Dubai: 7 indoor activities to beat the heat

Updated 30 Jul, 2024

Since the heat is showing no signs of respite, for those heading off to Dubai for a short break will be better off indulging in indoor activities.

Whether one is looking for a group or solo activity, Dubai, where temperatures are touching 40°C, has a wide variety of options suited to all kinds of travellers.

ARTE MUSEUM

An immersive media art exhibition in the heart of downtown – Dubai Mall – this experience can be enjoyed solo or with friends and family.

It showcases works that resonate with the natural landscapes and the cultural backdrop of Dubai.

This is complemented by a curated F&B space known as the ARTE TEA BAR, where visitors can enjoy a teahouse experience enriched with media art.

Location: Dubai Mall, Level 2.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Located at The Dubai Mall – the “most visited place on earth” last year – the central aquarium offers a memorable journey into ocean life.

With capacity to hold 10 million litres of water, Dubai Aquarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world and illuminates the marvels of the ocean floor, showcasing penguins, piranhas, crabs, water rats, sea horses, jellyfish and plenty more.

Dubai Mall becomes ‘most visited place on earth’, set to see another ‘record year’

Museum of the Future

For anyone who is looking for what the future might entail, Dubai’s Museum of the Future is a must-do while in the area.

One can pre-book the admission ticket to the museum and visit on the day you prefer. Gain access to the exhibits that tap into all five senses and try to help you imagine what the world could be like in just half a century.

Location: Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road

Dubai’s Museum of the Future opens its doors to visitors and a ‘spaceship’

Museum of Illusions

For those looking for a bit of whimsy, look no further for a visual, sensory and educational experience.

The museum offers a vast collection of optical and 3D illusions, set to make you look twice, as well as installations and exhibitions.

Location: Heritage Area, Al Seef, Dubai Creek

IMG Worlds of Adventure

This massive indoor theme park – Dubai’s largest – offers adrenaline-inducing rides and attractions based on popular Cartoon Network characters, iconic MARVEL Super Heroes and more. Rides include The Velociraptor – a roller coaster with plenty of twists, turns and surprise loops.

It is open all year round in an indoor, temperature controlled environment, and has plenty fun locations to eat at as well as gift shops selling iconic merchandise including the only Avengers store in the Middle East.

Location: Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road

Dubai Sports World

One of the better options to remaining active in the sweltering heat, explore padel, pickleball, the newly launched teqball at this indoor facility.

There are a variety of classes to choose from such as zumba and yoga, as well as access to the gym.

Location: Dubai World Trade Centre

The library at Fiker Institute

For the bibliophiles, Fiker Institute at Alserkal Avenue features over 15,000 bilingual books, spanning over 40 categories.

Positioning itself as a hub for writers, readers, artists, researchers, diplomats, and policymakers, the collection challenges visitors to question assumptions about world history, global politics, and culture.

This space also offers a remote working spot where you can get a day pass for Dhs85 and enjoy free coffee.

Location: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz

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