From Dubai Miracle Garden’s Seasonal Reopening to Shang Palace’s Xi’an Food Festival.
Dubai: With temperatures gradually dropping and the October school holidays approaching, families across Dubai have plenty of reasons to head outdoors this weekend. Several private schools will remain closed from October 12 to 16, giving students a nine-day break beginning Saturday, October 10.
Adding to the excitement, two of Dubai’s most popular seasonal destinations have reopened their doors. Visitors can also look forward to an Adventure Time-themed experience at the Museum of Candy, a special Xi’an culinary festival and a selection of newly introduced dining experiences across the city.
Here’s a look at some of the exciting activities and attractions to explore in Dubai.
Popular Attractions Reopen for the Season
1. Dubai Miracle Garden Welcomes Visitors for Its 15th Season
Dubai Miracle Garden officially reopened on Thursday, October 8, marking the beginning of its 15th season. Spanning more than 72,000 square metres, the popular attraction features over 150 million flowers arranged into spectacular displays and creative floral installations.
UAE residents can enjoy discounted admission by presenting a valid Emirates ID. Visitors can also purchase a combined ticket for Dubai Miracle Garden and the neighbouring Dubai Butterfly Garden for Dh140. All ticket prices are exclusive of VAT.
Location: Al Barsha South 3, Dubai
Timings: Daily, from 9am to 9pm, with final admission 30 minutes before closing
Ticket Prices: UAE residents pay Dh70 for adults and Dh50 for children. General admission rates are not specified.
2. Dubai Parks and Resorts Reopens Its Theme Parks
Dubai Parks and Resorts welcomed visitors back for the new season on Wednesday, October 7, bringing back a range of thrilling attractions and family-friendly entertainment.
Popular destinations including MOTIONGATE Dubai, Real Madrid World, LEGOLAND Dubai, LEGOLAND Water Park and Riverland have resumed operations.
Football enthusiasts can also look forward to a special announcement at Real Madrid World, where a statue honouring a football legend, whose identity has yet to be revealed, will be unveiled on October 14.
Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts, off Sheikh Zayed Road, near The Outlet Village
Timings:
- MOTIONGATE Dubai: Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 8pm; Friday and Saturday, 11am to 9pm
- Real Madrid World: Sunday to Thursday, 12pm to 9pm; Friday and Saturday, 12pm to 10pm
- LEGOLAND Dubai: Daily, 11am to 8pm
Ticket Prices: Theme park admission starts from Dh295, while entry to Riverland begins at Dh25.
Exciting New Experiences This Weekend
3. Adventure Time Takes Over Dubai’s Museum of Candy
Fans of the popular animated series Adventure Time are in for a treat as Cartoon Network MENA brings a special themed experience to Dubai’s Museum of Candy beginning Saturday, October 10.
Organised to celebrate the launch of Adventure Time: Side Quests, the experience transforms the museum into a colourful world inspired by the Candy Kingdom, home of Princess Bubblegum in the fictional Land of Ooo.
Visitors can explore themed installations, take photographs with displays featuring beloved characters Finn, Jake and Princess Bubblegum, and enjoy personalised Adventure Time merchandise created by an on-site calligrapher.
Limited-edition giveaways will also be available while supplies last.
Location: Museum of Candy, Ground Floor, Sounbulah Building, Umm Hurair Road, Oud Metha
Timings: Starting October 10; Monday to Friday, 11am to 9pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 9pm
Ticket Prices: Dh199 on weekends and Dh96 on weekdays, with a buy-one-get-one offer available.
4. Discover Authentic Xi’an Cuisine at Shang Palace
Food lovers can experience the traditional flavours of China’s Shaanxi province as Shang Palace at Shangri-La Dubai hosts an exclusive eight-day Xi’an Food Festival from October 10 to 17.
The culinary celebration features visiting chef Zhang Zhi Guo, executive chef of Changan Wok at Shangri-La Xi’an, who brings nearly 25 years of experience preparing authentic regional dishes.
Shang Palace, recognised in the Michelin Guide Dubai 2025, will offer a specially curated menu showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Xi’an.
Highlights include Chang’an crispy gourd-shaped chicken, a traditional speciality with roots dating back to the Tang Dynasty, along with biangbiang noodles tossed in chilli oil, Xi’an beef pao mo, a flavourful spiced beef burger and braised mutton.
Guests can complete their dining experience with zenggao, a traditional steamed glutinous rice cake.
Location: Shang Palace, Shangri-La Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road
Dates and Timings: October 10 to 17, during lunch and dinner
Price: À la carte dining
New Dining Experiences Worth Exploring
5. Jun’s Introduces a Personal 10-Course Tasting Experience
Acclaimed chef Kelvin Cheung has unveiled a new 10-course tasting menu at Jun’s in Downtown Dubai, offering diners a culinary journey inspired by memorable moments from his life.
Ranked eighth on the 2026 MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Jun’s combines innovative cooking techniques with personal storytelling.
Each course reflects a meaningful childhood experience, family tradition or cultural influence.
Among the highlights is sourdough focaccia inspired by the deep-dish pizza Cheung enjoyed while growing up in Chicago. Another dish features mapo tofu, recalling the comforting meals his mother frequently prepared.
The menu also includes a dessert made using olive oil sourced from a Palestinian producer.
A complete vegetarian tasting menu is available for guests who prefer plant-based dining. Advance reservations are not required.
Location: Jun’s, Downtown Dubai
Timings: Daily, 12pm to 1am
Price: Dh560 per person for the regular tasting menu and Dh490 per person for the vegetarian option.
6. AMARU Launches Immersive Latin American Tasting Menus
AMARU at Souk Madinat Jumeirah has introduced four specially designed Latin American tasting menus, combining distinctive flavours with an immersive entertainment experience.
The dining concept features 360-degree projection mapping and live DJ performances, creating a lively atmosphere that complements the food.
The AMARU Journey menu includes favourites such as freshly prepared guacamole, beef empanadas and Venezuelan-style short ribs slow-cooked for 36 hours.
Vegetarian diners can enjoy dishes including shiitake anticucho and traditional churros served with dulce de leche.
Guests can choose from four tasting experiences, with prices varying according to the menu selected.
Location: AMARU, Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Timings: Daily, from 6pm
Prices:
- Vegetarian Journey: Dh300 per person
- AMARU Journey: Dh350 per person
- Chef’s Selection: Dh450 per person
- Chef’s Signature: Dh950 per person
A minimum of two guests is required for the Vegetarian Journey and AMARU Journey menus.
7. Enjoy a Saturday Seafood Feast at Ewaan
Seafood enthusiasts can indulge in a lavish Saturday evening buffet at Ewaan, located inside Palace Downtown.
The restaurant offers a selection of seafood dishes in an elegant setting, making it an appealing choice for a relaxed weekend dinner.
Guests can also dine on the restaurant’s outdoor terrace while enjoying picturesque views of the iconic Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.
Location: Ewaan, Palace Downtown, Downtown Dubai
Timings: Every Saturday, from 7pm to 10.30pm
Prices: Dh369 per person, including soft drinks, or Dh499 per person with house beverages.
7. Experience Emirati Afternoon Traditions at Gerbou
Gerbou invites guests to enjoy Fwala, a traditional Emirati afternoon gathering featuring a delicious selection of sweet and savoury treats. The experience is complemented by freshly served Arabic coffee or tea, offering a taste of authentic Emirati hospitality.
Where: Gerbou, Nad Al Sheba When: Daily, 3pm to 6pm Price: Dh195.
8. Unleash Your Creativity with Sip & Paint at Boardwalk
Enjoy a relaxing Sunday evening at Boardwalk, Dubai Creek Resort, with a creative painting session overlooking the scenic Dubai Creek. Whether you’re a beginner or simply looking for a fun activity, no previous painting experience is required.
Where: Boardwalk, Dubai Creek Resort When: Every Sunday, 5pm to 7pm Price: Dh95 per person, including a drink from a selected menu, a canvas and painting supplies.
Exciting Events Coming Later This Month
9. Enjoy Free Fitness and Dance Sessions at The Plaza, Uptown Dubai
Uptown Dubai’s Plaza Season brings a series of complimentary outdoor community activities this October.
On October 15, Bootscoot will host a beginner-friendly line dancing session, welcoming individuals and groups to learn new moves in a lively atmosphere.
Fitness enthusiasts can also join an energising outdoor bootcamp led by the F45 Springs Souk team on October 24.
Where: The Plaza, Uptown Dubai, DMCC, within walking distance of DMCC Metro Station, with complimentary parking When: Line dancing on Thursday, October 15, from 6.30pm to 9pm; F45 Bootcamp on Saturday, October 24, from 8am to 10am Price: Free, with advance registration required at uptowndubai.ae
