14 of Abu Dhabi's best indoor activities

How do you work up a sweat in an air-conditioned room? Well, if that room is the massive 1.65 million square foot Warner Bros. World, then it's easy to get hot while rushing and riding between the 29 thrilling rides and attractions.

Bringing legendary characters to life, one moment you could be chilling in a Fred Flintstones’ Bedrock inspired land or swooping into Batman’s Gotham City the next. As you work your way through the fun, there is a range of food pitstops for quick bites and drinks. How does a delicious sorbet from Yogi Bear and Boo Boo Ice Cream sound?

Add a literal spring to your step at the popular Bounce Abu Dhabi. The massive trampoline-style indoor playground gives you extra bounce to practise jumps, master flips or just freestyle! With a 40-metre slide, zip line, freehand wall climbing and more, adrenaline junkies can test their skills. Overall a safe and controlled environment, kids and adults can take advantage of the exhilarating facilities.

A historical landmark, Qasr Al Hosn is one of the oldest stone buildings in Abu Dhabi. Free entry for all, you can amble through the remarkable area which housed the ruling family for centuries and was the emirate’s original seat of government. The cultural site was awarded the gold accolade at the 2021 World Architecture News Awards, topping a shortlist featuring six other international sites in the Mixed-Use category. Known for its moving exhibitions, make sure to additionally check what events and workshops are taking place when you visit.

Built between 2010 to 2017 and opened in 2019, the opulent Qasl Al Watan is UAE’s presidential palace. Located in the Al Ras Al Akhdar region of Abu Dhabi, the beautiful palace, whose name translates to ‘Palace of the Nation’, is not only open to tourists but also regularly hosts government officials and foreign dignitaries.  The entire structure was created to highlight the rich heritage and culture of the UAE while also being a hub of the same. For avid book readers and knowledge seekers, an ideal way to spend your Abu Dhabi summer is at the Qasr Al Watan Library. Home to over 50,000 timeless books, ranging from different ages and scholars, the collection will blow your mind.

Make sure to stay for the captivating evening sound and light show which is projected on the exterior of the palace.

Situated on Maryah Island, Galleria Mall is a high-end destination for style-savvy and frequent shoppers with the likes of Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Cartier. When you tire of shopping, wind down with a coffee and cake at the highly Instagrammable Secret Gardens or enjoy a full-fledged meal at any of the delicious dining venues. A 21-screen VOX Cinema with IMAX, flagship adventure-ridden Xtreme Zone and urban parks including the Middle East’s first National Geographic Ultimate Explorer - a fully immersive training ground - promises plenty of enjoyment.

Rise to the top of Abu Dhabi and catch the city’s skyline from 74 floors up high at the Observation Deck at 300. Located within the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, the deck sits 300 metres high and has a circular 360-degree panorama viewing platform. With breathtaking views of the Emirates Palace Hotel, Marina Abu Dhabi and Heritage Village, you can even enjoy the sights for longer while tucking into a premium afternoon tea.

Tucked away in the art terminal of Louvre Abu Dhabi, is the iconic Parisian brassiere, Fouquet's. A symbol of French hospitality, the menu was created in collaboration with Michelin Star Chef, Pierre Gagnaire. An exceptional dining experience t enjoy with friends or a partner, indulge in an array of classics prepared with the freshest, local ingredients. The interior of the venue is a combination of understated elegance and contemporary; down to the avant-garde chandeliers and large window views looking out into the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf.