It’s that time, when days lying at the beach are getting too hot, let alone doing an activity out in the open.
So come inside, into the delightful embrace of air conditioning, and check out some of the best indoor attractions in Dubai.
Luckily, Dubai is packed with attractions you can visit that won’t induce sun-stroke. In fact many of these attractions are in darkness, from the wonders of AYA Universe to stepping inside a video game at Chaos Karts.
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So fear not, we’ve got suggestions for all of your upcoming excursions where there’s no need to break a sweat.
AYA Universe
Best for: Big dreamers who want to reach for the stars.
The interactive exhibition is a tour through 12 different zones, all of which invite you to open your eyes to the cosmos. The only one of its kind in Dubai, you can enjoy each room as you experience the wonders of the universe . Think giant galaxy ball pit, running through the rain, and a spot to lie down and look up at the stars.
You might have only gone to Wafi City, but you’ll feel in a whole other world at AYA.
Dhs135. Sun-Thurs 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. AYA, Wafi City, Oud Metha, aya-universe.com (04 542 0300).
Boom Battle Bar
Best for: The friend that’s awful at planning anything.
Get ready to spend hours in here. Perfect for the indecisive, Boom Battle bar has it all. Start off your visit with a spot of augmented reality axe-throwing, before a quick round of crazy golf. If you’re still feeling competitive, try your hand at shuffleboard, and why not make the loser give everyone a quick rendition of something in one of the karaoke booths.
Over 21s only. Sun-Thurs 4pm-1am, Fri-Sat 4pm-2am. DoubleTree by Hilton, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina, boombattlebar.com (04 585 7357).
Chaos Karts
Best for: The gamers that grew up playing Mario Kart.
Step inside one of your childhood video games and take a lap of the track at Chaos Karts. Designed with augmented reality, drivers will need to dodge virtual obstacles as they try to get the fastest time.
The second of its kind in the world, the experience will trick you into thinking you’ve fallen into a real-life playout of Mario Kart. Kitted-out with simulators in each kart, the newly opened racecourse is a must-try in Dubai.
From Dhs140, over 9yrs only. Mon-Thurs 1pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight, Sun 11am-11pm. Chaos Karts UAE, Al Quoz, chaoskarts.ae (04 328 7571).
Dubai Aquarium
Best for: The kids obsessed with Finding Nemo.
Dive under the sea at the aquarium in Dubai Mall, where you can check out over 140 different species of sea creatures, big and small. If you’re not afraid of a dorsal fin, why not jump in the tank and take a shark dive alongside a professional guide. If you would rather stay dry, take a stroll through the underwater tunnel, or take the little ones for an otter or penguin encounter instead.
From Dhs199. Mon-Fri 10am-11pm, Sat-Sun 10am-midnight. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, thedubaiaquarium.com (800 3822 6255).
Dubai Frame
Best for: Anyone who doesn’t have a fear of heights.
One of the most interesting queues for a lift you’ve ever seen. As you wait to be taken up, learn about the history of Dubai and the vision that saw the city become the metropolis it is today. Once you’re 150 metres up, admire both old and new Dubai, and take some brave steps over the all-glass walkway.
Grab a coffee at the top as you admire the scenery inside one the city’s coolest sky-high additions.
From Dhs50 (adult), Dhs20 (child). Open daily 9am-9pm. Zabeel Park, Al Kifaf, dubaiframe.ae (800 900).
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Best for: Die-hard Marvel fans.
The largest indoor theme park in Dubai has six different zones, so prepare to spend the entire day here. Marvel-lovers can meet their favourite heroes in person, as well as be flung around on the Hulk Epsilon rollercoaster as many times as they please. Featuring attractions for the whole family, other zones include the Cartoon Network, a Haunted Hotel and the IMG Kids Zone.
General admission from Dhs365. Sun-Thurs noon-10pm, Fri-Sat noon-11pm. City of Arabia, imgworlds.com (04 403 8888).
La Perle
Best for: Acrobat-fanatics who want to see something special.
The only permanent show in Dubai, it is well worth a visit.
The performance will leave you unsure where to look as the stage floods with water in one direction, and the cast show off incredible stunts in the other.
There are lots of ways to enjoy the show, from an earlier performance with the family to a luxurious dinner and show experience if you’re searching for a full evening bonanza.
Prices vary. Wed-Sat 6.30pm-8pm and 9pm-10.30pm, Sun 4pm-5.30pm & 6.30pm-8pm. Al Habtoor City, laperle.com (04 437 0001).
Madame Tussauds
Best for: Your best mate who’s destined for the red carpet.
It’s time to get up close to some of your favourite celebs and snap a selfie with the stars – well, close enough. Take a tour through the world-famous waxwork museum, with both local faces and international superstars posing inside. Visitors heading down during the summer months will even be treated to an appearance from Chris Hemsworth (the wax version) – what more convincing do you need?
From Dhs115. Sun-Thurs noon-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm, Bluewaters Island, madametussauds.com (04 873 3042).
Museum of Illusions
Best for: Instagram-addicts eager for a good pic.
Want to confuse everyone you know? Make sure to post some photos of your trip to the Museum of Illusions – think floating heads, spinning upside down, and lots more. Letting you interact with each of the different exhibits, we recommend taking a deep breath before you enter the vortex tunnel. Open to the whole family, try something a bit different and head down to the Al Seef attraction.
From Dhs90 (adult), Dhs65 (child). Mon-Thurs 10am-10pm, Fri-Sun 10am-11pm. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Al Seef, museumofillusions.ae (04 357 3999).
Smash Room
Best for: The friend who’s having a stressful week.
Crash, bang, wallop your way through an afternoon and release some of that pent up anger by smashing something to pieces. Designed to be broken, the room is filled with electronics, glass and fragile objects that you can destroy at leisure. Once your rage is over, all of the debris is recycled, and replaced, so it’s therapeutic for you and kind on the environment.
From Dhs69. Mon-Thurs 12.30pm-10pm, Fri-Sun 12.30pm-11pm. 195 Umm Suqeim St, Al Quoz 4, thesmashroom.com (04 339 7810).
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