10 things to do in Dubai in July

The city of Dubai, considered the jewel of the Arab world, reaches very high temperatures in July, but don't let the heat get the better of you as there are still plenty of things to see and do in Dubai despite the high temperatures, for example, book a guided tour of the city. During this time of year you can cool off and enjoy the sunny days, buy tickets for the Atlantis Aquaventure water park, the largest in the world, and do many other activities.

The most cosmopolitan metropolis of the United Arab Emirates offers plans for all types of travelers: for the gastronomic, the adventurous, the festival-goer, the cultural... Check out the 10 things to do in July in this exotic city of a thousand and one nights!

If you travel to Dubai in summer, one of the most original plans you can make, especially with your family, is to book your tickets to the Legoland Dubai water park, where you can test your skills with the classic plastic bricks, go on its attractions or cool off in its aquatic area, designed specifically for children aged 2 to 12 years, accompanied by their parents. Ideal for the month of July!

One of the activities I liked the most was watching the night show in Miniland, a large lego city with roads, cars and full of impressive skyscrapers in the style of the Big Apple, in which more than 15,000 buildings were illuminated. It was magical!

Practical information about the park

• Where: Legoland is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
• Average ticket price: From 74 €. You also have the option of general admission to Legoland without the water zone for the same price.
• Recommended if... you want to spend a fun family day and cool off with the little ones at Legoland Water Park.

Watching a movie-like sunset while cruising the city's main canal aboard a boat is an unforgettable experience, so this is one of the activities I highly recommend especially at this time of year. Dubai Marina cruises usually last two hours.

However, depending on how risky you are, you can do it aboard a small boat, a boat or if you want to feel like an important businessman for a day, you can book a luxury excursion on a stunning yacht at a reasonable price.

With this last tour you will sail along the coast of Dubai while observing the emblematic buildings of the city. Generally, these excursions offer you a breakfast in the morning, a barbecue in the afternoon or a moonlit tour in the evening. Very romantic!

Here are some interesting options:

• A dinner cruise in Dubai, which costs around 41 €, and for which you can book your tickets here.
• A traditional dinner cruise on a sailboat from around 39 €, for which you can buy your tickets in advance.
• And if you prefer you can also book a mega yacht cruise with dinner, for about 63 €.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, you can visit Bluewaters, an island created with great care for tourists. You can access it through the bridge that connects the island with the Sheikh Zayed Road, the longest in the country. Get ready to see a lot of luxury!

There you will find the world's largest Ferris wheel, which with its 250 meters dwarfs the London Eye, the Singapore Flyer and even the High Roller in Las Vegas. It's well worth the climb because, unlike other installations where the experience lasts a blink of an eye, here a complete ride lasts approximately 40 minutes. You'll have one of the best panoramic views of Dubai! Almost as good as the views from the Burj Khalifa. You can take advantage and book your guided tour of Dubai with tickets to the Burj Khalifa.

The first Madame Tussauds wax museum in the Middle East

Can you imagine meeting Justin Bieber or Vin Diesel on Bluewaters Island? Well, at the iconic Madame Tussauds wax museum, which recently opened its doors in this country, it's possible. Visitors can enjoy 60 international characters, including several famous faces from the Middle East.

One of the most anticipated events this month is the classic Dubai Summer Surprises festival , in which retailers and shopping malls agree to offer great sales in stores, hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues. What I liked most is the way they decorate and light up the whole city!

The event, which lasts about ten weeks, usually starts on July 1 and ends in mid-September. If you are traveling to Dubai around this time, don't miss the opening fireworks, projections and shows at the Burj Khalifa, The Palm fountain and the events organized by the Dubai Festival City Mall.

Taste the best restaurants in the Middle East

Foodies will enjoy the gastronomic events that accompany this festival, such as the Summer Restaurant Week, in which the thirty best restaurants to eat in Dubai offer colorful and spicy menus to delight visitors. Enjoy your meal! You can also book a gastronomic tour of the city and discover the local food and produce.

You may not feel like doing much sightseeing at 40 degrees Celsius in the sun - normal, I totally understand. However, summer is ideal for relaxing on the beaches of Dubai, the Caribbean of the Middle East. You can lie on the white sand or dip your feet in the crystal clear waters. By the way, the sea is quite warm! Most of the beaches are private and belong to the big hotels in Dubai, but you will find some very nice public beaches.

Here is my list of the best public beaches:

• Al Mamzar Beach Park: the park was inaugurated in 1994 and since then thousands of tourists enjoy its palm trees and vegetation to protect themselves from the sun, its calm waters and its pristine sand. It is, without a doubt, my favorite option. The only downside is that it is far from the center. Important fact: on Mondays and Wednesdays only women and children can go.
• Jumeirah Beach Park: if you are looking for an oasis near the city, this is the best option. This beach is surrounded by pleasant green areas, barbecues, bars and a wooden promenade.

In addition, you can take advantage of the day to immerse yourself in the country's culture and visit the Jumeirah Mosque, the only one that allows entry to non-Muslims and organizes talks to learn more about Islam and dispel myths.

• Umm Suqeim Beach: without a doubt, I recommend this postcard enclave to see one of the best sunsets in Dubai with the impressive ship-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel in the background, an icon of design and modern architecture. At sunset, the beach is tinged with orange and gold colors and you can immortalize this 'sunset' reflected in the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf.
• Open Beach: known as the "Russian beach" due to the large number of visitors it receives from this country, it is ideal for strolling because it is one kilometer long, but be careful! It has no gardens or vegetation to cool off in July, unlike Jumeirah and Al Mamzar.

And if you like water activities we propose you Diving Trip to Fujairah from Dubai for snorkeling and scuba diving. This is a beautiful area located about 120 km from Dubai, and worth discovering for its nature and marine life.

The best way to combat the high temperatures in Dubai in July is to cool off in the Atlantis Aquaventure water park, the largest in the world, which has 79 slides for you to have an incredible time, a private beach of one kilometer to relax and a wave machine to make you feel like a real surfer in the city of skyscrapers.

Dive among dolphins and colorful fish

You can also book your ticket for the Atlantis water park in Dubai, and swim with dolphins! You will be able to dive into the water with these animals, swim with them and learn all about their life and routines.

A perfect plan for the whole family that you will never forget. This attraction is great fun, especially for families, and you will also have free access to the Aquaventure water park on the same day, you will be amazed!

When the sun goes down, the temperature drops about 10 degrees Celsius in the summer season (it can go from 40 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius). It is therefore the best time to explore the city in the company of a local guide who will show you all the curiosities of its streets.

The guided tour usually lasts about 4 hours and you will visit Madinat Jumeirah, a modern version of a traditional Arab village, with a souk and canals, reminiscent of a small Venice. You will contemplate the wonderful Burj Khalifa at night, the tallest skyscraper in the world and you will see the famous Dubai fountain show, illuminated with colored lights, which although it is not the Trevi Fountain, it has become one of the most visited fountains on the planet.

If you have doubts about which is the best tour for you in summer, here is an article with the best tours and excursions from Dubai, take a look at them and take note!

If you want to feel like Scheherezade or Aladdin in his magic lamp in one of the tales of 'The Thousand and One Nights' I advise you to go to any of the souks of Dubai, which will be an open door to the mysteries, aromas and essence of Arab culture. In this metropolis there are three important markets: the Gold Souk, the Bur Dubai Souk and the Spice Souk.

• Gold Souk: it is the main market and the one with the largest number of visitors. Among its products, you will find handmade jewelry at a very interesting price and duty free. Note that on Friday mornings this place is closed.
• Souk Bur Dubai: at the beginning this place was dedicated to the sale of fabric only, today you can find a large number of stores where you can buy a souvenir. Do not forget to bargain!
• Spice Souk: this is another of the most popular and authentic markets in the city. It is the oldest in the city and a festival of aromas, colors and flavors - a journey back in time to traditional Emirati cuisine!

Although in summer there is not as much cultural activity as in winter, due to the very high temperatures of the thermometers, in July there are also live music concerts, especially at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Some great figures have come to Dubai, such as the singer Julio Iglesias, who in 2018 starred in a two-hour performance as part of his '50th Anniversary' tour that managed to fill more than 2,000 seats. During your vacations you will find pop, rock, jazz concerts...The offer is endless!

If for Christians Easter is one of the most important and spiritual celebrations, in Muslim countries one of the most significant events of the Islamic calendar is Eid Al Adha, which translates as the Feast of Sacrifice and marks the end of the pilgrimage season to Mecca.

During this celebration, locals gather to enjoy their traditional family meals and Dubai adorns the city with spectacular decorations. Don't worry because you can try the typical food of this holiday in the restaurants, which usually organize a special menu. You can also enjoy the many cultural performances that are organized throughout the city and the festive atmosphere that permeates the streets.

The weather in Dubai is very warm in July. Temperatures range between 30°C and can go as high as 40°C. The good news is that it never rains at this time, so you won't need to pack the "just in case" umbrella in your suitcase. Another good news is that sunrise is usually at 05:40 and sunset is at 19:12h. You will enjoy more than 13 hours of plans!

For many, this sun can be scorching. Most of your summer activities will have to be refreshing (beach, water parks and swimming pools) and take advantage of the central hours of the day to explore its delicious air-conditioned restaurants and, of course, its magical souks.

As you might imagine, summer is the lowest tourist season in Dubai as, due to the heat, it is not the best time to travel to Dubai. The upside is that you will enjoy the architecture and the main sights like a king practically on your own, compared to the busier and busier winter months.

In addition, you can afford to spend the night in good hotels that at other times of the year would be impossible, since prices drop considerably in this season. Few are those who dare to travel in July and August. For the daring adventurer, can you imagine enjoying your dream vacation in an accommodation with an infinity pool from which you can see the skyscrapers of Dubai at a good price?

Nuria's Traveller Tip

Warning: Drinking alcohol is not allowed in Dubai for locals. Tourists can consume it in certain places such as hotels, bars and some restaurants.