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- Mall of the Emirates “The Hangout” and Other New Winter Attractions
- Dubai Travel Guide
- On 03.11.2026
- Bhagyashree Shekhawat
- Tags dubai
Mall of the Emirates “The Hangout” and Other New Winter Attractions
Winter in Dubai is one of the best in the world. The city comes alive outdoors. The season is so favourable worldwide that many people plan their trips around it. And this year there are even more reasons for people to enjoy this weather, especially in Dubai.
Dubai is coming up with new entertainment and dining sections opening at the city’s biggest malls. It doesn’t matter if you are travelling for the first time or you are living there; the new Dubai family attractions are for everyone. So, here’s how you can turn it into a full itinerary for this winter.
The Hangout at Mall of the Emirates
The Mall of the Emirates is one of the places in Dubai where the number of visitors is higher than at Burj Khalifa. Majid Al Futtaim has unveiled The Hangout by Mall of the Emirates, a new indoor-outdoor lifestyle and entertainment section.
The Mall of the Emirates is one of the best Dubai winter attractions, made with an over AED 5 billion transformation. It brings over four entertainment concepts and 18 food and beverage experiences, opening in phases from October 2026 through early 2027.
The entertainment line-up consists of:
- Activate: The world’s first active gaming experience, which debuted at City Centre Mirdif and opened in October 2026.
- SOCO: A social arcade gaming and dining destination with entertainment options for everyone.
- Explorers: This is an indoor family and kids’ adventure play centre, making it one of the best Dubai family attractions
- Magic Planet: The family entertainment brand returns in 2027 with a refreshed concept.
Moreover, there are a lot of new things to do in Dubai on a pleasant evening; You can eat al fresco, then step back inside without leaving the mall. A new climate-controlled outdoor walkway will also connect The Hangout to the New Covent Garden Theatre and Fashion Dome.
In fact, the Hangout is part of a wider upgrade that also plans a luxury wellness club, new dining areas, a new theatre and barrier-free parking, so the mall is changing fast. Moreover, if you are looking for things to do in Dubai Mall for a whole day, then check out our guide.
Winter Experiences Worth Adding to Your Itinerary
November to March is the best time to try Dubai winter attractions. There are so many new things to do in Dubai, but these three experiences stand out the most, especially for the cooler weather.
Morning Desert Safari
The Desert Safari starts at about 8 in the morning and lasts around three hours. Morning Desert Safari provides a hotel pick-up and drop-off, dune bashing in a 4×4, and an Arabic breakfast. We also offer activities like quad biking, dune buggies and camel rides. Making it a proper Dubai family attractions.
Enquire Now: Morning Desert Safari
Hot Air Balloon Dubai
If you’re looking to try new things to do in Dubai then Hot Air Balloon Dubai has got you covered. Unlike the desert safari, this ride offers a calmer view of the desert. Although it’s an early start, around 4 to 5 am, the experience includes a flight of 45 to 60 minutes over the dunes. We also provide an Arabic breakfast, a flight certificate and hotel transfers.
Enquire Now: Hot Air Balloon Dubai
Dubai Frame
Standing in Zabeel Park, the Dubai Frame shows old Dubai from one side and new Dubai from the other. At just AED 55, Dubai Frame tickets allow around two hours for the visit. So, if you are a sunset lover. And looking for the best view of the sunset, then arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled time. It’s an easy and affordable option to spend the best moments with your loved ones.
Enquire Now: Dubai Frame tickets
Other New and Returning Winter Attractions
Alongside the new openings, the city’s seasonal favourites are returning for the cooler months.
- Global Village: This is one of Dubai’s most popular seasonal attractions. Here you can expect international food, shopping, rides and entertainment, making it an easy Dubai family attractions. If you want more information, then check out our guide, Global Village Dubai 2026.
- Dubai Safari Park: The park reopens on October 12 for its new season, with wildlife experiences and conservation-focused attractions. Visit in the morning, when the animals are most active and the weather is mild.
- Dubai Crocodile Park: This family-friendly wildlife destination reopened on September 15 and makes a good, shorter outing for younger children.
- Hatta Wadi Hub: For a break from the city, Hatta Resorts and Wadi Hub were scheduled to reopen on September 28, offering a base for outdoor activities in the mountains.
Note: If you want to experience the best time to visit Dubai attractions, then check out our guide.
Planning Your Trip
If you are planning to visit Dubai from abroad. Then sort your paperwork before you book flights or attractions. This is a peak season, so getting a visa is difficult during this time.
Here, at Dubai Visit Visa, we let you plan around the winter highlights above without last-minute stress. We have several options, including 30-day and 60-day visit visas, a transit visa and an urgent visa service. So, apply early because entry rules can change. So, confirm the latest requirements for your nationality before you travel, and keep your passport handy, since you’ll need it for activities like the balloon ride.
Tips before planning a trip
- Book ahead. Winter is peak season, and popular attractions sell out on weekends and holidays.
- Mix indoor and outdoor activities. Moreover, you can also check out the Dubai November 2026 Guide for more information
- Plan around early starts. You see, the balloon ride and morning safari both begin early, so try avoiding a late night before.
- Use the metro. Mall of the Emirates is on the Red Line, which saves you parking hassles.
- Make sure to confirm opening dates. Some outdoor attractions are seasonal, and some Hangout concepts are still opening.
Conclusion
Honestly, winters are the best time to be in Dubai. The weather, the energy, the festivals, and the joy make you feel alive in the moment. In fact, this year there is more to do than ever. The Hangout adds a fresh dining and entertainment option to the Mall of the Emirates. Meanwhile, favourites like Global Village and Dubai Safari Park are back for the season.
You don’t actually need to do everything. You can just pick a couple of things that are convenient with your group. For instance, you can add a morning in the desert, a sunrise balloon flight or a trip up the Dubai Frame, and you have a winter itinerary that suits every age.
However, if you are looking for more such options, then you can check out Dubaitouristplaces.com. Here, we have everything from ground-level adventures to sky-high views.
Frequently Asked Questions – Dubai Winter Attractions
You can. But it’s better to pick one per morning. Since both activities start early in the morning. Doing both back-to-back makes for a very long, tiring day, especially with kids.
Wear something comfortable. Wear flat footwear (no high heels). And make sure to bring a jacket since it can get colder in the morning. Also, bring your passport or ID, and leave bags behind, since baggage isn’t allowed.
Go on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds. And if you want sunset views, arrive about 30 minutes before sunset. Plan on around two hours for the visit.
Children under 5 can’t take part, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Check the full age rules before booking if you’re travelling with family.
Try The Hangout at Mall of the Emirates for dining and games in its new outdoor courtyard. For a lively night, head to Global Village. For photos, visit the Dubai Frame at sunset. Moreover, if you want adventure, then book the Morning Desert Safari. For more information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.
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