In a country where summer temperatures routinely reach the dreaded end of the scale and it ‘feels like’ it’s 67 degrees outside, staying committed to a sport becomes a Herculean task that nobody should blame you for abandoning.
But this is the country that even has air-conditioned bus stops, so it’s likely there are enough reasons for people to judge your choices.
Indoor sports facilities have steadily been popping up across the country, giving sport aficionados cause to celebrate. Here’s a list of fully air-conditioned places you can head to for your sport fix, well-protected from the harsh rays of the desert sun.
Aktiv Nation
This is the UAE’s first indoor sports facility to offer two indoor beach volleyball courts — with actual sand — to more realistically recreate the feeling of playing volleyball on Dubai’s beaches. It also has two pitches where you can play indoor cricket, and two multi-purpose courts where you can play badminton, futsal, volleyball, basketball and the indoor version of gully (street) cricket (which is another first in the UAE). The facility is located in Al Quoz 4, and also has a library of sports-related films and books. All equipment is provided at the location, and prices for beach volleyball start from Dh150. Rates differ according to peak (all public holidays, weekends, and 5-11pm) and off-peak (weekdays from 9am until 5pm) timings. Contact 04-3284779 or visit aktivnation.com to know more.
Ahdaaf Sports Club
One of the biggest sport centre organisations in the UAE, it has seven branches spread across the country. Its Al Quoz branch is one of three indoor facilities, and was the first indoor sports centre in the UAE. All indoor facilities are used for football only. Rental rates are Dh495 per hour for six-a-side football, and Dh350 per hour for five-a-side football at the Al Quoz branch, and Dh350 per hour for five-a-side football at its Al Ghusais branch. Call 800-AHDAAF (800-243223) or visit ahdaaf.ae.
All Star Sport
This is a dedicated football-only indoor facility in Barsha 2, Dubai. It has two five-a-side pitches, which can be rented at Dh400 per hour, and one seven-a-side pitch for Dh600 per hour. It also offers a summer camp for children. For more information, visit allstarsport.ae or call 050-2009989.
The Dome
Located in Dubai Sports City on the Academies campus, this venue has a FIFA-approved full-size indoor pitch, a spectator’s gallery and a restaurant. It’s home to Sports City’s various leagues, such as the Touch League (rugby), Etihad Sevens League, Corporate League and the DSC Junior League. The Dome is also where The Victorious, a football reality show featuring Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona, was filmed. Write to football@dsc.ae or call 04-4481555.
Dubai Sports World
You’ve only got a couple of weeks left to use this temporary indoor sports arena, which is set up only during the summer months (June 5-August 27 this year). It spans more than 25,000 square metres of air-conditioned space, and covers a range of activities including football, badminton, cricket, rugby and basketball. Bookings need to be paid for in advance to guarantee court/pitch time, and ping pong and badminton can be played for free. For bookings and a detailed list of activities and prices, visit dubaisportsworld.ae or call 04-3064600.
InSportz Club
Visitors can play a variety of sports here, including indoor cricket, football, basketball, hockey, rugby and table tennis. The venue, located in Al Quoz 3, also provides coaching at an additional fee to visitors who would like to hone their skills for a particular sport. In addition, the centre also has a bowling alley, starting at Dh60 per lane per hour. The badminton court is Dh200 per hour, and both personal and corporate memberships are available. Call 04-3475833.
United Pro Sports
United Pro Sports is a more team-friendly venue, as the facilities can only be rented out by prior bookings from organisations and individual teams or schools instead of individuals wanting to play alone. The facility in Al Quoz 3 is spread over 46,000 square feet, and has four indoor cricket pitches, two FIFA-approved football pitches, a multipurpose court for badminton, basketball and mini tennis, and a practice pitch with a bowling machine. Rates for football are Dh300 per hour from Sunday to Thursday, and Dh400 per hour on weekends and public holidays. Call 04-3401122 or visit unitedprosports.ae.
