Dubai in December!

[Hadenough2021]

Does anyone have any recommendations of what I to do in Dubai??? I’ve been a few times before but never strayed from the hotel. First time travelling here with DH & DD (8) and DH is keen to do things and sightsee. Staying on jumeriah beach and it’s also my 30th whilst we’re there! Any help gratefully received!

You need to venture out of the hotel!.

Some ideas for you along with links:-

The yellow boats that operate from the marina near Jumeriah Beach are certainly worth going on:-

theyellowboats.com/our-tours/dubai-tours/

You could also visit the observation deck at the Burj Khalifa:-

www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/

Dubai Miracle Garden is open in December and the Dubai butterfly garden is located next to this:-

www.dubaimiraclegarden.com/

www.dubaibutterflygarden.com/

The Dubai Mall has an aquarium and underwater zoo:-
www.thedubaiaquarium.com/

I would also recommend a visit out to the Atlantis hotel to see their Lost Chambers aquarium. The hotel also has some good restaurants (Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen restaurant is there and is family friendly).

www.atlantis.com/dubai/atlantis-aquaventure/lost-chambers-aquarium

HTH

P.S Data roaming/mobile data charges in Dubai are very expensive so it is advisable to contact your internet provider before you go in order to arrange a data package. The telecoms industry in the UAE operates under a duopoly with the two providers being Du and Etisalat. Under this economic model, the end user doesn't end up with the best deal.
That also means no competition and high prices. The UAE is also one of the most expensive countries in the world when it comes to prepaid sim cards. Buy a sim card at the airport.

At the time we were there (late 2020) only two passengers were allowed in a taxi/uber.

What isn’t there to do in Dubai in December? 😂 literally just step outside of your hotel and you’ll find plenty!

Virgin mobile also operate now in Dubai so you can purchase a sim from one of their stores at Dubai airport.

This is amazing. Thank you so much!!

Thanks that’s really helpful. So glad you took time out of your day to write this!

@LadyCatStark

What isn’t there to do in Dubai in December? 😂 literally just step outside of your hotel and you’ll find plenty!

So helpful. Thanks for taking the time to write this!

The Expo 2020 (postponed from last year) will be on. I think all emirates passengers get a free ticket. It looks quite spectacular.

Global village
Bollywood world
Lego land

Even wandering into the ‘normal’ restaurants on sheik zahid rd are amazing.

Take a trip to museums in Abu Dhabi etc

Have a look on groupon uae for some bargain trips.

we went last Christmas, its a very short day sun wise. I was on the beach at 7.30 am and wrapped in towels, it was a bit chilly, plus the sun was gone by about 5.30 pm. I had to buy the kids more sweatshirts as it was really nippy at night.
The desert trip in a 4x4 is good, water park was ££££££. Normal brands there were about 30% more than the uk, H&M etc. I don't know why people go shopping there and pay more.

Hi! I live in Dubai with a 9 year old and there is so so much for kids and the weather is perfect in December!
Desert safari is a must, these should include dune bashing in the desert, an Arabic buffet meal and traditional show ans usually camel rides and falcon shows, henna etc.
All of the theme parks are good fun- motiongate and legoland are more outdoor and img is all indoor. In the weather the outdoor ones are perfect. We find the water parks a little chilly in winter but coming from the Uk you might find them ok. Both wild wadi and Aqua venture are great. Aqua venture is more impressive I would say but currently parts are being renovated so check it is open before you book.
The Dubai safari park is a nice day out and reasonably priced.
Ski Dubai is fun but expensive and gets very busy weekends and afternoons so go early.
Loads of family friendly brunches with kids entertainment and live music -
Perfect weather for sitting outside too.
The parks and public beaches are great for picnics and walks in the winter. Kite beach is our favourite but la mer is lovely too and has lots of restaurants along the front. jBr is great for an evening stroll and dinner too.
The bateaux bruise along the creek is lovely but pricey- don't bother with the cheaper ones though as they're not as good.
A walk though old Dubai and abra ride is a must to visit the old souq.
The fountains in downtown are wonderful and so many places to have dinner overlooking them. You could lose a whole day in Dubai mall easily- breakfast, cinema, ice skating, underwater Zoo, dinner overlooking the fountains.
So many places for a nice wander and a coffee too- city walk, the canal, downtown, al seef to see the Abras!
You will have a fabulous time.

Also, Dubai in general is so safe and clean so don't be afraid to jump on the metro- it is amazing and so cheap and a great way to see the sights!

Download the entertainer app, gives you money off restaurants, coffee/cakes etc, days out, shopping etc.

If driving, visit dreamland waterpark too. It's about an hour drive, but it's so much quieter. When we visited in February a couple years ago, we were the only people there.

Friday brunch at friend plaza festival city, our kids had an absolute blast and there chocolate brownie cheesecake is to die for.

Kite beach is great fun, has rides and an aerial adventure for the kids too.

You can't go wrong with dinner in any of the jumeirah beach hotel restaurants, my favourite ever dinner was from the Dhow and Anchor.

The madinat is lovely for an evening stroll.

Safa park is lovely for a bit of chill time, if you have time!!

Magic planet at Emirates mall is truly amazing.

@RHODXB

Also, Dubai in general is so safe and clean so don't be afraid to jump on the metro- it is amazing and so cheap and a great way to see the sights!

@RHODXB we are thinking of Dubai this Christmas. But I've heard that there are restrictions re clothing for women and girls. My 14 year old only wears short shorts in the summer months, will this be a problem?

@bendmeoverbackwards yes. You’d be fine dressed that way within your hotel during the daytime but in public areas (mall, souk etc) more modest dress is expected. So cover shoulders and more or less to the knee.