Things to do in Abu Dhabi this summer
- Emma Taylor
- Jul 23
- 5 min read
Abu Dhabi is great at a lot of things, but fun out of the sun during summer is one of the city’s biggest flexes. As mercury levels climb higher and higher, there’s a common misconception that living in the UAE means you're 'stuck' indoors with nothing to do.
But Abu Dhabi doesn’t sleep away July and August, we embrace it as a chance to put a spin on the norm or try something different. So lace up your ice skates, dine in the dark, or make a bunch of new friends on a morning mall walk; summer’s just getting started.
Harry Potter™: The Exhibition
Wands at the ready Potterheads as Harry Potter™: The Exhibition opens in Abu Dhabi this July. Get up close and personal with the magic behind the movies and see the real-life props and costumes worn by your favourite characters on display. This is a fully interactive exhibit which will have you brushing up on Quidditch™ skills, learning how to pot a Mandrake, and watching out for nesting dragons — you’ll also be collecting points for your house throughout. Five points to Gryffindor!
From 135 AED per adult, 95 AED per child (3-12), free under 3s. Opens Friday, 25th July, at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
Snow Abu Dhabi
Wrap up warm and go from one temperature extreme to the other at Snow Abu Dhabi. Picture a winter wonderland where you can toboggan down the slopes, slide around snow tubing, explore an enchanted forest, and, for older kids, set off on a rollerglide ride suspended over the snowy landscape. There’s also the option to brush up on your ski or snowboard skills and be ready for the season ahead.
Packages and prices vary, Sunday to Thursday 10am - 10 pm. Friday to Saturday 10am - 12pm. Reem Mall.
Night Beach
A beach without the heat?! You may be thinking, what on earth is the point? But even under the shadiest of cabanas with an icy bucket of drinks, sticking it out on the sand can get uncomfortable at this time of year. Marsana East Beach on Hudayriyat Island is Abu Dhabi’s first night beach and offers beach and sea floodlights, eight places to order a bite to eat from, family-friendly activities, complimentary towels, loungers, and, of course, lifeguard supervision for a post-sunset dip.
Full Moon Kayaking
There's a nocturnal theme here, as once the sun's away, the city comes out to play. If skimming the water under a full moon and seeing one of Abu Dhabi’s most stunning landmarks from a fresh perspective sounds intriguing, then this might be for you. Grab a space on the Full Moon Kayak Tour of the Louvre this next lunar phase to take in the museum's breathtaking architecture like you’ve never experienced before.
Ice Skating
Cool off by whizzing around the ice rink at Zayed Sports City. The full Olympic-sized rink is home to ice hockey, figure skating, public social skating sessions, and dedicated ice sports kids camps and lessons for all.
Abu Dhabi Summer Sports
Not just an air-conditioned spot to keep up with your five-a-side football team and Strava running stats while it’s toasty outside, but also a place to discover a new sport or two. Band together a group of you and go head-to-head in the inflatable Dodgeball Arena, race through a bouncy Obstacle Course, or fulfil that promise to yourself to finally learn how to play Padel.
Yas Island Theme Parks
You can't talk about indoor activities and entertainment without mentioning Yas Island’s hottest attractions in the coolest (mostly indoor) settings. Rub shoulders with Superheroes at Warner Bros. World, make a splash at Yas Water World, learn about creatures from the deep at SeaWorld, and claim bragging rights from riding the world’s fastest rollercoaster at Ferrari World. Yes, a day out at just one of these parks is enough to make anyone’s bank account wince, let alone a family of four on each visit. However, there’s never been a better time to invest in a Yas Annual Pass, which not only gets you park entry for a whole year (and part of two summers if buying is timed right) but discounts on food and drinks, souvenir photos, and other exclusive perks.
Dine Different
It’s no secret that Abu Dhabi is a foodie’s heaven and bursting with award-winning places to eat, from the casual to Michelin-star fine-dining and everything in between. While it’s a personal mission to eat our way around the city, summer is a perfect time to switch things up with novelty eating experiences and specialty menus. Try Dining in the Dark at Fresh Basil, sipping on a cocktail or two while on the move in Stratos Revolving Lounge Bar & Grill, or challenge your tablemates to a fiery round of Monopoly with a side of fluffy pancakes at DNA Board Games Cafe. Some of Abu Dhabi’s steadfast crowd-pleasing restaurants are also dishing up sizzling new menus for limited periods and seasonal celebrations. To mark Peru National Day, SUSHISAMBA invites diners to sample their chef-curated SAMBAKASE menu. With each carefully selected dish and pisco cocktail pairing, the best of Peru comes to you against a very Abu Dhabi backdrop of the glittering Corniche. Make our order a Wagyu Tartare and Samba Seviche washed down with a few Violet Andes.
Clymb
Whether you’re a beginner or have a few flight miles under your belt, catch the city’s best breeze at CLYMB™, the world’s widest and tallest indoor skydiving chamber. For those who prefer a solid footing, learn the literal ropes on five unique indoor climbing courses, including the SUMMYT™ standing at 138ft tall.
Yas Mall Walking Club
Walking the largest mall in Abu Dhabi for an hour might seem amateur for the seasoned shoppers amongst us, but this isn’t your average mooch around the high street stores. Meet with like-minded striders keen to get their morning steps in without melting before 9am. Participants can also bag a complimentary drink on a first-come, first-serve basis, special store discounts, and money off food from selected outlets.
