This post lists the many great things to do in Dubai in October, updated for 2023, including free, family-friendly, and nighttime activities and events.
Dubai is a welcoming city that has everything from sunshine to food to bargains and the Burj Khalifa!
The city has transformed itself from a desert to a tourist destination.
The best time to visit Dubai is from October to April. From October onwards, the temperature starts going down and there's less humidity
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN OCTOBER
This is our list of the ten best events and things to do in Dubai in October.
For even more suggestions, visit our other posts:
1. Take a City Tour or the Old Dubai Walking Tour
Dubai has emerged as a thriving metropolitan city that has become the most popular tourist destination in the Middle East.
The megacity has earned the title of being the land of superlatives because of its affinity to have 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’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 best way to experience what the city has to offer is to go on a Dubai city tour or the Old Dubai Heritage and Soulks Walking Tours.
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.
There are flourishing spice and gold souks that you must visit to get a glimpse of the city’s past as well.
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.
3. Take the Burj Al Arab Tour
October can still be hot during the day, so our recommendation is to duck the heat and book a walking tour of Inside the Burj Al Arab.
Burj Al Arab is one of the top iconic hotels in the world and has a distinctive sail-shaped silhouette.
It is built on a man-made island and rises 321 meters above sea level, offering great views of the sea.
Gold interiors, lavish restaurants, great afternoon high teas, and its own helipad- that has hosted Roger Federer and Tiger Woods!
You can also take afternoon tea there
4. Enjoy a Musical Night at the Dubai Opera
Though it only opened its doors in 2016, the Dubai Opera has quickly become one of the city’s most treasured cultural jewels.
The 1900-seat performing arts center has played host to operatic performances, ice shows, ballet dances, orchestral productions, illusionist acts, musicals, and more.
You can buy tickets in person at the Dubai Opera Box Office.
The Box Office is located on the Opera Plaza on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Seating is divided into three main areas – Stalls, Royal Circle, and Grand Circle. Pay close attention to the seating designation as the pricing can vary significantly.
In October 2023, there are a few performances you might enjoy:
- Matilda The Musical | October 3rd-6th
- David Garret | October 26th (violinist)
- Kenny Garrett | October 28th (jazz and blues artist)
5. Run a Half Marathon
The 5th running of the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon takes place this month.
The route is set to take you past many of the best and most beautiful sites in the DIFC (financial district).
Organizers invite amateurs and pros to join. There's a 5K, 10K, and 21K race as well as other fun activities.
The activities take place on October 29th. For more information, visit the race website.
If you're interested in other sports-related activities, note that the Roy Nasr Memorial Triathlon takes place on October 6th as does the DP World Women's Cycling Challenge.
And the Dubai Harbor Run takes place on October 7th.
6. Visit the Miracle Garden
Dubai Miracle Garden is a flower wonderland located in the district of Dubailand.
The garden occupies over 72,000 square meters making it the world’s largest natural flower garden.
It features over 50 million flowers and 250 million plants!
There's a Mickey Mouse flower structure weighing almost 35 tons, a floral castle, a heart tunnel, a floating lady, and so much more.
It also has an Airbus A380 which is the biggest flower structure in the world as per the Guinness Book of World Records.
For more information on the park, visit the Miracle Garden website.
7. See Thousands of Butterflies
Just next to the Miracle Garden is the Dubai Butterfly Garden.
This is the world’s largest and the region’s first indoor butterfly garden and sanctuary, found inside ten custom-built domes.
You'll find over 15,000 butterflies from 50 varieties.
Other attractions in the park include a floral clock, peacocks, a flower castle, and an aromatic garden.
For more information, visit the Dubai Butterfly Garden website.
8. Visit the Palm Jumeirah - The Atlantis, The Pointe, and the View at the Palm
Explore one of Dubai’s Architectural Triumphs - the Palm Jumeirah!
Skydive over it, elevator to its highest point at the View, have lunch atop the SushiSamba gallery-style all-glass restaurant, or enjoy it ground level at the Pointe with a fountain show.
The Pointe is a brand-new promenade for lovely strolls and another spot to watch the gorgeous dancing fountains.
It couldn’t be in a better location, directly across from Atlantis luxury hotel.
It is complemented by the Aqua Venture Water Park and the Nasimi Beach, which frequently plays host to concerts and other events.
You can swim with dolphins at Dolphin Bay meet the sea lion at the Sea Lion Point or visit the home of 65,000 incredible marine animals in the Lost Chamber Aquarium.
9. Take the Dhow Cruise or a Yacht
Head on to a relaxing evening with fun and entertainment on a traditional Arabic boat.
Famous for its Tanura dancers and their colorful costumes, a Dhow Cruise cheers up everyone.
Dhow cruises usually include a three-course dinner buffet.
It’s a magical experience drifting along the creek while watching colorful reflections out on the water of the beautifully lit-up skyline of Dubai.
Make sure you bring your camera as there are lots of photo opportunities. It's the perfect antidote to a busy city life.
If you would like a more private experience, then we would recommend you take a yacht from the Dubai Marina area.
Sail through the Dubai Marina to Bluewaters Island, and cruise over to the Dubai Eye.
See the famous Jumeirah Beach and the Palm, as well as pass the Atlantis on the breakfast and lunch tours.
You can also opt for a yacht experience with breakfast.
You get a lot of opportunities for taking Instagram-worthy photos or taking a dip in the sea!
10. Stroll La Mer
If you'd like to take an evening stroll you might enjoy Le Mer.
La Mer is hands down one of Dubai’s most Instagrammable spots, spanning over 1.24 million square meters on a white sands beachfront.
It combines commercial, residential, and leisure attractions in one area.
Fun can be had at places such as a water park or cinema, along with shopping, dining, and beach experiences.
Along with street art, there are water features, lots of greenery, elements made to look beach-worn, and a general contemporary and minimalistic design.
It's truly fun to walk along and take it all in.
