Will you be in Dubai this holiday season as a businessperson, vacationer or resident? From historic landmarks to man-made islands, you have lots of options year-round, including these special ones to make the holidays much merrier:
1. Christmas markets and fairs
While Islam is the official language of the United Arab Emirates, about one-quarter of Dubai is Christian.
Regardless of religion, get into the holiday spirit at Dubai’s Christmas markets. Enjoy seasonal treats, family entertainment, and holiday shopping.
Here are some options to boost your holiday cheer:
Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
The venue covers 1,750 square miles and features:
- 36-foot. tall Christmas tree
- North Pole train
- Venetian carousel
This free festival at Madinat Jumeirah Fort Island will last until 30th December 2022.
Winter City at Expo City
Features of this Christmas fair include:
- Market Stalls
- Fairground games
- Letter-to-Santa station
- Santa’s House
- Christmas tree
This Expo City fair is free except for some activities and workshops and runs until 8th January 2023.
Winter Garden at Habtoor City
Incredible decorations, festive activities, and tasty traditional treats bring the Christmas spirit to the Habtoor Palace
At Winter Garden Dubai, enjoy these seasonal treats:
- Christmas tree
- Festive decorations
- Enchanted wonderland
This Christmas market runs until 31st December 2022. You can register with a spend of AED 25 or more.
2. Ski Dubai
Is skiing in the desert a thing? ExpatWoman.com reports that Ski Dubai is the Middle East’s first-ever indoor ski resort. The mountain-themed attraction with a quad-chairlift with real snow features:
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Tobogganing
If you want to lie down and make a holiday snow angel–go ahead!
Ski Dubai also accommodates different age groups and skill levels. You can use the attraction’s ski/snowboarding equipment and winter clothing to save big bucks.
3. Dubai Ice Rink
Do you want to recreate ice skating on a frozen pond or at Rockefeller Center? Hello Dubai Ice Rink!
According to NonStopDubai.com, this Olympic-sized ice rink includes 1,500 square meters of modern ice space.
The indoor ice rink is situated in the center of Dubai Mall, the world’s largest mall as of December 2022. It’s open year-round, including the holiday season.
Some of the skating options the Dubai Ice Rink offers include:
Snowfall Skating: recreate the experience of skating in falling snow
Family DJ or Disco: Enjoy a party on ice
Ice sports: Practice ice hockey and ice golf (you read that right)
Training sessions: Great for newbies and need-to-improve skaters
4. Kite Beach
Want to celebrate like it’s Christmas in California, Hawaii, or the Caribbean?
VisitDubai.com recommends skipping the city’s hotels and resorts to find the best beaches.
This beach is among Dubai’s most popular ones. If you’re a fan of sunbathing (with sunscreen, of course), watersports, and foodie adventures, then consider Kite Beach.
Other fun activities at this free beach include:
- Beach volleyball
- Wakeboarding
- Kitesurfing
- Paddleboarding
Enjoy 14 kilometers of coastline and eateries with delicious options like sliders and lotus shakes.
Looking for a more commercialized vibe? Options like Jumeirah Beach may be a better option.
Wrap-Up
How can you transform a scorching desert into a winter wonderland? Dubai offers activities like Christmas markets, indoor skiing, and ice skating this holiday season.
Enjoy any or all of the activities mentioned above to have a very merry Christmas in Dubai.
Featured image from Wikimedia Commons
