How to Have a Good Time in Dubai on the Weekend

Dubai is a city with tall buildings, rich traditions, and infinite chances to eat, shop, and have fun. You can feel the city's spirit—fast, bold, and full of contrasts over the course of two full days. This local-inspired itinerary will let you see famous sights and hidden gems while mixing culture and comfort during your stay.

Begin with the Downtown Icons

Start your day at the Dubai Mall. You can look at luxury stores or just people-watch in the wide halls. Stop by a cosy café for a break while walking about. Next, head to the Burj Khalifa and take the lift to the 124th floor for a great view of the city. Ask a member of the staff where the best place to take a picture is. If you go early, the lines move swiftly, and the city looks beautiful with the natural morning light.

Go outdoors to see the Dubai Fountain. Stay for a daylight water display or come back after dark when the lights and music make the spectacle unique. You will come across a lot of tourists and locals surrounding the area, enjoying the city's spirit.

Check out Old Dubai and the Creek

If you are staying at the NH Collection Dubai The Palm, make sure to venture out and go to the Al Fahidi Historic District. Stroll around powder-coloured streets studded with art galleries, cafes, and residences with restored wind towers. At the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, you can grab a coffee and hear stories about life in the UAE, and go on a mosque tour while you visit.

Take an abra over Dubai Creek. The journey is a lot of fun and lets you see trading vessels up close. Once you're across, get lost in the Gold Souk and Spice Souk. While you look through baskets of local spices, you can smell saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon. If you don't know what something is, ask the vendor—they typically have samples for you to try.

Eating Lunch and Shopping in the Markets

Street vendors provide grilled seafood, shawarma, and fresh mango juice. At the mall or in markets, seek out people making flatbread and pastries by hand. If you want a calm table and lots of flavour, make a reservation at a restaurant by the river or on the roof in Deira.

Time at the Beach and in the Water

Spend the late afternoon near the water. You may swim or sit on the sand at Sunset Beach or Jumeirah Beach, where you can see the Burj Al Arab in the distance. For a relaxing outing, rent a kayak or paddleboard. People in the area often end their day with a picnic or a game of volleyball at the beach park.

Check out Madinat Jumeirah and the Nightlife

You can walk along the canals, shop, and have a drink at a bar by the water at Madinat Jumeirah. The area mixes old-fashioned style with modern elegance. Take a dhow ride by palm trees and watch the wind turbines light up at night, and get a different view of the hotels in Dubai Palm. Make a reservation for dinner at a neighbouring restaurant that serves seafood and Middle Eastern grills.

People who live here say that rooftop bars or quiet lounges are the best places to see the sights at night. To get a spot on the terrace for sunset, you need to make a reservation. Ask the waitstaff about the daily specials, which are often not on the menu.

Desert Escape or Creative Mornings

Think about taking a day trip to the desert on your second morning. Set up an early drive with your hotel or a tour group. In the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, you will get to see oryx, falcons, or gazelles. For brunch and a front-row view of nature, go to Al Maha. Afterwards, towards the afternoon, you can head back and go on a guided art walk with local artists. You can feel Dubai's creative pulse at the gallery spaces in Al Fahidi or the workshops on Alserkal Avenue.

As your day winds up, go for some last-minute shopping. Textile souks have scarves and materials that you can't get in malls, so spend your afternoon there. Keep an eye out for tailors making shirts and dresses at their stalls. Bargain for gifts or souvenirs to bring home.