Although the weather is perfect in Dubai right now and everyone is trying to enjoy as much time outside as possible, it’s still fun to switch up the plans once in a while, right? The next time you’re looking for something to do, have a look at one of the arcades on the list below to get a little dose of those 80s vibes!
Hub Zero
One of the most recent gaming spots to open in Dubai, Hub Zero is a massive stand-alone arcade in the heart of the futuristic and modern City Walk. As you enter, you’ll be immersed in a crazy world filled with lights, LAN games and all the old school arcade machines. They also have several other activities such as laser tag and escape rooms, perfect for parties, team buildings and more.
Address: City Walk
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqUN3FYjZnf/
Dubai Bowling Center Al Quoz
Recently renovated this past summer, the bowling centre in Al Quoz is possibly one of the hidden gems in the city? As is obvious by the name, there’s a bowling alley, but what many don’t know is that there’s also a quaint little arcade area with all the best games if you want a break from some bowling. There’s also a cute cafe right next to it for when you need to hydrate after some intensive gaming!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqpQEtXHoqp/
Magic Planet
Magic Planet in the Emirates Mall has been around for ages, but it’s one of our faves because the vibe is unmatched with any other place. Let’s all admit, no matter how old we are we can still all enjoy an air hockey game or a little competition shooting some hoops, right? If you get a lil hungry afterwards, there’s a Johnny Rockets right next door (in the Emirates Mall location) so you can really end the night following through with that 80s mood!
Address: Emirates Mall, City Centre Mirdif & Deira
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYGZBkbFVVH/
VR Park
For the Dubai locals out there who frequented Dubai Mall, the news of the closure of Sega Republic obviously came as a shock. Lucky for all of us nerds out there, it’s been replaced with an even crazier virtual reality park!
At the park you’ll find 18 very different experiences, ranging from playing with polar bears in the arctic to entering a scene from The Mummy (2017), there’s something for everyone no matter how old you are. We all want to get away from our reality sometimes and now there’s actually a way to do it. You can enter the park for free, but each ride costs around AED 15 to AED 45 so if you’re looking to spend the whole day there, then consult their website for full day tickets here.
Come with your friends, for an office team building, with your family (great for kids) and enjoy the crazy experiences that technology has allowed for us to have presently.
Address: Level 2, Dubai Mall
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsXPutTHjZO/
Stereo Arcade
This bar has everything an old-school gamer is looking for and will definitely give you major New York vibes! Get ready to feel a real sense of nostalgia when you walk in here, whether you’re more into retro or rock, you’ll find both on each side of the bar. The reason this bar is on the list, as you might have guessed from its name or the Instagram picture below, is because in the centre you’ll find a sweet arcade with all of the video games your childhood self could ever dream of. Who needs a PS4 and FIFA when you have a real arcade with all of our childhood favourites like Pacman…
Address: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bgx1i0DBF5V/