With schools all set to start again from next week, it can only mean that summer is almost over.
It also means that the indoor markets and pop-ups that have been held over the hottest months will soon be coming to an end.
To make sure you don't miss out, here are the ones to visit before they shut up shop.
K-Market
K-Market is running until August 28 at Festival Plaza in Dubai, celebrating all things South Korean.
Scroll through the gallery above to see more of the market
The pop-up brings together food, beauty, clothing, and arts with stalls selling popular Korean street eats such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kimchi, kimbap and bubble tea. Popular home-grown supermarket 1004 Gourmet also has a stall, alongside Food Korea and Dul Set Cafe, which are all selling Korean groceries.
There’s also a big focus on beauty products and K-pop fans can catch regular dance performances throughout the weekends, as local troupes Zen1th and DXBfelicity perform.
The market is open from 11am to 9pm each weekend.
More information is available at www.dubaifestivalplaza.com
Indoor summer sports at Adnec, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre is running an indoor sports programme until Wednesday, August 31. There's tennis, basketball and football on offer, and visitors can also try out the purpose-built, one-kilometre walking track that's free of charge to use.
The space covers 27,000 square metres and there are more than 25 indoor tracks and courts to use, all air-conditioned. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the programme is designed to encourage people to stay healthy even during the hotter months of the year.
Open daily 8am-1pm; with free access to the venue and CrossFit and running track, prices vary for court bookings. More information is available at www.adsummersports.ae
Back-to-school pop-ups
The Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall and Dubai Marina Mall are all hosting child-friendly activations until Sunday, August 28.
At the Star Atrium in The Dubai Mall, there are science-themed workshops and shows from 4pm to 10pm, while Dubai Hills Mall also offers science-inspired activities, plus workshops and weekend shows, with raffle draws open to shoppers.
Over at Dubai Marina Mall’s Dome Atrium, there are workshops as well as magic tricks, soap-making and a giant memory game for children to put their brains to the test.
More information is available at www.thedubaimall.com, www.dubaimarinamall.com and www.dubaihillsmall.com
Ice Bar
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Summer Chills has launched at The London Project with the opening of Ice Bar. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The pop-up venue is open now at the popular bar and restaurant in Dubai. -
Summer Chills features the GCC's first licensed ice bar. -
There was a carnival atmosphere on the opening night. -
The pop-up spectacle is ongoing until at least the end of the year. -
The venue is filled with ice-sculptures and selfie spots. -
Freezing temperatures in Ice Bar will be a welcome respite from the summer heat. -
Maurice plays the saxophone at the opening night on Bluewaters Island. -
Visitors are provided with faux-fur coats to stay cosy. -
Oysters from the raw bar pair well with the cool vibes. -
Ice-carved thrones make for good selfie spots. -
Sunglasses and snow combine in the new sub-zero bar. -
There is even chilled caviar at the icy hangout. -
Arctic animal ice work.
Running until the end of summer is the Ice Bar at The London Project on Bluewaters Island, the first licensed bar of its kind in the GCC.
All the furniture is carved from ice, while icicle-themed lights dangle from the ceiling. For those worried about being cold, there are plenty of faux fur robes and hats to ward off the chill. A complementary menu of oysters, Hokkaido scallops and Scottish king salmon is also on offer.
As well as the unique interiors, Ice Bar also highlights the plight of some of the world's most interesting arctic animals — polar bears. Throughout summer, guests could be randomly gifted a symbolic eco-adoption certificate for cubs or adult polar bears.
Entry costs Dh99, including a complimentary beverage.
More information is available at www.thelondonproject.com
Reborn Society
Founded by influencer and designer Zeynab El-helw, fashion label Reborn Society is holding an exclusive pop-up shop as part of Dubai Design District’s Rethink Summer programme, which includes workshops, talks, activities and even boot camps.
Offering sustainable fashion collections made from 100 per cent organic cotton and recycled materials, and a percentage of proceeds is donated to UNHCR to support refugees around the world. It's open until Sunday, August 28.
More information is available at www.therebornsociety.com
From The Arabs
Also taking place as part of D3 is a candle-making class by From The Arabs, an Emirati brand that hand-makes home fragrances using authentic ingredients. This pop-up's aim is to introduce traditional aromas to a wider audience and so they're hosting a one-day make-your-own candle workshop on Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm. Visitors can discover how to create their own candle using traditional Emirati fragrances such as oud, musk and L’Ban.
More information is available at www.fromthearabs.com
The Market at Dubai Festival City
An indoor pop-up market is taking place at Dubai Festival City and running until Sunday, September 4, as part of Dubai Summer Surprises.
Visitors can check out The Market, which is opposite a petting zoo, and browse stalls by local and home-grown vendors, offering all manner of products, including items for children, pets and the home.
More information is available at www.dubaifestivalcitymall.com
Flair 5
Outdoor lounge and bar Flair 5 at The Ritz-Carlton DIFC has moved indoors for the summer and its pop-up is running until Tuesday, August 30. With plenty of indoor seating, a live DJ and a Saturday brunch, it is serving Japanese-Peruvian cuisine.
Think sharing platters of flower-inspired appetisers, and main courses including signature tuna and passion fruit ceviche, quinoa and pumpkin salad, and glazed salmon.
More information is available at www.ritzcarlton.com
Salt Island
Burger bar Salt has taken over Central Galleria at City Centre Mirdif for the summer, with a pop-up called Salt Island. In a shift from its normal menu, there are no burgers or fries on offer, but customers can tuck into heat-busting desserts such as passion fruit push-pops, mango softies and watermelon sundaes.
The pop-up is themed for summer and comes decorated with surfboards, inflatable swimming rings, plus tropical plants. Customers can also pick up exclusive merchandise.
More information is available at www.instagram.com/findsalt
Mercury Lounge
Foodies will appreciate the summery, Sicilian vibes of Mercury Lounge, an indoor pop-up at Suq Restaurant in the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach.
Dedicated to bringing Mediterranean flavours to our shores, in addition to grilled meats and cold cuts, guests can savour updated classics, such as burrata with heirloom tomatoes, basil pesto and Taggiasca olives. It also has a carefully curated selection of plant-based masterpieces from the all-vegetarian neighbouring restaurant Folia by Matthew Kenney.
It's open daily between 6pm and 1am and will run until about mid-September, depending on the temperature outside.
More information is available at www.mercurylounge.com
35 new things to do indoors in the UAE this summer — in pictures
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Take a sushi-making masterclass at SushiSamba in Dubai. Photo: SushiSamba -
Roxy Cinemas is opening at Dubai Hills Mall this summer. Photo: Roxy Cinemas -
Nakheel Mall has opened a VR-powered escape rooms venue with a board game cafe. Photo: Nakheel -
Back-to-school activities are ongoing at Dubai Hills Mall, pictured, The Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina Mall. Photo: Dubai Hills Mall -
Try the cannoli from Cipriani Dolci at Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall. Photo: Cipriani -
Anyone aged 5 and upwards can join in the Yas Mall Indoor Run this summer. Photo: Yas Mall -
Dubai Design District is hosting its Rethink Summer programme until August 26. Photo: Dubai Design District -
Deep Dive Dubai turned one in July. -
The Mohammed bin Rashid Library spans seven storeys. EPA -
Adnec's Abu Dhabi Summer Sports is the biggest event of its kind in the Middle East. Photo: Abu Dhabi Summer Sports / Instagram -
A summer camp will be held indoors at the WB Abu Dhabi hotel. -
Ice Bar at The London Project on Bluewaters, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Splatter Rooms in Abu Dhabi offers freewheeling art sessions for children and adults. Photo: Splatter Rooms -
Ripe Market will be held indoors at Golden Mile Galleria and Circle Mall in Dubai this summer. -
Yas Island has a Kids Go Free offer this summer, which includes accommodation, food and access to its theme parks for children under 12. Photo: Ferrari World -
Saray spa at Marriott Al Forsan Abu Dhabi has discounts of up to 50 per cent this summer. -
Abu Dhabi Mall's Boxed In - Think In is the latest escape room to open in the capital. Photo: Boxed In - Think In -
The Green Planet, Dubai, has an overnight camping experience. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The National Aquarium in Al Qana, Abu Dhabi, is home to 46,000 creatures and 300 species. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
The Storm Coaster in Dubai Hills Mall is the fastest indoor roller coaster in the world. Photo: Emaar -
Museum of the Future in Dubai requires visitors to book tickets well in advance. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Central Yas Bay in Abu Dhabi has arcade games and bowling alleys. Victor Besa / The National -
Dubai Sports World offers indoor courts for padel, a popular sport in the UAE. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Theatre of Digital Art in Dubai is hosting a Digital Extravaganza exhibition led by Synti, a 3D holographic figure. Photo: Theatre of Digital Art -
Viking restaurant in Ajman is a cool new spot that will take you back in time. Photo: Viking -
The Galleria Al Maryah Island is hosting a new Let's Walk fitness programme. Photo: The Galleria Al Maryah Island -
Dubai Summer Surprises: a number of malls will hold sales from July 1 to September 4. Photo: DFRE -
RAK Animal Welfare Centre in Ras Al Khaimah is looking for people to meet, play with and adopt pets. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Motiongate Dubai has launched its Coolest Summer promotion. Dubai Parks and Resorts. -
Studio 14 in Dubai has a Himalayan salt wall, which is beneficial when you're working out indoors in close proximity with others. Antonie Robertson / The National -
An object discovered at Deir el-Medina by the Egyptian Museum of Turin. The museum, along with Sharjah Museum Authority, has put together an interactive exhibition targeted at school children called Deir el Medina: Village of the Pharaohs’ Artists. Photo: museoegizio / Instagram -
Alserkal Avenue in Dubai is hosting the Eyes Wide Shut exhibition. Photo: Alserkal Avenue -
The Alley DXB is a glow-in-the-dark padel court in Dubai. Photo: @thealleydxb / Instagram -
Thunder Road restaurant in Umm Al Quwain has an indoor retail store selling speciality Italian products, from olive oil to truffle everything. Photo: Pixabay -
Indoor golf and entertainment lounge MyGolf Dubai is open during the summer. Photo: MyGolf Dubai
