10 things to do in Dubai in April

If food, fashion and partying are things you enjoy, it wouldn't hurt to consider a trip to Dubai in April.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

9 min read

10 things to do in Dubai in April

Dubai Frame by Night | © Zane Edith

Despite April being a low season month, there are events that will surprise you. There are gastronomic events of great interest such as the Royal Dinner at Dubai Lima, the Be Gluttonous dessert fair or Fashion Access Dubai to revamp your wardrobe and give a modern touch to your outfit.

April is also a very festive month that offers parties of great global impact such as the Big Party of The Palm. So get ready and come with energy!

1. Enjoy Aquaventure Atlantis at the best time of the year.

Outside the Atlantis Aquaventure| ©Yoann Lyon
Outside the Atlantis Aquaventure| ©Yoann Lyon

Although you can visit Aquaventure Atlantis water park at other times of the year, April is the best month to enjoy its water attractions and its own beach. Temperatures are not as high and there is not as much tourism as it is the low season.

Aquaventure Atlantis is usually open from 10am until sunset. Considering the many attractions that this huge park has, I recommend that you buy tickets for Aquaventure Atlantis to avoid the queue.

Buy tickets for Aquaventure Atlantis

2. Take a cruise in Dubai and make the most of the mild temperatures

World Trade Center where Fashion Access takes place| ©Imre Solt
World Trade Center where Fashion Access takes place| ©Imre Solt

Another favourite activity for this time of year when it's getting warmer, but still far from the scorching summer months, is to take one of the Dubai Marina cruises. You'll have incredible views of the city's main monuments such as the Burj Khalifa, the palaces, Jumeirah Beach and the city's impressive mosques.

There are boat trips to suit all tastes and budgets: from the cheapest €40 on a traditional boat or speedboat, to yachts or mega-yachts for around €60. Here is a list of the best options so that you can book in advance the one you are most interested in:

3. Don't miss the Madame Tussauds Museum in low season

Global Village| ©Slayym
Global Village| ©Slayym

Take advantage of the fact that there are fewer tourists in Dubai during the spring months to visit some of the city's museums and avoid the hassle of the closed museums.

One suggestion is the Madame Tussauds Museum, which brings to the city of the United Arab Emirates the best representations of celebrities from all over the world.

Imagine rubbing shoulders with super-realistic wax figures of the likes of Queen Elizabeth II, Messi and Miley Cirus. If you book your ticket for the Madame Tussauds wax museum you have more than 60 celebrities to take a selfie with throughout the different themed areas. A great plan if you're going to Dubai with your family.

Book your ticket for the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

4. Climb the Burj Khalifa in the best of weather

April is the perfect month to climb the Burj Khalifa and enjoy the best panoramic views of the city from a height of over 500 metres.

An ideal way to delve into the history of Dubai and its most popular and imposing skyscrapers thanks to the guided introduction with which you will begin your visit. To enjoy this plan you have the possibility to..:

Take the time to take pictures and view Dubai from the telescopes available to visitors. It's an experience to marvel at.

Book your tickets to the Burj Khalifa

5. Indulge in the wonderful desserts at Be Gluttonous

Visiting Magnolia Bakery Dubai| ©Jennifer
Visiting Magnolia Bakery Dubai| ©Jennifer

Magnolia Bakery 's Be Gluttonous offers exquisite and exclusive desserts during the month of April and especially during the first 15 days of the month, as tourist demand is expected to be higher than in the usual months. Not to mention that, for many, the first days of April are the end of the high season in Dubai.

In short, at this festival, the bakery offers every visitor the possibility to fill a plate with small sweets of their choice, sweets made with great care and passion. Something similar to a "gourmet" dessert.

I recommend you try the Red Velvet and the banana pudding; believe me, you'll be left wanting more.

Magnolia Bakery

Magnolia Bakery is one of the most famous bakeries in the whole city, and I have to say that it is gaining more and more worldwide fame thanks to its incredible sweets.

The bakery has become so famous in Dubai that they decided to create a tasting fair during the month of April called Be Gluttonous, where they serve the bakery's best sweets during the month of April.

It is worth noting that this bakery is in incredible demand, and that many of the sweets it offers are usually finished in record time, which is why many call it the best dessert bakery. And if that's not enough for you, then book a culinary tour of Dubai.

Book a food tour of Dubai

6. Take home a souvenir from the night market

The Golden Souk at the Dubai Night Market| ©Elroy Serrao
The Golden Souk at the Dubai Night Market| ©Elroy Serrao

Ramadan, the holiest month for Muslims and the month when most regional and religious items are sold, varies from year to year. The Dubai Night Market, on the other hand, is always held during the first 10 days of April from 8am to 2am.

It is a huge market held at the Sheikh Rashid Hall in the Dubai World Trade Centre, showcasing all the cultural heritage and a variety of products typical of old Dubai.

It would be akin to bringing the city's past into the present and showing tourists and locals the beauty of Arab culture.

Book a night tour of Dubai

7. Taste a royal dinner in Dubai Lima

Inside the Dubai Lima| ©Farah Al zadjaly
Inside the Dubai Lima| ©Farah Al zadjaly

Among the things you can do during your holiday in Dubai there are options full of surprises that border on the surreal, but this is certainly one of the most unexpected.

Have you ever imagined yourself dining a few metres away from a head of state? Well, in Lima Dubai it's not so strange, as this giant restaurant has the custom of inviting a head of state to dinner one day in April. Fun fact, the restaurant is owned by chef and businessman Virgilio Martínez, and during the month of April the entire restaurant moves to the salsa style every weekend.

So, even if you're not lucky enough to be photographed and dine near the king of a particular country, at least you can enjoy a good meal to the rhythm of Peruvian salsa. And remember, you always have the option of booking a food tour of Dubai.

Book a food tour of Dubai

8. Experience a bit of nostalgia at the Classic Movie Marathon

Akil Cinema exterior| ©BazarHarpers
Akil Cinema exterior| ©BazarHarpers

If cinema is your thing and you're in Dubai in April, I recommend including the famous Dubai Classic Movie Marathon held at the Akil Cinema in your tour of Dubai.

For your convenience, tickets for the event can also be purchased from the official Akil Cinema website. However, they will only be available closer to this much-anticipated film marathon.

The films are shown in their original language and are all award-winning or acclaimed classics; however, all films will be subtitled in English. They are shown every day in April, although times may vary. So now you know where to go if you want to refresh your nostalgic memories in Dubai.

9. Dive into the digital world at Comic Con Festival

Comic con in Dubai| ©Hassam Tariq
Comic con in Dubai| ©Hassam Tariq

Comic Con Festival is an annual event held in April at the Dubai World Trade Center and is attended by cosplayers, high-profile gamers and influencers related to the world of comics and video games from all over the world!

Not only that, but there are also exhibitions related to the latest developments in the field of film and gaming technology, talks by celebrities in the industry and sales of exclusive products in high demand.

So if you like anime, manga, cartoons or video games, don't miss the opportunity to engage in conversations with people you're sure to have a lot to talk to.

10. Join the big party at the W Hotel - The Palm

Aerial image of the W Hotel - The Palm| ©Ramsey Qubein
Aerial image of the W Hotel - The Palm| ©Ramsey Qubein

One of the most anticipated one-off events in April is the Big Party of The Palm, a major event attended by celebrities and elite athletes from around the world. It is a unique event with a focus on fun, night-time parties, dancing and light shows.

It is like a New Year's Eve party, but extended over the first two weeks of April. However, to enjoy all this incredible atmosphere, you need to book a room at the W Dubai - The Palm. It is located on a palm-shaped island 4km from the Aquaventure water park and 39km from Dubai International Airport.

You don't need to book a two-week hotel if you can't afford it, but if you plan to visit Dubai for 7 days or more, at least try one day at the Big Party of The Palm, a unique night-time festival.

11. Enjoy the Meydan Run

Meydan Racecourse in Dubai| ©Fidus Media
Meydan Racecourse in Dubai| ©Fidus Media

It's sometimes difficult to separate the Turf (horse racing) from the leisure activities of Dubaiites, but the Meydan Horse Race held in April is one of the most popular events during the month of April.

Held at the Meydan racecourse, this event offers an opportunity to feel the excitement of the Dubaiis and turf fans up close.

Such is the magnitude of the event that picnics and fast food outlets are randomly organised. All in order not to miss a single detail of this annual event held in the first week of April. So if you like horse racing, don't miss it.

Find out about Dubai's weather in April

Dubai at night| ©Maher Najm
Dubai at night| ©Maher Najm

Dubai's weather in April is mostly warm, with sunshine hours of around 10 hours, an average daytime temperature of 29 degrees Celsius and an average night-time temperature of 27 degrees Celsius.

Although rainfall is scarce, it is possible to get up to 10mm. of rain throughout the month.

April is the month when temperatures start to rise, but without reaching exaggerated maximums as in later months; hence it is a good time to get to know the city, make plans and enjoy the good atmosphere.

Book the Dubai sightseeing bus

Is April a good time to go to Dubai?

Dubai in the Heights| ©Mayred Nyckmey
Dubai in the Heights| ©Mayred Nyckmey

Obviously, weather-wise, I would recommend going to Dubai in November or going to Dubai in March; however, the noticeable drop in prices does justice to this month; plus, if you like the beach and summer plans, it's a good month for sure.

Book a guided tour of Dubai

Where to stay in Dubai in April

Looking for Accommodation| ©cottonbro
Looking for Accommodation| ©cottonbro

Dubai is a great destination for a great holiday; while legend has it that Dubai is a very expensive city, the reality is not as blunt as it may sound, and from that I'm happy to tell you that there is accommodation to suit all tastes, colours and budget situations.

Book a night tour of Dubai

What to pack for your visit to Dubai in April

Packing your bags| ©Monstera
Packing your bags| ©Monstera

Remember that April can see high temperature peaks, so lots and lots of sunscreen! So this is perhaps the most essential item to include on your packing list before visiting Dubai in April. It is also important that you bring a cap, hat and comfortable clothes.

Also remember that you are in Dubai and you should also include full body clothing in case you wish to visit more conservative, religious or less "modern" places. In any case, I recommend you get to know a bit about what to wear in Dubai before you pack your suitcase.

It's also important to bring comfortable shoes, as it's not always easy to find a taxi, and you may find yourself walking a bit too far one day.

Book a photo shoot in Dubai