Dubai’s summer can be intense, but the city offers a plethora of indoor attractions that combine entertainment, culture, and innovation. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, these lesser-known spots provide the perfect escape from the heat.
1. AYA Universe – A Journey Through Light and Imagination
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Location: Wafi City Mall, Oud Metha
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Timings: Sunday to Thursday : 10 AM to 10 PM and Friday and Saturday : 10AM to 12AM
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Website: aya-universe.com
AYA Universe is a 40,000 sq ft immersive experience that transports visitors into a cosmic realm. The attraction features 12 interactive zones, each blending art and technology to create a multisensory journey through light-filled gardens, cosmic landscapes, and futuristic environments. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a unique and visually stunning experience.
2. Arte Museum – Where Art Meets Technology
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Location: The Dubai Mall
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Timings: Daily, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
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Website: dubai.artemuseum.com
Arte Museum Dubai offers a digital transformation of classic masterpieces. This immersive exhibition brings to life works by renowned artists like Monet and Van Gogh through stunning visuals, evocative soundscapes, and interactive installations. It’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts and those looking to experience art in a new dimension.
3. Brass Monkey – The Ultimate Entertainment Hub
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Location: Bluewaters Island
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Timings: Sunday–Wednesday: 2:00 PM – 1:00 AM; Thursday: 2:00 PM – 3:00 AM; Friday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM; Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
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Website: brassmonkeysocial.com
Brass Monkey is a vibrant entertainment venue featuring 12 bowling lanes, VR racing simulators, a retro arcade, billiards, and two dining venues. It’s the perfect spot for adults to unwind and have fun indoors, offering a variety of activities to suit different interests.
4. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo – Dive into Marine Wonders
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Location: The Dubai Mall
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Timings: Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM; Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:15 PM
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Website: thedubaiaquarium.com
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Entry Fee: From AED 169
Explore one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums, housing over 140 species. Walk through a 48-meter tunnel surrounded by sharks and rays, enjoy glass-bottom boat rides, and engage in interactive experiences like feeding sessions and behind-the-scenes tours. The Underwater Zoo above the aquarium offers three ecological zones: Rainforest, Rocky Shore, and Living Ocean, featuring creatures like otters, piranhas, and giant spider crabs.
5. Deep Dive Dubai – Plunge into the Abyss
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Location: Nad Al Sheba
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Timings: Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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Website: deepdivedubai.com
Home to the world’s deepest swimming pool at 60.2 meters, Deep Dive Dubai offers an underwater cityscape for divers of all levels. With 14 million liters of water, it’s a unique venue for scuba and freediving experiences.
6. The Green Planet – A Tropical Rainforest Indoors
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Location: City Walk, Al Wasl
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Timings: Daily, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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Website: thegreenplanetdubai.com
Immerse yourself in a biodome housing over 3,000 plants and animals across four levels: the Canopy, Midstory, Forest Floor, and Flooded Rainforest. It’s an educational and interactive experience for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
7. Motiongate Dubai – Hollywood Comes Alive
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Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts
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Timings: Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Friday- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
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Website: motiongatedubai.com
Experience the magic of Hollywood with indoor attractions based on popular movies like Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Madagascar, and Shrek. The park features thrilling rides, interactive play zones, and live entertainment suitable for all ages.
8. Illusion City – A World of Optical Wonders
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Location: Blue waters Island
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Timings: Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
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Website: illusioncity.ae
Explore a museum filled with optical, auditory, and tactile illusions. Illusion City offers interactive exhibits that challenge perception, making it a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
9. La Perle by Dragone – A Theatrical Masterpiece
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Location: Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Road
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Website: laperle.com
La Perle is a breathtaking fusion of immersive artistic performances, imagery, and technology. The show features 65 artists performing aerial acrobatics, aquatic stunts, and special effects in a state-of-the-art theater with a 270-degree seating area. The stage can transform from dry to wet settings almost instantly, featuring cascading waterfalls and an on-stage pool.
