Staying in Dubai this summer? Here are 11 must-visit cool indoor venues for sports and entertainment
TL;DR
Brand Dubai
, the Government of
Dubai
Media Office's creative arm, launched a new interactive guide showcasing the city's top indoor sports and leisure venues for summer.
The guide features 11 family-friendly destinations offering activities like skiing, indoor theme parks, rainforest explorations, and interactive learning, all in cool, air-conditioned settings.
This initiative supports Dubai's vision to become the world's most liveable city by providing safe, fun, and diverse summer options for residents and visitors.
A City Built for Summer, Indoors
As summer temperatures rise, Dubai is once again proving why it remains one of the world's most exciting and family-friendly destinations, no matter the season. In a city known for bold innovation and boundary-pushing attractions, Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, has launched a new interactive guide that brings together the very best of indoor sports and recreation.
This initiative is part of the broader #DubaiDestinations summer campaign, which positions Dubai not only as a hub of year-round tourism but as a city where adventure continues seamlessly indoors. The guide features a curated list of air-conditioned venues for residents and visitors to stay active, entertained, and connected, regardless of age or interest.
From team sports like football, basketball, volleyball, and padel, to solo and low-impact activities like spin cycling, martial arts, yoga, bowling, indoor golf, and ice skating, the guide emphasizes accessibility and variety.
It reflects the city's broader commitment to becoming the world's best place to live, work, and visit, backed by both public and private sector investment in world-class infrastructure.
Indoor Adventures for Every Age and Interest
The #DubaiDestinations campaign does more than list venues, it unlocks new ways to make the most of summer holidays. Whether it's skiing in the desert or camping in the jungle, Dubai continues to deliver memorable experiences for families seeking fun, relaxation, and inspiration during the hottest months.
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Here's a breakdown of the top indoor destinations featured in the guide:
Ski Dubai
One of Dubai's most iconic leisure destinations, Ski Dubai instantly transports visitors into a winter wonderland far removed from the bright sunshine on the outside. Located in the Mall of the Emirates, it is the first leisure venue of its kind in the Middle East and features one of the world's longest indoor ski slopes spanning over 1,300 feet.
Children aged 4–12 can enroll for a summer camp full of fun activities and interactive learning experiences.
The Snow Park at Ski Dubai spans over 3,000 square metres with diverse attractions for all ages. Young guests (aged 2–14) require adult supervision. Visitors can also get to make pals with penguins in a fun and educational encounter with the polar creatures.
KidZania
A favourite destination among the little ones year-round, this amusement centre offers children aged 2 to 16 the chance to experience over 40 real-world careers in a mini-city that spans 7,000 square metres.
Combining elements of education and entertainment perfectly, this leisure venue helps children learn about various jobs, responsibilities, and life skills through immersive role-play.
Dubai Parks
and Resorts
One of Dubai's top entertainment destinations, Dubai Parks and Resorts brings together theme park excitement, the enchantment of movies, and the fun aspect of sports in one location. It features beautifully designed spaces for the whole family.
Real Madrid World, the newest attraction, offers over 40 football-themed experiences and celebrates the history of the world's most decorated football club. Motiongate Dubai showcases Hollywood magic with popular characters and live shows.
LEGOLAND offers kids over 40 attractions and a water park with age-appropriate rides.
IMG Worlds
of Adventure
Dubai's largest indoor theme park, IMG covers over 1.5 million square feet and can host more than 20,000 guests daily.
It features six adventure zones, including famed global brands like Marvel and Cartoon Network, along with IMG Boulevard, The Lost Valley, The Haunted Hotel, and the IMG Kids Zone. The venue boasts thrilling rollercoasters and attractions based on famous characters.
The Green Planet
Nature lovers will enjoy this indoor bio-dome that recreates a tropical rainforest setting. Located in City Walk, The Green Planet features exotic birds, rare animals, and unique plants.
Experiences include rainforest camping, zookeeper activities, and summer jungle camps.
Visitors can get up close with sloths, armadillos, anteaters, porcupines, lemurs, hedgehogs, reptiles like anacondas and pythons, among more than 3,000 plants and animals. Experts are at hand to provide additional insights about each exhibit to enrich the visitor experience.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Located in Dubai Mall, this is one of the world's largest suspended aquariums, holding 10 million litres of water.
Visitors can get up close to more than 140 marine species, including sharks and rays. The 48-metre tunnel, 11 metres below the surface, offers a unique view of marine life.
Guests can also watch trained divers feed the animals. The underwater zoo features environments that mimic rainforests, rocky shores, and ocean, helping showcase the biodiversity of aquatic life.
OliOli
OliOli features a collection of interactive exhibits designed for curious, learning-loving young minds.
It includes six permanent galleries with more than 40 hands-on exhibits, each carefully designed to achieve educational and developmental goals in a fun and engaging way. From the Air Gallery, where children can explore scientific phenomena, to 'Toshi's Nets,' which offer adventurous-looking yet completely safe play structures, every child can find a space for creativity and discovery.
In the 'Cars and Ramps' gallery, kids learn the value of perseverance and determination through hands-on experiences, while the 'Future Park' lets them engage in artistic pursuits in a participatory and interactive environment.
Magic Planet
Magic Planet represents one of the region's most popular family entertainment centres, with outlets scattered across various malls in Dubai. This venue offers an exciting selection of games, indoor rides, simulators, and skill-based challenges, providing guests of all ages and preferences a fun-filled experience.
Adventure Zone by Adventure HQ
This destination is never short of thrills, especially for adventure enthusiasts. It offers real challenges through a variety of activities and experiences with an adventurous theme, all within a safe indoor environment.
These include rock-wall climbing that mimics mountain surfaces, rope bridges suspended at various heights (both high for thrill-seekers and low for kids), a skateboarding zone, trampolines, and a dedicated play area for young children.
The venue also enforces strict safety measures, supervised by a professional team.
These venues, along with dozens of others throughout Dubai, are built to provide safe, enjoyable, and enriching escapes during the summer season.
Whether you're a thrill-seeker, nature lover, young explorer, or just looking for a cool family day out, this summer's #DubaiDestinations guide ensures there's something unforgettable waiting just around the corner, indoors.
With global-standard safety, educational value, and memorable experiences at every corner, Dubai reaffirms its status as a world-class destination, 365 days a year. These efforts are part of a broader strategic vision to make Dubai not just a place to visit, but the most liveable city in the world, a city where quality of life, convenience, and opportunity come together for families, professionals, and travellers alike.
FAQs:
Q: Who created the new indoor sports and leisure guide for Dubai?
Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, developed the guide as part of the #DubaiDestinations summer campaign.
Q: What are some of the main indoor activities featured in the guide?
The guide highlights activities such as skiing, football, bowling, theme parks, rainforest bio-domes, aquariums, and interactive children's museums.
Q: Are the venues suitable for families and kids?
Yes, all featured venues are family-friendly, with many offering special programs and attractions for children of various ages.
Q: Where can I find the indoor ski slope experience in Dubai?
Ski Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates is the premier indoor ski resort, offering slopes, snow parks, summer camps, and penguin encounters.
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