When all the fancy, air-conditioned World Cup marquees are no more, you’re going to need somewhere else to hide from the heat, and something else to do while there. Fear not; we’ve got a couple of bright ideas for shaded fun this summer.

 

Written by Kara Martin

Tee off

Hide away at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club where you can test out their new Indoor Full Swing Golf this summer. Built for performance, Full Swing Golf is used by the world's top instructors and players and features video swing capture information and interactive practice situations, and it allows you to play 50 world-class championship golf courses such as St Andrew's Links, Pebble Beach Golf Links and Troon North Golf Club. Improve your game, challenge friends and even test equipment (no heat stroke included), for just AED 160 per hour for members, AED 220 for visitors. Information: 02 558 8990.

 

Pampering party

You can have a day for yourself at the spa any old time but what about gathering up your girlfriends for a good old gossipy spa party? Panacea Beauty and Spa is great for this. At just AED 25 per person (plus the costs of the respective treatments requested) the gang can stay for as long as it takes to get through season six of Desperate Housewives on the spa’s TV. Yes, you can bring your own entertainment and refreshments too. They serve beverages at the spa but they’re also happy to organise catering at extra cost. Just be sure to book at least a week in advance. Information: 02 666 7884.

The chatty and capable team at Dashing Nails is super too. The setting is funky and fresh, perfect for a younger crowd – and they already show back-to-back Friends on the flat screen (wireless headphones also available). AED 1600 gets you and seven other friends the entire main spa area for two hours and includes beverages and manicures and pedicures (plus paraffin treatment) for all. Various packages are also available (including for little princesses under 12), and they’re happy to tailor them to your group’s needs to ensure your girls’ spa day is an enjoyable experience. Information: 02 643 1011.

Prepare for takeoff

Ever wondered what it would be like to be in the cockpit of a jumbo jet? Well now you can see for yourself what all the fuss is about in a Mutahida Airways’ virtual flight simulation session. Become a pilot for a day behind the controls of an impressive Boeing 747-400. Set your flight path between any two airports in the world; pull back on the joystick and jet off. It’s the real deal too – you’ll do and learn just what the real pilots do. Then, if you’ve made it out in one piece with a smooth landing, you can take home your experience on film ... and it’s an experience we’re sure you won’t forget in a hurry. Information: 055 411 0300 or 02 412 2222.

Ice, ice, baby!

Get some skates on and keep cool while twirling around (or at least gripping the railings at) the mammoth Zayed Sports City ice rink. You won’t find more chill than that in Abu Dhabi. And you can stay there all day too with the help of a French cafe, an arcade, children’s play area and some great shops. Information: 02 444 8458.

Lucky strike

Bowling is tons of fun – and great for the whole family. For serious gaming, we love the Khalifa Bowling Centre in Zayed Sports City (02 403 4648). And Bowling City – with branches in Abu Dhabi Mall, Khalidiyah Mall, Al Ain Mall and Al Mariah Mall – offers state-of-the-art entertainment for all. They’ve got glow in the dark bowling, a chilled billiards lounge, karaoke cabins with a wide range of both English and Arabic hits, and a gaming hub with an impressive collection of popular titles for Playstation pounders (02 676 0444).

Let’s dance

There are plenty of options for dance fanatics in Abu Dhabi, whether you get to grooving at your favourite club or in a class full of amateurs with two left feet. Some of our favourites include Salsa classes at Etoiles on Monday nights (02 690 9000), twice weekly Bollywood and Classical Indian Dance sessions with Asha (050 701 3814), and the seriously fun and yet still demanding Vertical Flex (02 626 2533). And there’s plenty more – everything from Jive to Tango and Ballroom, even wedding routines – run by the Dance Abu Dhabi group (www.danceabudhabi.com). Step to it!

Gold rush

The cool, darkened setting at the cinema is always welcome at this time of year. And at Cinestar, Marina Mall, you can upgrade your experience by catching this summer’s must-see movie in one of their exclusive Gold Class theatres. The luxurious leather recliners are apparently so comfortable, they say that no matter how thrilling the movie, you will never be on the edge of your seat. And they come in pairs with their own table to hold all the quality goodies you would’ve no doubt purchased in the superior Gold Class lounge. Tickets go for AED 110 a pop though so choose a movie you’re sure to enjoy. Information: 02 681 8484.

Shaded sporting

Staying indoors need not mean a couch potato lifestyle – you can still keep fit this summer with a little help from the Al-Jazira Sports Club. Members pay as little as AED 300 a month for access to the club’s high-tech indoor Olympic sized swimming pool – with water temperature control and underwater cameras to track your technique and speed, as well as their sprawling indoor sports court, gym and spa. They also have a really fancy bowling court for after fitness fun. Information: 02 445 4455.

There’s also plenty of sporting action at the Dome at Rawdhat. We already told you about their children’s football summer camp which kicked off this month (on a weekly basis until 8th August), but adults can get in on the sporting action too. Pitches are available for booking daily, not only for football play and coaching, but also for rugby, cricket, American football and more. And it’s not only limited to amateur play. They continuously run leagues and tournaments with a trophy for the best team. The next Rawdhat Football Sevens (seven-a-side) tournament is 9th July. It’s too late to sign up but go beat the heat there as a spectator, and take notes to prepare for future games. Information: 02 449 8480.

Get creative

Arty types should definitely seek solace under the roof of the National Theatre this summer. ADACH’s extensive art workshop programme offers professional training in photography (men and women); basic and colour painting (now available for teenagers); Arabic calligraphy (men and women); sculpture; ceramics; silk, fabric and glass painting; art jewellery design; and fashion design. They’re in demand, with many applicants getting turned away due to fit-to-burst classes, so you best book well in advance, and check with them for dates and timings as schedules change monthly. Information: 02 657 6355/2.

Free falling

Indoor skydiving anyone? Real skydiving may seem like a seriously scary and potentially dangerous affair – and much too close to the sun for our liking. So we’re grateful for the opportunity to try it first in Abu Dhabi Country Club’s cool and safe 12ft, open-flow wind tunnel. We hear it’s still just as much of an adrenaline rush; prepare to be blown away! Information: 02 657 7777.