These 9 Things to Do in Dubai in August Kept Us Cool and Sane
I love Dubai. I do. It’s literally one of the most amazing cities in the whole wide world! But the catch is? During August, my birth month, it gets so brutally hot outside!
Even when I’m chilling in AC, I still have to mentally prepare myself for those short walks to the office, a cafe, or pretty much anywhere. Umbrella or not, the sun shows no mercy. And my skin? It’s not built for this heat—no amount of sunscreen can save me.
So for my birthday weekend, my friends and I put together a list of the best things to do in Dubai in August—things that keep us cool, happy, and sane. Here are our top picks!
What can I do in Dubai in August?
There are plenty of things to do in Dubai in August! You can shop at Dubai Mall, wander around The Green Planet, chill at Ski Dubai, take photos of Dubai Frame, and marvel at the Museum of the Future.
Visit Dubai Mall
Media credit: thedubaimall
Website: https://thedubaimall.com/
Address: Downtown Dubai
Contact Details: +971 800 38224 6255, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 11 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
More than a cool shopping destination in August with over 1,200 shops, Dubai Mall is the place for all-day fun. We bet this spot would satisfy shopaholics, foodies, or families looking for kid-friendly options.
We love that there’s no shortage of entertainment here. But the highlights for us are the majestic Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and the dazzling Dubai Fountain shows outside.
On top of that, you can cool off inside while browsing luxury boutiques, skating in the ice rink, trying out VR experiences, or indulging in a meal with a side of Burj Khalifa view.
Pro tips:
We say skip the long taxi queues at Dubai Mall using the Dubai Metro. You won’t sweat here, either—the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station is connected via an air-conditioned walkway!
You may use valet parking or park near the entrance to avoid walking in the heat as well!
Explore the Green Planet
Media credit: thegreenplanetdubai
Website: https://www.thegreenplanetdubai.com/
Address: City Walk – Al Wasl
Contact Details: +971 800 2629464, +971 800 7699, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Fees:
- Exclusive Tourist Offer
- Adults – AED 155
- Juniors (ages 2 to 10) – AED 135
- Infants (under 2) – Free
- Exclusive Resident Offer
- Adults – AED 129
- Juniors (ages 2 to 10) – AED 129
- Infants (under 2) – Free
- VIP Pass
- Visitor – AED 215
- Nature’s Palette Biodome Experience – AED 335
- Nature’s Palette Workshop Experience – AED 170
If you’re looking for a fun outing idea, how about a lush rainforest in the middle of the desert? The Green Planet offers just that. This indoor tropical biodome houses over 3,000 exotic plants, as well as animals like sloths, parrots, and even piranhas!
If you’re that you’re into nature, we love that this place offers many educational experiences and up-close animal encounters.
The biodome also has 4 levels: the Canopy, the Midstory, the Forest Floor, and the Flooded Rainforest. For us, walking through these different levels feels like stepping into another world—and a great escape from the August heat!
Friendly reminders:
We recommend visiting The Green Planet in the morning when it’s less crowded. It’s also best to book an animal encounter in advance so you can interact with sloths, sugar gliders, or reptiles. Don’t forget to bring a good camera, either—this place is full of Instagram-worthy spots!
Ski Dubai
Media credit: skidxb
Website: https://www.skidxb.com/ar-ae/ski-dubai
Address: Mall of the Emirates – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Barsha – Al Barsha 1
Contact Details: +971 4 409 4000, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 11 PM
- Friday – 10 AM to 12 AM
- Saturday to Sunday – 9 AM to 12 AM
Fees:
- Slope Passes
- Two Hours – AED 210
- Full Day – AED 310
- SkiFly – AED 305
- Snow Plus – AED 340
- Snow Premium – AED 490
- Memberships
- 1 Month Slope Membership – AED 1,450
- 2 Months Slope Membership – AED 2,450
- 3-Month Snow Park Membership – AED 500
- Annual Snow Park Membership – AED 955
If you need a moment from the relentless August summer sun, we reckon Ski Dubai is the perfect spot to chill—literally—inside the Mall of the Emirates. But while the snow here is artificial, it’s made using technology that makes it feel like it’s the real thing.
This indoor ski resort also lets you hit the slopes, build a snowman, or even meet real-life penguins! And of course, what better way to enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate than in the snow?
Nifty tricks:
We suggest wearing warm layers under the provided gear (fleece gloves, jackets, trousers, disposable socks, boots, skis/snowboard, and poles—except hats) at Ski Dubai to stay comfortable, as it can get quite chilly.
If you’re planning to ski or snowboard, we urge you to book a lesson in advance to maximize your time on the slopes!
Dubai Frame
Media credit: dubaiframe
Website: https://www.dubaiframe.ae/ar/plan-your-visit
Address: Zabeel Park Jogging Track – Za’abeel – Al Kifaf
Contact Details: +971 800 900
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Fees:
- Infant (under 3 years) – Free
- People of Determination and 2 Companions – Free
- Adults – AED 50
- Children (3 to 12 years old) – AED 20
One of Dubai’s most unique landmarks, the Dubai Frame offers a wonderful contrast between the city’s past and future. Standing 150 meters tall, it gives you sweeping views of both Old Dubai and the modern skyline.
You can also step onto the Sky Deck’s 50-meter-long glass bridge—if you dare! At first, it looks solid, but the moment you step on it, the floor turns clear, revealing the dizzying drop below. Made from liquid crystal with sensor-activated film, it’s like walking on air!
And if you’re unsure when you’ll be available to visit here next? No worries. We like that this spot is open all year round. Just note that timings may still vary during Ramadan and holidays.
Insider scoop:
For us, it’s best to visit Dubai Frame just before sunset for the best views of both Old and New Dubai under golden lighting.
To make the most of your visit, we recommend visiting nearby attractions too, like Zabeel Park for a fun picnic or Dubai Garden Glow for an illuminated stroll.
Museum of the Future
Media credit: museumofthefuture
Website: https://museumofthefuture.ae/
Address: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Centre – Trade Centre 2
Contact Details: +971 800 2071, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 7 PM
Fees:
- Entry Ticket (ages 4 and up) – starts at AED 159
The Museum of the Future in Dubai is a futuristic landmark that we think isn’t only about cool architecture. It also offers an interactive journey into what the world could look like in the coming decades when it comes to innovation, science, and technology.
From space exploration and AI innovations to health and sustainability, we love that every exhibit is designed to really make you think. Great for tech enthusiasts, we say. Plus, we think the whole place looks very Instagrammable!
Good to know:
For us, the best exterior shots are from the footbridge or the park area. No tripods are allowed here too, but handheld cameras and phones are fine. Might feel peckish later? We say bring your own snacks! You can eat them in the lobby and garden areas.
Dubai Summer Surprises
Media credit: gulfbuzz
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dss
Dates: Around the last week of June to early September
If you love shopping and entertainment, Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is the perfect reason to be in the city in August. There are thousands of offers and fun things around the city, especially for shopping, entertainment, and dining enthusiasts.
For one, this annual festival is all about huge discounts, exciting raffles, and special events across malls and entertainment venues.
Beyond retail therapy, we like that DSS brings live performances, kids’ activities, and even celebrity appearances! The way we see it, it’s the best time to score deals while enjoying Dubai’s buzzing retail scene.
Savvy suggestion:
For the best deals, we suggest shopping during the last few weeks of Dubai Summer Surprises when final clearance sales kick in. Also, we encourage following DSS’s social media pages for flash sales and surprise giveaways!
Desert Safari with Dinner
Media credit: juliet_lizun
Website: https://www.desertsafaridubai.com/desert-safari-dinner.html
Contact Details: +971 4 2087 466, +971 56 5364 484 (WhatsApp), [email protected]
Fees:
- Need to e-mail them directly for rates
A desert safari is an absolute must in Dubai, and we bet August evenings make it even better. The adventure starts with an exhilarating dune-bashing ride, followed by sandboarding, camel rides, and stunning sunset views over the golden dunes.
Once night falls, you can also enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner under the stars while watching mesmerizing belly dances and fire performances—the perfect mix of thrill and relaxation in a breathtaking setting, in our opinion.
Must-know moves:
Wear light, breathable clothing, but bring a light jacket for your desert safari—it can get surprisingly cool at night!
Also, we recommend eating light before the safari if you plan to try dune bashing because it can be a wild ride.
Alexandra Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina
Media credit: alexandradhow
Website: https://dhowcruise.net/
Address: West Bay, Berth A11, Yacht Club – Dubai Marina
Contact Details: +971 52 899 6310, [email protected]
Sailing Route and Timings:
- Dinner Cruise (operating daily)
- Boarding – 8:30 PM
- Departure – 9:00 PM
- Return – 10:45 PM
- Sunset Cruise (Sun, Tue, Thur, Fri)
- Boarding – 5:00 PM
- Departure – 0:30 PM
- Return – 7:15 PM
Ticket Fees:
- Upper Deck (with a full-course dinner, soft drinks, and live entertainment)
- Adults – starts at AED 195
- Child – starts at AED 135
- Children (below age 5) – Free
- Lower Deck
- Adults – starts at AED 180
- Child – starts at AED 120
- Children (below age 5) – Free
- Lower Deck
- Optional Extras (with a full-course dinner, soft drinks, and live entertainment)
- Private 2-Way Transfer (max of 6 people) – AED 350
- Sharing Hotel Transfers
- Adults – AED 40
- Child – AED 35
For a more laid-back yet equally magical experience, why not try Alexandra Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina? We’re in awe that it offers guests a wooden Arabic ship that has been turned into a high-class floating restaurant in Dubai Marina.
As you glide through the shimmering waters, we love that you’ll be treated to the best views. This includes Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), and Blue Water Island with other iconic skyscrapers and fancy yachts.
With a buffet dinner, live entertainment, and a gentle evening breeze, we reckon this cruise is an ideal way to unwind while soaking in Dubai’s nightlife.
Cheat sheet:
We recommend choosing an upper-deck seat at Alexandra Dhow Cruise Dubai for the best views and a fresh breeze!