Guide to walking in Dubai

Dubai is often said to be a very car-focused city but much of it is extremely walkable, helped by the fact that the city is almost completely flat. In fact, going on foot is by far the best way to see Dubai, as it allows you to discover things you’d miss if getting around in a taxi.

When can I walk in Dubai?

The temperature is the biggest factor in being able to enjoy a stroll outside – while not really an option in summer, winter is the best time to be in the open air, and the weather can even get a little chilly in the evenings. It can be possible to wander in the evenings of late spring and early autumn too and, as many areas of the city are at their most interesting after dark, this can be a win-win – just don’t expect to power-walk without working up a sweat.

In summer, it's possible to walk in Dubai provided you’re indoors: this is where the city’s malls come into their own. Indeed, there are dedicated mall-walkers groups who exercise in certain shopping centres before the shops open.

Where can I walk in the city?

It’s possible to get around on foot in most parts of the city. How practical this is can vary, especially depending on whether you’re walking to explore, or as dedicated exercise – for the latter, see below.

In general, the more developed and commercial an area of the city is, the better it will be to walk in. Historic parts of the city in old Dubai such as Bur Dubai, Satwa and Deira are easy to walk around, and on foot you’ll see a lot more of the 'life' of these areas. Newer districts such as Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Dubai Marina have dedicated walking routes and pedestrian paths, so are always a popular choice. In addition, many residential areas are walkable, but may not be as interesting as tourist-friendly hotspots.

What should I take on my walk?

If you are walking during the day, no matter the time of year or location, always take a bottle of water, sunscreen, and preferably a hat or head covering, and sunglasses – even in winter the sun can be very warm if you’re exercising under it for several hours.

Other than that, your phone or a map can be useful, unless you want to get pleasantly lost in an area. And of course, always take your purse or wallet, and any essential papers you need to have with you. 

Where can I walk for exercise?

If you want to get your blood pumping on a walk, it’s best to stick to routes with a well-defined, continuous walking track. While you can exercise in a commercial district, squeezing past cars, people, shop displays and shawarma stands can slow your pace (or even be an unhelpful distraction in the case of the shawarma).

There are great routes to try, from the 11km Palm Jumeirah crescent that offers sights of the famous Atlantis, The Palm along the way, to Dubai Marina Walk's picturesque waterside path and the fascinating Dubai Water Canal, with a 3.2km waterway that has effectively made certain parts of the city into an island. The neighbourhood of Jumeirah also has a continuous 7km track that stretches along Kite Beach, although this is also used by runners.

There are plenty of other great routes too, as well as the aforementioned mall walking clubs for the hotter months (do go before the mall’s shops open, though).

What areas of Dubai can I explore on foot?

Much of old Dubai is best seen while walking, especially the city’s heritage areas such as Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Here’s a great culture-themed walking tour that starts at Al Fahidi and ends on the other side of Dubai Creek, in Deira. Dubai’s traditional souks are for pedestrians only, so walking is absolutely required.

For foodies, why not try a walking tour with Frying Pan Adventures. There are plenty of routes on offer, including founder Arva Ahmed's favourite Rigga Road, home to dozens of great restaurants and cafés. Or for a different side of Dubai’s food scene, try this gourmet foodie itinerary, starting with coffee and art and ending with Michelin-worthy flavours. Another great area for finding new culinary delights is Jumeirah Lakes Towers – dotted around the lakes, in the lower floors of the high-rise towers, are plenty of great independent restaurants that serve everything from authentic Thai to Mexican and beyond.

If you want to take in some of the city's most glittering sights, have a wander around Dubai Marina. You'll get to see the neighbourhood's most impressive sights up close before ending your walk by the sparkling shores of Jumeirah Beach Residence.

Where can I see greenery and wildlife?

Dubai’s many public parks are ideal for a nature-filled walking experience in the city. For example, Safa Park, Zabeel Park, Creek Park, Mushrif Park and Al Mamzar Beach Park are well recommended for a peaceful stroll with dedicated walking and jogging tracks. At least one of them should be in easy reach, no matter where in the city you're staying.

For a wildlife walk you can do yourself, head to Al Qudra Lakes. This artificial oasis on the edge of the desert has become home to more than 100 species of birds, as well as the occasional oryx and antelope in the less busy areas. There are no paved tracks here, but you'll work up a sweat walking on the sands and enjoy incredible views along the way.

And for an even wilder walk, you could head to Hatta and hike the Hajar Mountains or just stroll through charming Hatta Hill Park. Whichever you pick, you’ll see a completely different landscape in Dubai’s rugged exclave.

Want to stay active? Read our essential guides to cycling and running in Dubai.