Wandio

Start the morning at Burj Khalifa and the adjacent Dubai Mall where the calm of an early December morning makes the glass-and-steel silhouette feel almost intimate; book an early 'At The Top' time slot to watch the city wake up with soft light over the Dubai Fountain, allow time to wander the Dubai Mall's quieter galleries and the Dubai Aquarium viewing tunnel if you want a calm, climate-controlled stop, and keep your camera ready for the skyscraper-lined avenues below. Practical tip: buying your Burj Khalifa timed ticket in advance saves queued minutes, take the Dubai Metro to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station or a short taxi for convenience, and in December you’ll enjoy daytime temperatures around 20–26°C and cool evenings so bring a light layer for sunset. As a solo traveler, linger at a café terrace and strike up conversation—Dubai Mall attracts an international crowd and it’s easy to join others at communal tables or explore temporary exhibitions or seasonal installations that run in December.

In the afternoon drift into Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and the Dubai Museum housed in Al Fahidi Fort to slow the pace into quiet lanes, wind towers and tiny museums that tell the city's pearling and trading past; take a guided walk to hear stories of Emirati life, admire wind-tower architecture, and duck into small art galleries and heritage cafés where you can sip gahwa (Arabic coffee) and meet local artists. Practical note: dress modestly for heritage sites, follow local customs when entering small cultural spaces, and use a taxi or an abra (water taxi) from Dubai Creek for a short, atmospheric crossing that connects Old Dubai to the creekside promenades. This is an ideal time to practice relaxed solo exploration—join a short guided heritage walk or an English-language museum talk to meet like-minded visitors while still enjoying slow, independent wandering.

As the evening cools, climb aboard a traditional wooden dhow for a relaxed Dubai Creek dinner or sunset cruise where lantern-lit decks and a buffet or set dinner create an easy communal atmosphere perfect for solo travelers who enjoy gentle social moments; watch traditional abras glide by, feel the warm deck wood underfoot and enjoy the hush as the creek lights begin to shimmer. Tip: choose a cruise with assigned seating if you prefer quieter companionship or an open seating option if you’re up for conversation; bookings are plentiful in December so reserve a slot that gives you a front-row sunset view. The cruise is an effortless way to end your first day—soft conversation, the smell of spiced rice from the galley and the gentle sway of the dhow make for a restorative evening before an easy walk back to a nearby hotel or a short taxi ride.

Begin the day at La Mer where colorful cafés, shaded cabanas and a long soft-sand stretch invite slow mornings in December’s pleasant temperatures; stroll along the beachfront promenade, try a gentle stand-up paddleboard lesson or simply settle at a shaded lounger and watch kiteboarders off in the distance. Practical tip: La Mer has public facilities and easy taxi access, and a Nol card or contactless payment makes short transfers around the city easier; mornings are quieter for solo travelers who want a calm place to read or meet locals walking dogs or running the promenade. The mood here is informal and friendly—come prepared with a light jacket for evenings and enjoy relaxed solo dining at beach cafés where communal tables make starting a conversation effortless.

After a relaxed morning, head to Palm Jumeirah for a slow, scenic walk along the Crescent boardwalk and a soft-focus viewing of the Atlantis silhouette across the water; take the monorail or a short taxi to the Palm and find quiet vantage points to watch yachts and the city skyline unfold. Because the Palm is spread out, plan your visit so you can pause at a beach club terrace for an afternoon coffee and enjoy the palm-frond geometry from above without rushing; for solo travelers the monorail is a convenient, affordable way to travel and offers good photo opportunities. December light is perfect for mellow photography and late afternoons are ideal to position yourself for a sunset that tints the high-rises and water with copper tones.

In the evening meet other travelers on a shared sunset yacht cruise from Dubai Marina that leaves from the Marina Walk; the calm December sea and cooler air make for a convivial, sociable sail where you can relax on deck, enjoy music and meet people while the skyline slides by. Booking a shared cruise is a lovely solo option—choose a smaller-group cruise for easier conversation and bring a lightweight layer for the sea breeze at sunset; taxis back from the Marina are plentiful and late-night ride-hailing services run reliably. The gentle swell, warm port lights and cooling air create one of those hands-off moments where you can simply watch the city and feel recharged.

Transfer out of the city to Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve where the drive through ochre dunes sets a slow tone and the resort’s low-slung, Arabic-inspired suites and private pools invite an unhurried check-in; settle into a spa treatment or relax on a private deck while watching oryx and gazelles graze in the late afternoon light. Practical tip: the drive from central Dubai is about 45–60 minutes by car—book a resort transfer or taxi in advance—and come prepared with a light jacket for the cooler desert evenings in December when night temperatures can dip toward the high teens Celsius. Evening activities at Al Maha are low-key and communal—join a guided nature drive, a falconry demonstration or a small shared barbecue under the stars, perfect moments to meet other solo guests while soaking up the silence and sky.

Spend the day enjoying slow-paced desert experiences: take a guided conservation drive to learn about the reserve’s flora and fauna, try a short, gentle camel walk or a private 4x4 photo drive timed for golden-hour light, then return to the resort for a signature spa ritual that makes the most of local aromatics and traditional techniques. The resort staff often run small-group nature talks and cultural demonstrations which are pleasant ways for a solo traveler to connect with others while remaining in a relaxed environment; always follow guide instructions when near wildlife and book spa treatments ahead during December when demand rises. Retire to your suite for an unobstructed view of the stars—on clear December nights the sky is crisply visible and the desert silence feels profoundly restful.

Make the scenic drive to Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park and let the world open out beneath you—December’s clear skies offer long vistas over jagged ridgelines and the Gulf, and the viewing platforms are ideal for slow-standing, photography and quiet reflection. There are short, easy walkways around the viewing areas if you want a gentle stretch, and cafés at the visitor plateau where you can sip a warm drink as the light shifts; practical advice: the drive from Dubai is about 1.5 hours, from earlier accommodation in Ras Al Khaimah shorter, and mornings are the calmest time to avoid any weekend traffic. As a relaxed solo activity, linger at the lookout to meet other visitors and share travel stories—Jebel Jais attracts both Emirati families and international visitors who appreciate the slow mountain air in December.

Later return toward the coast for a calm afternoon at Al Marjan Island where broad beaches, low-rise promenades and quiet cafés make for a soothing seaside tempo; stroll along the waterfront, settle at a shaded bench with a book, and watch fishing boats and distant islands drift on a pale-blue sea. Al Marjan’s beaches are less crowded than major city shores and are ideal for solo travelers who want peaceful shoreline time—bring sun protection and a light layer for evening breezes in December. Finish the day with a seaside walk at sunset—the color changes along the shoreline are gentle and restorative, and taxis are easy to call for a short transfer back to your Ras Al Khaimah base.

Begin at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque where soft marble courtyards and enormous columns create a hushed, contemplative space perfect for quiet reflection; arrive early to avoid midday crowds, dress modestly (women should bring a headscarf, abaya rental is available on site) and be prepared to remove shoes in the prayer halls. The mosque’s scale is calming rather than jarring—wander the shaded arcades, admire the chandeliers and the reflective pools, and take advantage of the guided visits conducted in English for cultural context and an easy way to meet other visitors. Practical tip: December temperatures are very comfortable for outdoor walking (roughly 18–24°C), and taxis or prebooked transfers from Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah are straightforward; allow 1.5–2 hours for a thoughtful visit and photography.

In the afternoon move to Qasr Al Watan to explore the palace’s sweeping halls, gardens and the insightful exhibitions on governance and Arabian craftsmanship that are presented with calm and dignity; the palace grounds are peaceful and great for slow wandering with benches and contemplative courtyard spaces. Qasr Al Watan’s exhibitions are structured and quiet—perfect for a solo traveler who enjoys reading plaques and taking time over displays without hurry—and the palace café provides a pleasant, lightly social stop. From Qasr Al Watan you can proceed to the Corniche for a late-afternoon promenade with clear views across the Gulf, or continue on to Louvre Abu Dhabi for a museum-paced end to the day.

Finish with a relaxed visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi where art-filled galleries and the museum’s iconic floating dome create cool, shadowed spaces that are ideal for lingering; explore the permanent collections at your own pace, take advantage of audio guides or join a timed talk to connect with other visitors and deepen your appreciation for the cross-cultural exhibits. Practical advice: book tickets in advance for December evenings when attendance climbs and allow 2–3 hours for a peaceful museum experience followed by a coffee at the museum terrace watching the light through the dome. Abu Dhabi’s public spaces are calm and walkable—taxis are plentiful and ride-hailing services operate reliably for solo travelers moving between sites.

Arrive in Al Ain and begin at Al Ain Oasis where cool, shaded walkways through lofty palm plantations and traditional falaj irrigation channels create an unexpected emerald calm in the desert interior; follow the designated paths, read the interpretive panels about traditional oasis agriculture, and pause at shaded benches to watch sunlight sift through the fronds. Practical tip: Al Ain’s winter days are pleasantly warm and ideal for walking in the late morning or late afternoon, and the oasis is an easy, safe place for solo travelers to move slowly and observe local life. The quiet atmosphere and lack of rush here are restorative—bring water and a hat, and consider a short guided walk if you enjoy meeting local guides who explain the oasis systems and history.

From the oasis stroll to Al Jahili Fort, an imposing mud-brick fortress with shaded courtyards and an exhibition that tells the story of the region’s history and explorers, including a photographic tribute to Wilfred Thesiger; the fort’s calm rooms and museum displays are perfect for a slow, reflective visit. Time your visit to avoid midday sun and enjoy the shaded arcades and small shaded cafés nearby where you can enjoy a quiet lunch in a mostly local setting. For a solo traveler, the fort offers gentle opportunities for conversation with museum staff and fellow visitors without the pressure of formal group tours.

In the late afternoon take the short drive up to Jebel Hafeet and Green Mubazzarah where the mountain road winds to a plateau and natural hot spring picnic area—descend to the Green Mubazzarah terraces for a warm soak or an easy walk among planted palms and shaded picnic spots, then pause at a viewpoint for a broad sunset over the desert plain. Practical advice: the drive from central Al Ain to Jebel Hafeet is about 20–30 minutes; in December the mountain air is cool and clear making sunset views especially crisp. The area has relaxed public facilities and small cafés—enjoy a slow dinner in one of the picnic areas or return to your accommodation feeling rested and grounded.

Travel back to Dubai in the morning and head to Dubai Miracle Garden where whimsical floral sculptures, shaded pathways and scent-filled alcoves feel like stepping into a calmer, highly photogenic world; December is the perfect month for the garden’s displays because the mild weather keeps blooms bright and walkways comfortable for long, unhurried exploration. Practical tip: arrive early to avoid the busiest late-afternoon periods and wear comfortable shoes—Miracle Garden is an excellent solo outing since it invites slow wandering, photography and easy conversations with other visitors admiring the displays. The garden is a restful, joyful place to savor the softer side of UAE leisure and collect a few last memorable photos.

After a midday pause, ease into a late afternoon at Kite Beach with a pleasant walk along the shore, healthy seaside cafés and a coastline popular with joggers and kite surfers; this is a lively yet relaxed social scene where you can join a beach yoga class, rent a stand-up paddleboard for a gentle glide or simply sit and watch the activity go by. Kite Beach is wonderfully solo-friendly—the crowd is largely international and open to conversation, lifeguards and beach amenities make it safe, and December temperatures are perfectly comfortable for beach time. End the daylight hours here and then freshen up for your final evening.

Conclude your UAE stay with an evening at Global Village (open seasonally in December) where national pavilions, cultural performances and street-food stalls create an easy, multicultural festival atmosphere that is excellent for a sociable solo evening; wander at your own pace, sample small bites from different cuisines and catch short performances or cultural shows that are scheduled across the site. Practical advice: Global Village is busiest at night—arrive mid-evening to join the buzz but still maintain a relaxed pace, and use taxis or ride-hailing for the short trip back to your Dubai accommodation. The mix of lights, music and comfortable crowd energy makes this a warm, social send-off that leaves you with a vivid final impression of the UAE’s hospitality in December.