Want to start your 2026 with a blast and abide by your new year resolution of making travel plans? Then, why not visit Dubai in January. Dubai is a city which has it all, trending spots, amazing adventures, events, festivals, and much more to offer to its visitors. Moreover, the city also offers ease of travel and is suitable for travellers from around the world. Let’s get into details of what to do in Dubai in January.

Top Things to Do in Dubai in January 2026

First things first, we will discuss what to do and places to visit in Dubai in January. Well UAE has an array of attractions for the visitors, the country is the future of tourism. That’s why every year, thousands of people visit Dubai. Here are the top experiences and tourist spots that you must cover on your trip, according to your preferences:

For Families with Kids 

As the UAE announced 2026 will be the Year of Family, so plan a trip to Dubai with your family. Enjoy the spirit of traditional Emirati neighbourhoods and attractions.

Must Do Experiences: Dubai City Tour, Theme Parks and Water Parks, Evening Desert Safari, Dubai Mall Attractions

Dubai January Special for Kids:

• Global Village- The cultural hub

• Miracle Garden- The floral paradise

• Kidzania, Dubai Mall- Younger Kids will love this

• Free Places- Kite Beach, Dubai Fountain Show

Enquire - 4 Nights 5 Days Family Tour Package

For Couples Trip to Dubai 

Dubai is a paradise for couples!!! The luxury stays, city tours, to desert excursions, you don’t have to be confused about what to do in Dubai in January. As the city will have plenty of options.

Must Do Experience: Dinner in Desert, Hot Air Balloon Ride, Dhow Cruise Dinner, Burj Khalifa- At the Top

Dubai January Special for Couples:

• Water Sports at JBR

• Cruising on luxury yachts

• Beach Clubs: Barasti Beach Club, Bla Bla, White Dubai

• The Dubai Shopping Festival

Enquire - 4 Nights 5 Days Couple Tour Package

For Bachelors and Adventure Seekers 

The start of the new year 2026 is the best time to go for solo adventures. Plan a solo trip to Dubai with Travel Saga, and explore the places to visit in Dubai in January.

Must Do Experience: Dubai City Tour and Old Town Walking Tour, Desert Safari in Dubai, Outdoor events and concerts

Dubai January Special for Bachelors:

• Best time for Adventures: Skydiving, Water Sports

• Must go for desert safari excursions

• The Gulf Food Exhibition and other events

• Opt for Shared Yacht Tours

• Enjoy Pleasant Weather at Beaches

Enquire - 4 Nights 5 Days Bachelors Tour Package

Weather in Dubai in January 

Dubai is known for its hot and humid weather, but if you want to avoid that, then January is the best time to visit Dubai. The weather in Dubai in January is very pleasant, and it is also suitable for outdoor tours and excursions. Read the below pointers to know what is the weather like in Dubai in January.

January 2026 – Events To Attend in Dubai

• Dubai Shopping Festival – The annual event of Dubai Shopping Festival will be held from December 5th to 11th January 2026. During this annual event residents and visitors will be able to avail of huge discounts and offers on electronics and other luxury items.

• Gulf Food 2026 – World’s largest food and beverage event will also be held in Dubai from 26-30th January 2026. Thousands of exhibitors and buyers will gather for live demonstrations and tasting sessions. 8,500 exhibitors are expected to gather for one of the largest food events in the world.

Itinerary for Visiting Dubai in January

Day 1: After your arrival in the city of gold. Enjoy a delicious cruise and a delicious dinner at Dhow Cruise Dubai.

Day 2: Explore the most popular attractions of the city with Dubai city tour. In the evening, gear up for an evening desert safari.

Day 3: Visit the iconic Burj Khalifa and enjoy views from the At the Top observatory. Later, make some time for exploring the Dubai Mall attractions.

Day 4: Enjoy some leisure time and then head to Dubai International Airport for your departure.

Dubai January Trip Planning

Planning a trip can be very hectic, so do follow some Dubai travel January tips for an enjoyable trip.

How Much Does a Dubai Trip Cost? 

The trip cost depends on various factors, including things to do in Dubai, trip duration, accommodation type, and several others. On average 3 nights 4 days Dubai tour package costs around 1195 AED per person.

What Should You Pack for Dubai Trip? 

What to pack? Should you pack this or not? Worried about all these questions? Don’t worry, we are here to guide you through it all and to provide some essential  Dubai travel January tips.

• Pack light woollen clothes as the temperature usually drops later in the evening

• When going for the desert safari in Dubai, carry winter clothes as the desert is colder than the city.

• During the day, wear light colours, linen outfits for outdoor experiences

• Carry comfortable shoes, as you will have to walk a lot through the city to explore its attractions

• Don’t forget to pack essentials like sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and swimwear  

Is January a good time to visit Dubai? 

Yes, definitely, January is one of the best months to visit Dubai. Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and shopping discounts, it 100 % recommended to visit Dubai in January. Additionally, if you plan to spend your New Year’s Eve in Dubai then no other experience can beat this year; you will be able to welcome your New Year 2026 with a blast. If you plan to arrive later in the month then you can also enjoy thrilling adventures and other daytime excursions. Travel Saga Tourism will help you with visiting Dubai in January, from planning and itinerary to providing visa assistance, we will be there every step.

FAQs 

Q. Do you need a visa to travel to Dubai? 

Yes, most nationalities require a visa to enter Dubai. However, there are a few exceptions to that you need to check your nationality requirements before applying for a Dubai visa. Some countries are eligible for a visa on arrival, so connect with our visa experts to know more details before visiting Dubai in January.

Q. What major events are happening in Dubai in January? 

After the dazzling New Year’s Eve, Dubai hosts several events in January as well. Dubai Shopping Festival is one of the most crucial events held in this month that offers huge discounts and shopping offers.

Q. Does it rain in Dubai in January? 

Yes, it can rain in Dubai in January, but the chances of rainfall are minimal. With only a few rainy days, it is one of the best months to visit Dubai.

Q. What is the weather like in Dubai in January? 

The weather in Dubai in January is usually pleasant and appropriate for outdoor adventures. With gentle breeze, low humidity, and clear skies, the Dubai weather January is good for tourists from around the world. Additionally, there are so many things to do in Dubai in January that you will find your time here valuable.

Q. How is the tourist crowd in Dubai in January? 

You can expect fewer crowds in Dubai in the month of January. So, plan a Dubai tour and enjoy exciting activities and discover numerous attractions while visiting Dubai in January.

Q. What is the best way to get around Dubai? 

One of the best ways to travel around Dubai is via the Metro. The city has a very well connected metro network, and you can visit major attractions easily as most of the stations are nearby. Another convenient way to travel around the city is by using private taxis and buses. You can opt for Travel Saga’s transportation services for the ease of travel and comfort.

Q. What are the best outdoor restaurants to visit in Dubai? 

Here is a list of all the top rated and most popular outdoor restaurants in Dubai:

• Alara

• Fish Beach Taverna

• Summersalt by Kayto

• Amazonico

• Pai Thai

 Q. What are the best things to buy in Dubai? 

It is great to make your shopping list in advance when visiting Dubai. The city is known for its shopping, and January is one of the best times, considering the Dubai Shopping Festival is held in this month. Here are the items that you must buy while visiting Dubai in January:

• Gold and Jewellery: Known as the city of gold, buy traditional gold at competitive prices
• Dates and Fruits: One of the most popular shopping places in Dubai is its souks. From there, you can shop for dry fruits and spices.
• Luxury and High End Fashion Products: Dubai is a fashion hub, and you can shop for various brands from the retail stores of these brands.

Q. When is the Dubai shopping festival in January? 

The Dubai Shopping Festival is held annually in Dubai. It will be held from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, it offers huge discounts, concerts,  fireworks and much more during this time in Dubai.

Dubai, the futuristic city, has been evolving from a desert to a city of endless innovations. The place is known for its dynamic growth in all sectors, such as the economy, real estate and tourism. It continues to upgrade and is a global hub for many things. Along with that, there are many stunning buildings, thrilling activities, and mind-blowing places to visit. The city has one more thing to enhance and make itself unique, i.e., using AI. As a smart city, Dubai visitor experience is one of the best in the world. It enables them to see the place from another perspective. Let’s see how Dubai’s smart tourism technology has an impact on the lives of the people.

 Dubai Smart Tourism Technology Vision  

Imagine a city that welcomes you through robots, and a click on your phone can do everything for you, from changing the lights to the temperature. All can be done through advanced technology. AI has changed the lives of people by making things easier and faster. So, whenever you visit the city next time, explore all places such as Atlantis the Palm Dubai, Dubai Mall and see the technology evolving.

 1.  AI-Powered Corridor    

We all get irritated by the long waiting queues, so to reduce the time, Dubai has adopted an AI immigration corridor. This Dubai Airport Al Immigration would help in the different processes. It would make the processing time for immigration less and reduce human-made errors. This would enhance the security of the country and would be cost-efficient in the long term. Through this corridor, more than 10 people can pass simultaneously. This would allow fast and hassle-free work. So, after reaching, book your Dubai city tour and explore the city like never before.

 2.  Smart Traffic System for Better Management   

Since many tourists come to Dubai every year, especially from October to March, the issue of traffic increases. There are a lot of vehicles near major attractions such as the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Miracle Garden, and others. The government came up with a solution to avoid long jams and make your journey smooth,i.e., through technology called V2X (Vehicle to Everything). This would link traffic signals directly to vehicles, which would give real-life information to the driver. However, in older cars, add-on devices or smartphone applications will be used so that all can take advantage of new technology.

 3.  Usage of AI technology for Sustainability    

Do you know that the UAE is becoming a global leader in taking measures to tackle climate change? Researchers are using AI in energy optimisation, with major investments in projects such as solar and wind power. Note that there are some projects to enhance Dubai smart tourism technology. A few examples are Solar Park, The Green Spine Project, sustainable communities and water management systems.

These projects will minimise the wastage of the resource and use eco-friendly materials for sustainability.

 4.  AI in Safety and Dubai Police   

To emphasise, we all know that the UAE is one of the safest countries. But how Dubai uses tech for tourist safety and to ensure that criminals are not free. In the smart city Dubai visitor experience a safe environment, and this is achieved through technology which which helps catch criminals quickly through facial recognition technology.  Dubai police also use this technology to learn about criminal patterns and advance the prediction of crime, so that it can be predicted. This is how Dubai uses tech for tourists safety and security.

 5.  Enhancing AR/VR for a Better Experience    

The technology is not reserved for safety and sustainability; AI has also helped in theme parks and fun activities. You can visit several theme parks by purchasing IMG Worlds of Adventure Dubai tickets, and many more. On the other hand, if you want to witness the technology, then visit Dubai’s Marvel theme park. Here, you can experience interactive attractions powered by AR and VR technologies. The usage of these innovations and high-tech apps is to enhance the experience of self-guided and virtual tours. There are other uses of this technology, i.e., VR training, education, and healthcare.

 6.  Smart Hotels and Personalised Services

Let’s talk about the initiative taken by the hotels to make our experience more memorable. The integration of AI helped the experience of Dubai smart tourism technology. These days, all tourists prefer personalised services and great hospitality. So to provide comfort in the rooms in hotels, voice-activated controls are used, through which you can control the lights and temperature. You can also check in through mobile, and digital keys will be provided to you. Therefore, by offering these services, Dubai has set another level of luxury and comfort for its guests and showed how Dubai uses tech for tourists convenience.

Conclusion    

To conclude, Dubai is all set to use advanced AI technology to raise the bar high. In the smart city Dubai visitor experience, you will see a futuristic place, where everything is possible. So, pack your bags and fly to the city of gold with Travel Saga Tourism to witness how Dubai uses tech for tourists. Create unforgettable memories of famous and worth-seeing places.

Ancient Alleys, Modern Energy, Unforgettable Dubai ☀️🌙 

Are you looking for the best historic places to visit in Dubai? This city features astonishing old Dubai heritage districts, which are perfect for your venture. As a traveller, you want to learn about Dubai’s reinvented historic districts, which will help you learn about the history and significance of the city. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the Dubai heritage vs modern Dubai aspects, helping you to learn more about this prominent emirate. 

Al Fahidi / Al Bastakiya – A Heritage Quarter Gets Creative

One of the best historic places to visit in Dubai is the Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood. It is considered an astonishing heritage area, which is located across the creek in Bur Dubai. Additionally, Al Fahidi/ Al Bastakiya falls under the old Dubai heritage district, which has its own significance. Moreover, you can opt for a Dubai old town walking tour to witness the beauty of this neighbourhood up close. 

Enquire - Dubai Tour Packages

History & Future of Al Fahidi / Al Bastakiya  

This landmark of Dubai was built by Persian merchants in the late 19th century. Furthermore, it was characterised by traditional wind-towers (barjeels), coral-stone houses, and narrow “sikka” alleys. 

In recent years, old Dubai heritage meets modern city, making it a focal point for the emirate’s cultural tourism. The government has applied a strategy to reposition the areas as a creative and cultural destination. Which features tie heritage architecture to galleries, artist-in-residence programmes, cafés and creative startups? 

What’s New in Al Fahidi?

Once the Al Fahidi lies under the New Dubai redevelopment areas, travellers have multiple options to visit and explore. 

• Restored wind-tower structures now house art galleries and cultural centres, integrating the historical fabric into the overall experience.
• Charming boutique cafés and cafés with a heritage theme have opened their doors, providing guests with a cosy spot to enjoy the ambience of the historic architecture.
• As part of the vision for an “open art gallery” in the district, public art, street murals, and creative installations are being incorporated.

Tip for visitors: Wander the maze of alleys late afternoon, grab a coffee in a heritage building, and look out for gallery signs (they often hide behind unassuming doors).

Bur Dubai and the Creekside Revival

Another famous old Dubai heritage district is Bur Dubai, which is just across the water from Deira. Bur Dubai is an area which is rich in trading history, souks, and the bank of Dubai Creek. Once you opt for the half-day Dubai city tour, you can experience all the wonderful aspects of Bur Dubai and its neighbourhoods. 

Under the new Dubai redevelopment area revival programme, Bur Dubai and its adjoining Al Fahidi/ Al Shindagha are getting major upgrades. Some of the major upgrades are new walkways, restored defence walls, smart-screens telling the Creek’s story, and re-imagined public space. 

New Developments in Bur Dubai

• Streets closed to vehicles and enhanced waterfront areas allow tourists to navigate more easily on foot.
• Heritage tourism is being prioritised in traditional souk districts that used to concentrate on textiles and everyday commerce, all while preserving local businesses.
• A combination of historic waterfront vistas, abra rides, and contemporary cafés or boutique stores provides a rich experience.

Old meets new here: The lively creek area of historic Dubai, featuring wooden abras, dhow boats, and souks, now coexists with trendy cafés, innovative spaces, and renovated heritage buildings. This contrast adds to its unique appeal.

Visitor suggestion: Enjoy an abra journey from Bur Dubai to Deira at sunset, then stroll into one of the modern cafes by the water to take in the shifting light and the views of both the old and new.

Deira – Historic Trading Hub Transformed

The best example of Dubai heritage vs modern Dubai is Deira, also known as the trade heartland of Dubai. This landmark features the gold souk, spice souk, textile market, and the proximity of the creek. The exploration of Deira is included in your 4-night 5-day Dubai holiday package. Additionally, you can also visit some other astonishing attractions and neighbourhoods. 

Highlights of The Transformation

• A heritage trail project is introducing 1.8 km of tourist-friendly pathways through Deira’s markets. It includes Gold Souk, Spice Souk, etc. It benefits over 500 shops and maintains traditional character while enhancing infrastructure.
• The Gold Souk Extension within the DEP features renovated shops, shaded walkways, enhanced lighting, and better signage. It overlooks the souk for the 21st century while preserving its heritage.
• Retail centres like City Centre Deira are being redeveloped to include lifestyle brands, diverse dining options, and artistic food halls. 

Best for visitors: Visit the Gold Souk in the early morning or at dawn to avoid the crowds. Explore the heritage trail markers for the best experience. Furthermore, take a moment at a contemporary café with views of the Creek or the new waterfront. 

What does this mean for Dubai’s Tourism Strategy?

Dubai’s leaders try to ensure that heritage sites are not frozen in time but rather serve as venues for creativity, culture, and commerce. The revitalisation initiatives in Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai, Deira, and Shindagha are part of a broader vision to transform Dubai into a cultural hub throughout the year, rather than merely a luxury or theme-park destination.

Dubai promotes economic sustainability by enhancing public art, pedestrian-friendly spaces, heritage trails, and mixed-use areas, encouraging visitors to engage with history through walking, dining, and shopping. These neighbourhoods are the perfect example of vibrant living spaces rather than merely historical exhibit areas.

Final Thoughts 

When old Dubai heritage meets modern city, you get the astonishing city of gold. This emirate is ideal for your travellers who want to witness the beauty of old Dubai heritage districts and new Dubai redevelopment areas. So, what is the delay in planning your visit to this city and kick-starting your journey? Travel Saga Tourism will take care of everything from flight bookings to visas.