Looking for the best indoor sports in Abu Dhabi? We don’t blame you. The mercury is creeping up, and that has most athletes retreating to the shade – or better yet, into some of Abu Dhabi’s climate-controlled indoor sports arenas.
Cool licks of A/C are just what the doctor ordered for those who’ve spent one-too-many knockabouts in rising temps outdoors, and we’ve been inspired by their commitment to keeping cool.
Here are ten simply magnificent indoor sports in Abu Dhabi to beat the heat with this summer.
Basketball at MPAC Sports
If you’re dreaming of joining the MBA, you’re going to want to get MPAC on your radar. It’s a UAE staple when it comes to indoor sports. With locations in Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai and Sharjah, MPAC has continued to dominate the youth basketball scene in the Middle East. If you’re just beginning to find your feet in the sport, try out one of their coaching sessions and test your shooting arm. You’ll be slam dunking and driving down the court with ease before too long.
Open daily, 8am-10pm. Al Forsan Sports Resort, Khalifa City (04 385 1777).
Bowling at Khalifa International Bowling Centre
Sun skittling your plans? Seek shade at the UAE’s national bowling centre. This mega bowling alley at Zayed Sports City has a monster 40 lanes, making it one of the best places for indoor sports in Abu Dhabi. You’ll never have long to wait to throw down a strike (or slam one into the gutter). It’s used by the national team and it’s even hosted the World Bowling Championship in days past, so the facilities are excellent. There are also ping pong tables and arcade games to hop on to if the pins aren’t falling your way.
Open daily noon-midnight. Zayed Sports City (02 403 4200).
Boxing at the Punch Club
Ready to feel like Rocky? Hone your boxing craft at Punch Club. One hour high-intensity boxing classes are available with the three choices, namely Punch: HIIT, Punch: Classic and Punch: Ladies. Go from a warm up to conditioning to heavy bag work and conclude with a deserved cooldown. This is one of the top indoor sports in Abu Dhabi for a HIIT workout.
Open Sun-Thu 1pm-9pm, Fri 9.30am-11.30am, and Sat 9am-6.30pm. International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City (02 666 9717).
Trampolining at BOUNCE
There’s something oddly enjoyable about taking a tumble when you know you’re going to bounce straight back. And spring upright you shall at BOUNCE: one of the best known places for indoor sports in Abu Dhabi. This trampoline park is ideal for those who can’t sit still. Plot a course through the springy arena with mates and see who can hit the highest of heights.
Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, bounce.ae.
Swimming at Cleopatra Swimming Academy Al Jazirah Club
There are plenty of outdoor pool day deals in Abu Dhabi, but sometimes you’re after a pool that’s a little more butterfly-worthy. Boost your cardiovascular efficiency while toning muscles for the outdoor pool days. Contrary to popular belief, hitting the lengths in an outdoor pool doesn’t always serve swimmers well, with the body temp soon catching up with the heat. But at Cleopatra Swimming Academy, goggle-wearing guys and girls can bob up and down the lanes to their hearts’ content indoors.
Open Sat-Thu 4pm-10pm, Fri 10am-10pm. Al Sayfah Street, Mohamed Bin Zayed City (600 515156).
Ice skating at Zayed Sports City
Stick a triple Salchow to look sub-zero levels of cool at Zayed Sports City. Okay, that may not be quite possible for the beginners among us (no shame in gripping that handrail tight, folks), but this is still quite literally the best place to cool off in the capital. ZSC is one of the top places for indoor sports in Abu Dhabi generally and there’s plenty of whimsy to behold as skaters twist turn and spin. It’s a perfect way to beat the heat, just be prepared for the odd bump and bruise when taking a slip.
Open Sun-Wed noon-5pm and 6.30pm-6.15pm, Thu noon-10.30pm, Fri-Sat 10.15am-10.30pm. Zayed Sports City, zsc.ae (02 403 4200).
Padel at Lets Padel Academy
Padel might be one of the most popular sports in Abu Dhabi right now but you wouldn’t be out of bounds to demand an indoor padel court this summer. Lets Padel Academy is located out in Mussafah and is a massive indoor padel facility. Grab a racket and get ready to crush the competition. Looking for more padel courts in Abu Dhabi? We’ve got you covered there too.
From Dhs340. Open daily, 7am-1am. Mussaffah, letspadelacademy.com (02 666 2241).
Rock climbing at CLYMB Abu Dhabi
Head for heights? Rock climbing might be one of the most nerve-wracking sports in Abu Dhabi and CLYMB Abu Dhabi is a physical test like few others in this part of the world, giving climbers the chance to get to grips with a real test of their credentials. There’s a huge range of walls to get familiar with, including the 43m SUMMYT, which boasts the record of being the world’s largest indoor wall of its kind. You may be strapped in, but do push off a solid foot and never (ever) look down.
Tue-Sat 1pm-8pm. Yas Island, clymbabudhabi.com (600 511115).
Indoor football at The Dome
It’s the beautiful game, but there’s nothing pretty about wringing out sweat-soaked jerseys at full-time. Thankfully, at The Dome players can take their headers and volleys inside, swerving the sweltering sunshine in the process. After all, top corner screamers always feel that much better when you actually have breathe left in the lungs to scream about them afterwards. The only thing you need to worry about is how you’re celebrating.
Open 8am-1am. Zone 1, Rowdhat, thedome.ae (02 447 0754).
Yoga at Seven Wellness Studio
There are few indoor sports that will make you feel as zen as yoga. Seven Wellness is an eco-friendly yoga studio on Reem Island with classes for men and women. You can also go there for sound healing classes, reiki healing or a massage (perfect for after an intense yoga session). Hungry after yoga in Abu Dhabi? Check out the vegan café on-site: Soul Café.
Mon-Fri 8am-10pm; Sat 8am-9pm; Sun 9am-9pm. Marina Bay 1, Reem Island, sevenwellness.ae (02 555 0450).
