IT’S TIME TO GET ACTIVE! DOWNTIME IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI IS FULL OF FUN, EXCITEMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES TO SOCIALISE WITH LIKE-MINDED FOLK. SO HERE’S A LIST OF OUR TOP TEN PICKS FOR HAVING FUN IN THE HEART OF DUBAI.
1. Shop ‘till you drop
Fancy spending a day (or two) in the world’s largest shopping mall? The Dubai Mall has everything the dedicated shopper could want, from designer luxury brands through to bargains and special offers. From handmade sweets and soaps to leather goods and exclusive jewellery, the Mall is a shopaholic’s paradise!
2. Keep your cool
If you’re looking for a break from the sun where you can also have fun with the entire family, Dubai knows how to keep you cool with its very own Olympic sized skating park. The Dubai Ice Rink is in The Dubai Mall and it’s the perfect place to spend some fun time with the family. Children need to be accompanied by an adult (as if you really needed an excuse to get on the ice!), lessons for beginners are available as well.
3. Enjoy the Dance of water and light at The Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain is known for breath-taking performances where it jets its many fountains as high as 140 meters in a synchronized dance watched by thousands of people every day. Set right outside The Dubai Mall and Souk Al-Bahar, there are plenty of places available where you can relax and enjoy a unique visual feast every thirty minutes all week from 6.30 pm to 11.00 pm.
4. Dine in style
While Downtown Dubai is full of excellent restaurants, few come close to the unique dining experience at the Armani Hotel Dubai. Elegant surroundings are complemented by exquisite cuisine that ranges from contemporary twists on traditional Arab dishes through to ultra-modern Japanese dining.
5. Ultimate relaxation at Dubai luxury spas
A visit to Downtown isn’t complete without having the chance to be truly pampered at one of Dubai’s most luxurious spas. Visit The Spa at The Palace Downtown Dubai and discover a temple of serenity and tranquillity. The Spa offers oriental treatments within a unique Arabic décor, with tailored experience for every client that includes treatments, massage and an emphasis on total and complete relaxation.
6. Head outdoors at Burj Park
In the middle of the city is one of the Emirate’s best open spaces – Burj Park. Cycle hire is available at the entrance gate so you can tour this large park in comfort, or simply sit back with a picnic and enjoy the view of the incredible Burj Khalifa.
7. Art for art’s sake
Dubai has a thriving and incredibly vibrant arts scene and the city is packed with both contemporary and traditional art galleries and installations. Walk around Downtown and you’ll discover some magnificent public art.
8. Zip through town
For true adrenaline lovers the ultimate way to see downtown Dubai has to be a ride on the Xline zipline that takes you right over the top of the magnificent Dubai Fountains. Definitely not for the faint hearted!
9. See Dubai from the Top
At the Top Burj Khalifa is a unique experience that offers you an unmatched view over Dubai’s soaring skyline. You can choose to visit one of its observation decks on Levels 124, 125, and 148, and enjoy a breath-taking unobstructed 360-degree view of the city, desert and ocean. You also can choose to dine at the elegant At.mosphere and enjoy a delicious gourmet meal while watching the glimmering lights of Dubai city from the 122th Level of Burj Khalifa.
10. Slide the Downtown Slide
Whether you are taking your kids out or feeling you want to let the kid in you out for a minute, head to The Downtown Slide and slide 19 metres of fun! No need to worry about Dubai’s hot sun even in the peak summer, as the slide is the first insulated stainless steel outdoor dry slide in the world!