As the scorching sun beats down on the dazzling cityscape, Dubai transforms into a shimmering oasis of cool respite. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time visitor, this vibrant emirate offers a bounty of indoor havens and air-conditioned adventures to help you escape the summer heat. From the verdant tropical paradise of The Green Planet to the adrenaline-pumping thrills of IMG Worlds of Adventure, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Dubai’s summer playground. So, let’s dive in and uncover the top 9 fun activities that will make your Dubai summer unforgettable!
Things to Do in Summer in Dubai
1. Indoor Tropical Paradise: The Green Planet
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The Green Planet is the UAE’s first tropical forest in an enclosed bio-dome, located at City Walk, Dubai. Home to more than 3,000 plants and animals, the bio-dome is separated into four different levels, allowing visitors to learn about the diverse flora and fauna thriving within this engineering and architectural wonder. Open from Sunday to Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM, the Green Planet offers a cool and educational escape from the summer heat in Dubai.
Visitors to the Green Planet can immerse themselves in a lush, tropical environment and explore the various zones, each showcasing a unique ecosystem. From the Aquarium filled with vibrant marine life to the Butterfly Garden teeming with colourful winged creatures, the Green Planet provides a captivating and family-friendly experience for all ages.
In addition to the diverse flora and fauna, the Green Planet also features interactive exhibits and educational programming. Guests can learn about the conservation efforts undertaken to protect the planet’s fragile ecosystems and the importance of preserving biodiversity. With its air-conditioned comfort and engaging activities, the Green Planet is the perfect indoor oasis to beat the Dubai summer heat.
| Attraction | Location | Hours of Operation | Admission Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Green Planet | City Walk, Dubai | Sunday to Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM | Adult: AED 125-135, Child (3-12 years): AED 95 |
Whether you’re seeking a cool and educational escape from the summer heat or a chance to immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world, the Green Planet is a must-visit destination in Dubai. Its unique indoor tropical environment and engaging exhibits make it a truly remarkable and family-friendly attraction.
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2. Winter Wonderland: Ski Dubai
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Ski Dubai is the world’s largest indoor snow park located in the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai. Spanning over 22,500 square meters, this winter wonderland offers a unique and thrilling experience for snow and ski enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and even a penguin show, all while staying cool in the middle of the desert.
The resort is maintained at a chilly temperature of -1 to 2 degrees Celsius, providing a refreshing escape from Dubai’s scorching heat. Ski Dubai is open from Monday to Thursday, 10 AM to 11 PM; Friday, 10 AM to 12 AM; and Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM to 12 AM, allowing visitors to beat the heat and indulge in indoor activities in Dubai during the summer months.
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-time snow enthusiast, Ski Dubai offers a chance to experience the thrill of winter in the heart of the desert. With its well-maintained slopes, state-of-the-art equipment, and entertaining penguin show, Ski Dubai is a must-visit summer attraction for families, outdoor activities enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a cool and unforgettable experience in Dubai.
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3. Mind-Bending Illusions: Museum of Illusions Dubai
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Prepare to have your senses deceived at the Museum of Illusions Dubai, an interactive wonderland that offers a mind-bending experience. Visitors can explore a captivating array of optical illusions and trick art installations, including the mesmerising Vortex Tunnel, where the ground appears to shift beneath their feet, and the captivating Infinity Room, which creates an illusion of endless space.
But the delights of this museum go beyond just visual trickery. The Museum of Illusions Dubai also features a playroom filled with fascinating games and puzzles, providing educational opportunities for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re seeking a cool respite from the summer heat or a captivating challenge for your senses, this museum promises an unforgettable adventure.
The Museum of Illusions Dubai is open from Monday to Thursday, 10 AM to 10 PM, and Friday to Sunday, 10 AM to 11 PM, offering a delightful and refreshing escape from the scorching Dubai summer.
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4. Thrilling Indoor Theme Park: IMG Worlds of Adventure
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IMG Worlds of Adventure is a massive, 1.5 million square-foot indoor theme park in Dubai, featuring four themed areas or “Epic Zones”: Marvel, Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard, and The Lost Valley. The park offers a wide range of thrilling rides and attractions, from roller coasters to haunted house experiences. Visitors can also enjoy themed restaurants in Duabi and skip the queues with the IMG World Of Adventures Fast Track Combo Ticket.
Open from Sunday to Tuesday, 12 PM to 10 PM, and Wednesday to Saturday, 12 PM to 11 PM, IMG Worlds of Adventure provides a cool and exciting escape from the summer heat in Dubai. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly indoor activities or thrilling summer attractions, this massive theme park is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.
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5. Experience Indoor Skydiving: iFly Dubai
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iFly Dubai offers the thrilling experience of indoor skydiving, allowing visitors to feel the rush of skydiving, base-jumping, and bungee jumping in a safe and controlled environment. Even beginners under the age of 18 can participate, as long as they have a signed iFly waiver form and permission from a parent or guardian. Located at WAFI Mall, iFly Dubai is open from Monday to Thursday, 12 PM to 9 PM, and Friday and Sunday, 12 PM to 11 PM, providing a cool and adrenaline-filled activity to beat the summer heat.
Whether you’re seeking an exciting new experience or a refreshing respite from the Dubai summer, iFly Dubai is the perfect destination for indoor skydiving enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Soar through the air in a state-of-the-art wind tunnel, surrounded by the comfort of a climate-controlled environment, and enjoy the exhilaration of free-falling without the risks of outdoor skydiving.
With its convenient location, flexible operating hours, and family-friendly policies, iFly Dubai is an ideal choice for a cool and unforgettable summer activity in the city. Embrace the rush of indoor skydiving and create lasting memories with friends and loved ones, all while escaping the scorching outdoor temperatures.
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6. Immersive Entertainment: Aya Universe
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Aya Universe is a sprawling 40,000 square-foot immersive entertainment park located in Wafi City Mall, Dubai. From the moment visitors enter, they are surrounded by high-tech sound, lights, and graphics, with 12 zones that each tell a different story. This visual, kaleidoscopic, and fully air-conditioned spectacle offers a captivating and immersive experience for visitors looking to escape the summer heat. Aya Universe is open from Sunday to Thursday, 10 AM to 10 PM, and Friday and Saturday, 10 AM to 12 AM, providing a cool and innovative form of entertainment.
The Aya Universe experience is designed to transport visitors to a different world, where they can explore a variety of engaging and educational zones. From the futuristic Aya City to the enchanting Fairy Forest, each area offers a unique and visually stunning environment. Guests can immerse themselves in interactive displays, virtual reality experiences, and captivating multimedia shows, all while enjoying the comfort of the air-conditioned venue.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly day out or a unique date night activity, Aya Universe promises to deliver a truly memorable and immersive entertainment experience in Dubai. With its cutting-edge technology and imaginative storytelling, this indoor attraction provides a refreshing respite from the scorching summer temperatures, making it a must-visit destination for visitors and residents alike.
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7. Rejuvenating Escapes: Contrast Wellness Studio
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Situated on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, Contrast Wellness Studio offers a rejuvenating escape from Dubai’s scorching summer heat. The studio’s signature cold water therapy invites visitors to plunge into a tub of freezing temperatures, ranging from 5 to 7 degrees Celsius. This invigorating experience is designed to soothe pain, reduce inflammation, and boost mood, energy, and sleep – the perfect antidote to the city’s sweltering conditions.
The ice bath experience can be enjoyed either alone or with a friend, providing a unique and refreshing way to beat the Dubai summer. A 30-minute session costs Dhs95, with an additional Dhs65 for an extra person, offering a luxurious and restorative respite from the scorching temperatures. Contrast Wellness Studio’s innovative approach to cold water therapy promises a truly rejuvenating escape for those seeking to make the most of their summer in Dubai.
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8. Indoor Sporting Adventures: Dubai Sports World
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Dubai Sports World is an indoor sporting complex located at the Dubai World Trade Centre, offering a haven for sports enthusiasts during the summer months. The centre features a 545-metre indoor track, allowing visitors to run and exercise in air-conditioned comfort, away from the scorching outdoor heat.
Additionally, Dubai Sports World is home to various sports academies, including the Real Madrid football academy, as well as indoor pitches and courts for activities like padel, pickleball, volleyball, and basketball. Visitors can register on the Dubai Sports World mobile app and pay only for the facilities they use, making it a convenient and cool destination for sports and recreation during the Dubai summer.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Indoor Track | 545-metre track for running and exercise |
| Sports Academies | Includes the Real Madrid football academy |
| Indoor Pitches and Courts | For padel, pickleball, volleyball, and basketball |
| Mobile App | Allows visitors to pay only for the facilities they use |
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9. Cultural Immersion: Jameel Arts Centre
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Jameel Arts Centre is a stunning contemporary art gallery located at Jaddaf Waterfront in Dubai. The light-filled and serene spaces within the building showcase a diverse range of contemporary artworks, providing a peaceful and enriching cultural experience. Visitors can explore the gallery’s exhibitions, which often feature works by Middle Eastern and international artists, all while enjoying the cool and comfortable indoor environment.
Jameel Arts Centre is open from Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 8 PM, with extended hours on Fridays from 12 PM to 9 PM (closed on Tuesdays), offering a free and enlightening escape from the summer heat.
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Conclusion
Dubai’s diverse array of indoor activities and attractions offer a refreshing respite from the scorching summer heat. From the enchanting tropical oasis of The Green Planet to the icy slopes of Ski Dubai, there are endless opportunities to beat the heat and enjoy a cool, captivating experience. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventure, cultural immersion, or simply a moment of rejuvenation, Dubai’s indoor offerings cater to every preference.
By exploring the mind-bending illusions at the Museum of Illusions Dubai, the immersive entertainment at Aya Universe, or the rejuvenating ice baths at Contrast Wellness Studio, visitors can stay cool and engaged during the summer months. For families, the IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Sports World provide a plethora of indoor activities to keep everyone entertained and active.
With its diverse range of indoor attractions, Dubai emerges as a summer destination that seamlessly balances respite from the heat with unforgettable experiences. By embracing the city’s cool, climate-controlled oases, travellers can discover a summer in Dubai that is both refreshing and filled with wonder.
FAQ
What can I do to beat the heat at The Green Planet in Dubai?
The Green Planet is the UAE’s first tropical forest in an enclosed bio-dome, located at City Walk, Dubai. Home to more than 3,000 plants and animals, the bio-dome offers a cool and educational escape from the summer heat, with visitors able to learn about the diverse flora and fauna thriving within this engineering and architectural wonder.
What rides and attractions can I find at IMG Worlds of Adventure?
IMG Worlds of Adventure is a massive, 1.5 million square-foot indoor theme park in Dubai, featuring four themed areas or Epic Zones: Marvel, Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard, and The Lost Valley. The park offers a wide range of thrilling rides and attractions, from roller coasters to haunted house experiences, as well as themed restaurants and the option to skip the queues with the IMG World Of Adventures Fast Track Combo Ticket.
What other cool indoor activities can I enjoy in Dubai during the summer?
In addition to the attractions mentioned, Dubai offers a variety of other exciting indoor activities and experiences to beat the summer heat, including the immersive Aya Universe, the rejuvenating ice bath therapy at Contrast Wellness Studio, the indoor sporting complex at Dubai Sports World, and the peaceful and enriching cultural experience at Jameel Arts Centre.
Disclaimer: The images used in this blog are not owned by Dubai Travel and the copyrights of those images belong to the respective owners only.
