Dubai Festival City is one of the most well-known destinations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is a massive complex housing several different attractions, each designed to create a fulfilling and unforgettable experience.
Planning to visit this Dubai city soon? Check out the following activities that highlight the best of what Dubai Festival City has to offer:
1. Watch IMAGINE Dubai
IMAGINE Dubai is a one-of-a-kind sensory experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
Equipped with over 2.5m lumens of light, high-powered lasers, surround sound, 30 fountains, and massive aqua screens, this record-breaking attraction in Dubai Festival City lights up after sunset every night.
Besides capturing the hearts of guests and locals, the fountain show has also won the Guinness World Record for the most extensive permanent projection mapping and water-screen projection in the world.
Though the show’s storyline changes periodically, the breathtaking display it offers the audience is something they will never forget.
IMAGINE shows typically begin at sunset and last for about 10 minutes each. Witness the following stories unfold in a unique laser, light, and water display in Dubai Festival City:
● The Pirates Tale: 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday); 8 p.m., 9:30 p.m., and 11 p.m. (Friday and Saturday)
● Stardancer: 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily
● A Child’s Dream: 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday); 7:30 p.m., 9 p.m., and 10:30 p.m. (Friday and Saturday)
(Times correct at date of writing November 2022)
2. Cruise the Dubai Creek on a Dhow
Want to get a glimpse of the rich history and tradition of Dubai?
Experience Dubai the same way old Emirati settlers did while cruising down the scenic Dubai Creek aboard traditional wooden boats called “dhows.” These vessels were used by the Bedouin tribe, the first people to settle in the UAE.
Cruises and dhow ride tours in Dubai let guests experience first-hand the city’s most beautiful views. Some even offer live entertainment and delectable meals on board to help guests get a mesmerizing Emirati experience.
Timings depend on the cruise you book. You may also find packages incorporating additional features to make your dhow cruise more memorable.
3. Go Freestyling at Bounce-X
Whether you’re mastering a backflip or learning how to run on the wall, Bounce-X is the perfect place for you.
Designed for thrill-seekers of various ages, Bounce-X is the first freestyle terrain park in the world.
The park comprises an impressive two-floor space with all the best freestyling equipment – from giant airbags and trampolines to slides and trapezes. This massive 4,500-square-metre destination is the perfect playground for practising your skills and honing your movements.
Got a different style? Bounce-X also offers ninja courses and parkour elements to support your interests.
Check out the park’s general timings below:
● Monday to Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
● Friday: 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
● Saturday: 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
● Sunday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
(Times correct at date of writing November 2022)
4. Get a Thrilling Experience at The Arch
A few years after its launch in November 2020, The Arch has already become a hotspot for thrill-seekers in Dubai. This multi-purpose facility comprises the Xtreme Adventure Park and several fun activities that residents and visitors can enjoy.
Want an action-packed escape room? Or perhaps you’re more into dune bashing, skydiving, and shark encounters? The Arch has everything you want and more.
Here are some activities you should try at The Arch:
● Bag Jump
● Climbing Wall
● Zip-Line
● Quick Flight
● Pump Track
The Arch is a unique and versatile entertainment space that caters to guests of all ages. It also serves as a multi-use venue with a 20,000-person capacity, making it perfect for exhibitions, concerts, and fitness events.
5. Shop ‘til You Drop at Dubai Festival City Mall
Your visit to Dubai won’t be complete without a visit to the Dubai Festival City Mall. Offering plenty of shopping options, this 57.4-acre facility has everything you could ever need from an Emirati shopping centre.
Whether you’re looking for Arabic fashion, accessories, beauty products, home furnishing, shoes, or stationery, this mall can surely grant your heart’s desire.
Dubai Festival City Mall offers a wide range of local and international brands. You also have many choices when it comes to dining, not to mention several freebies, discounts, and promotions.
The general mall schedule is as follows:
● Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
● Friday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Experience the Best of Dubai
Visiting places like Dubai Festival City can be a rare opportunity for you to experience the best of what Dubai has to offer. Make sure you add the items on this list on your itinerary to get the most out of your experience.