10 Things to Do in Dubai in September Without Turning Into a Puddle
Dubai in September has a special place in my heart. While I still prefer staying indoors around this time, I love that I can step outside for a little while without feeling like I’m melting.
Mornings are perfect for a quiet walk on the beach or a visit to an outdoor café, but by midday, I’m usually running back to the comfort of air-conditioning.
Still, Dubai has no shortage of fun places to explore–even at the tail end of summer, there’s always something to do! In this article, I’ll share my favorite things to do in Dubai in September, along with some tips to make the most of your stay!
1. Visit the Burj Khalifa
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Website: https://www.burjkhalifa.ae/
Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 888 8888
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Admission Cost: Start at AED 179
If you’re in Dubai in September, you can’t miss the Burj Khalifa. It’s the tallest building in the world, and standing at the top makes everything (including your worries) feel tiny.
The At The Top attraction will give you access to the views from the 124th and 125th floors. The thought of being that high can be dizzying, but that isn’t the case at all when you’re there in person!
We felt safe until we realized that the towering skyscrapers from the ground floor looked so tiny from where we were (and then we started feeling a bit nervous).
If you want something quieter and fancier, the 148th-floor deck is a great choice—fewer people, more luxury, and an even more incredible view of the city below.
Dining at At.mosphere on the 122nd floor is another highlight! Good food always tastes better with a view like that. If you want to go even higher, The Lounge on the 152nd-154th floors is the world’s highest lounge.
Pro Tip:
Book your Burj Khalifa tickets online in advance to skip the long lines! For the best experience in September, time your visit just before sunset—you’ll get daylight views, the sunset, and the city lights sparkling below, all in one trip!
2. Visit an Indoor Theme Park
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Website: https://www.imgworlds.com/
Address: City of Arabia – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 403 8888
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday – 12 to 10 PM; Friday to Saturday – 12 to 11 PM
Admission Costs: Start at AED 365
Dubai in September? It’s like stepping into an oven. Luckily, IMG Worlds of Adventure exists, and trust us, it’s a lifesaver! This place is massive—it’s Dubai’s biggest indoor theme park, so it’s perfect for escaping the heat while screaming your lungs out on some insane rides.
The Marvel zone is a dream if you’ve ever wanted to swing with Spider-Man or see if you can survive The Hulk roller coaster (spoiler: you’ll scream). Kids and ‘90s kids will love the Powerpuff Girls ride and the wild 5D Ben 10 adventure.
The whole park is indoors, so no sweating, but heads-up—no outside snacks or drinks allowed. The food inside isn’t exactly budget-friendly, but where else can you eat overpriced popcorn next to Iron Man?
Pro Tip:
Got 4-5 hours? That’s just enough time to conquer the park if you plan smart! Make sure to hit the big rides first before the lines get ridiculous.
3. Go on a Dhow Cruise
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Website: https://dhowcruise.net/
Address: West Bay, Berth A11, Yacht Club – Dubai Marina – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 52 899 6310
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 11 PM
Admission Costs: Start at AED 180 for adults and AED 120 for kids
If you’re visiting Dubai in September, one of the best ways to experience the city’s nightlife is aboard the Alexandra Dhow Dinner Cruise. This award-winning floating restaurant offers scenic views, delicious food, and live entertainment—all while gliding through the Dubai Marina.
Stepping onto the dhow felt like a little escape—soft lights, wooden decor, and a gentle breeze in the air–even if we were just there for the buffet! As the boat moved, Dubai Marina lit up all around and it was a sight to behold.
The cruise lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes, and it goes past luxury yachts, towering skyscrapers, and the Ain Dubai. The buffet has a mix of international and Arabic dishes with grilled meat, salads, curries, and more!
One of the highlights of the cruise is the Tanura dance performance—basically a guy spinning in a colorful skirt for what feels like forever. Sounds simple, but trust me, it’s mesmerizing!
Pro Tip:
If you can, grab a seat on the Upper Deck for open-air views and a nice breeze! But since it’s September, the Lower Deck has air-conditioning and a quieter vibe. Pick your adventure!
4. Visit the Dubai Aquarium
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Website: https://www.thedubaiaquarium.com/
Address: Dubai Mall – Downtown Dubai – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 800 382246255
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 10:15 PM; Saturday to Sunday – 10 AM to 11:15 PM
Admission Costs: Start at AED 199
If you’re in Dubai this September and looking for something fun to do indoors (because, if we’re being real, the heat outside is no joke), the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is a great pick!
The main attraction of the aquarium is a massive 10-million-liter tank packed with thousands of marine animals. Sharks, rays, and all kinds of colorful fish swim around like they own the place (they kind of do).
Passersby can enjoy the tank without a ticket, but will miss out on the 48-meter-long underwater tunnel. It’s like being inside a giant fishbowl—except you’re the one being watched.
After the tunnel, just follow the cute animal footsteps on the floor to visit the rest of the aquarium. There are giant crocodiles you can stare at for hours and they still won’t move. There are penguins, reptiles, and you can even ride a glass-bottom boat ride to get even more up close and personal with the sea creatures in the tank!
Pro Tip:
The staff photos are great, but your wallet might cry (around AED 200 for a photo against a digital background–they frame it nicely though). Snap your own pics and save that cash for souvenirs (or snacks).
5. Shop and Dine at the Dubai Mall
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Website: https://thedubaimall.com/
Address: Downtown Dubai – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 800 382246255
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 11 PM; Friday to Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Dubai Mall isn’t just big—it’s massive. It feels like a giant maze and it can get overwhelming, but it’s a lifesaver in September, when Dubai’s heat makes stepping outside feel like opening an oven.
We could spend the whole day in the mall and still feel like we haven’t seen much! With over 1,200 stores, it’s a shopaholic’s dream and a wallet’s worst nightmare.
But this place isn’t just about shopping! There’s an aquarium, an ice rink, and Play DXB, where virtual reality games throw you into battles against robots and zombies. There’s even a massive movie theater and an immersive art museum.
Food is everywhere too! Michelin-starred restaurants serve gourmet meals, while casual spots dish out comfort food that hits the spot. Chinatown inside the mall is a favorite, serving up authentic Asian flavors and satisfying our every boba tea craving.
Pro Tip:
A trip to Dubai Mall isn’t complete without watching the Dubai Fountain show! It happens at night, so you won’t melt under the desert sun.
6. Visit the Dubai Frame
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Website: https://www.dubaiframe.ae/en/plan-your-visit
Address: Zabeel Park Jogging Track – Za’abeel – Al Kifaf – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 800 900
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Admission Costs: Start at AED 50 for adults and AED 20 for kids
Dubai loves its shiny, over-the-top buildings, and the Dubai Frame is no exception. This giant golden rectangle standing 150 meters tall was built to represent Dubai’s past, present, and future!
On one side of the frame, you see old Dubai with its traditional neighborhoods. On the other side, the modern skyline is full of skyscrapers and construction cranes.
But this isn’t just a tall building with nice views. The experience starts on the ground floor with a small museum showing how Dubai went from a sleepy fishing village to the high-tech metropolis it is today. Then, a speedy elevator takes you up to the top, where the real fun begins.
There’s a glass-floored sky bridge that gives the feeling of walking on air. Step on it, and depending on how brave you are, your knees may or may not turn to jelly. But don’t worry, it’s totally safe (if you don’t look down).
For the best experience in September, go in the late afternoon. Watching the sun set over the skyline turns everything gold (like Dubai needed more gold, right?)
Pro Tip:
Make sure to check out Yamanote Atelier, a Japanese cafe and bakery serving adorable pastries (hello, Hello Kitty) at the top!
7. Admire Palm Jumeirah at The View at the Palm
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Website: https://www.theviewpalm.ae/
Address: Palm Jumeirah Rd, The Palm Tower – 52nd Floor – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai (in Nakheel Mall)
Contact Details: +971 800 8438439
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 7:30 PM
Admission Costs: Start at AED 110
Dubai is full of jaw-dropping sights, but The View at Palm Jumeirah is on another level. Located 240 meters up on the 52nd floor of The Palm Tower, this place gives you a full-on, 360-degree view of the palm-shaped island, the Arabian Gulf, and Dubai’s skyline.
Stepping onto the outdoor terrace feels like a total goosebumps moment. The iconic Palm Jumeirah stretches out below like something out of a futuristic postcard.
Before all that though, there’s an interactive exhibition inside that explains the history and engineering behind it all (spoiler: big dreams, strong leadership, and plenty of sand).
If 240 meters isn’t quite high enough, The Next Level takes you 10 meters higher. It’s the highest point in The Palm Tower, and the view is worth it. Plus, there’s a fancy lounge with drinks and snacks, so you’ll really feel like a VIP.
Pro Tip:
Pair your visit with sushi and skyline views at nearby SUSHISAMBA or take a dip at AURA Skypool Lounge.
8. Visit the Dubai Garden Glow
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Website: https://dubaigardenglow.ae/
Address: Zabeel Park, Gate No- 6 & 7 Area – B – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 55 918 8126
Operating Hours: Sunday to Friday – 5 to 11 PM; Saturday – 5 PM to 12 AM
Admission Costs: Start at AED 78.75
Dubai Garden Glow is like stepping into a glow-in-the dark fairy tale—except with more dinosaurs and fewer talking animals. Located in Zabeel Park, this place lights up the night with over 10 million LED bulbs, turning ordinary trees and paths into a glowing wonderland.
Giant, glowing flowers fill the walkways, while sparkling tunnels create a dreamy atmosphere. Every corner shines with creative light installations, so consider this a friendly warning: you might have a hard time deciding which pictures to take first.
Dinosaur Park has over 120 life-sized dinosaurs that move and roar. Kids will love this area, while adults can admire the details while pretending it’s all for the little ones.
Magic Park plays tricks on the senses with gravity-defying rooms and swirling illusions. We had a lot of laughs at The Upside Down Room where we flipped on our head (but not really), while the Kaleidoscope Room had our mouths hanging open while we admired the moving images.
Pro Tip:
The Magic Park is not included in the main ticket! If optical illusions and mind-bending rooms sound fun, grab that extra ticket (it’s worth it).
9. Museum of the Future
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Website: https://museumofthefuture.ae/en
Address: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Centre – Trade Centre 2 – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 800 2071
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 7 PM
Admission Costs: Start at AED 159
Dubai is always trying new and big ideas, and the Museum of the Future is the best example of that. Right on Sheikh Zayed Road, this place feels like a time machine that drops you straight into 2071.
Walking in, it’s like stepping into a sci-fi movie. First stop—OSS Hope, a space station simulation that shows what life 600 km above Earth could be like.
Then, there’s The HEAL Institute, where they’re all about fixing the planet—restoring coral reefs, rethinking cities, and making sure we don’t mess up Earth more than we already have.
Al Waha is a chill zone with cool therapies to help you relax. (Yes, the future has stress too.) The Tomorrow Today exhibit shows off AI, robots, and tech that’ll probably replace half our jobs—but hey, at least it looks cool! (Make sure to have a chat with Ameca, the museum’s humanoid robot!
And finally, the highlight–take a selfie with the building at the end of the tour! Like many buildings in Dubai, it’s an engineering marvel–shaped like a donut with Arabic calligraphy featuring the wisdom of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Pro Tip:
Got kids? Spend some time in Future Heroes, a hands-on playground where little geniuses can invent, explore, and maybe design the next big thing.
10. Souk Madinat Jumeirah
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Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/madinat-jumeirah
Address: King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St – Al Sufouh 1 – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 366 8888
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 11 PM
If you want a place to shop and eat that feels both old and new, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is perfect. It sits inside the beautiful Madinat Jumeirah resort and looks like a classic Arabian market, with small shops, narrow walkways, and restaurants by the water.
And the best part? There’s an amazing view of the famous Burj Al Arab hotel!
The souk has all kinds of souvenirs, like handmade jewelry, spices, colorful fabrics, and unique home decorations. The smell of oud, fresh coffee, and spices fill the air. And remember—bargaining is expected, so don’t be shy to ask for a better price!
There’s over 25 restaurants and cafés here, from sushi to steak, from Italian to classic Middle Eastern, so you have plenty of choices for lunch or dinner. To make the most of your experience, we recommend grabbing a table by the canal to enjoy the views!
Pro Tip:
After a good meal, take a ride on a traditional abra boat—it’s a great way to relax and snap a great photo of the Burj Al Arab.