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Elegant Traveller

Winter Holidays in Dubai

schedule4 Minute Read

07-Nov-2025 Mark Martin

Winter Holidays in Dubai

Learn everything that you need to know about winter holidays in Dubai including the best activities, temperatures to expect & get the answers to many other FAQs.

Dubai in winter is a dazzling paradox - where the golden sun warms the Arabian Gulf while the rest of the world wraps up against the cold.
For those seeking blue skies, refined luxury and cultural intrigue, a winter holiday in Dubai offers a blend of relaxation, adventure and glamour that few destinations can match. Whether it's your first visit or a return to a beloved skyline, this guide answers the questions we get asked most frequently by holidaymakers planning their own winter holiday in Dubai with the luxury travel specialists at Elegant Resorts.

What are the best things to do in Dubai in December?

ER

December is arguably the best time of year to visit Dubai. Throughout the month, the city comes alive with a festive sparkle, and the temperatures offer the perfect compromise to enable comfortable outdoor exploration. You can begin your day with a sunrise visit to the desert, where gentle morning light turns the dunes rose gold and the air is cool enough for activities such as camel treks or hot air balloon flights. As the temperatures rise, you can then head to Jumeirah Beach for soft sands and turquoise waters or enjoy a day of indulgence at one of the city's exclusive beach clubs. Alternatively you can head downtown where the Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar provide the opportunity to combine shopping with culture. The nearby Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, remains a must-visit attraction and affords spectacular views that are almost impossible to match. Your evenings in Dubai can be spent dining on the waterfront at Dubai Marina or aboard a private yacht beneath glittering skyscrapers. For art lovers, Alserkal Avenue offers contemporary galleries, which provide an authentic look at Dubai's underappreciated creative scene.

How hot is Dubai in December, January & February?

ER

Winter in Dubai offers a welcome balance of warmth and comfort. December temperatures hover around 26 degrees during the day, cooling to a pleasant 17 degrees in the evening. January and February are slightly cooler, with daytime highs of around 24 degrees and evenings dipping to roughly 15 degrees. It's warm enough to swim, sunbathe and dine al fresco, yet cool enough for sightseeing and desert excursions without causing discomfort. Rainfall is rare, but occasional short showers can occur throughout February. However, you can rest assured that these showers are usually followed by bright sunshine - a welcome break from the grey skies which hang over the UK at this time of year. For travellers seeking reliable warmth without summer's intensity, winter is perhaps the most comfortable time of year to visit Dubai.

What clothes should I pack for a winter holiday in Dubai?

ER

Packing for Dubai in winter is wonderfully simple. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are perfect for daytime, while a light cardigan or shawl is useful for cooler evenings or air conditioned restaurants. Swimsuits, sunglasses and sandals are essential for beach days, but if you plan to explore beyond the beach, include modest attire such as longer skirts, trousers, or loose tops for cultural sites and traditional areas in line with local customs. Evenings in Dubai often call for elegance. Many fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels appreciate smart casual attire. For men, linen shirts or chinos are ideal; for women, stylish dresses are a practical option.

Are there any special events to look out for in Dubai over the winter period?

ER

Winter in Dubai is festival season, and the city's calendar brims with excitement. December marks the start of the Dubai Shopping Festival, one of the world's most famous retail celebrations, offering exclusive discounts, fireworks and live entertainment throughout January. The Dubai International Film Festival attracts global stars, while the Dubai Food Festival in February celebrates the city's vibrant culinary scene with pop-up experiences and celebrity chef dinners. For sports enthusiasts, the Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament offers world-class competition under the winter sun. Just an hour's drive away, motorsport fans can also witness one of the world's most thrilling sporting spectacles - the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which is held in early December at the Yas Marina Circuit. This year's race is expected to be the championship decider, with Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen all vying for the Formula 1 crown. The atmosphere is sure to be electric, the setting unforgettable and the event always draws world famous celebrities, yacht parties and unparalleled glamour. Guests can secure exclusive tickets to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix through Elegant Sports, ensuring a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines speed, style and luxury under the Arabian sun.

Are there any local customs I should be aware of for a holiday in Dubai?

ER

Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates, a Muslim country known for its welcoming hospitality and cosmopolitan outlook. Visitors are encouraged to respect local traditions, which are founded on modesty, courtesy and cultural pride. Public behaviour should remain polite and considerate, and photography should always be taken with respect. That means that you should avoid photographing people, especially women, without permission. Eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is restricted. However, the luxury holiday resorts in Dubai within the Elegant Resorts collection will discreetly cater for guests during these hours.

What is the dress code in Dubai in public places?

ER

Dubai is more relaxed than many travellers expect, yet modesty is appreciated in public spaces such as malls, souks and cultural landmarks. Shoulders and knees should ideally be covered, particularly when visiting mosques or traditional districts like Deira or Al Fahidi. Swimwear is acceptable at beaches, pools and beach clubs, but it should not be worn beyond these areas. Luxury hotels and private resorts tend to offer more freedom, and most visitors find that it is easy to balance style with cultural sensitivity.

What are the rules regarding alcohol consumption in Dubai?

ER

Alcohol is available in licensed venues such as hotels, restaurants and private clubs, and can be enjoyed responsibly by non-Muslim visitors aged 21 and over. However, drinking in public places, on the beach or outside licensed premises is prohibited. Many resorts have their own cocktail lounges or rooftop bars which offer spectacular views. Here you will be able to enjoy a glass of champagne as the city lights shimmer below. The emphasis here is always on sophistication and moderation - perfectly in keeping with Dubai's refined ambience.

Are there any rules regarding public displays of affection I need to be aware of in Dubai?

ER

While Dubai is modern and open-minded, it remains rooted in conservative values. Public displays of affection such as kissing or embracing are considered inappropriate in public areas. Holding hands between married couples is generally accepted, but discretion is always advised. Within private holiday resort environments, attitudes are more relaxed, but it's best to be respectful when outside of these settings. The key is to be mindful of local norms while still enjoying the warmth and romance of your winter holiday in Dubai.

Is Christmas celebrated in Dubai?

ER

Though Dubai is not a Christian country, it embraces the festive season with characteristic flair. The city's multicultural population and global visitor base ensure that Christmas is joyfully marked across luxury hotels, shopping centres and entertainment venues. You'll find towering Christmas trees in hotel lobbies, carol singers in select resorts and festive afternoon teas infused with Middle Eastern charm. Many hotels host lavish Christmas Day brunches, combining traditional roasts with gourmet seafood and international delicacies.

Are there any Christmas events in Dubai for holidaymakers?

ER

Yes, there are a number of Christmas events in Dubai for holiday makers to take advantage of and these tend to be truly magical. The Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market transforms into a winter wonderland with stalls, live music and an enormous Christmas tree overlooking the waterways. Dubai Opera often hosts seasonal concerts and ballets such as The Nutcracker, while the Expo City Winter District offers ice rinks, artisan markets and Santa's Grotto experiences for families. For New Year's Eve, the fireworks over Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah are legendary and best enjoyed from a private yacht or an elegant rooftop restaurant. Elegant Resorts can help to make this vision a reality, providing you with all the right ingredients for a New Years Eve you'll never forget. Few destinations combine festive glamour and warm evenings quite like Dubai.

How many days is enough for a Dubai holiday?

ER

For many holiday makers, a seven night stay allows enough time to enjoy Dubai's highlights in comfort - from its beaches and fine dining to desert adventures and shopping. However, for travellers seeking a slower pace, ten days offers the perfect balance between exploration and relaxation. Many visitors turn a holiday in Dubai into a multi-centre getaway with a visit to neighbouring Abu Dhabi or the tranquil mountain resorts of Hatta for a more diverse Emirati experience.

Irrespective of the style of holiday you are looking to enjoy, the luxury travel specialists at Elegant Resorts can help to make your dreams a reality with a tailor made getaway which is bespoke to your hopes and expectations.
Mark Martin

Mark Martin

SEO Consultant

An experienced marketing professional who has been fortunate enough to work in the travel industry since 2010. Over this time I've developed an increasing thirst for travel, particularly to holiday destinations which allow me to indulge my love of motorsport.

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