As the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, Dubai in autumn is when we start to see a rise of outdoor activities, concerts, exhibits, beach days and festivities. The kids are back to school, residents are back to work and tourists are back to wandering around the city’s hotspots. To help guide you through the city during its autumnal months, we’ve compiled a list must-sees and dos from October to December!
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Image credit: Department of Economy and Tourism - Dubai
1. Immerse Yourself in Music
Concert season is upon us! The cooler months bring on a line up of international artists coming to perform around different parts of the city. From live DJ sets at the newly opened Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience or watching your favourite musical icons at the Coca-Cola Arena, make live music events part of your itinerary. Head to MICHELIN-selected, City Social or Rhodes w1 for a drink and a bite before a night under the stars with international DJ, Calvin Harris. More into pop music? Head to MICHELIN-selected CÉ LA VI ahead of dancing the night away to the tunes of Latin pop star, Ricky Martin.
Image credit: Department of Economy and Tourism - Dubai
2. Get a Glimpse of Dubai’s History
Autumn is the ideal time to discover Dubai’s Old Town, especially as the sun sets. Take a stroll by the Al Seef canal as you watch the traditional dhow boats make their run across the water. Pop into the iconic souks where gold, textiles, perfumes and spices tickle all your senses. In this area, visiting Dubai’s heritage village, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, is a great way to explore the city’s rich merchant past. A day of cultural exploration is not complete without grabbing a bite (or in this case, a feast) of local cuisine! Head to Bib Gourmand restaurant, Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant for a taste of authentic Emirati dishes. MICHELIN-selected Al-Fanar also has a vast selection of fresh seafood with a local twist.
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3. Beach Days are Back
A day at the beach in a coastal destination goes hand in hand! Dubai is home to beautiful beaches, suited for all ages. Take your pick of free beaches, like The Beach in JBR – be sure to grab some lunch at MICHELIN-selected, Bombay Bungalow – or Kite Beach in Umm Suqeim, or head over to private beaches at luxury resorts like Nikki Beach Hotel and Spa or Atlantis The Royal, where you can enjoy a Persian feast at MICHELIN-selected, Ariana’s Persian Kitchen.RELEVANT: Best Seaside Restaurants in Dubai
Image credit: Department of Economy and Tourism - Dubai
4. Take in Views from High Points
It’s hard to miss the towering skyscrapers that adorn the cityscape. These record-breaking towers are spread out across Dubai are the perfect place to take in the views at any point in time. Head to the Burj Khalifa for world’s tallest panoramic views from the 125th floor at sunset, then enjoy a MICHELIN-starred dinner at Armani Ristorante. Alternatively, the Palm Jumeirah’s The View is a great place to savour in the wonder of the palm-shaped island. There, you can also have a bite nearby at either two MICHELIN starred, Trèsind Studio, or one MICHELIN star, Smoked Room.SIMILAR: Dubai Hotels with the Best Views
Image credit: Department of Economy and Tourism - Dubai
5. Put Your Health First
The month of November in Dubai hosts a campaign to leading a healthier lifestyle. Dubai Fitness Challenge: Dubai 30x30 is meant to encourage exercising more and eating healthier. Multiple fitness and wellness activations, outdoor and indoor, take place across the city, such as cycling and running marathons on main highways, HIIT and yoga classes on the beach, rowing races on the canal, and more.
Image credit: Alserkal Avenue
6. Explore Exciting Exhibits
For the culturally curious, the city becomes a place to explore art, design and tech. For contemporary art lovers, AlSerkal Avenue and Jameel Arts Centre feature local and international artists throughout the season. Those who are more into interiors and design, Dubai’s Design District hosts Downtown Design week in November. There, visitors will have a chance to appreciate unique furniture designs from local designers and around the world. And finally, for techies, GITEX Global is the city’s largest event of innovation and technology happening in the Dubai Trade Centre (DTC) near DIFC – don’t miss popping by one of many MICHELIN recommended restaurants nearby, like selected restaurants Al Mandaloun and Hutong.
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7. Strike a Pose Infront of Iconic Landmarks
Now that the weather has dropped, walking around landmarks without breaking too much of a sweat has become possible. From the iconic Burj al Arab to the Museum of the Future, you can snap an Instagram-worthy picture under Dubai’s sunny skies. One popular location is Downtown Dubai’s “Wings of Mexico", which are strategically placed in front of the Burj Khalifa. Take your picture and head to MICHELIN-selected Jun’s for cross-culture cooking made modern.
Image credit: Department of Economy and Tourism - Dubai
8. Get Into the Festivities
Particularly in the months of November and December, Dubai gets in a celebratory mood. November is the month to celebrate Diwali, the Indian festival of light. During this time, the city is decorated in colourful lights and fireworks almost every evening! Visit Bluewaters Islands to catch a glimpse of an exciting display of fireworks then head over to MICHELIN-selected Indego by Vineet or Bib Gourmand Indya by Vineet for feast of delicious Indian cuisine. On the 2nd of December, we celebrate the country’s National Day. During this holiday, Dubai commemorates the founding of the Emirates with cultural events around the city. One way to get into the National Day spirit is by visiting MICHELIN-selected Siraj, where you can get a taste of local flavours.Illustration Image: Department of Economy and Tourism - Dubai
