Dubai: once a humble desert village is now a city of superlatives. It is home to the world's tallest building, largest indoor amusement park, and biggest man-made island. This metropolis has it all - even a snow world in the desert! Adventure seekers flock here for next-level skydiving, while luxury lovers indulge in opulent experiences. Dubai's diversity is staggering: sandy beaches and towering dunes, lavish hotels and traditional Bedouin camps, water sports and desert safaris, ski parks and gold souks. Though buzzing year-round, November stands out as the prime time to visit. Why? Let's dive in.
What makes Dubai in November special?
November in Dubai offers the perfect blend of comfort and excitement. With humidity dropping to 60-65% and temperatures cooling, the weather becomes ideal for outdoor adventures. From skydiving to dune bashing, activities are more enjoyable in the milder climate. The sea stays warm at 27°C, perfect for beach days and water sports. This month also boasts minimal rain, ensuring clear skies for sightseeing.
November isn't just about weather; it's a cultural hotspot too. The city comes alive with events like the DP World Tour Championship and Dubai Design Week, offering something for every traveler. As the "winter months" begin, you can enjoy a gentler sun that tans without scorching. Evening cruises showcase Dubai's stunning skyline, complemented by traditional cuisine. All these factors combine to make November an unbeatable time to experience Dubai's magic.
Dubai weather in November
Clearly ,“winter” is not a term coined for Dubai, the average high in November is quite hot with 31ºC. On the positive side, as the sunsets’ around 5:30 pm, the evenings cool down to around 18ºC. With only a slight chance of rain, one can expect 11 hours of daylight with nine hours of sunshine on an average.
Dubai in November: Things to do
1
Burj Khalifa
Standing magnificently at 828m, Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building. Marvel the stunning feat of engineering that marries concrete, glass, and steel into a must-visit destination in Dubai.
Step inside, firstly to be swiped up by an ear popping, stomach dropping speed of 32 feet (10 m) per second as the spacious elevator takes you literally to ‘At the Top,’ the observation deck at the 148th floor. Gaze down at Dubai in its entirety through floor-to-ceiling windows from your own eyes or opt for the VR experience to observe it from a Falcon's Eye View. For a seamless experience book tickets online in advance.
1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
2
Desert Safari
Acres and acres of vast land blanketed by Sand that can be maneuvered by jeeps, land Rovers, quad bikes, Sand Boards, Dune Buggies ATV, or the humble camel. Your Dubai experience is incomplete without a 4x4 Desert Safari. Head to the camps for a wholesome Arabic entertainment completed with desert barbeque, authentic Arabic food, belly dancers, shisha pipes, henna tattoos and a photo op in traditional Arabic dress.
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
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3
Aquaventure Waterpark
Noted amongst Middle East and Europe’s best water parks, the name spells out Adventure and Aqua, what more encouragement does one need. Filled with record breaking, thrilling rides that can send the chill up/down your spine. Such as the leap of faith that shoots you through a shark tank, the shark safari, the cownose ray feeding among others.
If that’s too much for you the park also offers placid rides such as the lazy river that floats you around the park. Situated alongside a 700m stretch of beach, the Aquaventure Park also offers a great view of the iconic hotel Atlantis, The Palm.
Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
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4
La Perle
Created by world-renowned Artistic Director Franco Dragone, La Perle is Dubai’s first permanent show. This uniquely designed theater, features 65 world-class performers, who fly through the theater, dive into the on stage pool and invariantly creates a visually captivating show that runs below, on, and above stage.
In what could only be spelled out as one-of-a-kind experience, La Perle takes your breath away and keeps you on the edge of your seats the whole time. Located at Al Habtoor City, the show is open all seven days,
260 Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
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5
Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai is Middle East’s first indoor ski park with world's third largest indoor ski slope. Located inside Dubai's Mall of the Emirates with 6,000 tons of snow, it offers a perfect recluse from the desert heat. You can choose to just play in the snow, learn Skiing from the instructors, sled down the toboggan run, ride on the chairlift overlooking the whole resort, and zorb downhill in the Giant Snowball. Most admirably you can meet the Snow Penguins up close and personal, observe them and even witness their march that occurs several times a day.
Mall of the Emirates ,Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
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6
Heli Tour of the city
Helicopter rides are special on their own, the speed, the noise, the view everything about them is as enlivening as it can get. Now, imagine that your helicopter is flying across a city that is known for its scale and beauty. You fly over landmarks like Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, Burj Khalifa and get to admire their beauty and altitude up-close. Gaze down to take in the grandeur of the Palm Jumeirah, the World islands, the Dubai Creek, and the Dubai canal. All you have to do is tuck into your leather seat, let the pilot be your guide.
Dubai Police Academy, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
7
Ferrari World
In the city of superlatives, here’s your next adventure. Tuck in to experience Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster at the largest indoor amusement park in the world, the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. The iconic structure houses numerous high-adrenaline rides including some family-friendly attractions.
For the racer bug in you, the park has an inspiring treasure of racing memorabilia, state-of-the-art simulators, and live shows. In fact, there is a Junior GT circuit with miniature Ferraris to keep the little ones happy. While at it you can enjoy authentic Italian food and browse the gift shops for Ferrari souvenirs.
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates
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6
Dhow Cruise
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 November elevates the atmosphere!
Deira Creek Opposit to Radisson Blue Hotel
Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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8
Dubai Garden Glow
Every winter, the Dubai Garden Glow becomes one of the city's most popular attractions. A temporary exhibition that takes place in Zabeel Park annually, it features work from hundreds of artists, engineers and technicians from all corners of the globe. This attraction is special because of its recycled and energy-efficient materials, as well as its animatronic dinosaurs. The largest ice sculpture park in the area is also made with 5,000 tons of ice.
Zabeel Park, Gate No- 6 & 7 Area - B,
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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9
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.
North Ras Al Khaimah
United Arab Emirates
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10
Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is one of the top tourist attractions in Dubai, next to world-renowned landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. It was designed by architect Fernando Donis, who also created two other major buildings in Dubai: Porsche Design Towers and Renaissance Tower.The luxurious decor, complete with golden cladding, is a fitting tribute to Dubai's nickname, the 'City of Gold'. Additionally, the honeycomb-like ring pattern on the outside of the building was inspired by the logo for Dubai Expo 2020.
Zabeel Park Jogging Track, Za'abeel, Al Kifaf
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Dubai in November: Events to look out for
The Speciality Food Festival
November 5 to 7, 2024
The Speciality Food Festival is a gourmet extravaganza set to delight all food enthusiasts. This celebration of gastronomy showcases a world of flavors, from local delicacies to international gourmet dishes. It gives attendees a chance to taste unique cuisines, discover new trends, and experience a culinary journey like no other.
DUBAI DESIGN WEEK
November 5 to 10, 2024
The tenth edition of Dubai Design Week is all set to take place in November, and it features a week-long festival celebrating local talent at various locations throughout the city. The main hub for the festival is located in Dubai Design District (D3), though there are events taking place all over the city. It showcases local and international talent through exhibitions, installations, and workshops. The event attracts designers, architects, and art enthusiasts from around the world.
Dubai in November : 5-day Itinerary
5 Days in Dubai Itinerary
Dubai November essentials
Where to Stay in Dubai during November
Dubai’s hospitality is ranked as one of the best. Predictably it offers some of the most high end luxurious hotels to budgeted ones along with a range of Airbnbs. Depending upon travel itinerary and budget, a range of hotels are available at your disposal.
- 5 & 4 star Hotels - Al Qasr, One&Only Royal Mirage, Atlantis, The Palm, Kempinski, Ritz Carlton and Sofitel The Palm
- Budget Hotels - Amwaj Rotana Jumeirah Beach, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, Crowne Plaza Dubai and Roda Al Murooj Downtown Dubai
What to Pack for Visiting Dubai in November
Keeping in mind that Dubai observes high temperature in the mornings and milder evenings in November, here is a comprehensive list of packing essentials: A high SPF sun cream to keep away UV rays, hat or scarf of bandanas, sunglasses, lightweight clothing, swimsuit with coveralls, comfortable shoes/flip-flops, Lightweight cardigans for cooler evenings, and party casuals and shoes for your night outs.
Getting Around Dubai in November
The most efficient and convenient travelling partner in Dubai is taxi. Notably, they aren’t expensive at all and can be hailed off the streets, called over the phone or even booked via an app called RTA Smart Taxi.
The cheapest way to explore Dubai is Dubai metro, with an added benefit of scenic views as most of its rails are above ground. Though to reach the metro station or your destination you will have to grab a taxi or careem. Another unique way of travelling and exploring Dubai is Water Taxi. While it offers great views it is neither cheap, nor as fast as one would like.
Dubai in November: Must-try delicasies
Originally from Palestine, this pastry dish made of sour cheese, crisp sugar syrup and dough has become a favourite with locals in the UAE. One of the most popular places to try it is Qwaider Al Nabulsi in Deira. During Ramadan, orders for this dessert can reach in to the thousands per day, as people request it for iftar.
Traditionally, camel meat is not a local delicasy even though camels are the national animal. However, modern chefs now experiment with camel sliders, camel biryani, burgers and stews. Camel milk is highly popular and so is camel milk ice cream instead.
This meaty, tomato-based stew is cooked with turmeric, cumin and bezar (a local garam masala-like spice mixture). Made with chicken or lamb alongside baby marrow and potato, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that goes well with rice.
Qoozi is a dish of slow cooked lamb, with roasted nuts and raisins served over rice. The dish is vastly popular all over the Arabian Gulf and is often seen wrapped in date palm tree leaves before being put in a ground oven.
Manousheh is the the local pizza, an apt choice for the piquant taste buds and proves to be a perfect pick for a luscious breakfast. Stretched dough or flatbread, filled with exotic toppings like salty Akkawi cheese, earthy zaatar herbs and olive oil. Try it with creamy sour labneh ,sweet jam, eggs, and minced lamb
Tips for visiting Dubai in November
- Plan your itinerary – Dubai offers a plethora of options and to make most of it you will require a strategic plan. Like visiting the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai mall on the same day as they are adjacent to each other. Also, pre-booking at various attractions can cut down your wait time and can avail you discounts as well.
- Respect the Customs - Dubai is liberal city, but you have to keep in mind and respect their traditions and customs. Refrain from any public display of affection at any public place Women travelers should avoid shaking hands with locals, unless the men offer to shake hands first.
- Dress Code: Your shoulders and knee should be covered at least in religious and official places. Major tourist places especially sand dunes are pretty open for shorts and sleeveless clothing. Swimwear is acceptable around the beach and near pool area.
- Take permission for a photograph: Do not click pictures of locals without their precise permission, as it is considered as a sign of disrespect.
Explore Dubai by months