Dubai is a city that never sleeps, and its evenings are just as vibrant as its days. Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, there are countless ways to make the most of your evenings in this dazzling metropolis.
If you’re wondering how to enjoy an unforgettable evening in Dubai, here are five of the best ways to do it: including the most popular Dhow Cruise.
5 Best Ways to Enjoy an Evening in Dubai
1. Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina
A Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina is an enchanting way to spend your evening. These traditional wooden vessels have been transformed into luxurious floating restaurants, providing a unique dining experience.
As you set sail along the man-made canal city of Dubai Marina, you’ll be surrounded by stunning skyscrapers, creating a picturesque backdrop. The cruise typically includes a delectable buffet dinner, featuring an array of international and local dishes, as well as live entertainment, such as traditional Tanoura dance performances.
The gentle sway of the dhow and the shimmering lights of the Marina set the perfect mood for a romantic evening. Dhow cruise Marina allows you to soak in the beauty of the city’s skyline while indulging in a sumptuous meal.
2. Dubai Fountain Show
No visit to Dubai is complete without witnessing the spectacular Dubai Fountain Show at the base of the Burj Khalifa. The fountains are choreographed to music, creating a mesmerizing dance of water jets that can shoot as high as a 45-story building.
The evening shows, which start after sunset, are especially magical as the fountains are illuminated with vibrant lights. The synchronized music and water show is free to watch and can be enjoyed from various vantage points around the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa area.
It’s a great way to spend an evening with your family, friends, or loved ones, and the show runs at regular intervals, so you can catch it more than once during the evening.
3. Desert Safari
For those seeking adventure and a touch of the Arabian Desert, an evening desert safari is a must-try experience. This adventure begins in the late afternoon when you venture into the serene desert landscapes outside of Dubai.
The exhilarating dune-bashing ride will get your adrenaline pumping as you conquer the sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle. Afterward, you can enjoy sandboarding, camel riding, and capturing stunning desert sunset photos.
As the sun dips below the horizon, a magical desert ambiance sets in, making it a perfect setting for an evening barbecue dinner under the starry skies. The desert safari allows you to escape the urban hustle and connect with the tranquil beauty of the desert at night.
4. Jumeirah Beach Walk
The Jumeirah Beach Walk, often referred to as “The Walk,” is a lively waterfront promenade in the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) area. It’s a fantastic place to spend a relaxing evening by the beach.
You can take a leisurely stroll along the palm-lined walkway, enjoy the cool sea breeze, and take in stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. The area is dotted with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a perfect spot for an evening dinner or a coffee date.
You can also find street performers, artists, and live entertainment that adds to the vibrant atmosphere of The Walk. It’s an ideal place to unwind and savor the beachside vibe of Dubai in the evening.
5. Dubai Opera
Dubai Opera is a cultural gem that adds a touch of sophistication to your evening in Dubai. The venue hosts a variety of live performances, including opera, ballet, theater, and concerts. The stunning architecture of the opera house, inspired by the traditional dhow boats, is a work of art in itself.
Attending a performance at Dubai Opera is a memorable experience. The quality of productions and the world-class artists who perform here make it a must-visit venue for art and music enthusiasts.
The opera’s location in the Opera District, with views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, adds to the magical ambiance of the evening. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in culture and the arts while in Dubai.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Dubai offers an array of options to make your evenings as exciting or relaxed as you desire. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic cruise along Dubai Marina on a dhow, captivated by the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain Show, craving the thrill of a desert safari, seeking a beachside promenade, or indulging in the arts at Dubai Opera, there’s something for everyone to enjoy after the sun sets.
The city’s diverse offerings guarantee that your evenings in Dubai will be filled with memorable experiences that you’ll cherish for years to come. Check out my guide to the perfect Dubai Bucket List.
About the author:
Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.
Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World. See the About page for more info.
Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲