Dubai in August: tips, itineraries and everything you can’t miss in August
Dubai in August: tips, itineraries and everything you can’t miss in August
Fancy relaxing on its paradisiacal beaches or experiencing an adrenaline rush at its theme parks? Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it in this exotic city.
Travelling on the ship | ©Jeshoots.com
There are plenty of things to see and do in Dubai, the capital of one of the country’s seven emirates, in August – from climbing the world’s tallest skyscrapers to get some fresh air to stargazing at night in the summer month. You’re in luck, too, because due to its soaring temperatures (which can reach 50 degrees Celsius) it’s the cheapest time of year and you’ll be pretty much on your own.
Even though it is the hottest month of the year, don’t let Lorenzo get the better of you. To do so, be well prepared**(sunglasses, hat and factor 50 sunscreen**). Take a look at these suggestions to cool off and experience a scary holiday in one of the most unknown but most exciting metropolis in the world, a jewel in the rough!
1. Find bargains at Dubai Summer Surprises festival
The most anticipated event of the summer is the Dubai Summer Surprises festival , when the city is decked out and shopping malls offer great sales on shops, hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues for a limited period of time. Shopaholics will be in their boots and will find some real bargains.
The event usually starts on 1 July in Dubai and ends in early to mid-September in Dubai. One of the things I enjoyed most was the spectacular fireworks opening, the light projections on the Burj Khalifa and the events organised by the Dubai Festival City Mall.
2. Take a dip on Dubai’s ‘Caribbean beaches’
The beaches of Dubai, with their turquoise waters, white sand and hardly any tourists, are one of the best places to spend your holidays in August. You’ll feel like you’re in the Caribbean, but with the magic and charm of the Arab Emirates. Believe me, relaxing alone, as a couple or with your family in this dream enclave is a unique experience.
Which are you: public or private beach?
There are two paradisiacal options: on the one hand, those who want to save money can visit the public beaches, which are completely free and where it is advisable to bring water and soft drinks so as not to die of dehydration in the attempt, since many of them do not have toilets.
Alternatively, you can lie on one of Dubai’s private beaches. A good way to get to these places is to book into one of Dubai’ s waterfront hotel restaurants and lounge on one of the comfortable sun loungers. I suggest you go to La Mer on Jumeirah Beach, one of the trendiest areas with the youngest atmosphere and a great selection of bars and restaurants.
Nuria’s Traveller Tip
When you go for a swim in the sea, be careful because you can find a lot of jellyfish in the water that go into the warm water. Be careful!
3. Relax in the metropolis’s natural parks
Take note of the best nature parks around the public beaches so you don’t spend an extra euro and make the most of the coast and nature. My advice is to try to avoid lunchtime to visit these deserted paradises.
- Al Mamzar Beach Park: this is my favourite park and beach, and for me the best thing about it is the palm trees that transport you to faraway places and serve to put you in the ‘shade’ (or at least try to!). On Mondays and Wednesdays only women and children are allowed. If you’re unsure what to wear or what swimming costume to bring, check out how to dress in Dubai.
- Jumeirah Beach Park: if you don’t want to go too far from the centre, this is the best option. In this park you will find green areas, a barbecue area, restaurants and a wooden walkway. You can take a break from the sun and visit the Jumeirah Mosque, which is open to non-Muslims.
- Umm Suqeim Beach: For a mesmerising sunset with the impressive Burj Al Arab hotel in the shape of a sailboat on the horizon, head to this picture-postcard enclave.
4. Feel the adrenaline in the best parks in the world!
One of the golden rules of Dubai is that it is forbidden to get bored. The range of leisure activities on offer is so extensive that you’ll feel like you’re running out of days to discover this marvel and its theme parks – you’ll feel the adrenaline rush and have fun like there’s no tomorrow!
The most effective way to combat the scorching heat in August is to spend the day at a water park, such as Atlantis Aquaventure or, if you’re travelling with your family, the Wild Wadi at Jumeraih Beach, full of slides and adventure.
5. Who said fear? Dive with sharks
One of the advantages of buying tickets for the Atlantis Aquaventure water park that you should consider is that your ticket entitles you to free access to the Atlantis aquarium, where you can observe more than 65,000 species of animals, dive with them and even see sharks up close – an experience only for the most daring!
Don’t worry if you’ve never dived before because there are experiences for all levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. If you’re travelling with your family, you’ll be delighted to know that courses and talks are also organised by the centre’s biologists, especially designed for children.
6. Have fun at Legoland and Bollywood!
Meanwhile, the little ones (2 to 12 years old) will have a blast at Legoland, a theme and water park where they can test their skills with the legendary plastic bricks, ride the water rides in cars created from these iconic pieces or enjoy the night-time performances, all created with great care!
The more artistic visitors will also be amazed and will be able to dance in Bollywood Park, a park set in India with very entertaining performances. There they can see plays in the Rajmahal Theatre, the elegant theatre located in the heart of Bollywood, inspired by the majestic Indian palaces and whose stage imitates the old cinemas and auditoriums of the country but with the latest technology. You will be fascinated!
7. Travel the world in a shopping mall. What do you know!
If you’re looking for something different to keep you safe from a possible sunstroke in the middle of the day in August, a good idea might be to spend a day of your holiday at the Ibn Battuta Mall, the world’s largest themed shopping centre with more than 400 shops.
Explore the countries of the Ibn Battuta Mall
It is a large complex inspired by the travels of the famous Berber explorer of the same name. Each floor recreates the different regions Ibn Battuta travelled through: Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, the Persian Empire, India and China. What’s so special about it? For starters, its façade, symbolising a majestic Egyptian temple, surprises everyone before entering.
Once inside, on the Persian Empire floor you’ll be amazed by the fascinating hand-painted dome; in Egypt you’ll see amazing pyramids; in the **Andalusia area you’ll think you’re in Granada thanks to the majestic lion fountain, while in India there are statues of dragons, among other attractions.
Become a travelling tummy
If after a day of shopping and sightseeing in this original shopping centre, which could well be a museum of cultures, you work up an appetite, you have more than 50 culinary options of international cuisine. Your stomach will also be able to travel to every corner of the planet!
8. Shake your body at concerts at the Coca-Cola Arena
Most of Dubai’s outdoor festivals take place in winter, when the weather is more pleasant and provides a little respite. However, I suggest you take a look at the Coca-Cola Arena’s summer programme. It is fully air-conditioned inside and has amphitheatre seating, which you will appreciate in the hottest month of the year!
This multi-purpose venue, located in the heart of the bustling City Walk neighbourhood, is the largest air-conditioned multi-purpose indoor arena in the Middle East and the only year-round venue in the region. Its building is easily recognisable in the cityscape thanks to its cylindrical exterior illuminated with coloured LED lights that light up and change colour at night – you’ll love it!
With a capacity of 17,000 people, the Coca-Cola Arena hosts concerts by major international artists, music festivals, sporting events, comedy shows, gala dinners and much more due to its spectacular design. Are you up for a festival in Dubai?
- Where to go? City Walk, Al Safa Street, Jumeirah.
- When is it open? Open all year round.
9. Take in the incredible panoramic views from a rooftop terrace
Want to take in the views of the city from a skyscraper, socialise and have a cocktail? If you don’t have vertigo, a fabulous way to end the day, when the heatwave gives you a break, is to climb up to one of the rooftops that soar over the city’s skies, where you’ll be able to feel a little breath of fresh air.
Level 43: a stylish venue
Open from 2pm daily, the glamorous Level 43 Terrace on the 43rd floor of the Four Points by Sheraton is located in the heart of the city on Sheikh Zayed Road, offering incredible views of the city’s main attractions from above. My advice is to go when it’s getting dark to see the city lit up.
The venue offers outdoor seating, perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail or a beautiful sunset. You’ll enjoy the cool breeze, ice-cold drinks (your best ally in August) and chillout music. You’ll also be able to nibble on something from their innovative Japanese menu, which offers many options, especially fish and seafood.
- Where to go? Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Sheikh Zayed Road.
- Opening hours?: 02:00 PM – 03:00 AM.
- Entry policy: 21 years and over.
- Dress code: smart casual.
10. Don’t miss the star-studded sky – you can touch them!
For the more adventurous, you can’t miss the sunset over the desert dunes in a very Arabian atmosphere and gaze up at the starry summer skies. Half an hour’s drive from Dubai, the terrace of Bab Al Shams, Al Sarab, Arabic for “gateway to the sun”, is a far eastern place, reminiscent of the tales of the Arabian Nights.
Arabic music concerts
The sunsets there are transformed from deep gold to a clear sky full of stars. If you go in August, you are very lucky, because you will be able to see the cosmos in all its splendour. Lanterns, cushions and clay decorations create a magical atmosphere. You can also enjoy live Arabic music concerts and the aroma of the traditional ‘shisha’.
- Where to go? Al Qudra Road, opposite Endurance City, Dubai.
- Opening hours? 04:00PM to 01:00AM.
Dubai temperatures in August
The weather in Dubai is very extreme in August. Temperatures range from 31°C and can go up to a high of 41°C. The good part (especially if you’re coming from a rainy city) is that there’s never any rainfall during this time of year. The good news (especially if you’re coming from a rainy city) is that there’s never any rainfall at this time, so forget the ‘just in case’ in your suitcase!
To help you organise your day, expect sunrise around 6am in the morning and sunset at 7pm. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the city, rest and let yourself be seduced by the charms of this desert land. However, if you still have any doubts, this post details the best time to visit Dubai.
Dubai’s August tourist crowds
The million-dollar question: “Are there many tourists in Dubai in August? The answer is no, since, as you might imagine, many are fleeing the heat. This is a great opportunity to take in the views from the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, or other tourist attractions without waiting in the long queues.
Useful information to prepare your trip
Now that you know what to do and what to see in August, here’s a list of practical tips for travelling to Dubai and a guide on how to get around the city. And if you’ve worked up an appetite, don’t miss this article on where to eat in Dubai- I recommend you read it with a full stomach because you’ll want to try all the restaurants!