Winter in Dubai is unique and attracts tourists looking for a cool weather that is not extremely cold or rainy. During this season, many festivities and activities are opening for people who enjoy both the outdoors and indoors. Residents and visitors have many options this year, and we complied a list of festivals, outdoor and indoor activities to help you make a better decision.
FESTIVALS
Dubai Shopping Festival
Dubai residents love festivals, as they bring colorful light shows, food from around the world, and music every year. This winter, it starts off with the yearly Dubai Shopping Festival. It offers mega sales on everything you can imagine, with activations and special events in different locations in the city. Dubai Shopping Festival takes places in centers such as Dubai Mall, Mall of The Emirates and Mercato Mall.
Habtoor Palace Winter Garden
For lovers of outdoor festivals, Habtoor Palace Winter Garden is the perfect place to enjoy the cold with your pets. It’s a Christmas market offering kiosks for food and retail with a variety of activities to entertain children.
Global Village
Have you ever imagined experiencing shopping, food and games from all around the world at once? Global Village is a multi-cultural event featuring a range of different countries with numerous pavilions. You can browse ethnic dishes, clothes, and more while watching traditional dances and listening to folklore music. Global Village is especially popular among tourists and food lovers because of the different booths selling their local street foods. Countries that participate range from Thailand, Netherland, Egypt and so on! In addition to all of this, there are amusement rides for the whole family to enjoy. If you’re looking for some family-friendly entertainment, Global Village is the ideal destination.
Fountain View
Having a meal with the view of Burj Khalifa and the fountain in the winter is a relaxing experience. Situated next to Dubai Mall, the fountain area in Downtown Dubai has restaurants with a direct view of the water. Enjoy the entertaining shows that involve music and dancing fountains for a romantic yet relaxing time.
Dubai Miracle Garden
For lovers of nature, Dubai Miracle Garden provides visitors with an unforgettable experience with live shows and events. But what give the garden it’s miracle vibe are the millions of flowers used to create unique decorations everywhere. Next door is Dubai Butterfly Garden, the world’s largest butterfly garden featuring 15,000 butterflies of 26 different kinds.
WINTER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Hiking
For the lovers of sports and adventure, there is a variety of different activities you can take part in. Hiking in Ras Al Khaimah has become a favorite of many, with paths made for beginners and experts alike. With good weather and wonderful views of the mountains, it is easy to see why many people enjoy hiking. The available paths include Wadi Ghalilah, Jebel Jais, Jebel Qada’ah and Wadi Shawka.
Kayak
An activity for people who love the sea is kayaking in Hatta, which provides you with clear waters and exciting experiences. There are water activities are also available for your enjoyment, such as Pedalo’s, water bikes and donut boats.
Cycling
Dubai is renowned for its crowded roads and fast vehicles, but the changing weather offers many safe places for cycling. People enjoy cycling in Al Qudra, Nad Al Sheba, Al Warqa’a Jogging and Cycling Track, and Dubai Autodrome. With the weather cooling down and the forthcoming Dubai Fitness Challenge, this winter is the perfect time.
Camping
Continuing with the trend of outdoor activities, a favorite of many people is camping in the desert and mountains. Many go to Qudra, Ruwaiya and Hatta and enjoy a night under the stars, surrounded by the aroma of a campfire and barbecue. It is understandable why many residents leave the city to go camping on the weekends.
HOME ACTIVITIES
Events
Living in a community has many benefits, such as events that entertain and provide an opportunity to socialize. From events targeted at spreading awareness such as Breast Cancer Awareness Day, to spreading the holiday spirit during Christmas. Our events at Eaton Place and Belgravia 2 in Jumeirah Village Circle are aimed at creating a space for people to learn and socialize.
Yoga
Many people are doing yoga as an activity to provide clarity of mind, while helping the body become stronger and leaner. Our properties like DT1 offer yoga retreats, so that residents can spend some time relaxing in the fresh air. However, some people prefer simpler options, such as sitting by the pool and reading a book. When the weather gets colder, people opt to take the indoors outdoors. Instead of sitting at home reading a book, they can sit by the pool and listen to the water as they flip through their pages.
Fitness
A healthy mind is in a healthy body, which is why getting at least an hour’s worth of working out is important for a sustainable and happy life. Not only is exercise a fantastic way to build a lean body, strong muscles and a healthy heart, but it has also been shown to help keep us emotionally fit. Ellington Properties’ project in Downtown Dubai, DT1, close to Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, includes a state-of-the-art gym, with all the necessary equipment for a full body workout that replaces the need for any gym membership.
