All eyes were on Paris this August as the 2024 Olympic Games unfold but Dubai has plenty going for it too! For one, surviving August in the UAE is an Olympic sport of sorts! But we’re not going to delve into the weather or the fact that vacation season is coming to a close and Halloween is around the corner (gasp!). We’ll appreci-eight the eighth month for all the amazing activities and things to do in Dubai this August.
1. Eat your way around the world at this street food festival in Burjuman Mall
Burjuman Mall’s free-to-enter Street Food Festival is back for a third inning after it won over Dubai’s foodies with the first edition in 2022. Running until August 18, the entire Pavilion Garden of the mall on Level 3 will be transformed into a world of cuisines and also include a dash of entertainment. Find details here
2. Say hello to Adele’s hits at this Candlelight concert
Adele fans, forget the rumour having it. We know for a fact that a spectacular Candlelight Tribute Concert featuring the British songstress’ iconic singles is happening on August 24. Hear instrumental versions of the heart-wrenching Someone Like You to Rolling in the Deep and the powerful Bond anthem Skyfall played by a string quartet at the Grand Salon Maximilian Ballroom, Raffles the Palm amidst the glow of thousands of LED candles. Get tickets here.
3. Laugh your guts out at Tom Alban’s first Dubai standup show
British comedian Tom Alban will tickle Dubai’s funny bone at the Zabeel Theatre on August 31. Known for his powerful and infectiously funny storytelling, the comic will be joined on stage by Imah Dumagay, the GCC’s first Filipina stand-up comedian who’s hosting the event and Arab-Irish comedian Sahar Ali who will be the opening act.
From 8pm; Get tickets from AED 100 here
4-14. Celebrate Indian Independence Day with these amazing dining deals
Indian Independence Day is celebrated on August 15. An array of the best Indian restaurants are marking the occasion in Dubai this August with delicious deals and innovative new dishes available for a limited amount of time. From menus inspired by famous Indian athletes to tricoloured dishes that combine patriotism and photogenic food. Click here for full list.
15-19. Take a dip at these pools and beaches open for night swims
Bathe in the moonlight, quite literally, at these Dubai spots that extended opening hours night swimming during summer. The UAE has three well-lit public beaches equipped for night swimming around the city. Find details here.
🌊 Don’t enjoy the open sea? You can cool off in Maison De Plage’s pool for AED 250, with AED 100 redeemable on the à la carte menu and drinks by the pool. Email reservations@maisondelaplage.com
From 7am to 10pm; call 4 403 3111 or email: ak.dxblv.rest.reservations@autographhotels.com
🩱W Mina Seyahi’s boho-chic restaurant Ginger Moon also offers after-dark dips from 8pm to late and entry is free! Call 04 350 9998 for bookings.
20. Take the kids to meet Transformers at Nakheel Mall
From August 16-30, Nakheel Mall will transform in Cybterton, the home of the Autobots and Decepticons from the popular movie franchise. There will be fun interactive activities, competitions and meet and greet with Transformers characters Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Megatron every Saturday and Sunday, from 1 pm to 7 pm at the first floor in front of Vox Cinemas.
21-38. Support these Emirati owned Women’s businesses for Emirati Women’s Day
What better way to celebrate Emirati Women’s Day on August 28 than getting to know of (and supporting) cool cafes, stores and clothing run by ladies of the UAE? From girl bosses running haute couture brands to trailblazing restaurateurs, bakers, jewellery designers and more. Find the full list here
39. Relish bargain bites at Dubai Summer Restaurant Week
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) annual 9-day feast is back from August 23 to September 1. You can devour world-class food for budget-friendly prices thanks to special set menus and a variety of discounts offered across restaurants in town, from local cafeterias to upscale Michelin-recognised eateries. Find more details here.
40. Beat the heat with swims in an ice-filled pool
Trust Dubai to dream up the most OTT ways to cool off during summer. Artsy restaurant Gallery 7/40 has brought back its chilly summer tradition of throwing blocks of ice into its swimming pool. All weekends this month, patrons can float around feeling the warm sun on their faces without burning up! More info here
41. Step inside a real-life Mario Kart game
Chaos Karts, the fabulous immersive gaming experience in Al Quoz combines physical go-kart cars with augmented reality tracks and virtual worlds. The result? A live-action video game-style experience where you get to be the main character! Race against your friends and family and collect weapons and power boosters to assist you clear obstacles and rev to the finish line! Book your visit here.
42. Shoot some colourful shots at this indoor paintball arena
Singo Paintball in Wafi Mall is a riot of fun and colours if you’re seeking some adrenaline-packed thrills that are closer to the ground and inside the cool indoors. Engage in some strategic battles and test out your marksmanship with cool shooting gear including safety helmets and airguns. The venue also has a shooting range if you think you’re as good of a crack shot as Turkish Olympian Yusef Dikec!
43. Sway to the dulcet voice of Bollywood singer Shaan
Indian playback singer Shaan, the soulful voice that gave some of Indian cinema’s most memorable songs such as Chaand Sifaarish, Tanha Dil and Jab Se Tere Naina is no stranger to Dubai. Known for sold-out concerts in the city every time he’s performed, the artiste is back to serenade Bollywood fans on August 31 at the Coca-Cola Arena as part of Live Laugh Love Shaan Se tour. Get your concert tickets here.
44. Don your detective hat at this murder mystery game
True crime fans can turn off Netflix and plunge right into the heart of a homicide at Rove Trade Centre’s new murder mystery game. Every Monday and Wednesday, the boutique hotel is teaming up with Unwind Boardgame cafe to host a riveting murder mystery. Follow a trail of clues around the hotel and crack them to lead you to the killer. Each two-hour session includes a group of 10-15 people and is followed by dinner at The Daily Restaurant.
AED 149 per person; call 04 328 4030 to book
45. Watch the Perseids Meteor Shower
The annual meteor showers that stargazers love are happening throughout August reaching a peak on August 12 and 13. There are multiple places and dark spots in the UAE where you can catch a glimpse of these shooting stars streaking across the sky. Find more info here.
46. Gaze at the year’s first supermoon with a movie night
Supermoon season returns on August 19, with La Luna shining in all her glory. The Sturgeon moon can be viewed from across the city but Dubai Astronomy Group and Roxy Cinemas are hosting a special supermoon movie night and observation event. They’ll be screening 2024 romcom Fly Me To The Moon. Find details here.
47. Make your F1 dreams come true at this racing simulator
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a few months away, but your inner Louis Hamilton doesn’t have to wait until then. A cool new racing simulator has arrived in town – Telios Dome let’s you race a variety of car simulators, from F1 to GT. With immersive vision from 3 screens and force feedback you’ll feel like your actually in the cockpit speeding through tracks. Book tickets here
48. Splash down with your family at a water fight
Every Saturday, Riverland Dubai is hosting a pirate-themed Family Water Fight Party from 4pm to 7pm. Kids and and adults can all cool down when they all fall down during water gun duels, balloon fights and walk the plank challenges. A live DJ will turn up the tunes to set up a party vibe. Find more details here
Here are 11 more fun things to do with kids in Dubai
49-50. Sign up for the indoor run at these malls
Who said you have to give up running during summer? One of the fun things to do in Dubai this Auguts are mall runs where you can train yourself indoor for running races. As a bonus, you also prep yourself for sale season. Gotta work those legs to reach the checkout counter first during the next shopping spree!
🏃 There’s a mall run at Dragon Mart 2 on August 17 with 2.5km and 5km courses to choose from. Tickets from AED 60- AED 85. Register here.
👟 On August 25, Mall of the Emirates hosts an indoor race with 2.5km, 5km and 10km race options. Tickets from AED 85-AED105. Register here.
51. Knock back a free Mai Tai on National Mai Tai Day
August 30 is National Mai Tai Day – the drink celebrates 80 years since its creation! And the Mai Tai experts at Trader Vic’s are handing out free drinks to connoisseurs of the tropical cocktail. All you’ve got to do is show up with a lime at their JBR and Palm locations between 5pm to 8pm. Afterwards, the drink will be offered for a reduced price of just AED10 until 10pm.
Visit the Trader’s Vic website