Dubai is a city that embodies extravagant dreams and larger-than-life projects; it's a place where you can escape reality and immerse yourself in the extraordinary. In this guide, we'll explore whether Dubai in March lives up to its exciting reputation and why it's an ideal time to visit.
Dubai caters to a diverse range of travelers, whether you're a shopaholic, a party animal, a dedicated professional, or a social butterfly. The city offers a consistently high standard of living throughout the year, making a visit in March a popular choice.
With summer yet to fully kick in, March is an ideal time to travel to Dubai. The weather is just about right to go outdoors and explore the city's attractions, activities, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the city.
What makes Dubai in March special?
March is a special month to visit Dubai and for several reasons too:
- Despite being a desert and lacking the traditional "spring season", Dubai in March is a relatively plesant month. This allows visitors to explore the city, without the otherwise harsh sunlight.
- Plesant weather means sandstorms are scarce. This reduces the potential disruption to outdoor activities and sightseeing.
- March is also a cost-effective month to visit Dubai with reduced accommodation prices.
Overall, Dubai in March sounds like a hoot to us. Read on to find out which spots you must visit if you are in the city in March.
Dubai in March: Weather
March in Dubai brings with it temperatures ranging from 17°C to 28°C. With spring on its way, expect about 9 hours of sunshine and relative humidity ranging from a comfortable 33% to a very humid 92%! Over recent years there have been a small number of sand storms occurring in Dubai in March.
Dubai in March: Things to do
1
Burj Khalifa
The tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa took 6 years to be completed in its entirety. This 828-meter tall megastructure stands as a testament to the city’s go-getter attitude. The observation decks in the building are immensely popular. The month of March in Dubai is characterized by low humidity, and thus it is the best time to catch a birds-eye view of the city from the top of the Burj Khalifa.
March Timings
Sunrise: 5:30 AM – 8 AM
At the Top: 8:30 AM – 11 PM
1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
2
Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame is one of the most conceptually sane structures in the world. Its rectangular photo frame like structure aims to provide a view of the city’s past, present, and future. There are two galleries that exhibit the past and future of Dubai, while an observation deck at the top of the frame warrants a look into the present state of the City of Gold.
March Timings
Daily from 9 AM to 9 PM
Al Kifaf, Zabeel Park Jogging Track, Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
3
Dubai Dolphinarium
Dubai won’t disappoint you if you are visiting with family. Dubai Dolphinarium is home to some of the most exciting family entertainment activities in the city. Apart from the dolphin show, the seal show and the bird show are also worth catching. In March, the Dubai Dolphinarium is expected to be less crowded than usual.
March Timings
Dolphin shows at 11, 2 PM, and 6 PM
No shows on Tuesdays
Riyadh Street, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
4
La Perle by Dragone
La Perle by Dragone is a performance show hosted in a theatre in Dubai that boasts of a unique 270-degree viewing angle for the audience. The show features a lineup of 65 skilled acrobats executing complex and striking stunts an stage. This creator of this show is Francis Dragone, whose claim to fame was Cirque du Soleil. This show is very popular, and therefore the decreased tourist footfall in March could be a blessing in disguise.
March Timings
Wednesday - Sunday from 6:30 PM to 8 PM and 9 PM to 10 PM
Sundays from 4 PM to 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM to 8 PM
260 Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
5
Garden Glow
Established in 2015, Garden Glow is a theme park that utilizes recyclable material to create works of fine art. The works glow by the night giving the entire park a surrealistic aura. The park also hosts numerous live performances. Additionally, there is a separate kids’ zone with fun interactive activities. The impressive palette in the food pavilion is also worth mentioning.
March Timings
Sunday to Friday from 5 PM to 11 PM
Saturday & National holidays from 5 PM to 12 AM
Zabeel Park, Gate No - 6 & 7 Area - B, Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
6
Dinner in the Sky
This experience in Dubai adds a new dimension to the concept of fine dining. As you are served a sumptuous meal, a hydraulic crane takes your table 50 meters high. With the spectacular Dubai skyline before you and your seat high up in the air, you’ll get to know how thrilling dinners can be. In March, the clear air will ensure a splendid birds-eye view of Dubai.
March Timings
Daily from 2 PM to 11 PM
Skydive, Al Seyahi St., Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
7
IMG Worlds of Adventure
This $1 billion indoor theme park is the largest of its kind in the world. Sprawled across an area that could fit 28 football fields, IMG Worlds of Adventure is divided into four themed zones. There are over 20 attractions and about 28 eateries within the park premises. As with any other theme park, it’s better to visit when the crow is thinner, and therefore, March is the ideal time to visit IMG Worlds of Adventure.
March Timings
Sunday to Thursday from 12 PM to 10 PM
Friday to Saturday from 12 PM to 11 PM
E311 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd., Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
8
Dhow Cruise
When in Dubai, you must experience this nostalgic cargo boat ride. Over the course of an hour, your serene boat ride offers you full English commentary as you explore Dubai from a unique perspective. If you opt for an evening tour, you get to enjoy music and dinner as well, during the cruise. A tour in March is likely to be more comfortable than any other time of the year.
March Timings
Daily from 9 PM to 11 PM
Deira Creek Opposite Radisson Blue Hotel
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
9
Skydive
Dubai may appear spic and span from the ground level, but its location adjacent to the desert makes for great minimalistic scenery from the sky. Get your rush of adrenaline by diving from one of the special flights. Catch a stupendous aerial view of Palm Jumeirah while gliding your way down and register an adventure of a lifetime.
March Timings
Daily from 10 AM to Sunset
Al Seyahi St., Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
10
Desert Safari
Another recommended experience for your time in Dubai is the desert safari. You can see the sunset beyond the horizon (at ground level), take a camel ride, snap photos in traditional Arabic outfits while enjoying an unlimited supply of beverages and smoking shisha. Also, don’t miss out on the belly dances! With weather-related interruptions like sandstorms highly unlikely, March is the best time to opt for the desert safari.
March Timings
Daily from 8:30 AM to 10 PM,
Overnight Desert Safari from 4 PM – 9 AM
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
Dubai in March: Events to look out for
DUBAI WORLD CUP
March 30, 2024
You may call it an affliction, but when in Dubai, you can’t help but indulge in this premier horse racing event. You could say that this is the ultimate global stage for the top jockeys to ply their trade. Celebrities, politicians, and media personnel from all corners of the globe gather at the Meydan Racecourse for this annual gala event.
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
February 28 - March 3, 2024
Witness Middle East's largest boat show where you’ll get to see leading designer luxury boats and fine interior work from around the world. Visitors will also get to find a wide range of boat accessories from the superstructure to boat engines and navigational systems. The event will be held at Dubai Harbour- the region's latest iconic and innovative waterfront development.
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL HORSE FAIR
March 17 - 19, 2024
Experience the region's largest trade platform for the equine sector. From leading equestrian equipment companies and horse owners to breeders, stables owners, equestrian clubs and even care products - the fair brings an incredible collection of items catering to professional, leisure riders, and wider horse enthusiast. The Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship (DIAHC) is held alongside the International fair representing the beauty, flair and heritage of purebred Arabian.
ART DUBAI
March 1-3, 2024
Art Dubai is a must-visit destination for all art enthusiasts out there! The event gears up for its 17th edition that is to take place at Madinat Jumeirah from March 1-3, 2024. The fair will cover 50 galleries from 31 countries focussing on twenty-first-century contemporary art from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and the Global South including, ten of Dubai’s top galleries.
Dubai in March: 5-day itinerary
5 days in Dubai itinerary
2
Dubai in March: Essentials
Where to stay in Dubai in March?
Dubai attracts a fair amount of tourists from all over the world, and therefore there is no scarcity of classy accommodation for every budget. There is no particular area that you should prefer to live in as the attractions in Dubai are evenly spread and within 15-20 minutes of cab rides. Here are a few hotels that you may choose from depending on your budget:
- Luxury hotels: InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Atlantis, Shangri-La Hotel
- Mid-range hotels: Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, DoubleTree by Hilton, Aparthotel Adagio Premium Dubai Al Barsha
- Budget hotels: Holiday Inn Bur Dubai, J5 Rimal, Sea View Hotel
What to pack for a Dubai visit in March?
March provides very less cloud cover and dry weather in Dubai. Remember to pack enough sunblock to last the entire trip. Carry a water bottle with you on your walks, you’ll be thirsty even after the sunsets. There are no rules regarding clothing in Dubai but we’d recommend dressing to suit the occasion. Try to pack sufficient loose-fitting clothes. Exposing the skin too much won’t be a good idea, despite the sunblock. You can give the umbrella and waterproof clothing a miss.
Getting around Dubai in March
The first thing you must do after reaching Dubai is get a Nol Card. This is a unified fare card that can be used for all means of public transportion systems. Apart from buses and cabs, opting for the metro is a trustworthy way of commuting. After sundown, getting a cab is recommended. Dubai is made up of a large section of working population. Therefore normal work hours on weekdays are not a great time to avail public transport. Traffic grinds to a halt on Fridays and Saturdays as well.
Dubai in March: Seasonal delicacies
A kind of hot cake that is served with tea or coffee, Khanfaroosh was once meant exclusively for joyous occasions. Cardamom, saffron, and rosewater are the major flavoring ingredients in this preparation. A proper Khanfaroosh is generally light and fluffy.
Where to order: Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe, Dubai Festival City
Emirati dishes are usually loaded with spices, as is the case with Al Machboos. A zesty dish that is prepared with shrimp, chicken, or lamb at the center, flavored with lemon, and onion, Al Machboos is a traditional (and extremely popular) dish in Dubai.
Where to order: Arabian Tea House (Meena Bazaar)
This famous Arabic dish is now known all around the world and comes in several versions. It consists of the signature kebab with an Emirati twist. It is commonly served with lean bread which enhances its flavor. Try it with a Lebanese dip, pickles, and fries to get the most out of the dish.
Where to order: Grand Barbeque Restaurant, Al Hudaiba
This is an eccentric traditional dish in Dubai. Basmati rice is cooked with currants, carrots, raisins, and nuts and then topped with chicken. A thick tahdig crust is a significant presence in this dish. The dish is often eaten alongside a portion of pistachio ice cream.
Where to order: Farsi Restaurant (outlets in Business Bay & JLT)
The Queen of Arabic desserts, Knafeh is the ultimate delicacy for the one with a sweet tooth. This is a sticky pastry constituting of gooey sweet cheese and then topped with saffron and chopped pistachios. This dessert, if you ask us, is a must try.
Where to order: Something Baked (JLT) or ZouZou (Jumeirah 1)
Dubai in March: Visiting tips
- It is better to make reservations for Burj Khalifa sky deck observation a month in advance.
- Age, height, and weight restrictions apply for adventure sports activities like skydiving. Please make prior inquiries.
- There is a long list of forbidden acts while availing public transport in Dubai, including, but not limited to chewing gum, drinking water, and taking a nap.
- Dubai is known for its notable lack of sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, especially in the older quarter. You may even need to take a cab to cross the road.
- If you are on a stringent budget, consider having your meals in Old Dubai.
Dubai through the year