9 Top Indoor Activities for a Cool Summer in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

In the desert nation of the United Arab Emirates, the summer climate can be quite challenging if you're not used to the heat. "When is summer in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?" you ask? Well, temperatures typically start to rise by the end of April, with the hot months stretching through to October.

However, it shouldn't let you down from experiencing an exciting summer in Dubai or Abu Dhabi because there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do in the air-conditioned indoors, like visit Abu Dhabi Mall, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Park Zoo, and Louvre Abu Dhabi. But, did you know that there are lots of destinations where you can experience some thrills or even widen your knowledge about the Middle East?

Many visitors to UAE usually stay in Dubai, one of its seven emirates, and go on a day trip or two to Abu Dhabi, its capital. With that in mind, we've listed down several top indoor activities for cool and unforgettable experiences during the hot Abu Dhabi and Dubai summer months!

Just because you're indoors, it doesn't mean that you will be missing out on the wonders of nature! Located at City Walk, The Green Planet is the UAE's first tropical forest in an enclosed bio-dome. It is touted as an engineering and architectural wonder, rivalling the pyramid at the Louvre Museum!

With this cool destination, you don't need to sweat it out on a camel ride just to see the stunning sights of Dubai's ecosystem! Home to more than 3,000 plants and animals, you can witness the incredible beauty of nature right in the heart of this desert city. Separated into four different levels, you can learn about the different varieties of flora and fauna that are thriving within this bio-dome.

Address: The Green Planet, City Walk, Al Wasl, Dubai

Opening Hours: Sunday to Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM

#KlookTip: You can also select the Green Planet + Dubai Frame combo ticket to get more bang for your buck!

If the scorching heat of summer in Dubai is really getting to you, would you believe us if we said you can experience a magical winter right in the desert city? In comes Ski Dubai, the world's largest indoor snow park located conveniently in the Mall of Emirates!

Spend a cold winter day in the middle of the desert with activities like bobsledding, tobogganing, and more. And if it's marine life you're looking for, there's even a penguin show that is just too cute to believe. You don't even have to worry about packing or dressing appropriately because your ticket includes all the necessary winter garb and you'll even get to keep the gloves and socks!

Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd,  Dubai

Opening Hours: Monday to Tuesday, 10 AM to 11 PM | Wednesday to Thursday, 10 AM to 11 PM | Friday, 10 AM to 12 AM | Saturday to Sunday, 9 AM to 12 AM

Step into a mind-boggling wonderland like no other with interactive installations and mind-bending works of art that will deceive your senses! Museum of Illusions Dubai will have you and your entire family questioning reality with its optical illusions and trick art, giving you a fun-filled experience with your loved ones during the hot summer! 

Get ready for a thrilling adventure as you enter the Vortex Tunnel and feel the ground shift beneath your feet, or be amazed by the never-ending space of the Infinity Room! Plus, don't miss out on educational opportunities as you explore the playroom filled with fascinating games and puzzles. 

Location: Heritage Area, Al Seef, Dubai Creek

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 AM - 10 PM | Friday to Sunday, 10 AM - 11 PM

When it comes to Dubai indoor activities, IMG Worlds of Adventure reigns supreme especially for adventure enthusiasts! Covering over 1.5 million square feet with 4 themed areas or “Epic Zones” (Marvel, Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard and The Lost Valley), there's plenty of ground to explore and enjoy fun filled activities with your entire family.

Hop on the thrill rides from the different themed areas, brace yourself for jump scares at the theme park's famous haunted hotel, and dine at the themed restaurants when you feel famished from the fun. With so much to do and fit into a day, you can skip the queues with the IMG World Of Adventures Fast Track Combo Ticket! 

You can also opt for tickets that give you two-way transfers to and from your hotel, a meal combo, or access to attractions such as Lost Chambers Aquarium, Dubai Frame, and Storm Coaster.

Location: E311, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Opening Hours: Sunday to Tuesday, 12 - 10 PM | Wednesday to Saturday, 12 - 11 PM

Expo City Dubai is the ultimate destination for those with a love for creativity and art. Here you can explore great installations, like Terra - The Sustainability Pavilion and Alif - The Mobility Pavilion, where you can journey through time and space, exploring the past, present, and future.

Plus, with the Klook Attraction Pass in hand, you gain can access to a myriad of pavilions and exhibitions that promise to spark your imagination! One of the must-see attractions is The Vision Pavelion, where you'll learn about the evolution of Dubai with stunning displays that will leave you in awe.

Whether you’re checking themed exhibitions or snapping pics of the innovative installations, Expo City Dubai ensures you leave brimming with newfound knowledge and inspiration. This is a perfect escape from the summer heat, wouldn’t you say?

Location: Al Wasl Avenue, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Operation Hours: 24 Hours, Pavillion Hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 18:00, Attraction times may vary.

Enter the vibrant, action-packed creations of the Warner Bros. in this indoor theme park, located at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi! In this zone of action and adventure, you'll come across animated worlds you're familiar with like Tom & Jerry, the Flintstones, Looney Tunes, and more. Immerse yourself in the different themed areas like Warner Bros. Plaza, Gotham City, Metropoli, Dynamite Gulch, and more.

When you book your Warner Bros. World tickets on Klook, you can opt to get a quick pass, which allows you to skip queues in this theme park. Or you can get access to any two of these parks: Ferrari World, Warner Bros. or Yas Waterworld—or get access to all three of them! This destination is a sure must-see when you visit Abu Dhabi!

Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Opening Hours: Opening hours are subject to change, stay tuned for updates here.

In this world's first and only Ferrari-branded amusement park spanning across the size of 7 football fields, making it among the biggest tourist attractions in the area, you can escape the heat and enjoy a day in the climate-controlled park while getting the adrenaline rush you crave. F1 fans who visit Abu Dhabi will love the motion-based simulator to experience the thrill of F1 racing and the interactive game show with Fast Lane!

Ferrari World is also home to the world's fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa, which starts from the indoor theme park, through the dome, and outside the park, then back again inside the building. Aside from these, there is plenty of other exciting rides and activities in this theme park!

Tickets to this themed amusement park also come in three options: a quick pass, a free shuttle, or access to one of any two parks among Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World. With all of these great sights in one destination, Ferrari World is one of the best places to go when visiting Abu Dhabi.

Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Opening Hours: Opening hours are subject to change, stay tuned for updates here. 

This observation deck is a great way to see the city in one go when visiting Abu Dhabi! Credits: Klook

Head over to the highest vantage point (a whopping 300 meters high!) in the UAE's bustling capital for unrivaled 360-degree views—Etihad Tower Observation Deck! This destination, which is only a 35-minute drive from the Abu Dhabi International Airport, is the best place to see the stunning city all at once! As you take in the impressive city below, you can indulge in afternoon tea at the Etihad Tower.

Aside from the Abu Dhabi skyline, you can also take in the stunning sight of the Arabian Gulf, all the while saving you and your companions from the summer heat at this observation deck. Sounds like a cozy way to spend your day!

Location: King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St - opp. Emirates Palace Hotel, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi

Opening Hours: 12PM - 8PM Daily

Let the little ones' imaginations run free as they run a mini city for a day. Credits: Klook

If you're planning to visit Abu Dhabi with rambunctious little ones, then KidZania is among the fantastic places to visit to beat the heat! Enter an indoor miniature city where they can choose between 60 occupations (from fire fighters, chefs, dentists, doctors, and more), slip into the appropriate attire, and  immerse themselves in the job for a day.

It's a fun and interactive play that that not only lets the kiddos have a good time, but helps broaden their horizons as they learn about the world. This makes it one of the most sought after tourist destinations for visitors who have kids!

Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 8 PM

Now that you know that you don't have to spend summer in the UAE in the sweltering outdoor heat, it's time to plan your visit to any of these indoor attractions! Which one are you most excited to check out when you visit the Middle East?