36 fun adult indoor activities in Dubai, old and new things to try

Act like a big kid with these adult indoor activities in Dubai

With outdoor temperatures rattling the spicy end of the thermometer, those remaining in Dubai for the summer have to get tactical about where to have their fun. It’s an ‘inside job’. In Dubai, with these adult indoor activities, it’s not just the kids that can have silly fun and belly laughs. These are just some of the ways to have indoor, air-conditioned fun as an adult in Dubai.

Adventure Island

Adventure Island at Bahar Plaza on JBR has its phasers set to stun, offering a pair of attractions – Laser Island and Pixel. Inside, groups of up to 24 can lock and load for a battle royale – running and gunning in just-for-fun free-for-alls or team-based firefights. Pixel plays out on a series of touch-sensitive LED-lit-blocks on the floor of an enclosed room, players must leap around in co-op and versus challenges, collecting points and avoiding the dreaded ‘floor is lava’ red blocks.

Location: Bahar Plaza, Al Gharbi Street, JBR
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 12pm to 10pm, Friday to Sunday 12pm to 12am
Cost: From Dhs59
Contact: +971 58 833 9204  @adventure.island.ae

Arte Museum

For a more cultural option for the adult activities in Dubai Arte Museum comes from the world-renowned digital media design company d’strict. It’s perfect for the set that have had their attention span so ravaged by social media that they can now only enjoy art in perpetually evolving panoramic 4D. Their projected performances cover 13 immersive spaces allowing you to get up close and personal with moving images. In both senses of the word. Even the on-site tea house has its own blizzard of digital flora to pair with your cuppa.

Location: Dubai Mall, Level 2
Times: Daily 10am to 11pm
Cost: From Dhs129 per person
Contact: @artemuseum_dubai

Aya Universe

Launch yourself into a mesmerising constellation of cosmos-themed, interactive exhibits with a trip to family-friendly, AYA. Known for its Gram Candy surrounds, AYA-nauts can explore the entertainment park’s high-tech sound and visual bewitchery. Attractions inside this 40,000-square-foot universe-within-a-universe include strobe-lit waterfalls, lava rivers, and an absolutely massive, digitally enhanced ball pit, all designed to immerse you in an alternate reality.

Location: Wafi Mall
Times: Sunday to Thursday 10am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 12am
Cost:From Dhs125
Contact:@ayauniverse

BattleKart

The UAE’s latest hub of augmented reality karting has just screeched through the chequered flag at DIP. BattleKart is another adherent to ‘the ministry of blue shell’. Shh, it’s a Mario Kart thing. Here duelling kartists can face off and sling virtual missiles at each other in four different game modes that involve: a classic destruction derby race; a version of Nokia’s classic Snake; tagging the floor with digital graffiti; or hoofing 30-yard screamers in a quick-fire round of rocket football.

Cost: Prices from Dhs160 (weekend prices vary)
Location: Dubai Investment Park
Timing: Mon to Thurs 2pm to 12am, Fri and Sat 1pm to 2am and Sun 1pm to 12am
Contact: 058 588 0116
battlekart.com

Boom Battle Bar

Technically not a new space, but this ode to bar-based gaming has just undergone a comprehensive makeover. Adding to the existing augmented axe throwing; nine-hole crazy golf course; shuffleboard; interactive, projection-enhanced darts; and beer (/prosecco) pong – there’s now a DJ booth and a private Boom Box karaoke. There’s a thick menu of pub grub tapas, and promotions throughout the week that help keep prices low and vibes high.

Location: DoubleTree by Hilton JBR, The Walk
Cost: Games from Dhs65
Contact: @boom.dxb

Brass Monkey

The Brass Monkey brand is now two caverns of visceral entertainment strong with a second location in City Walk’s C2 district, joining the Bluewaters original. The newer C2 version brings the same chic bar-meets-amusement-arcade energy with a 12-lane bowling alley; billiards; epic sharing snack platters; craft mixology; axe throwing; frantic button smashing fun via a connoisseur’s collection of retro arcade games, there are VR attractions and foosball tables. Promos include a brunch, taco Tuesday, ladies’ night and a happy hour. The perfect squad night rumble in an electric urban jungle.

Cost: prices vary 
Location: Bluewaters Dubai
Timing: Mon to Wed 4pm to 2am, Thurs and Fri 4pm to 3am, Sat 12pm to 3am and Sun 12pm to 2am
Contact: 04 582 7277
@brassmonkeysocial

Chaos Karts

Another experiment from the Al Quoz adventuretainment laboratory, Chaos Karts is – as close as makes no difference – Mario Kart in real life. Just with none of the messy IP battles. Chaos Karts allows you to race across virtual-themed trackscapes, collecting gems and hilariously inconveniencing your friends with precision-timed virtual power-up projectiles – then driving past them to secure victory and a temporarily ruined friendship. All the best parts of Mario Kart. And with no physical obstacles on the track and anti-collision technology, drivers won’t need to wear helmets or driving suits. Ticket prices start at around Dhs179 for a 20-minute session.

Cost: Prices from Dhs140
Location: Al Quoz 
Timing: Mon to Wed 4pm to 2am, Thurs and Fri 4pm to 3am, Sat 12pm to 3am and Sun 12pm to 2am
Contact: 04 582 7277
chaoskarts.ae

Deepdive Dubai

Deep Dive Dubai holds the record for the world’s deepest pool and this underwater attraction is designed to mimic a sunken city. It’s such a cool concept and you can experience it regardless of your level from specialised divers to snorkellers.

Location: Deep Dive Dubai, Nad Al Sheba
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 6pm
Cost: From Dhs400
Contact: +971 450 19444 @deepdivedubai

Dubai Icerink

There aren’t many malls in the world that have an ice rink, and Dubai Mall is one. Head there for fun day and spend 90 minutes whizzing around the ice, or if you’re like us, clinging to the sides for dear life. Either way, it’s one of the adult indoor activities you can do in Dubai Mall.

Location: Dubai Ice Rink, Dubai Mall
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 10am to 10pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 12am
Cost:From Dhs120
Contact:@dubaiicerink

Five Iron

In the lush virtual fairways of The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Five Iron is an American indoor country club. The more than 32,000 sq ft space features 17 state-of-the-art simulators, which offer various sports experiences, from golf to football. F&B highlights include four bars, an outdoor bunker-themed bar, and a VIP lounge. There’s more leisure pleasure from the nine-hole mini golf course, indoor putting green, work pods, table games, gym, and sauna. Visitors can enjoy 12 promotions each week, including Wing It & Swing It on Wednesdays and the Kiss My Putt Brunch on Saturdays.

Location: Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
Cost: SIM rentals from Dhs149 per hour
Contact: @fiveirongolf.uae

Game Over

When it comes to escape rooms, we really are spoilt for choice in Dubai, but Game Over is a venue we keep coming back to. Found on the upper floor of Nakheel Mall – there are currently 12 individual rooms that require your amateur sleuthing skills. The puzzle themes run the gamut from horror to Agatha Christie inspired murder mystery, there’s a Wizarding World hat tip and several of the challenges have live actors. But for a real test of mentalist mettle, try Illuminati – an off-brand Da Vinci Code tribute that would even give Professor Langdon the red herring run around.

Cost: from Dhs140 
Location: Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah 
Timing: Sun to Thurs 10am to 10.30pm, Fri and Sat 10am to 12am
Contact: 04 577 3289 @game_over_dubai

Hive Board Game Café

Roll the dice and let the games begin. Hive is a haven for board game lovers with over 500 titles to choose from. From classics to quirky indie games, it’s a playful escape for grown-ups (and big kids at heart). Cozy interiors, game-savvy staff who actually know the rules, and a menu full of comfort eats and iced lattes mean you’ll be here long after the first round ends. Victory never tasted so good. If a board game cafe is on your list of indoor adult activities in Dubai, Hive is a fun one.

Location: The Onyx Tower 1, Sheikh Zayed Rd, The Greens
Opening hours: Sun to Thurs 12pm to 2am; Fri and Sat 12pm to 4am
Contact: 058 826 9077 @hiveboardgamecafe

House of Hype

House of Hype is a weird and wacky world that’s for both adults and kids and will keep everyone entertained for hours. It’s located in Dubai Mall, and it only opened a few months ago.

Cost: Dhs 119 on Monday to Thursday – for a limited time only, and Dhs 149 on Friday to Sunday
Location: Dubai Mall
Timing: Sun to Thurs 10am to 10pm, Fri and Sat 10am to 12am
Contact: 04 542 0330
house-of-hype.com

Illusion City

This Bluewaters attraction plays host to a series of exhibits and themed rooms specifically designed to mess with your mind. The rule of thumb is that not everything you see is exactly as it seems, and that results in some truly magnetic Gram content. Take a trip to the upside-down, play with perspective and chortle at portals through multi-dimensional space.

Location: Bluewaters
Opening hours: Mon to Thu 10am to 10pm, Fri and Sat 10am to 11pm
Cost: Ages 18+ Dhs75, 7–18 Dhs60, under 7s free
Contact: @illusioncity_dubai @illusioncity_dubai

IMG

A whole themepark that’s indoors and air-conditioned is perfect for the summer days if you want a thrill-themed date. Try out the six different zones with all types of rides, grab food and drink and even do some shopping in the different themed shops.

Location: IMG World, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 12pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 11pm

Cost: Dhs365 for general pass

Contact: +971 4 403 8888 @imgworlds

JA Shooting Club

Pistols at dawn. Ok not dawn, it opens at 1.45pm. And it doesn’t just have to be pistols – they have rifles and shotguns too. We know that guns can be a divisive topic – but JA Shooting Club has a long history of providing a safe and well equipped space for the ballistically curious and trained sharp shooters alike. For the cooler months there are five floodlit outdoor clay shooting ranges, and for summer – a 10 lane, 25-meter indoor pistol range.

Location: JA The Resort, Jebel Ali Freezone
Cost: Non-member prices from Dhs150
Contact: @jatheresort

La Perle by Dragone

La Perle is a must-see show for theatre and stunt show fans. The 90-minute show has been conceptualised by Franco Dragone, who is behind huge world-renowned productions like Le Rêve in Las Vegas and The House of Dancing Water in Macau. During the performance, acrobats and athletes dive from 25 metres into the changeable aqua stage filled with 2.7 million litres of water and fly around the theatre at 15 kilometres per hour. Check out the different offers and packages here. 

Cost: From Dhs269
Location: Al Habtoor City 
Timing: Various showtimes
Contact: 04 437 0001
laperle.com

Loco Bear

Taking over a sprawling 70,000-square-foot space in Al Quoz 2, Loco Bear is an adventure hub of all things thrills and skills. There’s something for all ages including a first-of-its-kind slime universe for little ones, a soft play zone perfect for wearing out kids, a trampoline space, challenging wall climbs, a roller glider, bowling and so much more. Check out the prices and offers here.

Cost: Packages from Dhs250 
Location: Al Quoz 2
Timing: Fri to Sun 10am to 11pm, Mon to Thurs 11am to 11pm
Contact: 054 266 9357
@goloco.dxb

Museum of the Future

Use the summer to be a tourist in your own town by finally visiting Museum of the Future. One of the most recognisable landmarks in Dubai, Museum of the Future is divided into seven levels with each giving a glimpse into what the world will look like 50 years from now. Be sure to spend some time at the meditation centre on the Al Waha level, where visitors can lie down under a dome projecting light and water ripples. It’s a cathartic and calming experience.

Location: Museum of the Future, Sheikh Zayed Road
Opening hours: Daily 9.30am to 9pm
Cost: Dhs159, under-fours free
Contact: @museumofthefuture

Pac-Man Live

From the creators of Chaos Karts Dubai, Fever and Active Games are bringing their newest concept to Dubai. This May, PAC-MAN Live Studio is coming to Dubai’s gaming scene, and you can experience a real-world maze that turns the iconic arcade game into a larger-than-life adventure. This new indoor attraction fuses retro nostalgia with cutting-edge technology.

Cost: From Dhs140
Location: Al Quoz, Dubai
Timing: Monday to Wednesday 1pm to 11.15pm, Fri and Sat 11am to 12.15am
Contact: 04 324 2344
@pacmanuae

Pots n Paints Cafe

We love a wholesome date like this, head to Town Centre Jumeirah and you’ll find this gem tucked away upstairs. Pick your ceramic, whether it’s a mug or a vase or even a princess money box (we won’t judge), pick your paints and begin creating your masterpiece. You can grab a coffee or a full on meal while you’re doing so.

Location: Town Centre Mall Jumeirah
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 10pm, Friday to Sunday 9am to 11pm
Contact: +971 4 2820011 @potsnpaints_cafe

Quiz Room

If you’re a fan of the TV quiz show format, The Quiz Room located (almost too perfectly) in Al Quoz (Al Quiz?), might be the answer you’ve been looking for. Teams of one-to-18 players (aged eight and up) will be able go head-to-head, and buzzer-to-buzzer in tests of trivia and musical knowledge. It’s been set up to simulate the quiz show experience, emphasising fun and the spirit of friendly competition. Not the spirit of flipping over the Trivial Pursuit board because “your questions were easier”. You know who you are.

Cost: From Dhs82 per person
Location: Inside Goshi Warehouse City
Timing: From 9.30am
Contact: 058 568 1260
quiz-room.ae

Real Madrid World

On the surface, a football team might not seem like the best study for a theme park. But ask any fan – and they’ll tell you that the ups and downs, the heroes and villains, the ceremony, the drama and adrenalin – all make for fever pitch thrill rides. Maybe less so if it were Nottingham Forest, but fortunately for Dubai Parks and Resorts they chose Real Madrid, home of the Galácticos, as the first name on their squad list. Real Madrid World comprises three zones (Champions Avenue, Celebration Plaza, Stars Universe) and a licensed store. It’s packed with rides that promise to bend you like Beckham, a museum, skill tests, roller coasters, restaurants and big-match Bernabeu experiences.

Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts
Opening hours: 12pm to 9pm
Cost: Dhs295
Contact: @realmadridworlddubai

Replay Dubai

The newest karaoke spot in town, it has 80,000 songs and there’s a cool bar to take the nerves away if you need to before you get in front of the mic.

Location: Bla Bla, JBR
Contact: +971 55 610 4442  @replaydubai

RollDXB

Like hair, roller skating was big in the 80s. And whilst its popularity dropped off dramatically in the subsequent decades – the last few years have seen a bit of a revival. And why not? It’s all incredibly good fun – racing around a rink to a tracklist of bangers, the thrill of evading mild concussion, learning new tricks, and cutting down commute times. And if you’re looking for somewhere to learn, or indeed practise this graceful art, RollDXB – with its retro vibe, disco ball and skilled instructors – wheely is the best place to do it.

Cost: From Dhs90
Location: Dubai Maritime City
Timing: Mon to Thurs 11am to 10pm, Fri 12pm to 11pm, Sat and Sun 11am to 11pm 
Contact: 055 800 6868
@rolldxb 

Sensas

SENSAS, the fully immersive, multi-sensory adventure has opened in Dubai. An indoor activity that challenges the way you experience the world. SENSAS was originally launched in France and is now captivating audiences across the globe, with it’s newest location opened in Dubai. SENSAS invites guests to disconnect from the ordinary and dive into a thrilling, 2-hour journey that puts all five senses to the test. If you’re looking for activities in Dubai, this will be a great one to pass the time.Get tickets here.

Cost: From Dhs130 per person
Location: Al Quoz Industrial Area 3
Contact: 050 856 4990

Singo Paintball

Singo Paintball is the UAE’s first indoor paintball facility, and you’re sure to have bursts of fun here with your mates. It can be found at Wafi Mall, and is a great new spot to celebrate a birthday, enjoy a corporate team-building day, or just have fun with friends. No matter the reason, you’re in for an unforgettable experience with thrills, laughter, and a dash of friendly competition.

For more information, visit singopaintball.com

Location: Singo Paintball, Wafi Mall, Dubai
Contact: (04) 575 2333 / @singopaintball

Swingers

This crazy golf-fuelled, above-par, indoor activity has opened on Bluewaters. Originally from London – it’s golf for people aiming at the 19th hole and ‘clubbing’ for people who want to be in bed by 10. The Dubai version drops in with three bars, three nine-hole courses and like its British counterpart, features street food, cocktails, live DJs and almost certainly – some dubious score recording. It’s super fun, we’ve tested it out at What’s On and as far as indoor activities in Dubai go, it’s one of our favourites…

Cost: Prices from Dhs80
Location: Bluewaters Dubai 
Timing: Mon to Fri from 4pm, Sat and Sun from 12pm  
Contact: 04 557 6309
@swingers_uae

TEPFactor

What’s On award-winning TEP Factor requires both physical strength and a mental can-do attitude to get through a series of challenging obstructions to escape before time runs out. There are four categories designed to test your patience, fitness, logic, and skill. Think slippery spinning poles, rotating inflatables, swinging balls and more. You will need a team of two to six players. Check out the details and book here.

Cost: Dhs99 children eight to 11, Dhs129 adults over 12
Location: Bahar Plaza, JBR
Timing: Daily from 12pm 
Contact: 056 404 0802
tepfactor.ae

The Smash Room

If the very idea of meditation makes you want to flip tables, do we have the stress relief for you. The Smash Room is essentially rage yoga. Select your weapon and then enter a cage to theatrically dismantle assorted mundane objects. Nostalgia is spared no mercy with old TVs, glass bottles, washing machines, and printers all going, quite literally, under the hammer. Too agro to drive? They’ve recently launched The Smash-Mobile which will drive right to you, so you can hop in the back and get medieval on a bunch of miscellaneous bric-a-brac.

Cost: Different prices and packages available
Location: Umm Suqeim Street, Al Quoz and Mirdif
Timing: Al Quoz daily from 12pm and Mirdif daily from 10am
Contact: 04 339 7810
thesmashroom.com

The Storm Coaster 

The Storm Coaster is a thrilling, first-of-its-kind indoor coaster combining a vertical drop and an immersive pre-ride experience. The aptly named coaster places guests in the exciting world of storm chasing. What’s storm chasing? Well, it’s the pursuit of any severe weather phenomenon such as hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, etc. Daredevils will be lifted high above the Dubai skyline and then will be plunged into the heart of an epic mega-storm using real-world footage with cinematic special effects. Do note, riders need to be at least 130cm in height to hop onboard. Book here. 

Cost: Dhs65 for single ride
Location: Dubai Hills Mall 
Timing: Daily from 10am
Contact: 04 448 5016
emirates.emaar.com

Tiger Strikes

Located within Megaplex Dubai, adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Dubai, Tiger Strikes is a brand new, adults-only, pay-per-play entertainment destination from Dubai Golf. Inside, a rich tapestry of competitive challenges and twinkling LEDs call for your attention. Earn your stripes and rack up strikes across six lanes of neon-lit bowling; or swing for slips-hit sixes with WIKIT, an impressive augmented reality cricket simulator featuring real-time immersive graphics feedback. The pub sports portfolio doesn’t end there. Darts has been given a futuristic retrofit with multiple, incredibly addictive digital game types for friends to try and hit the bullseye on; and for a little analogue palate cleanse – cue up some big break action on the pool tables.

Cost: Activities prices from Dhs30
Location: Dubai Healthcare City
Timing: Daily 10am to 11pm
Contact: 04 220 3662
@tigerstrikes.dxb

Topgolf Dubai

Ok, it’s not technically indoors but Topgolf Dubai has an air-conditioned option. Book a booth, have some cocktails and stay cool while taking some swings. It’s got stunning views of the marina, and some friendly competition never hurt anyone… Who said adult indoor activities in Dubai couldn’t have a little challenge?

Location:Topgolf Dubai, Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills
Opening hours:Monday to Friday, 10am to 2am Saturday and Sunday 9am to 2am
Cost: from Dhs99
Contact:@topgolfdubai

Vertical Design

Combining the arcane arts of glass-blowing and neon lighting, Vertical Design’s Neon Discovery workshop is an illuminating voyage into new skills and take-away wall art. The 90-minute course takes you through the fundamentals of how neon works, the essentials for neon sign making, and a hands-on practical of creative glass blowing. Once you’ve finished crafting your lit masterpiece you have the option of purchasing it. Is the class worth the Dhs950 price tag though? All signs point to yes.

Cost: Prices start from Dhs1,100 for private session
Location: inside Urban Nest, Al Quoz
Timing: Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm, closed Sat and Sun 
Contact: 04 448 5016
verticaldesigndxb.com

Wavehouse

Wavehouse has certainly earned its stripes in terms of entertainment and is a go-to for something different to your normal bar or restaurant scene. Set in the glow of neon lights and cool decor, try your hand at their four-lane, ten-pin bowling alley, play pool, try arcade games, and much more.

Cost: Prices vary
Location: Atlantis The Palm
Timing: Daily 12pm to 11pm
Contact: 04 426 2626
atlantisthepalm.com/wavehouse

Wild Paint Studio

If you want something creative for your choice of adult indoor activities in Dubai, Wild Paint House is, well, wild. Located in Al Quoz, Wild Paint House has transformed an industrial warehouse into a home for creativity, where budding artists can graffiti the walls, unleash their creativity on a spinning blank canvas or make a UV masterpiece. There are six activities to get involved in, from splat, spin, swing, pour, neon and graffiti. Prices start from Dhs160, with the experiences available to book individually, or group together for an afternoon of artistic exploration. All are designed as fun-filled, expressive ways to play with paint. Book here.

Cost: Prices vary
Location: Al Quoz Industrial Area 1
Timing: Daily Mon to Fri 2pm to 10pm, Sat and Sun 10am to 10pm 
Contact: 054 505 7944
atlantisthepalm.com/wavehouse

Images: Social/provided