Things to do in January in Dubai 2024: 23 Amazing Things to Do!
Top Things to do in Duabi in January-2024
Get ready for an awesome Dubai adventure this January! Imagine yourself chilling on the beautiful beaches, with temperatures just right for a dip or some water fun. Celebrate the birthday of an iconic landmark that’s practically a symbol of the city. Splash into the New Year at the world’s coolest water park. And oh, the shopping—it’s a paradise with mega discounts at a famous shopping festival. For a touch of luxury, check out this brand-new urban resort making its debut this month. And the entertainment scene? Participate in live shows, comedy gigs, sports action, and cultural vibes—Dubai’s got it all! It’s the perfect start to an epic year.
01. Walk to the beaches in Dubai in January.
With temperatures between 22 and 25°C in January, Dubai is a great place to enjoy the sun and beaches. Unlike summer, when the sun is shining and the temperatures are high, the sea water is still perfect for swimming. On Dubai’s beaches, one may go yachting, scuba diving, snorkelling, and taking traditional sailboat excursions in Fujairah. Snorkelling the seabed is an excellent alternative for anyone without a diving licence, while scuba diving in Fujairah provides the chance to explore the stunning waters and marine life. Sailboat excursions provide breathtaking vistas and the chance to explore the ocean below.
2. Exploring the Burj Khalifa in the winter.
See the world’s tallest structure, the Burj Khalifa, while visiting this utopian metropolis. The remarkable edifice was officially opened on January 4, 2010, so if your vacation falls within the month of January, you will have the chance to visit on the occasion of its anniversary. This is always an added bonus, as with all significant dates, there may be some benefit or unique occasion not available on other days of the year. Don’t think twice! Acknowledge this building’s birthday by purchasing Burj Khalifa tickets.
3. New Year’s Eve at Atlantis Aquaventure
The largest water park in the world, Atlantis Aquaventure, has a range of attractions for kids and adults alike. The park welcomes the new year with special entertainment and culinary offerings on New Year’s Eve. Additionally, the park offers concerts by well-known worldwide performers. There are plenty of activities in the park to suit every taste, and kids can always look forward to celebrations.
4. Dubai Shopping Festival
The annual Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is a well-known event that draws millions of people and features up to 70% off on premium brands and luxury goods. The festival takes place in the city’s souks, retail centres, and shopping centres. It includes entertainment events like raffles where attendees can win expensive goods, cars, and cash rewards. The event offers tours for visitors to discover the greatest deals and discover more about the city’s neighbourhoods, as well as transforming the city with a plethora of displays and fireworks. It is advised to read up on Dubai’s main souks and check out the post for additional details before fully immersing yourself in the celebration.
5. Make a reservation at One&Only One Za’abeel.
With rates beginning at Dhs3,500 per night, the ultra-luxury hotel brand One&Only’s first-ever “vertical urban resort” will open for business on Monday, January 1. The team behind Atlantis Dubai, Kerzner, is preparing to open the new hotel, which will have 229 rooms and suites, the longest infinity pool in the UAE, and 11 amazing new restaurants.
6. Enjoy a pizza slice from Za Za Slice.
If you missed Za Za Slice’s pop-up days at Sole Dubai, you can now plan to visit its permanent location this weekend to sample artisanal pizza made in the New York manner by the slice. Located in Jumeirah Garden City, also known as New Satwa, you may sit down at the bar and choose from a variety of types of pizza by the slice.
7. Attend a drone demonstration.
This year, the drone treatment is being applied to two stories. The shows at Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR, at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. are Fairytale Fusion with Emirati Culture and Illustration of Dubai in the Future. Emarat Petroleum presents the DSF Drones Show. You may anticipate something really amazing from the first drone dance, Fairytale Fusion with Emirati Culture, which is a cooperation with Emirati animator Mohammed Saeed Harib, the creator and producer of the well-known cartoon series Freej.
8. To see the ice-themed show at Dream Dubai
In the first week of January, Dream Dubai’s show will be available to watch with a seasonal touch. Anticipate eye-catching ensembles and lively dance routines tailored to your favourite Christmas tunes, fostering a joyous festive mood. Savour delicacies like herb-crusted rack of lamb, roasted turkey breast, truffle burrata, and king crab legs with caviar while you gaze in wonder.
9. Visit Madame Tussauds Dubai to see the Rock.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s figurine is currently on display at Madame Tussauds Dubai for fans to see. Dwayne’s outfit in Dubai is a spoof of the powder blue suit he wore to the Skyscraper premiere in New York, a film in which he starred and produced. In addition to joining Dubai’s roster, he is currently at the outposts in Berlin and Amsterdam. With nine Madame Tussauds likenesses of the man of the moment now available, the three new figures add to the nine that already exist. Johnson copies can be found in London, New York, Las Vegas, Hollywood, Orlando, and on tour in Asia.
10. See a free film at JLT Park.
It’s back: JLT Cinema Under the Stars. Every Saturday, JLT Park in Cluster Q offers free movie screenings, making it an excellent cost-free activity for the holidays. The first-come, first-served policy applies to seats, so arrive early before the 7.30 p.m. movie. To enjoy the show, bring your own little blanket and preferred snacks.
11. See Omid Djalili’s comedy performance.
In 2024, Omid Djalili, an Iranian-British actor and comedian, will do a live performance in Dubai. This comedic giant will be making a comeback to the city with his highly regarded new performance, NAMASTE, which will be presented by DXB Live at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Rashid Mall. Djalili will delightfully convey his inner wrath towards the current status of the planet throughout this eye-opening and funny show.
12. Participate in the Dubai Marathon.
Early in 2024, Dubai will host the first and oldest international marathon in the Middle East once more. This event, which takes place on Sunday, January 7, is the main sporting event in the Middle East. Don’t be discouraged by the distance; there are three racing distances available for this event: a 42.195-kilometer full marathon, a 10-kilometer race, and a 4-kilometer fun run. Umm Suqeim Road will serve as the start and finish line for all three marathon events. Runners should register near the Dubai Police Academy. Meanwhile, the path will go through the shadows of the Burj Al Arab and travel a portion of Jumeirah Beach Road.
13. Dubai desert classic
A major event in the Middle East is the yearly, famous January golf championship, the Dubai Desert Classic. The Gulf Swing, which includes the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and Qatar Masters, comes to a close with this event. In Dubai, this is the most well-known festival. An incredible day with family may be spent playing golf at the 18-hole 3D minigolf park at Blacklight Minigolf 3D Experience.
14. Visit a Dubai Harbour outdoor market.
This month, the Happening at the Harbour outdoor market is taking place. It is open until Thursday, March 28, and may be accessed for free at Dubai Harbour. With rides and kid-friendly art and craft projects, the market has a welcoming atmosphere for families. Along with live entertainment, there are over sixty retail establishments, including The Golden Hour, Be Bo Clo, Melanie Gissing, and Gipsy Soul & Desert Totes.
15. Make a big laugh at Michael McIntyre.
On January 13, one of the most well-known comedians in Britain, Michael McIntyre, will perform at the Coca-Cola Arena. Having appeared on the UK comedy scene since 1999, McIntyre first gained notoriety in 2006 when she performed at the Royal Variety Performance. Since then, he has done three appearances at BBC One’s Live at the Apollo, sold-out global tours, and other TV appearances (including Britain’s Got Talent).
16. Sing along with Ed Sheeran.
The British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran will be performing twice in Dubai on Friday, January 19, and Saturday, January 20, in case you accidentally missed the announcement. The independent musician will make two appearances in Dubai as part of his +- = ÷ x Mathematics Tour. The largest-ever outdoor concerts in Dubai are scheduled to take place at the Sevens Stadium. While tickets for the Saturday night show are already sold out, you can still get them for the Friday event. You shouldn’t miss it—it’s one of those really special Dubai events.
17. Participate in the bubble run.
On Saturday, January 20, Bubble Run will return, promising to be a bubbly event suitable for the whole family (children under the age of four are welcome). Participants in the event will sprint along Al Wasl Avenue in Expo City while drenched in suds. Depending on your age and degree of fitness, you can select between two routes: one will take you down a 4 km course, while the other is 8 km. The races will take place in waves, starting at 4 p.m. and lasting for ten minutes each.
18. Watch a live performance by OneRepublic.
On January 25, the American pop-rock group OneRepublic is scheduled to perform in the city. On Thursday, January 25, Ryan Tedder, Zach Filkins, Drew Brown, Brent Kutzle, Eddie Fisher, and Brian Willett will perform live at Bla Bla in JBR. To enjoy popular songs like “Counting Stars,” “Mirage,” and “If I Lose Myself,” you should be ready to purchase tickets via the Live Nation Middle East website.
19. Laugh aloud with Schalk Bezuidenhout.
Comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout, from South Africa, will be back in Dubai for two nights at the end of January. The comedian, known for his Comedy Central and Netflix specials, will be performing at two locations in Dubai for his “Feeling Good” gig. Award-winning for his comedic performances, the evening will feature the funnyman’s well-known humour.
20. Go to the Emirates Airline Literature Festival.
The 16th edition of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature will take place from Monday, January 31 to Wednesday, February 6. For a series of speeches, seminars, and masterclasses, writers from both domestic and foreign publications will converge on the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library and the InterContinental in Festival City.
21. Enjoy Dubai’s Three Wise Men.
The Espanarab association organised the Three Wise Men Parade, which honours the unique Christmas occasion, on January 5 in Dubai. Balthazar, Melchior, and Gaspar ride in on camels bearing gifts and customary merchandise. The gathering, which features special dinners at tapas bars or Spanish restaurants, as well as Christmas films and snacks, draws hundreds of attendees. The delectable roscón de reyes is another feature of the celebration. A Spanish retailer called La Despensa sells a range of goods with a Christmas theme. Don’t worry, your residence won’t be overlooked by the Three Wise Men if you’re thinking about skipping Dubai on their holiday.
22. Visit the Dubai Mall.
The largest mall in the world, Dubai Mall, has more than a thousand businesses, including high-end and low-end labels. Although it’s open year-round, January has a few benefits. It’s best to visit during the first few days of the month, when you can still enjoy the decorations from Christmas and New Year’s. In addition, January is dedicated to the Dubai Shopping Festival, which offers a chance to take part in the well-liked shopping occasion.
23. Dubai World Cup Carnival
Horse racing is a social event and one of the main interests of Arab culture. The Dubai World Cup Carnival has been held at the magnificent Meydan racecourse since 1996. It opens in January and runs through March, rather than taking place in January in its entirety. For fans of the sport, two months of horse racing.
In addition, there are pop-star concerts, fireworks shows, and other events every day of the Dubai World Cup Carnival. Therefore, this event will also be enjoyed in style by people who are not as engaged in the world of horses. It’s definitely an important day on this city’s calendar.