Things to do in Dubai

Visiting Dubai in January – The Definitive Guide

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Dubai is the possible city, where imagination meets reality resulting in the world’s most extreme sights and experiences. Just when the world is settling down after the holiday buzz, Dubai knows how to kick-start the revelries in the New Year. Dubai in January is all about basking in the sun and enjoying the winter without huddling up in warm clothing and trudging in the snow. The perfect weather calls for adrenaline boosting activities like adventure sports and swiping cards at the Dubai Shopping Festival! From shopping to sightseeing, Dubai in January promises to be the best travel destination.

Why is Dubai in January a must-visit?


Dubai city center skyline

  • Ideal weather:The weather in Dubai in January can be described as just right! The winter sun is pleasant, and the clear skies make for an ideal climate for outdoor activities. It is the best season to enjoy adventure sports like skydiving, and desert safari, as well as sightseeing that requires you to be outdoors.
  • Lesser tourist crowds: Most schools across the world open back in January after winter, which means lesser family tourists. Many companies are also busy being back to business after New Year, which means that you will encounter few tourists in Dubai in January.
  • Attractions and events galore: The Dubai Shopping Festival is the biggest draw in the city and the entire city welcomes shoppers. Most sightseeing attractions revamp their offerings and add new elements giving you a chance to experience a brand new Dubai in January.

Dubai Weather in January


dubai in january - weather

Dubai in January : Things to do


1

Burj Khalifa

Dubai in December


Experience a view from the ‘top of the world’ at the Burj khalifa , the world’s tallest building. The late sunrise and the clear skies of January make it one of the best times of the year for incredible views from the observation deck of the tower.

January Timings
Sunrise - 5:30 AM – 8:00 AM
At the top – 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Location

1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›

Burj Khalifa: At the Top (Level 124 & 125)
from
AED 149
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo + Burj Khalifa Combo
from
AED 209
Burj Khalifa: At the Top Sky with Coffee & Introdu...
from
AED 383
Burj Khalifa: Sunset - At the Top (Level 124 & 125)
from
AED 169.95
Burj Khalifa At The Top + Dubai Aquarium + Desert...
from
AED 340
Burj Khalifa: At the Top Sunrise + Breakfast (Leve...
from
AED 154
Burj Khalifa + Pastry & Coffee At The Café
from
AED 178
Burj Khalifa At The Top & Desert Safari Combo
from
AED 325
2 Day Combo: Burj Khalifa + Desert Safari + Dubai ...
from
AED 540
2 Day Combo: Burj Khalifa + Dubai Aquarium + Deser...
from
AED 446
Burj Khalifa: At the Top (Level 124 & 125)
from
AED 149
Burj Khalifa: At the Top Sky with Coffee & Introdu...
from
AED 383
Burj Khalifa: Sunset - At the Top (Level 124 & 125)
from
AED 169.95
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo + Burj Khalifa Combo
from
AED 209
Burj Khalifa: At the Top Sunrise + Breakfast (Leve...
from
AED 154
Burj Khalifa + Pastry & Coffee At The Café
from
AED 178
Burj Khalifa: At the Top & 3-Course Lunch at the A...
from
AED 324
Burj Khalifa: At the Top Fast Track Access (Level ...
from
AED 334
Dubai Fountain Show & Traditional Abra Lake Ride
from
AED 72
Spa Treatment At The Burj Club
from
AED 400
Burj Khalifa: At the Top Sky with Coffee & Introdu...
from
AED 383
Burj Khalifa: Fast Track Access + Dubai Aquarium C...
from
AED 500
Burj Khalifa: At the Top & 3-Course Lunch at the A...
from
AED 324
Burj Khalifa: At the Top Fast Track Access (Level ...
from
AED 334
Burj Khalifa: Sunset - At the Top (Level 124 & 125)
from
AED 169.95
Sunset at Burj Khalifa At The Top + Dhow Creek Din...
from
AED 299
Burj Khalifa: At the Top Fast Track Access (Level ...
from
AED 334
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo + Burj Khalifa Combo
from
AED 209
Burj Khalifa At The Top & Desert Safari Combo
from
AED 325
Burj Khalifa At The Top + Dubai Aquarium + Desert...
from
AED 340
Burj Khalifa: At the Top Sunrise + Breakfast (Leve...
from
AED 154
Burj Khalifa + Pastry & Coffee At The Café
from
AED 178
Burj Khalifa: At the Top & 3-Course Lunch at the A...
from
AED 324
Dubai City Tour, Aquarium & Burj Khalifa Tickets C...
from
AED 320
Sunset at Burj Khalifa At The Top + Dhow Creek Din...
from
AED 299
Burj Khalifa: At the Top (Level 124 & 125) & Dolph...
from
AED 277.98
Burj Khalifa + Mission 828 VR
from
AED 169

2

Dubai Frame

dubai frame


At 150 meters tall, the Dubai Frame stands at the junction of Dubai’s history with the sparkling modern Dubai on one side and the ancient city of Deira on the other. You can go up to the top of the frame and view the breathtaking vistas of the city.

January Timings
Daily, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Location

Al Kifaf, Zabeel Park Jogging Track, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›

Dubai Frame Anytime Entry Tickets
from
AED 53
Dubai Garden Glow + Dubai Frame
from
AED 125
Dubai City Tour + Dubai Frame Entry
from
AED 99

3

Garden Glow

Dubai Garden Glow, Dubai.


Feel like Alice In Wonderland in Dubai Garden Glow . The exhibition is a wonderful mix of light, music and visual grandeur and has come up with exciting themes, creative installations and live entertainment in its season four. Don’t miss out on one of the most enchanting exhibitions in the world!

January Timings
Sun-Fri, 5 PM to 11 PM
Sat & National Holidays, 5 PM to 12 PM

Location

Zabeel Park, Gate No - 6 & 7 Area - B, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›

4

Dinner in the Sky

Dinner in the Sky


Admire the skyline of Dubai while floating in the sky and enjoying a delectable meal. This can happen only at ‘Dinner in the Sky ’ a unique experiential dining experience where a dining table is suspended 50 meters in the air for a heady combo of dining and sightseeing!

January Timings
Daily from 2:00 PM – 11:30 PM

Location

Skydive, Al Seyahi St., Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›

5

Dubai Dolphinarium

Dubai Dolphinarium


Watch UAE’s only Dolphin Show where a lovely group of Dolphins dance, play ball, jump through hoops and even paint for you! Enjoy other exciting shows with North Fur Seals and Exotic Birds too. If you want more, then swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Planet.

January Timings
Dolphin shows at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM

Location

Riyadh Street,Umm Hurair 2, Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›

Dubai Dolphinarium: Dolphin & Seal Show
from
AED 75
Dubai Dolphinarium: Creek Park Exotic Bird Show
from
AED 50
Dubai Dolphinarium: Swimming With Dolphins
from
AED 450
Dubai Dolphinarium: Mirror Maze
from
AED 17.33
Dubai Dolphinarium: Trampoline
from
AED 19
Burj Khalifa: At the Top (Level 124 & 125) & Dolph...
from
AED 277.98
Dubai Dolphinarium: Meet and Greet Dolphins
from
AED 236

6

Dhow Cruise

Dhow cruise in Dubai


A traditional Dhow Cruise is a quintessential Dubai experience. Cruising down the marina, enjoying the spectacular sights of Dubai and savoring a multi-course meal is a relaxing and laid-back experience. The pleasant evening weather of Dubai in January elevates the atmosphere!

January Timings
Depends on the cruise

Location

Deira Creek Opposit to Radisson Blue Hotel
Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›

Dhow Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment in Duba...
from
AED 49
Dhow Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment in Duba...
from
AED 78
Alexandra Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Marina with ...
from
AED 159
Dubai Water Canal Cruise with Dinner
from
AED 160
Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Marina with Live Enter...
from
AED 89
Bateaux Dinner Cruise with Free Drink
from
AED 415
Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Music
from
AED 260
Marina Sunset Cruise with Live Music & Dinner Bufffet
from
AED 210
2 Day Combo: Desert Safari + Dubai City Tour + Dho...
from
AED 384
Dubai Creek Sightseeing Dhow Cruise
from
AED 59
Dhow Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment in Duba...
from
AED 78
Dhow Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment in Duba...
from
AED 49
Dubai Creek Sightseeing Dhow Cruise
from
AED 59
Bateaux Dinner Cruise with Free Drink
from
AED 415
Sunset at Burj Khalifa At The Top + Dhow Creek Din...
from
AED 299
2 Day Combo: Burj Khalifa + Desert Safari + Dubai ...
from
AED 540
2 Day Combo: Desert Safari + Dubai City Tour + Dho...
from
AED 384
Luxury Shared Yacht Tour
from
AED 260
Lotus Mega Yacht Weekend Brunch Cruise
from
AED 199
Mega Yacht Dinner Cruise
from
AED 199
Dubai Marina Sightseeing Dhow Cruise
from
AED 79
Alexandra Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Marina with ...
from
AED 159
Marina Sunset Cruise with Live Music & Dinner Bufffet
from
AED 210
Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Music
from
AED 260
99 Minutes, The Original Tour of Dubai Marina, Pal...
from
AED 299
Dubai Water Canal Cruise with Dinner
from
AED 160
The Yellow Boats: 60 Minutes Marnia Boat Tour
from
AED 175
Abra Ride in the Dubai Water Canal
from
AED 50
Lotus Mega Yacht Weekend Brunch Cruise
from
AED 199
Dubai Creek Sightseeing Dhow Cruise
from
AED 59
Dubai Marina Sightseeing Dhow Cruise
from
AED 79
Abra Ride in the Dubai Water Canal
from
AED 50
Sunset at Burj Khalifa At The Top + Dhow Creek Din...
from
AED 299
Luxury Shared Yacht Tour
from
AED 260
Lotus Mega Yacht Weekend Brunch Cruise
from
AED 199
Dhow Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment in Duba...
from
AED 49
Dhow Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment in Duba...
from
AED 78
Alexandra Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Marina with ...
from
AED 159
Dubai Water Canal Cruise with Dinner
from
AED 160
2 Day Combo: Desert Safari + Dubai City Tour + Dho...
from
AED 384
Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Marina with Live Enter...
from
AED 89
Luxury Shared Yacht Tour
from
AED 260
2 Day Combo: Burj Khalifa + Desert Safari + Dubai ...
from
AED 540

7

SkyDive Dubai

Skydive Dubai


Plummet down 13,000 feet for a thrilling lifetime experience during a tandeem skydive! Dubai offers some of the best panoramas in the world and the weather in January is clear with high visibility and low humidity, offering a dive windor all day long. What are you waiting for?

January Timings
Daily from 08:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Location

SkyDive Dubai Palm Drop Zone, Al Seyahi St , Dubai
Getting There ›

SkyDive Dubai: Tandem Skydiving at Palm Drop Zone
from
AED 2199
SkyDive Dubai: Tandem Skydiving at Desert Drop Zon...
from
AED 1699.02
Skyhub Gyrocopter: Private Mini Flight Experience ...
from
AED 999

8

Desert Safari

 Desert Safari


Want to head to the desert but cannot imagine sweating it out in the heat? Go on an evening desert safari in January, and you will need to carry a sweater for warmth! Enjoy the dune adventure sports and a feast at the camp with traditional Bedouin activities to boot.

January Timings
Daily from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM, overnight Desert Safari – 4:00 PM – 9:00 AM

Location

Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›

Red Dune Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Live Ente...
from
AED 79
Evening Desert Safari + Quad Biking + BBQ Dinner
from
AED 149
Premium Desert Safari at Dubai Desert Conservation...
from
AED 220
Premium Red Dunes Desert Safari & Camel Safari wit...
from
AED 235
Burj Khalifa At The Top & Desert Safari Combo
from
AED 325
2 Day Combo: Desert Safari + Dubai City Tour + Dho...
from
AED 384
Dubai City Tour & Desert Safari Combo
from
AED 191
Premium Morning Quad Bike, Sandboarding and Camel ...
from
AED 301
Premium Morning Desert Safari: Sandboarding, Camel...
from
AED 147
Red Dunes by Quad Bike, Camel Riding, Sandboarding...
from
AED 321
Red Dune Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Live Ente...
from
AED 79
Evening Desert Safari + Quad Biking + BBQ Dinner
from
AED 149
Premium Red Dunes Desert Safari & Camel Safari wit...
from
AED 235
Premium Desert Safari at Dubai Desert Conservation...
from
AED 220
Red Dunes by Quad Bike, Camel Riding, Sandboarding...
from
AED 321
Dubai City Tour & Desert Safari Combo
from
AED 191
Romantic Dinner Desert Safari
from
AED 1312.5
Dubai City Tour & Desert Safari Combo
from
AED 191
Burj Khalifa At The Top & Desert Safari Combo
from
AED 325
2 Day Combo: Desert Safari + Dubai City Tour + Dho...
from
AED 384
Burj Khalifa At The Top + Dubai Aquarium + Desert...
from
AED 340
2 Day Combo: Burj Khalifa + Desert Safari + Dubai ...
from
AED 540
2 Day Combo: Burj Khalifa + Dubai Aquarium + Deser...
from
AED 446
Premium Morning Desert Safari: Sandboarding, Camel...
from
AED 147
Premium Morning Quad Bike, Sandboarding and Camel ...
from
AED 301
Morning Dune Buggy Safari
from
AED 580
Premium Morning Quad Bike, Sandboarding and Camel ...
from
AED 301
Evening Desert Safari + Quad Biking + BBQ Dinner
from
AED 149
Red Dunes by Quad Bike, Camel Riding, Sandboarding...
from
AED 321
Morning Dune Buggy Safari
from
AED 580

9

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Hop-On Hop-Off, Dubai


Make the most of your time in Dubai by opting for the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. It covers over 30 top attractions from Dubai Marina Mall and Dubai Mall to Burj Khalifa, Atlantis The Palm and lots more. Head down to enjoy a fully air-conditioned, double-decker bus ride to witness some of the iconic landmaarks of the city guaranteeing an experience that you'll never forget.

January Timings
Daily from 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Location

Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›

10

Jebel Jais Zip Line

Jebel Jais Zip Line


Winters in Dubai are the best time for outdoor sports. Get an adrenaline rush by gliding along the world's longest zipline and reach breakneck speeds of almost 150 kilometers an hour. Situated just half an hour from Dubai city's proper, this experience ought to make it to your bucket list.

January Timings
Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Location

North Ras Al Khaimah
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›

Dubai in January : Events to Look Out For


Dubai in January events

Omid Djalili’s Comedy Gig

7 January 2024
Get ready to laugh till your sides ache at Omid Djalili's comedy gig! This hilarious man is taking center stage in Dubai, and you don't want to miss it. From his unique take on life's quirks to his spot-on impressions, Omid's comedic genius promises an evening filled with laughter.

Dubai in January events

Gigs with Ed Sheeran

19th January - 20th January 2024
Ed Sheeran, the chart-topping maestro, is hitting the stage, and you're invited to join the musical extravaganza.

Dubai in January events

Dubai Shopping Festival

8th December 2023 – 14th January 2024
Every shopaholic must mark their calendar for the Dubai Shopping Festival. The retail festival takes over the entire city with offers and sales raining down, especially for fashion, perfumes, and gold jewelry. The city also organizes exciting events like fashion shows and fireworks show. The month-long festival is the best time to revamp your wardrobe with the latest styles and trends.

Dubai in January events

Dubai Marathon

7th January 2024
Join the sea of participants as they dash through the iconic streets of Dubai, taking in the city's breathtaking skyline. From enthusiastic amateurs to elite athletes, the Dubai Marathon is a celebration of endurance, camaraderie, and the sheer joy of crossing that finish line.

Dubai in January : 5-day Itinerary


Dubai January Essentials


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LanguageArabic

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Time zoneGMT+4

☎

Country Code+971

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Socket Type C, D and G

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CurrencyArab Emirate Dirham (AED)

Dubai Weather in January

Dubai enjoys a pleasant weather in January. The average temperature hovers around 25°C during the day with clear skies and dips to an average of 15°C at night. There is little humidity with the bright winter sun shining for almost 11 hours a day. The weather is similar to a European summer and ideal for outdoor activities.

Where to Stay in Dubai during January

Dubai welcomes all types of tourists, so whether you are a backpacker or luxury seeker the city has accommodation to suit your budget –

  • 5 & 4 star Hotels - One & Only The Palm, Grosvenor House Dubai, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Al Qasr and Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah
  • Budget Hotels - Aloft City Centre Deira, Form hotel, Al Seef, Al Bandar Rotana,Rove Dubai Marina and Mariott Hotel Al Jaddaf
  • Hostels - At the top, Backpacker 16, Hey Beach, Top of Marina, The Top One, Central Dubai

What to Pack for Visiting Dubai in January

If you are off for a trip to Dubai in January here is what you should pack: protective outdoor gear like sun cap, sunglasses and summer coat as it can be bright and sunny during the day; indoors are always air-conditioned wherever you go so carry a light cardigan or sweater; comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen protection. If you are going on a desert safari carry scarves for protection against wind.

Getting Around Dubai in January

The Dubai Public Transport system has developed extensively over the recent years and offers tourists multiple means of getting around the city. The public transport is managed by the RTA and includes the Dubai Metro, Tram, Bus and the Marine Taxi.

The Dubai Metro has two lines (Red and Green) with 49 stations. The Dubai tram runs from Al Sufouh to Jumeirah Beach Residences and has 11 stations. Bus is a popular mode of transport and more than 1,500 buses connect the city extensively. Water transport is very popular in Dubai and the RTA runs the Dubai Water Taxi servicing 43 stations and Dubai Ferry with over 5 routes.

Dubai in January - Must Try Delicasies

Al Harees

Harees is a creamy concoction of mutton and wheat and seasoned with salt, which is diligently simmered for hours on fire. The hearty pudding is a traditional Emirati dish and often served at weddings, festivals and especially during the holy month of Ramzan.
Where to eat: Seven Sands, The Beach

Kabsa

The fragrant ‘Kabsa’ is Arabic comfort food; the mixed-rice dish is made with long-grained rice, vegetables and an assortment of meats like mutton, chicken, shrimp and even fish. A hot plate of spicy kabsa is perfect to beat the cold nights of Dubai in January.
Where to eat: Al Marhabani, Umm Suqeim

Luqaimat

Any Emirati will vouch for the sweet goodness of Luqaimat. The small dumplings made of wheat are fried until they are crunchy and golden and then slathered in sugar or date syrup. No one can stop at one!
Where to eat: Logma, Boxpark

Samak Mashwi

You cannot come to Dubai and not eat seafood! The Samak Mashwi is a delicious grilled fish that is marinated in special spices and served with aromatic white rice. The sizzling meal is often made with the fresh catch of the day.
Where to eat: Al Fanar, Al Majaz Waterfront

Arabic Coffee

UNESCO confirms that when you sip a cup of Arabic Coffee, you appreciate an intangible cultural heritage of the Arab states! The hot drink is intrinsically woven in the Arab culture, and there is nothing better than a hot coffee to warm the chilly evenings of Dubai in January.
Where to try: SIKKA Cafe

Tips for Visiting Dubai in January


  • The sea can be a bit cold early in the morning as the sun rises only at 7 AM in January. If you like swimming then choose to go a bit later or swim at sunset and get spectacular photographs of the sun setting on the sea.
  • The weather in Dubai in January can be compared to European Summers and you can use that as a thumb rule to find appropriate clothing and other essentials you may require.
  • Dubai hosts several racing competitions in January and speed-maniacs might want to witness them live. Some of these competitions are the Hankook 24H Endurance Motor Race, Dubai Motorbike Festival, Waterbike Racing at DIMC and UAE Wooden Powerboat Championship.

FAQs


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Visiting Dubai in January – The Definitive Guide