< Previoushas 360-degree views so you can get a few lengths in and check out the city lights glittering below you. Not only does this make for quite the photo (time to practise your best pose), the pool is temperature- controlled, so even though you’re 50 floors up, you won’t get chilly. Prices vary depending on which lounger you choose, but you can get access to the three-hour session for as little as Dhs225 per person. O From Dhs225. Daily 8pm-11pm. The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, auraskypool.com (04 566 2121). Dinner: Marvel at the view at SUSHISAMBA Whether you’re peckish before or after your night swim is up to you, but either way, your dinner is right upstairs. The famous Japanese-Peruvian restaurant sits above AURA Skypool, so get yourself glammed up and book a table for some small plates with an eye-popping view of the city. As well as a ceviche (and a couple of crispy taquitos), you have to try the signature Samba Dubai roll (it’s the only place in the world you can get it) with lobster, mango and wasabi for the ideal bite. If you’re loving the vibe and want to stay all night long, nip through to the Samba Room next door, where you’ll find live DJs and parties in the sky. O Open Sun-Thu noon-3pm, 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat noon- 3pm, 6pm-3am. The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, sushisamba.com (04 278 4888). Dinner: Push the boat out at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal If you’re looking for an early dinner, then drive up the trunk of Palm Jumeirah straight towards Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal. Known for its creative dishes (you’ll surely have heard of the Meat Fruit), the discovery three-course set menu runs Tuesday through Sunday from 6pm-7pm. Letting you sample some of the restaurants finest creations for Dhs550 per person, each dish is based around reimagined historical discoveries and fascinations. If you want a dinner that’s about more than just the food, this is it. It’s Barfly by Buddha-Bar Tagomago Dinner by Heston BlumenthalAll budgets covered TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM SUMMER 2025 21 also a prime chance to get a nosey into the world-famous hotel, see the water droplet sculpture and admire the fire and water Skyblaze Fountain. It’s a real spectacle and will be a treat for the eyes (and the ’gram) at the end of the evening. O Dhs550. Open Tue-Sun, 6pm-7pm. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 2444). Drinks: Relax and enjoy the view at Barfly by Buddha-Bar Ready for some stellar views and cool vibes? Tucked into the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, the rooftop spot Barfly by Buddha-Bar has some incredible views over to Dubai Marina that are even better after dark. If you’re arriving early, the bar has a sunset deal on Sundays through Thursdays, where drinks start from only Dhs28. Or if you’re booked in for some after-dark sips, there’s a lounge inside dedicated purely to a classic Italian mixed-drink that’s definitely worth checking out. O Open Sun-Tue 5pm-1am; Wed-Sat 5pm-2am. Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, barflydubai.ae (054 994 1460). Drinks: Sit and soak in the vibes at Tagomago If you want a night out without blaring beats and packed crowds, then make your way round to the Balearic-inspired restaurant and bar. Offering up tables inside the standalone casa, out on the terrace and sprawling out onto the sand (that was shipped in from Ibiza itself), it’ll be dreamy no matter where you sit (although you’ll probably want to plump for indoors with AC). Playing soft Mediterranean tunes, you can sip on a crisp glass of grape starting from around Dhs70. You’ll probably want to get stuck into a few of the tapas though, trust us it will be worth it. O Open daily 10am-1am. Azure Residence, Palm Jumeirah, tagomago.ae (04 832 6620). Not ready to go home: Sashay onto the dancefloor at Bling If you want to feel *really* bougie, then stop by Bling for a dance into the early hours. Located at the trendy FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, not only is this nightclub slick, but you can even drive your supercar inside it and park up on the dancefloor (really). Table prices are in the thousands, but you can opt to stand and be a part of the crowd for far less. Depending on the night of the week, you’ll be listening to sizzling Afrobeats, hip- hop or RnB all the way until 4am. O Open Thu-Sun 10pm-4am, Tue 10pm-4am. FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, blingdxb.com (058 869 8996). 22 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Blow the budget BUDGET: *THE SKY IS THE LIMIT* This night out isn’t a common occurrence, it’s a special occasion or bucket list evening. The ultimate treat, you deserve to go all out with this one. In a city like Dubai, there are endless options of how your dream evening could look, so we’ve put together one dreamy option that will guarantee a memorable night out. Activity: Charter a private yacht tour This is a dream evening out, so it starts just before sunset, when you’ll be boarding your own private yacht to spend the next couple of hours on. Using VIP Yachts, you can choose from a selection of gorgeous boats in advance, and the cost will depend on just how upscale you want to go (some even come with hot tubs). Taking you out from Dubai Harbour into the sunset, watch the sky turn a fiery orange and enjoy a glass of something cold as the sea breeze blows through your hair. O Prices vary. Dubai Harbour, vipyachts.ae (052 708 3946). Dinner: Have a feast at URLA Expect only the best at this open-air restaurant, sitting proudly at the foot of Burj Khalifa. An Aegean-inspired restaurant, you’ll be treated to some incredible plates of seafood while the Burj light show kicks off every half an hour for your entertainment. Start with the octopus carpaccio or the KrasotaAll budgets covered TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM SUMMER 2025 23 marrow beef tartare, before digging into rich forkfuls of the wagyu paella with black truffle and mushrooms. Push the boat out with the fresh lobster linguini and seeing as this is an all-out night, finish with the Urla dessert platter (or cheese platter if you’re more of the savoury kind). This is one spot that’s sure to wow. O Open daily 3pm-3am. Address Downtown Hotel, Downtown Dubai, urlarestaurant.com (052 554 5997). Dinner: Have an immersive experience at Krasota If you want to seriously upgrade your dinner, book in for a special meal at the gastro- theatre, where you’ll be one of only 20 other diners in the room. Dive into the innovative eight-chapter menu, which comes from world-famous chef Vladimir Mukhin, while being surrounded by a series of immersive projections. With each dish designed to reflect the theme of the menu, you can expect to be wowed by some pretty high-end ingredients. Alongside the incredible art show, this is a unique experience. O From Dhs1,500. Open daily 6pm & 9pm. Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai, krasota.art (04 433 1258). Drinks: See the city skyline from CÉ LA VI After-dark Burj Khalifa views don’t get better than this. Born in Singapore, this iconic sky bar now sits proudly on the 54th floor of the Address Sky View hotel, looking straight across the golden lights of Downtown. Expect a live DJ and high terrace tables, a perfect spot to explore all that the mixed drink menu has to offer. Or, as this is a bucket list night after all, perhaps a bottle of bubbly would be better suited. Despite being a luxe spot, the venue offers a ladies’ night on a Tuesday, where you can redeem free-flowing house beverages for Dhs150 from 10pm to 2am, so it’s possible to do this place on a budget, too. O Open Sun-Fri noon-3am, Sat 12.30pm-3am. Address Sky View Hotel, celavi.com (04 582 6111). Drinks: Sip drinks in the world’s tallest building at At.mosphere You can’t get much more ‘peak Dubai’ than drinks in the tallest building on the planet. At.mosphere is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even afternoon tea, but we recommend heading along for some drinks at the bar and taking in the sights of the city while sipping something creative before you dine. One for a special occasion. O Open daily 7am-midnight. Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, atmosphereburjkhalifa.com (04 888 3828). At.mosphere24 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM THE GREAT INDOORS THE GREAT INDOORSTIMEOUTDUBAI.COM SUMMER 2025 25 It’s officially time to enjoy the thrills of the very best (air-conditioned) activities this summer IMG Worlds of Adventure 26 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM T here’s a blissful window of time one can stay outdoors in Dubai, without dreaming of an ice bath. Although we are now officially enjoying the city summer, the fun needn’t stop. Now is the time to try the top attractions you’ve never got around to. Think sprawling, out-of-this-world experiences (for you and the kids) endless culture hits and everything in between. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re looking to pack in more time with the family, plus one or simply yourself, here’s to an epic summer in Dubai. For the little adventurers Bounce around at Air Maniax Instead of bouncing off the walls at home, jump around at Dubai’s multi-activity indoor play arena, Air Maniax. Spread over 23,000 square feet, Air Maniax’s biggest zone is an inflatable arena for all ages. Get the kids to try the challenging obstacle courses, the zipline and laser tag, while the scores are being recorded so you can see who comes out as champion at the end. O From Dhs90. Open Mon-Thu noon-8pm, Fri noon- 10pm, Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 9am-9pm. Al Quoz, airmaniax.com (04 348 8981). Explore Adventure Island The attraction now has branches in JBR and Deira, offering you and the little ones hours of fun. Start off by getting into one of the Pixel rooms that are covered with sensors, and get your steps in jumping around. If you’re still not tired out, try a game or two of laser tag. Chase each other around the course as you duck and dive to avoid being hit by your opponents. O Prices vary. Open Mon-Thu noon-10pm, Fri-Sun noon-midnight. Bahar Plaza, Jumeirah Beach Residence and City Centre Deira, adventureisland.ae (058 833 9204). Have a day at Boo Boo Laand The play area in Dubai Mall boasts everything you need to keep the kids entertained. There’s everything from a princess dress up area to a snow park, trampolines and interactive shows. Offering something for ages spanning from babies to teens, it’s time for your kids to have a brilliant day out in the cool AC. O From Dhs190. Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, booboolaand.com (050 189 8140).Top indoor activities TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM SUMMER 2025 27 Jump at Bounce Everybody jump. Test out your trampoline skills at Bounce and see if you have a front flip in your locker. Or if it’s not for you, let the little ones run wild and free jump to their heart’s content. The park has two locations in Dubai, so get the kids in the car and head to your closest. Covered in trampolines from floor to wall, the sky’s the limit with this one. And it’s not just for the kids either – adults can have a great time here too, plus bouncing is great exercise (as if you needed an excuse). O From Dhs90. Open Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-8pm. Al Quoz, bounce.ae (04 304 9333). Scream at IMG Worlds of Adventure One of the biggest indoor theme parks on the planet, IMG Worlds of Adventures, features four zones – The Marvel Zone (for superhero fans), The Lost Valley (where you can spot a dinosaur or two) and The Cartoon Network Zone (where favourite, colourful characters like the Powerpuff Girls hang out, be warned though, their ride isn’t as gentle as you might expect) and the welcoming IMG Boulevard. All inside, you can get your steps and your thrills in here. O Dhs365 (general admission), free (kids under 1.05m in height). Open Sun-Thu noon-10pm, Fri-Sat noon-11pm. Dubailand, imgworlds.com (04 403 8888). Bounce Air Maniax28 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM For the gamers Be competitive at Chaos Karts 3, 2, 1, GO. Make sure to visit with the fam if you haven’t had the chance yet. Get them to step away from their video games and step inside one instead, as the virtual reality experience makes you feel as if you’re in a real life version of Mario Kart. One for the bigger kids, children must be over 11. O From Dhs140. Open Mon-Thu 1pm-midnight, Fri-Sun 11am-1am. Al Quoz, chaoskarts.ae (04 324 2344). Challenge your pals at Battle Kart A perfect activity for the summer, get ready to battle your mates as you step inside a video game (sort of). Located in Dubai Investment Park, the track offers different games where you can team up with or go against your friends as you whizz around. One game is even inspired by the Battle Snake game on an old Nokia phone – now that is a throwback. O From Dhs160. Open Mon-Thu 2pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 1pm-2am, Sun 1pm-midnight. Dubai Investment Park, battlekart.com (058 588 0116). Get out at Game Over Escape Rooms Located inside Nakheel Mall, Game Over Escape Rooms is interactive and offers really fascinating games. With plenty of very cool rooms including Murder on the Orient Express, One Thousand and One Nights, Alice in Wonderland, Horror Circus, Atlantis the Lost City, Dracula and so much more. You have a wide variety with this one. O Prices vary. Open Sun-Wed 10am-10.30pm, Thu- Sat 10am-midnight. Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, dubai.escapegameover.ae (04 577 3289). Enjoy a day at Wavehouse This indoor fun zone has all ages covered with soft play, games and even a bar. Jump into some iconic retro arcade games and spend the day running from machine to machine. Give your hardest hit at the thunder hammer, see how quick you can get the whack-a-mole, or if all else fails, get a bowling lane and try your best for a strike. To finish off on a sugar buzz, grab a cookies and cream sundae before you head home. Everyone’s catered for here. O From Dhs370 (bowling lane). Open daily noon- 11pm. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 2626). Escape reality at VR Park VR Park is home to a host of virtual reality games for kids of all ages, meaning they The Green PlanetTop indoor activities TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM SUMMER 2025 29 For the nature-lovers Flit to Dubai Butterfly Garden Step into the enclosed garden, where you can admire more than 15,000 butterflies all year round. Stroll through different dedicated zones and watch as the beautiful bugs flutter overhead or even land on you if you’re lucky. Showing the lifecycle from start to finish, the guides may even be able to let you watch some butterflies hatching from their pupa right in front of your very eyes. O From Dhs60. Open daily 9am-6pm. Al Barsha South, dubaibutterflygarden.com (04 422 8902). Go to The Green Planet A little tropical oasis in the middle of the desert, this biodome is packed with more than 3,000 species of plants and animals, offering a slice of the tropics for nature-lovers of all ages. The experience will weave through a vertical rainforest, where you can get up close with some sleepy sloths, or if you’re feeling brave, opt in for the reptile encounter. To finish off, grab a pizza or some churros in the jungle- themed Green Planet Café before heading back home. O Dha155 (adults), Dhs135 (kids aged two-10). Open daily 10am-6pm. City Walk, Al Wasl, thegreenplanetdubai.com (800 262 9464).Next >