With temperatures in Abu Dhabi reaching upwards of 50°C in the Summer months, you may find yourself rushing indoors, but that doesn’t mean days of roaming around shopping malls or gorging on brunches (unless that’s what you want to do); there are simply loads of exciting, active and engaging things to do in Abu Dhabi during the summer months for adults as well as kids!
Here we round up of some of the most engaging things to do indoors in Abu Dhabi – with plenty of exciting new attractions now open for your summer entertainment.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
A great option for the whole family, Warner Brother’s World is the World’s largest indoor theme park. Meet Batman and your other favourite DC heroes, cuddle up to Bugs Bunny and enjoy 29 thrilling rides and attractions, from exhilarating roller coasters and more gentle log flumes to panning for gold in Dynamite Gulch.
- Located on Yas Island.
- To find out opening times or to book tickets click here.
Clymb Abu Dhabi
Ascend to dizzy heights at Clymb. Featuring the world’s biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber as well as the Middle East’s tallest climbing wall, Clymb is the ultimate experience for any thrill-seeker.
- Located next to Yas Mall.
- For more details, including opening times, click here.
The National Aquarium
A fairly relaxing yet informative way to spend a few hours, the National Aquarium is home to 46,000 marine creatures making it the largest in the Middle East. The Aquarium plays a huge role in marine rescue operations and conservation.
We recommend doing the behind-the-scenes tour – especially if you’re travelling with kids. This gives you the opportunity to visit the animal hospital and see how aquarium staff care for sick and injured animals. There are also opportunities to get up close and personal with some of the aquarium’s inhabitants, including the opportunity to swim with sharks!
- Located at Al Qana.
- To find out more, click here.
SeaWorld Yas Island
The brand-new SeaWorld offers up-close animal encounters, thrilling rides and a variety of live entertainment.
Seaworld is separated into 8 ocean realms and takes you on a journey from the poles to the tropics. To find out more about Seaworld and the adjacent Marine Research and Rescue Center click here.
- Located on Yas Island.
- To find out opening times or book tickets click here.
Ferrari World
For those wanting a real adrenaline rush, head to Ferrari World. Most of the park is indoors; only a few of the rides go outside into the hot air, but they’re so fast that you’re unlikely to notice the change in temperature!
- Located next to Yas Mall, Yas Island.
- For more details click here.
Qasr Al Watan
The simply stunning Presidential Palace of the United Arab Emirates is open for the public to take self-guided and guided tours throughout the year. Fully airconditioned inside, this is the perfect escape from the heat whilst admiring the incredible architecture and learning about the UAE’s significant political role.
- Located in Ras al Akhdar
- Learn more about visiting Qasr al Watan here
Snow
Who says you can’t have snow in the desert? One of the world’s largest snow parks, ‘Snow’ features 20 rides and attractions, including toboggan slopes and bumper tubes and the mesmerising crystal carousel. It truly is a winter wonderland full of fun – in the summer!
- Located on Reem Island.
- To find out opening times and admission fees, click here.
Adrenark Adventure
A brand new indoor park featuring a variety of different activities, rides and experiences. From exploring caves to climbing walls to fun fair rides, rope courses, net mazes and soft play, there’s something for kids of all ages.
- Located at Al Qana.
- For more details click here.
Kidzania
If you want to teach your kids about the world of work in a fun and engaging way, get on down to Kidzania. The ‘Edutainment’ venue provides opportunities for children to work in a variety of different roles in a scale model city.
In return for their efforts, children receive credits which they can then spend in one of the many shops around the town. They can also use their credits for training, for example, to be a pilot and get a chance to take over the controls in a real flight simulator.
- Located in Yas Mall, Yas Island.
- To find out opening times or for more information, click here.
National Geographic Ultimate Explorer
A relatively small themed play centre for families with children between 5 and 12 years old. The National Geographic Ultimate Explorer centre includes virtual reality experiences as well as 3D imaging technology to help children learn more about the natural world. There’s also a craft area and a rainforest-themed soft play area.
- Located in The Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island.
- To find out more, click here.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s branch of the famous French museum displays treasures from around the world in an awe-inspiring space on a Journey through Humanity. At Louvre Abu Dhabi can learn about how cultures around the world have common beliefs and how aspects of our heritage unite us all.
The Children’s Museum (reopening with a new adventure in July 2023) provides interactive activities that are sure to keep little ones busy, whilst the main collections are arranged in an accessible and engaging way.
- Located on Saadiyat Island.
- For opening times, admission fees and more, click here.
Theatre at VOX
The cinema experience at Theatre at Vox is also something to try if there’s a big film that you want to catch. With fully reclining seats, a blanket and pillow, and an optional three-course meal served to you whilst you watch your movie, the experience goes far beyond the norm.
To see what’s on at Theatre at Vox, Yas Mall, click here.
Never just a shopping mall
As well as a large supermarket and a string of international fashion brands, almost every shopping centre in Abu Dhabi contains at least one soft play centre, a cinema and a plethora of places to eat and drink; from budget cafes to high-end restaurants, there’s something for everyone. Often live-shows or performances take place and no end of special events.
Two of the biggest shopping centres are Yas Mall on Yas Island and The Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island. The new Reem Mall on Reem Island is also almost fully occupied and will be home to 400 global brands and Snow Abu Dhabi.
Other Indoor Options for Summer 2023 in Abu Dhabi
Other indoor activities that you might like to try include:
- A spa day – Most hotels have spa facilities. Some of the best are on Saadiyat Island. Some hotels even have indoor pools that you can use as part of your spa package. To find out more about Spa days in Abu Dhabi, click here.
- A visit to Abu Dhabi Children’s Library – For a change of pace, you could visit the beautiful Abu Dhabi Children’s Library. For more details, click here.
- A tour of Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital – This isn’t entirely indoors, but it is still possible to visit in summer.
- You can also check out what’s on at the Etihad Arena – the big venue for international acts and productions. See what’s lined up for the summer here.
- For a comprehensive guide to things to do indoors with kids in Abu Dhabi, check out this article.
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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