The ADR Guide: Places to stay cool in Abu Dhabi

Summer is officially here, and keeping your daily routine going without melting can be a challenge. We've put together a list of places where you can get some exercise without dealing with the heat. If fitness isn't your thing, there are a few places you can chill in too. Here's our things to do in Abu Dhabi that will keep you cool.

Khalidiyah Park

You can finally get back to your regular park walks without worrying about the humidity. Khalidiyah Park’s massive upgrade comes with an air-conditioned walkway that stretches for 660 meters. It links different sections of the park, so you can get your daily walk or jog in without melting in the heat.

Outside the walkway, they've added plenty of shaded areas and native plants alongside the running tracks and proper courts for football and handball. If you have kids with you, there are five different playgrounds to check out, plus a new amphitheatre and a sunken garden that stays naturally cooler than the rest of the grounds.

Where: Location link here

Al Ain Oasis

Swap the concrete views for a 90-minute road trip down to Al Ain Oasis. It is a massive, lush retreat where you can wander through paths under the shadow of 147,000 palm trees. 

You will find a 3,000-year-old channel running right alongside the trails. These are part of an ancient falaj water system built by early Bedouins to bring water down from the mountains, which is how over 100 types of plants stay fresh and green today. 

If you prefer wheels over walking, you can rent a bicycle or hitch a ride on an electric buggy right at the entrance to explore the winding paths. Before heading back, make sure to check out the free Eco-Centre to try the interactive exhibits. 

Where: Al Ain Oasis, Al Tuhaf St

Time: Daily from 9:00 am to midnight

Price: Free entry (bike and buggy rentals available at the gate)

To book call them on +971 3 711 8251 or email: alainoasis@dctabudhabi.ae 

Marsana East Beach 

Head down to Marsana East Beach, Abu Dhabi’s first night beach - to dodge the scorching heat. You can take a swim with illuminated waters or just chill by the shore. For your hunger pangs, you have the option to just order food from over 8 nearby Marsana outlets and have it delivered right to your sunbed. Oh, and there’s also a live DJ every Saturday. 

Where: Marsana East Beach, Hudayriyat Island

Time: Monday - Thursday (Until 10 pm) Friday - Sunday (Until midnight) 

Price: From AED 25, children below five go free

Head here for more details

Yas Waterworld

Grab your swimsuit and head to Yas Waterworld to tackle the massive drops or just spend the day cooling off in the water. 

You can drop through the trapdoor on the Liwa Loop, or  jump in a tube and float along the Al Raha River to catch a breeze. If you're with toddlers, there’s even safe play areas for them, or head over to the Marah Fortress to wait for the giant bucket to tip water over the crowd. There are even underwater experiences to try if you want to dive a bit deeper. 

When you need a breather, you can grab everything from quick juices and ice cream to full sit-down meals. There are also shops on-site for souvenirs, sweets, or any last-minute swim gear you forgot to pack. 

Where: Yas Waterworld, Yas Island

Time: Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Book your tickets here

Yas Mall Walking Club 

To get your morning steps in without dealing with the heat, you can meet up with the Yas Mall Walking Club. The group gathers at the Fashion Parking Entrance every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 8:00 am. 

Once you finish a session, you can also take advantage of the  discounts around the mall, including 20% off everything at Knoops and 20% off across the store at Oysho.

Where: Yas Mall  Fashion Parking

When: Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Time: 8:00 am

Register here

Snow Abu Dhabi

You can go from the summer heat straight into a freezing -2°C at Snow Abu Dhabi, right inside Reem Mall. There are over 20 different rides and attractions to check out.

Ride the Polar Express train, take a spin on the Crystal Carousel, or climb up into the Enchanted Tree. You can also hop on the Flight of the Snowy Owl if you prefer a quicker ride across the park.

Warm up with hot chocolate and Dutch pancakes from the cart, grab pizzas at the Enchanted Café, or visit The Lodge for a full meal. They also provide the winter jackets, boots and gear you need at the entrance, so you don't have to worry about bringing your own stuff.

Book your tickets here 

Cryo therapy

To take the freezing temperature thing a step further than an indoor snow park, you can try out cryotherapy. You’ll basically spend about three minutes inside a chamber that drops down to around -110°C or lower.

It sounds intense, but it is a quick way to shock your system, help your muscles recover after a heavy workout, or just get an energy boost when the summer weather is making you feel sluggish. You are in and out of the cold before your body even has time to really process how freezing it is, and you usually get a pair of gloves, socks, and slippers to protect your extremities while you’re inside.

Book your session here