Not everything shuts down in the heat
Every summer in Dubai brings a familiar shift as temperatures rise and the city adapts to the heat. While some of the UAE’s most popular outdoor attractions take a seasonal break, others remain open year-round, offering plenty of ways to stay entertained if you know where to go. From waterparks to sky-high experiences and more, here’s a guide to the Dubai attractions that are closed and what you can still enjoy over the summer months.
OPEN
Aquaventure Waterpark
Aquaventure World
Home to over 105 slides, Aquaventure World in Dubai is the city’s largest water park packed with thrilling rides, tunnels, waterfalls, an aquarium, a private beach and more. If you can brave the sun and heat, this waterpark remains open over summer. On selected peak summer weekends, there is also the possibility of extended evening or night openings, though these are announced by the park closer to the time – so keep an eye on whatson.ae for updates.
At The Top Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa’s outdoor observation deck is one of the highest in the world. That can only mean one thing: gorgeous views with a fully immersive experience. You can go at sunset to see the city illuminated in an orange hue, or if you’re a sunrise chaser, you can book a spot over the weekend. However, the views are just as stunning at any other time of the day – we just have to have our fingers and toes crossed and hope it’s not dusty.
UAE residents will be able to save 50 per cent off their tickets, meaning they will get to experience the Burj Khalifa’s outdoor observation deck – one of the highest across the globe – for just Dhs99. Head to tickets.atthetop.ae, select your date and time of visit, choose add-ons if any, and upon completing your booking, use the discount code SAVE100 to get the discount. When you visit, you will need to present your Emirates ID to the staff.
Sky Edge Walk
Sky Edge Walk is an experience that will see you leaning off the edge of an open-air platform 219.5 metres above ground off the Address Sky View Hotel (while safely harnessed in, of course.) There’s no window and no barriers. Just pure courage. Brave participants will enjoy a rare opportunity to lean off a skyscraper for a totally cool photo-op.
It can definitely get toasty over the summer, so if you don’t want to deal with the heat, book a time slot after the sun has set.
PS. UAE resident, tickets to this are usually Dhs499, but for a limited time, you can enjoy it for Dhs299 thanks to a 40% discount.
Glass Slide at Sky Views Observatory
Located on the 52nd and 53rd floors of the Address Sky View Hotel, The Observatory is home to The Glass Slide. You will take a panoramic glass elevator ride 219.5 metres above the ground, where you can first enjoy the stunning Dubai views before you take a slide down a transparent tube from Level 53 to 52. The tube wraps around the tower’s exterior, which means you will get some pretty cool views – that is, if you haven’t shut your eyes.
UAE residents can snap up a 30% discount, meaning they can enjoy the attraction for Dhs59. Head to skyviewsdubai.com and use SAVE30. Don’t forget to carry your Emirates ID, as you will need to show it to the staff.
Skydive Dubai
After a month-long closure, the high-octane Dubai attraction has returned, allowing daredevils to experience freefalling from 13,000 feet. You can choose between the iconic Palm Drop Zone for breathtaking coastal views or the Desert Drop Zone for golden dune landscapes. Each tandem jump includes a safety briefing, instructor, and video footage to capture every second of the thrill. At the moment though, it is only operating from Friday to Sunday, and it also has a sweet two-for-one offer on tandem skydives. To get in on the deal, you’ll need to DM Skydive Dubai directly on Instagram with your name and email address to join the waitlist. Read all the details here.
CLOSING SOON
Dubai Miracle Garden
Closes: May 31, 2026
If you think Dubai is all about desert dunes and palm trees, Dubai Miracle Garden will make you question that theory. Dubai Miracle Garden in Al Barsha South 3 is the city’s most colourful garden, home to over 150 million flowers. But it’s more than just your typical garden. The floral displays come in the form of stunning floral arches, hearts, castles, and even an A380 Emirates plane. The garden remains open only during winter and closes in the summer as the temperature is too warm. The garden has added in new floral displays and exhibits for this season, which means you can always return and see something new.
PS. Don’t forget to visit Dubai Butterfly Garden, which is located within Dubai Miracle Garden. It consists of 10 custom-built domes filled with thousands of winged creatures of different varieties and sizes. Ticket prices are Dhs40 per adult and Dhs29 per child.
Purchase your tickets here.
dubaimiraclegarden.com | dubaibutterflygarden.com
Global Village Dubai
Closes: May 31, 2026
Global Village Dubai is one of the most popular attractions in Dubai over the cooler season and for a good reason. The family-friendly destination has plenty to offer, from shopping to dining, attractions, performances and much more. It usually closes before temperatures rise like these other popular outdoor attractions in Dubai, and the park was initially set to close on May 10, 2026. But as a last-minute surprise, Global Village Dubai has announced that it will stay open for a little longer, now closing its doors on May 31, 2026.
This means you enjoy plenty of fun with the family at this outdoor attraction over Eid Al Adha. Read more here.
Purchase your tickets here.
Dubai Safari Park
Closes: May 31, 2026
Dubai Safari Park is home to about 3,000 animals, from tigers, gibbons, moon bears, lions, elephants, giraffes, camels, Arabian oryx, Arabian wolves, mountain gazelles, and many more. Over the summer, the park closes its doors to protect the health of the animals (and visitors, of course).
Dubai Garden Glow
Closes: May 31, 2026
If you love all things bright, you will love Dubai Garden Glow. The outdoor attraction relocated within Zabeel Park, moving next to Dubai Frame with all new attractions, Dinosaur Park and Fantasy Park. At Fantasy Park, visitors can discover huge, whimsical and Instagrammable structures at every turn, featuring a mix of lush nature blended with imaginative creativity. And Dino fans, you’re in for a treat at the Dinosaur Park – home to a thrilling collection of lifelike animatronic creatures. Don’t worry – they don’t bite, so you can snap the perfect photo and even pick up a few fun educational facts along the way.
TO BE CONFIRMED
XLine
XLine is one of the world’s longest, steepest, and fastest urban ziplines. Suspended 170 metres above the ground, riders soar Superman-style across Dubai Marina at speeds of more than 80km/h, flying past skyscrapers, yachts and waterfront views along the one-kilometre route. It’s a full-on adrenaline rush and definitely not one for the faint-hearted. At the moment, XLine is taking bookings until May 31, with an update on summer operations expected closer to the time. And while the ride itself may only last a few seconds, don’t be fooled — you’re still very much out in the Dubai sun from the moment you gear up to the second you land. If you do brave a summer ride, sunscreen is highly recommended.
PS. If you’re planning on braving this during May, remember that there is a two-for-one offer available for adults for Dhs699.
CURRENTLY CLOSED
Wild Wadi
As of March 25, 2026, Wild Wadi Waterpark is temporarily closed as a precautionary safety measure due to regional security. The park does usually remain open over the summer, but no update has been shared on a reopening date yet. A post on their Instagram states, ‘We look forward to welcoming you back to Dubai’s original water park. Updates on reopening timelines will be shared here or on our website.’
Dubai Parks and Resorts
LEGOLAND Waterpark
Similar to Wild Wadi Waterpark, Dubai Parks and Resorts has also temporarily closed its attractions. A post on March 25 states that updates on reopening timelines will be shared on their official social media and website. Dubai Parks and Resorts is the Middle East’s largest multi-themed leisure destination and home to Motiongate Dubai, Real Madrid World, Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park.
Note: If you already have an annual pass, the parks have confirmed that you will receive an extension upon the park’s reopening.
