16-05-2025
Team Time Out suggest the best things to do before summer
There's no denying those temperatures are creeping up.
Dubai summer will soon arrive and although there are plenty of incredible things to do indoors, time is running out to make the most of outside.
To help you decide how to make the most of your last few weeks of being in the fresh air, we've shared our top recommendations.
Before the heat hits, this is everything we'll be ticking off ASAP.
The best things to do before summer
Emilie Hill — Acting Editor
Visit Alserkal Avenue
Credit: Alserkal Avenue
Best time to visit: After breakfast
It won't be long until walking during the day is a bad idea, so head to Alserkal Avenue soon to clock some serious steps.
Offering everything from award-winning cafés to cool concept stores, this retail haven is always worth a dedicated afternoon.
If you need a coffee after breakfast, head to Time Out Dubai's Best Bakery, BKRY, for your caffeine fix.
Open daily from 8am-10pm. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz @
Tuck into dinner al fresco
Credit: Lana Lusa
With a dreamy terrace overlooking Dubai Canal and home-cooked recipes from the founder's grandmother, a table at Lana Lusa is consistently good.
What's more, its roomy terrace might trick you into thinking you took a flight to Portugal. Hunker down with a drink or three courses.
Need more reservation inspo? Take a look at our award-winning restaurant list right here.
Licensed. Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai, Jumeirah 2 (04 380 1515).
Aimee Jakes — Digital Editor
A pool day at African Queen
Best time to visit: lunchtime
J1 Beach Club's African Queen is pool day comes highly recommended if you're in the mood to relax.
The focal (and very aesthetic) pool is chilled, cold towels and face mists are brought to your lounger and the food menu is full of delicious crowd-pleasers.
Dhs350 (Dhs100 redeemable on weekdays). Mon-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sun 10am-1am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, (052 778 0760).
A game of padel at The Matcha Club
Credit: Matcha Club
Best time to visit: early morning or evening
Padel is essentially a non-negotiable if you live in Dubai and outdoor rallies will be almost impossible come summer.
Treat yourself to a boutique padel session at The Matcha Club and then relax and dine at the venue's restaurant, Nette.
The menu is full of French-Japanese inspired breakfasts, salads and sandwiches to help you refuel like a champ.
Dhs400 for 90 minutes (Dhs100 per player). Open daily 6am-midnight. Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, (04 548 8364).
Findlay Mair — News Editor
A leisurely stroll at JBR
(Credit: JBR)
Best time to visit: before sunrise
The sun's out, the birds are chirping and a few of your favourite podcasts have just dropped. There's no better way to spend a weekend morning than getting those all-important daily steps in while it's hot-but-not-too-hot at JBR.
Take it easy like a Sunday morning and stay out of the way of the runners hitting the track. Take your time, grab a snack and snap a couple of pics for your IG Stories along the way.
Watch the end of the football season at Barasti
(Credit: Barasti)
Best time to visit: just before kick-off
As the football season draws to a close, there's no better place in Dubai to soak up the atmosphere while watching all the big finals coming up before the summer than this Dubai institution.
And when your team, inevitably, let you down, there's now a stunning new beach day experience at the OG beach club that'll help you take your mind off of things.
Open daily from 9am-3am. Barasti Beach, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, (04 511 7373).
Sian Traynor — Features Editor
Grab an outdoor brekkie
(Credit: Brix Café)
Best time to visit: 8.30-9am
The weather is still just about cool enough to enjoy breakfast outside and if you sit in the shade with an iced latte you'll be absolutely fine.
Before the heat hits, take the chance to sit on the BRIX terrace, look out at the boats in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour and tuck into a pistachio-loaded croissant (yum).
Open daily 8am-11.30am. Jumeirah, (054 515 7861).
Cycle along Kite Beach
Best time to visit: sunset
Grab a Careem bike (or bring your own) at the Kite Beach docking station and head off for a pedal along the beach.
There's a designated path and if you cycle in the direction of the Burj Al Arab, you'll be cycling straight into the sunset (which is always an impressive sight).
Once you've looped back to the dock, return your bike then head to cool off with a Boost Smoothie, sit on the sand and pop in for an evening dip if you fancy it.
Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim.
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