This post covers the top 10 things to do in Dubai in January, 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.
We also have a post on the February weather in Dubai.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN FEBRUARY
The months of January and February might be cold in some parts of the world, but it is the best and most pleasant time to visit Dubai.
This is an ideal time for tourists to visit and the locals to go out and explore this glittering city.
Visiting Dubai in February? Here is our guide on top things to do in Dubai in February 2020.
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 for having the best of everything.
From infrastructure to lifestyle, every day, the capital city of 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 to 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. Enjoy the UNTOLD Festival
2024 is the debut of what is being called a "mega-festival" of music, with over 200 artists scheduled to perform.
The festival takes place over four days and is expected to attract around 280,000!
The festival takes place February 15th-18th at Expo City Dubai.
Visit the UNTOLD Dubai website for more information and for tickets.
3. Visit the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai
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).
If you would like to explore the entire area you can also take our private tour of Downtown Dubai.This will tell you about the architecture of the marvelous buildings in this area.
The tour starts at Tiffany’s in Dubai Mall. It takes s you through the mall, to the Souk, and to the Dubai Opera, with the tour ending at the Burj Plaza where you can buy your tickets to the Top of Burj Khalifa.
Visiting the Burj Khalifa should definitely be on your list of top things to do in February 2024 in Dubai!
4. Spend a Day at the Beach
There are a number of options for sun, sand, and water in Dubai. Here are just a few:
La Mer
La Mer is hands-down one of Dubai’s most ‘Grammable Spots, with 1.24 million square meters on a white sand beachfront.
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.
Kite Beach
For the perfect weekend, you can visit Kite Beach, famous for the kites in the Dubai sky.
Thanks to Dubai Municipality, there are beach libraries across the coastline of Dubai. The libraries are home to great books for avid book readers and most of the books focus on Dubai’s history and formation.
The library at Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim is open 24/7 and has bean bags and a perfect setting for you to enjoy the books and the views.
Party at the Barasti
Barasti Beach Bar is world-famous and has been for the last twenty+ years. This is for sure Dubai’s most happening place!
Barasti, Dubai Marina, hosts some great parties and events in Dubai.
The massive, sprawling beach bar and club provide whatever you’re looking for – be it lazing in the sun, watching the game, tucking into some decent bar food, or partying to top-name DJs.
The Beach- JBR Walk
Shop, dine, and stroll by the sea along the chic waterfront strip known as The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR).
Along this buzzing beachside boulevard, there are plenty of opportunities to satisfy your retail cravings with an array of fashion, home, and handicraft shops and boutiques.
Check out our self-guided tour of JBR.
The Black Beach
If you want to avoid the crowds, try Al Sufouh (or ‘Black Palace’) Beach – this spot is a bit trickier to find, but you’ll be rewarded with peaceful waters and beautiful views.
5. Visit the Palm Jumeirah- The Atlantis and The Pointe Dubai
Explore one of Dubai’s Architectural Triumphs- the Palm Jumeirah! It happens only in Dubai that you can see a man-made island in the shape of a palm tree.
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, the luxury hotel, is located on the Palm Jumeirah.
This was the first resort to be built on the island and shows distinctive elements of the Arabian world.
The hotel has a nautical theme and consists of 1539 rooms. It is complemented by the Aqua Venture Water Park and Nasimi Beach, which frequently plays host to concerts and other events.
There are lots of exciting activities that make Atlantis Beach Resort the epicenter of adventure and the greatest holiday experience ever.
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.
The Pointe is a brand-new promenade for lovely strolls and another spot to watch the gorgeous dancing fountains. The Pointe couldn’t be in a better location, directly across from Atlantis, imagine the views!
And with a monorail running down the 'trunk' that connects to the mainland's tram system, getting to the Palm Jumeirah couldn't be easier.
6. Take an Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood Walking Tour
Our Old Dubai Walking tour is our signature and most popular tour.
The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, previously known as Bastakiya is the oldest neighborhood in Dubai.
Dubai is now known for its glitz and glamour, but before the tourism boom or the discovery of oil, it was a vastly different place. It was a land of fishermen, divers, and Bedouins.
On this tour, we will visit the Coffee Museum, Dubai Museum, the Spice and the Gold Souk and cross the creek on the Abra boat. The Creek is the historic heart of Dubai, which once divided the city into two areas: Deira and Bur Dubai.
Until the construction of Al Maktoum Bridge, the first bridge in Dubai in 1963, the only way to get from one side to the other was in a rickety little wooden boat called an abra.
It’s still undoubtedly the most fun (and affordable) way across. We offer this tour daily as both public and private tours, for those who like to book a luxurious tour for themselves.
Note that the annual Sikka Arts Festival takes place here, turning the neighborhood into an open-air gallery. In 2024 runs from February 24th to March 4th.
For those who would like to delve fully into the Emirati culture as well as get a flavor of the Old city, we would recommend our food tour, Flavours of Arabia: Emirati Food walk.
We treat on delicacies like falafel and hummus, Majboos, and crunchy Luqaimat. We will also visit the Arabian Tea House Restaurant, one of the very famous go-to places in Dubai, a Heritage House in Bastakiya that has been converted to a restaurant.
You can easily reach both the start locations by metro and by taxi. Here is our guide for you on how to get around in Dubai.
*Private tours can start at the time of your convenience
7. 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.
8. Join February Celebrations and Events
There's a lot on in February, and you're sure to find an event you enjoy. Just a few of them are:
Lunar New Year | TBD
Dubai's Chinatown is awash in red and gold. There will be parades as well. Visit the Dragon Mart and some wonderful Asian restaurants.
The Gold Cup | February 6th-23rd
This thoroughbred horse race is held at Meydan Racecourse
Dubai International Boat Show | February 27th-March 2nd
Enjoy what is called a "marine lifestyle show" at this 30-year-old event that includes boats, aviation, super-cars, art, and fashion.
Emirates Airline Festival of Literature | January 31st-February 6th
An international literary festival that is the Arab World's "largest celebration of the written and spoken word".
9. Visit the Miracle Garden and Butterfly Garden
If you want to be wowed, each of the following places are worth visiting. They're especially sure to enchant children.
Dubai Miracle Garden
This flower wonderland is 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! For more information on the park, visit the Miracle Garden website or purchase tickets here.
Dubai Butterfly Garden
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 or purchase tickets here.
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 the month of February 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.
