Dubai's Summer Escape: Festivals, Shopping, and Laughter - Your Perfect Sunday in the City

Good morning and welcome to "Things to Do in Dubai" for Sunday, July 27, 2025. Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time or a seasoned resident soaking up summer, we’ve got your perfect Sunday mapped out.Let’s set the scene: Dubai is embracing the heart of its summer, with the pace slowing and the city bathed in a golden, sun-soaked haze. Temperatures are sizzling, but the real Dubai magic happens indoors with cool escapes and relaxed vibes. Air quality remains good and thanks to the school holidays, Dubai is a little quieter, granting you more space in its iconic destinations and chic eateries[2].Here are today’s top events worth penciling in:- The **2025 Global Encounters Festival** kicks off, drawing over 400 athletes and artists from the USA. Head to the specially designed “cube” venue for a blend of sport, art, and innovation[1].- Sports fans have one last chance to catch the **Sandalwood Women’s Celebrity League**, where star athletes from the Kannada film industry compete in a lively showdown of skill and glamour[4].- Experience Dubai’s posh shopping with a twist: stores and cafes across the malls are pleasantly crowd-free thanks to the off-season lull, making it the best time for leisurely luxury shopping and dining[2].- If you’re after laughter tonight, the **Dubay Ultra Lounge** is hosting comedian José Pérez for an evening of comedy and wild tales[7].- For family-friendly fun, many of the acclaimed waterparks and indoor amusements offer cool thrills out of the sun—test your nerves on a water slide or aim for the winner’s podium at an indoor karting track[3].On the news front, **Dubai’s culinary scene is buzzing**: previously tough-to-book hotspots like Gaia and LPM have availability for walk-ins, meaning you can sample Michelin-star flavors without the usual wait[2]. The city launched a new initiative, the **Dubai Mallathon**, encouraging everyone to get active and explore the air-conditioned stretches of the world’s largest mall—a must for families and fitness enthusiasts alike[8]. Recent transit upgrades mean the metro is running smoothly, but give yourself extra time if driving, since summer brings a wave of urban improvements and roadworks across main junctions[2].Some must-dos for today: - Brave the heights at the Burj Khalifa’s observation decks for spectacular, haze-washed views.- Take the local’s summer refuge and lounge by a peaceful pool—off-season means no crowds and ultimate relaxation[2].- Discover old Dubai: the Al Fahidi neighborhood’s winding alleys and cafés offer a compelling contrast to the city’s glossy modernity[6][9].- Savor an evening stroll by Dubai Marina or along the Creek, where sunset paints the skyline in unbeatable hues.Local tip: Dubai’s malls aren’t just for shopping—they’re home to quirky interactive experiences, world-class art installations, and even indoor skiing. Treat them as micro-cities, and you’ll always find something unexpected to explore[2][6].Did you know? Dubai’s metro is fully automated and driverless, connecting major sights from the airport to the southern reaches of the city. It’s both efficient and a great way for first-time visitors to get their bearings.Stay tuned for tomorrow’s guide, where we’ll preview upcoming art exhibits, trendy pop-up markets, and Dubai’s top summer dining deals. Until then, enjoy your Dubai adventure!This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI