10 Things to Do in Dubai in February Without Breaking a Sweat (Literally)
I visited Dubai in February as a tourist many years ago, expecting that it would be really hot once I left the airport, but it was actually perfect–around 22°C with a nice breeze.
It was warm enough to enjoy the sun but cool enough to walk around without melting into a puddle. Needless to say, I was able to make the most of my time in the city and created plenty of wonderful memories!
If you want to get away from the cold (or heat), visiting Dubai in February is a great idea. Here are 10 things to do that will make your stay awesome!
1. Catch the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
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Website: https://dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com/
Address: 68VR+8XM – Al Garhoud – Dubai
Contact Details: [email protected]; [email protected]
Admission Costs: Daily tickets start at AED 30; Season tickets start at AED 2,330
For an unforgettable sports experience in Dubai, check out the Dubai Tennis Championships held every February! Big tennis stars, perfect weather, and an always excited crowd will make it a day to remember.
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium where the championships are held is a really great venue. No matter where we sat, we could see everything clearly!
The crowd was loud, but it made the matches even more fun. Even if you don’t know much about tennis, it’s still easy to get caught up in the energy.
Outside the stadium, there’s even more to enjoy. There are food stands, live music, and some restaurants nearby where spectators relax between matches (we might have spent a little too much time at the Irish Village, but hey, when in Dubai).
Pro Tip:
Check the schedule before you go. The famous players usually play later, in the semifinals and finals. If you want to see them, try to go then. Early matches are fun too and you might see some up and coming stars!
2. Attend Festivals Like the Taste of Dubai Festival
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Website: https://tasteofdubaifestival.com/
Address: Dubai Media City Park – King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St – Al Sufouh – Al Sufouh 2 – Dubai
Admission Costs: Start at AED 85
If you’re in Dubai in February, don’t miss out on the Taste of Dubai Festival! It’s one of the city’s biggest events, so if you’re a foodie, music lover, or just looking after a fun day out, this festival is a must-attend.
First off, the food at the festival is amazing. With top restaurants from Dubai on deck, it’s like a never-ending feast. Each place serves 3 to 5 small portions, so we got to try a little bit of everything without feeling too full.
For those who like cooking, the workshops are awesome. Top chefs show off their skills and make everything look so easy. We even picked up a few tips to try out in our own kitchen (whether our dishes turn out as well as theirs remains to be seen).
It wasn’t just about the food. The live music kept things lively, with DJs and acoustic performances all day. You could grab a bite and just enjoy the vibes!
Pro Tip:
Upgrade to the VIP package for fast-track entry and more time to enjoy the festival. You’ll also get access to the VIP lounge, a comfy spot with food, drinks, and a chance to relax. It’s a great way to make the most of your experience!
3. Visit Global Village
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Website: https://www.globalvillage.ae/
Address: 38C5+F57 – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 362 4114
Operating Hours: Sunday to Wednesday – 4 PM to 12 AM; Thursday to Saturday – 4 PM to 1 AM
Admission Costs: AED 30 per person
If you want a fun and unique experience in Dubai, Global Village is the place to go. It’s a family-friendly spot with international pavilions, exciting rids, and great food, making it perfect for a fun afternoon or evening with family and friends.
Walking through the place felt like we were taking a mini world tour. The pavilions representing countries from all over the globe were colorful and worth exploring.
From Africa to Thailand, each pavilion offered something different, whether it was unique crafts, clothing, or some of the most delicious food from that country.
We caught a few performances–the stunt shows were definitely a highlight! The rides were a hit with the kids (and adults who acted like kids). Meanwhile, adults can shop and haggle for deals. Just don’t be afraid to negotiate prices—it’s part of the fun!
Pro Tip:
Buy a Global Village Passport at the ticketing counters for just AED 10. Collect stamps from each pavilion as a fun souvenir to remember your visit. It’s a great way to keep the memories!
4. Go on Top of the Burj Khalifa
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Website: https://www.burjkhalifa.ae/
Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 888 8124
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 12 AM
Price Range: Start at AED 159
If you’re in Dubai in February, one of the best things to do is visit At The Top in Burj Khalifa. Standing 555 meters tall, it’s the highest outdoor observation deck in the world!
After going through a simple exhibit that told the story behind the Burj Khalifa, we were treated to a cool show inside the elevator that shot us up to levels 124 and 125. Once at the outdoor observation deck, we could see all of Dubai, and it was absolutely gorgeous.
For those who want a more private experience, the VIP lounge on the 148th floor is amazing. It’s quiet, less crowded, and there’s great service. There’s even a guided tour and selection of treats and drinks!
Pro Tip:
Allow 3-4 hours when dropping by! This is a popular spot even on weekdays, and you might have to wait up to 30 minutes for an elevator. There’s also a lot to see and do once you’re at the top!
5. Admire Palm Jumeirah at The Palm
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Website: https://www.theviewpalm.ae/
Address: The Palm Tower – Palm Jumeirah Rd – 52nd Floor – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 800 8438439
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 7:30 PM
Price Range: Start at AED 110
When you’re in Dubai, one experience you can’t miss is The View at Palm Jumeirah. It’s located on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower and gives you some of the best views in the city. From 240 meters up, you can see the amazing Palm Jumeirah island, the Arabian Gulf, and the Dubai skyline.
The experience started with the Palm Jumeirah Exhibition. It’s a fun, interactive look at how Palm Island was built. After learning about the island’s creation, it’s time to go up to the observation deck, where you can enjoy sweeping, wide-open views!
For those who want to make the experience extra special, there’s an upgrade called “The Next Level.” This is a great option for those who want to skip the lines and visit the highest deck, which gives you even better views (and who doesn’t want that?).
Pro Tip:
For just a few more dirhams, you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while taking in the amazing views from the observation deck. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the beauty of Palm Jumeirah!
6. Discover Old City Dubai
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/articles/discover-dubais-old-town
Address: 7874+GCV – Al Hamriya – Dubai
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
One of the best things to do in Dubai in February is to visit the Old Town! It’s a great way to see a different side of the city and learn more about its history. Visiting this area is like stepping back in time.
We began our visit in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, one of the oldest parts of Dubai. The streets here are narrow, and the buildings are made of gypsum and coral. The wind towers on top of the buildings used to keep the houses cool, and they look amazing next to the tall, modern buildings in the city.
The Dubai Museum is also in the area, inside the Al Fahidi Fort. This fort is from 1781, so we were in the oldest building in Dubai, learning how the city changed from a small fishing village to the big city it is now.
For some shopping, We went to the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. The Gold Souk was full of shiny jewelry, and the Spice Souk was like a big cloud of colors and smells. We grabbed some zaatar, which is a mix of thyme and herbs, and a box of dates to bring home.
Pro Tip:
Take a ride on an abra, the small wooden boats on Dubai Creek. It’s one of the cheapest and nicest ways to see Old Dubai. Bring small cash for the fare, and grab a seat on the side for the best views of the busy waterfront.
7. Go on a Desert Safari
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Website: https://www.desertsafarisdubai.com/
Address: Aspin Commercial Tower – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Centre – Trade Centre 1 – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 559 627008
Admission Cost: Start at AED 390
Desert safaris are always a must-experience in Dubai, especially when the weather is nice like every February! Most desert safari experiences will take you deep into the Al Awir desert, where dunes stretch endlessly under a clear sky.
We tried an evening safari, which started in the afternoon. These experiences usually always start with the dune-bashing ride on the way to the camp–a roller coaster ride in a 4×4 Land Cruiser! We sped through the dunes while holding on to whatever we could hold on to for dear life.
Once at the camp, there’s plenty to do–there are camel rides, quad bikes (if you’re not yet traumatized from the dune bashing), and even sandboarding! There’s also a mehndi tattoo artist for those who want beautiful designs on their hand.
Once the sun sets, the dinner begins. Tanura and fire dancers provide entertainment while a barbecue and other traditional food are served!
Pro Tip:
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, but take note–sand will get inside no matter what you do! You can bring slippers or have wipes ready to clean your feet.
8. Soak Up the Sun on Kite Beach
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Website: http://www.kitebeach.ae/
Address: Kite Beach – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 431 73999
Kite Beach is one of the easiest, most relaxing spots in Dubai, and when it’s February, it’s perfect! The weather is cool and breezy—perfect for hanging out without getting too hot.
It’s a free public beach with soft sand, clear water, a jogging path, and plenty of food trucks. There’s a nice energy, but it’s not too busy or loud. Families will love the clean, well-maintained spaces and outdoor play areas!
For those who like water sports, there’s kitesurfing, wakeboarding, and even paddleboarding. For those who’d rather stay dry, there’s beach volleyball and a long track for jogging, walking, or biking.
When the sun goes down, the Burj Al Arab stands shining in the distance, looking amazing (make sure to take pictures). For those who want a fancy beach day, you can get a pass at the SOLE MIO beach club to get a comfy chair in the shade and food brought right to you!
Pro Tip:
Swim shoes are a smart idea, especially if you’re visiting around midday when the sand gets hot. They help keep your feet cool and comfortable, and they also protect against sharp shells or rocky spots near the water.
9. Go Camping in the Desert
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/al-qudra-lakes
Address: R9QG+2QM – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 800 900
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
February in Dubai is one of the best times to do fun outdoor activities–camping in the desert, one of them.
One of the most popular camping locations in Dubai is in Al Qudra. Located in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, the area is dotted with more than ten lakes, including the famous Love Lake.
The place is quiet, the air feels fresh, and there’s lots of open space. It doesn’t get too crowded like other places near Dubai. We set up our tent, had a barbecue, and slept under the stars. And if we forgot anything, shops and restaurants weren’t too far away!
The lake is also full of birds. We saw flamingos, swans–just to name a few. There’s a long cycling track—86 kilometers if you’re feeling brave—or you can take it easy with a walk or jog around the water.
Pro Tip:
Don’t let the daytime sun fool you. Once the sun sets, the desert cools down fast—much colder than the city. Bring a hoodie or jacket, maybe a beanie, and consider packing a thermal blanket to stay cozy by the fire or in your tent.
10. Go on a Cruise at the Marina
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Website: https://www.dubaidunebuggytours.com/dhow-cruise-Marina21.html
Address: Marina Plaza – Office no 2192 – Dubai Marina – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 56 324 1343
A dinner cruise in Dubai Marina is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to see the city at night. The boat ride offers great views of the skyline, with buildings all lit up and reflecting on the water!
Plus, February evenings are cooler, so the weather is perfect for an outdoor dinner.
The cruise included a buffet dinner with a mix of international dishes. Grilled meats, rice, lentil soup, samosas, and desserts like chocolate brownies were some of the popular items. The food was fresh and the service was friendly!
After dinner, there’s a tanura dance show that never fails to amaze. For birthdays or special events, the crew sometimes bring out cake and sing along!
Pro Tip:
Keep in mind that accessibility may be limited. Reaching the upper deck requires climbing about 20 steps, and even the lower deck involves some stairs. This could be difficult for guests with mobility challenges or those using wheelchairs.