Things to do in Dubai

Everything you need to know about visiting Dubai in January

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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 in January

  • 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
At The Top timings:
Monday to Friday: Prime hours - 4pm to 7pm, Non-Prime hours - 7am to 3.30pm, 8pm to 12am (final entry at 11pm)
Saturday and Sunday: Prime hours - 4pm to 7pm, Non-Prime hours - 7am to 3:30pm, 8pm to 12am (final entry at 11pm)

Location

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

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 9am to 9pm

Location

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

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, 5pm to 11pm
Sat & National Holidays, 5pm to 12pm

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 2pm – 11:30pm

Location

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

5

Aya Universe

Dubai Dolphinarium


Explore the world of Aya at Wafi Mall. This immersive light and sound experience takes you thorugh 12 interactive zones that connect various themes across spirituality and science. You'll have plenty of photo ops and you can even shop merchandise at the store outside.

January Timings
Sunday to Thursday: 10am to 10pm. Friday & Saturday: 10am to 12am

Location

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

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 ›

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 ›

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.

Location

Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›

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.

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
Daily 10am to 5pm

Location

North Ras Al Khaimah
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›

Dubai in January : Events to Look Out For


Barcelona in January events

Dubai Shopping Festival

Till Jan 12, 2025
The Dubai Shopping Festival, running from December to January, transforms the city into a shopper's paradise. With incredible discounts across malls, street markets, and boutiques, visitors can find everything from luxury brands to local treasures. The festival features daily raffles with prizes including luxury cars and gold, spectacular firework displays at multiple locations, live entertainment shows, and family-friendly activities throughout the city's major shopping districts.

Barcelona in January events

Green Day Live

Jan 27, 2025
Green Day, the iconic punk rock band, is set to perform at the Expo City on January 27th. This highly anticipated concert will feature their greatest hits and tracks from their latest album. Fans can expect an electrifying performance from the Grammy Award-winning trio as they bring their signature sound and high-energy stage presence to Dubai.

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)

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.

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.

Explore Dubai by months


Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
dubai in Oct
Oct
Nov
Dec
Visiting Dubai in January – The Definitive Guide