Dubai at sundown is surreal.

The city lights flicker like fireflies in a jar in the evening, while stillness fills the desert air. Indeed, this emirate is a place of interesting contrasts and has a lot of stunning destinations not to be missed, even at night.

So if you have booked some Dubai day tours already, you may want to rethink them and bump a few around. And in case you’re someone who simply can’t stand the heat during the daytime, worry not because you can still make fascinating discoveries even after the sun sets.

Here are the 11 most stunning Dubai destinations you must visit at sundown:

Dubai Creek

The Dubai Creek is a must-visit destination at sundown.

Witness the glittery skyline of Deira, Dubai — one of the two major sections of Old Dubai (the other one being Bur Dubai).

The best way to experience this is to book a JA Bateaux Dubai dinner cruise.

As the yacht glides along the saltwater creek, you can enjoy a four-course gourmet dinner for about 2-1/2 hours straight. You will be passing through the best Dubai attractions such as the Al Maktoum Bridge, the Deira Clock Tower, the old Grand Mosque, and the Twin Towers.

A yacht trip along the creek guarantees you an evening of uninterrupted stunning views, mouthwatering and delectable food, and lively entertainment.

The Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is one of the most crowded places in the city, especially during Friday nights. People from all over flock to it because of the spectacular light and music shows complementing the dancing fountains every 30 minutes, from 6 pm to 11 pm.

Located right by the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, the delightful water and light shows will make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. You also get to enjoy the lively symphony of music accompanying the dancing lights without having to pay for anything.

At the Top (Burj Khalifa)

A visit to Dubai is incomplete if you don’t check out Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, especially at sundown.

Witness an epic sunset hovering over the entire city as you stand at the outdoor observation deck popularly known as “At the Top,” located on the 124th floor of the building.

Don’t forget to bring your camera because this is the best place to capture the longest sunset in the emirate.

To ensure you get to marvel at this spectacular sunset, book in advance because walk-in guests won’t be entertained once the deck is full. Be sure to book a slot for before the sun sets instead of during so you can enjoy the view from start to finish. Just keep in mind that a viewing session only lasts for one hour.

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Aside from luxurious shopping it offers, The Dubai Mall features a number of must-try adventures.

This includes a plunge among the sharks at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, which is 48 meters long.

Here, you can come face to face with different underwater species, including sharks and stingrays, as you walk underneath the massive aquarium.

And if you are brave enough, you can also swim with the sharks or snorkel while inside a cage. The best time to plunge into this unique experience is at night when the lighting adds to the mystique of this fascinating underwater sight.  

Ski Dubai

Dubai, and the rest of the UAE, is a place that has never stopped making what seems impossible, possible.

Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates is a man-made magnificence that offers realistic skiing experience. You can also enjoy tobogganing, snowboarding, participate in snow events, and play with the penguins.

Once there, it’s your chance to enjoy real snow in Dubai at night.

The Arabian Desert

A desert safari should also be in your must-try list.

Going to the desert means trying out different activities such as dune bashing, sand skiing, quad biking, and camel riding. But what adds to these unique adventures is the fact that they are best experienced at sundown.

You can also enjoy a barbeque dinner while seated comfortably in a place set in the Arabian desert, and where cultural performances are being shown, including belly dancing, fire exhibition, and the Tanoura dance show.

In case you are visiting Dubai with your significant other, you can add stargazing to your evening jaunt menu.

City Walk

The City Walk may seem tame and a little bit on the quiet during the daytime, but it is spectacular at night. This is a great place for a stroll – walk slowly, though, because this mall is meant for leisurely walking. If you have kids, spend more time in this place because there are various activities meant for children at sundown.

The Madinat Theatre

The Souk Madinat Jumeirah near The Dubai Mall is popular not only for the luxury shopping experience it provides but also for the Madinat Theatre.

The theatre is an ultramodern venue that caters to large-scale shows. It has played host to classical ballet presentations, musicals, stand-up comedy shows, film screenings, and plays. Here, the nights echo with the symphony of musical instruments and performances from the world’s best artists. For a hassle-free experience, book your tickets in advance.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium

Walk through the glass tunnels and discover sea life at The Lost Chambers.

Located in Atlantis The Palm, it has piranhas, stingrays, sharks, seahorses, lobsters, and other underwater life housed in ten stunning chambers. These underwater tunnels deliver a unique experience featuring a lost civilization of ruins and shipwreck.

Furthermore, you can do yoga here! Talk about rejuvenating in aquatic surroundings! This yoga class aims to boost your balance, flexibility, and strength.

No yoga mat? No problem because you will be provided with one, along with a bottle of water. But since the space is limited, make sure to make reservations in advance and arrive at least 15 minutes early because you will be filling out a waiver form before the class starts.

Though the yoga class is usually held in the morning, things you can do here at night include the shark safari, Atlantis dive, and aquatrek. But the most sought-after night experience here is the close encounters with some of the sea creatures and feeding them.

Be aware that feeding happens at night because this is the time when the fish become more predatory. But don’t be afraid because you everything is supervised by animal experts.

The Walk at JBR

The Walk at JBR located in Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Marina is a popular hub for Dubai’s best nightclubs, cafes, and restaurants, adding to the glamour of this vibrant city. You can visit this great place at sundown for free and enjoy street art and various other activities.

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina, where JBR is located, is a man-made marina fenced in by skyscrapers that illuminate the city at night.

As you walk along the three-kilometre-long stretch of the shoreline, look up to see the beautiful towering buildings found here. You will surely be astounded by the magnificent views comprising land, sea and sky and, of course, the majestic buildings all over the district.

Dubai Marina is accessible via the Dubai Metro, so make sure to drop by.

Undeniably so, Dubai has more to offer the intrepid traveller – both day and night. So for your next visit, be sure to include these 11 stunning places on your must-visit list.  

AUTHOR BIO

Thomas Grundner is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for JA Resorts & Hotels. He has more than 20 years of expertise in the hospitality and leisure industry – across international markets including Germany, Egypt and Spain. Grundner oversees all sales, marketing and revenue efforts as the company continues to build on its key growth and development strategies and further cultivates its unique blend of “Heartfelt Hospitality” and “Casual Luxury.”