As summer approaches in the UAE, many outdoor attractions in Dubai may close for the season. However, there’s no need to worry about being stuck at home; the city is packed with year-round attractions that ensure fun for the whole family, even in the heat. Here’s a detailed look at ten must-visit spots that will keep your summer exciting.

1. Ski Dubai

Experience the thrill of winter in the heart of the desert at Ski Dubai, located in the Mall of the Emirates. This indoor ski resort offers a stunning winter wonderland, complete with real snow, snowboarding, and skiing opportunities.

Visitors can enjoy activities like tobogganing and interacting with penguins in a unique setting. It’s an ideal getaway from the soaring temperatures, allowing families to relish in a chill atmosphere and even plan for winter escapades ahead of time.

• Location: Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha
• Price: Approx. AED 250 for a full-day pass
• Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 12 AM
• Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and penguin encounters.

2. IMG Worlds of Adventure

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, IMG Worlds of Adventure is the ultimate indoor theme park. Featuring attractions based on beloved characters such as Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, and Marvel superheroes, this venue caters to thrill-seekers of all ages.

With exhilarating roller coasters and even a haunted house, it promises endless fun throughout the hotter months. Interactive experiences and themed dining options enhance the adventure, making it a full-day outing.

• Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
• Price: Approx. AED 299 for adults, AED 249 for children
• Opening Hours: Daily from 12 PM to 10 PM
• Activities: Thrilling rides, live shows, and themed attractions based on popular franchises.

3. The Green Planet

A unique blend of nature and comfort, The Green Planet in City Walk offers an immersive experience into a tropical rainforest. Home to over 3,000 species of plants and animals, including birds and reptiles, this indoor ecosystem features the world’s tallest manmade tree.

Educational programs and animal encounters are available, providing a fantastic learning opportunity for families while enjoying a lush environment without the outdoor heat.

• Location: City Walk, Al Wasl
• Price: Approx. AED 120 for adults, AED 90 for children
• Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 7 PM
• Activities: Guided tours, animal encounters, and interactive exhibits about rainforest ecosystems.

4. KidZania

If you’re looking for an engaging yet educational experience for your children, KidZania in Dubai Mall is perfect. This interactive city allows kids to explore various professions and activities, from being a firefighter to a surgeon, all while having fun. The venue is designed to be both entertaining and informative, making it a great way for children to learn about the world around them while escaping the summer heat. The hands-on activities foster creativity and teamwork.

• Location: Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
• Price: Approx. AED 170 for children, AED 70 for adults
• Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 10 PM
• Activities: Role-playing various careers, interactive games, and learning experiences.

5. AYA

For a visually stunning experience, head to AYA at Wafi Mall. This interactive space features cutting-edge lights, sounds, and visuals across 12 different zones, each telling its own story. Visitors can immerse themselves in a digital art experience that engages all the senses. It's a fantastic spot to capture Instagram-worthy moments and engage with innovative art installations, providing a perfect blend of entertainment and creativity.

• Location: Wafi Mall, Oud Metha
• Price: Approx. AED 75 per person
• Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 10 PM
• Activities: Interactive art installations and immersive experiences across 12 unique zones.

6. Dubai Parks and Resorts

Home to several renowned theme parks like Motiongate and Legoland, Dubai Parks and Resorts offers a thrilling escape from the summer heat. Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, from Lego structures to exhilarating water slides, making it a fantastic choice for families and friends looking for adventure. Seasonal events and themed festivals often enhance the experience, ensuring that there’s always something new to discover.

• Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, near Palm Jebel Ali
• Price: Approx. AED 295 for a single park, AED 495 for a multi-park pass
• Opening Hours: Varies by park (generally 10 AM to 10 PM)
• Activities: Roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly attractions.

7. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Located in Dubai Mall, this aquarium provides a mesmerizing experience where visitors can walk through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks and stingrays. The facility includes interactive exhibits and educational talks about marine conservation, inviting visitors to engage with the wonders of the ocean. Whether observing marine life from a distance or diving in for an up-close encounter, this attraction promises a captivating adventure for sea enthusiasts.

• Location: Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
• Price: Approx. AED 100 for adults, AED 70 for children
• Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 12 AM
• Activities: Tunnel walkthrough, shark diving experiences, and animal encounters.

8. Bounce

For those wanting to stay active, Bounce is the perfect solution. This indoor trampoline park allows visitors to jump, bounce, and engage in various activities like dodgeball and zip-lining, making it a fun way to get some exercise while escaping the summer sun. Special sessions for younger children and fitness classes are also available, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

• Location: Al Quoz, near Mall of the Emirates
• Price: Approx. AED 90 for a one-hour session
• Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 10 PM
• Activities: Trampoline jumping, dodgeball, slam dunk zones, and a ninja warrior course.

9. Wild Wadi Water Park

Situated near the iconic Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi Waterpark offers a refreshing retreat with its array of thrilling rides. Families and friends can enjoy over 30 attractions, including exhilarating slides and lazy rivers. The park also features dining options, ensuring visitors can refuel after a day of fun. Special events and discounts often occur during summer, making it an attractive destination for both locals and tourists.

• Location: Jumeirah, near Burj Al Arab
• Price: Approx. AED 336 for adults, AED 280 for children
• Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 6 PM
• Activities: Water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.

10. Dubai Hills Mall

Adrenaline seekers can find excitement at Dubai Hills Mall, which features the city’s fastest indoor rollercoaster, The Storm. Additionally, the Adventure Park offers a range of play areas for kids, complete with trampolines, rock climbing, and slides. With various dining and shopping options available, families can easily spend an entire day enjoying the amenities.

• Location: Dubai Hills Estate
• Price: Free entry; pay for individual attractions
• Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 12 AM
• Activities: Indoor rollercoaster, adventure park, and shopping.

Tips for a Fantastic Summer Experience

1. Plan Ahead: Check the official websites for opening hours and any special events or promotions. Booking tickets in advance can often save you time and money.
2. Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Try to visit attractions early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
3. Stay Hydrated: Always carry water with you, especially when visiting indoor attractions. Many venues have hydration stations, but it’s good to have your own supply.
4. Dress Comfortably: Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely be walking a lot. Layering can help, as indoor venues can be cool.
5. Check for Discounts: Look for family packages, group discounts, or combo tickets that include multiple attractions for better value.
6. Use Public Transport: Dubai’s metro and tram systems are convenient and can save you the hassle of parking. Plus, they’re air-conditioned!
7. Explore Dining Options: Many attractions offer unique dining experiences. Take time to enjoy a meal or snack at the venue to enhance your visit.
8. Capture the Moment: Bring a camera or smartphone to take photos. Many attractions feature Instagram-worthy spots perfect for capturing memories.
9. Stay Updated: Follow the official social media pages of the attractions for real-time updates on events, promotions, and any changes in operations.
10. Plan for Breaks: Schedule downtime to relax and recharge, especially if you’re visiting multiple attractions in one day.

Dubai’s 2025 summer lineup guarantees a dynamic mix of innovation, adventure, and culture-all tailored to beat the heat in style. Whether you’re chasing thrills, culinary delights, or educational gems, the city delivers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.

Dubai Duty Free has once again captured global attention by shattering sales records this August, reaching an impressive Dh646.23 million ($177 million). This marks a 15% increase over August 2024 and nearly a 10% rise from the previous peak recorded in 2018, underscoring the airport retailer’s growing allure among travelers.

On average, Dubai Duty Free welcomed around 275,000 passengers daily throughout August, generating an average daily sales figure of Dh20.8 million ($5.7 million). Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi praised the achievement, noting that sales growth has outpaced passenger numbers by approximately 9%, “a testament to the dedication of our team and the robust retail environment we have cultivated.”

A closer look at shopping habits reveals that confectionery stole the spotlight, with sales soaring by nearly 69%. Chocolates and sweets remain top picks for gifts and personal enjoyment. Gold jewelry followed with a strong 28.5% boost, while perfumes and tobacco products grew by 13% and 11% respectively. Other notable performers included Millennium Millionaire tickets, which climbed 34%, watches up 17.7%, precious jewelry with a 24% increase, cosmetics rising 9%, liquor up 3%, and electronics showing steady yet modest growth at 2.3%. Even without confectionery, the top ten categories collectively recorded a healthy 10.4% increase, illustrating broad-based demand across Dubai Duty Free’s diverse offerings.

Luxury shoppers found much to celebrate in Terminal 3, where fashion boutiques in Concourses A and B enjoyed a 10.86% rise in sales compared to last year. Cartier boutiques impressed with a striking 29.33% surge. The average daily boutique transactions climbed to 254, while customer spend rose to Dh8,004 from Dh7,748, signaling that premium shopping remains a favorite indulgence among UAE travellers.

All terminals experienced strong sales growth throughout the month. Concourses A and B both posted 17% increases, Concourse C followed with a 16.45% uplift, and Concourse D saw sales grow by 7.91%. Terminal 2 Departures reported a 13.6% gain, while Al Maktoum International Airport stood out with a remarkable 56.91% surge. Even arrivals shops maintained momentum, growing 11.72% despite intensified competition at Terminal 3 Arrivals.

Dubai Duty Free’s global appeal was evident, with travelers to the U.S. fueling a 27.94% uptick in spending. Other regions contributing to the growth included the Middle East (+19.78%), the Indian Subcontinent (+17%), Africa (+15.28%), Europe (+13.46%), Australasia (+9.49%), the Far East (+9.15%), and Russia (+3.26%).

Looking ahead, Dubai Duty Free shows no signs of slowing down. Luxury aficionados can anticipate the opening of a new Louis Vuitton boutique in Concourse A later this week, with Cartier slated to open another boutique by the end of September. By December, Concourse A will unveil the ‘Gifts from Dubai’ concept store, promising an even more immersive shopping experience for travelers and residents alike.

With year-to-date sales hitting Dh5.4 billion ($1.48 billion), a 6.93% increase compared to last year, Dubai Duty Free isn’t just setting new records — it’s redefining the airport shopping experience. For residents and visitors in the UAE, the airport transcends its role as a transit hub, emerging as a premier destination for luxury, indulgence, and everyday delights.

London Heathrow Airport has solidified its position as the most expensive and fiercely contested aviation hub in the world, with takeoff and landing slot pairs fetching record prices up to $75 million in 2025. The extreme demand far outstrips the limited supply of slots at the airport, which is capped at approximately 10,500 weekly movements around 40 to 45 takeoffs and landings per hourcreating one of the world's most lucrative and competitive aviation markets.

Key airlines like Oman Air and American Airlines have previously paid sums in the tens of millions for coveted slots, with a recent transaction echoing Oman Air's 2016 record $75 million deal for prime morning slots. These slots, particularly those during early morning and summer peak times, are highly valued due to their potential revenue generation and strategic importance for flight scheduling in one of the busiest travel corridors globally.

The scarcity arises from Heathrow's operational constraints, including a long-standing cap of 480,000 annual Air Transport Movements and strict allocation regulations overseen by Airport Coordination Limited (ACL). British Airways dominates the market, controlling over half of the allocated slots, which reinforces the advantage of incumbent carriers through a system that prioritizes historical usage. Regulatory changes in 2025 aimed to ease entry for new carriers and reduce "ghost flights" have yet to alter the market's fundamental dynamics.

Looking ahead, the proposed addition of a third runway could nearly double the airport’s capacity, introducing up to 276,000 additional flights annually and potentially easing the slot shortage. However, the manner in which these new slots are allocated likely favoring carriers with substantial current usage will determine whether slot prices will decrease or remain near current record highs.

For now, securing a slot at Heathrow remains a high-stakes investment, representing critical competitive leverage and access to one of the world's wealthiest passenger markets, particularly lucrative for carriers targeting premium business and long-haul travel.

British Airways (BA) is pushing the boundaries of loyalty travel by operating exclusive Avios-only flights, allowing passengers to redeem points for every seat on selected routes. The latest—and most ambitious—offering targets the highly sought-after London Heathrow to Cape Town International Airport route during the fiercely competitive Christmas holiday season.

Scheduled to depart on December 20, 2025, with a return on January 2, 2026, these Avios-only flights come with a significant financial trade-off. Industry analysis estimates that BA could sacrifice more than £1 million in revenue by filling entire aircraft with points redemptions rather than cash-paying customers on this premium leisure route.

Since launching Avios-only flights in April 2023 with short-haul destinations like Geneva and Sharm-el-Sheikh, British Airways has steadily expanded the program. By late 2024, long-haul Avios flights appeared on routes to Dubai, followed by Caribbean destinations like Barbados earlier in 2025, and Abu Dhabi during the Easter period.

The Cape Town flights are notably different. Scheduled during peak Christmas travel when fares routinely command premium prices, this route is dominated by leisure travelers willing to pay top-tier prices, unlike some other Avios routes drawing more mixed business leisure demand. This makes the sacrifice in potential revenue especially striking.

Analysts estimate the total revenue opportunity for this roundtrip Avios flight pair at between £1.2 million and £1.3 million, with the outbound, pre-holiday leg holding the most value due to constrained seat availability and strong demand. The loss is softened—at least internally—by Avios Group Limited (part of IAG, BA’s parent company), which likely compensates BA for these seats at market rates, ensuring balance within the group.

Industry commentary highlights the loyalty program growth as the core motivation behind these Avios-exclusive flights. BA’s 2024 annual report spotlighted a 24% increase in Avios earnings and a 20% jump in redemptions, contributing to a strong £363 million profit on £1.585 billion revenue and a 22.9% pre-tax margin. These exclusive flights, with their aspirational redemption opportunities, help attract new members and deepen engagement among existing Avios collectors.

Unlike many 2025 flight releases, which appear 222 to 317 days ahead, the Avios flights to Cape Town were unveiled 142 days before departure. This shorter window likely curbs speculative bookings and cancellations, aligning with travelers’ post-summer holiday planning cycles. The timing also ensures flights sell out rapidly, demonstrating pent-up demand.

Alongside the Avios-only flights, BA operates standard cash fare services on these dates—nearly fully booked—a factor suggesting some reallocation of bookings as passengers choose between cash and points options.
Modeling passenger fare classes using the “shelf” principle, which balances revenue contributions across economy, premium economy, and business/first classes, analysts incorporated demand from European markets where fares tend to be lower than from London. For example, Club World fares ex-Europe range from £5,553 to £9,086 compared to £6,292 from London.

During the Christmas peak, direct fares for Cape Town reach £12,341 to £16,555 in First Class, around £6,292 for Club World, £4,144 to £5,133 for World Traveller Plus, and £2,716 for World Traveller, before taxes—underscoring the premium nature of this route.

Though costly in the short term, Avios-only flights provide tangible benefits. They make expensive holidays more attainable for points-rich travelers, foster goodwill, and encourage passengers to maintain BA credit cards and prioritize the airline for future bookings. Passengers who save money on flights might redirect funds towards hotels, dining, or ancillary services, supporting the wider travel ecosystem.

Cape Town’s appeal is undeniable, even with steep accommodation prices ranging from around £5,000 at The Westin to over £20,000 at Mount Nelson, reinforcing the premium leisure positioning of this route.
In the broader picture, BA’s bold Avios-only approach exemplifies how airlines can leverage loyalty currencies not just as marketing tools but as strategic assets driving long-term customer engagement—even if it means foregoing millions in immediate ticket revenue.

Zurich Airport Ltd. has announced its strongest first-half financial results in history, posting a consolidated profit of CHF 161.3 million for the first half of 2025, reflecting a 6% increase compared to the same period last year. The airport’s revenue rose by 2% to CHF 640.7 million, buoyed by a 4% increase in aviation-related income to CHF 327.3 million. Although non-aviation revenue saw a slight decline to CHF 313.4 million, the company’s operating expenses decreased by 1%, helped by lower electricity costs.

Passenger traffic hit a new milestone with a record 14.96 million travelers passing through Zurich Airport in the first six months—a 3% increase year-on-year. Freight also showed growth, rising 2% to reach 219,410 tonnes. Zurich Airport’s extensive summer schedule now connects travelers to 206 destinations through 63 airlines.

However, commercial and parking revenues experienced a modest decline of 1%, mainly due to ongoing landside construction work. Real estate income, on the other hand, saw a slight improvement. Zurich Airport invested CHF 422.9 million in development projects, including CHF 155 million for the new Radisson Blu building. Significant infrastructure upgrades underway include replacing Dock A, modernizing the baggage handling system, expanding cargo and business aviation facilities, and enhancing passenger areas landside.

In line with its commitment to sustainability, Zurich Airport is progressing steadily towards its ambitious net-zero emissions target set for 2040. Current initiatives include building a new energy centre, testing seasonal energy storage solutions, and piloting innovative technologies like autonomous shuttles, robotic cleaners, and smart restroom systems.

The company’s international ventures also recorded strong results, with revenue climbing 14% to CHF 56.3 million. Development continues at India’s Noida International Airport, while several Brazilian airports under Zurich’s management earned top sustainability rankings. Florianópolis airport was named Brazil’s best, and Vitória and Macaé airports received high sustainability accreditation. Notably, Macaé opened a new runway in June to support increased traffic.

Looking ahead, Zurich Airport expects to welcome around 32 million passengers in 2025, representing a 2.5% growth, reinforcing its position as a vital gateway for Switzerland and highlighting its ongoing efforts to provide sustainable and high-quality mobility solutions for travelers.

In a landmark move set to reshape its fleet and global reach, Korean Air has announced its largest-ever order: a staggering $50 billion investment in 103 Boeing aircraft along with engines and maintenance services from GE Aerospace. The announcement on Monday coincided with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to Washington, underscoring the deal’s strategic significance.

The colossal order includes a diverse mix of Boeing’s 787, 777, and 737 models, valued at approximately $36.5 billion. Complementing the aircraft purchase, Korean Air secured a separate $13.7 billion deal with GE Aerospace for engine purchases and servicing, signaling a major commitment to modernizing its fleet with cutting-edge technology.

Korean Air’s CEO Cho Won-tae, fresh from visiting one of Boeing’s U.S. factories, said the record-breaking deal will enable the airline to expand its service to more destinations across the U.S., Latin America, and South America. Highlighting the scale of the order, CEO Cho revealed that roughly half of the new planes will be 737 MAX 10s, with the remainder comprising 777-9 and 787 models. He added that about 80% of these new planes will replace older aircraft, reflecting Korean Air’s focus on fleet renewal.

Despite Boeing facing challenges in recent years, Cho expressed confidence in the manufacturer’s products and future performance. South Korea’s industry ministry confirmed the Boeing deal’s value at $36.2 billion, separate from the engine agreement with GE.

Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, stressed the partnership’s role in Korean Air’s ongoing growth and integration. “As Korean Air transitions to a larger unified carrier following its acquisition of Asiana Airlines, we are committed to supporting its expansion with one of the world’s most efficient fleets,” she said.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick underscored the importance of the deal for American aerospace exports. “The world recognizes that our aircraft are the most advanced in the world, and this administration is committed to reshoring advanced manufacturing jobs for Americans,” he stated.

This new contract follows an earlier commitment by Korean Air to purchase 20 Boeing 777-9s and 20 787-10s, with additional options, cementing the airline’s strategy of a comprehensive fleet upgrade. Founded in 1969 and a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, Korean Air has grown into South Korea’s largest carrier and continues to expand its global footprint with this ambitious investment.