20-07-2025
The coolest indoor sports to try this summer
Let's be honest, it's way too hot for a game of padel on the beach.
But the heat doesn't mean that sport-lovers have to pack away their gear until the cooler months and settle for the sofa.
If you like this: Too hot? 70 cool indoor activities in Dubai to tick off this summer
There are plenty of indoor sports you can work up a sweat trying, all while in the comfort of AC.
What's more, some of them will barely cost you a thing if you split the cost with mates.
If you're looking to feel the burn this summer (not literally), give one of these a try.
Indoor sports in Dubai (and where to try them)
Badminton at Pioneers Badminton Hub
There's no cooler way to play a game of badminton than on a glow in the dark court.
Illuminating under the neon lights, the Al Quoz spot will let you rent a court for as little as Dhs80, making it an affordable boredom-buster during the summer.
Plus, PBH even provides the rackets and shuttlecocks for the game free of charge.
From Dhs80. Open daily 6am-midnight. Al Quoz, @ (055 287 1234).
Basketball at Dubai Sports World
(Credit: Supplied)
Throughout the month of August, you'll be able to rent out a court at the iconic pop-up that is Dubai Sports World and see how many slam dunks you and your mates can manage.
Fully kitted-out, the courts are priced from Dhs200 per hour, meaning it's a very cheap game if you split it with your group.
From Dhs250. Sun Aug 3- Tue Sep 2. Open daily 8am–midnight. Zabeel Halls 2-6, World Trade Centre,
Football at ISD Sports City
(Credit: Canva Pro)
The sports venue has a total of six different pitches to choose from, with three natural grass fields as well as artificial pitches both indoor and outdoor.
Whether it's for a birthday party or a kick-about, the pitches are easy to book online, starting from Dhs275 for a quarter.
From Dhs275. Open daily 6am-1am. Dubai Sports City, (052 519 3472).
Golf at Five Iron
It might not be nine holes at Emirates Golf Club, but it's as close as you can get indoors. So switch trundling around the course in the heat for a simulator at Five Iron Golf.
To get a real taste of the action, choose from a selection of simulator courses, where you can even play back your shot on the fake grass and measure everything from club speed to spin axis. Or if that's a bit too technical and you'll simply be happy if you can hit the ball, opt for a good old-fashioned game of putt putt instead.
From Dhs90 (30 minutes). Open Tue-Thu 7am-1am; Fri-Sat 7am-2am; Sun-Mon 7am-midnight. The Westin, Dubai Marina, (04 396 6867).
Kangoo jump class at Bodify
If you want to switch up how you get your steps in, then strap on a pair of boots at Bodify and get bouncing.
Helping improve your flexibility and burning up to 800 calories per session, expect to sweat and have a tonne of fun.
From Dhs65 (trial class). Class timings vary. Bodify, Business Central Towers, Dubai Internet City, (050 337 0188).
Padel at Viya (Emirates Golf Club)
This classy spot has ten courts ready to play on. Operated by RRA Padel, the courts are perfect for a 90-minute game with your fellow padel players.
Plus, there's a padel and coffee offer where you can hire a court, followed complimentary coffee for up to four people until Tuesday September 30.
From Dhs252 (90 mins). Open daily 7am-11pm. Emirates Golf Club, Sheikh Zayed Road, (04 417 9833).
Rollerskate at Roll DXB
Swap the beach path for the retro rink and whizz around to your heart's content.
Ideal for a cool Instagram pic, hire a pair of light up skates at RollDXB and strike a pose next to the neon signs. If you're really a beginner, there are newbie classes every Saturday morning so you can practice before showing off to your friends.
From Dhs90 (own skates), Dhs105 (skate hire). Open Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri noon-11pm, Sat-Sun 11am-11pm. Marina Cubes St, Dubai Maritime City, Port Rashid, (055 800 6868).
Run around Dubai's malls
If you don't fancy getting your 5km in out in the summer heat, jog around one of Dubai's best malls instead.
Running at a series of different shopping hotspots every weekend, you can join hundreds of other runners as you get your heart rate up (and window shop at the same time).
The scheduled mall races include:
• Dubai Hills Mall: Saturday June 28 and Sunday July 13
• Ibn Battuta Mall: Sunday July 13
• City Centre Mirdif: Sunday July 6
• Mall of the Emirates: Sunday August 3
• Wafi Mall: Sunday August 10
• Dubai Festival City Mall: Sunday August 31
Snowboarding at Ski Dubai
(Credit: supplied)
If you want to learn to snowboard but don't have the time or dirhams to travel, a quick cab to Al Barsha could be for you. This massive indoor ski slope is housed in Mall of the Emirates and offers skiing, snowboarding and more (there are also penguins to see if you don't fancy actually getting on the slopes).
Snowboarding discovery lessons start at Dhs185, including all the kit you'll need, and it's a fun way of spending the afternoon when it's too hot to be out pounding the pavements.
Dhs185. Open daily 10am-1am. Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha (800 386).
Underwater yoga at Atlantis The Palm
Get your wellbeing nature fix indoors this summer, by swapping yoga by the beach for yoga under the sea, with a soothing session at The Lost Chambers Aquarium in Atlantis the Palm.
Surrounded by calming blue lights and more than 65,000 marine animals, focus on your breathing and move through some sequences as sharks and stingrays sidle by.
Running early morning on the weekends, book in for sessions until it's cool enough to resurface outdoors again.
Dhs175. Sat-Sun, 8am-9am. The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Atlantis the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, (04 426 1000).
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