Summer in the Middle East can be a bit of a challenge. Temperatures rise to unimaginable heights, and staying inside our homes seems like the best option. Although it’s tempting to just relax indoors, there are plenty of activities to experience here that will make the season more bearable and fun!
This list of things to do in the Middle East is created with your comfort in mind and can be enjoyed by the whole family. From the classic waterparks to magnificent museums and exhilarating helicopter rides, you’ll never want to stay inside your homes again this summer! Read on and see what you and your loved ones can do for an unforgettable season.
Refreshing Things To Do in the Middle East for a Comfortable Summer
Dubai
- Go on a ski trip inside a mall at Ski Dubai
- Get lost in the world of your favorite movies at IMG Worlds of Adventure
- See the largest suspended aquarium on the planet at Dubai Aquarium
- Go on a family day at Dubai Parks And Resorts
- Experience one of the world’s tallest water slides at Atlantis Aquaventure
- Witness Dubai from above and go on a helicopter tour of the city
- Be surrounded by thousands of colorful butterflies at Dubai Butterfly Garden
Abu Dhabi
- Speed away with your gang at Ferrari World
- Have a cool time with your beloved cartoon characters at Warner Bros.
- Conquer the planet’s largest six-person water slide at Yas WaterWorld
- Dive deeper into the history of the Middle East at Qasr Al Watan
- Appreciate some of the world’s most prized artworks at the Louvre
1. Go on a ski trip inside a mall at Ski Dubai
Going on a ski trip during summer is always a great idea, and it’s also possible even if you’re currently in the Middle East! Just head to Mall of the Emirates, and here you’ll find Ski Dubai. The indoor ski resort has an area of 22,500 sqm, where you’ll find ski slopes complete with faux trees and chalets. These slopes can accommodate beginners, but they also have five full ski runs that advanced skiers can take advantage of. There is also a snowpark perfect for children and fun attractions like zorb ball and snow bullet ride. Ski Dubai also has resident penguins, which guests can meet during their visit.
2. Get lost in the world of your favorite movies at IMG Worlds of Adventure
Another must-visit destination in Dubai for movie lovers is the IMG Worlds of Adventure. If you and your loved ones are looking for an indoor place to escape the summer heat, IMG Worlds of Adventure is the perfect place to be. It’s one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world, with a staggering size of 1.5-million square feet! It’s divided into five thrilling zones, so you’ll never run out of things to do and experience. Meet your favorite cartoon characters at Cartoon Network, go on epic adventures with your beloved superheroes at Marvel, or go back to prehistoric times at the Lost Valley! Other zones here include IMG Boulevard and Novo Cinemas.
3. See the largest suspended aquarium on the planet at Dubai Aquarium
One of the best things to do during summer is heading to the beach. But to make your holiday even more exceptional, how about meeting some of your favorite sea creatures instead? Stop by Dubai Mall and be immersed in the world of Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. It is home to thousands of sea creatures, comprising over 140 species, which you can observe, feed, and even swim with. Their aquarium tank is the largest suspended aquarium on the planet, carrying 10-million liters of water! Aside from the usual aquatic animals, Dubai Aquarium also takes care of other species, including penguins, otters, and even snakes.
4. Go on a family day at Dubai Parks And Resorts
Summertime is always a family affair, and what better way to have fun together than to visit a theme park? Dubai Parks and Resorts is one of the Middle East’s biggest integrated parks featuring four exciting destinations! Watch your favorite movies come alive right before your eyes at MOTIONGATE™ Dubai, or feel like you’re at your favorite Bollywood movie set BOLLYWOOD PARKS™ Dubai. If your kids are crazy about LEGO® bricks, they’ll be amazed by LEGOLAND® Dubai and LEGOLAND® Water Park’s life-size version of these building blocks! Dubai Parks and Resorts also has themed hotels perfect for families who want to stay longer in Dubai and visit all four amusement parks.
5. Experience one of the world’s tallest water slides at Atlantis Aquaventure
One of the best things to do in Dubai during the summer season is visiting some of its top-notch waterparks, and one of the finest out there is Atlantis Aquaventure. The 141-acre park is one of the biggest in the Eastern Hemisphere, and it’s not one of your typical waterparks either. What makes Atlantis Aquaventure different is the incorporation of its lush natural surroundings into its modern features! It’s also home to several unique attractions, including one of the world’s tallest water slides: the Aquaconda. They also have marine habitats, a golf course, a spa, as well as access to beaches.
6. Witness Dubai from above and go on a helicopter tour of the city
If you’re not into walking and prefer a different mode of exploration, why not go on a helicopter tour of Dubai? Take advantage of the summer’s clear skies and go on this one-of-a-kind adventure with your loved ones! You’ll get to see some of the city’s most iconic attractions, like The Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa, in just a matter of minutes. It's a great experience to share with family and friends to see the area's top destination without enduring the extreme Dubai heat.
7. Be surrounded by thousands of colorful butterflies at Dubai Butterfly Garden
Dubai Butterfly Garden might not be the first place that comes to mind when looking for a summer escape, but it is worth a visit. It's been dubbed the world's largest covered butterfly garden, with over 15,000 butterflies representing 50 distinct species. Educational opportunities are everywhere, making it an incredible place for children to learn about these winged creatures. Adults, on the other hand, will enjoy taking hundreds of photos of their colorful butterflies, as well as their collection of indoor and outdoor plants. Dubai Butterfly Garden can also be a great respite from the humid weather as they have climate-controlled domes with a temperature maintained at 18-25 degrees Celsius all year round.
8. Speed away with your gang at Ferrari World
Fulfill your need for speed this summer and visit Ferrari World. This indoor attraction is the first and only Ferrari-branded amusement park in the world, complete with award-winning attractions! For starters, its roof is the largest space frame in the globe, a gigantic free-formed roof with few interior support covering a surface of almost 200,000 sqm. It is also home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa, and the world’s highest non-inverted loop, the Flying Aces.
9. Have a cool time with your beloved cartoon characters at Warner Bros.
Looking for indoor activities in Abu Dhabi doesn’t have to be boring, and Warner Bros. World might be the place you’re searching for. It’s hailed as the largest indoor theme park globally, with a size of 1.65 million square feet. You’ll get to try their themed rides and attractions without having to worry about the city’s sweltering heat! Speaking of themed rides, get ready to meet your beloved cartoon characters growing up here! Uncover spooky mysteries with Scooby-Doo, enjoy an aerial carousel ride with Tweety and Sylvester, or say hi to your beloved DC heroes at Warner Bros. Plaza.
10. Conquer the planet’s largest six-person water slide at Yas Waterworld
Just like Dubai, Abu Dhabi is also home to some of the best waterparks on the planet, one of which is Yas Waterworld. It spans more than 15 hectares of land, divided into different thrill levels. Kids can have a fun day at Young Fun, while adults who are into daredevil stunts can challenge themselves at Adrenalin Rush. Yas Waterworld is also home to over 40 exciting rides and slides, but one that you shouldn’t miss is The Dawamma. It is the largest six-person slide in the world where you’ll be hurled into a 20-meter high tornado funnel! Other must-try features here include Cinesplash, a 5D cinematic experience, and AMWAJ, the region’s largest wave pool with four unique wave patterns on rotation.
11. Dive deeper into the history of the Middle East at Qasr Al Watan
Islamic architecture is one of the most beautiful and majestic on the planet, and one of Abu Dhabi’s best examples is the Qasr Al Watan. If you’ve been putting off your visit here, this summer might be the perfect time to explore and appreciate the opulent palace. Qasr Al Watan is divided into different zones, with each area providing an insight into the history, artistry, and future of the United Arab Emirates. At night, the palace comes alive with the Palace in Motion. It’s a light and sound show telling the story of the UAE’s rich journey.
12. Appreciate some of the world’s most prized artworks at the Louvre
Another great indoor activity in Abu Dhabi is visiting the Louvre. It is the largest art museum in the Arabian Peninsula, housing some of the world’s most renowned artworks. Inside this architectural marvel designed by Jean Nouvel is the creation of artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Giovanni Bellini, and Jackson Pollock. They also have a permanent collection of sculptures and artifacts dating back to at least hundreds of years, changing exhibitions, and an ever-growing collection of masterpieces acquired or loaned from all over the globe.
