers are more than up to the match with haggling, though be fair with your price.


8. Visit the Museums

Dubai has several museums that are worth visiting. Below are just a few of them.

Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions in Al Seef houses 80 exhibits of all shapes and sizes.

The museum promises to tantalize visitors with a unique visual and sensory experience—and provide heaps of fun, of course.

Unlike other museums, you are encouraged to interact with the exhibits and take as many photos as you like.

Tickets can be found here.

Perfume Museum

One of the first museums to open in the Al Shindagha neighborhood is the Perfume House, paying homage to the history of all scented things in the UAE.

Perfume House is built within the former house of an avid perfumer, Sheikha bint Saeed bin Maktoum. Many of the items inside were part of her collection.

They also have artifacts from other notable Emiratis and sites such as Saruq Al Hadid, an archaeological site in Dubai.

Dubai Museum

The Al Fahidi Fort, now known as the Dubai Museum was opened in 1971 as the official museum to display the history of Dubai and its heritage.

In 1995, another underground museum was established and added to the old fort.

The underground museum displays the pearl diving section and tells the importance of the pearl diving industry in the history and formation of Dubai.  

In the center of Fahidi Fort lies a spacious yard that is used for displaying models of local boats and bamboo houses with their traditional furniture.

A museum ticket only costs AED 3 per adult and AED 1 per child.

You can visit the Dubai Museum on our Old Dubai & Souk Heritage tour as well.

Coffee Museum

We all love coffee, don’t we?

The Coffee Museum is a one-of-a-kind, museumin Bastakiya, the oldest neighborhood in Dubai.

It is free to enter and is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday through Thursday.

You can see the various displays of coffee equipment and learn about coffee's importance in this region as well as its traditions.

You can also taste some authentic coffee for a small cost.

There's a museum shop too where you can buy a range of products - be it barista equipment or recipe books.

The coffee Museum is loved by all our guests on our Old Dubai & Souk Heritage tour.

Pearl Museum

Before the discovery of oil, pearls were the biggest cash crop in the Gulf, whose warm, shallow waters produced some of the world’s finest.

You can see many of these exquisite natural wonders on display at the Pearl Museum in Emirates National Bank in the Deira area of the city.

In addition to examples of magnificent jewelry, the museum celebrates the lives of divers and sailors by displaying the instruments and tools they used to harvest and ship the precious cargo.

Please note that you can only visit the Pearl Museum by prearranging with Emirates National Bank beforehand.

They prefer 8-10 people to visit at a time, with an upper limit of about 20 people in a larger group.

Women’s Museum

The Women’s Museum is a national archive and documentation center.

It is dedicated to exploring the different facets of the lives of Emirati women – professional and personal, past and present.

It includes artwork by various female Emirati artists, and photographs showing the contributions of Emirati women.

There are also examples of their Emirati jewelry and dresses and an exploration of how past and current rulers have affected the role of women in the UAE.

Ticket costs AED 20 per person and the museum is open Saturday through Thursday from 10 am to 5:30 pm.


9. Visit the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain

These are a few landmarks you won't want to miss on a visit to Dubai.

Burj Khalifa

Opened in January 2010 to visitors, the Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest and most marvelous building! Each time you see the building dominating the skyline of Dubai, you are in awe of it.

The building offers breathtaking views of the city from above, so is a paradise for those who like taking pictures.

Visitors are allowed to go to the top, 124th floor (452m) and 148th floor (555m).

Tickets to the Burj Khalifa can be purchased here.

You can also buy them at the entrance of the Burj Khalifa or inside the Dubai Mall (near the Dubai Aquarium). Read more about how to purchase tickets here.

The Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is the world’s tallest performing fountain as is situated on the 30-acre Burj Lake in downtown Dubai.

At over 900 ft in length, it is equivalent to over two football pitches.

The fountain puts captivating water and and light spectacle set to several genres of music including classical, contemporary Arabic, and world music

Some popular tracks include Michael Jackson's Thriller, Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman's Time to Say Goodbye, and most recently Power by Korean pop band EXO.

Shows run every half an hour from 6:00 pm until 11:300PM. There are sometimes lunch performances added as well.

You can pay for a lake ride that gets you close to the show, or purchase an AED 20 ticket to the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk.


10. Take a Desert Safari

What’s a trip to Dubai without being a part of one of the city’s signature experiences?

The weather in March is simply the best for an activity like Desert Safari.

Relish authentic Arabic cuisine at the desert camp, bash some sand dunes along the way, ride a camel, or hop aboard an ATV/quad for a racy drive, and finally, enjoy a stunning belly dance.

The tour is engaging and missing the fun would be a lost opportunity.  But, what exactly can you expect in a desert safari tour?

The tour starts in the afternoon from your hotel in a 4x4 Land Cruiser!

A typical desert safari does include dune bashing. It is such a thrill to drive through the desert, drifting over the tall sand dunes and feeling your stomach lurch after a steep drop over the top of a dune.

At the camp, you can go for quad biking, and camel riding and enjoy a great Arabic dinner buffet before you are dropped off at your hotel at night.

You can also opt for an overnight desert safari, where you stay in camps, or an early morning sunrise safari.

You can check here for more details or book a desert experience here.


11. Gear Up for the Holy Month of Ramadan

Ramadan, in Islam, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting. It begins and ends with the appearance of the new moon and this year will start at sundown on March 10th.

Celebrating Ramadan is a way to honour the Prophet Muhammad and develop more self-control. This is done through the practice of fasting from drinking or eating from dawn through dusk.

After a sunset prayer, this introspection can be broken with a meal with friends and family called the “iftar,” something that reinforces family and the brotherhood.

The end of the Ramadan fast is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr, the “Feast of Fast-Breaking.”

Tips for traveling during Ramadan:

  • Ramadan affects business hours so you should plan your trip well in advance.
  • Make sure you do not eat or drink water in public during fasting hours
  • If you plan on attending a Ramadan tent for Iftar, make sure you book your table well in advance. A lot of tents have discounts in the first week of Ramadan.
  • It is a good idea to dress a bit conservatively during Ramadan.

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About The Author

Pri

Pri is a true believer in the Rule of Three - she lives between Dubai, Bombay and Washington DC, speaks three languages and has 3 kids under 3. She graduated from Connecticut College and has a Masters Degree from New York University. Pri is a licensed Dubai tour guide, travel blogger, art aficionado, foodie and curious to check out all things new in her city. Pri has been part of the Free Tours By Foot team since 2015 and loves to make customized itineraries for her guests.
Updated: enero 5th, 2024
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