3 Jun 2024
For those of us not accustomed to the heat, summers in the United Arab Emirates can be quite challenging, to put it mildly. However, this should not discourage you from enjoying all that the UAE has to offer during the season. There are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy... thanks to air conditioners (but please be careful with them).
Of the seven emirates, most visitors tend to stay in Dubai and take day trips to Abu Dhabi. This is because Dubai has so much to offer in terms of indoor activities. To help you plan your perfect summer in the UAE, we have compiled a list of the top places to visit in Dubai for indoor activities.
Places to visit in Dubai this summer
The Green Planet
Indoors does not mean devoid of greenery. Nature connoisseurs will find themselves at home in the sights and sounds of The Green Planet, located at City Walk. It is an enclosed bio-dome which boasts being the first tropical forest in the UAE. Within the walls of this architectural marvel, over 3,000 plants and animals thrive, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of nature right in the centre of this desert metropolis. The biosphere is divided into four levels, and you can discover the diverse species of flora and fauna that call this dome their home.
And if you are a nature conservationist, The Green Planet now lets you adopt an animal for a full year. The animal is cared for by experts, and the funds provided go into research and educational initiatives aimed at “conservation breeding programs, habitat conservation, and behavioural research studies.” This is easily the greenest option out of all the places to visit in Dubai we have listed.
Book your tickets here.
Museum of Illusions Dubai
If you want to blow your friends’ minds away this summer, then step into the Museum of Illusions. This should be on your list of places to visit in Dubai if you want a freaky Friday. Or any day, for that matter.
The museum is filled with interactive installations and mind-bending pieces of art that will leave you questioning what is real! The Museum of Illusions Dubai offers a unique experience for the whole family, perfect for escaping the scorching summer heat. Immerse yourself in an exciting journey through the Vortex Tunnel, where your senses will be deceived by the shifting ground beneath your feet. Or step into the Infinity Room and lose yourself in its never-ending space. And don't forget to explore the playroom, where you can have fun while learning about illusions and puzzles.
Book your tickets here.
Source: museumofillusions.ae
Ski Dubai
Do you want to experience a winter wonderland in the middle of a hot desert city? If the answer is yes, then thank your lucky stars for being in the UAE, and prepare to scratch Ski Dubai off of your list of places to visit in Dubai.
Ski Dubai, located in the Mall of Emirates, will bring you snow. Bye, bye Switzerland! This indoor snow park offers various activities like bobsledding and tobogganing for a fun-filled day in the cold. And don't miss the adorable penguin show! Plus, your ticket includes all the necessary winter gear and even lets you keep the gloves and socks as souvenirs, so there is no need to pack or worry about dressing appropriately.
Ski Dubai even has a Penguin pen for you to pet Antarctica's finest inhabitants. Did we mention this is all in a desert? Take a moment to let that sink in!
Book your tickets here.
iFly Dubai
All ages, from adults to young children, can experience the exhilaration of indoor skydiving in Dubai! Credits: Klook. Another exciting indoor activity in the UAE to cool off during the summer months is indoor skydiving. It is the perfect way to get a taste of skydiving in a safe and thrilling environment.
Located at iFly Dubai, this state-of-the-art facility allows you to experience the thrills of skydiving, base jumping, and bungee jumping. Don't worry if you are new to this — professional instructors will guide and assist you every step of the way. Even those under 18 can join the fun with a signed iFly waiver form and consent from a parent or legal guardian. For thrill-seekers, this should be high on the list of places to visit in Dubai.
Book your tickets here.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Cartoon Network fans of all ages will find plenty to enjoy at IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai's ultimate destination for indoor activities. Spanning over 1.5 million square feet, this theme park boasts four distinct areas or "Epic Zones" — Marvel, Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard, and The Lost Valley. Adventure-seekers can try out thrilling rides in each zone and get spooked at the famous haunted hotel.
And when hunger strikes, themed restaurants are ready to satisfy your cravings. To make the most of your day here, consider getting a Fast Track Combo Ticket to avoid long wait times. Additionally, there are options for tickets that include transfers to and from your hotel, a meal combo, and access to other attractions like the Lost Chambers Aquarium, Dubai Frame, and Storm Coaster. With so much to see and do, you'll want to plan your adventure carefully. As far as places to visit in Dubai go, this is one that families will not want to miss.
Book your tickets here.
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