While rain in Dubai may be infrequent, it certainly can disrupt outdoor plans. Fortunately, the city is brimming with vibrant indoor activities that can keep you entertained, from thrilling trampoline parks to creative art studios.

1. Admire Marine Life at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

If you’re looking for an enchanting experience when the rain pours, head to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo located in The Dubai Mall. Here, you can marvel at a diverse array of marine creatures before indulging in some shopping or enjoying a meal. It’s the perfect way to turn a rainy day into an adventure.

Entry from Dhs199. The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai (800 3822 46255).

2. Bounce Around at Bounce

Embrace your inner child at Bounce, an exhilarating indoor trampoline park that promises fun and fitness. With locations in Al Quoz and Al Ain, you can flip, jump, and even leap vertically up walls! The park also offers parkour-style activities to challenge your balance and agility.

Entry from Dhs55. Al Quoz and Al Ain, bounce.ae (04 321 1400).

3. Catch a Movie at the Largest Cinema Screen in the Middle East

When the skies are gloomy, why not escape into the world of cinema? Dubai is home to the Roxy Xtreme at Dubai Hills Mall, featuring the largest cinema screen in the Middle East—equivalent to the size of two tennis courts! Enjoy a premium experience with fine dining and plush VIP seating that includes heated chairs and USB chargers.

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Tickets from Dhs55. Roxy Cinema Dubai Hills Mall, theroxycinemas.com.

4. Cozy Up with a Book at Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

For book lovers, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is a blissful retreat. With free entry, you can lose yourself in the pages of a good book and enjoy a hot beverage and snack in the café. It’s the perfect way to find solace on a rainy day.

Free entry. Open daily from 8 am to 11:55 pm. Dubai Creek. (04 222 2025).

5. Explore the ARTE Museum

Immerse yourself in the innovative world of digital art at the ARTE Museum located in Dubai Mall. This incredible venue features 14 immersive artworks created by the renowned Korean design company d’strict. The exhibition beautifully blends the natural landscape and cultural elements of Dubai, promising an unforgettable experience.

Entry from Dhs109. Open daily from 10 am to midnight. Dubai Mall, 2nd Floor, opposite Galeries Lafayette, tickets-dubai.artemuseum.com (055 660 1994).

6. Savor Dubai’s Culinary Delights at Time Out Market

Food enthusiasts will find a paradise at Time Out Market Dubai, where you can explore a variety of delicious dishes from top chefs. Entry is free, but be prepared to indulge in a culinary journey that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Mon-Thu: Noon to midnight, Fri: Noon to 1 am, Sat: 10 am to 1 am, Sun: 10 am to midnight. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com/dubai.

7. Go Shopping in Dubai’s Luxurious Malls

Dubai boasts some of the world’s most extravagant malls, providing a shopper’s haven where you can find everything you desire while staying dry. These malls offer a wide range of stores, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

The best shopping malls in Dubai: Your complete guide

8. Unleash Your Creativity at Café Céramique

If you have a passion for art and food, Café Céramique is the ideal spot. Here, you can paint your own ceramics, from quirky animal figures to classic mugs. Once you’re done, your creations will be fired in a kiln, allowing you to return and collect your personalized masterpiece.

Jumeirah Town Centre, Jumeirah, cafeceramique.ae (04 344 7331).

9. Get Your Skates On at Rolldxb

Revisit your childhood at Rolldxb, a fun roller disco located in Port Rashid. With open skating sessions and classes available, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a rainy day. No skates? No problem—skate rentals are available on-site.

Entry from Dhs95. Mon-Wed: 11 am to 10 pm, Thu: 11 am to 11 pm, Fri: 11 am to midnight, Sat-Sun: 10 am to 11 pm. Shed 3 Marina Cubes Street, Dubai Maritime City, Port Rashid, Bur Dubai, rolldxb.com (04 238 6206).

10. Release Stress at The Smash Room

When the rain gets you down, head to The Smash Room, where you can unleash your frustrations by smashing various items, from old electronics to furniture. Choose your weapon, whether it’s a sledgehammer or a crowbar, and enjoy a liberating experience.

Entry from Dhs99. Al Quoz, thesmashroom.ae (058 198 2323).

11. Glide Around the Dubai Ice Rink

If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at ice skating at the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink in The Dubai Mall. Perfect for both kids and adults, the rink offers skating aids for beginners, and the admission fee includes skate rentals and socks.

Entry from Dhs85. The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, dubaiicerink.com (04 448 5111).

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