On Thursday, 1 January 2026, Dubai Dolphinarium will run its holiday Dolphin and Seal Show at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM inside Creek Park. The venue address is Creek Park Gate 1, Umm Hurair 2 St., Dubai, UAE (P.O. Box 232292), and the contact numbers are 800 DOLPHIN (3657446) and +971 4 336 9773. Because New Year’s Day tends to pull bigger family crowds, you should treat the time on your ticket as your anchor for the whole afternoon or evening. Arrive early to avoid last minute queues.
Holiday showtimes and entry details
The holiday timetable for Thursday, 1 January 2026 trims the day to two performances, so you are choosing between the 2:00 PM show and the 6:00 PM show. Also, keep in mind that the Dolphinarium sits inside Creek Park, which adds an extra step at the gate before you even reach the theatre doors. If you plan a same day outing with kids, the 2:00 PM slot often feels easier for energy and naps, while the 6:00 PM slot usually works better for after work visitors. Show schedules can change during festive periods.
Why this indoor show stays popular
Dubai Dolphinarium has operated in Creek Park since 2008, and it has built a reputation as an easy, weather proof family stop. It offers an indoor setting, so you can enjoy a full performance without worrying about wind, glare, or outdoor dust. Meanwhile, the show blends entertainment with short educational moments, so it tends to keep both children and adults engaged. Because the venue sits near older Dubai neighbourhoods, it also pairs well with a Dubai Creek day rather than a mall only plan. This is a family focused attraction.
What to expect inside the arena
The Dolphin and Seal Show typically runs for about 45 minutes, and it moves quickly with trainer led routines and audience reactions. So, if you want calmer seating, aim for an earlier arrival and choose seats away from the busiest central aisles. Also, remember that indoor venues can feel cool once you sit still, especially with children. If you bring a stroller, plan how you will park it, because theatre entrances can tighten right before doors close. Late arrivals may miss the smoothest entry window.
Ticket options and budgeting in AED
Tickets usually start from approximately AED 60 and go higher depending on seat category and promotions, and you will often see adult prices around approximately AED 89 and children from about AED 45 on major ticketing offers. However, the show ticket does not cover Creek Park entry, which is an extra AED 5 per person paid separately at the park gate. If you want a more premium view, VIP seating and bundled experiences can push the total higher, so it helps to decide first whether you want a simple show visit or a longer Dolphinarium day. Ticket prices are approximately and may change.
Getting there and timing your arrival
Creek Park can get busy on a public holiday, so driving late can turn a simple trip into a stressful one. If you come by metro, you can connect to the area and then use a short taxi or ride hail hop to Creek Park Gate 1, which often feels smoother than hunting for a space. Also, if you drive, try to arrive well before your chosen showtime, because parking fills up first near the most convenient gates. For the 2:00 PM show, an arrival around 1:00 PM keeps things comfortable, and for the 6:00 PM show, arriving around 5:00 PM usually helps you avoid the last rush. Parking capacity is limited during holidays.
Building a full afternoon or evening around it
If you pick the 2:00 PM performance, you can pair it with a relaxed Creek Park walk before and after, and then continue toward Al Seef for a casual waterfront stroll and coffee. Alternatively, the 6:00 PM show often pairs nicely with an early dinner plan in nearby Bur Dubai, Karama, or around Dubai Creek, especially for couples or solo visitors who want a lighter schedule. Because the venue sits close to Dubai Creek, you can also keep your plan flexible and decide after the show whether you want a calm night walk or a quick ride back home. This program is child and family friendly (families, couples, solo).
Coming from Abu Dhabi or Sharjah
If you are driving from Abu Dhabi, aim to leave early enough to absorb Sheikh Zayed Road traffic swings, and consider building in extra buffer time for park entry on a holiday. For the 2:00 PM show, leaving late morning often works better than cutting it close, while for the 6:00 PM show, a mid afternoon departure can reduce stress. From Sharjah, the distance is shorter, yet rush hour pinch points can still appear, so an extra 30 to 45 minutes of buffer keeps your arrival calm. Also, after the 6:00 PM show, you may hit heavier outbound traffic, so a short post show coffee nearby can make the drive back feel easier. Plan your return around peak traffic hours.
WARNINGS AND TIPS CLOSING PARAGRAPH
Dubai’s forecast for Thursday, 1 January 2026 looks clear and sunny, with temperatures around 22°C in the afternoon and about 21°C around 6:00 PM, so light layers work well, plus a thin jacket for the indoor air conditioning. Because Creek Park and the Dolphinarium get holiday footfall, go earlier for easier parking, and consider metro plus taxi if you dislike park gate queues and tight exits. Also, remember that Creek Park entry costs AED 5 per person, and ticket and door prices can shift, so treat all amounts as approximately. For tickets, the most reliable options are usually DUBAI DOLPHINARIUM, PLATINUMLIST, and VISIT DUBAI. Confirm your showtime and tickets before you leave home. To keep our schedule notes consistent, the www.few.ae editor team style checks timings and practical access details before publication.
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