Things to do in Dubai this weekend

Dubai is gearing up for a vibrant weekend as the Diwali festivities light up the city. Expect warm, sunny days (around 35°C) and pleasant, breezy evenings – perfect for mixing outdoor fun with indoor events. Here’s your weekend guide, blending cultural celebrations, family-friendly outings, and a dash of adventure.

Saturday Morning — Ripe Market at Academy Park

Start your Saturday with a stroll through the Ripe Market at Academy Park (Umm Suqeim), which opens at 09:00. This open-air community market is a treasure trove of local produce, artisanal crafts, and food stalls dishing out everything from fresh pastries to vegan treats. Families will find pony rides and a petting zoo for the little ones, while shoppers can browse handmade jewelry and vintage clothing. Plan to spend a relaxed couple of hours here, soaking up the winter garden vibes under palm trees. Arrive close to opening time for easier parking and cooler weather. The market is free to enter (just pay for what you buy) and even your dog is welcome to join the fun on a leash. After picking up a specialty coffee and a bite, you’ll be energized for the day’s adventures. (Family-friendly, casual; roughly 20 minutes from Downtown by car)

Saturday Noon — Custom Show Emirates at Expo City

By midday, beat the rising heat by heading to the Custom Show Emirates 2025 at Expo City Dubai. Running from 17–19 October at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (Expo City), this massive car and bike exhibition is an indoor paradise for automotive enthusiasts. Feast your eyes on over 350 tricked-out cars and 120 custom motorcycles on display – from souped-up SUVs and classic muscle cars to futuristic superbikes. There are live engine “rev battles,” tuning workshops, and even drifting demonstrations scheduled throughout the afternoon. Kids and teens will love the interactive simulators and the roar of engines, while parents can appreciate the craftsmanship (and the air-conditioning!). A single-day ticket is about AED 90 (kids under 12 often at a discount), available online or at the door. Bring ear protection for young children during the loud stunt shows. You can easily spend 2–3 hours here; there are food trucks and rest areas inside to recharge. Parking at Expo City is plentiful and free – it’s about a 30-minute drive from central Dubai, with clear signs to the venue. (Family-friendly, especially for ages 6+; indoor event, casual attire)

Saturday Evening — Diwali Celebration at Global Village

Come Saturday night, immerse yourself in the city’s Diwali spirit at Global Village, which has just opened its doors for Season 30 (15 October 2025 – May 2026). This sprawling multicultural theme park in Dubailand is buzzing on Diwali weekend. Arrive by 18:30 to wander through pavilions from 80+ countries, sample global street foods, and shop for handicrafts – all decked out in festive lights. There’s a special Diwali Mela at the heart of Global Village featuring live Bollywood dance performances, traditional rangoli art installations, and henna stations. The night’s highlight is a fireworks show at 21:00 that will paint the sky in golds and reds to mark the Festival of Lights. Regular entry is around AED 30 (free for kids under 3 and seniors); you can get tickets on their app or at the gate. Parking lots fill up by evening – arrive before 7 PM to snag a spot. (Better yet, take a taxi or ride-share to avoid the jam after fireworks.) Expect heavy crowds in the revelry; keep little ones close and maybe bring noise-cancelling headphones if they’re sensitive to booms. If thrill rides are your thing, the Carnival funfair zone’s roller coasters and games are open late. (Family-friendly, festive; outdoors – carry a light shawl for later as it gets breezy). Alternate option: For a more traditional vibe away from the rides, Al Seef (by Dubai Creek) is hosting the final nights of the Noor Festival this weekend (from 18:00 onward). There, you can enjoy cultural dance shows, live music, and street food in a charming heritage setting – all with free entry and beautiful creekside views.

Sunday Morning — Dubai Miracle Garden Stroll

Ease into Sunday with a floral escape at the Dubai Miracle Garden, which is now in full bloom for its new season (opened 29 September 2025). Doors open at 09:00, and getting there early means you’ll meander through 150 million flowers before the sun gets strong. Wander under heart-shaped flower arches, snap photos in front of the massive floral Emirates A380 plane, and discover new displays like the revamped Smurfs Village and an exotic bloom-adorned mini-golf course. Kids can burn off energy at the new playground area, and there are plenty of refreshment kiosks for cold drinks. Plan on ~2 hours to see it all at a leisurely pace. Tickets are about AED 70 for UAE residents (AED 100 for tourists), with children under 3 free; combo tickets with the adjacent Butterfly Garden are available if you fancy. Go right at opening to beat the crowds and the midday heat. There’s on-site parking, but a taxi or ride-share might be easier to avoid walking in from distant spots when it’s hot. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and comfy shoes – the paths are long but breathtaking. (Family-friendly, couples-friendly; casual attire, but respect local norms – keep shoulders/knees covered for cultural modesty)

Sunday Noon — Slava’s Snowshow at Mall of the Emirates

At midday, step indoors for a magical theatrical experience: Slava’s SnowShow is in town, running until 26 October at the Mall of the Emirates theatre. This award-winning Broadway clown performance is a treat for all ages – a surreal journey of wordless comedy, giant spiderwebs cast over the audience, and a finale that will quite literally shower you with snow-confetti. Sunday has a matinee show (check for around 14:00 or 15:00 timings). It’s a perfect post-lunch activity to keep the family entertained (and cooled off) during the hottest part of the day. Tickets cost about AED 200 per person; seats are reserved and the best ones sell fast. Book ahead – weekend performances often sell out. You can purchase on the official Platinumlist site or at the Dubai Opera/MOE ticket counters if available, but it’s safer to secure them online in advance. The show runs about 90 minutes with an intermission. While in Mall of the Emirates, you’ve got endless dining options for a snack before or after (and even the chance to see penguins in Ski Dubai upstairs!). The mall has ample parking and is also accessible via the Metro (Mall of the Emirates station) for convenience. (Family-friendly, also fun for adults; indoor seating, casual or smart casual attire)

Sunday Evening — Basketball Showcase at Coca-Cola Arena

Wrap up the weekend with high-energy sports action: Dubai Basketball vs U-BT Cluj-Napoca tips off at 18:00 on Sunday at Coca-Cola Arena (City Walk). This exhibition game is part of a new international basketball series, and it’s a chance to see Dubai’s home team face off against a top Romanian club. The arena will be electric – expect cheer squads, music, and a lively mix of local and expat fans. Doors open by 16:30 if you want to come early for team warm-ups or to grab snacks (the arena has food stalls and fan merchandise). Tickets start at just AED 30, making it an affordable night out; you can book on the arena’s website or buy at the door if not sold out. The seating is indoor stadium-style, and the game should finish by around 20:00. Plan extra time for traffic around City Walk and consider using public transport. (The closest Metro is Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, a 20-minute walk; otherwise, taxis know “Coca-Cola Arena” well.) Parking in City Walk is available but can be tight during big events – if you drive, aim to arrive early to snag a spot in the underground garage nearby. Sports jerseys and team colors are welcome if you want to cheer in style. This event is great for older kids and teens too, as the atmosphere is infectious and there’s plenty of fan engagement during breaks. (Family-friendly for ages ~8+; indoor, casual attire)

Alternate Ideas

If the above itinerary doesn’t fit your mood, here are some bonus ideas spanning food, fun, and adventures – mix and match as you like:

• Breakfast – Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi): Start your day in the atmospheric Al Fahidi historical neighborhood at this iconic courtyard café. They serve a traditional Emirati breakfast tray (think chebab honey pancakes, balaleet sweet vermicelli, and regag bread) alongside karak tea and fresh juices. It’s open from around 08:00; budget about AED 60–80 per person for a hearty spread. The setting is charming under a shady tree with turquoise benches and white windtower buildings around you. It’s popular with both tourists and locals for its authentic flavors and photogenic ambience. Weekends get busy; come early to avoid a wait. (Family-friendly, vegetarian options available, no reservations on weekends)

• Coffee – Nightjar Coffee (Alserkal Avenue): For a caffeine fix and hip vibes, pop into Nightjar in Al Quoz’s art district. This specialist coffee roastery is known for its nitro cold brew (a smooth, velvety iced coffee) and inventive espresso creations. Pair your drink with one of their small-batch baked goods – the tahini brownies and cold brew tiramisu come highly recommended. The café is tucked among galleries, so you can explore street art and exhibits after your cuppa. Peak times are late morning through afternoon, especially on Saturdays when Alserkal Avenue gets lively. Afternoon rush hour here means a full house—mid-morning is more relaxed. Prices are around AED 20–30 for coffees, AED 40–50 for light bites. (Trendy crowd, casual; note that Alserkal has limited parking – consider a taxi or car-share if you’re coming during an event)

• Lunch/Dinner – Ernst Biergarten (Oktoberfest at 25hours Hotel): Craving a festive feast? Ernst in One Central is hosting Dubai’s most authentic Oktoberfest, running Thursdays to Sundays until 26 Oct. In the evenings (from 17:00, and a daytime brunch on Sunday), this Bavarian tavern transforms with live German bands, waitresses in dirndls, and classic comfort food. Long wooden tables encourage a hearty, social atmosphere. Signature dishes include giant pretzels (AED 35) and crispy schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle around AED 120) – perfect with a stein of German brew. Figure on ~AED 150–200 per person including drinks for dinner. Live Bavarian music makes it noisy—probably skip this if you need a quiet dinner. Families are welcome (there’s a Sunday roast from 12:00–16:00 that’s more kid-friendly), though on raucous music nights it skews more to adults having a good time. It’s wise to reserve a table for peak Oktoberfest sessions, as this place fills up with a fun-loving crowd. (Couples, groups of friends; lively atmosphere, indoor/outdoor seating)

• Family Water Activity – Snorkeling at Snoopy Island (Fujairah): How about a day trip to the East Coast? A 2-hour drive from Dubai leads you to the serene Snoopy Island, just off the sandy shores of Fujairah. Named after the Peanuts character (the island’s silhouette looks like Snoopy lying on his back), this spot offers fantastic snorkeling for beginners and kids. Expect to swim with colorful reef fish and maybe even a friendly turtle in the clear Gulf of Oman waters. You can rent snorkel gear, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards from Sandy Beach Hotel’s water sports center (day access and gear package approx. AED 150 per adult). The beach has lifeguards on duty and a roped-off safe swim zone, but always exercise caution. Even with lifeguards on duty, always keep an eye on kids in the sea. The best time is late morning when the sun lights up the coral – plus you can grab lunch at the beachside café after your aquatic adventure. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, simply enjoy a family beach day building sandcastles with the Hajar Mountains as a backdrop. (Family-friendly; bring swimsuits, towels, and plenty of sunscreen. Women should consider modest swimwear out of respect when on public beach areas)

• Nature/Sport – Hatta Wadi Hub Adventures: Venture to Hatta for a dose of nature and outdoor thrills. Less than 90 minutes from Dubai’s center, Hatta is a mountain enclave offering cooler air and rugged landscapes. At Hatta Wadi Hub (Season 8), you’ll find a range of activities: rent a mountain bike (around AED 70/hour) and hit the dedicated trails that wind through wadis and farmland, or try the thrilling downhill mountain carting and Asia’s longest mountain zipline. There are also free hiking trails of varying lengths – the easier ones around the Hatta Dam are great for a scenic walk with panoramic views. You can cap the morning with a kayak or pedal-boat ride on Hatta Dam’s turquoise lake (kayak ~AED 60 for an hour) – it’s incredibly peaceful surrounded by craggy peaks. Many activities are pay-as-you-go; entrance to the Wadi Hub itself is free. Wear sturdy shoes and carry water—Hatta’s terrain and sun can be challenging. Most adventures open by 08:00 and close around 18:00. On the way back, consider stopping at the Hatta Honey Bee Garden or Hatta Heritage Village for a cultural twist. (Family options available, though some activities have age/height restrictions; sporty attire and trainers recommended)

• Culture/Art – Museum of the Future (Sheikh Zayed Road): If you’re a fan of museums but want something truly futuristic, Dubai’s sleek new Museum of the Future is a must-visit. Inside the striking torus-shaped building (the one with Arabic calligraphy all over it), you’ll journey to the year 2071 through immersive exhibits. Explore a space station, witness cutting-edge eco-technologies, and even engage with AI robots – it’s like stepping into a sci-fi movie, yet it’s educational and thought-provoking for all ages. Time-slot tickets are about AED 150 (free for under-3s), and you should allocate around 2 hours for the experience. Pre-book your tickets online; no walk-ins if slots are full. (It will be full on weekends!). The museum is open from 10:00 to 18:00; choose a midday slot to escape the sun. After your visit, you can grab a bite at the museum’s café or stroll through the adjacent terrace garden. The Emirates Towers Metro station is a 5-minute walk, making it super accessible without a car. (Family-friendly, though some dark spaces might unsettle very young kids; smart casual attire, and don’t forget to look up at the amazing architecture!)

• Cinema – VOX Cinemas at Mall of the Emirates (Pets on a Train): Fancy catching a movie? Mall of the Emirates’ VOX Cinema is one of the city’s best, with huge screens and comfy seats. A fun family pick this weekend is the new animated adventure “Pets on a Train.” It’s a madcap caper about a ragtag group of animals on a high-speed train – perfect for kids and light-hearted laughs. Afternoon showtimes are typically around 13:00, 15:30, and 18:00 on weekends. Grab a popcorn combo (around AED 50) and settle in for 1.5 hours of entertainment. If you prefer date-night action, there’s also the horror-thriller “Black Phone 2” for a spookier evening (late shows after 21:00). Popular showtimes sell out fast—book tickets in advance. You can use the VOX app or kiosks at the cinema entrance. Mall of the Emirates has direct Metro access, so it’s easy to get in and out without worrying about parking. Plus, being at MOE, you could combine the film with dinner at the food court or even some shopping. (Family-friendly option or separate 15+ option; casual attire, bring a light sweater as theaters can be chilly)

Warnings and Tips

Dubai’s autumn weather is warm and dry – you’ll get about 10 hours of sunshine each day this weekend. Daytime highs reach the mid-30s°C, so stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, especially during outdoor activities. In the evenings, temperatures dip to a balmy 26–28°C with only a gentle breeze; comfortable for outdoor dining or shows (no need for a jacket yet). Rain is highly unlikely (and certainly no muddy conditions to worry about), but if you’re venturing to mountain areas like Hatta, the ground can be uneven, so proper footwear is key.

Traffic-wise, be prepared for extra congestion around major event sites. Global Village’s Diwali fireworks will draw large crowds – expect slow traffic on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road around 17:00–22:00. Plan your route and consider using alternative exits (or better, take a taxi to avoid parking hassles). Downtown Dubai and City Walk might also see heavier traffic on Sunday evening due to events and Diwali weekend shoppers. For these areas, the Metro and tram (for Marina/JBR) are great options to beat the jams. Parking in popular districts (e.g. near Dubai Opera, Coca-Cola Arena, or Al Seef) can be limited; if you must drive, arrive early or use paid reserved parking when available.

Keep in mind that event timings and prices might change slightly or tickets can sell out. It’s always wise to double-check official websites and social pages for last-minute updates. Many attractions offer online booking discounts or require advance reservations now – we’ve noted those for you. Also, “approximately” is the key word for prices we’ve listed (taxes or weekend surcharges can apply), so carry a bit extra just in case. When attending cultural or religious events (like Diwali celebrations), it’s respectful to dress modestly. And wherever you go, pack some patience – it’s a busy holiday weekend, but that buzz is what makes it special!

Most importantly, take advantage of Dubai’s excellent services: Uber/Careem ride-hailing to skip parking stress, food delivery apps if you’re too tired to dine out after a long day, and the open public beaches and parks if you need a breather. Have fun and book and plan ahead to avoid any last-minute disappointments. Enjoy your Dubai weekend to the fullest!