Planning an incredible Dubai hen do (or Bachelorette party if you’re from the US)?
I recently got back from celebrating a friend’s hen party in this sensational city and am ready to share all the tips and tricks for an iconic weekend to remember.
Dubai is possibly one of the best locations in the world for a hen weekend or bachelorette party. With year-round sunshine, dreamy beach clubs, and some of the most world-famous brunch parties, this is the perfect choice for a wild (yet classy!) hen do abroad.
Hosting a hen do in Dubai gives all your guests the chance to tick this once-in-a-lifetime destination off their bucket list, while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere the city is known for.
Whether you and your gang love to shop, sip cocktails on the beach, or dance the night away, there’s something for every bachelorette party style.
And if you’re an expat living in the city, this guide should still give you some fantastic Dubai hen do ideas – whether you’re planning a one-day event or a whole weekend itinerary.
Below you can find the itinerary we followed for my friend’s Dubai hen do, plus details on all of the activities, bars and restaurants in more detail, complete with approximate costs and links to book.
You’ll also find other activities I think would be a great fit for a Dubai hen weekend, and top tips for a smooth and stress-free celebration.
Dubai Hen Weekend: at a Glance
Where to Stay:
St Regis the Palm: Ideal location, luxe atmosphere.
FIVE Palm Jumeirah: Non-stop party vibes.
DAMAC Maison: Budget-friendly downtown aparthotel.
Best Time to Go: Anytime between October – April to avoid the searing heat of summer.
Don’t Miss: Sipping cocktails at the world’s highest 360 infinity pool, dancing in the sand at Surf Club, taking a marina yacht cruise and racing dune buggies in the desert!
What’s the Weather Like: Dry, hot and sunny, year-round. Average daily highs of 40°C / 77°F in summer, dropping to around 25°C / 77°F in winter, with cooler nights between December and March.
Top Tip: Some of the popular places, such as Aura Skypool, will need booking several months in advance, especially if you are a large group.
Dubai Hen Do Itinerary Ideas
Below is a quick outline of a Dubai hen weekend itinerary that you can follow, or pick and choose the things you like the sound of! Further on you’ll find more details for everything listed here including approximate costs and links to book (where applicable).
Friday
Morning at leisure/arrival
Pizzas and games at your accommodation
Dancing on the beach at Surf Club
Saturday
Shopping & sightseeing at Dubai Mall
Spend the afternoon at a beach club
Dinner at Amazonico
Drinks and dancing at Clap
Sunday
Spend the day at Kite or Jumeirah Beach
Quad biking/dune buggy in the desert for sunset
Dinner, drinks and dancing at OPA
Monday
Brunch at Zuma
Evening in Global Village
Dubai Hen Party Ideas & Activities
Here are a few ideas for your Dubai Hen party:
- Aura Skypool
- Quad Biking/Dune Buggy in the Desert
- Marina Yacht Cruise
- Beach Clubs
- Global Village
- Atlantis Aquapark
- Dubai Mall & Fountains
- Burj Khalifa
- Public Beach Day
- Old Dubai Souks
- Jet Ski Tour
More details, approximate costs, and links to book (where required) can be found below!
Aura Skypool
Approx 400AED / £85 pp – not including food or drinks.
This is one of the most iconic things to do in Dubai, bachelorette party or not. Perched on the 50th floor with a panoramic infinity pool, Aura is a sensational spot for a swim in the sky.
I recommend going there for the sunset slot (3pm-7pm). You have to book your beds well in advance, and while not cheap, I do think this experience is worth it!
You’ll never see a view quite like this, and it’s definitely a fun atmosphere for a hen party. There are low-key DJ tunes, a delicious menu of cocktails and yummy bites to eat, all brought directly to your bed. Our servers even came over to top up our sangria while we were in the pool! Overall, a 10/10 experience.
Quad Biking/Dune Buggy in the Desert
Approx £99pp
If you want those gorgeous photos of you and your girl gang in the desert, then a quad biking or dune buggy adventure is a must. It’s so much fun roaring over the sand dunes and adds something a little different to a Dubai hen weekend.
We loved getting to see the desert because it’s such a contrast from the shimmering skyscrapers of the city, and really makes you feel like you’ve seen the ‘real’ Dubai.
This tour includes transport to and from the place where the dune buggying takes place. You can also add extras like a visit to a Bedouin camp, a BBQ dinner, sandboarding, live shows, or a private transfer.
Private Marina Yacht Cruise
From £21pp for a 2-hour cruise
Get the full luxury treatment when you choose to add a Marina yacht cruise to your Dubai hen do itinerary.
A great way to see the unique cityscapes from the comfort of a private liner, which comes complete with a licensed captain and crew, a quality sound system, and even coolers and ice so you can bring your own beverages aboard.
Surprisingly affordable, this is definitely one of the best Dubai hen do ideas for those who are looking for a high-class experience without the sky-high price tag.
You can rent this stunning 42-foot yacht for just £21 per person for two hours (for a group of 10).
Book your private yacht cruise here.
Beach Clubs
From £20pp – not including food or drinks.
One of the main draws of Dubai is its world-class selection of beach clubs. With aesthetics on-point, famous DJs on the decks and often preferential rates for female-only groups, it’s the perfect place for a Dubai hen do.
There are so many to choose from and new ones opening every year, so have a look and see which one takes your fancy. The Dubai beach clubs often have special events with show-stopping acts and themed parties, so be sure to check their calendar of events before you book.
We loved Twiggy for more of a chilled vibe, across the creek from Downtown Dubai. But if you prefer to be in the heart of the action, Kyma is a stunning spot on the Palm with swoon-worthy Insta backdrops.
For more of a wild party vibe, FIVE is a popular hotel, beach and pool club with regular events and preferential rates for ladies.
Global Village
Approx £8pp
This vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment complex leans into the multi-cultural spirit of Dubai. It’s kind of like a grown-up version of Disney’s Epcot, showcasing street food cuisine from around the world, captivating stunts and street performers, and even a floating market.
If you feel like organising a more chilled evening away from the exclusive clubs and restaurants, Global Village has a little something for everyone.
Book tickets (with optional transport) to Global Village here.
Atlantis Aquapark
Approx £67pp
For brides who are big kids at heart, the Atlantis Aquapark makes for a fun day out at one of the city’s most famous hotels. Experience the thrill of hurtling through the aquarium, or nurse hangovers on the lazy river, the choice is yours!
Book entry tickets for Atlantis Aquapark here.
Dubai Mall, Fountains & Burj Khalifa
Dubai Mall & the Fountains, Free.
Approx £37pp to go up the Burj Khalifa
You can’t visit Dubai without stopping by the iconic Mall, fountains and Burj Khalifa.
Located in the heart of downtown, I thoroughly recommend scheduling a visit at some point during your Dubai hen do itinerary, whether it’s just to see the fountains at sunset, ascend to the observation deck on the 125th floor, or indulge in some retail therapy in the world’s largest mall.
The mall is a great activity to plan for a morning when you may be in need of a little air-con and something tasty to eat. The mall is home to hundreds of restaurants from all over the world, including everything from your favourite fast-food chains to elegant brunch spots and more.
You can also simply stroll around and take in some of the incredible installations, from the breathtaking aquarium wall to the divers water fountain.
Meanwhile, the famous fountains put on a display every 30 minutes or so, which looks especially striking at dusk or after dark. There are lots of bars and restaurants you can book to enjoy the show with a glass in hand.
Book tickets to the Burj Khalifa observation deck here.
Beach Day
Free
Many people are surprised to learn you don’t have to book a bed at a fancy beach club to get your vitamin sea in Dubai.
If you’re on a budget or just looking for something a bit more chilled to break up the non-stop partying, there are multiple public beaches in Dubai where you can head to work on those tans.
We loved Kite Beach because it has a chilled vibe and loads of options for food and drink with an international food court right behind the beach. You can grab everything from Oakberry acai bowls to Cinnabon coffees.
Jumeirah Beach is another popular public beach that’s ideally located by the Palm and the Marina. There are also sunbeds and parasols for rental here at the various beach clubs and restaurants.
Old Dubai Souks
Free
A visit to ‘old Dubai’ and the souks is perfect for brides who love soaking up the local culture and haggling in the market for bargains. The souks can be a bit intimidating for female-only groups at first so I recommend booking a guided tour if you plan to visit.
If you really want a dose of show-stopping culture during your Dubai hen weekend, you could even schedule in a visit to the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, which is just over an hour and a half away.
Book a trip to Abu Dhabi Mosque here.
Jet Ski Tour
From £60pp
Have a group that loves to get their adrenaline pumping? A jet ski tour to see some of the famous sights of city is a fantastic option to get wet and wild while getting your iconic Dubai hen do photos.
This tour includes a 30-minute guided ride to the famous Burj al Arab along with complimentary photos and videos. It leaves from a convenient location by Jumierah Beach.
Bars and Restaurants for a Bachelorette Party in Dubai
To be honest, there are so many beautiful bars and restaurants in Dubai that are perfect for a bachelorette party, it’s hard to choose the best. But below you can find some that we personally visited and loved!
Opa
££££
OPA is that famous Mamma Mia-themed restaurant you’ve seen in all the TikToks and Instagram reels, where smashing plates is not only allowed but encouraged.
In a central location in the Trade Centre, this restaurant offers the whole package, from to-die-for Greek mezze to gorgeous cocktails and a raucous, napkin-waving after-party.
A smashing good time for everyone involved. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Amazónico
££££
Amazónico is a Latin American fusion restaurant with an elevated vibe, based in the DIFC district of the city with sweeping skyscraper views.
Once you’ve had your fill of sushi and Peruvian bites, head to the Paraíso Rooftop Club for a hedonistic evening in the concrete jungle.
Clap
££££
Located right by Amazónico, Clap is another stunning restaurant-cum-club with a cool, speakeasy terrace, tucked away from the main restaurant.
Book a table first for mouthwatering Japanese bites (get the crispy rice avocado!), before heading through the secret door to the terrace dancefloor, and enjoy DJ beats under the stars until the early hours.
Surf Club
££££
If you want to dance the night (or day) away with your toes in the sand, Surf Club is the place to be. This stunning beach club located on the trunk of the Jumeirah palm is the perfect place for a party, day or night.
We went for a special event when the DJ Blondish was playing and couldn’t get enough of the impeccable vibes.
Zuma
££££
One of the most iconic brunch spots in the city, Zuma is perfect for a Dubai hen do.
This exclusive Japanese restaurant offers a ‘Baikingu’ bottomless brunch with fresh oysters on arrival, sushi and robata counters, a sommelier’s selection of wines, beers, prosecco and sake, as well as the option to just have soft drinks or upgrade to champagne.
Nobu
££££
Nobu is a famous, elevated chain of Asian fusion bars, restaurants and beach clubs, all located on the famous Jumeirah palm. Perfect for foodie brides and luxe lovers alike!
Bagatelle
£££
For a little taste of the French Riviera, you can’t go wrong with the famous Bagatelle. Complete with roving saxophonists and sumptuous Mediterranean cuisine, this trendy restaurant slowly transforms into a club as the evening wears on.
Ladies night on a Sunday means free-flowing fizz for girl-only groups!
Asia Asia
£££
Asia Asia is another stylish spot with two branches, one in the business bay and the other located by the Marina.
On Saturdays, the Business Bay branch offers a Ladies’ Day deal including a three-course meal paired with three drinks for just (AED250) £52, with the same deal at the Marina on a Tuesday!
Where to stay for a Dubai Hen Do
We stayed at DAMAC Maison in the downtown district purely because it was close to a friend who lives out there. However, the studio-style suites offered everything we needed, with kitchen facilities for those lazy breakfasts and a living area for drinks and games.
This accommodation is located near the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and some fantastic restaurants like OPA, Amazonico and Clap, but is further away from the beach clubs of the Palm.
See rates and availability here.
If you want to be closer to the beach, many tourists choose to stay on the Palm or in the Dubai Marina area instead. For a Dubai hen do, I would recommend the following hotels:
St Regis the Palm: This luxury, five-star hotel is located right in the heart of the Palm and the same building as Aura Skypool. It also has a private pool for residents, and complimentary beach beds at Kyma with a free shuttle to take you there.
FIVE Palm Jumeirah: FIVE is the place to be if you want your Dubai Bachelorette party to be heavy on the ‘party’. This sprawling hotel complex is known for its wild pool parties and electric atmosphere, with everything from private karaoke to international DJs on offer. Don’t miss Secret Ladies’ Day at Praia!
La Vie JBR: A cost-effective choice in the Marina with stylish apartments sleeping up to four each, and stunning beach views! Ideal if you want the space and privacy of apartments with the amenities of a hotel (like a beautiful pool area and direct beach access!).
Getting to Dubai for a Hen Weekend
Unless you’re living in the UAE already, you’ll most likely need to fly into Dubai. As a major transport hub for the Middle East and a popular connecting airport for long-haul destinations like Australia, flights are plentiful and not too expensive, depending on when you decide to go.
We flew with Emirates from our local regional airport in the UK and the flights cost around £500pp for economy-class seats.
From the airport, the best thing to do is to jump in a taxi or organise a transfer for your group directly to your accommodation.
Getting Around Dubai with a Bachelorette Party
Dubai is a large city which can feel quite spread out at times, and while there is a metro, we found it easier to use taxis. This is particularly true if you have a large group!
The best taxis to use are the Dubai taxis which are beige with a taxi sign on top. Private taxis (often a Lexus or Tesla) can be twice the cost, whereas Dubai taxis run on the meter. You can also use ride-sharing apps such as Uber or Careem.
If you’re going up the Palm (to visit the Atlantis waterpark, or Nobu, for example) I do recommend jumping on the monorail to avoid the bottleneck traffic up the ‘trunk’ of the palm. The monorail is super fast, clean and modern and offers bonus views of the Palm. Just ask your taxi driver to drop you at the Palm Gateway.
We also used the Careem electric bikes one day to ride to the beach which was really fun! You just need to download the app to use them, but be aware that you will need mobile data to unlock the bikes at the stations.
A Checklist of Dubai Hen Do Accessories
Here are a few Dubai hen do accessories I recommend to make the photos extra special and give everyone a little memento of the weekend!
- A white cowboy hat for the bride
- Pink or black cowboy hats for the hens
- Hen party goodie bags
- Hen party hangover kits
- Hen party games
- Personalised fans
Dubai Hen Weekend: Top Tips and Final Thoughts
Dubai is a big, sprawling city and hen parties can often get merry. At the risk of sounding like your Mom, try to stick together as a group and look out for one another!
- Dubai is very westernised these days but there are some places you should still be respectful of the local culture and cover your knees and shoulders. This includes mosques and religious buildings as well as the souqs and old Dubai.
- Many of the most exclusive bars and restaurants have a dress code and it’s common to dress up when you’re heading out, so don’t forget to pack your heels!
- Popular places like Aura Skypool need booking several months in advance.
- Print off an itinerary for everyone and pop it in the goodie bags. If anyone wants to skip an activity for any reason, they can always meet you at the next stop!
- Use Splitwise to keep track of restaurant, taxi, and drink costs.
- Make the most of Ladies’ nights for incredible packages (and sometimes free!) deals on drinks and meals.
- As you probably know, the UAE has a zero-tolerance policy on drugs. Just don’t even go there!
I hope this guide has given you a few interesting Dubai hen party ideas, but if you have any other planning questions, feel free to fire away in the comments!
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