Hey Dubai parents! After all the New Year chaos, this first weekend of 2026 (Jan 3-4) is actually looking pretty calm but with some genuinely interesting things on. Skip the crazy crowds and check out the UCAS & USA Personal Statement Review if you have a teen prepping for uni applications, or head to Dubai Opera on Sunday for the incredible Khalid Abdelrahman concert – maybe for a rare older sibling/date night! We need to keep hunting for those non-touristy gems, so let’s see what’s buzzing locally this time.
Quick Picks
UCAS & USA Personal Statement Review by Top University Students 2026
Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel
A super useful, free workshop for older teens/parents focused on university applications.
The Green Planet
City Walk
Stay dry and explore a real indoor rainforest complete with sloths and piranhas.
Dubai Dolphinarium
Creek Park, Umm Hurair 2
Always a winner with the little ones: see dolphins and seals showing off their skills.
Thomas Anders Live
If you're looking for a grown-up night out this weekend, Thomas Anders (the voice of Modern Talking) is on at the stunning Dubai Opera. The music is timeless pop, and the venue is just gorgeous—definitely snag a sitter for this one.
Why we picked it: A rare international music concert in a world-class local venue perfect for parents needing a night off.
Dubai Miracle Garden
January is peak season for the flowers! This garden is incredible, with massive floral sculptures that look amazing in the cooler weather. It’s very popular, so Saturday morning is your best bet to beat the rush.
Why we picked it: January is the perfect time to see the spectacular floral displays at their best.
Dubai Garden Glow
If you're looking for something magical after sunset, Garden Glow is fantastic, especially the eco-friendly light displays. It’s a great way to end a Saturday night when the temperature finally drops.
Why we picked it: The cool evenings make walking through the illuminated 'glow' exhibits much more comfortable and atmospheric.
Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) Activities
DSF is in full swing, so there will be tons of impromptu family entertainment, street performers, and massive sales across all the major malls this weekend. Grab a coffee, browse the deals, and soak up the festival atmosphere.
Why we picked it: DSF is the perfect excuse to explore the lively, temporarily enhanced atmosphere in the malls.
Motiongate Dubai
If you need a full-day adventure, Motiongate is the Hollywood of the Desert, bringing Shrek and How to Train Your Dragon to life. Good for a range of ages, especially if you hit the Smurf Village for the little ones first.
Why we picked it: A great choice for guaranteed, weather-proof fun in one of the major theme park clusters.
The Green Planet
If we get one of those chilly/rainy mornings, this indoor tropical forest is a fantastic backup plan. It’s genuinely educational, and spotting sloths is always a winner with my lot.
Why we picked it: A fantastic indoor option for a cool or potentially wet early January morning.
Dubai Frame
It's a tourist spot, yes, but the museum component on the ground floor showing Dubai's transformation is genuinely cool for older kids who like history. The glass floor on top is always a thrill.
Why we picked it: Great for grounding kids in local history—a good contrast to the modern theme parks.
UCAS & USA Personal Statement Review by Top University Students 2026
This is genuinely one for the older kids or parents stressing about next year's applications! It’s a free session at the Millennium Plaza where top students will review personal statements for UK/US universities. Super specific and useful—you won't find this on the main tourist sites.
Why we picked it: A surprisingly practical and genuinely free workshop aimed at local teens' future planning.
Khalid Abdelrahman Live
Saudi music icon Khalid Abdelrahman is performing his famous romantic tracks at Dubai Opera. This is a must for Arabic music fans in the community—a brilliant cultural evening right here in town.
Why we picked it: A major cultural event featuring a renowned Arabic artist, perfect for a family night out or date night.
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge
If your teens need to burn off some energy, this major cycling challenge is happening early Sunday morning on the Al Qudra route. It’s a real local endurance event, not just a casual park ride, so it feels special to participate or watch.
Why we picked it: A massive local sporting event that gets the community out early when the weather is perfect.
Dubai Safari Park
It’s prime time for the Safari Park before it gets too hot again. The kids can explore the different zones and learn about wildlife—much more interactive than a standard zoo trip.
Why we picked it: The weather in early January is ideal for exploring this massive, sustainable wildlife park.
Wild Wadi Waterpark
The weather is definitely good enough for a waterpark day now! Wild Wadi is a classic; make sure you hit the wave pool (Breaker’s Bay) and the massive slides if the older kids are up for it.
Why we picked it: Early January offers near-perfect outdoor weather for enjoying a waterpark without the summer scorch.
Legoland Dubai & Water Park
The ultimate park for younger kids where they can actually build and play with Lego bricks on a massive scale. Definitely grab the combo ticket if you want to hit the Water Park too, as the weather is perfect for it.
Why we picked it: Specifically designed for younger children, making it a less overwhelming park option.
Dubai Dolphinarium
A classic, but it never fails with the under-5s! Watching the dolphins and seals is always entertaining, and it's indoors, so we don't have to worry about the sun or any surprise chill.
Why we picked it: A reliably fun, air-conditioned outing that young children absolutely adore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Dubai this weekend?
The best genuinely free activity this weekend (Jan 03-04) is the UCAS & USA Personal Statement Review by Top University Students 2026 on Sunday at the Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel. Also, you can enjoy the general atmosphere and entertainment at the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) areas all weekend for free entry.
What is a good activity if the weather is unexpectedly cold or rainy?
For a guaranteed indoor adventure, check out The Green Planet on Saturday at City Walk, where you can explore a tropical rainforest. Alternatively, the Dubai Dolphinarium is a fully indoor venue perfect for younger kids.
Where can I take my toddler (under 5) this weekend?
The Dubai Dolphinarium is always a safe bet for toddlers on Sunday. For maximum engagement aimed at this age group, plan a trip to Legoland Dubai, which has zones specifically designed for little builders.