If there’s only one thing we learned from Season 4 of Stranger Things it’s that roller skating rinks are bitchin’. That’s a truth universally acknowledged in both 80s America and 2020’s Dubai at Roll DXB – the city’s first and only roller skate rink, found in Mina Rashid. Don’t just take our word for it, roll over to the homegrown roller rink venue and immerse yourself in the neon lights, dance-pop tunes (a mix of retro and new tunes), and peppy vibes.
It’s a lot like hitting one of the nightclubs but without the incredible pressure of embodying the grace of one of Dua Lipa’s backup dancers while stuck in a throng of bodies.
The repurposed warehouse houses a roller rink that houses only 90 skaters at a time, so expert skaters can weave in and out of crowds. Newbies can blame their tumbles and questionable jazzercise moves to feeling wobbly on wheels.
Launched by a group of Emirati roller skating aficionados in April 2021, Roll DXB is all about bringing back the golden era of roller skating and educating the region about the recreational activity in all its fun variations. So, you’ll get a taste of retro roller disco nights (Wednesdays are ladies nights), roller derby, roller hockey, skate jams, and ramp skating when you visit, depending on what time of the week it is.
Lacking in the skating gear department? Don’t let that deter you from visiting. Roll DXB stays true to the old-school authenticity of roller rinks and provides rental skates, which can be yours for AED 90 and come with free knee pads and wrist guards. Helmets and socks will set you back by an additional AED 15 and AED 10 each.
Just in case looking like Bambi on ice during your first roller rink excursion is not top of your list, the venue also runs group classes from AED 175 per person (10 students per class) and one-on-one coaching for AED 350 an hour for beginners to brush up on basics.
Or else, there’s always the option of slowly waddling around holding the rails until you get the hang of gliding on wheels like a dream.
To get a bird’s eye view of the 80s dream that is a roller rink full of skaters getting their boogie on, head up to the mezzanine floor which houses a bar and a cafe. You can watch fellow skaters take a spill, all while not spilling your own sodas or milkshakes on the rink.
Swapping the usual Dubai hot wheels for taking a spin in one of Roll DXB’s sounds like a unique summer experience that would score eleven out of 10 on the throwback metre AND is indoors. What’s not to love?