In Dubai, 190 venues open late into the night, while in the Capital, 62 late-night venues remain open, and also scoring lower pollution rating

Dubai has been ranked the third most scenic city in the world at night, while Abu Dhabi secured the 12th spot, according to a study by UK-based travel agency Travelbag.

The report highlights the growing appeal of nighttime tourism and positions both UAE cities as global leaders in beauty and safety after dark.

Both cities earned high marks for safety. Abu Dhabi was named the safest city in the world to explore at night, while Dubai ranked among the top three.

The study also explored nightlife offerings and urban environment quality. Dubai boasts 190 venues open late into the night, with a noise and light pollution score of 52.58 out of 100. Abu Dhabi, with 62 late-night venues, scored a slightly lower pollution rating of 47.

The study reflects a broader trend in global travel: the rise of “noctourism” — a term used to describe travel experiences that take place after sunset.

According to Booking.com, nighttime travel is expected to be one of the top travel trends in 2025. This includes activities such as stargazing and attending cosmic events in low-light areas, catering to travellers seeking unique experiences under the stars.

Night attractions

In Dubai, many touristic excursions involve sightseeing in the city exclusively at night. Because the day can sometimes get too hot, many travel agencies offer night tours for tourists to catch a glimpse of the well-lit city. Additionally, Dubai also has many late-night desert safaris. Travelbag noted an increase in these night safaris, with searches for them jumping by 22 per cent.

Because the sun can be quite intense during the summer, the Dubai Municipality has introduced the concept of “night swimming” at three of its public beaches, recognising the importance of extending these hours beyond daylight, as the afternoons can become too hot.

Source: Khaleej Time

Published: 3 July 2025