Your personal guide from Rook 🪶
Best tackled before 7:30am — mornings are 17–20°C and beautiful
March mornings are perfect — 17–20°C at sunrise (around 6:15am). By 9am it's already 24°C+. Best window: 5:30am – 7:30am. Bring water, sunscreen, and a cap even for early runs. All beaches have water fountains and facilities.
Soft-surface beachfront track with stunning views of the Burj Al Arab. Flat, well-maintained, and popular with runners. Plenty of cafes and food trucks nearby for a post-run coffee.
The iconic 7km purpose-built running track starting from Umm Suqeim Beach (right under the Burj Al Arab). Runs past Kite Beach all the way to Jumeirah 1. Soft surface, continuous sea views, and a lovely breeze off the Gulf.
Only a short walk or taxi from the Edition! A 6.4km paved loop along the Dubai Canal with great views of the skyline. Well-lit for early mornings and very safe. Less crowded than the beach routes.
Literally right outside the Edition. The wide promenade around Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall is perfect for an easy morning jog or walk. Watch the city wake up with the tower towering above you.
Dubai is deceptively dry — you lose moisture fast even when it doesn't feel that hot. Carry water on any run over 5km. Most beach areas have water fountains and shops. The Careem/Uber ride home is cheap — no shame in running one way and cabbing back!
Walking-friendly spots, culture, food, and hidden gems
Mornings (6–10am): Outdoor activities — running, beach walks, souks
Midday (10am–4pm): Indoor — malls, galleries, spa, museums
Evenings (4–9pm): Outdoor again — sunset walks, dining, markets
Dubai's oldest neighbourhood — narrow walkways, wind-tower architecture, art galleries, cozy cafes, and the Dubai Museum. A world away from the skyscrapers. Perfect for a morning wander.
Dubai's art district in Al Quoz — converted warehouses with galleries, indie cafes, and a creative energy you won't find at the malls. Great for a cooler morning visit. Nightjar does brilliant coffee.
Take an abra (water taxi, AED 1!) across the Creek, then walk through the Gold Souk and Spice Souk. Incredibly atmospheric — the spice souk especially is gorgeous. Go early before the crowds.
The long promenade at Jumeirah Beach Residence — shops, restaurants, stunning Ain Dubai wheel views, and a lovely beach. Brilliant for an evening walk when the sun dips.
Over 150 million flowers arranged into incredible structures — hearts, castles, an Emirates A380 covered in flowers. Walkable, photogenic, and unlike anything else. Open until mid-April.
The giant picture frame — 150m tall with a glass-floor walkway at the top. One side shows old Dubai, the other new Dubai. Great views, especially at sunset. Close to Zabeel Park for a walk.
Seasonal attraction (closing mid-April) — 90+ country pavilions with food, shopping, and entertainment. Each pavilion has its own street food alley. Best visited in the evening when it's cooler and lit up beautifully.
Trendy beachfront area with colourful street art, boutique shops, a cinema, splash park, and loads of restaurants. Very walkable, very photogenic. Good for a relaxed half-day.
From The Dubai Edition (Downtown)
Best option. Both work brilliantly. Careem is the local one (same app quality). Cheap by Dubai standards.
Metered, safe, everywhere. Just flag one down or grab from the hotel. ~AED 30-50 to beach areas.
Burj Khalifa station is close. Great for Dubai Mall, Deira. Not ideal for beaches though.
Dubai Mall, Fountains, Boulevard — all walkable from the Edition. Just avoid midday sun!
• Early morning taxis are instant — no surge pricing, empty roads. A 5:30am taxi to Kite Beach takes 10 min.
• Careem is slightly cheaper than Uber in Dubai most of the time.
• Run one way, cab back — brilliant strategy for beach runs. No need to loop!
• Hotel concierge can book cars for longer days out if needed.
Mix and match — all designed around the heat
Tap to check off as you go!