Dubai, the most glamorous tourist hotspot in the Middle East, is an extraordinary city to have extraordinary holiday experiences. If the sunny days look spectacular here, then nights are dazzling for sure. That’s why Dubai is reckoned to be one of the most happening night destinations in the world.
Are you been scouring for something that can tell you about the best Illuminated places in Dubai to visit after dark? Your hunt ends here! We have curated a list that will certainly brighten up your nights in the “City of Gold”.
1. Burj Khalifa Observation Deck
Dubai is the worthy crown bearer of the title of “City of Gold” and no one would mind if we crown it with the title of “City of Skyscrapers”. Burj Khalifa is the most iconic landmark in Dubai and the best part is it offers the best ravishing sight of the whole city after dark.
To treat your eyes to the most gorgeous night of Dubai’s cityscape, there is nothing better than the observation deck, ‘At the Top’ on the 124th and 125th floor of Burj Khalifa. You will be awestruck by the panoramic view of the city which is impossible to find from any other viewpoint across Dubai.
If you have more plans to enjoy the evening at Burj Khalifa with this sparkling backdrop, then you can book your dinner table at the ‘Atmosphere’ which sits at a height of 144 metres off the ground. For more enticement, you can also grab a drink in The Lounge where from you can cherish the shimmering city lights of Dubai at 585 metres above the ground.
Additional Tips
The sight of Burj Khalifa itself is exhilarating enough. You can enjoy the mesmerizing light show of Burj Khalifa right from the edge of the Burj lake and it’s free of cost. Voila!
Timing
Although the time slots for riding to the observation deck start from 10.00 am, we will recommend you to book your slot after 7.00 pm to witness the true magic of the nightscape.
Ticket for ‘At the Top’
Starts from AED 159 per person. You can check the combo offers to save extra from its official link.
Location
1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Our previous post all about what awaits you inside Burj Khalifa can give you more insights. Going through it wouldn’t disappoint you.
2. Dubai Fountain
If you are visiting Burj Khalifa in the evening or at night, how is it even possible to miss the spectacular Dubai Fountain? Come to the opposite side of the waterfront and you are about to experience something ‘out of this world’ act pulled together by jet-speeding water, light and music.
This captivating water spectacle happening everyday in Dubai Downtown area gathers thousands of spectators without any miss. This is the tallest performing fountain in the world and occupies more or less 12 hectares of the Burj Khalifa Lake.
When the fountain shoots water as far as 500 feet off the ground in a perfectly synchronized fashion to the music, your eyes will be popped out in sheer amusement. Vibrant lights also enhance the lure of this event manifold. Watching Dubai Fountain performing at night is an unforgettable sight.
Timings
Shows at every hour from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm in the afternoon | Show in every 30 minutes from 6.00 pm to 11.00 pm in the late afternoon and evening
Ticket Price
There’s no cost to watch the dancing Dubai Fountain shows.
Location
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
For more things that you can do in Dubai at night, we would suggest you to go through our previous article on the same.
3. The Dubai Mall
Even if you are not a fan of retail therapy, you must not skip your visit to the dazzling Dubai Mall, particularly after dark. This is the biggest shopping complex in the world. Wai, there’s more! It is one of the most celebrated entertainment and leisure destinations in the town.
This mall is not just a mere shopping destination for all those die-hard shopaholics. Dubai Mall is a wisely designed space where nobody feels left out. As soon as you cross the door, you will find yourself in a sparkling world where everything looks so bright and beautiful.
Dubai Mall houses about 1,200 stores, 120 cafes and restaurants and 22 cinema screens. Dubai Ice Rink, KidZania and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo are the greatest crowd-pullers from the house.
Don’t forget to visit the central part the mall. This is the point where you will be amazed at the awe-inspiring view of Human Waterfalls. The cascading waterfall features human divers in a most artistic way which speaks of creative excellence.
Let’s check out what to do at Dubai Mall from one of our previously shared post.
Timings
Everyday from 10.00 am to 11.00 pm
Entry Fee
Entry to the Dubai Mall is free.
Location
Financial Centre Street, Along Sheikh Zayed Road, Next to Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Dubai Mall is the home to the world-famous Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Located at the Level 2 of the shopping centre, this claims to be one of the largest suspended aquariums in Asia and we are not denying this claim!
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo offers a safe shelter to more than 33,000 aquatic species comprising sharks, sting rays, snakes, otters, penguins, crocodiles and more. If you are not that faint-hearted, then take a dive with the fierce sharks of the tank and look at them up close as they swim around you.
If your risk-taking side is too nervous to dive in, no issue. Just walk through the 48-metre-long tunnel for a breath-taking experience. A night visit is highly recommended because the illumination across Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is so precisely done that it feels like walking through the lights.
Timings
Monday to Thursday, 10.00 am – 10.00 pm | Friday to Sunday, 10.00 am – 12.00 am
Ticket Price
Ticket cost depends on which activity you choose to go through. Tickets start from AED 169 per person. There are plenty of add-ons and luxury packages to enhance your marine experience.
Location
Check out our Best 5 Aquariums in Dubai, if you wish to visit more such places during your Dubai Vacation.
5. Dubai Marina
It’s not a secret anymore that Dubai is the land of swanky neighbourhoods. The best part is some of them become even more swanky after dark. Dubai Marina is that one locality from the city where you can experience the best of Dubai life irrespective of the time of the day you pick to visit.
Dotted with a mesmeric collection of high-rise apartments, luxurious hotels, fine dining restaurants and urban cafes – Dubai Marina creates a fantastic glowing skyline of the city. This neighbourhood is one of the best places in town for night photography.
Dubai Marina tells about the beguiling advanced technology that allowed men to design such a fascinating artificial dock by bringing water from the Persian Gulf. So, a magnificent view across the gulf and the Atlantis Island from a high-rise is guaranteed day in and out.
Timings
This is a public area that can be accessed anytime of the day.
Ticket Price
It’s free to visit Dubai Marina area. You have to pay if you are signing up for any activity.
Location
Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
6. The View at The Palm
Being the most luxurious neighbourhood in Dubai, The Palm Jumeirah never fails to cast its charm on every onlooker particularly if it’s night time. The new observation deck, The View, on the 52nd level of the Palm Tower presents you with the most dazzling view of the Palm Jumeirah along with Dubai Marina skyline.
The Palm Tower is linked to Nakheel Mall. Therefore, you don’t need to waste time looking for a spot that comes with the best-illuminated sight of the Palm Jumeirah and Marina area. We would like to tell you that visiting the deck around 9 pm or 10 pm is ideal to get the best view. You will have enough time to take some fabulous shots of Dubai’s glamourous skyline.
Timings
The best time to visit The View Observation Deck is around 9 pm – 10 pm.
Ticket
Entry ticket to The View deck starts from AED 100 for an adult and AED 69 for a child aged between 4 – 12 years.
Location
The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah Road, 52nd Floor, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
7. Dubai Garden Glow
Are you serious about beholding what magic lights can create? Just head for Dubai Garden Glow to have an amazing experience. This unique theme park has got thousand bright reasons to inject countless joy and happiness into your vacation.
Dubai Garden Glow is pure bliss to your eyes. It’s a world painted with vibrant hues, awe-inspiring art and of course glittering LED lights. Both concept and theme of this park make it one of a kind in the whole world.
At Dubai Garden Glow, you will spot a vast variety of glimmering figurines. This theme park also uses recycled products to create some marvellous installations. So, innovation and imagination go hand in hand here to amaze the visitors.
For a complete guide, here is our Garden Glow post for you.
Timings
Sunday to Friday, 5.00 pm – 11.00 pm | Saturday & National Holidays, 5.00 pm – 12.00 am
Ticket Price
Entry Fee starts from AED 70 per person.
Location
Dubai Garden Glow, Zabeel Park, Gate Number 6 & 7, Area B, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
8. Dubai Creek
Dubai Creek is certainly one of the most beloved areas in the city to enjoy enchanting night sights. The area looks so stunning with those iconic buildings overlooking the waterfront. A night stroll in Dubai Creek seems like walking through the star-studded ‘Milky Way’.
For a far better view of the dazzling skyline of Dubai, you can go for an Abra boat ride at the creek. You must not skip a short visit to the nearby old souks to witness such a mystical world right at the heart of a cosmopolitan city like Dubai.
As the creek area is loaded with stunning views of the city’s skyline, you will have enough scope to click some outstanding shots of this place with your mobile or camera. The night is really magical at Dubai Creek.
Timings
Open around the clock
Ticket Price
There is no entry fee to visit Dubai Creek. Abra ride will cost you anything between AED 50 and AED 110 per person.
Location
Dubai Creek Area, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Please Note that Dubai Creek runs along a vast area. Therefore, it is not just one spot to pick. You can explore the whole place as per your preference.
9. Dubai Global Village
Dubai Global Village is one of the major tourist landmarks in Dubai that offers one of the best cultural doses and incredible night experiences. The whole place looks like a fairyland after dark and doesn’t matter if you are a fan of colours or not, the vibe here will catch your attention instantly.
The illuminated landscape of Dubai Global Village is an unforgettable sight that one can behold in a lifetime. There are 70 different countries here around the world and each of them features the best of its heritage, culture, cuisine, landmarks and handicrafts.
The glow-in-the-dark versions of eminent landmarks like Big Ben, the Statue of Liberty, Taj Mahal, the Pyramids of Giza and more. Apart from clicking incredible night shots, you can enjoy various shows and performances at Global Village to live the night fullest.
Our Global Village post will give you more reasons not to miss this wonderful place.
Timings
Global Village is a seasonal affair. This year, it will showcase Season 27 from 25th October 2022 to 29th April 2023.
During the season, opening hours generally are:
Monday to Thursday, 4.00 pm- 12.00 am | Friday to Sunday, 4.00 pm – 1.00 am | Tuesdays are exclusively reserved for Families and Ladies except those falling on a public holiday.
Ticket Price
AED 20 per person when purchased at the gate | AED 15 per person when purchased online or via app | No entry fee for children below 3 years and senior citizens above 65 years.
Location
Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road, Exit 37, E311, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
10. IMG Worlds of Adventure
Are you amazed at why we are adding a club to our list? The reason is simple – the lights! Yes, IMG Worlds of Adventure showcases one of the most captivating interior lighting arrangements among all of the night joints in Dubai. This extravagant place is a hot favourite spot to visit when you are looking for an exquisitely illuminated experience.
This entertainment zone along with the gigantic installations is capable enough to meet all fonts of guest satisfaction level in terms of facilities, technology and thrill. Spreading across a huge area, IMG World presents an array of exciting zones including the Lost Valley, Marvel Zone, Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard and many more amusement spots.
What catches every visitor’s attention is those massive installations and stunning play of colourful lights. This place put together thousands of glittering lights in good use to pump up the glamour of the place.
Timings
Monday to Thursday, 12.00 pm – 10.00 pm | Friday to Sunday, 12.00 pm – 11.00 pm
Ticket Price
There are several packages. Check out the prices by clicking here.
Location
E311 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, City of Arabia, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Conclusion
So, a night in Dubai doesn’t mark the end of a day but the beginning of your bedazzlement. We have included our best 10 picks but there are hundreds more to explore. Whatever is on your bucket list, Dubai nights are never going to give you a dull moment.
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