Winter is generally more comfortable than the hotter months for spending long stretches outdoors in the UAE. This guide focuses on December 2026 through February 2027, when visitors can plan desert trips, mountain walks, kayaking, beach days and seasonal festivals across the seven emirates. The best things to do in the UAE in winter depend on how much time you have: pair Dubai’s city attractions with a desert outing, or add Hatta, Abu Dhabi’s mangroves, Sharjah’s Mleiha region or Ras Al Khaimah’s Jebel Jais for a change of scenery. Event dates, opening hours and activity availability can change, so confirm them with the official attraction or operator before travelling.
Quick Guide to a UAE Winter Trip
| Plan | Good winter choice | Check before you go |
| A half-day outdoors | Desert safari, beach visit or mangrove kayak | Weather, transfers, age limits and what the booking includes |
| An active day trip | Hatta or Jebel Jais | Road and activity status, equipment, trail access and reservations |
| A cultural outing | Mleiha or a walk through historic Dubai | Current visitor hours and guided-tour schedules |
| A festive evening | Seasonal attractions, markets and festivals | The official 2026–27 calendar, ticket terms and transport |
| An overnight stay | A permitted desert camp or mountain stay | Site rules, facilities, fire restrictions and road conditions |
Best Things to Do in the UAE in Winter
1. Take a Desert Safari
A desert safari is an easy way to add open landscapes to a city-based trip. Depending on the operator and package, an outing may include a drive over the dunes, a sunset stop, a camel ride or an evening meal. Inclusions vary, so read the itinerary before paying and check whether hotel transfers are included.
Choose a licensed operator and ask about vehicle safety, group size, child policies and activities that are optional or charged separately. If you prefer a quieter visit, look for a nature-focused or small-group trip rather than assuming every safari includes the same entertainment. Winter evenings can feel cooler than the daytime, so bring a light layer.
2. Camp Under the Desert Sky
For a slower desert experience, spend an evening at an established campsite or book an organised overnight camp. Winter’s more comfortable outdoor conditions make it easier to enjoy sunset, dinner outside and a clear-sky night when the weather permits. Some camps provide tents and meals; others expect visitors to bring equipment, so confirm the setup before setting off.
Camping rules vary by location and can change. Use designated areas, check whether advance permission is needed, follow fire restrictions and take all rubbish with you. Avoid driving off marked routes or into soft sand without suitable experience and a properly equipped vehicle. If you do not know the local terrain, a guided trip is the safer option.
3. Spend an Active Day in Hatta
Hatta, in the Hajar Mountains and part of Dubai, offers a different landscape from the coast and city. Visitors can look for kayaking at Hatta Dam, cycling, hiking and other outdoor activities, depending on what is operating during their dates. The dam and surrounding mountain scenery work well for a day trip, while a longer stay gives you more time to explore at an unhurried pace.
Check official Hatta and activity-provider listings before travelling. Kayak availability, trail access, equipment hire, age or height limits and booking requirements may differ by activity. Wear shoes suited to uneven ground, carry water and check the forecast; mountain conditions can differ from those in central Dubai. Do not assume every trail or activity is open every day.
4. See the Mountains at Jebel Jais
Jebel Jais, in Ras Al Khaimah, offers a mountain setting for scenic drives and outdoor activities. Winter is a practical time to plan a visit because it is generally more comfortable to spend time outside than during the hotter months. Depending on conditions and operating schedules, visitors may find viewpoints, walking routes or bookable adventure activities.
Treat the mountain as a weather-dependent outing. Check road advisories and Jais Adventure’s latest activity information before leaving, especially if a specific attraction is the main reason for your trip. Bring a warm layer for breezy conditions, keep to marked areas and leave enough daylight for the return drive. Activity restrictions and schedules can vary by season.
5. Kayak Through Abu Dhabi’s Mangroves
A guided kayak trip through Abu Dhabi’s mangroves offers a quiet way to experience a coastal ecosystem. The route and duration depend on the tour provider, and some trips may be more suitable for beginners than others. Choose an authorised operator, follow instructions about wildlife and litter, and ask whether the tour includes equipment and safety gear.
Book ahead for your preferred date and check the meeting point, cancellation terms, minimum age and weather policy. Mangrove areas are sensitive habitats, so stay on the guided route and avoid disturbing birds or other wildlife. If paddling is not a good fit, look for an official boardwalk or other low-impact visitor option that is open during your trip.
6. Make Time for a Beach Day
A beach day is a simple addition to a winter itinerary, whether you choose a public shoreline or a beach club. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have urban beaches, while Fujairah and other coastal areas offer a different setting for a longer break. Swimming and water sports depend on the day’s sea and wind conditions, so check local flags and operator guidance rather than assuming the water will be calm.
Pack sun protection even when the air feels mild. If you plan to rent equipment or join a lesson, confirm the provider’s current hours and weather rules. Swimwear is appropriate at the beach and pool; bring clothing that covers you when you leave those areas or visit public places.
7. Explore Mleiha’s Desert and Archaeological Landscapes
In Sharjah’s Mleiha region, visitors can combine desert scenery with archaeology and guided experiences. It is a useful choice for travellers interested in the landscape as well as outdoor adventure. Depending on the current programme, options may include visits to the archaeological centre, guided excursions or other bookable activities.
Check Mleiha Archaeological Centre’s official information for opening times, available tours, access conditions and prices. Some desert activities need advance reservations and may have age or fitness requirements. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and avoid setting out into remote terrain independently without checking access and safety conditions.
8. Add a Seasonal Festival, Garden or Market
Winter often brings outdoor entertainment and seasonal attractions to the UAE. In Dubai, travellers may consider annual attractions such as Global Village, Dubai Miracle Garden and the Dubai Shopping Festival when their dates line up with a visit. Other emirates also announce winter festivals and cultural events. Treat these as possibilities rather than fixed fixtures in an itinerary.
For winter 2026–27, check each event’s official announcement for opening and closing dates, daily hours, ticketing, transport and any special-event rules. Do not rely on last season’s schedule. If your trip is built around one event, confirm that it is open before booking non-refundable travel or accommodation.
9. Walk Through Old Dubai and Eat Outdoors
Balance an adventure day with a slower city outing. Historic neighbourhoods around Dubai Creek, including the Al Fahidi area, are rewarding to explore on foot; visitors can also look for museums, cultural spaces and creek-side experiences that are open on their dates. In the cooler season, an outdoor meal or evening walk can be a pleasant way to finish the day.
Opening schedules vary between individual sites, and some museums close on particular days or require advance tickets. Check each venue directly. If you are visiting a mosque or heritage site, follow its posted visitor guidance and dress respectfully.
How to Choose Activities for Your Trip
Use your base and interests to narrow the options rather than trying to cover the whole country in a few days.
| If you want… | Consider… | Planning approach |
| A desert evening | An organised safari in Dubai or another emirate | Compare inclusions, transfers and group format |
| Mountains and active pursuits | Hatta or Jebel Jais | Check road, weather and activity status before departure |
| Water and wildlife | Abu Dhabi mangroves or a coastal beach | Reserve guided activities and follow local safety advice |
| Archaeology and desert scenery | Mleiha, Sharjah | Confirm the centre’s current tours and access requirements |
| Seasonal entertainment | Official event calendars across the emirates | Verify dates and ticket details for your travel week |
| A relaxed city day | Historic Dubai, museums or an outdoor meal | Check venue hours and choose a flexible backup plan |
A Practical 3– to 7-Day Winter Itinerary
Three Days: Dubai with One Outdoor Excursion
Spend one day exploring Dubai’s city and heritage districts, one day on a desert safari, and one day at a seasonal attraction if it is open during your dates. Swap the event day for a beach visit or a slower museum itinerary if seasonal schedules do not match your trip.
Five Days: Add Hatta and Abu Dhabi
Keep two days for Dubai, set aside a day for Hatta, and use another day for Abu Dhabi’s mangroves or cultural sites. This plan gives you a mix of city, mountain and coastal scenery. Check travel times and activity start times before choosing accommodation, and avoid scheduling a tightly timed tour immediately after a long inter-emirate drive.
Seven Days: Include Sharjah or Ras Al Khaimah
With a week, add Mleiha in Sharjah or a mountain visit to Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah. Choose one based on your interests and where you are staying. Travellers keen on archaeology can prioritise Mleiha; visitors looking for mountain views and outdoor activities can consider Jebel Jais. Confirm activity availability before building the rest of the itinerary around it.
When to Visit and What to Pack
For outdoor plans, December to February is the core winter period. The season is generally more comfortable for walking, camping and daytime excursions than the UAE’s hotter months, but conditions still vary by emirate and by day. Check the local forecast shortly before a trip, especially for mountain drives, kayaking, camping and water sports. Rain, wind or rougher sea conditions can affect plans.
Pack breathable daytime clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Add a light jacket or sweater for evenings, desert camps and higher elevations. Carry water on outdoor excursions and keep a charged phone with you. If you plan to hike or cycle, use suitable equipment and follow the route provider’s safety advice.
Booking and Transport Tips for Winter 2026–27
- Confirm seasonal dates: Check official event and attraction calendars for the exact days you will be in the UAE. Seasonal openings and festival dates can change from year to year.
- Read the full price and package terms: Compare what is included, whether transfers cost extra, and what the cancellation or weather policy covers. Prices are set by individual venues and operators in AED; confirm the current amount before booking.
- Reserve activities ahead: Weekend, holiday and school-break dates can fill up. Book directly with the attraction or a reputable operator when possible.
- Plan drives realistically: Hatta, Jebel Jais and desert locations are not city-centre stops. Check the route, parking, fuel and road conditions, and allow a flexible return window.
- Check access needs: Ask about mobility access, child suitability, minimum ages, height limits and equipment before buying an activity ticket.
- Respect the environment: Use marked paths and approved camping areas, follow wildlife guidance and leave natural sites clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in the UAE in winter?
Common winter plans include a desert safari, camping in a designated area, kayaking in Abu Dhabi’s mangroves, outdoor activities in Hatta or Jebel Jais, a beach day and seasonal festivals. Choose based on your emirate, dates and activity preferences.
Which months count as winter in the UAE?
For travel planning, December through February is the main winter period. Outdoor conditions can vary, so check the forecast for the emirate and activity you have planned.
Is winter a good time for a desert safari?
It is generally a comfortable season for spending time outdoors in the desert. Evening temperatures can feel cooler, and each operator sets its own schedule and package, so confirm the details before booking.
Can I camp in the UAE desert?
Camping is possible in designated or permitted locations, but rules vary by emirate and site. Check local permissions, fire restrictions, facilities and road access before setting up camp.
Are Hatta and Jebel Jais suitable for a day trip?
Both can work as day trips depending on your starting point and planned activities. Check driving time, current road conditions, activity schedules and daylight before deciding; staying overnight may suit a slower itinerary.
Are winter event dates for 2026–27 confirmed?
Event schedules are published by each organiser and may be announced or updated at different times. Check the official event website for the exact 2026–27 dates, opening hours and ticket rules before making plans.
What should I wear for outdoor activities in winter?
Wear comfortable, breathable clothes and shoes suited to the activity. Carry sun protection for daytime and a light layer for evenings, desert camps or mountain areas. Follow any additional clothing guidance from the venue or tour operator.
Do I need to book UAE winter activities in advance?
Advance booking is sensible for guided safaris, kayaking, mountain activities and dated events, particularly for weekends and holiday periods. Confirm current availability and cancellation terms with the provider.
