We have officially entered the hottest months of the year, which means if you aren’t already on a plane to somewhere cooler your social calendar is limited to indoor activities. But before you resign yourself to another mall-and-movie combo, let us stop you right there. Dubai’s indoor scene is packed with cool (literally and figuratively) things to do, and we’re not talking about the usual suspects. Dubai’s indoor scene is packed with cool (literally and figuratively) things to do in Dubai in the summer, and we’re not talking about the usual suspects.
On the hunt for things to do in Dubai in the summer? Look no further than our carefully-curated guide.
GET CREATIVE AT A CHARM BAR
If your jewelry box could use a refresh, start with something personal. Black Pearl’s Charm Bar in Villa Aumedan, Nad Al Sheba, offers a hands-on experience where you can create custom charm pieces with your friends. It’s relaxed, stylish, and a refreshing way to spend an afternoon—think layering initials, meaningful symbols, or just picking pretty things that feel very you. Ideal for gifting, matching friendship pieces, or simply building your next stack.
A PAST-MAKING WORKSHOP
Tucked away in Jumeirah, Sagra is a hidden gem for anyone serious about their carbs. This intimate pasta bar—run by an Italian expat—hosts small-group pasta-making workshops where you’ll learn how to make fettuccine, gnocchi, ravioli, and more. Each session blends culinary history with hands-on technique, ending in a well-earned tasting. It’s informative without being intimidating, and you leave with your own fresh pasta plus a recipe card. Ideal for a cozy date, solo activity, or group class with your fellow foodies. Definitely on the list of must‑try things to do in Dubai in the summer.
A 1920S PARTY
Inspired by the glamour of the 1920s, Gatsby Dubai is designed for full-sensory evenings: plush interiors, a Mediterranean-leaning menu, and a lineup of high-energy entertainment. One of the most fun things to do in Dubai in the summer, Gatsby offers live performances, DJ sets, and dinner that shifts into dancing, all within an Art Deco setting that’s ideal for a night out. Whether you’re celebrating something or just want a midweek escape, Gatsby makes it worth getting dressed up.
A WELLNESS SESSION LIKE NO OTHER
PEAQ in Al Quoz is redefining wellness as a group experience. This homegrown concept brings fitness, recovery, and mindfulness into one sleek space. With cold plunges, contrast therapy, Lagree classes, and guided breathwork, it’s all about resetting both body and mind. But what sets it apart is the social element. PEAQ encourages you to connect, not just decompress. Members can bring a guest each month and get access to exclusive events, making it feel like part sanctuary, part community hub. It’s a top pick on our list of indoor things to do in Dubai in the summer.
A PERFUME-MAKING WORKSHOP
If you’ve ever wondered what actually goes into crafting a fragrance, then Oo La Lab can help you figure that out. This experiential scent studio invites you to build your own signature perfume through guided olfactory workshops. Along the way, you’ll learn the basics of fragrance chemistry, blending notes, and even how essential oils are extracted. It’s a thoughtful, educational experience ideal for gifting, date nights, or just learning something new by yourself.
GIRLS NIGHT OUT + RETAIL THERAPY
Remember that one episode of Sex & the City where Carrie tries on her entire closet and her friends vote on whether to“toss” or “take” each item? That’s the energy at So Much Trouble, only now you’re doing it with a delicious beverage in hand and a curated rack of designer pieces in front of you. Tucked inside the ultra-glam Atlantis The Royal, this boutique-meets-bar concept is flipping the retail experience on its head. Vintage Chanel shares space with cult favorites like Oceanus and Oséree, all set against a plush, velvet-drenched backdrop. With styling services, fashion-forward trunk shows, and a menu made for lingering, it’s a space designed for browsing, buying, and being fabulous—all in one go.
WALKING + YAPPING
Looking to meet like-minded women while getting your steps in? Girls Who Walk Dubai is a casual walking club that gathers every Sunday at 10 AM in Dubai Mall during the summer. It’s free, inclusive, and a refreshing way to network, make new friends, or simply move your body. Whether you’re new to town or just looking to switch up your routine, this is a great place to start.
TAKE UP A JEWELRY COURSE
Nestled in Dubai Design District, L’ÉCOLE Middle East—backed by Van Cleef & Arpels—is a Paris-born school dedicated to the world of jewelry. Whether you’re fascinated by gemstones, intrigued by design history, or simply curious about the craft, the two-and-a-half-hour courses are approachable and expertly taught. The institution also hosts exhibitions, talks, and hands-on workshops, with 100% of public course proceeds supporting youth education through Dubai Cares. This season, don’t miss their free exhibition ‘Gold and Treasures: 3,000 Years of Chinese Ornaments’,running until 10 August.
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