UAE weekend plans sorted: 5 cool indoor sports spots where you can max out the AC and fun

Hold the phone—we’re not saying you need to brave the beach for a game of football. Far from it. But don’t let the summer heat sideline your love for sports. The UAE is packed with indoor activities to keep your competitive spirit alive.

Here’s what you can check out this weekend.

1) Badminton at Pioneers Badminton Hub

Who said badminton had to be boring? At this glow-in-the-dark court in Al Quoz, you can serve, smash, and sweat it out in the coolest way possible, under ultraviolet lights that turn the whole game into a fun, fast-paced rave.

Court rentals start at just Dhs80, and here’s the best part: rackets and shuttlecocks are totally free. Whether you're a pro or just playing for laughs, this is the ultimate way to beat the summer slump.

From Dhs80. Open daily 6am to midnight. Al Quoz.

2) Rollerskate at Roll DXB

Forget the beach stroll—throw on a pair of light-up skates and glide your way into nostalgia at RollDXB. With neon signs, disco vibes, and serious Instagram potential, this retro rink is where your inner 80s icon comes out to play. New to skating? No stress—Saturday morning beginner classes have your back before you show off your moves.

From Dhs90 (own skates), Dhs105 (with skate hire).
Open: Mon–Thu 11am–10pm, Fri noon–11pm, Sat–Sun 11am–11pm. Marina Cubes St, Dubai Maritime City, Port Rashid.

3) Jumps, leaps of faith at Loco Bear

Sports need not be just badminton, tennis, padel or football: Jumping on a trampoline can be just as fun and stress-free. From the gloriously gooey madness of the Slime Universe to VR battles, Squid Game-style ball pits, and wall climbs that dare you to look down, this place is a full-on sensory overload. Need more thrill? There’s Takeshi’s Jump, Leap of Faith, a massive 18,500 sq ft trampoline arena, Ninja Warrior courses, parkour runs, and yes—even a roll glider flying through the air indoors. Two laser tag arenas, interactive bowling (six lanes of pure wow), Wipeout-style madness, and classic games like air hockey, shuffleboard, and pool round it all out.

4) Underwater yoga at Atlantis The Palm

Who says you need the beach for a soul-soothing yoga session? This summer, escape the heat and flow under the sea at The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Atlantis The Palm. Surrounded by glowing blue light and more than 65,000 mesmerising marine creatures, you’ll find your zen while sharks and stingrays glide gracefully past.

Held early on weekend mornings, this underwater yoga class is the perfect cool-down for your body and your mind—until it’s breezy enough to head back outside.

Dhs175. Sat–Sun, 8am–9am. The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah.

5) Spend time at Dubai's ice rinks

Looking to cool off this summer? Dubai’s ice rinks offer the perfect frosty escape. Head to the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink at The Dubai Mall for DJ sessions and skating under faux snow, or check out Al Nasr Leisureland in Oud Metha—a nostalgic favourite with budget-friendly entry and beginner lessons. For a more retro vibe, Galleria Ice Rink, is a family-friendly spot with a relaxed pace.