Dubai: If you are an adventure lover but are unable to step out because of the summer heat, there are several indoor attractions you can visit.
From going to a snow park to learning about crocodiles or enjoying a game of bowling, these new theme parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. Here is a look at all the options available to you:
Adrenark Adventure
What: The region’s largest adventure park, with nearly 20 attractions and activities including toddler playland, bungee blast, climbing walls and the UAE’s first-ever three-storey e-karting track.
Where: Al Qana Abu Dhabi
How to get there: The Al Qana development, which also has the National Aquarium, a cinema as well as other family friendly options, is located along the Al Maqta Street. Take the E20 highway, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, and follow signs for Al Qana right after the Musaffah bridge, when driving from Abu Dhabi city. If you are travelling from Dubai, take the E11 highway and then the exit for E10 when you reach the Shahama area. After you pass Al Raha Mall, take the E22 exit towards Maqta bridge/Al Musaffah. Then take the exit for Al Ittihad Street, which will take you towards Adrenark Adventure Park.
Glitch Arabia
What: An active game park, with attractions like indoor roller glider, gaming arcade and a bowling alley
Where: Al Ghurair Centre in Deira, Dubai
How to get there: Al Ghurair Centre is in the heart of Deira, Dubai. Take the Salah Al Deen street D80 and head towards the Fish Roundabout. Al Ghurair Centre is located at the junction of the roundabout.
Neon galaxy
What: A neon space-themed indoor play world for children and young teens. Expect ninja courses, rope climbing, a ball pit, and a wipe-out challenge.
Where: Riverland at Dubai Parks and Resorts
How to get there: Dubai Parks and Resort is located along the E11 highway, Sheikh Zayed Road, and is easy to reach. When coming from Dubai, you will be able to see signs for Dubai Parks and Resorts, and the park itself, to your left, when driving from the city. Follow the signs for the resort, and then for Riverland, to get to Neon Galaxy. If you are coming from Abu Dhabi, take the E11 highway and then take Exit 5 and follow directions for Dubai Parks and Resorts.
Snow Abu Dhabi
What: One of the largest snow parks in the world, with a snowflake garden, rides, and an ‘enchanted’ forest.
Where: Reem Mall, Abu Dhabi
How to get there: Reem Mall is located on the Al Reem Island. When you reach the Al Reem Island, take the Abdullah Omran Taryam Street to reach the mall.
Seaworld Abu Dhabi
What: The region's first marine life theme park, it is built on five indoor levels, with more than 150 species of marine animals, including sharks, schools of fish, manta rays, sea turtles, and flamingoes.
Where: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
How to get there: Once you are on Yas Island, take the Al Maha Street to get to Seaworld. You can also consider taking a free shuttle bus ride if you are living in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai Crocodile Park
What: 250 Nile crocodiles, from babies to adults, can be found at the park, which offers visitors to witness feeding sessions and visit a crocodile aquarium, and a crocodile museum.
Where: Mushrif Area in Dubai, near Mushrif Park
How to get there: Take Exit 55 from the E311 highway (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road). This will take you to the D83 road (Tripoli Street), which leads directly to the park.
Apart from these new attractions, you can also enjoy indoor sports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The Abu Dhabi Summer Sports facility offers sports lovers the option to play football and cricket indoors, along with other indoor activities like paddle tennis and volleyball. It is in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre Diplomatic District off Airport Road and Khaleej Al Arabi Street. Free parking is available.
Similarly, Dubai Sports World allows visitors to play basketball, padel, tennis, cricket, and football, all under one roof. It is in Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
