I visited Dubai in the summer of 2020 and had every possible tourist place and activity on my list. From desert safari to visiting the observatory deck of Burj Khalifa, I did it all while continuously complaining about the weather. It was extremely hot and stepping out for an outdoor activity seemed like a daunting task that I was sure I didn’t want to take the next time I visit Dubai. When I got to visit the country again in the summer this year with Visit Dubai, I was sure I didn’t want to go through the wrath of humidity and extreme temperatures while enjoying the place. I was surprised with the number of indoor experiences–from shopping to sports and sightseeing to art–that the country has to offer. While visiting Dubai in its tourist season from September to March is unmatched in terms of weather, vibe, food, and fares, summer can be a different experience if you have the right places on your checklist.  

Book Yourself for La Perle by Dragone Show 

If you love performance art and musicals, do yourself a favour and book a ticket for the La Perle show. It’s the region’s first permanent show in the heart of the city and it’s nothing like what you might have witnessed before. A breathtaking fusion of immersive art, performances, imagery and technology, Le Perle is one-of-its-kind. Jaw-dropping stunts and special effects will leave you speechless. No wonder people from across the world come to Dubai to watch the live show and therefore, it’s mostly booked out. 270-degree seating, tailor-made aqua theatre, aerial and aqua stunts, and a performance to remember–witness the stage flood and drain out in seconds, performers diving from 25 metres height, and aerial motorbike stunts.  

Visit AYA Universe 

If immersive art and experiential entertainment interest you, AYA Universe should be on your list when visiting Dubai. It’s 40,000 square feet of multi-dimensional, interactive, and sensory experience that combines art and technology in twelve rooms. Be ready to get transported to a different world where you can interact with natural beauty in observatories full of stars, blooming lights, and gardens that are a visual and sensory delight. Think of roaming around in luminous gardens and dancing with lights, making music and interacting with visuals that stimulate imagination. Suitable for all ages, one can easily spend a couple of hours at AYA Universe and experience innovation and imagination at its best. A pro tip: do not miss The Star Pool within Celestia, the largest ball pit in Dubai that gives an illusion of swimming through the stars with incredible projections all around as you swim through it. Make sure you visit this observatory at the end to maximise the fun! 

Play Golf at TopGolf 

You may think you can do it anywhere, but it’s different at TopGolf Dubai where you can test your skills individually or with the group you’re travelling with. A sprawling venue with a hi-tech driving range and swanky lounges, this venue combines sports and entertainment to ensure a good time. Open for all ages, beginners, and amateurs, TopGolf Dubai has 96 hitting bays, restaurants and bars, and an unforgettable golf experience apt for beginners and children. And as you get ready to hit the ball to the hole, enjoy a drink and snack to double up the fun. Open till 2 AM, it’s the best activity to plan if you’re travelling with children, do not want to walk a few thousand steps in the heat, and also want to have a good time with friends and family. The pricing is quite affordable for daytime on weekdays, however weekends might cost a few dirhams extra, for an hour. The best part? The bays are rented by the hour and not the number of people and 1-6 players can play at a time and one can hit unlimited balls. The screen in your bay shows you real-time analysis of your shot and points you have earned for the shot. 

Replace Malls with Souks for Shopping 

An unpopular opinion, but if you are looking to pick up a few classic souvenirs and gifts, go to a souk in place of a mall. Apart from gold and spice souks, Dubai has quite a few more that are known for shopping, food, art, and cultural experiences. These are all built as a modern shopping complex with all amenities–think of traditional charm with modern luxury. Roam around soaking in the traditional Arabian culture with varied shopping options and food hubs. Whether it’s souvenirs, jewellery, or a trinket for the house, it’s a perfect place to indulge in retail therapy, different from a regular mall visit. If our recommendation is to go by, visit Souk Madinat that offers a mix of unique retail boutiques complemented by an authentic bazaar experience and immersive art and cultural entertainment if you visit at the right time. 

Go For a Luxury Cruise 

It’s a different experience watching the sunset while cruising on the crystal-clear water of Dubai Marina. It might not sound like a practical plan especially when you want to escape the heat and humidity, but an evening cruise can be a mood-shifter. Moreover, you do not have to spend the two hours of the cruise on the outer deck of the yacht because the experience also includes a delectable barbeque spread and drinks indoors with music of your choice. Enjoy the stunning views of Dubai skyline, catch the sunset, soak in the calmness and tranquillity, and get some amazing shots with pristine water in the background. The advantage of booking an evening cruise is witnessing stunning night view of the illuminated city skyline while you spot some of the sought-after attractions of Dubai like Ain Wheel and JBR. There’s a cruise package for every budget depending on the number of people and the kind of experience you are looking for.