Learn with fun at this interactive play museum for kids
Children aged two to 11 can unlock the power of positive play and let their imagination run free at OliOli in Dubai. The experiential play museum in Al Quoz features eight galleries spread across two floors. Kids can have fun while learning at these dedicated spaces: Air, Water, Toshi’s Net, Creative Lab, Future Park, Fort Building, Toddler Gallery and Cars & Ramps.
Each gallery offers an immersive sensory experience and has been carefully designed with art and modern equipment, inspired by ideas from leading global educators, development psychologists, artists and fabricators. In total, the galleries include over 40 hands-on exhibits for kids to experience.
Things to do at OliOli
Young scientists can learn to dig for dinosaurs while budding paleontologists will flock to the Dino Discovery activity to collect the tools and equipment for unearthing glow-in-the-dark fossils and bones. Amateur architects and those who want to create something new can build a city out of cardboard although artists may prefer to collaborate and see their expressions brought to life on interactive screens.
There’s fun for grown-ups too – all the installations allow families to bond over imaginative play sessions, and children are always accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or older.
Enjoy retro vibes at this boutique cinema chain
Roxy Cinemas combines the best elements of a multi-screen cinema, with an artsy, boutique setting. With four locations including City Walk, Boxpark, La Mer, The Beach, the cinema are often more modestly sized than the megaplexes across the city – but Roxy knows how to impress no matter how big or small.
Choose the signature Roxy Experience and you’ll feel like a VIP, seated in the hand-stitched Italian leather-trimmed seats. Surrounded by incredible audio-visual technology, your movie trip will feel much more personal. The classic experience of cinema and service, combined with cutting-edge technology is what makes Roxy so special.
There is a range of seat options to suit your occasion – including Silver, Gold and Platinum Plus – for a tailored experience at the movies. You can even rent your own private cinema screening or book a birthday viewing party for little ones.
Catch comedy, drama, music and more at this Al Quoz theatre
The Junction, an independent theatre, can be found Dubai’s artistic hub Alserkal Avenue in the centre of Al Quoz. In this creative space, audiences can watch everything from live comedy events and concerts to poetry festivals and plays written and performed by homegrown talent.
It first opened its doors back in 2015, and has welcomed both international and Dubai-based creatives to its stage. With 158 seats, it offers an intimate experience yet has plenty of space for audience members to sit comfortably with excellent views from all spots.
Community groups often book The Junction, performing everything from critically-acclaimed works by famous playwrights to brand new original plays, giving local actors a chance to showcase their skills.
A hot rooftop lounge at Meydan Racecourse
Mingle with the in-crowd at White Dubai – one of the city’s most spectacular escapes. With its prime location at the Meydan Racecourse Grandstand Rooftop, White takes Dubai’s dining and entertainment lounge scene to a whole new level.
A seasonal outdoor experience, the stylish open-air rooftop spot opens during the city’s cooler winter months to present live entertainment, elevated booths that offer superb skyline views, and irresistible weekly specials that will keep you coming back for more.
Whether you want to feast with friends at an al fresco Friday brunch or combine dinner and a show on Wednesday nights, you’re sure to stay entertained at White.
Marvel at Dubai’s record-breaking dancing water fountains
Witness the tallest performing fountain in the world during your visit to Downtown Dubai. The Dubai Fountain offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in a captivating water, music and light experience.
Submerged within the 30-acre Burj Lake, at the foot of The Dubai Mall, powerful water jets are laid out strategically over an area the length of two football pitches. The fountain jets up to 22,000 gallons of water as high as 140m in the air at any one time.
The fountains come to life every 30 minutes from 6pm, daily. The colourful, illuminated jets sways in time to a range of melodies, which will leave you spellbound. Some popular tracks include Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman’s Time to Say Goodbye, and Power by Korean pop band EXO.
Located at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk allows visitors to get even closer to the spectacle, strolling the 272m floating platform – just nine metres from the fountains.
You can experience this wonder even closer with the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride, setting sail on the lake itself during the water show. They’re truly the best seats in the house.
Visit Dubai’s main hub for events, exhibitions, conventions and more
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is the premier events space in the region. With more than three million annual visitors, 50,000 exhibitors and around 185 countries represented, the sprawling exhibition centre is more than meets the eye, with restaurants, hotels, offices and lounges – but it’s not all for trade shows. There’s plenty of fun events, too.
DWTC plays host to a wide range of live shows throughout the year. Past performers include DJ Tiesto, George Ezra, 30 Seconds to Mars and comedy superstar Dave Chapelle. The expansive, interconnected halls have also welcomed huge international productions, such as Cirque du Soleil. Post-event, visitors can roam around the wider area, which offers a huge number of restaurants, hotels and lounges.
The main Trade Centre campus includes Sheikh Rashid Hall, Maktoum Hall, the Al Mulaqua Ballroom, Sheikh Saeed Halls, Za’abeel Halls and the Trade Centre Arena. DWTC is also the home of Dubai’s first ever skyscraper. Rising 38 storeys, Sheikh Rashid Tower (also referred to as Dubai World Trade Centre) was built in 1979 and remained the tallest building in Dubai for many years.
Food, shopping and fun from around the world
Every year from October to April, millions flock to the ever-popular Global Village. Launched in 1997 with a series of retail kiosks, the open-air destination has grown in leaps and bounds over the years and now serves as a staple treat on Dubai’s winter calendar.
Whether you’re coming for the fun fair rides, the food, the nightly cultural entertainment, or the authentic shopping, Global Village has something for everyone. You’ll find more than 75 countries showcasing their local products within over 25 lavish pavilions.
Sample delicious honey from Yemen, or shop exquisite carpets from Iran and Afghanistan, argan oil from Morocco, engraved necklaces from Spain and dry fruits from Thailand. Each pavilion, from Egypt to Italy, Vietnam to Oman, transports visitors to the country through smell, taste, sounds and colourful decorations.
Indulge in a global adventure with entertainment from around the world in nightly concerts and shows, featuring artists who create a mix of wonder, music and comedy at the World Culture Stage. While thrill-seekers can keep their energy high on the daring carnival rides, foodies will want to plan a feast with a taste of international dishes at the many restaurants, cafes and street food kiosks onsite.
Since December 2019, Global Village is also home to the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! ‘Odditorium’ – a first in the region, this museum attraction has six galleries packed with fascinating artefacts, visual oddities and interactive exhibits.
Kids can play all day at Magic Planet in Dubai
Magic Planet has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for downright adrenaline-fueled fun or something a bit more relaxing. You’ll find a Magic Planet outlet at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif. It’s the largest indoor family entertainment centre in Dubai. There are a variety of arcade and online games to suit not just all members of the family but all group sizes too.
Challenge your friends to a game on the racing simulator, head up to one of the many amusement rides on offer or chill out with a 4XD movie, at the pool tables or the ten-pin bowling alley. This is far more than a video arcade though. It’s a mini amusement park within a shopping centre. As such, if a thrill is what you’re looking for, test your mettle at the Sky Trail and climbing wall. There are also a number of trampolines to bounce around on, a merry-go-round and dodgem cars.
Little ones can also run around on the soft adventure course, making their own adventures as they go. And the more you play, the more points you can earn to spend in the prize store at the end. Parents can head to one of the cafes or food outlets too if they need a break themselves. The whole family will be busy for hours.
If you’re a fan of amazing acrobatics, state-of-the-art technology and awe-inspiring action, then you’ll want to book a seat at La Perle by Dragone. Located in the heart of Al Habtoor City, it is Dubai’s first permanent show, staging an impressive 450 performances a year.All the action takes place inside the 1,300-seat theatre, which has been tailor-made to provide an immersive experience. This is achieved thanks to 3D projections surrounding the theatre on the floors, wall and huge cyclorama and 360-degree surround sound system. A high-tech ‘aqua-stage’, is filled with 2.7 million litres of water and has the ability to transform from an aquatic stage to a dry platform in less than a minute.
You’ll be on the edge of your seat watching the cast of talented artists perform breathtaking feats. From diving into the water from a height of 25 metres to flying around the auditorium on high-powered winches and defying gravity on motorbikes in a metal sphere – it promises to be nothing short of amazing.
The show features a cast of 65 artists, all with their own unique set of skills. You’ll be face-to-face with the show’s range of acting, acrobatics, aquatic and aerial stunts during this 90 minute performance. Be prepared for this time to fly though, because you’ll see the performers diving, flying and moving at lightning speed.
Experience a Franco Dragone production
The mastermind behind La Perle is Franco Dragone, one of the world’s most sought-after artistic directors and the visionary behind theatrical spectacles including Celine Dion – A New Day, Le Rêve in Las Vegas and The House of Dancing Water in Macau.He said: “La Perle is inspired by the spirit of Dubai and will reflect the beauty and flavours of Arabia.”
Kids play as adults – and learning has never been so fun
Kids rule the world at KidZania. Children of all ages can work, play and pretend to be adults for the day in this incredible make-believe town. With more than 80 role-playing activities and over 60 city establishments (including Heritage Village), kids are able to build essential real-life skills while having a great time in a totally safe environment within The Dubai Mall.
The adventure into adulthood begins as soon as the door opens. Arriving at the city’s airport with nothing but a boarding pass and their wage of 50 Kidzos (the Kidzania currency), they are set loose in the indoor town, with a little help from town ‘Zupervisors’. Armed with 50 Kidzos, the little ones can head to the bank to cash their cheques before hitting the miniature streets to explore their dream jobs.
They can find work as firemen, doctors, police officers, beauticians and more. And after just a few minutes of being put to work, more money can be earned. That is, until the next career shift. After a hard day at work, kids are free to spend their Kidzos and treat themselves with a shopping spree, spa day or entertainment at one of the many establishments. After all, they’ve earned it.
A beachside hotspot for daytime, dusk and beyond
Beach lovers, sports fans and foodies can all find fun in the sun at Barasti. The popular beachfront venue is located at the five-star Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina and provides picture-perfect views.
Since its humble beginnings from a beach shack, the coastal lounge has become a Dubai institution and a popular spot for evening entertainment. On the ground floor, you can sing along to classics, linger in the al fresco lounge area or even have a splash in the pool.
The DJ booth provides music throughout the night, with plenty of musical surprises that keep the crowds coming – so head upstairs if you’d like to take in the views at a slower pace. During the day, guests can relax at the vibrant beach and enjoy views of the sea while dining from a varied menu.
A kids’ activity park with props, plants and animals
Plan a perfect day with the young ones at XPark Jr, just off Kite Beach in Umm Suqeim. Located inside ‘The Journey’, the park offers a sprawling outdoor area that has a variety of different events and attractions for the kids.
Highlights include a vegetable garden, a little orchard and a water area for them to splash in. The outdoor play area also includes a play kitchen with props, large wooden jungles and a function area that hosts weekly activities.
Enjoy the food grown on-site, karate classes, arts and crafts and much more. The large air-conditioned barn hosts a variety of animals for kids to ride, pet and feed – including horses, cows, chickens, rabbits and other farmyard favourites.
Experience movies with multiple modern viewing options
Catch your favourite entertainers on the big screen at Reel Cinemas, with viewing options for all kinds of movie-goers, spread across several city locations. Whether you are looking for a royal treatment, or an artful indie screening, Reel Cinemas has all the options for you.
The whopping 22-screen Cineplex at The Dubai Mall is the flagship theatre, guaranteed to give you the best cinematic experience and The Dubai Marina Mall is great for seeing the latest blockbusters in true business-class style.
There’s also a brand new dine-in cinema with a menu featuring stellar dishes, courtesy of celebrity chef Guy Fieri at the Jebel Ali Recreation Club, The Dubai Mall, and a cinema in a hotel at Rove Downtown. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll find private lounges, comfortable leather reclining chairs and a button for on-call service. Sit back, relax and enjoy movie magic at its best – in total comfort.
A cultural hub in the heart of a shopping centre
Mall of the Emirates is home to two theatre spaces, the largest big enough to seat more than 500 people at a time. With stalls, a balcony, and VIP boxes, the state-of-the-art venue regularly hosts every kind of live event.
From plays and pantomimes to ballet performances and comedy from international stand-up stars like Trevor Noah and Wonho Chung – whatever you’re into, you’re sure to find something here. The multi-faceted venue even runs workshops and camps for children looking to tread the boards when they grow up.
Immerse yourself in the world of Indian cinema
Set foot onto the first ever Bollywood theme park in the world. Located at Dubai Parks and Resorts, this exciting theme park brings the vibrance of Indian cinema all the way to Dubai, in an ode to India’s prolific Bollywood industry.
Witness Bollywood movie-making come alive with a variety of flamboyant rides, shows and attractions. Five different zones make up the park, each one celebrating a different part of India’s film industry. Some of the most iconic Bollywood productions, from Sholay to Lagaan, are associated with a ride, or a show.
Discover 3D cinematic extravaganzas, shoot-em-up laser rides, car chase rides and soaring flight simulators. Ride inside a cricket ball in a game of cricket – India’s most popular sport. Not a fan of rides? Step behind the scenes to see a Bollywood production in action.
There are, of course, authentic Indian restaurants alongside other dining options to keep you fueled throughout the day.
The ultimate driving experience with views of the Burj Khalifa
The sky’s the limit for thrill-seekers with an exhilarating experience awaiting them at Ekart Zabeel, located on the rooftop of The Dubai Mall Zabeel.
Zoom past the Burj Khalifa on the open-air track, where drivers can race against the clock and each other for AED75 per session in the environmentally-friendly electric karts. Whether you’re competing with your friends or family or using it for a team-building event, you’re guaranteed an adrenaline rush.
It’s not all high-speed action though: plan for a fun time out with a food truck on site ready to serve delectable dishes and refreshments to the racers.
Spend your day with a pod of playful dolphins
The perfect family activity awaits you at Dolphin Bay, part of the Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm. Get welcomed by a pod of playful dolphins and choose from a range of activities designed to suit all swimming abilities and age groups.
Dolphin interactions are fully coordinated by a team of highly skilled trainers, with guests spending around 30 minutes in water with the dolphins. During this time, you’ll have a number of one-on-one moments with the highly-intelligent mammals.
Whether you would like to dive deep underwater to view the creatures in full flight, be propelled through the water on their fins, or even receive a quick peck on the cheek, Dolphin Bay will send you home with a smile.
A wintry wonderland at The Dubai Mall
Shop and skate at The Dubai Mall, the retail destination consistently breaking boundaries when it comes to in-mall entertainment. Drop your kids at the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink, or join the Learn to Skate programme designed for both – the young and the young-at-heart.
You are certain to take every curved corner with added energy, as you move to the best beats helmed by the in-house DJ. Feeling competitive? Gear up for a game of Broomball, where six-player teams take off their skates and face off in a battle to sweep the ball into the net.
Whether you are a lone shopper seeking a break, a family pack looking for a fun-filled weekend jam, or simply wish to introduce your kids to a challenging sport, Dubai Ice Rink is the place to be. Once you get into the groove, you can even skate all night at an ice dance party.