11 underrated things to do in the UAE
Beyond all of this record-breaking, there's a whole other side to the city that doesn't always make it to the 'gram but still deserves a spot on your bucket list.
If you're after cool, underrated things to do that are loved and recommended by locals and residents alike, you're in the right place.
We've rounded up a few not-so-easily-found spots to add to your city must-try list.
11 underrated things to do in Dubai
Fight zombies in virtual reality
Even if you're not a hardcore gamer, Battleworld JVC is still well worth checking out. It's home to VR arenas and stations where you can fully immerse yourself in whatever world you choose.
With over 70 games to pick from, ranging from action and adventure to puzzles and simulations, you can dive into virtual reality or go head-to-head in laser tag.
From Dhs20. Open daily 10am-3am. Circle Mall by Dubai Retail, @battleworld.ae (054 787 5777)
Go bowling with a '90s twist.
One of Dubai's OG bowling centres, Dubai Bowling Center, has a hidden restaurant and a gaming area called Player's Den. You can access the space by – get this – opening a trophy-shaped door.
The setting inside is a bit luxe and super vintage. Play pool, bowl, throw darts and try your hand at table tennis, among other things – all while sipping on a refreshing drink.
The menu deserves a shoutout too — try the fried steak burger and the za'atar kale Caesar salad are must-tries.
Open Sun-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sat 10am-1am. Al Quoz, Meydan Road, @dubaibowlingcenter (054 998 9787).
Skate like no one's watching
(Credit: shutterstock)
Galleria ice rink at Hyatt Regency is not very crowded most of the time, so if you're just learning to balance on skates, it's one to check out.
Learn to pirouette with professional instructors or just free skate through the relatively empty rink and have the time of your life. When you're feeling peckish, replenish with snacks and drinks at DeliBites.
Dhs65 (2.5 hours). Open daily 10am-9.30pm. Hyatt Regency, Corniche Deira, hyattregencygalleriadubai.com (04 209 6550)
Fly a plane (sort of)
Credit: Etihad Airways
Ever wondered what it's like to be an Emirates pilot?
Thanks to the airline's flight simulator at Dubai Mall, try taking off and landing with a flight instructor by your side while you can marvel at the cockpit.
Dhs160 (15 minutes). Open daily, noon-10pm. Dubai Mall, emiratesa380experience.com (04 325 3044).
Have your F1 moment
Looking to escape the heat and still get your adrenaline fix? Say no more.
Chaos Karts UAE combines karting and video gaming, meaning you'll be able to drive through the desert (or even the cosmos), and drift, dodge, battle other karts or simply focus on crossing that finish line first.
From Dhs140 (minimum age: nine years old). Mon-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight, Sun 11am-11pm. Al Quoz. chaoskarts.ae
Tour a coffee roastery
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of one of Dubai's top roasteries, RAW Coffee Company, that's equal parts educational and enjoyable.
Through its 'Inside RAW' experience, you'll tour the roastery, learn how coffee makes its journey from seed to cup, understand how to taste and evaluate beans through a cupping session and even get hands-on with making espresso and steaming milk.
Dhs262.50 per person. (Minimum of four required for a session). Days available upon enquiry. Al Quoz. rawcoffeecompany.com (04 339 5474).
Sit down for a traditional Emirati lunch
Want to experience Emirati culture and food? Try the real thing at the non-profit organisation Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, located in the Al Fahidi historic district.
You'll be offered a feast of Emirati delicacies in a majlis set inside a heritage building that was once an actual home.
If you're planning to check it out, now's the time to do so, as there's a 20 percent off tickets now until the end of August.
Breakfast: Dhs130. Wed at 9am. Lunch: Dhs145. Mon, Tue, Wed 1pm. Dinner: Dhs160. Tue, 6.30pm. Brunch: Dhs130. Fri-Sat 11am-noon. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, cultures.ae (04 353 6666).
Learn to sail a dinghy with experts
(Credit: iStock)
Enjoy breathtaking views of the horizon as you learn to sail the Arabian Gulf.
Classes are offered by the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club and are available every Thursday in September when the weather cools down and run from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. The best part? No experience is needed whatsoever.
Dhs340. Every Thu, from Sep. 5.30pm-8.30pm. Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, scm.dosc.ae/sunset-sail-cruise.
Visit 22 pavilions at Al Shindagha Museum
(Credit: Al Shindagha Museum)
The UAE's largest heritage site is surely one to check out if you want to visit a different side of Dubai, away from the glitz and the glam. It's where you'll discover our beautiful city's origin story. Get a flavour for Emirati life in years gone by; this museum is in a stunning location too, looking out over the water.
Over 22 themed pavilions display interactive exhibits that present the stories of Dubai's people and their traditions.
Dhs50. Open daily 10am-8pm (last entry 7pm). Al Shindagha Museum, Al Shindagha. alshindagha.dubaiculture.gov.ae (800 33 222).
A little away from Dubai…
Have good old fun at Dreamland Aqua Park
(Credit: Dreamland Aqua Park)
This is the water park Dubai kids grew up with and it's still got that nostalgic charm that makes it worth a visit.
Located one and a half hours away from Dubai, there are 25 attractions to enjoy, from slides and waterfalls to a massive wave pool. When you want to fuel up, head to the relaxed pool bar or the indoor dining area.
Best of all, it's a lot less crowded than the city's bigger water parks, so you've got more space to splash around.
From Dhs125 (adult), Dhs85 (Sat 5pm-8pm). Open Sun-Fri 11am-7pm. Sat 10am-8pm. Al Shebeakah, Umm Al Quwain, dreamlanduae.com (050 6362217).
Explore the cosmos at Sharjah's space museum
(Credit: shutterstock)
Interested in all things space? You can see the stars, the planets and all the things that make our galaxy special up close at Sharjah Academy of Astronomy, Space Sciences & Technology's planetarium.
It's got cool replicas of satellites, rovers and rockets, plus games, workshops and more to keep you exploring. Ever wanted to be inside a spaceship? Now's your chance to be in one.
Dhs50 (adults), Dhs25 (kids). Open Mon-Wed 9am-3pm, Thu 9am-7pm, Sat noon-7pm, Sun noon-3pm. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Road, University City, saasst.ae (06 516 6000).
Check out vintage cars at Sharjah's Classic Cars Museum
(Credit: Getty Images)
If vintage cars are your thing, you'll feel on top of the world here. This collection features over a hundred classic cars and motorcycles, including models dating back to 1915.
Among the collection are a Model T Ford, a 1969 Mercedes Pullman Limousine (that was custom-made for Sharjah's ruler and one of only 2,000 in the world) and a 1974 MG Midget.
Dhs10. Sat-Thu 8am-8pm, Fri 4pm-8pm. Near Sharjah International Airport, visitsharjah.com/sharjah-classic-car-museum.
Other things to do this week in Dubai
How to be a big kid in Dubai — from ball pits to laser tag
We're throwing it back to the good old days
69 brilliant pool day passes and deals for 2025
Have some well-earned fun in the sun
50 cool things to do in Dubai for less than Dhs50
Record-breaking attractions and bargain days out
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