10 Things To Do In Dubai Shopping Festival Apart From Shopping

Come December, a huge number of tourists will head to Dubai for the mega and the grandest shopping festival of the world, ‘The Dubai Shopping Festival’ or popularly known as DSF. But shopping is not the only activity that a visitor would do while exploring the city of diversity, glamour and surprises. There are a lot of things to do in Dubai Shopping festival apart from shopping. Here is a list of things to do in Dubai, ‘just in case’ you want a break from your shopping spree.

1. Climb the top of Burj Khalifa, Among best things to do in Dubai shopping festival

View from top of the Burj Khalifa Building

Visiting Dubai is incomplete without a trip to Burj Khalifa. The view of the city from the top of the mighty skyscraper is simply breath-taking. The highlight of Burj Khalifa tour is the visit to ‘At The Top’ that takes people on the viewing platform of Burj Khalifa. On the way, you also get to see a lot of history and trivia about the building. The thrill and excitement of standing on top of the world’s highest structure is unmatched to anything else.

2. Enjoy Dinner on Dhow Cruise

Dhow Cruise

Dhows are the traditional shipping vessels that used to run around Dubai and neighbouring port cities for trade and transport. Most of these cruises are maintained or promoted by Dubai Tourism and can be found in the Marina Bay area. These Dhows are now converted into modern dining floating restaurants where you can enjoy a nice dinner while overlooking the Dubai skyline. Dhows have grand dining options, onboard entertainment in form of music and dance. You can also enjoy a magic show if you pre-book your meal.

3. Go Window (Or Real) Shopping at Gold Souk

Dubai Gold Souk

As the name suggests, Gold Souk focusses on the trade of everything that is gold. From large gold slabs to small jewellery, Gold Souk has everything shimmering and glimmering. Apart from Gold, you can also find silver, diamond and other precious stones being sold in different shops. There are high chances that retailers will be offering huge discounts on gold during DSF, so who knows you might just get lucky.

4.Take a Tour at Dubai Mall Aquarium

Dubai Mall Aquarium

Tour of Dubai Mall Aquarium is one of the mandatory things to do in  Dubai Shopping festival. The aquarium in Dubai Mall is one of the biggest in the world and houses marine life ranging from small glowing deep-sea fishes to large sharks. The aquarium is structured like a tunnel and provides some striking visuals to the tourists walking around. A visit to Dubai Mall Aquarium is a thrilling and exciting experience and highly recommended by Dubai Tourism to add it in your things to do in Dubai Shopping Festival.

Also Read: 20 Trendiest Places To Visit In Dubai

5. Get an Adrenaline Rush with Dubai Desert Safari

Desert Safari

Your Dubai Holidays ought to include a visit to the sand dunes. Dubai Desert Safari is a fun adventurous activity made for couples and families. Dune bashing is a thrilling speeding ride on a 4×4 that speeds and jumps through the desert. Most of the companies which provide a dune bashing experience in Dubai also arrange for live music and dance shows in the desert. Travel companies provide different kinds of dune bashing experience that range from budget to luxury. You can also take a combined package of dune bashing and cruising, and get some cool discounts. You just cannot miss this one.Make sure this is there in your things to do in Dubai Shopping festival.

6. Pay a Visit to Dubai Museum

Image Source – goldentreasuretourism (Dubai Museum)

Dubai Museum has a unique concept as it depicts various wax figures that recreate day to day activities of general life from the past. This museum is located in ‘Al Fahidi Fort’. This fort was once an important part of the city’s heritage and was considered of strategic value. Those who wish to know more about Dubai’s history and lifestyle, they need to visit this museum for a detailed knowledge and tour. This museum takes you through the time in the lanes of Old Dubai.

7. Go Local and Enjoy Some Shawarma

Shawarma

Dubai is famous for its food culture, and the street cuisine takes a huge part of it. Shawarma is a popular street food here and unlike other cities, Dubai’s street food vendors use their creativity while preparing it. The Tahina sauce is an excellent companion to your shawarma. The multicultural street food society of Dubai gets you a Pakistani and an Indian version of Shawarma blended into one. Apart from Shawarma, the juices, mocktails and milkshakes are also the highlight of the local street food. Most of these delicacies are cheap and extremely delicious.

8. Explore the Lanes of Textile Market

Image Source – Vogue Mermaid (Textile Market)

Just behind the Dubai Museum, the textile market presents a unique and authentic glimpse of the city. The market’s vibe hasn’t changed in ages and is hustling & bustling with traders and shoppers. You can give your Dubai Shopping fever a slightly different touch as you get to buy some genuine merchandise imported straight from Persia and other Middle Eastern countries. During DSF there are high chances of grabbing some of these goods in heavy discounts. It’s one of the most recommended things to do in Dubai Shopping Festival.

Recommended Read: 20 Amazing Things To Do In Dubai That Are Absolutely Free

9. Feel Ultra Rich at Burj Al Arab High Tea

Burj Al Arab High Tea

Burj Al Arab is a super luxury hotel known for its rich opulent appearance and grand amenities. This hotel is a hot favourite destination for the ultra-rich but a casual tourist can experience the same grandeur without spending as high as $3500 per night. Burj Al Arab High Tea is an experience that includes a 5 course light meal along with tea and champagne at one of the most magnificent properties in Dubai. Of course, the service and the ambience will make you feel ultra-rich with a taste of hospitality in a seven-star property.

10. A Helicopter Tour of Palm Island

Image Source – vizts.com (Aeriel View of Palm Island

Palm Island is an example of how architectural skills can really create modern masterpieces. A visit to this property is an amazing experience but what is more enthralling is observing it from the top while flying on a helicopter or a seaplane. The helicopter ride costs around $25 for a 20-minute ride. This way you’ll actually get to understand the scale and structure of this man-made island.
If you are headed to Dubai Shopping Festival this December then make sure that your itinerary covers a wholesome Dubai experience. Pick out your favourite things to do in Dubai Shopping festival and make the best of your vacation.