Dubai in summer is undoubtedly hot, but the city does not slow down just because the sun is blazing. In fact, summer is one of the best times to explore all the unique and cool things this place has to offer. Whether you are a tourist or a local just looking for something new to do, there’s no shortage of summer activities in Dubai to keep you busy. Here’s everything you need to know about the top things to do in summer 2025.
Water Activities
When you live in a city with scorching temperatures, you have got to take advantage of the water. And honestly, who doesn’t love playing in the water, right? Dubai has some amazing water activities that will help you cool off and enjoy the sun at the same time.
Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm
It’s the OG waterpark in Dubai. You can spend a full day there enjoying giant slides and floating along lazy rivers with your family and friends. Beyond the slides, the park also gives you an exciting chance to swim with dolphins and snorkel with sharks.
Jet Skiing & Parasailing at Jumeirah Beach
If you want the thrill of speeding across the waves or flying high above the city, this is an activity you must try. You can see amazing views of Dubai’s famous landmarks as you ride on the water. And while parasailing, you will be hundreds of feet above the water, enjoying wide views of the beautiful city.
Dubai Marina Yacht Cruises
The idea of private yacht cruises with AC decks sounds too good in the summer heat. And catching a sunset while there just makes the experience 10x better. To make it even more memorable, you can host a party with your friends and relax while cruising along the coast.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding at Kite Beach
Kite Beach has calm and flat waters, which are ideal for paddleboarding. It is one of those relaxing summer activities where you can either ride the waves or simply enjoy the peaceful coastal views. Also, it is recommended to visit the beach early in the morning to avoid the crowd.
WATERBOMB Festival
Since we are talking about water activities, there’s also the WATERBOMB Festival, one of the coolest summer events in Dubai. It’s a huge mix of water fights and live music, with popular artists performing on different stages. So, if you are in Dubai during summer, this is a water activity you definitely don’t want to miss.
Indoor Activities
Dubai’s heat can be intense, so sometimes the best thing to do is just chill indoors. Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor activities in Dubai during summer that you can enjoy without facing the burning sun.
Ski Dubai (Mall of the Emirates)
Ever heard of snow in the desert? Well, this is literally it. Inside Ski Dubai, the temperature stays chilly at -2°C (28.4°F). Here, you can hit the slopes, build a snowman, meet adorable penguins and enjoy winter vibes while it’s 45 degrees outside.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
This place is a dream come true for every marine life lover. There’s a glass tunnel where you can walk through and feel like you are swimming with sharks. You can also enjoy the glass-bottom boat rides, where you look down through the glass and see beautiful sea creatures swimming below you.
Dubai Ice Rink (Dubai Mall)
At the Dubai Ice Rink, summer feels like winter. So, grab your skates and helmet, and glide across the Olympic-sized rink with your friends for some real excitement. The rink also hosts disco sessions every day which makes skating even more fun and lively for visitors.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
This is one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world. It’s the perfect summer place in Dubai, fully air-conditioned and packed with thrilling rides and multiple food stops. Plus, if you are visiting several indoor spots in a day, shuttle buses are often available across Dubai to make traveling easier.
Chillout Ice Lounge
To have the best summer time in Dubai, visit this winter wonderland at Times Square Center. The place maintains a frosty temperature of -6°C. And the lounge features ice sculptures and ice furniture that take the chill factor to the next level.
Luxury Resorts
We get it, not everyone wants to leave the city, especially when it’s this hot. Luckily, Dubai has some of the most luxurious resorts that make you feel like you are on a vacation without even boarding a flight.
For a refreshing change of scenery, here are some of the best places to visit in Dubai in summer 2025:
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
When it comes to places to visit in Dubai with family in summer, this resort definitely tops the list. It has temperature-controlled swimming pools, a full-service spa, a fitness center, and plenty of water sports for the ultimate summer holiday. On top of that, you get direct access to a private beach with stunning views of the Burj Al Arab.
Anantara World Islands Resort
If you are in the mood for some fancy vibes, this resort on the World Islands has that exclusive feel. The fun part is that it’s only accessible by boat, as it sits on its own private island. Before the real relaxation even begins, you will enjoy a breezy 15-minute speedboat ride from the Anantara Welcome Centre. Once there, you can relax for hours in private pools or go straight to the beach with direct access.
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa
If you are craving peace, this desert escape is just what you need. Each private villa has air conditioning and a temperature-controlled pool, so you can stay cool even during the hottest months. It’s especially great for couples, as you can enjoy the beauty of the desert (with AC), relax at the spa, and enjoy fine dining.
Budget-Friendly Activities
It’s quite understandable that not everyone has an unlimited budget. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. So, if you are looking for places to visit in Dubai in summer for free or on a tight budget, here are some activities that give you real value for your dirhams.
Dubai Dolphinarium
A fully indoor experience where you can watch dolphins and seals perform flips and dances. It’s air-conditioned and way more affordable than you might expect, with tickets priced at AED 98 for adults and AED 49 for children aged 2–11 years. The best part is that it’s great for families looking for a fun summer holiday in Dubai.
The Green Planet
If you think there’s no rainforest in Dubai, think again. The Green Planet gives you a full tropical experience right in the city. It’s all indoors and filled with birds, sloths, reptiles, and more. It costs AED 155 for adults and AED 135 for children aged 2–10 years, and the experience is definitely worth the ticket price.
Dubai Creek Abra Ride
Who wouldn’t enjoy a breezy boat ride across the creek after sunset? For just AED 1, you can go for a ride on a traditional wooden abra. It’s calm, gives you that Old Dubai feel, and is great for anyone on a budget.
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS)
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Dubai in June and July without spending too much, DSS is perfect. It’s a citywide summer festival with massive sales from major malls to high-end restaurants. Plus, there are live shows, dance performances, kids’ activities, and giveaways, all happening inside air-conditioned malls. To explore it all, you can book a luxury car with friends and visit different malls one by one without any travel stress.
Wrapping It Up
Summer in Dubai does not mean that you have to stay stuck indoors in front of the AC. From fun indoor spots to budget-friendly things to do, the city knows how to keep things fun even when it’s 45°C outside.
So don’t worry about the heat. Just plan smart, choose the right places, and you will still have an amazing summer. And if you are planning to go out with friends or family, having the right transport can make everything easier.
Contact Noor Islam Bus Rental today and let us help you plan your next trip with ease!
