This Week’s Unexpectedly Cold Winter in Dubai: How We Spent the Day

Dubai winters are usually described as pleasantly cool, but this past week was genuinely cold. The wind was strong, mornings and evenings felt much chillier than expected, and thin layers definitely weren’t enough. Days like this made me realize how important it is to balance outdoor plans with comfortable indoor stops during winter in Dubai.

We started the day in the afternoon with a visit to a hidden café in the desert. This café only opens during the winter season and starts operating from 3 PM, making it more of a late-day destination. It’s about a 30-minute drive from central Dubai, and the moment you arrive, it really feels like you’ve left the city behind.

The setting was beautiful, especially as the sun began to lower. From a distance, it looks exactly like the kind of winter-in-Dubai moment you imagine. In reality, though, the wind was extremely strong, it was much colder than expected, and yes… there was a fair amount of sand involved. Warm outerwear is absolutely essential. Romantic atmosphere aside, the desert winter wind is no joke.

After fully feeling the cold outdoors, our next stop was Global Village. Global Village is one of the most iconic winter-only outdoor attractions in Dubai, and it really comes alive during the season. Walking through different country pavilions, browsing stalls, and trying snacks is always fun.

That said, on particularly windy and cold days like this one, it’s not a place you want to stay for too long. The atmosphere is great, but after a while, cold hands and stiff shoulders make it clear that it’s time to move indoors. On days like this, Global Village works best as a short outdoor stop rather than a long stay.

Naturally, we headed indoors next, and that’s when Arte Museum Dubai felt especially welcoming. Walking into the calm, temperature-controlled space after being outside in the wind was an instant relief. The transition alone made the visit feel even better.

Although Arte Museum Dubai is located inside Dubai Mall, once you step inside, the mall atmosphere completely disappears. The immersive digital art, inspired by nature, fills the entire space and creates a slower, quieter rhythm. On a cold winter day, moving slowly through the exhibitions felt less like sightseeing and more like genuine rest.

After the visit, it was easy to continue straight into Dubai Mall. Being able to stay indoors, enjoy a warm meal, grab coffee, or do some shopping without worrying about the weather made a big difference. On colder days, not having to move between locations is something you really appreciate.

This week reminded me that winter in Dubai isn’t always warm. When temperatures drop more than expected, the most comfortable way to enjoy the city is to mix brief outdoor experiences with longer indoor breaks. Starting with a desert café, getting a taste of winter atmosphere at Global Village, and then warming up at Arte Museum Dubai and Dubai Mall turned out to be a surprisingly well-balanced day.

If you’re visiting Dubai in winter, don’t assume every day will be warm enough for nonstop outdoor plans. On colder, windier days, leaning into indoor spaces can make your experience far more enjoyable — and honestly, much more relaxed.

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