The best things to do in Dubai for wedding guests are a desert safari, the Burj Khalifa observation decks, the Dubai Fountain, a dhow or yacht cruise, and an abra ride across Dubai Creek. For Indian families, add a visit to the Hindu Temple and Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Jebel Ali, and a day trip to the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. Most of these fit into a half day between wedding functions, and many work as group outings for the whole wedding party.
A destination wedding is also a holiday for your guests. Below are the best activities, grouped by how much time guests have and who they’re travelling with, plus ready-made plans you can share with your guest list.
Planning a Dubai wedding? We organise group outings, transfers and tickets for your guests between functions.
Things to do in Dubai at a glance
| Activity | Time needed | Best for | Best season |
| Desert safari | 6 hours (afternoon to night) | All ages, great as a group outing | October–April |
| Burj Khalifa observation decks | 2 hours | Everyone | Year-round |
| Dubai Fountain show | 30 minutes, evenings | Everyone | Year-round |
| Dhow or yacht cruise | 2–4 hours | Groups, young cousins | October–April |
| Abra ride and old souks | 2–3 hours | Elders, culture lovers | October–April |
| Hindu Temple and Gurdwara, Jebel Ali | 2 hours | Families, elders | Year-round |
| BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi | Full day | Families, elders | Year-round |
| Theme parks | Full day | Kids and teens | October–April |
| Ski Dubai | 2–3 hours | Kids, first-time snow | Year-round (indoors) |
| Dubai Miracle Garden | 2 hours | Families, photos | Seasonal, roughly autumn to spring |
Group outings for the whole wedding party
These work well as an official wedding activity, or as a pre-wedding event in their own right.
1. Desert safari
The most popular group outing in Dubai. Guests ride 4x4s over the dunes, then go camel riding and sandboarding, and finish with dinner and entertainment at a desert camp. Many couples turn it into a mehendi or sangeet night. Plan desert safaris for October to April, in the afternoon and evening.
2. Dhow dinner cruise
A traditional wooden dhow cruise along Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina, with dinner and city lights. It’s relaxed, works for all ages, and you can book a whole boat for your group.
3. Private yacht cruise
Sail past the Burj Al Arab, Atlantis The Palm and Dubai Marina on a private yacht. It’s ideal for a welcome party or a cousins’ outing, as most yachts suit smaller groups.
4. Dubai Fountain and Downtown evening
Book a group dinner at Downtown Dubai and watch the Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest choreographed fountain, at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. Shows run every evening.
For elders and families
5. Hindu Temple, Jebel Ali
Dubai’s Hindu Temple in Jebel Ali opened in 2024 and hosts several deities under one roof. It’s a meaningful visit for families before or after the wedding. Book visit slots in advance where required.
6. Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, Jebel Ali
Next to the Hindu Temple is Guru Nanak Darbar, a large gurdwara that serves langar. It’s a natural visit for Sikh families and guests of every faith.
7. BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi (day trip)
The UAE’s first traditional stone Hindu temple, opened in 2024, is about 1.5 hours from Dubai. Combine it with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for a full day trip.
8. Abra ride and old Dubai
Cross Dubai Creek on a traditional abra (water taxi), then walk through the Gold, Spice and Textile Souks. Elders often love buying gold and spices here.
9. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Wander the lanes and wind-tower courtyard houses of old Dubai, also known as Al Bastakiya, with cafés and small museums.
10. Jumeirah Mosque
One of Dubai’s most beautiful mosques, open to non-Muslim visitors on guided tours, which offer insight into Emirati culture.
For kids and teens
11. Theme parks
Dubai Parks and Resorts has several parks in one place, including MOTIONGATE Dubai and LEGOLAND Dubai. Check which parks and rides are open for your dates.
12. Ski Dubai
Real snow inside the Mall of the Emirates, with skiing, tobogganing and penguin encounters. It’s a hit with children who’ve never seen snow.
13. Aquarium and water parks
The Dubai Aquarium in the Dubai Mall is free to view from outside. Water parks like Aquaventure at Atlantis and Wild Wadi near Madinat Jumeirah make a fun half-day.
For young cousins and adventure lovers
14. Skydiving over Palm Jumeirah
A tandem skydive with views of the Palm and the skyline, for the bravest guests.
15. Helicopter tour
A 15- to 30-minute flight over the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah and the World Islands.
16. Water sports at JBR and La Mer
Jet skis, flyboarding and paddleboarding on the city’s beaches.
17. Dubai Marina nightlife
Waterfront restaurants and rooftop lounges for the night after the sangeet.
Shopping and food
18. Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates
Designer brands, Indian favourites and personal shopping services, all air-conditioned.
19. Gold Souk
The best place for guests who want to buy wedding jewellery or gifts.
20. Vegetarian and Indian food
Karama and Bur Dubai are full of vegetarian and Indian restaurants, from South Indian breakfasts to Gujarati thalis, which is reassuring for elders who prefer familiar food.
21. Fine dining
Dubai has its own Michelin Guide. Al Mahara at Burj Al Arab, with its floor-to-ceiling aquarium, and restaurants overlooking the Ambassador Lagoon at Atlantis make special-occasion dinners.
Relaxation
22. Spa day
Resort spas such as Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah are ideal for the bride’s family before the wedding.
23. Beach clubs and La Mer
A lazy beach day between functions, with cafés and shallow water for children.
24. Golf
Championship courses like Emirates Golf Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates suit golf-loving guests.
25. Dubai Miracle Garden
Millions of flowers in themed displays. It’s seasonal, usually open from autumn to spring, so check the dates before you plan a visit.
Ready-made free-time plans for your guests
| Free time | Suggested plan |
| Half day (morning) | Abra ride, Gold and Spice Souks, lunch in Bur Dubai |
| Half day (evening) | Burj Khalifa observation deck, Dubai Fountain, dinner in Downtown |
| Full day (families) | Hindu Temple and Gurdwara in Jebel Ali, then Dubai Mall and the Aquarium |
| Full day (Abu Dhabi) | BAPS Hindu Mandir and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque |
| Group activity | Desert safari with a camp dinner, or a private dhow cruise |
| After the wedding | Theme park day for kids, beach club and spa for adults |
Share this table in your guest welcome note, along with your wedding schedule.
Tips for planning guest activities
- Season: outdoor activities work best from October to April. From June to September, stick to malls, Ski Dubai, aquariums and indoor attractions.
- Ramadan: daytime eating in public may be restricted, and some attractions change their hours. In 2027, Ramadan is expected from about 8 February.
- Book in groups: desert safaris, dhow cruises and Burj Khalifa tickets are cheaper and easier as group bookings, so book early.
- Keep it optional: offer two or three outings, and let guests choose. Rested guests enjoy the functions more.
- Transport: arrange group coaches from your wedding hotel for outings, especially for elders.
- Dress: carry a shawl or long sleeves for temple, gurdwara and mosque visits.
For the full wedding timeline, read our Dubai wedding planning checklist. Thinking about where to base your guests? Compare the Dubai wedding destinations.
How Dubai Weddings plans guest experiences
We build guest activities into every wedding we plan:
- group desert safaris and dhow cruises
- temple and gurdwara visits for families
- theme park days for kids
- coach transfers from your wedding hotel
All of it is scheduled around your functions. See our Dubai wedding packages, or how we plan a complete destination wedding in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Dubai for wedding guests?
A desert safari, the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, a dhow or yacht cruise, and an abra ride through old Dubai’s souks. Indian families also enjoy the Hindu Temple and Gurdwara in Jebel Ali, and a day trip to the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.
Is there a Hindu temple in Dubai?
Yes. Dubai’s Hindu Temple in Jebel Ali opened in 2024, next to the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara. The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, also opened in 2024, is about 1.5 hours away.
What can elderly wedding guests do in Dubai?
An abra ride and the souks, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, temple visits, the Dubai Fountain, and air-conditioned malls. Arrange coach transfers and keep outings short.
What can kids do in Dubai during a wedding?
Theme parks at Dubai Parks and Resorts, Ski Dubai, the Dubai Aquarium, water parks like Aquaventure and Wild Wadi, and beach days at La Mer.
When is the best time for a desert safari?
October to April, in the late afternoon and evening. Summer safaris are possible but very hot.
Can a desert safari be part of the wedding?
Yes. Many couples turn a desert safari into a mehendi or sangeet night, with a private camp, Arabian tents, dinner and entertainment for all guests.
Where can vegetarian guests eat in Dubai?
Karama and Bur Dubai have many vegetarian and Indian restaurants. Most hotels also offer vegetarian and Jain menus on request.
