UAE: Top 5 indoor attractions in Dubai to beat the summer heat
From heart-pumping adventures to immersive experiences, there's something for everyone. Whether you are looking to relax, get your adrenaline fix, or unleash your creativity, these top spots offer a cool and exciting way to enjoy the city, while staying out of the sun.
1. Ski Dubai
Experience winter in the desert at Ski Dubai, inside the Mall of the Emirates. Easily recognised by its slanted roof, this indoor ski resort offers a range of activities beyond just skiing. Visitors can meet penguins, build snowmen, ride the Twin Track Bobsled, or explore the snow cavern. For those seeking a different thrill, there is a frozen zip-line and a classic chairlift leading to the top of the slope.
Access to the slopes ranges from Dh250 to Dh450, depending on the package. Ski Dubai also features a Snow Park with a training area, wall climbing, tubing and more.
2. IMG Worlds of Adventure
IMG Worlds of Adventure is one of Dubai's largest indoor theme parks, covering the size of more than 28 football fields. Divided into different zones, the park brings Marvel superheroes, Cartoon Network characters and even dinosaurs to life.
Thrill-seekers can ride roller coasters like the Velociraptor and Predator, or join The Avengers and Powerpuff Girls in action-packed experiences. Younger visitors can enjoy the IMG Kids Zone, with separate entry prices. General admission tickets cost AED365, while children under 105cm enter for free. The park is open daily from 12pm to 10pm.
3. AYA
AYA at WAFI City Mall is a high-tech experience that takes visitors through 12 interactive zones. Each area, from the vibrant Flora to the drifting Falls, combines sound, lights and motion to create immersive environments.
Guests can move between worlds, relax on sloped surfaces under projections, and explore water-inspired displays. Tickets are priced at AED135, with free entry for people of determination (plus a companion) and children under three. Prices may vary, so it's best to check directly before visiting.
4. The Green Planet
The Green Planet is a biodome that recreates a tropical rainforest in the heart of the city. Home to more than 3,000 plants, animals and birds, it offers an educational and sensory experience across four levels: the Canopy, Midstory, Forest Floor and Flooded Rainforest.
Visitors can explore the rainforest ecosystem, learn about conservation efforts, and even book special experiences like swimming with piranhas or joining the zookeeper programme. Tickets start from AED155 for day entry, with discounts for groups.
5. House of Hype
House of Hype at Dubai Mall Chinatown is a digital playground combining gaming, fashion, entertainment and food. Spanning 100,000 square feet, it offers over 100 activities including 50 gaming experiences, 18 immersive worlds, and stages for content creators.
Visitors can design sneakers, create augmented reality avatars, and film music videos, all instantly sent to their devices. There are also secret rooms to discover and spontaneous performances throughout the venue. General admission costs Dh149 for visitors aged four and above, while children three and under enter for free.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
27-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
'Predator: Badlands' fuels a perspective at Comic-Con
The latest movie in the Predator series flips the script to focus on the bad guys who always lose to the humans in the end, director Dan Trachtenberg said. "The predator never wins," Trachtenberg told an audience at San Diego Comic-Con after footage of Predator: Badlands debuted at the convention's Disney panel. This, the Prey director said, inspired him to tell the story from the predator species perspective in Badlands, the seventh in the main movie series, dating back to the 1987 hit starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the ninth across the franchise. It was key, Trachtenberg said, for him to explore a different aspect of the Predator world for this science fiction movie, developed by 20th Century Studios and landing in theatres on November 7. "There are no humans in this film," said cast member Elle Fanning, discussing the challenges of learning the logistics of a completely fictional realm. The biggest challenge was mastering the fictional Yautja language, said Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who stars as Dek, a young predator on a solo mission in a treacherous land of even bigger predators. He bonds with an android named Thia, played by Fanning. Dek is "ferocious and badass, very much an anti-hero," Trachtenberg said. Before the panel discussion with the director and several cast members, the audience got a glimpse of a Yautja-speaking predator prowling the stage with the signature glowing weaponry as stirring music played.
What's On
06-07-2025
- What's On
7 spook-tastic haunted attractions in Dubai for all the chills and thrills
We'll be honest — we're absolutely not built for jump scares. But for those fearless thrill-seekers who laugh in the face of haunted halls and creepy encounters… how do you do it? If that's you, there are plenty of spine-tingling attractions in Dubai ready to test your nerves this summer. From eerie walkthroughs and immersive set-ups to live actors lurking in the shadows, these terrifying spots promise heart-pounding fun for the brave. Hysteria We would like to preface this by saying that after visiting this attraction you may end up peeking behind the shower curtain every time you enter the washroom in deep paranoia – don't come at us. Hysteria, located in Dubai Mall, is certainly not for the faint-hearted, but if you're up to the scares, it's good fun. It's priced at Dhs105 per person, and visitors under 16 are recommended not to enter. Book here. Insidious Escape Room This one is inspired by the wildly popular movie franchise and looks just as scary. You get 60 minutes inside the room to decipher the clues, solve the puzzles and get out. It's a great activity to do if you've got a bunch of horror-loving friends in tow. The attraction is only open to participants over the age of 15 and you'll need a minimum of two people to play the game. Book here. The Haunted Hotel The Haunted Hotel inside IMG Worlds of Adventure has been touted by many as insanely spooky and, to be frank, the description of what you can expect makes us want to get into bed and hide under the blanket (the ultimate protection from all things evil). The landscape of the hotel changes constantly as you try to find your way out through the maze of corridors, of course engaging in meet-cutes (sorry) with the spooky characters throughout. It's open to visitors aged 15 and above only. Make sure to carry your Emirates ID if you're below 18. Book here. Deep Dark Dubai If you can somehow function at full brain capacity while you're being chased with a machete, then this one's for you. The escape rooms of Deep Dark Dubai are housed in a villa and follow two themes – Paranormal and The Sinner. You and your gang must put your heads together and try to get out in 60 minutes. The rooms also feature live actors to keep you on your toes the whole time. Exciting or stressful? You decide. Book here. Haunted Activity Haunted Activity, the newest spooky story on the block opened its doors in January this year. There are two rooms you can explore in this game – Ouija and Jason's Home, with two more called Cemetery and The School, coming soon. You'll need a team of two to 10 brave friends to have a go at getting out in, wait for it…60 minutes. Fun. Book here. Horror Cinema Not one for the faint-hearted. At Dubai's first horror cinema, you will watch some of the best horror movies in cinema history, but.. you won't be alone. And no, we aren't talking about your seven mates sitting next to you in the cinema. Professional actors will pop up at the film's tensest moments, so hiding behind your hands won't save you. The cinema also features high-tech special effects, splashes, flashes and realistic sounds and your movie will of course be in full HD resolution. Prices start from Dhs180. At the moment, the cinema is screening The Ring , Insidious, Insidious 2 and Insidious: Chapter 3. Book here. BlackOut Escape Rooms Count us out of this one. The BlackOut Escape Rooms feature four different themed games to play, inspired by exorcisms, mental hospitals and Saw-esque torture techniques – all generally terrible things one tries to avoid. Every game has a different level of difficulty, but they all share elements like live actors, flashing lights and a lot of scares. Pull up your socks, put on your big boy pants and gather a crowd – safety in numbers, as they say. @blackoutbycave Images: Supplied/ Social Media > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
What's On
03-07-2025
- What's On
Cool down season: these top Dubai attractions are staying open all summer
While summer in Dubai may come with soaring temps, the city knows how to keep the fun going. From indoor theme parks to rainforest biodomes and snowy slopes, here are the coolest indoor attractions staying open throughout the season. Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates Snow in the desert? Always. Ski Dubai offers year-round skiing, snowboarding, chair lifts, and even penguin meet-and-greets. It's the perfect spot to beat the heat—whether you're a thrill-seeker or just want to sip hot chocolate in sub-zero temps. Book a Snow Park pass for tubing, zorbing, and snowball fights with the family. Location: Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road Times: Daily, 10 am–11 pm (last entry 90 mins before close) Cost: From Dhs195 for Snow Park access; slope skiing starts at Dhs180; day passes ~Dhs300 Contact: (04) 409 4000 | IMG Worlds of Adventure As the world's largest indoor theme park, IMG Worlds is a 1.5 million sq ft wonderland filled with thrill rides, roller coasters, and character zones from Marvel and Cartoon Network. It's a great day out for both kids and adults, with everything under one air-conditioned roof—plus restaurants, cinema and retail. IMG Worlds of Adventure Location: E311 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, City of Arabia Times: Mon–Wed & Sun 11 am–9 pm; Thu–Sat 11 am–10 pm Cost: From Dhs345 for kids Dhs295; under 1.05m free. Fast Track ~Dhs195 add-on Contact: +971 4 403 8888 | info@ The Green Planet, City Walk Step into a four-storey tropical rainforest complete with sloths, toucans, and 3,000+ species of flora and fauna. This biodome offers guided tours, animal encounters, and even overnight camping for kids. A nature escape that doesn't involve leaving the city. Location: City Walk, Al Wasl Times: Sun–Wed 10 am–8 pm; Thu–Sat 10 am–10 pm Cost: Around Dhs90 per adult; kids Dhs70; family packages available Contact: +971 4 240 7700 | KidZania, Dubai Mall This miniature city lets kids take on real-world jobs—everything from airline pilot to pizza chef—while earning KidZos (their own currency). It's educational, engaging, and conveniently located in Dubai Mall, ideal for parents looking to shop or dine while the kids play. Location: Second Level, The Dubai Mall Times: Sun-Thurs 10am-10pm Cost: From Dhs90 Contact: 800 38224 6255 Museum of the Future Dubai's architectural marvel invites you to explore AI, space travel, sustainability and innovation through futuristic exhibits and immersive storytelling. It's not just eye candy—it's an inspiring, hands-on experience for curious minds of all ages. Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Times: Thurs to Wed 9am to 9pm Cost: Dhs159 Contact: 800 2071 Theatre of Digital Art, Souk Madinat Jumeirah Art meets tech in this 360° immersive venue. Watch famous masterpieces come alive through animation and sound. They also host yoga sessions and musical performances inside the space—bringing wellness, culture, and entertainment together. Location: Souk – Madinat Jumeirah – Al Sufouh 1 Times: Thurs to Wed 10am to 11pm Cost: Dhs70 for kids, Dhs110 for adults Contact: 04277 4044 Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Located in Dubai Mall, this enormous aquarium features a 10-million-litre tank you can walk through via a tunnel. Spot sharks, rays, and over 140 species of marine life, or take a glass-bottom boat ride right above the action. Location: Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai Times: Thurs to Wed, 10am to 10:15pm Cost: From Dhs169 AYA Universe, Wafi City Twelve immersive zones filled with light, sound, and digital art make AYA Universe a sensory playground. Each room is Instagram gold—think glowing gardens, mirrored halls, and spacey dreamscapes. Location: Wafi City, Oud Metha Times: Sun-Thurs 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight Cost: Dhs135. Contact: 04 542 0300 | Dubai isn't slowing down this summer—and neither should you. Pack the SPF for the car ride and let the AC-powered adventures begin. Image: Archive Supply
