BackThere’s no denying that Dubai summers are sweltering, and if you’re an expat a lot of the normal summer holiday activities are firmly off the table! In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the best activities for families and groups to keep you occupied and entertained.
Best Indoor Things To Do in Dubai - Indoor Activities You Must Try
| 1. Infinity Des Lumieres | 2. Sports World (DWTC) | 3. Green Planet |
| 4. Escape Reality | 5. Ski Dubai | 6. Cafe Ceramique |
1. Infinity Des Lumieres
Located in Dubai Mall, near Galleries Lafayette, Infinity Des Lumieres is a collaboration between Infinity Art (Dubai) and Culturespace Digital Network (Paris), with support from Barco Technologies and Dubai Culture.
It is an immersive art experience in three parts - the Van Gogh story, Dreamed Japan and Verse - a “metaphysical journey demonstrating the magical beauty and harmonious movement of the cosmos”. The exhibition was created with the desire to “make art accessible and inspirational to every-one by transforming the traditional way of viewing, perceiving and understanding it”.
Guests can take in 3000 HD digital moving images, shown by 130 projectors and enhanced by music played through 58 speakers around the 2,700 sqm venue and the shows are on a constant loop. Tickets are timed for entry, but visitors are strongly encouraged to take their time in the exhibit - it’s very easy to lose an hour or two enjoying the spectacle!
Prices start at AED 125pp and you can book your tickets online - once you’re finished with the show make sure to stop at the boutique on your way out.
2. Sports World (DWTC)
A staple summer pop-up, Sports World takes over Zabeel Halls 4, 5 and 6 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) every year. This year, it’s open from 29th June until 22nd September, offering a variety of sports activities over 15,000 sqm.
There are 5 football pitches, 9 badminton courts, 1 cricket pitch and 2 tennis courts to name just a few, with 10 academies offering structured camps and classes for children. Adults can book slots online, with activity prices starting at AED 10 per hour - due to COVID regulations only some sports are offering equipment rental, whilst others require that you bring your own - this is clearly set out in the booking system. There is also a mandatory check-in via the Sports World app, 15 minutes before your slot is due to start.
Spectators are not permitted, but if you do need to stay close there are two cafes within DWTC. Sports World is a great way to keep active over the summer, when it’s simply too hot to be outside - the variety of sports and associated facilities is why the event runs year after year, ably supported by Dubai Sports Council.
3. Green Planet
Home to 3000 plants and animals, Green Planet is a four-storey biodome representing canopy, midstory, forest floor and flooded rainforest habitats. Guests are encouraged to take their time, working from the top floor down, with lots of great selfie spots along the way. As well as tropical birds, sloths and creepy crawlies you’ll also encounter keepers who are happy to share their extensive knowledge and answer any questions you might have.
If a standard walk-through isn’t enough for you, Green Planet also offers a variety of experiences including “keeper for a day” where you can go behind the scenes to learn more about the conservation projects the exhibit is part of. For the ultimate rainforest experience, you can camp overnight in the biodome - prices start at AED 700pp. Thankfully, standard tickets are not as expensive - you can buy them online for AED 89pp, or at the gate for AED 120pp.
4. Escape Reality
Escape rooms have had a surge in popularity over the past couple of years, with various outlets springing up across Dubai. One of the most popular is Escape Reality, on Sheikh Zayed Road (near the FAB metro station). Open from 14:00 - 23:00 Saturday - Wednesday and 14:00 - 00:00 Thursday and Friday, tickets start at AED 100pp (for a group of 6).
Escape Reality has 8 different rooms, all with an individual theme and set skill level. The options include everything from fantasy to horror and whilst the rooms are open to all ages, some may need adult supervision. You can exit at any time if you feel uncomfortable. The rules are simple; assemble your team of 2-6 people and choose your room. You will be briefed before entering the room - listen closely as you may get clues! When you enter the room, search everywhere and communicate but don’t overcomplicate - sometimes the answer is right in front of you - but most importantly, have fun!
5. Ski Dubai
A Dubai institution that needs very little introduction, Ski Dubai has a multitude of activities to keep everyone busy from the young to the young at heart.
Their ‘Daycation’ pass is great value at AED 285pp and includes all-day access to the snow park and its rides, along with an ‘experience’ - you can choose a one hour ski or snowboard lesson, or a penguin encounter. You also get a signature hot chocolate to help warm you up after your fun in the snow.
If skiing, snowboarding or penguins aren’t your thing then check out their snow cinema - a fabulous cozy experience where you can snuggle up under a blanket, in front of your own personal heater and enjoy all the latest blockbuster films. Tickets are AED 200 for two people and include all the warm clothes you could need, plus a bag of popcorn and a hot chocolate. You can order additional food directly to your seat.
6. Cafe Ceramique
Part cafe, part studio, Cafe Ceramique is a “home away from home, where the artist in all of us is given free rein to paint beautiful, individual works of art”. There is a wide range of ceramics available to paint, with prices starting at AED 70 - paints and brushes are included. When you’re done with your masterpiece, simply pay up and leave it - the team will glaze and fire it, then you can collect it within around 10 days. If you have a child celebrating a birthday over the summer holidays, check out their party room where young artists can let their creativity run wild.
If you need something to fuel your inspiration, turn to the cafe menu - breakfasts, soups, light bites and sandwiches are just some of the options and having put their menu to the test we’re happy to give it our seal of approval - try the chocolate milkshake!
Dubai has so much to offer residents and tourists, with leisure and entertainment to sort all tastes and budgets as well as an excellent selection of some of the world’s finest properties. Our Private Client Advisors are specialists in their areas and can advise on both purchase and rental so please contact us today to discuss your requirements.