Not only have the Christmas crowds dispersed, but the weather is much more pleasant too. Instead of the scorching temperatures that holidaymakers expect when visiting in summer, Dubai in January benefits from a much balmier average high of 24° and low of 15°. This makes January the ideal month for sightseeing and exploring in Dubai.
There are plenty of things to do in Dubai in January, from exploring the glittering city’s many stunning attractions, to disappearing off the map and embarking on an adventure into the desert.
Dubai Shopping Festival
If you’re a lover of all things retail therapy, the Dubai Shopping Festival is not to be missed. Running from Boxing Day until 26th January, this annual event is perhaps the best January sale in the world. Dubai’s retail district is second to none, with everything from high-end designer labels, beauty, fashion, homewares and jewellery available in the expansive and luxurious shopping plazas.
But it’s not just bargains you’ll find during this month-long extravaganza. An incredible line-up of events and entertainment also takes place during the Dubai Shopping Festival, from fashion shows and live concerts to big-stakes competitions with huge prizes like SUVs and gold!
The Green Planet
Dubai might be a city built on the edge of a desert, but you wouldn’t know that once you step inside The Green Planet! This unique indoor tropical rainforest features a huge manmade tree structure at its centre, with walkways that enable visitors to explore every level of the rainforest canopy.
Presenting the incredible biodiversity of the natural environment of the forest, The Green Planet is home to over 3,000 animals, including tropical birds, insects, and the main attraction – a pair of sloths! Visitors can get up close and personal with some of the animals and learn about the incredible variety of wildlife that rainforests support.
Desert Safari
Of all the things to do in Dubai in January, embarking on an epic adventure over the dunes makes for an unforgettable holiday. There are many ways to experience the desert, from speeding over the vast expanse of sand in a 4×4 to an authentic camel ride.
You can spend several days out on the dunes, camping under the stars and eating meals cooked over a campfire, or opt for a shorter excursion in the morning or evening. Enjoy sand boarding, a luxurious meal, share a traditional shisha, and watch the sun set over the stunning and ever-changing sands.
Outdoor Sightseeing
There are certainly plenty of incredible and unique sights to take in while holidaying in Dubai. The city boasts some of the world’s most cutting-edge architecture, from the towering Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world – to the beautiful symmetry and luxury of Palm Islands.
Luckily the relatively cool weather in January makes sightseeing outdoors a pleasant experience – during the summer months it’s simply too hot. Why not take a walking tour through Downtown Dubai’s famous skyscrapers, take a detour through the historical district of Al Fahidi, explore foodie heaven in Jumeirah, or discover Dubai’s urban art with the expert guidance of a professional tour guide?
Garden Glow
Immersive, electric and enchanting, Dubai’s Garden Glow is a unique celebration of light. From giant floating jellyfish to glittering recreations of famous landmarks, every season brings something new to Zabeel Park. Wander through the illuminations to witness a light show like no other.
Garden Glow also features a Dinosaur Park with true to size recreations of various dinosaur species, and an Ice Park, with amazing ice sculptures and an ice rink, perfect for during the day before the lights come on. The early sunset in January means the light show is in full flow from early evening, so there’s no need to stay out late to explore it if you’re holidaying with young children.
