Looking to escape the escalating humidity that seems to be making headlines worldwide? Read on.
Dubai has gone quiet. With mercury levels rising alarmingly fast (approaching 48ºC at the time of writing), the summer exodus of expats feels palpable, leaving the rest of us scouring the internet in search of ways to cope. We’ll venture a guess and say that you’ve already hit the slopes at Ski Dubai and taken a spin or two around Dubai Ice Rink — now what? Give these lesser-known ways to cool off in Dubai this summer a try.
Experience a waterpark by night at Aquaventure
Sunset Saturdays at Aquaventure are perfect if you’re looking to try something new over the weekend. The world’s largest waterpark is open until 10pm every Saturday until 24 August, so you can splash about under the stars as DJs like Flipp’side and Mr Shef Codes keep the party atmosphere going. Beach games and 105 slides aside, all the restaurants are open during extended hours. Bonus: all day passes include access to Sunset Saturdays.
DSCVR: Aquaventure. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah. @aquaventureworld
Explore a futuristic dreamscape at Aya
Those in the know will tell you that Aya at Wafi City is the place to be if you’re craving an escape in the true sense of the word. Spanning 40,000 square feet and 12 fantastical zones (each telling a different story), this experiential entertainment park takes visitors on a journey through infinite mirrors, illuminated gardens, gentle vibrations, colourful rivers and more, resulting in an immersive playground for kids and adults alike. Already been? The recently opened Celestia, an otherwordly take on a traditional ball pit, warrants a return.
DSCVR: Aya. Wafi City, Oud Mehta. @ayauniverse
Race your friends in virtual reality at Chaos Karts
Another futuristic attraction that landed in Dubai earlier this year, Chaos Karts is essentially a Mario Kart-esque video game IRL. Located in Al Quoz, this unique fusion of gaming and go-karting employs state-of-the-art technology to take gaming to the next level by bridging the gap between the virtual and physical worlds. And with the former being digitally projected around you, each circuit brings you an augmented reality experience without the need for headsets or personal screens — it’s just you, your kart, and virtual tracks that recreate everything from the desert to the cosmos.
DSCVR: Chaos Karts. 6A Street, Al Quoz. @chaoskartsuae
Journey east without leaving home at Chinatown
Dubai Mall may be in the midst of an ambitious expansion, but it’s all about Chinatown circa now. Taking up residence opposite Dubai Ice Rink on the first floor, it may not be gritty and storied like its global counterparts, but in true Dubai fashion, it’s Insta-worthy and packed with tempting eats. Make a day of it by fuelling on hot pot at Haidilao, hand-pulled noodles at Lanzhou, roasted duck at Hawker Chan, and mushroom dumplings at Ying Ji Dim Sum before soaking up the red lanterns, neon lights, and oversized panda sculpture that playfully add a sense of place.
DSCVR: Chinatown. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai. @thedubaimall
Try self-care with a difference at Contrast Wellness
Regional artist Layla Kardan is at the helm of Contrast Wellness, but that’s not its only claim to fame. The first-of-its-kind wellness studio is rooted in contrast therapy, which calls for alternating between hot and cold for a plethora of benefits, both physical and otherwise. You’ll start at a traditional Finnish sauna to improve blood circulation and boost immunity before moving to an ice bath to strengthen your heart health, soothe your muscles, and uplift your mood. Contrast is also home to the city’s first Contrast Social Room, so you can sweat and shiver with intention in the company of up to five friends in a calming, neutral-hued space.
DSCVR: Contrast Wellness. Multiple locations citywide. @contrastwellness
Take a leisurely dip after dusk at Cloud 22
Offering revellers the unique chance to spend an evening at one of the world’s most iconic sky pools, the popular Moonlight Sessions at Cloud 22 are held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7pm to 11pm — and those sweeping twilight views over Palm Jumeirah are just the beginning of their appeal. Crowning Atlantis The Royal, this 90-metre rooftop infinity pool accents this offering with a whole host of decadent extras (sky-high sundowners, floating beds, luxury cabanas, and private plunge pools included). Swimming has never felt this chic.
DSCVR: Cloud 22. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah. @cloud22dubai
Channel your inner action hero at Singo Paintball
Yet another first in the city, Singo Paintball takes the competitive thrills of paintball indoors, much to the relief of adventurers. Opening its doors at Wafi Mall in May, this action-packed facility also boasts a shooting range for target practice and the only GellyBall venue in Dubai. Paintball, for obvious reasons, takes centre stage so expect a field that’s impressively sized and equipment that caters to both pros and beginners. And considering the endurance needed to eliminate your opponents using paint-filled pellets, this gloriously messy sport beats a cardio session at the gym anytime.
DSCVR: Singo Paintball. Wafi Mall, Oud Mehta. @singopaintball
Spend the night at a ski chalet in Kempinski
Prefer to enjoy the powdery slopes of Mall of the Emirates without any of the effort? Book one of the 20 Aspen Chalets at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates. The closest you’ll get to a rustic-chic winter lodge in the midst of the desert, these luxe suites are all about the alpine details that go into creating their cosy ambience — views over Ski Dubai aside, they’re equipped with dark wood fixtures, atmospheric artworks, and a (faux) stone fireplace. Luxury extras are a given at Kempinski properties worldwide, but here, the likes of marble bathrooms and dedicated butler service are paired with tickets to an indoor snow park spread over 3,000 square metres.
DSCVR: Kempinski Hotel. Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road. @kempinskidubai
Dive into the world’s deepest swimming pool
Renowned for housing the world’s deepest swimming pool, with a depth of 60 meters, Deep Dive Dubai features a sunken city, complete with abandoned apartments and submerged arcade games. It’s designed for divers of all levels, from beginners to professionals, providing both scuba and free diving opportunities. The venue includes a dive shop, a restaurant, and conference facilities.
DSCVR: Deep Dive Dubai, NAS Sports Complex, Nad Al Sheba. @deepdivedubai
Get the adrenaline going at Adventure Island
Lasers and LED lights come together at Adventure Island, an indoor entertainment hub that made its debut at Bahar Plaza in JBR earlier this summer. Between the exhilarating challenges of Pixel (sidestepping those red blocks takes both strategy and coordination) and the gaming experiences of Laser Island (picture laser tag with neon lights and special effects), there’s something for everyone from 6 to 66 — this one’s a good pick if you’re looking to do something as a family.
DSCVR: Adventure Island. Bahar Plaza, JBR. @adventure.island.ae
