Unless you fly away for the entire summer, chances are you are looking for compelling indoor activities to beat the UAE heat.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect family day outing, fancy getting artsy with some friends or seeking an alternative to getting those steps in, we’ve got you covered.
Teible culinary workshops (Dubai)
What’s cooking? This farm-to-table restaurant is hosting a series of culinary workshops during the summer for budding chefs and eager home cooks looking to learn new skills in the kitchen. Teible is big on a no-waste and locally sourced ingredients; all ingredients are used to their full potential through use of fermentation, pickling and preserving.
Keeping things cool, executive pastry chef Sheerin Ghaffar has already held a session on gelato and sorbet, guiding participants on how to create refreshing iced treats using local and regional ingredients to see them through the summer months.
For more information: from Dh550 (each class varies in price) at Jameel Arts Centre, Jaddaf Waterfront, 04 243 668, @teible_
Rain Room (Sharjah)
Walk through a downpour of continuous rain without getting wet. How? Sharjah Art Foundation presents Rain Room; the first installation of its kind in the Middle East. The mechanics are pretty cool, with a responsive environment that follows visitors as they navigate the through the darkened underground space, preventing any water contact. This permanent installation in Al Majarrah uses 2,500 liters of self-cleaning recycled water, which is controlled through a system of 3D-tracked cameras.
For more information: Al Sharq, Sharjah 06 561 0095
Camping at Green Planet (Dubai)
For those missing the outdoorsy life, head to the heart of the city for a camping night, in the region’s only indoor camp experience. Get all the nature feels as you walk through this enchanted Dubai rainforest, keeping your eyes open for sightings of squirrel monkeys and a sleepy sloth. It’s an immersive experience filled with fun educational games for the little ones. Expect a BBQ dinner, movie experience, tour and a buffet breakfast. Camping at Green Planet is on every Friday and Saturday until August.
For more information: City Walk, 04 317 3999, @greenplanetdubai
Splatter Rooms (Abu Dhabi)
Adults and kids are welcome to unleash their creativity or use this activity as a great way to relieve any tension. Leave the daily stresses of life at the door, and throw an array of bold colors at a blank canvas. Picasso or not, the aim of this activity is to focus and enjoy the process and not on the final masterpiece. All supplies and disposable clothing is included, just bring the energy.
For more information: Al Seef Village Mall, Abu Dhabi Dh139 per person, @splatter_rooms
RollDXB (Dubai)
For the skaters in the house glide on down to RollDXB and perfect that backwards skate, or for the beginners simply soak up the disco beats and just have fun. This is where the cool kids will be this summer. RollDXB features a skate park, with capacity of up to 90 skaters and if it’s not too crowded, there’s enough space for a few maneuvers.
For more information: From Dh95 for 90 minutes, Shed 3 Marina Cubes Street, 04 238 6206, @rolldxb
Deep Dive Dubai (Dubai)
Dare to dive into the world’s deepest pool? Deep Dive Dubai is the only facility in the world where you can dive into depths of 60m, which is 15 meters deeper and four times bigger than any other diving pool in the world. Explore a stunning underwater attraction that is themed to resemble an abandoned sunken ship. Safety is always first at Deep Dive Dubai and water is circulated through filters every six hours to maintain the highest standards of safety and hygiene. It also has a fully staffed, 12-person hyperbaric facility – the most advanced in the region, where all divers are monitored for safety.
For more information: Nad Al Sheba 1, 04 501 9444, www.instagram.com/deepdivedubai
Indoor football space (Abu Dhabi)
The Capital’s largest sports dome gears up for a full schedule of training camps, group practices and community matches. Get ready for a kick-around with fully equipped air-conditioners. Active Al Maryah’s Indoor Football Space will allow athletes, fans and visitors to comfortably stay involved in sports and staying active, with the temperature outside the last thing on your mind.
This venue boasts two 7-a-side pitches; the year-old dome is set to be a popular destination for sports enthusiasts this summer. As part of the summer programming, Manchester City FC will present youth camps through its football school. A second major brand will soon announce the launch of its football school, giving even more options to young footballers in the capital.
For more information: ACTIVE Dome Al Maryah Island, 02 403 4488, @activealmaryah
Burj Al Arab (Dubai)
This summer the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is inviting children under 11 the chance to wander this 7-star hotel for free, when accompanying an adult with a general admission ticket that costs AED 249.
There’s a Royal Suite butler to show you around on a 90-minute tour of this iconic landmark. Your Royal Suite butler is ready to swing back the doors to reveal the bursts of colour, rich fabrics and interesting stories dating back to 1999. With a maximum of 12 people on each tour guests can truly immerse themselves in its magic through a series of interactive encounters including virtual reality displays, exciting video content showcasing key celebrity stunts and a digital aquarium providing close-up experiences with some of the hotel’s more exotic inhabitants. Please bear in mind, this offer is only available for UAE residents, so don’t forget to bring your Emirates ID.
For more information: The butler-guided tours are available daily from 10.30am to 7.30pm and can be booked in advanced on line via Insideburjalarab.com
BARE DXB’s Summer class pack (Dubai)
Winter bodies are made in summer. If you are looking for a push to achieve your ideal winter body, or simply wanting to shake off those extra ice-creams – we feel you – head over to BARE Dxb to work out with one of the best instructors in the city. They’ll work with you to help you achieve or maintain your dream body, through building strength and toning your muscles. Give a HIIT training session a go and boost your metabolism, allowing you to indulge throughout summer guilt-free.
For more information: Get your hands on a summer pass for seven days at Dh265 throughout July and August. @baredxb
The Alley (Dubai)
An entertainment experience for adults and children in the dark. Fear not, this warehouse is not in complete darkness – it’s with UV lights, so expect glow-in-the dark everything; racquets, tennis balls, and court. Each padel court comes with its own speaker system, if don’t fancy the music playing in your court – you can wire-up and play your own selection. This summer stay cool and active at The Alley.
For more information: Warehouse No. 10 Umm Suqeim St Al Quoz, 05 600 0767, @thealleydxb
