We Found 10 Things to Do in Dubai in July That Turn Up the Fun and Turn Down the Heat
Dubai in July can be incredibly hot, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! I remember being bored in the city last summer, and while the desert heat was intense, I still found so many cool and unexpected ways to stay entertained.
From indoor ice skating to amazing art exhibitions, there are still plenty of things to do in Dubai in July! Here are a few ideas to make the most of the hot summer days.
1. Go Skating in Dubai Ice Rink
Media Credit: dubaiicerink
Website: https://www.dubaiicerink.com/
Address: Dubai Mall – Unit GF – 207 – Financial Center Rd – next to Ice Rink – Downtown Dubai – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 800 382246255
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Admission Costs: Start at 90 AED
If you’re looking for a fun way to beat the heat in Dubai in July, visit Dubai Ice Rink at The Dubai Mall! This indoor rink offers a great way to cool down while having fun with family and friends.
From the moment you step inside, you’ll be greeted by the refreshing chill and the smooth, well-maintained ice. You can enjoy public skating sessions, and for a bit more fun, try the special themed sessions with music and lights.
If you want to get better at skating, the rink offers lessons for all ages! Whether you’re just beginning or want to improve, they have friendly coaches ready to help.
It’s also a great spot for families! Got small kids? They can use cute penguin or seal aids to help them balance, and smaller children can skate with an adult for extra safety.
Make sure to dress warmly—it’s cooler inside the rink! Skates are provided, but you can also buy gloves if you need them.
Pro Tip:
The Dubai Ice Rink can get busy, especially during weekends or holidays. You can book your tickets ahead of time so you won’t miss out on your skating session.
2. Immerse Yourself in Art at Infinity des Lumières
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Website: https://infinitylumieres.com/
Address: Dubai Mall – Level 2 Financial Center Rd – opposite Galerie Lafayette – Downtown Dubai – Dubai
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 10 PM; Friday to Sunday – 10 AM to 11 PM
Admission Costs: Start at 80 AED
If you’re looking for a unique activity to do in Dubai in July, consider visiting Infinity des Lumières, the city’s largest immersive digital art center located in The Dubai Mall!
You’ll find a range of exhibitions that transform traditional art into an interactive, multi-sensory experience. Highlights include immersive shows featuring iconic artists like Antoni Gaudí, Wassily Kandinsky, and Paul Klee.
Each exhibit immerses you in stunning visuals, vibrant colors, and soothing sounds. The “Raise Vibration” show is a must-see, blending light and music for a truly unforgettable experience.
One of the best things to try is the “Dubai Data” exhibit, which uses AI and city data to create an interactive digital artwork. It combines art and technology to celebrate Dubai’s future.
Pro Tip:
- To avoid peak hours, visit in the morning or evening when it’s less crowded.
- The immersive experience lasts about 75 minutes, allowing you to truly absorb the art, so make sure to spend time at each exhibit.
3. Dine at Joe’s Cafe (and Catch the Dubai Fountain Show as a Nice Bonus)
Media Credit: joescafedubai
Website: https://www.joescafedubai.com/
Address: Dubai Mall Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue First Floor – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 434 1439
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 1 AM
Price Range: $$-$$$
If you’re in Dubai this July and want a great dining experience, Joe’s Café at The Dubai Mall is the place to go! With amazing views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing yet entertaining meal.
The restaurant, originally from London, offers a mix of delicious food and stunning views. You can sit on the terrace, enjoy your meal, and watch the tallest building in the world light up while the fountain performs.
Dining at this gem is a feast for the senses and is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual meal or a special night out!
The menu features a variety of international dishes, from starters like Dynamite Prawns and Burrata to main courses like Joe’s Special Thai Curry and Butter Chicken.
And for dessert, don’t miss the Sticky Date Pudding and Choco Cup with Ice Cream—they’re favorites!
Pro Tip:
- Visit in the evening for a truly spectacular view of the Dubai Fountain in action.
- Make a reservation for outdoor seating as the terrace gets busy, especially during the fountain show.
4. Enjoy Panoramic Views at At The Top
Media Credit: atthetopburjkhalifa
Website: https://thedubaimall.com/en/entertain-detail/at-the-top-burj-khalifa-1
Address: Burj Khalifa – Blvd Dubai Unit LG – 089 – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 888 8124
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 12 AM
Admission Costs: Start at AED 179
If you’re planning a trip to Dubai in July, a must-visit destination is At The Top, located in the Burj Khalifa. Standing at an impressive 830 meters, the world’s tallest building offers breathtaking views, particularly from its observation decks.
The high-speed elevator will take you up to the 124th floor quickly. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Dubai’s skyline, desert, and coastline.
If you want a more exclusive experience, the VIP package gives you access to all three observation decks, including the 148th floor. You’ll get the highest views of Dubai and enjoy extras like a free drink and a snack buffet.
Though the observation deck can get crowded, especially in the evening, the indoor views are just as impressive! If you want great photos, the indoor area is less crowded and provides clear shots, so don’t worry if you miss outdoor photo opportunities. (Plus, you can enjoy the AC too!)
Pro Tip:
- Book your tickets in advance to skip the usual long queues at the entrance!
- Visiting during the day or just before sunset for the best experience and lighting! But if it’s too hot, the evening view is just as stunning.
5. Hit the Slopes at Ski Dubai
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Website: https://www.skidxb.com/ar-ae/ski-dubai
Address: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Barsha – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 409 4000
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 11 AM; Friday – 10 AM to 12 PM; Saturday to Sunday – 9 AM to 12 AM
Admission Costs: Start at 220 AED
Dubai is known for its deserts and skyscrapers, but did you know they have a hidden winter wonderland too? Ski Dubai, located in the Mall of the Emirates, is a cool escape from the heat with a range of activities all year round.
The indoor resort maintains a temperature of -1 to 2°C, so you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or playing in the snow even in the summer!
They offer slopes for all skill levels, from beginners to experts, and have fun attractions like snow slides, Zorb balls, bumper cars, and a bobsled.
It’s perfect for families, and you can even meet penguins up close as they march through the snow!
If you’re new to skiing, consider taking a lesson at the Ski Academy. For those looking for more adventure, there’s a climbing wall and a ski lift offering scenic views of the snowy landscape. You can also relax with a hot chocolate while enjoying the winter vibes.
Pro Tip:
- Keep in mind that the cold can be intense, so it’s a good idea to wear thick socks, a warm cap, and comfortable clothing!
- Bring your own gloves, as the fleece gloves provided may not be sufficient for the cold.
6. Check Out the Dubai Aquarium
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Website: https://www.thedubaiaquarium.com/
Address: Downtown Dubai – Dubai (Located in Dubai Mall)
Contact Details: +971 800 382246255
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – 10 AM to 10:15 PM
- Tuesday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 10 AM to 11: 15 PM
Admission Costs: Start at AED 199 per person
If you’re looking for things to do in Dubai this July, don’t miss the chance to visit one of the city’s most amazing attractions—the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo!
Home to a massive 10-million-liter tank, this aquarium is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world. Inside, you’ll discover over 140 species of aquatic life, including majestic sharks, graceful rays, and the enormous giant groupers.
A walk through the aquarium’s underwater tunnel is a highlight! You’ll feel immersed in the world of marine life as schools of fish swim all around you!
For those seeking adventure, the aquarium offers exciting experiences! Cage snorkeling lets you get up close with marine creatures even if you’re not a diver, while shark diving will give you an unforgettable thrill of being around these predators.
Families will enjoy interactive sessions like the Otter Encounter or the King Croc Encounter, where you can meet these creatures up close. You can also join the Penguin Encounter and step inside their habitat to learn more about the birds.
Pro Tip:
- Check age, height, and other restrictions for specific activities beforehand.
- Arrive 15–30 minutes early for animal encounters to ensure a seamless experience.
7. Marvel at Sunrise Views at The View at The Palm
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Website: https://www.theviewpalm.ae/
Address: Palm Jumeirah Rd, The Palm Tower – 52nd Floor – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai (in Nakheel Mall)
Contact Details: +971 800 8438439
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 7:30 PM
Admission Costs: Start at 100 AED
If you want to start your day in a special way in Dubai, visit The View at The Palm for a stunning sunrise experience!
Located on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower, this observation deck offers amazing 360-degree views of the Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and the Dubai skyline.
On Saturdays and Sundays, arrive early to watch the city light up as the sun rises! The outdoor terrace is a great spot to take photos of the unique palm-shaped islands.
There’s more than just the view to admire. The View Exhibition tells the story of how the Palm Jumeirah was built, with fun and interactive displays.
For an even higher view, go up to The Next Level on the 54th floor. Here, you’ll get uninterrupted views with no glass windows, making it feel like you’re floating above the city.
Pro Tip:
Book Fast Track tickets to skip the queues, especially during peak hours. Sunrise visits are quieter, making it a more intimate experience, and it’s worth arriving early for the best spot on the terrace.
8. Take in Views of Old and New Dubai at the Dubai Frame
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Website: https://dubaiframe.ae/ar/plan-your-visit
Address: Zabeel Park Jogging Track – Za’abeel – Al Kifaf – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 800 900
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Admission Costs: Start at 50 AED
The Dubai Frame is a must-visit if you want to explore Dubai’s history and stunning skyline in a unique way. Located in Zabeel Park, it’s the world’s largest frame and a symbol that combines the city’s past and present.
It’s hard to miss this place due to the massive golden structure! Its design, based on the golden ratio, is meant to symbolize the city’s growth and creativity.
Your visit will start with a museum at the base, where interactive displays show how Dubai grew from a small fishing village to a modern city. The exhibits are fun and easy to understand for all ages!
After a quick elevator ride to the top (150 meters high), you’ll reach the Sky Deck. You’ll enjoy amazing views: Old Dubai on one side and the skyscrapers of New Dubai on the other. Don’t miss the glass-floor bridge for a thrilling view straight down!
Pro Tip:
For the best photos of the Dubai Frame in July, visit during sunrise or sunset to avoid the heat and crowds. For especially stunning views, sunset is the ideal time!
9. Try Different Cuisines at Time Out Market
Media Credit: timeoutmarketdubai
Website: https://www.timeout.com/time-out-market-dubai
Address: Level 3, Souk Al Bahar – Downtown – Downtown Dubai – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 54 375 2421
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 12 PM to 12 AM, Friday – 12 PM to 1 AM; Saturday to Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Price Range: $-$$
For an affordable dining experience in Downtown Dubai in July, check out Time Out Market Dubai in Souk Al Bahar. This food hall offers amazing eats, a chill vibe, and views of the Dubai Fountain!
With 17 top food spots from the city’s best chefs and three bars, you’ll find something to satisfy every craving. Enjoy diverse cuisines from Greece, Thailand, Vietnam, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, and more!
And don’t miss drinks like the Royal Nectar cocktail at the Fountain Bar or a nitro-infused cold brew at Boon Coffee—they’re just as good as the food!
The highlight of the place? An open terrace where you can dine while watching the Dubai Fountain show and the iconic Burj Khalifa. Plus, live music several nights a week adds to the fun, making it perfect for a night out with friends or family!
Pro Tip:
- Use the Time Out Market app to order your food without waiting in line!
- Visit during happy hour for great deals on food and drinks.
10. Shop Til You Drop at The Outlet Village
Media Credit: theoutletvillage
Website: https://theoutletvillage.ae/en
Address: The Outlet Village – Dubai
Contact Details: + 800 738245 (800 RETAIL)
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 10 PM; Friday to Sunday – 10 AM to 11 PM
For a relaxing shopping experience in Dubai during the summer, The Outlet Village is a great choice! Located near Dubai Parks and Resorts, this indoor mall is perfect for both residents and tourists.
Designed like a Tuscan village, this spot is both beautiful and comfortable. You can stroll along streets that feel like cobblestones, surrounded by high-end fashion stores, all in a cool, air-conditioned setting—ideal for the hot climate!
The mall features a wide range of international brands with significant discounts. Just remember to check prices and compare them with regular stores to ensure you’re getting the best deals!
If you get hungry, there’s a small but nice selection of places to eat. Operation Falafel and Caffe Nero are favorites!
Pro Tip:
Plan ahead if specific brands or items are on your list, as some stores may no longer be available.