< Previous70 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Art & Culture Laugh out loud The best comedy clubs to have a chuckle at. By Sian Traynor It’s not always easy to get a crowd going, especially when it’s just you and a microphone. But if you can find a quality comedian, just a few minutes of them talking can have you falling off your chair with laughter. In fact, the comedy clubs in Dubai are packed with cringe-free comedy and home-grown talent that will quickly have you in stitches. So if you want to see the best the city has to offer (or fancy grabbing the mic yourself), here are the best stand- up comedy clubs in Dubai where you’re guaranteed a laugh. Dubomedy Getting tears rolling down your cheeks since 2008, the community group is a huge hit with comedy fans in the city. Founded by award-winning comedians Mina Liccione and Ali Al Sayed, there are regular shows to catch, or if you fancy yourself as a budding comedian, you can sign up to the Dubomedy Arts School to perfect your jokes. O dubomedy.com. Flamingo Live Founded by Dubai-based comic Yash Bhardwaj, the stand-up club hosts a series of shows across the city. Often appearing at The Coterie in Ibn Battuta Mall, tickets usually cost around Dhs70, with two house beverages included in the price. O @flamingo.live_. Mad Cat Comedy Another home-grown concept, this comedy club brings some hilarious shows with a Flamingo LiveTIMEOUTDUBAI.COM SUMMER 2025 71 Give improv a go Have you always been interested in theatre? Now’s your chance to give it a try. Courtyard Playhouse hosts improv workshops for adults, teens and kids. It’ll be super fun and a great way to let loose. Free trial classes are available, so check the website for times. There are frequently comedy shows to watch too, so grab your mates and RSVP ahead of time to secure your spot. O From Dhs2,050 (improv classes), free (trial classes). The Courtyard, Al Quoz, courtyardplayhouse.com (050 986 1760). Courtyard Playhouse sprinkling of dark humour. From its long- running comedy evenings to its headline shows, there will be no awkward laughs here, just genuine giggles. O madcatcomedy.com. The Laughter Factory After 28 years of making us laugh (really hard), the incredible institution that is The Laughter Factory is a must-try when it comes to first class stand-up. Featuring everything from local talent to Edinburgh Festival Fringe alumni, expect to be entertained. It’s played host to top names on their way to superstardom like Jason Manford, Russell Peters, Sarah Millican and Michael McIntyre. Recent stars to take to the stage include home-grown comic Saaniya Abbas as well as Aaron Butler and Roxy Yekta. The club now has a more permanent venue at The Agenda in Media City as well as recently hosting two shows at the famed AURA Skypool, 200m up in the air. You’ll still find a selection of pop-up shows across Dubai every month, too. O thelaughterfactory.com. The Laughter Factory 72 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Attractions No place like home How to holiday in Greece, Ibiza and the Maldives without leaving the UAE Ever want that feeling of getting away without actually having to get on a plane? Whether you’re tight on time, trying to save your fils or prefer to look at the beautiful destinations we have on our doorstep for your holiday adventures, there are plenty of places in the UAE that are just as good – and often even better – than popular holiday spots around the world. So, when the travel bug strikes, here’s where to go – without a trip to the airport. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood Swap: Istanbul, Turkey. Istanbul is known for its meandering cobbled side streets that are teaming with art, culture, coffee shops and games of backgammon. If you’re looking for something similar closer to home, head to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Surrounded by old sandstone buildings and traditional wind towers, the winding alleyways will weave you past pop-up art installations, the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding and XVA Art Hotel, all giving you a taste of the traditional style of life in Dubai, from the mid-19th century to the 1970s. To fuel your adventure, stop by Arabian Teahouse for a caffeine boost of Arabic coffee and an Emirati breakfast. Fancy a staycation too? Book a room at XVA Art Hotel or at the nearby Al Seef Heritage Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton. O Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Al Fahidi, Dubai, dubaiculture.ae (800 33 222). Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Swap: Maldives. While the Maldives might be on most people’s bucket lists, the prices at this luxe Indian Ocean destination can often stand in the way. But if you’re dreaming of over-water villas, ocean views and blue skies, you’re in luck. Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort offers stunning villas perched over the water, with buckets of wildlife on tap – thanks to the area’s protected mangroves – and an interrupted horizon. Just a 45-minute drive from DXB airport, this island idyll is the perfect Indian Ocean-meets-Middle East escape. The first overwater villas in RAK, you’ll enjoy spotting the resident wildlife from your terrace, sipping something cool in your own infinity pool and sunset (or sunrise) strolls along its strip of sandy beach living you best island life. Maldives, what Maldives? O Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah, anantara.com (07 204 2222) Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai Anantara Santorini Retreat Abu DhabiTIMEOUTDUBAI.COM SUMMER 2025 73 Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat Swap: Santorini, Greece. The clue’s in the name. Why pay for a flight to the Cyclades Islands when you can enjoy all its white-washed wonder right here in the UAE? Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat opened its doors in 2024, bringing a little Aegean glamour to the Gulf. Sitting pretty on the coast half way between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it’s a gorgeous bolt-hole for those wanting to escape without, well, escaping. The boutique resort has only 22 guest rooms and suites, making it perfect for some much-needed quiet time. Oh, it’s an adults-only hotel, too. The white and blue architecture and interiors of this sun-soaked resort really capture that essence of island life, with uninterrupted sea views inviting languid afternoons at the infinity pool. And don’t worry about missing your favourite Mediterranean food either, as Thalassa serves up Greek-Med plates. Close your eyes, soak up the sights, smells and sounds of Santorini right here in the UAE. O Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi, anantara.com (02 817 0000). Dubai Parks and Resorts Swap: Orlando, Florida. Ready for a theme park-packed holiday? Disney may be coming to Abu Dhabi in the not-too-distant future, but for now here in Dubai there are plenty of places for kids to get their thrills and spills when it comes to roller coasters and cartoon characters. Pack your bags (but not your passport) for Dubai Parks and Resorts. There’s bucket loads to do, thanks to its three theme parks, a water park, an indoor play zone and three hotels. Spend your days drifting between Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar and Shrek-inspired rides at MOTIONGATE, build, play and get wet at LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park, go football crazy at Real Madrid World, dive into the cosmic indoor play area at Neon Galaxy, or stroll through the cobbled streets of Riverland Dubai. For the ultimate sleepover, venture through the dragon- guarded entrance for a stay at LEGOLAND Hotel, with its colourful themed bedrooms each with their own play area, non-stop entertainment and dinner at the themed Bricks Family Restaurant. O Sheikh Zayed Road, dubaiparksandresorts.com (800 2629 464). Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai Swap: Ibiza, Balearic Islands. While Ibiza might be the ultimate party island, you don’t have to travel to the Mediterranean to get your high-energy kicks. Nikki Beach Resort & Spa in Dubai is the perfect spot for a little celebration. The sun-kissed island of Ibiza is known as an ambidextrous destination – offering both lavish parties and ultimate relaxation. The same can be said for Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, with its sprawling pool, pristine strip of sandy beach and comfy day beds perfect for lazy afternoons in the sun. While the beach club often closes its doors for a month or so in the height of the summer, you’ll still be able to take in the vibes at the hotel pool and enjoy a sip with a vista. The views are so stunning and you’ll be hard-pushed to find better in Dubai. The hotel has 117 rooms and 15 villas, each offering an ultimate seaside sanctuary. Think private pools, beach and garden views, and all the mod-cons and luxury comforts a discerning traveller needs. Kick off your shoes, it’s time to relax. O Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, Pearl Jumeira, dubai.nikkibeach.com (04 376 6162). voco Monaco Dubai Swap: South of France. An exclusive adults-only escape on The World Islands, voco hotel is part of the Côte d’Azur resort, which was literally designed to whisk you away to Monaco, Nice and Saint-Tropez. Not only do you need a speedboat to get here, but you can enjoy French bistros and even a climate-controlled street. For a glass of grape and fresh seafood, sit out on the terrace of the aptly named Riviera-style restaurant, La Rive, or grab a stool at the swim-up bar instead for the ultimate relaxation. O voco Monaco Dubai, Dubai World Islands, ihg.com (04 549 0800).74 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Family & Kids Orange Wheels Child’s play Super soft play areas to keep the little ones entertained. By Amy Mathieson The sun is out, it’s too warm to go to the park, you’ve exhausted the arts and crafts and don’t want any more paint on the walls or sofa. It’s time to gather the little ones and head to a soft play. With everything from special areas for toddlers to larger indoor playgrounds for slightly bigger kids, there’s heaps to explore this summer. Boo Boo Laand This is one fun day out for kids. Spanning over 25,000sqm, housing more than 30 attractions spread across four different zones, there’s even a snow park. There’s a princess dress up area, slides, trampolines, arts and crafts and more. O Dhs150 (toddlers, two hours), Dhs190 (kids aged three-15, two hours). Open Mon-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri-Sun 10am-midnight. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, booboolaand.com. Cheeky Monkeys These fun-loving soft play centres are great places for the kids to let off some steam. Neon-lit slides, mini zip-lines, dressing-up areas and ball pits provide entertainment. O Dhs63 (one hour). Times vary. Various locations including JBR, Downtown Dubai and Mirdif, cheekymonkeys.com (04 276 0011). Koala Kids This space in Al Quoz is suitable for kids aged two to ten and has plenty to do, split over two levels. There’s a trampoline park, soft play area with slides, climbing frames and more, as well as a digital games area and café. O Dhs85 (one hour, Mon-Thu), Dhs125 (one hour Fri-Sun). Open daily 10am-9pm. Al Quoz, koalakids.ae (04 298 8404). Leo&Loona Sprawling over 2,200sqm, there’s loads to get involved in at Leo&Loona, with more than 20 attractions for kids aged two to ten. Think trampolines, ball pools, climbing walls, pedal go-karts and more. There’s also a café so you can grab a coffee too. O Dhs179 (Mon-Fri, full-day pass), Dhs229 (Sat-Sun full-day pass), half price (under twos). Open Mon-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri-Sun 10am-midnight. Dubai Festival City Mall, leoloona.ae (04 894 7117). Mini Bounce This cute play area is ideal for smaller kids. The open-plan area makes it easy to keep an eye on them, while there’s a huge ball pit, slides and tunnels to climb through, plus, of course, trampolines for them to burn off any extra energy. There’s a small music-based space too, plus a large café on site if you want to refuel after all that jumping – with play and meal deals often available if you want to stretch it out. O Dhs80 (one hour). Open daily 10am-10pm. Springs Souk, The Springs, bounce.ae (04 304 9333). OliOli This play-and-learn edutainment centre is all about feeding inquisitive little minds. Built around hands-on activities that nurture curiosity, imagination and exploration, OliOli has eight galleries and more than 40 interactive exhibits. Each space features innovative concepts that create a one-of-TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM SUMMER 2025 75 Coffee and play Café Confetti Head to this cute spot in JLT for a cuppa and a natter with your pals while your sprogs play on the petite climbing frame, race around on mini cars and get cooking in the pretend kitchen. O Open daily 8am-9pm. Cluster X, JLT, cafeconfettidubai.com (04 554 6206). Common Grounds This Aussie coffee shop makes for a great pit stop if you’re at Nakheel Mall. With top-notch coffee, a tasty kids’ menu (the pancakes are a hit) and a play area at the back with books, soft toys, building blocks and more, you’ll get to sip your drink while it’s still hot. O Open Sun-Thu 8.30am-9.30pm, Fri-Sat 8.30am-11.30am. Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, eatx.com (050 900 1699). its-kind educative play experience. There’s even a car washing zone, which they’ll love. O From Dhs69 (two hours, under twos), Dhs139 (two hours, aged two-16). Open Mon-Tue 9am-6pm, Wed 11.30am-6pm, Thu noon-6pm, Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 10am-7pm. Al Quoz, olioli.ae (04 702 7300). Orange Wheels Little adventurers have free rein to run, jump and explore at this soft play destination. Here they can burn off energy in a safe environment, with indoor slides, ball pits, role play areas and even crafts. O Dhs115 (two hours). Open daily 9am-9pm. Various locations including Circle Mall, JVC; Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah, orangewheels.com. Playtorium Here you’ll find a large indoor play area with huge slides, climbing frames and even a mini toboggan. There are plenty of places for the bigger kids to run around, while there’s a toddlers’ area with a smaller slide and plenty of role play zones, such as a supermarket and flower shop. O Dhs80 (one-hour). Open daily 9am-10pm. Meadows Village, Emirates Living, @playtorium.ae (052 838 4116). Ribambelle This swish licensed restaurant and play area in Bluewaters Dubai is heaps of fun for all ages. There are arts and crafts sessions to book into (think candle making or cupcake decorating), plus a slide and ball pit to make sure your kid’s experience is fun-packed. O Dhs95 (with a kids’ meal, Mon-Thu), Dhs150 (with a kids’ meal, Fri-Sun). Open daily 9am-11pm. Bluewaters Dubai, ribambelle.ae (04 572 2296). woo-hoo This edutainment destination is aimed at kids up to 12 and promises a fun blend of education, discovery, development and play across ten themed galleries. Each gallery hosts cool interactive exhibits designed to spark children’s curiosity and imagination. O From Dhs139 (two hours). Open daily 10am-7pm. Al Quoz, woo-hoo.ae (800 966 466). Boo Boo Laand76 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Shopping Home-grown produce by local brands to love Summer delights Balm Space Spice up your barbecue (or breakfast). O From Dhs50 (Chinese chilli oil with Sichuan pepper and peanut). Curious Elephant, curious-elephant.com. Flick through pages of your favourite city. O Dhs420 (Dubai Assouline book). THAT, thatconceptstore.com. Consider yourself staycation ready. O Dhs145 (yellow medium pouch). The Happy Tribe, thehappytribe.ae. Continue the city adventure into bedtime. O Dhs69 (My Family’s Secret Superpowers children’s book by Helen Farmer). Virgin Megastore, virginmegastore.ae. Upgrade the swimwear closet. O Dhs310 (signature monogram swim shorts). FIVE MODE, fivemode.com.TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM SUMMER 2025 77 More places to shop Dubai Mall’s new department Dubai Mall, one of the most popular malls in the world, opened a whole new department named The District earlier this year. There are 65 new shops and restaurants packed into a space beside Dubai Mall Ice Rink and Level Shoes.The District features home-grown flavours and unique experiences, including brands like Home Bakery Kitchen, Independent, TRIO Coffee and RX Coffee Apothecary. O Open Mon-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri-Sun 10am-midnight. Downtown Dubai. thedubaimall.com (800 38224 6255). Love Luxury One of London’s leading luxury resale companies has opened a new branch in Sunset Mall. Stocked with a huge selection of Hermès bags, Chanel pieces, Rolex watches and more, you’re bound to find something to cherish here. O Open Mon-Sat 10am-10pm. Sunset Mall, Jumeirah 3, loveluxury.ae (04 348 3039). Nad Al Sheba Mall The massive 500,000sqft retail destination is now officially open. It’s set to house more than 100 stores, more than 20 cafés and restaurants, three entertainment activities and two supermarkets by the end of 2025. You will also be able to find top-tier wellness facilities, including a rooftop gym, pool and even padel courts very soon. Described as a hub of convenience, style and community, it’s time to make a visit. O Open Mon-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sun 10am-midnight. Nad Al Sheba, nadalshebamall.ae . What does your necklace say? O From Dhs240 each (beaded necklace). Olalla, shopolalla.com. Summer snack on repeat. O Dhs20 each (fruit juice ice pop). House of Pops, houseofpops.ae. Soothe too much summer sun in one dab. O Dhs147 (multi-purpose balm). Balm Space, balmspace.com. Ed’s pick Throw some shade (in green). Dhs1,500 (Maya shades). Okhtein, ae.okhtein.com. Capture those memories, wherever you are. O Dhs270 (water camera). Sand Dollar, sanddollardubai.com.78 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Mat, reformer, cardio and more... where to find Pilates classes for every mood. By Sian Traynor Is Pilates your preferred type of exercise? The weather’s hot, meaning it’s time for indoor classes – and Pilates is perfect to stretch you out this summer (in the cool AC). So when you want to improve muscle tone, plus boost your stability and endurance, we’ve rounded up the top places to try mat, reformer and more. 11 Pilates 11 Pilates is all about reformer Pilates and offers a variety of group classes ranging from beginners to advanced, as well as private sessions. The studio boasts top- notch equipment and views over the Marina. O From Dhs72 (single class). Class timings vary. Dusit Princess Residence, Dubai Marina, 11pilates.ae (052 933 1528). Align Pilates Mat, reformer, tower, chair and barre (inspired by elements of ballet, yoga, and Pilates) are all available at this cute studio in JLT. O From Dhs138 (single class). Open daily 8am-8pm. Cluster L, JLT, alignpilates.ae (054 556 1281). In The Pink This place is a one-stop-shop for all things wellness. The new studio in Dubai Hills is a womens-only space where you can find a new workout ’fit before getting involved with mat Pilates, yoga or stretching classes. Don’t miss a post-class matcha, too. O From Dhs150 (per class). Class times vary. Dubai Hills Estate, inthepink.ae (052 560 5523). Mojo Reformer Pilates Mojo offers a full-body workout that is a fusion of traditional Pilates and dynamic Wellbeing Align Pilates Perfect your posture TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM SUMMER 2025 79 Take a breath Breethe Complement your Pilates session with a bit of breathwork at home. This free app follows you throughout the day from waking up to going to sleep and provides you with supportive tools to help you stay on track with meditation practises. There’s a selection of five-minute meditations to help you overcome pressure and find inner peace. O Free. Available on Apple and Android devices. Calm This nifty app features serene sounds from the outdoors and offers daily calm sessions that can help you unwind, refocus your attention and relax. You can also check in with a daily mood tracker to see how you’re feeling each day. You need a subscription to access all the content but you can take advantage of a one-week trial to check it out. O Dhs257 (per year). Available on Apple and Android devices. strength training. It also has its own juice bar and the studio asks you to fill in your preferred music choices and body part to train when booking. O From Dhs78.75 (single class). Open Mon-Wed 6.30am-9.30pm, Thu-Fri 6.30am-9pm, Sat 8am- 3.30pm, Sun 8.30am-3.30pm. Concord Tower, Dubai Media City, ilovemymojo.com (04 360 3399). Naya Beginners will start with mat classes before moving onto the reformer. Once you’ve mastered these, you can then try the reformer jump board, a class that adds cardio to get your muscles into shape. Expect kicks, jumps and other moves that will have you out of breath in no time. O From Dhs169 (single class). Open Mon-Thu 8am- 9pm, Fri-Sun 9am-4pm. Kojak Building, Motor City, naya.ae (050 176 7022). Pilates Academy Here you’ll find cardiolates (Pilates with cardiovascular training elements), MOTR (movement on the roller), CoreAlign (Pilates with core stability focus) and SilkSuspension (Pilates exercises on suspension apparatus) to really get you up and moving. O Open Mon-Wed 8am-7pm, Thu 9am-6pm, Fri-Sat 9am-1pm, Sun 9am-7pm. Cluster X, JLT, pilatesacademydubai.com (056 798 4655). Posture The studio is about as aesthetic as they come, with starlit roofs, huge lit mirrors and a gorgeous recovery area where you can pick up a coffee after your workout. Offering everything from reformer to sound healing and yoga, you’re sure to find a class here. O From Dhs150 (single class). Class timings vary. Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah, thisisposture. com (058 515 0624). Pure Motion The stunning new studio has landed in Jumeirah Golf Estates. Whether it’s reformer or mat Pilates, yoga or sound healing that you’re looking for, this serene spot has it all. O From Dhs165 (reformer single class). Class times vary. Jumeirah Golf Estates, puremotion.ae (054 233 6404). Real Pilates This studio, with branches in JLT and Jumeriah, covers all bases. Choose from three versions of mat workouts as well as reformer classes, depending on what mood you’re in that day. O Prices vary. JLT and Jumeirah, real-pilates.com (04 345 3228). Reform Athletica Reform Athletica studio in Jumeirah is stylishly decorated with artwork from local galleries and promotes a message of sustainability through its efforts to minimise single-use plastic consumption. Not around Jumeirah? There’s another studio in DIFC with a similar schedule of classes. O Dhs165 (single class). Class times vary. Villa 40, 165a Jumeirah Road, Jumeirah and ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC, reformathletica.com (04 323 3670). The Hundred Wellness Centre Pilates classes are taken up a notch here. Exercises are performed on bars and use springs and straps to correct any imbalances, build strength, power and stability and help achieve greater mobility within the body and spine. O Dhs140 (single class). Class times vary. 53b Street, Jumeirah 1, thehundred.ae (04 344 7333). The PAD The brainchild of Yasmin Karachiwala, trainer to the Bollywood elite, The PAD (Pilates and dance) can be found in The Greens. The spot offers group mat sessions, to teach you the fundamentals of Pilates. There are also aerial (where you use a fabric hammock), Bodhi (using robes to suspend yourself), chair Pilates (modified Pilates movements while seated in a chair) and reformer classes. Want something livelier? Try Bollywood dance classes for a spot of cardio and a lot of fun. O Dhs195 (single class). Class times vary. Onyx Tower 1, The Greens, thepadfitness.com (056 905 4588). Reform AthleticaNext >