I don’t know about you, but I think covid and travel restrictions brought us one positive thing: we’re all out and about exploring Dubai and surrounding areas!

It’s hot but not too hot to enjoy spring break… We hope this list inspires you to explore more and find some hidden gems – you don’t have to drive to the other end of the UAE to find overlooked places! Besides attractions we have included several Dubai and Sharjah neighbourhoods in our list because sometimes all you need is to get out for a stroll or bike ride with the kids. Throw in an ice cream and they’ll have had a great afternoon!

Some places in particular in Sharjah have waived their entry fees until the end of the holidays.

Enjoy xx

Community pools and public beaches

Now is the best time of the year! From Jebel Ali to Umm al Quwain we’re sure you already have your favourites!

Parks

Al Barsha pond park

Al Barsha pond park 2

Zabeel Park

Creek Park

Mirdif Park

Burj Park

Nad Al Sheba Park

Mushrif Park

Al Khazzan Park

Umm Suqeim Park and many more…

Go for a stroll in these Dubai or Sharjah neighbourhoods

Bluewaters

The Beach JBR

Dubai Marina Walk

The Pointe and The Palm Fountain

The Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk, West Beach

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Jumeirah Archaeological Site

Citywalk

Box Park

Dubai Water Canal

Jumeirah Fishing Harbours

Kite beach

La Mer

Burj Plaza, Dubai mall fountain

Dubai Design District

Dubai Creek Harbour (amazing playground!)

Jaddaf Waterfront

Al Boom Tourist Village

Festival City Lake and fountain show

Al Seef

Al Fahidi

Deira Creek, Heritage and diving village

Gold souk, Souk Naif

Al Khawaneej Walk

Al Mamzar

Al Khan lagoon

Al Qasba canal

Al Majaz Waterfront

Flag island

Blue Souk

Go on a day trip

Al Qudra Lakes, Love lakes, Expo lake

Solar Innovation Centre in Al Qudra, click here for the Google maps location

Nad al Sheba bike track

Ras al Khor Wildlife sanctuary (2 families allowed at once for max. 10 minutes)

The Camel farm

Camelicious farm

Al Rawabi milk farm (book here)

Al Aweer air plane crash site

Al Marmoom Heritage Village

Volunteer at the Al Marmoom Initiative

One Degree Winter café

Al Buhais Geology Park

Mleiha archaeological Center

Al Madam ghost village

Saleh Souq Ajman

Ajman dhow yard

Al Zorah natural reserve

Cee Tees Farm

Jazirat al Hamra (abandoned village)

Dhayah Fort

Masfout castle

Hatta

Al Rafisah dam

Khorfakkan (waterfall, amphitheatre, old town, fort)

Download the wikiloc app and go on a hiking trip

Indoor venues worth a (free) visit

Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple (4:30 to 8:30 PM)

Al Salam Mosque in Al Barsha

Soft play area inside Pan Emirates in Al Barsha (still open?)

Antique Museum in Al Barsha (Google maps link here)

Dubai Police Museum

Majlis Ghorfat Umm Al Sheif

Iranian Mosque in Satwa

Al Safa Art and Design Library

Jumeirah Mosque

Atlantis Aquarium (the free part)
Dubai Mall aquarium, dinosaur

Alserkal Avenue
Salsali private museum

Jameel Art Center and Jameel Library in Al Jaddaf

Al Safa Art & Design library, also see here

Bur Dubai Grand Mosque

Dubai Coffee Museum
Shiva temple in Al Fahidi
Coins museum

Al Oqaili Museum

Al Ahmadiya School and Heritage House
Naif Museum

Quranic park (Cave of miracles and glasshouse cost extra)

Sharjah House of Wisdom (library)