Dubai Shows Off in November, So Make Sure You’re Here For It
I love Dubai all year round. But you also can’t drag me for 10 minutes outside without craving for air conditioning during the summer because the city gets extra hot during these days.
Sure, there are a lot of indoor activities to enjoy around Dubai in the summer. But let’s face it: you can never really say that you’ve been to Dubai if you haven’t been to the desert, took a dip in the Arabian Gulf and saw Burj Khalifa from top to bottom.
So if anyone asks me when they should visit Dubai, I tell them that November is the best time to book that ticket and explore this city. And if you already did, here’s a guide to help you make the most of your stay this time of the year.
Weather in Dubai in November
Dubai only has two seasons: summer that runs from April to October and winter that runs from November to March.
November marks the beginning of winter season, which means that temperatures begin to drop and the weather gets fairer by the day.
During this time, Dubai has a daytime temperature between 24 to 31 degrees Celsius and a nighttime temperature between 18 to 23 degrees Celsius.
Some nights, the temperature can even drop to 12 degrees Celsius, so make sure to bring a jacket to keep you warm. If you’re extra lucky, you could even experience a drizzle or downpour in November, although it rarely happens.
Why You Should Visit Dubai in November
November is the best time to visit Dubai mainly because of the transition to winter, which makes the city warmer and more ideal for exploring without being limited by the heat.
While you can still visit a lot of attractions in Dubai during summer, November means you get to experience the outdoors including the desert, the theme parks, the sanctuaries and parks.
The month of November is also a lot less crowded than December to February when tourists spend their holidays in Dubai. This means prices are still cheaper and you won’t need to fight with the crowd just to get to different attractions.
ANd if you’re a sucker for festivals, events and sales, well, you’ll surely have a grand time visiting Dubai in November since the city is abuzz with a lot of these events this time of the year.
Things to Do in Dubai in November
Explore Downtown Dubai
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Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Downtown Dubai
Phone: +9741 4 888 8888
Pricing: $$
First order of business: Downtown Dubai. November in the city means getting to see Burj Khalifa in full view from top to bottom without any clouds barricading the view.
Since the weather is transitioning, the skies are usually clear but it’s not as sunny, so you can spend more time outside admiring the view. And if you have the budget, you can also book a ticket to the observatory to see the city from up top.
But Downtown Dubai isn’t just about Burj Khalifa. On a good winter’s day, you should also explore Souk Al Bahar, The Dubai Fountain Show, the Dubai Opera and Burj Park.
Of course, you can’t miss Dubai Mall for some good food and shopping.
Soak Up Some Sun on Dubai’s Beaches
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Address: Jumeirah Beach Road – Umm Suqeim
Phone: +971 4 219 0999
Pricing: $
Dubai’s beaches are top-tier, so make sure to pack several swimsuits if you’re visiting in November, the best time to soak up the sun without getting burned.
And when I tell you there’s no shortage of options for beaches here, I mean it. Whether you want exclusivity, water sports or just pure beach fun on a budget, Dubai’s got you covered.
Kite Beach is a personal favourite because it has great views – think Burj Al Arab as your background – and it offers every water activity you can think of, from paddleboarding to kitesurfing (thus the name).
Al Mamzar Beach Park is my pick for families because it has a massive green space for kids to run around, several beaches, swimming pools and many facilities, all in one place.
La Mer is your go-to spot for beachside shopping and dining, and Mercato Beach is where you go if you just want to chill all day.
Experience the Majestic Dubai Desert
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Address: ACICO Business Park Building – Office #703-706 – Port Saeed Road – Deira
Phone: +971 4 2087 466
Pricing: $$
Warm weather in Dubai in November means one thing: you can spend hours in the desert without worrying about the heat.
A desert safari is a quintessential Dubai experience for any tourist not just because you get to ride a camel or go dune bashing, but also because you get to learn about Bedouin culture.
For me, a safari isn’t complete without camel riding, quad biking and buying some camel milk straight from the farm.
And if you have a day to spare, spend the night in the desert where you get to see how the Bedouins lived. It also doesn’t hurt that you’ll be treated to a night of food and entertainment inside the camp.
Tour the World at Global Village
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Address: Exit No.37 – Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road
Phone: +971 4 362 4114
Pricing: $$
You can visit Global Village and your trip to Dubai in November will be complete. That’s how amazing this attraction is because it takes you on a global tour filled with culture, food and sights, all in one place.
Global Village is a seasonal attraction that only runs from October to April since the entire village is outdoors. And you’ll need an entire day to explore this massive village, so make sure to come prepared.
For starters, you can explore 30 pavilions representing different countries. Each of these pavilions have their own attractions, shows, food spots and shopping outlets.
Imagine going through more than 175 rides, 250 dining kiosks, 3,500 shopping outlets and yes, more than 40,000 shows throughout the duration of the season.
Bask in the Magic of Dubai Garden Glow
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Address: Zabeel Park – Gate No.6 and 7 Area
Phone: +971 55 918 8216
Pricing: $$
You may have only heard about the Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park. But if you visit in November, you’ll also get treated to another attraction inside the park – Dubai Garden Glow.
With more than 10 million LED lights creating a light show masterpiece, Dubai Garden Glow is known as the largest glow-in-the-dark garden in the world.
These installations only last during the winter season and the theme changes every year. This makes Dubai Garden Glow an exciting attraction even for locals like us, especially the kids who get so mesmerized by the show.
See Dubai Marina on a Dhow Cruise
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Address: Office No.207 – Al Owais Building – Airport Road
Phone: +971 4 295 9948
Pricing: $$
I always tell my friends that if they ever visit Dubai, they should never skip going on a dhow cruise, especially in November, which in my opinion is the best time to do this activity.
A dhow is a traditional Arabian boat that was used by fishermen in Dubai in the early days.
Today, these boats have been converted to floating restaurants where you can go on a cruise around Dubai Marina while enjoying an authentic Middle Eastern buffet dinner and live entertainment.
A dhow cruise also offers a fresh perspective of the city from the water. Just imagine passing by Dubai Marina’s skyscrapers and seeing Burj Khalifa on a different view.
Go on an Outdoor Adventure In and Around Dubai
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Address: Sheikh Zayed Road
Phone: +971 800 262 9464
Pricing: $$
If you think you know all the attractions in Dubai, wait until you see what’s outside the city, especially all the outdoor activities that you can try in November.
For starters, there’s Dubai Parks and Resorts, which is essentially Dubai’s version of Disneyland. Think about having Legoland Dubai, Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Water Park, Neon Galaxy and Real World Madrid all in one place.
There are more than 100 indoor and outdoor rides in this theme park including the fastest single car spinning roller coaster in the world and the tallest amusement ride in the world named “Stars Flyer.”
You can even spend a few nights inside the resort to make sure that you try every attraction that it offers.
Now if you prefer a more rustic outdoor adventure, hop on a one-hour bus ride to Hatta, a village outside Dubai where you get to go on nature hikes and experience the nature side of the emirate.
But if you’re looking for a real adrenaline-pumping adventure, go on a hot air balloon ride that will take you over the Dubai desert. Make sure to spot the Arabian Oryx and other animals running around while you’re up top.
Must-See Events and Festivals in Dubai in November
Dubai Design Week
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Address: Dubai Design District
Phone: +971 4 563 1400
Pricing: $$
If you’re an artist or simply a fan of good design, you’d be happy to visit Dubai in November in time for Dubai Design Week.
This festival is created for all design enthusiasts to come together in a creative space where they can share ideas, trends and everything in between.
Dubai Design Week is also a great event to visit if you’re building a home – or just dreaming about one – so you can get inspirations that will surely come handy at some point.
DP World Tour Championship
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Address: Jumeirah Golf Estates – Earth Course
Pricing: $$$
I’m not a big golf fan, but I sure love to watch the DP World Tour Championship every November because it’s held at the world-class Jumeirah Golf Estates Club in the Earth Course designed by the great Greg Norman.
And if you’re a golf enthusiast, this is the place to meet your idols because more than 50 players from around the world come to Dubai to participate in this tournament.
Why not? With a USD10 million dollar prize money and a prestigious title to boot, any golf player would dream about hitting the put at the DP World Tour Championship.
Emirates Dubai 7s
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Address: Sevens Stadium – Dubai Al-Ain Road (E66)
Phone: +971 4 234 8885
Pricing: $$
You can’t be a sports fan and not get excited about the idea of traveling to Dubai in November, just in time for Emirates Dubai 7s, the largest sports and entertainment festival in the entire Middle East.
And we’re not just talking about typical sports here because Emirates Dubai 7s has some very unique competitions that you may haven’t heard about anywhere.
For starters, there’s Rebound, a unique padel tournament. Then there’s WODON3, the third installment of Dubai’s fitness competition.
Want something a little more classic? There’s cricket, netball and rugby. But even if you’re not a big sports fan like I am, the festival will still keep you entertained with some good food and live DJs.
Where to Shop in Dubai in November
Dubai Mall
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Address: Downtown Dubai
Phone: +971 800 3822 46255
Dubai Mall needs no fancy introduction. The largest mall in the world is every shopaholic’s dream, especially when you’re visiting in November when the mall has a lot of sales and events prepared for shoppers.
But if you’re on a budget, don’t worry because Dubai Mall also has some attractions for you to enjoy. There’s the Dubai Fountain Show that you can watch for free and the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo that only has a minimal entrance fee.
Believe me, you can spend an entire day inside this mall and never find yourself bored.
Mall of the Emirates
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Address: Sheikh Zayed Road – Al Barsha 1
Phone: +971 800 6636255
If you ask the locals what their favourite mall is, they’ll tell you it’s Mall of the Emirates in a heartbeat.
This mall may not be as massive as Dubai Mall, but it has everything you need to enjoy a great shopping day.
I even find myself spending more time here than any other mall in Dubai because of its good selection of shops and restaurants.
And if the warm weather outside isn’t enough to make you feel cozy, you can always “chill” literally inside Ski Dubai, the world’s third-largest indoor snow park and the first of its kind in the Middle East.
Smart Tips for Travelling in Dubai in November
I know you’re excited to visit Dubai in November. But before you get all giddy, here are some travel tips that I know would come handy for your trip: