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Things to do in Dubai in January

The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is an annual shopping event celebrated with huge pomp and show by the locals. Packed with unbelievable deals on apparels, accessories, gadgets and gold, the Dubai Shopping Festival is the primary reason for the Dubai trip amongst all other things to do in Dubai in January.

Although named as the Shopping Festival, the DSF has much more to it like film screening, concerts and fireworks display. Foodies can have the best time here for there are so many eateries as well as fine dining at slashed prices. If you are a shopaholic, think no more and head to the Dubai Shopping Festival for a mind boggling retail therapy.

Location: Global village and all the big shopping malls are the best choices for shopping during the Shopping Festival.

Entry: Ticket price starts at AED 75.

Dates: 15th December 2021 - 31st January 2022

Click Here to Book: Global Village Tickets

If skydiving tops your bucket list, Dubai is the best place to tick it off. January is the preferred time to go skydiving in Dubai as the skies are clear and the weather is delightful. Dive down from a height of 13,000 feet in the sky and soar in the midst of the tallest skyscrapers in Dubai.

As you soar, you can witness the stunning view of the blue skies and the entire city of Dubai. Skydive Dubai is a popular centre for skydiving where you will be trained by professionals about the entire process of skydiving. If you are an adventure enthusiast, go skydiving first as the rest of the things to do in Dubai in January can wait.

Location: Skydive Dubai - Al Seyahi St - Dubai Marina - Dubai

Timings: 8 AM - 2:15 PM everyday

Price: Tandem Skydiving - Desert DZ: AED 1799
           Tandem Skydiving - Palm DZ: AED 2299

Checkout & Book: Skydive in Dubai

Another reason to visit Dubai in January is the possibility of having your meal in the sky. Dinner in the Sky is an unusual restaurant where you can eat at an altitude of 50 metres from the ground while enjoying the enchanting view of the city of Dubai. With such a dining experience, you taste not only the delicious food but also a pinch of thrill.

The dining lasts for 90 minutes but the memories of it lingers for a lifetime. The magnificent view, enjoyable weather and mouth-watering food certainly make the ‘dine in the sky’ experience the winner of the things to do in Dubai in January.

Location: Al Sufoh - Skydive - Al Seyahi St – Dubai

Timings: 2 PM – 11 PM everyday

Price: Depending on the day and meal type, price per person varies from AED599 to AED799.

Checkout & Book: Dinner in the Sky

Nightlife in Dubai is incomplete without the famous Dhow Cruise. This two-hour dinner cruise along the waters of Dubai takes you through Dubai Marina, Yacht Club and Marina Towers. Travellers on board get full access to the open upper deck as well as the air-conditioned lower deck.

The enchanting view of the illuminated towers and skyline will take you to paradise as you sail along. Satisfy your taste buds with a sumptuous buffet dinner that has cuisines from all over the world. The cool breeze, Arabian style music in the background and live performances add to the beauty of the Dhow Cruise.

Location: Dubai Marina

Timings: 9 PM- 11 PM

Entry fee: The ticket for Dhow Cruise Creek Dubai starts at AED 100 while that for Dhow Cruise Marina Dubai starts at AED 120 without transportation and AED 146 with transportation.

Checkout & Book: Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai

A trip to Dubai is incomplete without the Desert Safari. If the thought of getting roasted under the scorching sun fears you, take part in the evening desert safari. The traditional Bedouin tent and tasty dinner served by the Sheikhs make you feel as an Emirati. Further, there are Dune bashing and quad biking sports for the thrill.

The Tanoura and belly dance performances to the energetic Arabian music beats make the desert safari lively. Sipping the Arabic coffee with a few fresh dates while reclining on the cushions under the moonlight is a blissful experience among the things to do in Dubai in January.

Location: Al Lahbab Desert, Liwa Desert, Bidayer

Timings: Morning safari starts between 7 AM and 9 AM and is four hours long. Evening safari starts at 2:30 PM and is four to seven hours long.

Entry: Entry fee starts at AED 120 per person.

Checkout & Book: Dubai Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner

What better way to explore Dubai than to participate in a walking tour? A stroll through the streets of Dubai by foot lets you discover the sightseeing attractions from up and close. It helps the tourists make new friends with the locals and take better pictures.

The favourable January climate is an added advantage to walk around Dubai. The well-learned guides on the tour are fluent about the history and art of the city which help you get a closer look at the nuances of the souks and museums. The tours are personalised and can be arranged in different languages.

Location: Free Tours by Foot - Office 30 H, Silver Tower, Cluster I - JLT - Dubai

Timings: 24X7 everyday

Price: AED 175 per person

Also Checkout: Museum Of The Future Dubai

The Dubai Miracle Garden is a large green space that exhibits flowers growing in a desert. As winter approaches, the Miracle Garden blooms with flowers of different colours making it a heavenly place. If you are a plant-lover, do put the Miracle Garden on your itinerary because not visiting it can cause regrets.

The garden is open from November to March every year with vibrant and sweet scented flowers. The A380 World Bus decorated with flowers in the Miracle Garden has its name in the Guinness Book of World Records making it a must visit spot among all other things to do in Dubai in January.

Location: Al Barsha South 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM from Monday to Friday,  9 AM – 11 PM on Saturdays and Sundays

Entry fee: AED 55 for adults, AED 40 for kids between 3- 12 years, Nil for kids below three years

Click Here to Book: Miracle Garden Tickets

If you are not the type of person who enjoys desert safaris, a hot air balloon is the one for you. Ride on a hot air balloon in the Dubai deserts to enjoy the view of the city from the top. Most hot balloon rides start before sunrise to witness the beautiful sight of the sun popping out through the Hajar mountains.

The sport starts with a briefing about the flight and as you soar up, you are sure to be enthralled by the view and the climate. Hot Air Balloon ride is one of the things to do in Dubai in January since the day temperature is pleasing.

Location: Desert Margham

Timings: 3:30 AM – 8:30 AM

Price: AED 1100

Checkout & Book: Hot Air Balloon Dubai

A vacation in Dubai is incomplete if you do not explore the local cuisine there. With the blend of Arabic, Iranian and Lebanese food, Dubai food platter leaves you wanting for more. Be it the exotic flavors of the street food or the appetizing aroma from lavish restaurants, there is always space in your tummy for some extra food.

Foodies and food bloggers are in for a treat with the Dubai cuisine. Vegetarian or non-vegetarian, Dubai has something for all of you. Manousheh, Falafel, Iranian Sangek, Al Harees, Shawarma and Baba Ganoush are some of the famous foods of Dubai. Pierchic, Amaseena, Ravi Restaurant, Al-Baik are few popular restaurants in Dubai that serve yummy food.

Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Global Village, Al Barsha and 2nd December Street are some

Price: The average cost of food in Dubai is AED 150 per day per head.

You May Also Like: Desert Safari Dubai

A holiday trip to Dubai in January calls for attendance to the annual ‘Dubai Marathon’ that happens every year around the same time during late January. Sprinters and even those who are not big runners get excited about the marathon, thanks to the huge prize money. Winner gets USD 20,000 making the Dubai marathon the world’s richest race.

The massive cheering of the crowd, loud whistles and claps add to the life of the marathon. Also, the view along the track past the towers of the Dubai Media City and Burj Al Arab is beautiful. Happening once a year, the Dubai Marathon needs a visit among the things to do in Dubai in January.

The Garden Glow is a unique theme park that no one has ever witnessed across the globe. The four different yet amazing themes in the glow park include Magic Park, Dinosaur Park, Art Park and Ice Park. With extravagant lighting, sparkling colours and vibrant art, the Garden Glow tops the list of things to do in Dubai in January.

What makes this exclusive attraction even more attractive is that the art here is made of recyclable items integrated with technology that makes them glow at night. Garden Glow, a blend of education and entertainment is a feast to the eyes for people of all ages.

Location: Zabeel Park, Gate No- 6 & 7 Area - B - Dubai

Timings: 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM (Sunday to Thursday), and 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Friday)

Entry fee: AED 65

Checkout & Book: Dubai Garden Glow Tickets

Dubai Opera is for sophisticated art lovers who want to spend a peaceful evening in Dubai. It is a multi-format arts centre to stage drama, ballet, opera and concerts. The musical night at Dubai Opera is an adaptation of the famous Khalil Ghibran’s iconic masterpiece – Broken Wings that was written in 1912.

The show is staged throughout January, meaning it is not to be missed of all things to do in Dubai in January. The beguiling performance of the artists is sure to take the audience through paradise and keep them hooked to their seats. An evening at the Opera is sure to leave traces of inerasable memories etched in your hearts.

Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd - Downtown Dubai – Dubai

Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM everyday

Entry fee: The ticket price varies based on the event and location of the seat. Back row seats start at AED 250 while VIP Box Seats cost about AED 7000.

Click Here to Book Now: Dubai Opera Tickets

Hatta is a small heritage village that is located 71 miles to the east of Dubai. It is a great place for a mini vacation or weekend getaway with friends and family. The enthralling view of the majestic Hajar Mountains, hair-raising adventure activities and a cooler climate make Hatta popular among tourists.

The Heritage Village is a famous attraction here that depicts the ancient history and culture of the local. Swan Lake, Hill Park and Rock Pools are a great choice for a quiet picnic with kids. If you are someone who loves the rush of adrenaline, visit the Hatta Wadi Hub for sports like zorbing, mountain biking and hiking.

Checkout & Book: Hatta Heritage Village Tour From Dubai with Kayaking

A walk along the beach coastline during the evenings is a perfect way to end your day. The Walk at the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is an eminent walkway where you can stroll, shop and eat by the sea. While you are at the JBR Walk, explore the local souks selling a variety of fashion, home appliances and gift articles.

Pop-up shops selling jewellery, handicrafts and home decor offer great deals on prices. After a tiring day of shopping, head straight to the French cafe Paul for an iced latte.

Location: The Walk – Dubai – UAE

Timings: Open 24 hours everyday.

Suggested Read: Best Bars in Dubai