Dubai’s best outdoor activities, events and dining spots to make the most of the winter weather
Dubai, UAE, 01 November 2024: There’s no place like the outdoors when winter hits Dubai. The cooler weather invites residents and visitors out to soak in the sun and cool breeze. For families and friends looking to maximise their time outdoors, discover all the exciting activities and experiences to pack your calendars. And don’t forget to see recommendations for Dubai’s best outdoor-friendly restaurants for the winter:
Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s Festive Wonderland
Souk Madinat Jumeirah is transforming into a winter wonderland from 6 to 31 December with all kinds of whimsical activities at the outdoor Amphitheatre. Alongside the famous winter classic Forte Island, the souk extends the holiday season with Santa meets and greets, gingerbread-making sessions, festive pop-up stalls and more.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Meet Mr and Mrs Claus on a first-come-first-serve basis at Santa’s Grotto
Take themed photos with Santa against a picture-perfect set
Make your own gingerbread treats
Shop at festive huts selling themed ornaments
Enjoy Madinat Jumeirah Forte Island, where you can revel in a nearly 11-metre-tall tree, mini train, bungees, a carousel, snow park, Ferris wheel, live band entertainment, delicious foods and gift market and much more.
The Theatre of Digital Art (ToDA) has a dynamic programme of themed immersive, multi-media shows such as ‘The Nutcracker’, ‘Once Upon a Fairytale: Winter Edition’ and ‘Christmas Jazz’. See the full schedule and buy tickets here: toda.ae
When: 6-31 December, 3 PM to 12 AM (Monday to Thursday) and 12 PM to 12 AM (Friday to Sunday)
JBR Winter Nights alfresco movies and games
There’s no place making the most of Dubai’s cooling temperatures than JBR, where its staple movie nights, live entertainment, and kids activities return to the 1.7-kilometre promenade until the end of the year. Here’s everything you can look forward to:
Enjoy alfresco movie nights every Friday and Saturday at 5 PM and 7 PM, which include family favourites such as ‘Home Alone’, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, ‘The Incredibles’ and more. Click here
for the full movie schedule.
Tuck into dinner with a side of live parades and performances by LED dancers, robots, and enchanting buskers at 6 pm, 7 pm and 8 pm throughout the weekend.
Bring the whole family to get fit and burn off some energy at Dubai Fitness challenge workshops on 25 and 26 November, with themed workouts for kids. Click here
for the full schedule of kid’s workshops.
Honour Eid Al Etihad 53 with child-friendly perfume-making workshops and a falcon encounter from 2 -3 December.
Enjoy festive performances and ring in the new year from 8 to 31 December, including a meet and greets with Santa and his elves, themed parades and live entertainment
When: Until 31 December, Fridays and Saturdays 5 PM & 7 PM (Movie screenings); Saturdays and Sundays 5-9 PM (kids’ workshops); Saturdays and Sundays 6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM (live performances)
RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE WEATHER
Best spots for a scenic lunch
- Miya and Un Dimanche à Paris at Bluewaters Dubai offer shaded outdoor seating to enjoy carefully crafted treats and soak in the breathtaking sea and Marina skyline.
- Pick an outdoor table under a traditional thatched roof and exteriors at Al Fanar Seafood Restaurant’s Al Seef outpost, where you can watch abras float by while you tuck into authentic Emirati-style surf and turf.
- Asma at Al Khawaneej Walk offers delicious Arabic cuisine, which you can enjoy alfresco from a charming deck overlooking lush greenery and the lake.
- Tagomago at Club Vista Mare is a vibrant restaurant and beach retreat nestled at the base of The Palm Jumeirah. It offers an expansive outdoor and beach dining area that transports visitors to Ibiza and Western Mediterranean cuisine crafted with love, from signature paellas to fresh oysters.
Best spots for a memorable dinner
Clay at Bluewaters Dubai boasts breathtaking balcony seats with unparalleled sea views as you tuck into their mouthwatering Nikkei cuisine. Meanwhile, SHI brings you to the water's edge with outdoor seating options that perfectly complement its gourmet pan-Asian cuisine.
With abras floating along the Madinat Jumeirah’s waterways and Burj Al Arab towering and brightly lit above you, The Meat Co. at Souk Madinat Jumeirah is perfect for memorable celebrations or a charming date night. Settle in for a feast of prime-cut, succulent meats amid its moody environment that combines traditional Arab architecture with a contemporary ambience.
Last Exit Al Khawaneej is an ideal spot if you’re looking for a fun and casual dining spot. Take your pick of street food vendors serving succulent burgers, sweet indulgences and more, which you can enjoy under the open sky.
Any one of The Palm’s restaurants is a must-visit during the winter season, but Cabana on the Beach at Club Vista Mare takes the cake. Enjoy a culinary journey crafted by Chef Alan Nagoev, who has honed his craft in renowned kitchens around the world, from this stylish restaurant’s beach-facing deck.
Best spots for a lip-smacking dessert
Treat yourself to authentic kanafe at Nablus or Haleeb O Heil at Al Seef. Both restaurants offer courtyard seating amid traditional architecture, a charming combination to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Grab a scoop of rich Italian gelato at Gelateria Romana or Milky Ice Cream for soft-serve lovers at Bluewaters before you set off on a stroll through the island’s vast avenues. BlinBerry offers crepes and pancakes with diverse toppings if you're craving something fresh and warm.
Home Bakery has locations across Dubai, but its shop at Al Khawaneej Walk includes terrace seating overlooking the neighbourhood’s lake. It’s an idyllic spot to catch up over their decadent cookie and brownie skillets, cornflake-sprinkled French toast and delicious baked goods.
Best nightlife experiences
88 Terrace is a contemporary and elegant lounge bar offering some of the best views of Dubai. High above Bluewaters Dubai, this rooftop venue offers inventive drinks and live DJ sets late into the night. While you’re there, check out VYNL, a Hi-Fi bar and haven for music enthusiasts that recently opened on the island.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s Trader Vic’s has been one of Dubai’s enduring night-out favourites. Its Cuban band, tiki-inspired interiors, tangy drinks and Mai Tai terrace promise a memorable night along Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s expansive water network.
