Let's get together: The best group activities to try in Dubai

The more the merrier…

Dining out with your mates in Dubai is fun and all, but there’s so much more to try than just eating at a cool restaurant. Below you will find some of the best group activities to try paintballing, go-karting, karaoke, pub quizzes and more.

From the thrilling to the quirky, these group activities prove why some things are just better shared…

Crack on some indoor fun

Number of people: 1+

GLITCH in Al Ghurair Centre spans 40,000 square feet of pure fun and is the perfect place to stay active during the summer months. With more than 30 action-packed attractions, including an indoor roller glider, there is never a dull moment here. Challenge your friends to a rock-climbing race, take on the obstacle course and face off in a variety of arcade games, including bowling, foosball, air hockey and more.

GLITCH Arabia, Al Ghurair Centre, Deira, open 10am to 10pm Sun to Thurs and 10am to 12am Fri and Sat, Dhs35 for two experiences, Dhs65 for three experiences, Dhs100 for six experiences. @glitcharabia

Bounce away

Number of people: 10+

This trampoline park is a one-of-a-kind indoor activity where you can let your spirit free and freestyle away. It’s called the home of freestyle, quite literally, and a game of the trampoline is lava would not work here, because it’s trampolines galore. There are also airbags and adventure challenges to create a fun, playground environment. Group sessions are available to book or if you can splurge, you can even book out the entire venue.

Book here. 

Bounce, various locations across the UAE, starts from Dhs150 for an all-day pass, bounce.ae 

Battle of the lasers

Number of people: Maximum 10

For the really competitive cookies out there, Laserdome at the Dubai Autodrome is the place to be. You can take your friends head-on in an exhilarating, high-stakes (just for the vibes) game of laser tag and see who comes out of top. The 400 square metre arena is designed as a medieval dungeon maze with glowing lights and artificial fog, so the game is indeed on. Priced at Dhs65 for a 15-minute session.

Book here. 

Laserdome, Dubai Autodrome, Tel: (04) 367 8700, dubaiautodrome.ae

Take a swing

Number of people: Maximum 6

Topgolf Dubai is the ultimate destination to kick back with your friends, dine and relax while also having some challenging fun. Whether you’re a pro golfer or a bambi-esque beginner, you’re sure to have a good time. Bays can be rented out on an hourly basis with unlimited shots. The venue also offers lessons in golfing, if you’re looking to seriously take up the sport. Starts at Dhs140 per hour per bay.

Book here. 

Topgolf Dubai, Emirates Golf Club, Tel: (04) 371 9999, topgolfdubai.ae 

Wake up and board

Number of people: Maximum 5

Early risers can take full advantage of the glassy waters by Dubai Marina and get a lesson in wakeboarding from the team at Sea Riders. They’ll take you out by The Palm and crank up the Bob Marley tunes while you take it in turns to cross the wake behind a Master Craft wakeboard boat.

Book here. 

Marina Mall, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 6am to 6pm, starts at Dhs600 per hour. Tel: (0) 52 840 3587, searidersuae.com

Smash smash baby

Number of people: 20+

Group therapy? Perhaps… Smash Room invites you to unload that heavy stress with your pals, offering a variety of discounts depending on the size of the group. Electronics, glass items and guitars – you can pick your target for the day and let out those emotions. It’s a safe space for you and your friends to get rid of any frustrations.

Book here. 

The Smash Room, Umm Suqeim Street, Al Quoz Industrial 4, prices start from Dhs69. Tel: (0)58 198 2323. thesmashroom.com

Get artsy

Number of people: Varies

Located in Al Quoz, Wild Paint House has transformed an industrial warehouse into a home for creativity, where you can graffiti the walls, unleash your creativity on a spinning blank canvas or make a UV masterpiece. There are six activities to get involved in: splat, spin, swing, pour, neon and graffiti. Prices start from Dhs160, with the experiences available to book individually, or group together for an afternoon of artistic exploration. All are designed as fun-filled, expressive ways to play with paint.

Book here. 

Wild Paint Studio, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, 2pm to 8pm Weds to Fri, 10am to 10pm Sat and Sun, prices from Dhs160. Tel: (0)56 145 9689, wildpainthouse.com

Get spooked

Number of people: Maximum 6

We would like to preface this by saying that after visiting this attraction you may end up peeking behind the shower curtain every time you enter the washroom in deep paranoia – don’t come at us. Hysteria, located in Dubai Mall, is certainly not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re up to the scares, it’s good fun. Priced at Dhs105 and visitors under 16 are recommended not to enter. We shall pray for your vocal cords.

Book here. 

Hysteria Haunted Attraction, The Dubai Mall, Tel: (0) 52 223 0966, hysteria.ae 

Indulge in some boardgame fun

Number of people: Unlimited

Located in the heart of Circle Mall JVC, all game fanatics can get involved in over 1,000 board games, puzzles and mandalas, costing only Dhs40 for unlimited usage. Guests won’t get hungry or parched, with an extensive menu of salads, burgers, pizzas, snacks, sharing platters, smoothies, milkshakes and of course – coffee.

Dice Board Game Cafe, Circle Mall, Jumeirah Village, Dubai, Mon to Thur 10am to 10pm, Fri and Sat 10am to 12am, Tel: (0)4 582 0108, dice-cafe.com

Crack a puzzle house

Number of people: Maximum 6

Think your pals are a smart bunch? Put them to the ultimate test at Escape Quest. This JLT venue sees punters locked in rooms, stripped of their bags and phones and given an hour to solve puzzles, crack codes and find keys. For a list of all the escape rooms in Dubai, head here.

NoWayOut Escape Rooms, HDS Business Centre, Cluster M, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, Dhs145 per person. Tel: (055) 876 2465, nowayout.ae

Sing at a karaoke bar

Number of people: Maximum 20

Sometimes you just want to belt out Bon Jovi hits at the top of your lungs with your mates, and at this Tecom spot you can do just that by renting out a karaoke room. It’s a great choice for night owls.

Kung Korean Restaurant, Byblos Hotel, Tecom, Dubai, 10.30am to 1am, Tel: (04) 432 7966, bybloshoteldubai.com

Live out your Formula 1 dreams 

Number of people: Maximum 5

Dubai Autodrome’s kartdrome offers a fleet of leisure karts that deliver an excellent racing experience. The venue has both indoor and outdoor karting areas. The 1.2km international standard circuit features no less than 17 corners, plus a bridge and tunnel to add to the excitement.

Book here. 

Dubai Autodrome, Dubai Motor City, Dubai, Tel: (04) 367 8700, dubaiautodrome.ae 

Let’s get quizzical

Number of people: 1+

The cool quiz on the block features five rounds of ten questions. Categories include current affairs, entertainment, sports and a general knowledge ‘boffins’ round with a bit of music and mystery thrown in.

The Huddle, Al Barsha and Bur Dubai, Dubai, Tues and Wed 8.30pm, (0) 50 100 7065, @thehuddleuae

Get bowled over

Number of people: Maximum 5 per lane

One of the biggest in the land, you’ll find 16 lanes here and plenty of serious strike-seekers, with tournaments, leagues and competitions running regularly. Want some more bowling centre options? Head here.

Dubai Bowling Centre, Al Quoz 1, Al Meydan, Dubai, Fri to Sat 10am to 1am, Sun to Thu 10am to 12pm, Tel: (04) 339 1010, bowlingdubai.com

Get hands on with ceramics

Number of people: 1+

Limba is your one stop shop for getting hands on with your gang and coming away with a cute keepsake. The studio provides you with a plain ceramic, and you have a few designs to choose from. Get artsy and paint away while you sip on the their drinks .

Limba Ceramics Cafe, Mirdif Avenue Mall, Sun to Thurs, 10am to 8pm, Fri to Sat, 9am to 8pm, Tel: (0) 50 120 9005, @limbaceramics

Arcade slay

Number of people: 1+

777 is the ultimate adult playground. The new bar, arcade and entertainment venue is sure to be the perfect new bar in Dubai that will keep you busy beyond a drink at the counter. We’re talking bowling, arcade games, skeeball, and shooting hoops.

Triple 7, Radisson Blu Canal View, Business Bay. Strictly 21+ 777dxb.com @triple7dubai

Images: Social and supplied