Dubai Staycation Guide: The Best Cool-Down Saturdays in the City

Summer is officially coming to an end, and it’s time to enjoy the most of the outdoorsy weather, and what better way to do so than a staycation in some of the city’s top gems!

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, solo downtime, or poolside brunches, this is your go-to guide for staying cool and making the most of your weekends in Dubai this month.

1. Premium resort stays

For those who want to indulge in a full luxury escape, these hotels and resorts bring something special to the table:

Top picks:

• Jumeirah Al Naseem: Contemporary beachfront stay with the Burj Al Arab as your backdrop.
• Bab Al Shams Desert Resort: A newly refreshed desert escape combining rustic charm with five-star comfort.
• The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert: Private pool villas and serene desert views just an hour away.

2. Beach clubs and pool deals

Yes, Dubai beaches can be hot under the midday sun, but many beach clubs offer shaded loungers, chilled pools, and unbeatable deals to make the outdoors season enjoyable for residents, and we have some suggestions.

Top picks:

• Summersalt Beach Club, Jumeirah Al Naseem: Premium beach access with a stunning Burj Al Arab view, cold pools, and shaded cabanas.
• White Beach, Atlantis The Palm: Day pass deals during summer weekdays and early morning sessions for a quieter, less humid vibe.
• Twiggy by La Cantine: A lagoon pool and Mediterranean restaurant, perfect for an elegant but relaxed weekend.
• J1, La Mer: Featuring a set of stunning restaurants and beach clubs with major business lunch deals all week around.

3. Hotel day passes and daycations

If you’re not looking to commit to an overnight stay, hotel day passes are the perfect solution. You get access to a room for 12 hours, five-star pools, some spa facilities, and even poolside dining credits.

Here are our top picks!

• The Address Sky View: Stunning infinity pool with Burj Khalifa views.
• Sofitel The Obelisk: Family-friendly pool, shaded seating, and excellent food options.
• La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk: Smaller, less crowded rooftop pool, ideal for low-key weekends.
• Palazzo Versace: A nice lounge-style poolside area with a restaurant and swim-up bar for adults and children.

4. Staycation villas and short-term rentals

Dubai has plenty of short-term villa rentals with private pools, gardens, and full privacy. Great if you want to do your own thing at your own pace; it’s better if you are a bigger group and want to make the most of time together.

Where to book:

• Jumeirah Islands and Emirates Hills for luxury, private pool villas.
• The Springs and Arabian Ranches for family-friendly, budget-conscious homes with community pools.
• The Villa and Meadows for spacious, poolside gatherings with friends and families.

Pro tip: if you are looking for a holiday home, or are thinking of renting yours with us, you can take a look at our holiday homes here.

5. Indoor attractions

If you want to stay indoors, nothing beats the city’s large list of indoor playgrounds. Whether you’re solo, with friends, or taking kids, you’ve got options that will keep you and your family genuinely entertained.

Some top spots:

• Museum of the Future: One of Dubai’s most talked-about experiences, fully air-conditioned, interactive, and perfect for daytime exploring.
• Infinity des Lumières: An immersive digital art experience inside Dubai Mall, so no heat, no stress, and visually incredible.
• The Green Planet: A fully enclosed tropical rainforest in City Walk, where you can explore without stepping into the actual Dubai heat.

6. Evening beach walks and night swimming

Once the sun sets, Dubai’s waterfront areas become the top attraction for most residents, especially for night swims, our top suggestions include:

Where to Go:

• JBR Walk: Open-air restaurants, ice cream spots, and casual beachside strolling.
• Kite Beach: Now lit for night swimming and jogging after dark.
• La Mer: Chill beachfront vibe with cafes and public beach access, perfect for catching the evening breeze.
• Night Beach: There is a nicely lit night beach open in Umm Suqqiem, which is also disability-friendly, making it easy for everyone to use the beach.

7. Family-friendly indoor parks

For families looking to keep kids active without risking heat exhaustion, Dubai’s indoor entertainment spots have you covered.

Worth looking at these indoor spots:

• OliOli: Interactive play museum in Al Quoz with hands-on exhibits that keep kids busy and air-conditioned.
• IMG Worlds of Adventure: Fully indoor theme park with rides, games, and cartoon zones.
• The Dubai Mall Ice Rink: A perfect cool-down activity, especially if you want something out of the ordinary.

Some smart tips to keep in mind!

We suggest that you always pre-book during summer because a lot of places run on limited capacity to manage indoor crowding.

This is a good one, always ask for resident rates, they’re everywhere in summer but often not heavily advertised.

Plus, to beat the heat, we suggest that you carry sunscreen even for evening beach walks. The Dubai sun can be harsh well into 6 or 7 PM.

Hydrate constantly, even in malls, because you can get dehydrated quickly because of the dry air from AC systems, plus with the flu in the air during the summers, it’s always best to stay a step ahead.

Thinking of making a move to Dubai during this summer?

If you are planning to move to Dubai this summer, you can start by browsing some properties for rent in Dubai, or if looking to buy a property, browse properties for sale in Dubai with us!