Experience the best of Dubai’s spring season

Treat the family

With plenty of sunshine and pleasantly balmy temperatures, spring in Dubai takes place from March to May and is the perfect season for outdoor fun. Take your family on a trip to Global Village, where you’ll find a whole world of cultural entertainment, unique shopping and delicious dining. 

For more open-air retail opportunities, as well as myriad bargains, check out Dubai Flea Market. Held on the first Saturday of every month at Zabeel Park, this popular event features more than 300 stalls selling everything from toys and books to textiles and handicrafts. 

The Ripe Market offers another chance to sample organic produce, browse gift-worthy goods and enjoy family-friendly activities. Taking place every weekend at various locations across the city, the community get-together also features everything from fitness classes to a children’s petting zoo. Or you can support local growers and pick up the finest organic produce at The Farmers Market, held on Saturdays and Sundays at Alserkal Avenue and Dubai Ladies Club.

And what’s springtime without some beautiful flowers? Gaze at more than 150 million blooming wonders as you amble through Dubai Miracle Garden, and marvel at its Guinness World Record-breaking centrepiece – an Airbus A380 aeroplane covered in more than 500,000 fresh flowers and living plants.

And don’t forget to stop by Dubai Butterfly Garden, located next to Dubai Miracle Garden and home to more than 15,000 spectacular butterflies in 10 climate-controlled domes.

Take to the water

If you’re looking to get active while staying cool during springtime in Dubai, there are a wealth of water-based activities to choose from. 

Kite Beach is the city’s number one spot for kitesurfing. You can either receive a one-on-one session from an instructor at Kitesurf School Dubai, or hone your skills with a group lesson. There are a wide variety of other watersports to try across the city – from flyboarding, wakeboarding and stand-up paddleboarding to surfing, jetskiing and kayaking – with operators including Kite N Surf, Nemo WaterSports and Hydro Watersports. 

Or, for something completely different, why not cruise over the waves in a luxury jet car? The colourful vehicles from Jet Car Dubai allow you to navigate the sea in style, while passing world-famous landmarks such as Burj Al Arab and Atlantis, The Palm. 

Fishing fans are also in for a treat – charter your own boat, witness the stunning creatures that live beneath the sea and see if you can hook a catch. Ocean Active, Xclusive Yachts and Go Fishing Dubai are just a handful of companies that offer an amazing day out for beginner and expert anglers alike.  

And when you’re looking to cool off, head to one of the city’s epic waterparks. Aquaventure at Atlantis, The Palm is the world’s largest waterpark, featuring 105 slides and rides including the heart-pounding Shark Attack and the infamous Leap of Faith. 

Other options include Wild Wadi and Legoland Water Park, which each have plenty of thrills and spills, while Aquafun at Jumeirah Beach Residence is an inflatable waterpark with more than 110 games to enjoy.

If you'd like some seaside bliss without getting wet, try a spot of yoga at Kite Beach. From 9am to 10am on Sundays, stretch those limbs at SOLE MIO as you survey the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf – and after the class, you can always flop onto a sun lounger and relax in the glorious sunshine. 

Unwind at the beach

Spring is a wonderful time to luxuriate in the Dubai sunshine – whether lounging by the pool at an ultra-chic beach club or tucking into delicious dishes while admiring stunning views.

For high-end bliss, Summersalt Beach Club at Jumeirah Al Naseem hotel is hard to beat. Dip your toes in the Arabian Gulf at the venue’s private beach and sample delightful Nikkei fare like zesty Yuzu ceviche and mini wagyu beef tacos at Summersalt by Kayto restaurant. 

Nobu by the Beach is another excellent option. Located at Atlantis The Royal, the exclusive hotspot features a lagoon pool and air-conditioned cabanas, plus sumptuous Japanese cuisine from the world-famous Nobu brand. 

For a totally serene experience, Dubai has plenty of adults-only beach clubs too. DRIFT Beach Dubai offers laidback vibes and classic Provencal cuisine, while Ginger Moon is an Insta-worthy haven with bohemian design motifs.  

Or how about a variety of stylish seaside spots in one place? The Club at Palm West Beach houses concepts including the Peruvian-themed Playa Beach Club, the Tulum-inspired Eva, coastal Italian flavours at Ristorante Loren and artsy fusion food venue GALLERY 7/40.

Enjoy amazing food and views

When it comes to impressive alfresco dining spots, you’re spoiled for choice in Dubai. There are an array of wonderful restaurants and cafes throughout the city, and you can pair your meal with spectacular views of the skyline, the sea, the desert and more. 

Home to a variety of eateries, Club Vista Mare on Palm Jumeirah is a great place to sample tantalising cuisines while looking across the Arabian Gulf and onto the mainland. Bring your friends and family to Ría Restaurant & Beach Bar for fresh Levantine dishes, discover the catch of the day at the fish counter, grab a refreshment from the smoothie bar and take a walk along the sand (pets are welcome too).

Nearby, you can also find a distinctly Australian vibe at The Byron Bathers Club, or go for poolside bites with panoramic views at AURA Skypool. Another beachside favourite is the homegrown burger hotspot SALT. Head to the brand’s original location on Kite Beach for succulent comfort food in serene surroundings. 

Golf fans will love gazing out at the fairways of Emirates Golf Club while dining on Mediterranean-influence fare on the terrace of Carine. Or you can check out at Cielo Sky Lounge at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, which serves tapas and other Spanish favourites from a rooftop setting overlooking the creek.

Enjoy a meal outside while taking in a dazzling show at The Dubai Fountain. There are plenty of eateries to choose from at Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar, and you can also survey the majesty of Burj Khalifa in between performances (which take place nightly every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm).

Other excellent outdoor spots with memorable city views include Mi Amie, which sits just beneath the jaw-dropping Museum of the Future, and the Insta-worthy CÉ LA VI at Address Sky View hotel. 

For a romantic evening with evocative vistas, Pierchic at Jumierah Al Qasr hotel deserves its stellar reputation. Located on a pier over the sea, the Italian restaurant is surrounded by the gentle waves, serving tip-quality seafood and offering incredible sights of Burj Al Arab as well. 

Or perhaps you’d like to escape the city for a night or two and feel the tranquil bliss of Dubai’s desert. Al Sarab, the rooftop terrace at Bab Al Shams, offers traditional Arabian bites, décor and music – set against an unforgettable desert backdrop and a sky full of stars.