The Best Things to Do in the UAE This Summer 2026

The smart money is staying put. Nearly half of UAE residents — 47% — plan to remain in the country this summer, according to new research from Majid Al Futtaim's Happiness Lab, with 43% citing the rising cost of overseas travel and 39% simply preferring what's on their doorstep. The staycation isn't a consolation prize anymore; it's the plan.

Good thing there's plenty to fill it — snow parks, rooftop spritzes, Burj-view dinners, indoor 10Ks, live concerts and enough camps to see the kids through to September, across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and up the coast in Ras Al Khaimah. Here's where to spend it, much of it running well beyond summer.

THE BIG SEASONAL MOMENTS

1. MAF My Summer, Mall of the Emirates

Majid Al Futtaim has folded its whole portfolio into one connected summer campaign, with Mall of the Emirates at the centre. Expect dinner with the penguins at Ski Dubai, wellness walks with Girls Who Walk, Shiseido beauty masterclasses and a daily Mallathon track — collect five stamps on the SHARE app and you're in the draw for an AED 15,000-plus 'Ultimate Cool Escape'.

The details

Where:  Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

When:  Until 31 August 2026

Price:  Free to attend; offers vary

2. Dubai Summer Surprises, citywide

The season's umbrella event turns the whole city into a playground: free entry to Modhesh World, the fifth season of the Beat The Heat concert series at Dubai World Trade Centre, Candlelight Concerts at Madinat Jumeirah, and citywide shopping draws including 'Win Your Home in Dubai'.

The details

Where:  Various venues across Dubai

When:  Until 30 August 2026

Price:  Many events are free; Beat The Heat tickets from AED 105

Read more:  visitdubai.com/dss (concert tickets via dubai.platinumlist.net)

 FOR FAMILIES & KIDS

3. Explorers, City Centre Mirdif

Newly opened by Majid Al Futtaim, Explorers is Dubai's largest indoor kids' destination, pairing free-play adventure with expert-led workshops. Three play zones — the net-based Wildwood Treetops, toddler-safe Little Acorns and STEM-focused River Play — sit alongside cooking, woodworking, art and pottery workshops, with summer camps throughout.

The details

Where:  City Centre Mirdif, Dubai

When:  Open now; summer camps throughout

Price:  See site for tickets and camp packages

Read more:  explorersmena.com

4. Zamania by Leo & Loona, Ibn Battuta Mall

Built for the tricky in-between ages, Zamania is a 'sportainment' destination for pre-teens and teens as much as little ones — a double-level Ninja Warrior course with a zipline, climbing walls, trampolines, giant slides and Mario Kart simulators, plus a toddler zone and an 80-seat café.

The details

Where:  China Court, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai

When:  Open now

Price:  See venue for entry

Read more:  Ibn Battuta Mall by Dubai Retail (@zamania.uae)

5. Times Square Centre summer camps

A genuine family edit under one roof: StuDIYo Lab's screen-free making camp for ages 5+, The Confidence Lab's device-free 'Unplug' programme, and RoboLand's US-certified robotics camp — rounded off with a milkshake at Dubai-born CrACKLES and conscious shopping at Thrift for Good.

The details

Where:  Times Square Center, Dubai

When:  Across July and August 2026

Price:  Varies by provider

Read more:  timessquarecenter.ae (booking via studiyolab.com, gaiaconfidencelab.com, robolandentertainment.com)

6. Arabian Centre — Cocomelon, summer playground & Lemonade Play

Arabian Centre leans hard into families this summer. Cocomelon's JJ and Cody roam the mall for weekend meet-and-greets and photo moments, alongside a daily themed playground of slime-making, storytelling, face painting and crafts at Entrance B.

The mall is also home to Lemonade Play, the screen-free indoor play and discovery centre for ages six months to 10, which is running its SuperKidz Summer Camp (music, STEAM and team challenges) for ages 4–10 — mornings 9 am–1 pm from AED 185, with a two-hour drop-in at AED 199.

The details

Where:  Arabian Centre, Dubai

When:  Cocomelon weekends & playground until 2 August; Lemonade camp throughout summer

Price:  Mall activities free; Lemonade SuperKidz camp from AED 185

Read more:  arabiancenter.com; Lemonade Play at lemonadeplay.ae

 7. Riva Beach Club, Palm Jumeirah

One of the better-value family days by the water this summer. Weekday entry starts at AED 99 for adults — with AED 89 back as food-and-drink credit — and children join on fully redeemable terms, while an 'After Dark by the Pool' evening lets under-eights in free so nobody has to cut the day short.

The details

Where:  Shoreline East 7 & 8, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

When:  Throughout summer 2026

Price:  Weekdays from AED 99 (largely redeemable); kids' entry fully redeemable

Read more:  riva-beach.com (reservations +971 58 278 4024)

8. Tashkeel Young Artists' Summer Camp

For the creatively minded, Tashkeel's Young Artists Club runs a hands-on camp for ages 4–12 across its Alserkal Avenue makerspace and Nad Al Sheba campus — clay creatures, glowing animal lamps and Picasso-inspired cardboard faces, led by UAE-based artists.

The details

Where:  Tashkeel, Alserkal Avenue (Warehouse 89) & Nad Al Sheba, Dubai

When:  13–17 July & 20–24 July 2026

Price:  AED 190 (+VAT) per session; AED 900 (+VAT) per week

Read more:  tashkeel.org/workshops

9. Splash 'n' Party, Al Warqa'a

The homegrown kids' waterpark has opened a new Al Warqa'a 3 Park location, themed around Superhero, Mermaid, Beach and Jungle islands for ages 1–12, with foam parties, mascots and shaded parent seating — plus an all-female Ladies' Day every Friday.

The details

Where:  Al Warqa'a 3 Park, Dubai

When:  Now open; Ladies' Day every Friday 9am–10pm

Price:  From AED 99 per child

Read more:  splashnparty.ae

10. Brass Monkey, Bluewaters & City Walk

Bowling, arcade games and great-value bites under one roof, with a weekly line-up worth planning around —Tuesdays at AED 99, Wednesday Ladies' Night, and a Saturday Brunch with unlimited food, drinks and arcade gaming plus half-price bowling after.

The details

Where:  Bluewaters Island and City Walk, Dubai

When:  Weekly offers through summer

Price:  From AED 99 (weekday deals); Saturday Brunch from AED 250

Read more:  Reservations: +971 4 582 7277 (Bluewaters) / +971 4 582 2244 (City Walk)

DINING & DRINKS

11. Summer Spritzers at ICD Brookfield Place

Every Thursday from 4pm, DIFC's most polished courtyard becomes an after-work Riviera — rotating takeovers from the building's best restaurants, live music and an indoor pickleball court. Upstairs, Il Gattopardo layers on its own summer menus on the 51st floor.

The details

Where:  The Summer Court, ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC, Dubai

When:  13 July – 16 August 2026; Thursdays from 4pm

Price:  Walk-in; à la carte

Read more:  icdbrookfieldplace.com (pickleball via the Picklers app)

12. Time Out Market Dubai

For a low-effort, high-reward evening, the city's homegrown culinary talent sits under one air-conditioned roof — from Izu Burger to Reif Kushiyaki — with a wraparound terrace framing the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, plus jazz and Latin nights through the week.

New for summer: a monthly Kids' Pizza Making Class with Pitfire Pizza, where children aged 4–10 make their own pizza and take home a chef's hat, apron and certificate (from Sunday 2 August, 10:30–11:30am, AED 100 per child).

The details

Where:  Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai

When:  Open daily; Kids' Pizza Class from Sun 2 August (monthly)

Price:  À la carte; Kids' Pizza Class AED 100 per child

Read more:  timeout.com/time-out-market-dubai (pizza class tickets on dubai.platinumlist.net, event 107274)

13. The Barrel, Dubai Creek Harbour

A laid-back alternative to the big-ticket brunch: a British-inspired Sunday Roast alongside live DJs on weekend evenings.

The details

Where:  The Barrel, Vida Creek Beach, Dubai Creek Harbour

When:  Sunday Roast 12–5pm

Price:  Roast from AED 125

Read more:  Reservations +971 54 581 1386

14. Steak Frites Fridays at The Spaniel

A new modern-British-brasserie Friday tradition at Bluewaters — premium steaks with triple-cooked frites and the trimmings, built for an easy end to the week.

The details

Where:  The Spaniel, Bluewaters Island, Dubai

When:  Every Friday

Price:  From AED 149

Read more:  The Spaniel, Bluewaters Island (bookings via venue)

CULTURE & NIGHTS OUT

15. Stand-up comedy at Rodeo Drive

The all-American entertainment destination at Ibn Battuta Gate is bringing live stand-up to the stage every Thursday this July — an easy, air-conditioned night out.

The details

Where:  Rodeo Drive, Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, Dubai

When:  Thursdays through July 2026

Price:  See venue for tickets

Read more:  Rodeo Drive, Ibn Battuta Gate (bookings via venue)

16. Free quiz nights, markets & workshops

Not every plan needs a budget. There's a steady rotation of low-cost fixtures: free weekly QuizBiz quiz nights at spots like Five Iron Golf (Dubai Marina), Pizzaexpress , BrewDog (Bluewaters);

The details

Where:  Various venues across Dubai

When:  Weekly through summer

Read more: https://queueapp.me/

17. Free beginner DJ workshops at AlphaTheta

The world's first AlphaTheta premium DJ store, in Al Barsha, runs free drop-in beginner sessions daily — step behind the decks, learn the basics of mixing and try professional kit, no experience required.

The details

Where:  AlphaTheta store, The B1 Mall, Al Barsha, Dubai

When:  Daily, 10am–10pm

Price:  Free (drop-in)

Read more:  instagram.com/alphathetastoreuae (tel +971 4 546 4073)

FITNESS & WELLNESS

18. Indoor Runs at Palm Jumeirah Mall

Summer needn't mean skipping training. Palm Jumeirah Mall has taken running inside with a series of Indoor Runs across four distances (1km to 10km) with Super Sports, backed by a free weekly wellness programme with Lululemon and Fitness First — yoga, Pilates, Zumba and Stick Mobility.

The details

Where:  Palm Jumeirah Mall, Dubai

When:  Indoor Runs Sun 12 July & Sun 23 August (reg. 6am, races 7–9am); wellness sessions throughout July & August

Price:  See registration; wellness sessions free

Read more:  Register at premieronline.com

19. BurJuman Summer Walk

The free, air-conditioned mall-walking initiative is back — a cooler, no-cost way to keep moving as the heat sets in.

The details

Where:  BurJuman, Dubai

When:  Throughout summer 2026

Price:  Free

Read more:  burjuman.com

BEYOND DUBAI: ABU DHABI

20. Yas Island

Abu Dhabi's entertainment hub earns a full day — or a full summer. Its seven-week Yas Island Summer Camp runs across the island's theme parks and attractions, while SeaWorld Yas Island's Electric Ocean festival returns for its biggest edition yet with after-dark shows, lights and marine encounters.

For teens, CLYMB Yas Island and Active Abu Dhabi are running Junior Climbers, a free five-day climbing programme for ages 12–16 that builds confidence, technique and teamwork, culminating in a final challenge.

The details

Where:  Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

When:  Electric Ocean until 30 August; Summer Camp across the season; Junior Climbers weekly 27 July–21 August (10am–2:30pm)

Price:  Camp & park packages vary; Electric Ocean with park admission; Junior Climbers free (register)

Read more:  yasisland.com; seaworldyasisland.com; Junior Climbers at activeabudhabi.com/clymb/register.html

21. Yas Acres Golf & Country Club

A separate Yas Island address worth its own trip, it runs a Little Acres Summer Camp, a fully indoor programme designed to keep children entertained with themed activities, arts and crafts, storytelling, and hands-on experiences throughout the school holidays.

Alongside the new camp, the venue is offering a range of family-friendly experiences, including BBQ & Brew by the Pool, Pancake Saturdays, Dine & Play, Padel & Coffee, Happy Hour, and the popular Sunday Roast at Roots Bar & Kitchen. — a relaxed base for a capital day out.

The details

Where:  Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, Abu Dhabi

When:  Throughout summer 2026

Price:  See club for camp and dining

Read more:  Yas Acres Golf & Country Club

 22. Al Ain Zoo — 'Legacy of the Desert' Summer Camp

A nature-led summer camp introducing children to the desert's wildlife and heritage — a distinctive, outdoorsy option away from the malls.

The details

Where:  Al Ain Zoo, Abu Dhabi

When:  Summer 2026

Price:  See zoo for camp packages

Read more:  alainzoo.com

23. Summer of Discovery, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi

The capital's newest museum makes conservation the theme of its July programme, timed around World Nature Conservation Day (28 July). Expect the bilingual 'Our Green Journey' storytelling series with Tadweer, weekend discovery games in the galleries (from 'Survive the Desert' to a make-your-own Explorer's Field Journal), and a Mindful Museum wellness series of yoga and Micro Former sessions held beneath the sauropods.

The details

Where:  Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District

When:  Throughout July 2026 (weekends plus dated sessions)

Price:  Storytelling & weekend activities drop-in (register at Ticketing Desk); wellness sessions ages 15+

Read more:  Register at the museum Ticketing Desk; wellness sessions via luma.com

24. Wellfit Summer Camps

For active kids, Wellfit's eight-week summer camp keeps ages 5–12 moving with sport, games and team challenges across its Madar at Aljada (Sharjah), JVC and Meydan clubs — from padel and martial arts to Ninja challenges and dodgeball. Non-members welcome via day passes.

The details

Where:  Wellfit, Madar at Aljada (Sharjah), plus JVC & Meydan (Dubai)

When:  6 July – 28 August 2026; Mon–Fri, drop-off 8:30am, pick-up 1:45pm

Price:  Member packages, weekly enrolment and day passes

Read more:  Wellfit (bookings via venue) — camps also open to non-members

BEYOND DUBAI: RAS AL KHAIMAH

25. A day out in Ras Al Khaimah

For a change of scene just over an hour from Dubai, RAK's summer campaign leans into mountain, beach and adventure experiences — A collaboration with Fujifilm Instax 'Capture Your Moments' campaing runs through the summer, the campaign brings together Ras Al Khaimah's stunning landscapes, exclusive hotel experiences, and the joy of instant photography, encouraging travelers to capture the moments that make every getaway special. The campaign, participating hotels across Ras Al Khaimah are offering exclusive staycation packages with added benefits, while guests can also enjoy special offers on Fujifilm Instax cameras and the chance to win unforgettable Ras Al Khaimah experiences.

The details

Where:  Ras Al Khaimah

When:  Throughout summer 2026

Price:  Varies by experience

Read more:  visitrasalkhaimah.com