Say goodbye to the boredom blues with these Dubai hobbies
Does your life feel a bit dull, with routines taking over and nothing colourful to pique your interest? Perhaps it’s time you indulge in a fun new hobby or two! Hobbies are a great way to boost your creativity up and splash inspiration into your life. If you live in Dubai and are thinking about things to do outside of work, look no further. Our guide to hobbies in Dubai covers all personality types and interests, and might be able to give you ideas for your next new hobby.
Geeky Hobby Ideas
Are you a fully-fledged member of the geek club and proud of it? Us too! These hobbies in Dubai are gonna be perfect for you.
Gaming arcade
If you’re an old-school gamer, The Arcade by Hub Zero at Al Khawaneej Walk will be right up your alley. This popular arcade is home to more than 50 games, including retro, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and motion-controlled, all nestled within a vibrant, gamer’s paradise.
Choose from sporty games, old-school games like Pacman and Space Invaders, or enjoy modern gaming in the PlayStation room.
You can also explore the various retail outlets and food trucks at Al Khawaneej Walk while you’re there. A day well spent!
Virtual Reality (VR) Arenas
Virtual Reality (VR) represents a truly immersive gaming experience. Gamers wear VR glasses and are submerged in a virtual world that seems completely real to the player.
You can visit our guide to places that offer VR experiences in Dubai to try your hand at VR gaming.
If you’re looking for a recommendation, we would suggest you start with Arena Games, as it is easily accessible (by metro) and offers a remarkable gaming experience at an affordable price.
Legoland and Lego Stores
Undoubtedly one of our favourite hobbies in Dubai is Lego! You all know by now that Lego isn’t just for kids, right? There are millions of Lego enthusiasts all over the world, from the young to old, all united by their love of those fantastic little bricks. So why not consider joining the Lego-loving army as your new hobby?
Dubai is the ideal place for Lego devotees. Not only is there the amazing Legoland theme park, where visitors can see how Lego bricks are actually made at ‘The Factory’, but there are also three fantastic official Lego stores in the emirate as well. The stores where you can pick up the first build of your new hobby are located at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif and Dubai Mall.
As if that wasn’t enough, there’s even a Legoland Hotel in Dubai you can stay! Suffice to say; everything is awesome if you’re a Lego fan in Dubai.
Sporty hobbies in Dubai
Athletic hobbies are a great way to get fit, improve your mood and enjoy some free time. Here are some active hobbies you can try in Dubai.
Hiking
The UAE has numerous scenic peaks and hiking trails for both beginners and experienced hikers. Hiking is a popular hobby for many reasons, chief amongst them being that it’s healthy, therapeutic, calming and allows those partaking to immerse themselves in beautiful natural landscapes.
If you are new to hiking, you can start by checking out our guide to the UAE’s easiest hiking trails. It’s hard to think of a more perfect way to stay fit and healthy, right?
Sports Venues
Missing sports from your school days? Why not visit one of Dubai Sports City’s many facilities, where you can play various sports including basketball, football, tennis and volleyball. Cricket enthusiasts can also check out Dubai’s indoor cricket venues to continue enjoying the sport during the summer months. If you’re looking to take your skills to the next level, many of these sports facilities offer professional coaching.
Water sports
Next up on our list of hobbies in Dubai, it’s time for water-based fun in the sun! Home to many beautiful beaches and lakes, Dubai offers a variety of water sports for adventure-seeking residents in the city. Be it intensive sports like jet skiing or parasailing; or more chill water sports like kayaking or scuba diving, the right activity for you is just a beach away!
Check out our Dubai watersports guide to kick off your aquatic adventures.
Yoga
Practice mindfulness and be in tune with your body by trying your hand at yoga. There are several unique types of yoga practices, such as Vinyasa, Hatha, Kundalini and more, each with its own set of benefits.
Usually, people select yoga practices based on their specific focus – for some, it’s being in tune with their minds; for others, it’s weight loss and flexibility. Just conduct a little bit of research, and you’ll find the perfect type of yoga for you in no time.
Are you all prepped and ready for your yoga journey to begin? If yes, our guide to the best places to practice yoga in Dubai is a great place to start.
Padel
The tennis/squash hybrid sport of padel has absolutely rocketed in popularity over recent years. And the love this energetic sport is being shown is no surprise, especially when you consider what a fun way it is to stay fit and healthy.
Fancy padel as your brand new hobby? There are some excellent places to play padel in Dubai. All of these places offer padel equipment, if you’re a newbie looking to just dip your toes in the game.
Golf
Beautiful weather, peaceful environments and plenty of outdoor exercises make the many world-class golf courses in Dubai the perfect places for your new hobby. Many of the golf clubs in Dubai offer lessons for beginners so you don’t need to worry even if you’ve never played the game before. You can also try mini golf in Dubai.
Somewhere that can give you a taste as to whether golf is potentially the hobby for you is TopGolf Dubai — where golf and entertainment combine in spectacular fashion. Tasty eats, refreshing drinks, a vibrant atmosphere and fun games make TopGolf the perfect introduction to this much-loved sport.
Walking or Running
Walking is underrated, yet truly life-changing if you take it up as a hobby in Dubai. Did you know that renowned philosopher Nietzsche once said, ‘only thoughts reached by walking have value’, as most of his influential books came after he began taking long walks for hours? It’s not just him – other philosophers like Henry Thoreau have also been vocal about their love for walking.
Of course, as the weather gets warmer, you will have to stick to walking after the sun goes down. Just try walks around your home – you don’t really have to go anywhere specific. Once you get your stamina higher, you could try other outdoor hobbies in Dubai such as running. You’ll get the best serotonin rush when you run, making it a hobby that pays off toward your well-being.
Creative Hobby Ideas
Channelling your creative energy can refresh and recharge your mind at the same time. Creative hobbies are also great outlets for anger and stress, which is why they are encouraged by mental health professionals.
Here are some creative hobbies you can try out in Dubai.
Reading
Reading is a great way to stimulate your mind and enhance your knowledge, which is why it sits perfectly on our list of hobbies in Dubai. For beginners, we would suggest you pick up lighter reads and short story compilations (such as the short story compilations by Jeffrey Archer), then maybe move on to heavier plot lines (by authors such as Haruki Murakami or George Orwell).
If fiction isn’t your cup of tea, you can also explore other genres, including self-help, biographies or essays. Pick up your next interesting read at one of the public libraries in Dubai. Although entry is free, you require a Dubai Public Library membership to rent a book or two.
It is a calming experience to soak up the peacefulness of a library, surrounded by enormous shelves of books. Choose one of the many books available at Dubai’s public library, or bring your own Kindle or book from home and enjoy your literary journey.
You can also check out one of the many library cafes in Dubai, where you can enjoy a cuppa along with a sizzling read. Coffee and books are a delightful combination, or perhaps a double addiction, we’d say!
Attending courses
Although the internet is abuzz with apps that offer useful courses, a lot of people prefer old-school training with tutors. There are a variety of training institutes in Dubai that offer classes to enhance your skillset in numerous different ways. From learning a new language to developing the ability to write computer code, the possibilities are endless. Happy learning!
Pottery
You might have to get your hands muddy for this one, but pottery is a fascinating art activity to try. If you’re dealing with anxiety or stress, pottery is a great activity to calm your mind, since you’ll be completely immersed in your work. Some studies also show that working with clay improves motor skills and focus.
There are several pottery classes in Dubai that offer lessons at affordable prices. Whether you’re happy being a novice or you’re looking to learn advanced techniques, pottery classes represent a stimulating hobby. You’ll also get to take home your amazing creations!
Sewing
Sewing can be more than just a hobby; several independent fashion designers started their journey off by trying their hands at sewing.
If you’ve ever had a loose button or a rip in your favourite outfit, sewing can also turn out to be a useful life skill.
You can enrol for a sewing class in Dubai, which offer a range of sewing workshops for both children and adults. If you’re new to sewing, we would suggest you start off with the fundamentals to understand the needle and thread techniques, then move on to choosing your preferred style in sewing. This could be embroidery, quilting, dressmaking or knitting – the choice is yours.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is a skill that involves balance, stability and concentration – so why not try this as a hobby? You can start by taking ice skating lessons at the Dubai Ice Rink, which offers lessons to people keen on learning this elegant sport.
The Dubai Ice Rink in Dubai Mall offers lessons. Skating Academy runs continuously for 6 weeks. You will be able to attend either every Tuesday or Thursday evening; or every Saturday or Sunday morning. The fee (AED 899) includes your lessons, assessments and an opportunity to be a part of a public ice skating show.
Alternatively, if you’re familiar with ice skating, you could check out more ice rinks in Dubai such as The Galleria Ice Rink at Hyatt Regency and Al Nasr Leisureland. It can be a weekly hobby to try.
Dance
With Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) taking the spotlight owing to its social, cognitive and emotional benefits, dance as a hobby has gained a lot of popularity in recent times.
A fun hobby for all age groups, dancing improves your muscle tone and aerobic fitness, along with other added benefits. It also gives you an opportunity to get comfortable with your own body.
Sign yourself up for one of Dubai’s dance classes and let your body do the talking! There are classes available for a variety of dance styles, including Zumba, salsa, ballroom, bhangra, ballet, bachata and more!
If you’re worried about dancing in public (or amongst strangers), we’d suggest you take a deep breath, focus on your body’s movements and sway to the rhythm of the music. You’ve got this!
Art
Sick of plying hours of concentration into those intensely dull Excel spreadsheets? Desperate to unleash your creativity? Art can be a great outlet for all that pent-up inspiration, a creative space where you can finally express your thoughts and emotions.
There are several art classes in Dubai, for both adults and children, that offer courses in drawing and painting. These classes are not restricted to paintbrushes and a canvas; you can try out other art styles, including digital drawing, silk painting, abstract expressionism and more.
Art techniques like glass painting and knife painting involve intense precision, which can help strengthen your concentration and improve your focus. With technology lowering our attention spans, these activities can be great for your cognitive growth.
Head over to an art class after work and experiment with unique art styles to unleash your inner Picasso. Who knows, perhaps art is the career path you’re meant to be taking!
Other Hobby Ideas
Long drives and road trips
Why spend a weekend snoozing at home when you could go on a long drive instead?
If you have a car and you enjoy driving, there are several road-trip-worthy destinations in the UAE calling out to be explored. Just driving to one of the UAE’s other emirates can be therapeutic — the scenic roads of Hatta and Khor Fakkan are truly stunning and worth the journey. There are also some fascinating historical sites to see in each emirate, such as ancient forts and museums.
Although having a destination in mind is ideal, sometimes your road trip could just be counting the stars in the desert sky on a sleepless night. A hot cup of karak chai and your car, what more do you need? Get out there and see where the road takes you!
Spend your day at the beach
If lazing around sounds like a better hobby than performing intense activities, spending time at the beach is the perfect answer. After an intense day at work or school, visit one of Dubai’s beaches and have yourself a snooze in the evening sun.
The sound of the tide lapping the shore and breathing in the salty air is a great way to reinvigorate the senses. Popular beaches such as Kite Beach and Jumeirah Beach also have a variety of restaurants nearby, so you grab some tasty eats after your quality relaxation.
Making friends
As an expat in Dubai, do you ever find yourself missing your friends and social life from your home country? You’re not alone.
Instead of endlessly reliving those happy memories, maybe try making some new friends in Dubai. Apart from joining sports clubs and classes, you can meet people using apps like Meetup, Bumble (Bumble BFF for friends) or Tinder. Our guide to making friends in Dubai has a few ideas that could come in handy.
Meetup is a social app, where you can meet people who have the same interests as you. You can also sign up for social events, to meet like-minded people in Dubai.
Tinder and Bumble BFF wouldn’t necessarily come under networking, but are ideal if you’re looking for a ‘best friend’. For women looking for female companions, you can also check out Hey! VINA, an app exclusively for women.
Photography
If you have a DSLR camera and have an eye for aesthetics, try your hand at photography. Dubai has several photo stops and aesthetically pleasing architecture, which can translate well into pictures if taken well (and the editing afterwards). You can also try photography with your smartphone – all you need is the eye and angles.
One thing to remember before photography in the UAE is that you should refrain from taking pictures of people without their permission – as this is illegal. Focus on pictures of the buildings, sunsets or food and you’re good. Or, drive out of the city to places like Love Lake or Hatta.
Shopping
We know what you’re thinking! ”Shopping…really”? ”On a list of hobbies in Dubai!” Well, they call it ‘retail therapy’ for a reason y’know…and that reason is because shopping can be a truly therapeutic activity if done right. And with the abundance of malls in Dubai, shoppers are spoilt for choice.
Search for discounts and interesting additions to your home or wardrobe, or just spend your evening window shopping while you’re at the mall.
The vibe in Dubai’s malls is truly unique, which is why many Dubai residents partake in mall-hopping as a hobby!
Volunteering
Helping the less fortunate is a worthy cause to commit to, and Dubai has numerous charity organisations that offer volunteering opportunities. You can be a part of fundraisers, donation drives or school kit distributions to deserving children.
There are several unique causes that each of these charities supports. Some, for children’s welfare and education, Others, for providing food and supplies to the needy. Choose a cause that speaks to you and play your role in helping people who really need it.
You can also volunteer to help animal charities in Dubai such as K9 friends. Physical exercise and bonding with humans are essential for dogs, and you can play your part by volunteering to walk the shelter’s furry residents during the cooler months of the year.
Since these dogs do not have homes, it is up to the volunteers to make a difference. Contact K9 friends and make a dog’s day!
These canine friends are also looking for a home, so perhaps you’ll end up finding your future pet!
Restaurant hopping
The next entry on our list of hobbies in Dubai renders it time for the foodies to rejoice!
Dubai has hundreds of restaurants offering unique cuisines and memorable experiences to diners. Owing to its multicultural population, you can find culinary delights from every corner of the world.
Take your taste buds on a journey by restaurant hopping, where you map out the cuisines you’d like to try and set dates for when you’d like to visit the eateries that offer those dishes.
Alternatively, you can head to one of Dubai’s top restaurants and tick them off your list. There are way too many options for foodies in this bustling city!
Shooting
Love the feeling of firing a gun? Why not shoot some targets at one of Dubai’s shooting ranges — last but not least on our list of hobbies in Dubai.
These shooting ranges offer a safe and supervised space to practice this interesting sport. Shooting gear (such as ear protectors and goggles) is provided, with visitors being charged based on the number of rounds they fire.
A typical shooting target has multiple rings, around a central bullseye. Precision matters more than anything if you plan on shooting targets. You also need to keep the gun recoil, or the backward force felt after you shoot, in mind when shooting. When done right, shooting is a whole lot of fun.
Although carrying or using firearms in the UAE is illegal, at shooting ranges you can use a gun and practice shooting. Visitors are required to carry documents – including their Emirates ID and driver’s license – to participate. Once you’re in, it’s just time for ”ready, aim and shoot”!
FAQS
How do I find a hobby in my 30s?
Age is not a limit to finding your hobby. There are so many inspirational stories of people finding their true calling in their 50s or 60s.
We would also like to add, that not every hobby has to be monetised or add value to your life. Any activity that relaxes you is a hobby, even if it’s spending your day binge-watching Netflix or lazing at home.
Our list is a series of options if you’re looking to go beyond your comfort zone. Try your hand at one of the hobbies from our list and see which one leaves you wanting more. You don’t necessarily have to be good at it, as long as you are having fun!
How do I find out about Dubai’s upcoming events?
You can subscribe to MyBayut’s email list on the MyBayut homepage, so you’ll receive timely updates on all the latest and hottest happenings in Dubai. We also have our regularly updated list of upcoming events in Dubai that is well-worth bookmarking.
And with that, we conclude our guide to hobbies in Dubai. This city offers a variety of activities and recreational spaces for residents. Join in the fun, make friends and explore the fun side of this happy place. If you are an expat, use a UAE calling app to connect with family and friends back home.
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