Are you looking for fun things to do alone in Dubai? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
If you’re searching for things to do alone in Dubai, you’re not going to be disappointed. This city is perfect for solo travelers.
Not only is Dubai a really safe city, it’s also a fantastic city with loads of options and activities to pick from.
I’ve spent the last 15 years visiting Dubai each year (I have family there, and it feels like a second home!). So I like to think I’m more than qualified to put together a list like this!
In my list of solo activities in Dubai I’ve tried to include as many options as possible, from free things to do, to more ‘splurge-worthy’ ideas. So hopefully you’ll be able to find something perfect.
Right, let’s get into it!
Here are my favorite things for solo travelers in Dubai!
Visit the Dubai Mall
First on our list of things to do alone in Dubai, it’s visiting the Dubai Mall. This is one of the best ideas here as there’s so much inside to keep you busy.
Dubai Mall isn’t your average shopping mall, it’s absolutely gigantic and it’s packed full of food courts, restaurants, entertainment and activities.
I know it might sound a bit bizarre putting a shopping mall at the top of our list, but trust me on this one – it’s incredible and one of the must-see sights in the city.
Expect to spend a few hours here (I usually set aside the entire day!).
Watch the Dubai Fountains
The Dubai Fountains are next on my list of things to do alone in Dubai. And they’re certainly a must-see!
The Dubai Fountains are a little bit like the Bellagio Fountains in Dubai, but MUCH bigger! It’s totally free to watch them too – making it a great choice, especially if you’re on a budget.
The Dubai Fountains are located right next to the Dubai Mall, so it’s a great idea to check off these two famous sights together!
Now, bear in mind, that this area can get pretty crowded during the evening shows – so if you’re not a huge fan of crowds, I recommend checking out some of the alternative places to view the Dubai Fountains.
Or, visiting during the daytime and watching the daytime fountain showings instead!
Click here to book special tickets for watching the Dubai Fountain from a traditional Arabic boat!
Eat at Time Out Market Dubai
Next on my list of fun things to do alone in Dubai, it’s eating at Time Out Market Dubai.
This market isn’t too far from the Dubai Mall, and it’s actually a fantastic place to watch the Dubai Fountains from too!
What makes it a great choice for this list? Well, the communal seating and laid-back vibe makes this is a wonderful option for solo diners.
You won’t feel awkward eating alone here – and the vibe is really chilled and relaxed. Oh, and there is so much food and cuisine choice too!
Get the nachos – they’re my favorite!
Visit the top of the Burj Kalifa
Next up on my list of things to do alone in Dubai, it’s heading up to the top of the Burj Kalifa.
If you want to enjoy some beautiful views of the DUbai skyline, and also head to the top of the world’s tallest building – then this is for you!
It’s a great choice for solo travelers – and it’s a wonderful viewpoint to enjoy in Dubai!
Click here to book your tickets to the Burj Kalifa in advance (which I recommend!).
Do a luxury cinema experience.
If you’re looking for things to do solo during the summer heat (when you’ll desperately be looking to escape the sunshine!) then we think this is a great option.
There are several luxury cinema experiences in Dubai, but we recommend the cinemas in the Dubai Mall or the Emirates Mall. I’ve tried both of these experiences and they were great!
Why is this great for solo travelers?
Well, it’s a fantastic choice for things to do alone in Dubai because it’s fun, you won’t feel awkward dining alone (yes the food is part of the experience!) and it’s a great low-key option for days when you want to relax.
Watch ‘La Perle’
My next suggestion for things to do alone in Dubai, is watching the incredible ‘La Perle’ show.
If you’ve every watched a Cirque Du Soleil show in Las Vegas, then you’ll know what to expect at this amazing production.
It’s incredible showmanship, insane creative set-design, and talented performers – all making this show something you’ll ever forget.
What makes this such a great choice for solo travelers? Well, as a solo traveler you’ll usually be able to grab some slightly cheaper single seats!
Take a tour of the Burj al Arab
Next on our list, it’s taking a tour of the Burj Al Arab hotel.
You can read my full review of the Burj Al Arab tour here!
This incredible hotel is one of the most exclusive hotels in the world, and one of the most famous too!
If you want to explore this hotel (without splurging on booking a room) then a great way to see it, is via their official tour. This is genuinely one of my favorite things to do alone in Dubai.
I did this experience earlier in the year, and I can confirm it’s truly incredible and it’s an amazing way to glimpse an insight into such a famous and iconic property.
You’ll see the luxurious royal suites (where literal royalty, and also celebrity royalty like Kim Kardashian and Justin Beiber have stayed) and you’ll get to explore than at your own pace too – soaking in all the details and decor.
Click here for tickets to tour the incredible Burj Al Arab!
Do a desert safari
My next suggestion is a fun day-trip… a desert safari.
This is a classic activity to enjoy in Dubai, and its a great option for solo travelers who want to spend time in a group.
With most tours, you’ll be picked up from your hotel or AirBnB in the morning (which makes it a nice easy choice for things to do alone in Dubai), and transported with a group of other visitors to the desert where you’ll enjoy lots of amazing desert-related activities.
The activities can carry from tour to tour, some offer desert quadbiking, some offer cooking classes, some have desert buffet and henna and belly dancing. For others it might be camel riding!
Regardless of the activity offered, it’s such a great choice for solo adventurers!
Click here to book your tickets to our favorite desert safari!
Skydive over The Palm!
Now, I couldn’t write a list of amazing things to do alone in Dubai without mentioning skydiving!
Skydiving in Dubai is one of the BEST things to do in Dubai, and it’s one of those epic once-in-a-lifetime experiences too, that you won’t be able to stop telling people about.
What makes skydiving in Dubai so special? Well, it’s the views you get on the way down – seeing the skyline and the coastline from above is magical.
Click here to book an epic skydiving experience in Dubai over the Palm!
Visit Dubai Aquarium
Dubai Aquarium is another great choice for amazing things to see and experience in Dubai.
Located in Dubai Mall, this is an incredible indoor aquarium that will keep you entertained for hours!
This place is super educational too, another reason to love it.
Click here to book advance tickets to Dubai Aquarium!
Take an Emirati cooking class
My next suggestion for things to do alone in Dubai, is taking a cooking class and learning some incredible Emirati cooking skills.
This is one of those solo activities in Dubai that is PERFECT for foodies or people looking for something a little less touristy.
This cooking class is really one of a kind, and it’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in some of the local culture and delicious food.
Click here to book this amazing cooking class in Dubai!
Take a stroll around Miracle Garden
If you’re a fan of botanical gardens and exploring beautiful flowers and scenery, then I think you’re going to love Miracle Garden.
It’s a beautiful option and it’s a really peaceful and scenic way to spend a few hours in the city.
Click here to book a 4-hour Miracle Garden tour!
Explore Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is a must-visit in Dubai, and it’s next on our list of fun things to do alone in Dubai.
Now, you can visit Dubai Marina anytime of day, but we recommend heading there late-afternoon, and stopping until the evening when the sun has set.
That way, you’ll get to see this amazing cityscape in day and night! The best of both worlds!
How would I spend my time in Dubai Marina? Well, I’d get my taxi to drop me off at the Marina Mall (just to make things easy!) and then take a stroll around the marina from there.
You’ll find plenty of restaurants dotted around the marina walkways, and cheaper food choices in the mall too!
Take a day-trip to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the neighboring Emirate to Dubai, and it’s certainly worth seeing, if you haven’t been there yet.
Taking a day trip to Abu Dhabi is my next suggestion for things to do alone in Dubai. Your tour group will pick you up from your hotel, and then take you to all the sights in Abu Dhabi worth seeing.
It’s a great way to see more of the UAE, and seeing it with a group is a really nice way to socialize when you’re a solo traveler.
Abu Dhabi is much quieter than Dubai and the vibe is much different, so we really recommend checking it out!
Click here to book our favorite Abu Dhabi day tour!
Take a speedboat tour
Have you ever taken a speedboat tour? If not, then maybe now is the time!
Taking a speedboat tour of the Dubai coastline is next on my list. This is such a once-in-a-lifetime experience and ideal for solo travelers!
The Dubai coastline is really phenomenal from the ocean, and the thrills of the speedboat add to the experience too! Making this one of the top things to do alone in Dubai!
Click here to book tickets for the speedboat tour of Dubai’s coastline!
Enjoy some rooftop cocktails
In many cities you might not feel safe or confident enough to go for rooftop cocktails alone, but as a solo female I’ve found Dubai feels super safe and it’s one of the safest and most welcoming cities for solo women (and men) traveling alone.
The Address Hotel in Dubai Marina has a wonderful rooftop bar that overlooks their infinity pool in the Dubai Marina, and it’s one of my favorite places for solo cocktails.
The vibe is friendly and relaxed, and it’s a lovely place to soak in the atmosphere of Dubai Marina. Overall, this is a great choice for things to do alone in Dubai!
Visit The Green Planet (Indoor Rainforest)
Next on my list of fun solo ideas in Dubai, it’s the Green Planet.
The Green Planet is an indoor attraction, and it’s an indoor rainforest housing lots of birds and wildlife and plant life.
If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, and you want a more chilled choice, then this is a fantastic place to visit.
it’s a great pick for things to do alone in Dubai. Click here to book tickets!
Take a tour of Dubai’s old town
Dubai isn’t all glitzy skyscrapers… and my next suggestion is to take a group tour of the old town district.
This is a part of Dubai that I really recommend seeing with a tour guide in a group. Because you’ll be taken to all the right places and you’ll see all the best bits.
Generally this part of the city feels a bit more chaotic and busy than other parts – so I think it’s best to go with a group and tour guide – especially if you aren’t used to that kind of environment.
Click here to book your tickets!
Book yourself a pool day
Next on my list of things to do alone in Dubai, it’s booking yourself a pool day!
Maybe you’re hotel already has a swimming pool, but maybe not! If not, or if you want to experience some of the other hotel pools in the city, then you can book a pool pass.
Most 5* hotels in the city, offer day passes for their pool areas, usually costing around $100 – $200 for the day. My favorite pool in Dubai is at The Address Downtown.
It’s a really fun way of seeing other hotels in the city, especially the luxurious ones!
Have afternoon tea at The Atlantis
Next on my list, it’s having a fancy afternoon tea at The Atlantis Hotel.
Atlantis is one of the most iconic and famous hotels in Dubai (located at the very top of The Palm).
If you want to treat yourself to a fancy meal one day during your solo trip, we really recommend booking afternoon tea at the Palm!
Click here to book afternoon tea at The Atlantis Hotel!
Visit one of the city’s amazing spas
Next on my list of things to do alone in Dubai, it’s taking a beautiful spa day.
As you’d expect, with all the luxurious hotels in Dubai, there are also plenty of luxurious spa options too.
Most hotels offer day-spa options or spa-treatments, so it’s simply a case of calling up and booking with them!
It’s a great choice for solo travelers, and it’s also a great way to kick any jetlag to the curb!
Click here to book spa treatments at the beautiful Antara Spa on the Palm!
Visit ‘The View at the Palm’
My next suggestion for things to do in Dubai alone, is an amazing observation deck located in the heart of Dubai’s palm neighborhood.
The View at the Palm is one of the newest observation decks in the city, and the views on offer are simply incredible!
The observation deck is stunning, and has some unbeatable views of the palm islands, spanning for miles in every direction.
It’s one of my favorite observation decks, and the entrance is located in a great mall too – so it’s ideal for solo travelers who might want to do a little bit of shopping!
Click here to book your advance tickets!
Take a helicopter tour
If you want to take in Dubai’s skyline from the sky… Then you’re going to want to add an amazing helicopter tour to your itinerary.
Seeing Dubai from a helicopter is one of the most luxurious and splurge-worthy things to do alone in Dubai.
Seriously, taking the city’s many skyscrapers and architecture from the sky is seriously incredible, and it’s one of the best ways to truly understand the scale of the city.
Click here to book my recommended choice for helicopter tours in Dubai!
Take a jet ski tour
If you’ve never tried jet skiing before, then we think you’re going to love our next suggestion for things to do alone in Dubai.
Your jetskiing tour is led by an expert, and you’ll be given plenty of opportunities to learn the basics, try a few different speeds and tricks, etc.
It’s an incredible way to see the coastline and all the amazing skyscrapers along the coastline too. And a great way to meet some people in your jetskiing tour group too!
Click here to book tickets for jetskiing in Dubai!
Take a beach walk
Next on my list of things to do alone in Dubai, it’s taking a relaxing walk along one of the city’s many public beaches!
There are many gorgeous ones to choose from, some are slightly busier than others, and some also offer beachside dining too.
Read more about solo travel: 15 best places in the USA for solo female travelers
Do a hop-on hop-off bus tour
Look, I know the open-top bus tours can seem a little touristy to many people, but they’re a seriously great option for solo travelers!
It’s a great way of seeing a lot of the city, without having to navigate public transport or worry about route planning.
I always maintain that these hop-on and hop-off bus tours are fantastic for solo travelers, especially those who want to keep everything easy and simple!
Click here to book bus tour tickets!
Visit one of the city’s waterparks
If you’re looking to embrace your inner child, then we think adding a waterpark to your list if a great idea!
One of the great things about visiting the Dubai waterparks alone, is also the reduced queuing time for solo riders!
Click here to book advance purchase waterpark tickets!
Go kayaking
If you’re an outdoorsy person, then this next suggestion for things to do alone in Dubai is going to be perfect for you!
Hiring out a clear-bottom kayak is such a fun and exciting way to see the skyline from the water, and you can take things at your own pace too – which we love.
Click here to book your clear-bottom kayak rental!
Browse the designer stores
Next on my list, it’s browsing and window-shopping all the amazing designer stores in Dubai’s many malls.
Look, you don’t actually need to buy anything! Sometimes it’s fun just to look!
And there’s something so special about their pieces on sale in Dubai, they’re on another level of luxury!
Watch the Burj Kalifa light show
How could I write this list and not include watching the incredible Burj Kalifa light show.
The light show happens every night, and it’s totally free to enjoy too (which is great for solo travelers in Dubai!).
You don’t need to pay to watch the light show, and it’s right by the mall too, so you can do a few of these activities together on the same day.
I hope this list has been useful and given you plenty of ideas and inspiration!
Which of these fun things to do alone in Dubai will you be trying out first? Let us know on social media!
