Best Time to Visit Dubai at Night with Family
Best Time to Visit Dubai at Night with Family

Confused about what to do at night in Dubai? Not to worry. Dubai is never boring at any point of the day or night. This comprehensive guide will shed light on all the fun you can easily enjoy in Dubai while enjoying yourself with your family. The post-sunset Dubai beauty is almost surrealistic. The unique juxtaposition of natural and man-made beauties makes it all the more attractive for tourists.
There is no doubt that Dubai at night is truly magical with its illuminated skyline views, family‑friendly evening activities, and unforgettable highlights like the Burj Khalifa lights, desert safari dinners, and serene Marina cruises. There are so many attractions to explore, like the shopping malls in Dubai that stay open till late, making them an ideal spot for one of the best Dubai places to visit with family. However, it is also important to remember to have your family travel Insurance handy when planning night excursions for added safety and peace of mind.
Places to go in Dubai at night
Here’s a look at some of the significant places to visit in Dubai at night.
Place | Typical Evening Timings | Approx. Entry Fee (AED) |
---|---|---|
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo | Open till 10?pm | From 100?-?150 AED |
Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates | Open till 11?pm | From 200 AED |
Burj Khalifa (At The Top) | Open till 11?pm | From 150 AED |
Dubai Creek (dhow ride) | Operates from 7?pm-midnight | 100 AED per boat |
Dubai Fountains | Appears every 30?min from 6?pm | Free entry |
Arabian Desert (safari) | Evening safaris start from 6?pm-10?pm | From 300-500 AED |
Dubai Marina & JBR Walk | Stays open late | Free entry |
Lost Chambers Aquarium | Open till 9 or 10?pm | 120 AED |
Shopping Malls in Dubai (Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates) | Typically till midnight | Free entry |
The Spa at Palace Downtown | Evening spa slots | From 250 AED |
Spice & Gold Souks | Open till 10?pm | Free entry |
Chillout Ice Lounge | Open till midnight | 80 AED |
Dubai Garden Glow | Open between 5?pm-11?pm | 70 AED |
Global Village | Open between 4?pm and 12 or 1?am (seasonal) | 25-30 AED |
Dubai Frame | Open till 9?pm, and the last entry is at 8?pm | 50-60 AED |
La Mer Beachfront | Free entry. The shops & restaurants are open till midnight, while the water-sports/activities work into the evening | Free entry, activity charges apply |
Al Seef heritage area | Creekside cafes & shops lit up at night | Free walk |
1. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Walking through the unique 48-meter-long aquarium and meeting live sharks is worth experiencing. Its mesmerising ambience will never fail to spellbind you. You may even try out cage snorkelling and make a memory of a lifetime.
Here, families can combine their evening at the aquarium with dinner at some of the popular shopping malls in Dubai nearby. You can make the entire outing safer with the help of family travel insurance that will have you covered in case of any accidental delays or mishaps.
2. Ski Dubai at Emirates Mall
Dubai is full of surprises. You can even ski here in this desert city. Emirates Mall houses a unique ski slope to offer you an authentic skiing experience. This is one of the best things that you can try out in Dubai at night. You can opt for kayaking in the day and skiing at night. These adventures are especially popular during the summer months.
This place works wonders for energetic kids, and it is situated right inside the Mall of the Emirates. Think of a combination of snow‑fun and late‑night shopping access, making it one of the best places to visit in Dubai.
3. Burj Khalifa
The nighttime view of the city from the world-famous tallest skyscraper is definitely one of a kind. The down view from the 124th floor seems almost surreal. To get to the top, you will have to ride the world’s fastest elevator. The evening slot begins at 7 pm and continues till 11 pm.
4. Dubai Creek
Flowing through this saltwater creek right through the centre of the city, you will experience the traditional architectural marvels of Bur Dubai and the contemporary skyscrapers of Deira Dubai. The nighttime Dhow cruise cannot be forsaken for the world. Here, you can experience the Tanura dance show while enjoying a scrumptious dinner.
5. Dubai Fountains
The amazing light and music show at the Dubai Fountains should definitely not be missed. It is one of the main attractions at night in Dubai. Each show lasts for 30 minutes. You won’t feel the time spent watching the incredible display of dancing waters and cheerful music.
6. Arabian Desert
You cannot miss the night mood of the Arabian Desert while visiting Dubai. A night safari in the Arabian Desert should be a must in your itinerary. You can do several activities like sand skiing, a long camel ride, quad biking, dune bashing, etc. The authentic barbecue dinners, clubbed with belly dancing, the Tanura Dance Show, and the Fire Show, add to the post-sunset charm of the desert. You can experience the Bedouin culture. Some of the most famous Desert Safari camps include Al Maha Resort, Bedouin Camp, Arabian Adventures, and Atlanta Desert Safari Camp, to name a few.
7. Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Walk
This man-made marina is bordered by innumerable attractive skyscrapers, illuminating the night sky. You can stroll around here to experience the mood and charm, engorging delicious snacks and meals in one of the several restaurants or cafes. This is a free sightseeing and one of the most popular.
At night, Dubai Marina transforms into a glowing promenade that is perfect for strolls, bike rides, or even a relaxing dinner cruise. You can enjoy open-air cinemas, water features, and beachfront dining at the JB Walk, making it an ideal spot for families. With the nearby shopping malls in Dubai and play areas, it's one of the best places to visit with family in the evening.
8. Lost Chambers
This is a magnum Atlantis-themed underwater aquarium, housing all sorts of marine creatures, including stingrays, sharks, seahorses, etc. You can undertake ray feeding, aqua trek, shark safari, or Atlantic dive and create a memory of a lifetime. Several other water activities are also available here during the daytime.
9. Shopping Malls
Dubai is a paradise for international shopaholics. The city is loaded with shopping malls and each one is better than the other in respect of stocks, activities, etc. These malls house some fun activities, like skiing, bowling, and amphibious bus rides, and they never fail to engross you in one way or another. Even if you do not purchase anything, you can simply roam around for free, basking in the charm and luxurious comfort.
10. The Spa at Palace Downtown
Indulge in pampering yourself on this holiday trip with a customised spa session. You can choose from a wide range of options, including aromatherapy, almond oil wrap, chocolate body scrub, etc. The skilled hands will reenergise your body and offer you the necessary comfort that you have been lacking to rejuvenate yourself.
11. Spice and gold souks
Despite the presence of such lucrative and magnanimous malls, thrift shopping is very popular in Dubai. Gold is one of the best things that you can purchase in Dubai. Apart from that, you can also avail yourself of certain typical Middle Eastern herbs and spices. Dubai Night Market is also an attractive destination for shopaholics.
12. Chillout Ice Lounge
This is a very popular joint, especially during the summer season to beat the desert heat. This unique café thrives at -60 C. It is one of the best nightclubs in the city, allowing you to have an offbeat experience.
13. Dubai Garden Glow
Despite your busy schedule or packed itinerary, you must never miss Dubai Garden Glow. This is a glowing theme park illuminated by surrealistic lights and unique decorations. It is divided into 5 categories: Dino Park, Glow Park, Ice Park, Art Park, and Magic Park, ideally designed to grab the attention of both young and adults alike.
Conclusion
We have given you a clear idea about all the fun things to do in Dubai at night with your family. However, this list is never all-inclusive. Apart from these places, there are several others like Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Al Sadeem Observatory, Dubai Global Village, IMG World of Adventures, Motiongate Dubai, Billionaire Mansion, Buddha Bar, Al Seef, Cavalli Club, Frame, City Walk, Zabeel Park, and many more. Based on your trip duration and planning, you can incorporate these must-visit places in your night itinerary to make the most out of it.
From dazzling attractions to browsing some of the most vibrant shopping malls in Dubai, the city offers many places to visit with family at night for memorable experiences. It is also important to consider family travel insurance when travelling internationally to help you have a safer and more secure trip.
FAQs
1. Is it safe to travel in Dubai at night with kids?
Yes, Dubai is quite safe at night as public areas are well-lit and secure.
2. What is the best time to visit Dubai for night experiences?
Visit between October and April. The weather is cooler making it perfect for outdoor night activities.
3. Are Dubai’s malls open late at night?
Yes, most malls are open till midnight and offer dining, shopping, and fun activities for families.
4. Which beaches in Dubai are open at night?
Two beaches of Dubai, La Mer and JBR beaches are open late, and have restaurants, shops, and safe walking areas.
5. Do I need advance booking for Dubai night attractions?
It is recommended to book ahead for attractions like Burj Khalifa, desert safaris, and Global Village, especially if you are travelling during the weekend.
6. Is public transport available in Dubai late at night?
Yes, metros, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services run late in Dubai and are quite safe.
7. What are some free things to do in Dubai at night?
You can enjoy the Dubai Fountain show, walk along Dubai Marina or Al Seef, and explore the souks.
8. Which place or area in Dubai is ideal for staying with family?
Since Dubai is a very hot tourist destination, being visited by tourists from all across the world, the entire city is carefully designed to make it ideal for tourism purposes. However, DAMAC Hills 1 and 2 are considered to be ideal for staying with family during your Dubai trip.
9. Does Dubai offer a lucrative nightlife?
Be it day or night, Dubai has something intriguing or the other to offer to its tourists. Some of the tour gems are exclusively available at night only. They offer a safe and secure environment for all the tourists, ideal for experiencing Dubai at its best.
10. Do I need a travel insurance plan for a Dubai trip?
It depends on your citizenship. If it belongs to a very faraway land, then maintaining an international travel insurance plan might be mandatory. However, irrespective of your trip itinerary, it is best and safe to carry an international travel plan or specific travel insurance for Dubai trip to enjoy a smooth and hassle-free vacation.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
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