The clock is ticking, Dubai.
As temperatures gradually rise in the UAE following months of ever-so-slightly cooler weather, there’s a bittersweet reality setting in: our beloved winter in Dubai is coming to an end. The final phase of winter, known by local astronomers as Scorpion Season. This will draw to a close on Friday, March 20, 2026. That’s right. We have less than seven weeks of this glorious weather left.
Scorpion Season will start on Wednesday, February 4, and will end on March 20. It marks not just the conclusion of winter but the astronomical beginning of spring in the UAE. So before Dubai transforms back into a city where the outdoors becomes a challenge rather than a celebration, here’s your definitive bucket list. These are the things to do in Dubai before winter ends, you absolutely cannot miss.
1. Sleep Under the Stars: Desert Camping
Once temperatures start creeping past 30°C, desert camping goes from magical to heat burns. There’s something profoundly moving about falling asleep in the Arabian desert with nothing but canvas between you and a blanket of stars. Right now, the desert nights are cool enough to actually enjoy your sleeping bag, and mornings are crisp without being cold.
You are sitting around a crackling campfire, the scent of Arabic coffee in the air, the silence so complete you can hear the sand settling. Sound’s like a perfect February plan, even when the love is in the air.
2. The Classic That Never Gets Old: Desert Safari
Because attempting dune bashing in 40°C heat is a special kind of torture. Yes, you’ve heard about it. Yes, your friends have done it. But have you? The classic Dubai desert safari is classic for a reason. The combination of adrenaline-pumping dune bashing, serene camel rides, and traditional Bedouin-style entertainment under the stars is quintessentially winter in Dubai.
Right now, the desert is at its most photogenic. Golden hour looks different when the temperature isn’t melting your phone. The evening entertainment, the traditional dancing, and the henna painting. All infinitely more enjoyable when you’re not desperately seeking the nearest air conditioner. Once April hits, this becomes a sweaty endurance test rather than an adventure.
3. Traditional Arabian Night: Dubai Dhow Cruise
There’s something incredibly romantic about drifting along Dubai Creek or the Marina on a traditional wooden dhow. The city lights twinkling across the water, a gentle breeze cooling your face. Winter in Dubai makes this experience transcendent; you can actually stand on the deck without seeking shelter indoors.
The dinner cruise becomes a completely different experience when the outdoor seating is actually preferable. Live entertainment on deck, traditional cuisine, and the juxtaposition of old Dubai meeting new as you sail past both heritage sites and modern marvels.
4. Global Village: The Winter Wonder in Dubai
CLOSES MAY 10, 2026
Because once it closes, you’re waiting until next winter. No exceptions. Let’s be honest—you’ve been saying “I’ll go to Global Village” since November. Maybe October. And now? We’re in February, and Global Village’s season finale is racing toward us faster than a Dubai Metro train.
This isn’t just another attraction; it’s 27 countries under one sky, more than 150 dining outlets. Moreover, shopping pavilions bursting with unique finds you won’t see anywhere else, and nightly entertainment that ranges from acrobats to cultural performances that’ll give you chills. Your chance to eat Turkish gözleme, buy Moroccan lamps, and snap photos at the Instagram-worthy installations.
5. WICKED The Musical
JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 16, 2026
Because THIS WEEK is literally your last chance to watch WICKED The Musical. If you’re reading this in early February, then you need to attend WICKED The Musical once. It is the global phenomenon that’s defied gravity in more ways than one, happening at Dubai Opera.
This is the kind of production that doesn’t come around often. The costumes, the vocals, the staging, “Defying Gravity” live; this is bucket-list material. Check your calendar NOW. If you haven’t booked tickets for the remaining shows, this is your sign.
6. Beach Time: RIGHT. NOW.
Why now? Because in six weeks, “refreshing ocean dip” becomes “lukewarm bath.” Here’s the thing about winter in Dubai beaches: they’re perfect. Not too hot, not too cold. The sand is warm but not scorching. The water is refreshing but not shocking. You can actually lie on a beach towel at 2 PM without feeling like a rotisserie chicken.
Whether it’s Kite Beach, La Mer, JBR, or the pristine shores of the Palm—this is your window. Bring a book, pack a picnic, stay for sunset. The combination of warm sun and cool breeze won’t last. Or you can check the beach clubs’ day passes to enjoy with your besties. So, this is one of the best things to do in Dubai, which you need to enjoy fully before winter in Dubai is over.
7. Hatta Mountain Escape
Just 90 minutes from Dubai lies Hatta, a mountain oasis that feels worlds away. Crystal-clear wadis, kayaking in the dam, hiking trails with views that’ll make you forget you’re still in the UAE. Moreover, the famous Hatta Sign has launched a thousand Instagram posts.
Winter is when Hatta truly shines. You can enjoy various water activities and explore the heritage village without melting. Moreover, you can even stay overnight at the Hatta Sedr Trailers or the Damani Lodges Resort. Waking up to mountain views with perfectly cool morning air is an experience you cannot miss.
8. Outdoor Dining & Rooftop Bars in Dubai
Another things to do in Dubai before winter ends that should be ticked off is enjoying outdoor dining and rooftop bars to the fullest. Because “al fresco” should mean “pleasant outdoors,” not “why did I agree to this?”
Right now, winter in Dubai’s outdoor dining scene is living its best life. Every rooftop bar, every beachfront restaurant, every garden café is perfectly positioned for the season. The breeze is gentle, the temperature is ideal, and you have various options for “outdoor seating”.
CÉ LA VI, Iris Dubai, Twiggy by La Cantine, Nobu Dubai, Shimmers, outdoor terrace are the best spots in Dubai. That sunset cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the Burj Khalifa? That beachside dinner with your toes in the sand? That garden brunch under the trees? These moments you should catch now before winter gets over.
9. Evening Walks Along JBR or Dubai Marina
Sometimes the best things to do in Dubai before winter ends are completely free, but totally magical in this weather. When was the last time you actually enjoyed a long, leisurely walk outdoors in Dubai? The JBR beachfront promenade, the Dubai Marina Walk, the City Walk boardwalk; these stretches of urban paradise are designed for exactly this season. Right now, you can stroll for hours. Watch the sunset. Sit on a bench. Grab a juice and keep walking.
Street performers, artists, the buzz of outdoor cafés, kids playing in the fountains; this is Dubai’s social outdoor life in full swing.
10. Winter Desert Cafes
These seasonal pop-ups literally disappear when winter ends. Scattered across the desert, from Al Marmoom to Al Faya, are dozens of magical pop-up cafés that exist for one reason only. To enjoy these perfect winter months with perfect coffee and cozy vibes. You’re sitting on plush cushions in the middle of golden dunes, fairy lights twinkling overhead, a perfectly crafted latte in hand, watching the sun paint the desert in impossible shades of orange and pink. Many desert cafés close entirely by the end of March or early April.
So, Winter’s final countdown is here. Make every day special before this winter season comes to an end.
Images: Wow Emirates Archives
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