Summer in Dubai is heating up with a lineup of exciting experiences that prove the city is more than just sun and skyscrapers. From immersive art shows and interactive dining to tech-powered poetry nights and theatrical cocktails, Dubai is turning up the creativity this season. Whether you’re a resident looking to shake up your routine or a visitor seeking unforgettable moments, there’s no shortage of cool things to do. Here’s a look at some of the must-try activities making Dubai the ultimate summer playground in 2025.
Daftar’s Groundbreaking Night
DIFC’s newest Indian restaurant, Daftar, made waves with something completely different from your typical dining experience in Dubai. On Friday, May 23rd at 8:30 PM, they hosted “Shayari Studio” which was an evening where poetry, spoken word, and live music came together in one magical night.
The event featured popular RJ Tarun UD and talented singers Preethi Kamath and Hetartho Chatterjee, with live music setting the perfect mood. But here’s where it got really exciting: after the poetry session, Dubai experienced its first-ever “Sufi-Tech” after-party, where traditional Sufi music met electronic beats under DJ Buddha’s guidance. Entry packages started at AED 199 and included flowing starters and mocktails, making it an affordable way to experience something truly unique in Dubai’s cultural scene.
Sky-High Art and Easter Adventures at Dubai Balloon
The Dubai Balloon at Atlantis, The Palm offered two special experiences this spring that combined adventure with creativity. On April 19th, they celebrated World Art Day with “Art & Fly” where guests took a ride in Dubai’s only 360-degree helium balloon observatory, then participated in an Art & Sip session led by artist Fosca Garcia while enjoying incredible views. For families, the Great Easter Egg Hunt from April 18-20 turned little ones into detectives searching for the Easter Bunny’s missing eggs, with prizes and a special meet-and-greet waiting for successful hunters. These events proved that Dubai’s attractions are getting more creative about combining education, art, and family fun in memorable ways.
La Baia Teams Up with Evian for Summer Refreshment
J1 Beach’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant La Baia partnered with French mineral water brand Evian for a month-long summer collaboration called “Sparkle Your Summer.” The activation featured Instagram-worthy photo moments, handcrafted Evian mocktails, and frozen treats that brought a refreshing escape to Dubai’s hot season. Guests who tagged both venues on social media got complimentary branded mocktails and access to exclusive giveaways, making it a perfect example of how Dubai’s dining scene embraced social media to create engaging experiences that went beyond just great food.
Brunch Gets a Makeover at Mi Amie and Gallery 7/40
Dubai’s brunch scene adapted to summer with some smart moves. Mi Amie transformed its popular Spice Brunch into an evening experience, starting at 8 PM on Saturdays with luxurious four-course sharing platters and live entertainment under the stars. Meanwhile, Gallery 7/40 moved The Brunch Club indoors to beat the heat while keeping the high-energy party vibe with DJs and dancers. They also launched Pearl Brunch on Fridays, featuring beachside dining, flowing drinks, pool access, and even lilos for guests who wanted to float while they feasted. These changes showed how Dubai’s restaurants got creative about maintaining their popular brunch culture year-round.
Arabic Tea Culture Gets the Luxury Treatment
Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown’s Open Sesame restaurant offered something special for both tourists and locals looking to explore authentic Emirati culture. Their Neighborhood Arabic Tea Experience featured nostalgic flavors like camel milk rose ganache and labneh-cucumber sandwiches, served daily from 1-5 PM. For AED 250 for two people, guests could enjoy the tea experience, or upgrade to AED 350 to include a guided art tour of the hotel. This type of cultural dining experience gave visitors a taste of traditional Arabic hospitality while introducing locals to heritage flavors they might not have tried before.
The Lana Extends Cocktail Celebrations All Month Long
The Lana hotel took World Cocktail Day seriously by celebrating it throughout the entire month of May across three venues: High Society, The Gallery, and Bitter Honey. High Society launched SOLARIS 2, featuring nine mythology-inspired cocktails with names like “Banana Forever” and “Ragna-Rock!” that each told a story from ancient legends. The Gallery and Bitter Honey offered theatrical tableside cocktail experiences, including The Smoked Boulevardier (smoked with cinnamon sticks) and The Flamed Old Fashioned. With prices ranging from AED 65-105 per cocktail, these venues proved that Dubai’s bar scene is about much more than just drinks – it’s about creating memorable experiences that engage all the senses.
Yoga in the Sky at Atlantis Dubai
Want to try something completely different for your morning workout? The Dubai Balloon at Atlantis, The Palm is offering a special sunrise yoga experience that takes relaxation to new heights. On International Day of Yoga, guests can start their day with gentle yoga moves and calming sound healing while floating 300 feet above the ground in Dubai’s only 360-degree balloon ride.
Skincare Meets Summer
Whether you’re battling sun damage, acne scars, or just want to feel refreshed, Skin Laundry has some of the top skincare experts in the region to help you shine. From Dr. Kalla’s signature facial contouring to Dr. Dina’s anti-aging magic and Dr. Kadi’s acne treatments and laser facials, these pros are turning skincare into summer self-care. So while you’re planning your adventures, don’t forget to treat yourself to a confidence boost because smooth, glowing skin might just be your favorite souvenir this season!
