Dubai doesn’t stop just because the mercury rises. If you’re staying here for summer, why not revisit an old favourite, or even try something completely new? So here it is, (in no particular order) top things to do in Dubai!
Seawings
Seawings Ramadan Flights of Reflection packages are available until 16th July and provide families with a unique opportunity for reflection while experiencing Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s landmarks from the air. The Seawings Creek Silver Ramadan from Creek Golf & Yacht Club includes an Iftar buffet at QD’s restaurant and is priced at Dhs 1,195 per person. The Seawings Silver Ramadan experience from Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa includes Iftar at La Fontana Restaurant and is also priced at Dhs 1,195 per person. The Abu Dhabi Ramadan Snapshot experience takes off from Yas Marina Island and is available for Dhs 895 (kids below 12 years fly free of charge on every paid adult seat). Call 04-8070708 or visit www.seawings.ae.
Foster an animal
If you’re staying home for the summer, why not foster a cat or dog? So many animals are abandoned in the city, and rescue organisations find themselves overwhelmed especially over the summer. Visit 38smiles at www.38smiles.com, SOS for Emirates Dogs at www.facebook.com/pages/SOS-for-EMIRATES-DOGS/701969393152041, Feline Friends at www.felinefriendsdubai.com, K9 Friends at www.k9friends.com or Animal Action at www.facebook.com/animalactionuae to help out.
Wild Wadi
Situated in front of the stunning Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi offers 30 rides and attractions for all the family. From June to August the waterpark is open from 10am until 7pm and every Thursday the park closes at 6pm in preparation for Ladies’ Night starting at 8pm. The general admission rate is Dhs 275 for visitors 1.1 metres or above in height and Dhs 230 for visitors below 1.1 metres. Call 04-3484444 or visit www.wildwadi.com.
iFly Dubai
Take to the skies at Mirdif City Centre’s iFly Dubai skydiving simulator. Enjoy the Resident Rate offer of Dhs 175 instead of Dhs 220 (terms and conditions apply). Open Sunday to Wednesday from 10am to 11pm, and Thursday to Saturday from 10am to midnight. Visit www.theplaymania.com/ifly or call 04-2316292.
Dreamland Aqua Park
Dreamland Aqua Park is the largest family water park in the region with over 250,000 square metres of lush landscaped gardens. Located in Umm Al Quwain, it offers thrilling rides, overnight waterside camping facilities in tents or cabanas as well as a mini zoo, sporting facilities and various dining outlets. Admission during Ramadan is priced at Dhs 75 for adults and children. Season pass prices start at Dhs 300. Visit www.dreamlanduae.com or call 06-7681888.
The Beach Waterpark
Head for JBR’s The Beach this summer and cool off at The Beach Waterpark on the sea. Prices are Dhs 50 per hour for kids aged 6 and above and Dhs 60 for adults per hour, a child-and-adult daily rate of Dhs 195 is also available and lifejackets are included. Register at The Waterpark kiosk on the beach which is open from 10am to 7pm every day.
Yas Waterworld
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is the largest waterpark in the capital. Spread over 15 hectares, it features a thrilling range of rides, slides and attractions. All day ticket prices start at Dhs 240 for those that are 1.1m tall and above and Dhs 195 for juniors 1.1m and below. The ‘Glamour and Glow’ theme nights are a ladies-only haven available every Thursday. Call 02-4142000 or visit www.yaswaterworld.com.
KidZania
KidZania offers an educational environment that allows kids between the ages of 4 to 16 to do what comes naturally to them; role-playing by mimicking activities done by adults in real life. Kids can perform jobs and are either paid for their work (as a fireman, doctor, police officer, journalist, beautician, etc.) or pay to shop or to be entertained. The indoor edutainment centre is a city built to scale for children, complete with buildings, paved streets, vehicles and a functioning economy. There is also a separate area for toddlers.
Call 04-4485222 or visit www.kidzania.ae.
Aquaventure Waterpark
The Ultimate Summer Experience brings you closer to marine life with the opportunity to meet the dolphins or sea lions; also including same day admission to Aquaventure Waterpark, a free meal and entry to The Lost Chambers Aquarium. Prices start from Dhs 795, available until 15th July (terms and conditions apply). Visit www.atlantisthepalm.com.
Dubai Ice Rink
Improve your skating skills at Dubai Ice Rink Skating Academy, at Dubai Mall. Open to anyone, these 1.45 hour sessions mean you can enjoy ice skating for the first time or perfect your skills. If you like it lively and loud, you can also enjoy high-powered Disco Sessions with the in-house DJ. Junior skaters can even hold a ‘penguin’ to keep them steady on the ice. Open from Sunday to Wednesday between 10am and 10pm, Thursday from 11.15am to midnight, and Friday from 11am to midnight. Call 04-4485111 or visit www.dubaiicerink.com.
Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding’s Cultural Iftar aims to help everyone understand the UAE’s traditions and culture. Held in the courtyard of the wind-tower house in the heart of the Al Fahidi Historic District of Old Bur Dubai, the evening begins with the Athan (the call to prayer) followed by the breaking of the fast with Emirati hosts and Arabic coffee and dates. Following the meal, take a casual walk around the beautiful Al Fahidi historical site and visit the Diwan Masjid. Iftars will be held until 15th July and advance booking is required. Priced at Dhs 135 per person (free for under 12’s). Call 04-3536666 or visit www.cultures.ae.
Dubai Museum
Dubai Museum is located at the Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 and is the oldest existing building in Dubai. Open from Saturday to Thursday between 8.30am and 8.30pm, and on Friday from 2.30pm to 8.30pm, entrance is Dhs 3 for adults and Dhs 1 for children over 6 and free for children under 6. Call 04-3531862.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
The 10-million litre Dubai Aquarium tank at Dubai Mall, is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world. It houses thousands of aquatic animals, comprising over 140 species. Over 300 sharks and rays live in this tank, including the largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks in the world. Walk through the 48-metre tunnel with a 270 degree view from 11 metres below the surface of the tank, go on a glass-bottom boat ride, or go for a dip in the tank with the cage snorkelling experience or a shark dive that brings you within inches of a large variety of sharks and rays. You could also meet the amazing King Croc! Call 04-4485200 or visit www.thedubaiaquarium.com.
Yas Marina Circuit
Enjoy fantastic summer offers at Yas Marina Circuit. With Tour for 2 you can buy one Venue Tour and receive the second one free (priced at Dhs 120). With Drift2 you can buy one Taxi Drift experience and get one free (Dhs 450). With Need for Speed you can buy one Radical SST passenger experience and receive free entry into Ferrari World (Dhs 460). With Splash & Sprint you can buy one Drift Sprint experience and receive a day pass to Yas Waterworld (Dhs 540). These offers are valid until 31st August and are redeemable until 30th September 2015. Call 800 YAS (927) or visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com.
Arabia’s Wildlife Centre
Not only does Arabia’s Wildlife Centre house the world’s largest collection of Arabian wildlife but it is also the only zoological park in the Middle East to be completely indoors, making it perfect for a day out regardless of the weather. The centre is home to reptiles, invertebrates, birds, and large carnivores. Entry is Dhs 15 for adults and children over 13, and free for children under 13. Open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday between 9am and 6pm; closed Tuesday; open Friday between 2pm and 6pm, and Saturday from 11am to 6pm. Call 06-5311999 or visit www.breedingcentresharjah.com.
Aqua Play
Making a big splash with kids of all ages, Aqua Play provides hours of watery entertainment, so roll up your sleeves and explore the world. Aqua Play combines water-based rides and activities which are both fun and educational. Located in Mirdif City Centre, prices start from Dhs 11 (per ride) and Dhs 25 (for soft play). Open from Sunday to Wednesday from 10am to 10pm, and on Friday and Saturday from 10am to midnight. Visit www.theplaymania.com/aquaplay or call 04-2316311.
Ski Dubai
Discover the ultimate indoor snow resort at Ski Dubai and enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. Plus you can now meet and play with Ski Dubai’s newest residents - the Snow Penguins! Visit www.skidxb.com.
BOUNCE
Imagine a world where the wall becomes the floor, a slam-dunk is within your grasp and the rules of gravity no longer apply. It takes the rush of getting airborne and adds a bunch of new dimensions - from aerial manoeuvres to slam dunking, wall running and dodgeball warfare.
The best part is it doesn’t matter if you’re under 5 or an action sports junkie in training - at this trampoline playground you’re never too old or too young to have an awesome time. Visit www.bounce.ae.
Dubai Sports World
Dubai Sports World is one of the Middle East’s largest indoor sports venues. Running until Friday 29th August, it has all your favourite sports’ facilities in one professional standard, air-conditioned arena at Dubai World Trade Centre. Host to numerous academies and events, as well as courts and pitches available for rent, Dubai Sports World caters to all ages and levels. Visit www.dubaisportsworld.ae or call 04-3321000.
Splash Pad
Splash Pad is a refreshing splash park for toddlers and kids that offers an array of activities from fountains, tipper buckets and water squirters alongside climbing frames and other play equipment. Conveniently shaded and located at JBR’s The Beach near Reel Cinema, the price for an hour is Dhs 60 per child, with and additional hour costing Dhs 20. A full day is Dhs 100 per child. Open weekdays from 9am to 8pm and weekends between 9am and 8pm. Call 04-2766915 or visit www.thebeach.ae.
Skydive Dubai
Skydive Dubai The Palm dropzone will be open during the summer for tandem jumps between 5am and 10am. Experience the rush of the free fall whilst strapped to a professional instructor, a tandem jump (with video and photos) is priced at Dhs 1,999. Visit www.skydivedubai.ae or email info@skydivedubai.ae.
The Big Bus
The Big Bus two-hour panoramic Night Tour invites you to see Dubai from the top of a fully air-conditioned double decker. Starting daily from Deira City Centre at 7.30pm and Souk Madinat Jumeirah at 8.30pm, tickets are priced at Dhs 145 for adults and Dhs 75 for children. Visit www.BigBusTours.com or call 800 Big Bus (800-244287).
Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club
Learn to shoot at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club’s indoor shooting range. You could also try Target Archery at the indoor range, complete with the latest equipment and qualified personal trainers. Visit www.golfandshootingshj.com or call 06-5487777.
Ice Land Water Park
Only 45 minutes from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah’s Ice Land Water Park offers snow and ice right here in the desert. Individual ticket prices are Dhs 175 for adults above 1.20 metres and Dhs 100 for children below 1.20 metres with combo packages also available. Call toll free on 800-969725 or visit www.icelandwaterpark.com.
Dubai Dolphinarium
Dubai Dolphinarium is one of the region’s most loved attractions, and is where you can get up close and personal to graceful bottlenose dolphins and playful seals at the action-packed live shows. Watch in wonder as the dolphins and seals perform incredible acrobatics, dance, sing, juggle, play ball, jump through hoops and even paint. Join in the fun at the UAE’s only exotic bird show for an action-packed experience with over twenty species of birds and parrots. Become a part of the show as the birds fly overhead and interact with the audience. Located at the Creek Park. Visit www.dubaidolphinarium.ae or call 04-3369773.
Dubai Bowling Centre
You may not have done it in years, but bowling is a fun and social way to spend a few hours with family or friends. Check out Dubai Bowling Centre just across Sheikh Zayed Road from Safa Park. Call 04-3391010 or visit www.bowlingdubai.com.
The Pavilion Dive Centre
Dive into the waters of Dubai, Oman and beyond to discover a whole other world of sunken shipwrecks and exotic sea creatures. From scuba diving for beginners, right the way through to courses for professional dive instructors, The Pavilion Dive Centre at Jumeirah Beach Hotel has the expertise to make sure your experience is everything you hoped. Call 04-4068828 or email divecentre@jumeirah.com.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Continuing the display of its collection to the public ahead of opening, Louvre Abu Dhabi shows the latest additions in Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories. Taking place at Manarat Al Saadiyat until 30th August, the showcase of the new acquisitions is divided into two displays Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories: Al Qalam (until 25th July) and Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories: Immortal Figures (28th July to 30th August). Both presentations include the important Fayoum portrait, a fine example of an Egyptian funerary painting that would traditionally have been placed on the face of a mummified body. Visit www.louvreabudhabi.ae.
Made in Tashkeel 2015
This summer Tashkeel, the contemporary and non-profit art organisation located in Nad Al Sheba, continues to showcase the various techniques - with the annual group exhibition - Made in Tashkeel 2015. The exhibition, which is open now and runs until 20th August, features the recent works of UAE-based artists demonstrating their creativity resulting from experimentations, workshops and residencies facilitated by and held at Tashkeel. Both traditional and contemporary techniques throughout the different practices, including hand-made jewellery, bespoke furniture, typography, painting, vinyl record to digital and screen prints will be presented.
Visit www.tashkeel.org.
The Majlis
Located at the Dubai World Trade Centre, The Majlis is an annual event that takes place during Ramadan. Until 17th July you can take part in the daily Iftar and Sohour and enjoy exquisite fine dining by world class chefs from DWTC. Iftar will be served from 7pm to 8pm daily and will be followed by Sohour, which is à la carte, from 9pm until 3am with the weekends going until 4am. Admission is Dhs 140 per person. Call 04-3086322 or visit www.majlis.ae.
Dubai Summer Surprises
The Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) festival is one of the highlights of the city’s summer calendar with GCC residents and other tourists flocking to the city, looking for bargains in over 6,000 stores that are participating in this annual event. This festival is also heavily geared towards families with each mall undertaking a programme of events for children of all ages. This year DSS runs from Thursday 23rd July to Saturday 5th September.
Mawasim Organic Market
The Mall at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi invites foodies and health enthusiasts to explore the recently launched Mawasim Organic Market, taking place every Friday from 2pm to 8pm on the ground floor of the mall. Shoppers can enjoy an array of nutritious, seasonal fruits and vegetables that have been sourced from the EU organically certified, local farm Mawasim. Whether stocking up on groceries for the week ahead, or spending a leisurely day with family and friends, Mawasim Organic Market is the perfect place to enjoy a Friday afternoon in the capital. Visit www.mawasim.ae.