Starting from late April through October, summer in Dubai and Abu Dhabi offers a great opportunity to explore the region’s incredible indoor experiences — all while staying cool and comfortable. Forget being stuck indoors with nothing to do. In fact, both emirates are bursting with air-conditioned indoor attractions that are just as exciting as their outdoor counterparts.
From Left to Right : Burj Khalifa, Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Image Courtesy: Klook
Yes, we are talking theme parks, immersive experiences, museums, aquariums, and landmarks. From THE Burj Khalifa and Dubai Aquarium to Ferrari World and Louvre Abu Dhabi there’s no shortage of places where you can beat the heat and still soak in the high energy and rich culture of the UAE.
If you’re searching for the best places to go in Dubai with family, you’ll find plenty of indoor options that are fun for all ages, perfect for a summer escape that doesn’t compromise on adventure. And if you're planning to add Abu Dhabi to your itinerary, a day trip opens up even more family-friendly attractions without braving the heat.
We’ve rounded up the top indoor things to do in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that promise a cool and memorable summer holiday.
Enjoy your summer in Dubai at these 8 Indoor Attractions!
1. The Burj Khalifa
Conquer your fear of heights at Burj Khalifa’s observation deck! Credits: Klook
No trip to Dubai is complete without experiencing the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building — and thankfully, it's one of the most spectacular indoor attractions you can enjoy year-round. From the moment you step inside, the experience is sleek, air-conditioned, and designed to impress. Visitors can explore the At The Top observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors, offering jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city, desert, and coastline — all from the comfort of a climate-controlled space. Zoom up in one of the fastest elevators to and soak in those epic skyline views without breaking a sweat (literally).
Great for the ’Gram, even better for staying cool.
Be sure to book the At The Top Sky packages for a more luxurious experience, as it includes access to the Sky Lounge waiting area, priority elevator queue, snacks, one beverage, and a view that's out of this world.
And here’s the best part — once you're done admiring the view, you can stroll straight into The Dubai Mall next door (thank you, air-conditioned walkways). it incredibly convenient for families or groups. Whether you're grabbing a bite, visiting the aquarium, or just chasing your kids past the candy stores, the Burj is more than just a photo stop — it’s an indoor day out done right.
Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd - Downtown Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Opening Hours:
- At The Top, Burj Khalifa : Monday-Sunday: 09:00-23:00
- Level 124 and 125 Non-prime hours: 09:00 – 11:00, 21:00 – 23:00 Prime hours: 12:00 – 20:00
- Level 148 Non-prime hours: 09:00 – 11:00, 21:00 – 23:00 Prime hours: 12:00 – 20:00 Burj Khalifa last admission: 22:00
Opening hours and closure dates may change. Kindly check for the latest information before your visit.
2. Dubai Aquarium
Now that you’ve arrived at the Dubai Mall, congratulations, you’ve officially entered a shopping utopia.
Be surrounded by the marvels of marine life Credits: M.A.J Photography on Flickr
However, before filling up the shopping bags, go in for the ultimate underwater experience right in the heart of Dubai with a trip to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Wander through the 48-metre Aquarium Tunnel, where sharks and rays glide gracefully overhead like they own the place (because, let’s be honest—they do). Step inside the Penguin Cove and go face-to-feather with a charming colony of live Gentoo penguins who seem blissfully unaware of the desert outside. Learn about a dazzling variety of marine life, their ecosystems, and marvel as they swirl, dart, and dazzle in every direction. It’s one of the best things to do in Dubai with your family during the summers, enjoying a day of wonder, learning, and aquatic magic—with just the right amount of chill.
It’s not every day you get to stroll through a giant tank in the middle of a shopping mall. With over 33,000 aquatic animals, it's basically Dubai's version of Finding Nemo—with better lighting and a food court nearby.
Opening hours
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
- Monday-Thursday: 10:00-23:00
- Last admission: 22:15
- Friday-Sunday: 10:00-00:00
- Last admission: 23:15
- Opening hours and closure dates may change. Kindly check for the latest information before your visit
Penguin Cove
- Monday-Sunday: 10:00-23:00
Address
Ground and Level 1, Dubai Mall, Financial Center Road, Dubai, UAE
3. The Green Planet
Witness nature's many wonders with the whole family at The Green Planet! Credits: Klook
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!
4. Ski Dubai
Going bobsledding in a desert city is possible at Ski Dubai! Credits: Klook
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
5. Museum of the Future, Dubai
Unlock the future's secrets at the Museum of the Future! Credits to Ondrej Bocek on Unsplash
Step into the air-conditioned wonder that is the Museum of the Future, one of the top indoor attractions in Dubai. From the moment you spot its gleaming, calligraphy-wrapped torus on Sheikh Zayed Road, you’ll know this architectural icon isn’t just a great place to visit in summer. It’s your ticket to the year 2071.
There’s so much to explore inside the Museum of the Future. Credits: @nancy_papageorgopoulou
Inside, you’ll board a space station, explore rainforest regeneration labs, discover wellness sanctuaries that soothe more than just sunburns, and marvel at tech innovations.
With immersive floors that make you feel more like an explorer than a visitor, the museum turns a typical summer day into a futuristic adventure. Kids can run wild (and indoors!) at Future Heroes, while grown-ups lose themselves in Tomorrow Today—a gallery where climate tech, AI, and robotics show off their coolest tricks. So if you're looking for a break from beach heat or mall madness, this sleek sci-fi oasis is where your imagination—and body temperature—can finally chill.
Interesting Fact : The Museum of the Future’s façade is wrapped in glowing Arabic calligraphy, designed by artist Mattar Bin Lahej. Featuring inspiring quotes from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the building literally embodies the spirit of innovation, imagination, and legacy
The words read:
✅ “We won't live for hundreds of years, but we can create something that will last for hundreds of years.”
✅ “The future will be for those who can imagine it, design it, and build it. The future does not wait. The future can be designed and built today.”
✅ “The secret of the renewal of life, the development of civilization, and the progress of humanity is in one word: innovation.”
Location: Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Opening Hours:
- Monday-Sunday: 09:30-21:00
- Last admission: 19:00
- Pioneer Pass Operational Hours (9:30am-7:00pm)
6. Madame Tussauds Dubai
Striking a pose with the one and only Hrithink Roshan at Madame Tussauds' entrance Credits: Alizeh Tahir Arsalan
This summer, give the heat a break and your family a brush with fame at Madame Tussauds Dubai—your all-access pass to rub shoulders with Shah Rukh Khan, flex next to Hrithik Roshan, cheer on Virat Kohli, and snap selfies with global icons like Rihanna, Cristiano Ronaldo, and more.
Step into a world where the stars never sweat and the red carpet never ends. From Hollywood legends to Bollywood royalty, and chart-toppers to sporting greats, this is your chance to live out every A-list fantasy—no velvet rope or security guards required.
Channel your inner diva, pose like a pro, and fill your camera roll with memories. It’s the coolest way to meet the hottest celebrities—literally—this summer in Dubai!
Location: Heritage Area, Al Seef, Dubai Creek
Opening Hours: Bluewaters Mall - Bluewaters Island - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
- Friday-Saturday: 11:00-21:00
- Sunday-Thursday: 12:00-20:00
7. IMG Worlds of Adventure
Your inner child will love rides inspired by iconic Cartoon Network shows! Credits: Klook
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
8. Expo City Dubai
Explore and take snaps of stunning installations! Credits to Klook
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.
What to do in Abu Dhabi in the summer?
1. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Have family fun time at this indoor theme park in Abu Dhabi! Credits: Klook
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.
2. Ferrari World
Zoom through the fast rides and fun activities in Ferrari World! Credits: Klook
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.
3. teamLabs Phenomena - Abu Dhabi
Step into a world where art is fluid, responsive, and breathtakingly alive at teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. Conceived by the globally acclaimed art collective teamLab, this groundbreaking destination on Saadiyat Island merges art, science, and technology to create stunning, interactive worlds. Explore groundbreaking artworks that challenge how we see and experience reality, all within a revolutionary architectural space designed to let the art evolve freely.
As the desert sun beats down, this stunning indoor sanctuary offers a perfect, cool escape, making it an ideal place to visit during the summer while immersing yourself in a world of wonder. After your immersive exploration, you can relax at the enchanting Lamp Café or browse the exclusive boutique for a memento. This cornerstone of the Saadiyat Cultural District offers a transformative experience for all.
Location: Al Saadiyat Island - Cultural District - Abu Dhabi
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday: 10:00 - 19:00 (Last admission is 90 minutes before closing)
4. KidZania Abu Dhabi
Let the little ones' imaginations run free as they run a mini city for a day. Credits: Klook
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?
