The UAE will enjoy an Eid break from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22, 2026, giving residents a four-day weekend. If you haven’t started planning yet, here’s a guide to help. And for the days you’d rather stay at home, we’ve included plenty of options for that, too.
Alserkal Avenue is a haven for art lovers, home to many art galleries showcasing contemporary art. You can visit for the cool vibes alone, and for a fee, there’s Cinema Akil showcasing foreign films and The Junction, where theatre fans get together to watch plays put together by local actors. The cool neighbourhood is also home to Dubai’s first-ever Japanese handroll bar – Kokoro, Nightjar Coffee Roasters, zero-waste upcycle cafe – Kave, and many more. Recently, Dubai’s first indoor skate park even opened its doors here (scroll down). So, you can easily spend the entire day here with the whole family and not get bored.
Where: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz
When: Daily, 10am to 7pm
Contact: @alserkalavenue
Hitting up an immersive entertainment park sure sounds like a neat way to pass a few hours – and if you’re a social media whizz, you already know about Aya Universe. If not, now’s a great time to get acquainted. From the moment you enter this sprawling 40,000 square-foot space in Wafi City Mall, you’re surrounded by high-tech sound, lights and graphics with 12 zones that comprise the Aya universe, each telling a different story. Be sure you check out their deals before you add to cart.
Where: Aya Universe, Wafi City Mall, Oud Metha
When: Daily 10am to 12am
Cost: Dhs135 per person
Contact: 04 542 0300, @ayauniverse
Boo Boo Laand at The Dubai Mall is a colourful, 25,000-square-metre soft play wonderland for kids of all ages. From a super slide and mini football stadium to a princess zone and crawler area for tiny tots, it’s packed with family-friendly fun.
Where: Boo Boo Laand, Chinatown, Dubai Mall
When: Sun to Thurs 10am to 10pm; Fri to Sat 10am to 11pm
Cost: From Dhs70
Contact: 050 189 8140, booboolaand.com
Believe it or not, bowling is one of the most popular indoor activities in Dubai. And thankfully for us, there are several spots you can go and test your skills on the lanes. There’s an adults-only gigantic two-story space at Brass Monkey at Bluewaters Island and Citywalk, but if you want to go with the whole family, there’s Wavehouse at Atlantis, The Palm, Loco Bear in Al Quoz and more. If you want to head to one of the OGs, roll on over to Dubai International Bowling Centre. Prices vary.
Plan which one you want to visit with loved ones here.
Stroll through Chinatown (in Dubai Mall)
Did you know Dubai Mall has its very own fully-indoor Chinatown? It’s free to enter and inside, besides the range of restaurants serving Singaporean classics, Chinese specialties, and dim sum favourites, it’s also pretty Instagrammable.
Catch a film at Cinema Akil
Alserkal’s Cinema Akil is no ordinary picture house. This tribute to the golden age of film is a big screen retro vibe hive with plush sofa seating and carefully curated programmes of art-house cinema, indie classics and politically charged drama. There’s also a seasonal alfresco location at 25Hours Hotel in Once Central. Both truly represent the ultimate date for consummate cinephiles. PS. They currently have a pay what you can deal. The seats are available for anyone in transit, awaiting a flight home, or unable to purchase a ticket and looking for company
Where: Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue and Hotel Dubai One Central
When: Varies
Contact: cinemaakil.com
Chase dinosaurs at The Immersive Odyssey
There’s a new immersive and interactive experience that has stomped its way to Dubai Festival City, and it’s inviting all dino fans to explore the world of dinosaurs. You will learn about paleontology and fossils, time travel with the help of VR and walk among life-sized dinosaurs and engage in life-sized animatronic creatures in their natural habitats. You can read more here, and book your experience here.
Where: Dubai Festival City Mall, Level 2
When: Mon to Thurs 10.30am to 9.30pm, Fri to Sun 10.30am to 11pm
Cost: From Dhs79
Contact: 04 261 0217, @dinosaurs.experience
Explore an underwater city
Deep Dive Dubai is a cool record-breaking indoor attraction in Dubai you have to try. It’s the world’s deepest pool measuring 60.02 metres deep. That’s the equivalent of 11 giraffes. What do you do inside? Well, you can explore a whole sunken city with graffitied alleyways, an apartment, a library, board games, an arcade zone and even a fancy car all available for aquatic perusal. It is open to those 10 years and above, and there’s no maximum age limit. Prices start from Dhs400. Discover the programs here.
Where: Deep Dive Dubai, Nad Al Sheba 1
When: Open daily, 9pm to 6pm
Cost: From Dhs400
Contact: 04 501 9444, @deepdivedubai
Go wild at The Green Planet
It’s hard not to be impressed by nature in this indoor tropical rainforest that’s home to over 3,000 plants and animals. Experiences include encounters with a sloth, an anteater, an armadillo, birds and more. The whole family will love it.
Where: The Green Planet, City Walk
When: 10am to 6pm
Cost: Dhs150 per child, Dhs175 per adult
Contact: 04 317 3999 thegreenplanetdubai.com
Take a swing at indoor golf
3D Blacklight Minigolf on the JBR is basically the hole-y matrimony of crazy golf and 90s rave aesthetic. Putt your way through challenging obstacles and unforgiving tee-offs, all against the luminal hum of UV strip lighting. Book your spot here.
Where: JBR, Bahar Plaza Level, Jumeirah Beach Residence
When: Mon to Thurs 1pm to 1am, Sat to Sun 11am to 1am
Cost: Dhs90 per child ages five to 12, Dhs110 above 13
Contact: 04 5657 621, @3d_blacklight_minigolf_dubai
Kick, push, and glide at Gooder
Photo credit: Alserkal Avenue
Located in one of the coolest spots in town, Alserkal Avenue – Gooder Skatepark is Dubai’s first concrete indoor skate park. The skate park is open to skaters of all levels with smooth ramps, rails, and street-style obstacles give plenty of ways to ride. You’ll also find a very cool looking central space with a fountain – which kind of resembles a scene out of Minecraft, plus a space to enjoy food and drink. Plus, there’s a retail store, and exhibition space upstairs. Read more here.
Where: WH 08, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai
When: Daily, 11am to 8pm
Cost: Free to enter
Contact: @gooderskateboarding
House of Hype
This Dubai Mall-based immersive wonder hub consists of 28 unique worlds, secret portals, dance performances, games, fever dream digital projections, ingenious puzzles and physical challenges. The attraction is open to people of all ages and you will keep everyone entertained for hours.
Where: House of Hype, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
When: Sun to Thurs 10am to 10pm, Fri and Sat 10am to 12am
Cost: Dhs149 per person
Contact: 04 542 0330, @househype
Visit a Jumeirah gem
The breathtaking Jumeirah Mosque first opened its doors in 1979 and was a gift to the emirate from the Late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, father of the current Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Located in Jumeirah 1, as per its ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’ the mosque is open to the public for two tour sessions: 10am and 2pm every day, except Fridays. You can take a story-spinning 75-minute tour through the architectural marvel for just Dhs45 per person, which includes light Emirati refreshments at the majlis before the program starts.
Where: Jumeirah 1
When: SMCUU tours Sat to Thurs, 10am and 2pm
Cost: Dhs45 per person
Contact: cultures.ae
Catch a jaw-dropping show
La Perle by Dragone is a must-see show for theatre and stunt show fans. The 90-minute show has been conceptualised by Franco Dragone, who is behind huge world-renowned productions like Le Rêve in Las Vegas and The House of Dancing Water in Macau. During the performance, acrobats and athletes dive from 25 metres into the changeable aqua stage filled with 2.7 million litres of water and fly around the theatre at 15 kilometres per hour. Over Eid, you can snap up a ticket for a 45% discount. Oh, and you’ll get free popcorn, too.
Where: Al Habtoor City, Business Bay
When: Various showtimes
Cost: From Dhs149
Contact: 04 437 0001, laperle.com
Drive down to Love Lake – Al Qudra
Perhaps the most well-known man-made lakes in Dubai, the interlocking hearts of the love lakes have garnered plenty of interest and visitors since it was first revealed. The Love Lakes can be found in Al Qudra Oasis and are best seen from an aerial view. On land, whether you’re picnicking, walking or taking in the sunset, it’s certainly a wonderful UAE nature spot to do it in. Nearby at Al Qudra Lakes, you’ll find plenty of flamingos, ducks and swans.
Read a book at Mohammed Bin Rashid Library
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Al Jaddaf has a unique and eye-catching structure. It resembles an open book sitting on a rehl (a traditional lectern which holds the Quran). Inside, there are floors with libraries dedicated to different genres such as history, business, art and more, but you will also find conference halls, a children’s play area and an auditorium. It’s free to visit, but book your desired date and time on the MBRL app.
Where: Al Jadaf, near Obeid Juma Bin Suloom Shipyard
When: Saturday to Thurs 9am to 5pm, 8pm to 11pm, Fri 2pm to 5pm, 8pm to 11pm
Cost: Free entry
Contact: @mbrlae
Wake up and smell the flowers at Dubai Miracle Garden
This colourful outdoor garden is one of the most vibrant places in Dubai, featuring more than 150 million flowers arranged into giant sculptures and themed displays. Expect towering floral castles, heart-shaped archways and even a life-size aircraft covered entirely in blooms. It’s one of the most photogenic attractions in the city and a seasonal favourite for visitors. Best news? Over Eid, it’s free for UAE residents. Simply present your Emirates ID at the counter to receive a complimentary ticket.
Where: Dubai Miracle Garden, Al Barsha South 3
When: Open daily until the start of summer, 9am to 9pm
Costs: Free until March 31, else Dhs100 per adult, and Dhs80 per child
Contact: 04 422 8902, dubaimiraclegarden.com
Show off your knowledge (or not) at The Quiz Room
If you’re a fan of the TV quiz show format, The Quiz Room located (almost too perfectly), in Al Quoz (Al Quiz?), might be the answer you’ve been looking for. Teams of one-to-18 players (aged eight and up) will be able to go head-to-head in tests of trivia. It’s been set up to simulate the quiz show experience, emphasising fun and the spirit of friendly competition.
Where: The Quiz Room, Inside Goshi Warehouse City, Warehouse 118, Al Quoz
When: Open daily from 9.30am to 2am
Cost: Groups of three to six players Dhs120
Contact: 056 375 5644, @quiz_room_ae
Wander through fairy tales at Readles
Recently opened at Dubai Mall, Readles is a storytelling experience where classic tales come to life through an immersive experience. And it’s all created by A1. Wander through magical zones filled with legendary heroes, glowing forests, dragons and underwater worlds, with interactive games and surprises along the way. It’s a playful, storybook-style adventure for kids and families alike. After, you can head to Readles cafe for a delicious slice of cake and a coffee.
Where: Readles, Dubai Mall
When: Open daily from 10am to 10pm
Cost: Dhs129 above 12s, Dhs99 children three to 12, under 3s free
Contact: @readles.ae
Brave The Storm Coaster
The Storm Coaster is a thrilling, first-of-its-kind indoor coaster combining a vertical drop and an immersive pre-ride experience. The aptly named coaster places guests in the exciting world of storm chasing. What’s storm chasing? Well, it’s the pursuit of any severe weather phenomenon such as hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, etc. Daredevils will be lifted high above the Dubai skyline and then will be plunged into the heart of an epic mega-storm using real-world footage with cinematic special effects. Do note, riders need to be at least 130cm in height to hop onboard. Book here.
Where: Dubai Hills Mall, Al Khail Road,
When: Daily from 10am
Cost: Dhs75 for single ride
Contact: 04 448 5016, @thestormcoaster
Reach an understanding
For a truly immersive dive into the threads of Emirati heritage, there are few places that operate on the level of The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (or SMCCU for those keen on brevity). Here you can speak directly with charismatic locals, learn traditional crafts, taste regional specialities and embark on special tours.
Where: Musallah Road, Bastakiya
When: Timings vary as per the program selected
Contact: 04 353 6666. cultures.ae
Immerse yourself in art
The Theatre of Digital Art offers a sit-down experience as artworks come to life in front of your eyes and surround you. ToDA, as it is most commonly known, is located at Souk Madinat Jumeirah and is a must-visit whether you love art or not. There are shows featuring the greats such as Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet and more, and for the first time, there is a show focusing on the one and only Frida Kahlo. The theatre also hosts jazz nights, meditation programs and more. Check the website for the latest show offerings and timings.
Where: Souk Madinat Jumeirah
When: 10am to 11pm
Costs: Prices vary
Contact: 04 04 277 4044, @todadubai
STAYING AT HOME
Order in some fine dining
Dubai’s incredible dining scene means you can have almost anything delivered to your doorstep. So, if you want to enjoy a little bit of fine dining in the comforts of your home, you’ve got some great options. There’s LPM serving Mediterranean fare, expertly crafted ramen from Kinoya, steak frites from CQ Brasserie (a very popular online delivery option), and Asian flavours from SHI.
You can read our whole curated list here.
Ready, set, stream
From buzzy new releases to easy comfort watches, there’s plenty on UAE streaming platforms right now. If you’re wondering what to queue up next, we’ve rounded up the titles worth your time here.
Or if you prefer…
A feel-good film (or two)
Put your feet up and stream a feel-good film from the comfort of your sofa this Eid. Whether it’s a nostalgic classic, a light-hearted comedy or a family favourite, it’s the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a cosy moment at home. Need to whittle down your options? We’ve done the hard work for you. Check out the list here. PS. The movie options listed are available on Netflix, OSN or Disney+, so we got you all covered.
Should you need a screen break…
Listen to an uplifting podcast
The right podcast can instantly lift your mood. From gentle motivation to thoughtful conversations and short daily affirmations, these podcasts are designed to help you start the day feeling calmer, happier and more focused. If you’re looking to swap the morning scroll for something a little more uplifting, head here for some feel-good podcasts worth adding to your Eid break.
Or… you can even…
Unwind with an audio book
Swap screen time for story time this Eid by diving into an audiobook. Whether it’s a gripping thriller, an inspiring memoir or a light-hearted novel, it’s an easy way to relax while letting a great story unfold. All you need to do is press play and settle in. Here are captivating options for you.
However if you prefer pages over pixels…
Read a feel-good book
For readers, sometimes all you need is a story or a small insight to brighten your day. Whether you’re looking for a practical guide or personal memoirs, these feel-good non-fiction reads offer encouragement, and gentle reminders to embrace life with hope, curiosity, and joy.
For some family-friendly activities
Have little ones, there’s plenty you can do at home and you don’t have to spend too much either.
Design your own T-shirt
Instead of throwing out old clothes, give them a new life. Use fabric markers, paint or iron-on patches to design a completely unique T-shirt. Kids can draw their favourite characters, patterns or even write their names across the front.
Create a family scrapbook
Print out family photos and spend an afternoon putting together a scrapbook. Add drawings, stickers, colourful tape and handwritten notes about your favourite memories. It’s a lovely keepsake that everyone can look back on later.
Build a cardboard castle
Before you recycle those delivery boxes, turn them into something magical. With a little imagination (and maybe some tape and markers), cardboard boxes can become castles, forts, rockets or secret hideouts. Let the kids decorate their creation with windows, flags and doors.
Decorate cupcakes
Bake a batch of simple cupcakes and set up a decorating station with icing, sprinkles and toppings. Then see who can design the most creative cupcake.
Make friendship bracelets
A simple craft that keeps little hands busy. Plus, you can always wear it after and it will serve as a wonderful memory.
Create a snack board together
Build a colourful snack platter with fruit, crackers, cheeses and sweet treats. Let the kids arrange everything and get creative with the presentation. And of course, you can feast once it’s all laid out.
Make homemade pizza
Lay out a selection of toppings and let everyone create their own mini pizza masterpiece. From classic cheese to more adventurous combinations, anything goes.
Treasure hunt around the house
Hide clues and prizes for an exciting indoor adventure.
Dress-up fashion show
Raid the wardrobe and walk the “runway”.
Lego building challenge
Set a timer and see who can build the most creative structure.
Card games afternoon
Simple games (like snap) can provide hours of entertainment. (Hello, UNO reverse).
Head here for even more lovely ideas on how you can keep the kids entertained.
Images: Instagram, Unsplash, Pexels, and supplied
