19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
How to feel like you're in a movie in Dubai
We all deserve to live our best main character lives.
Despite the fact that not everyone will become a Hollywood star or an on-screen favourite in their lifetime, it doesn't mean the day to day can't feel like a movie.
If you like this: The movies you have to catch this summer (and where to watch them)
Whether it's the dramatic action of the desert or a view that's almost too good to be true, head to these unmissable places in Dubai and you'll be giving main character energy in no time.
Explore the Green Planet to feel like you're in Avatar
(Credit: Supplied)
For an afternoon out on Pandora, explore the incredible indoor rainforest that is Green Planet Dubai.
You might not spot any giant blue people walking around, but instead you'll get as close up to nature as the Na'vi do, and can stare up at the towering dome greenery as if it's The Tree of Souls from the iconic movie.
From Dhs129 (resident offer). Open daily 10am-6pm. City Walk, Al Wasl, (800 2629464).
Grab a coffee at EL&N to feel like you're in Barbie
If Barbie's dreamhouse had a coffee shop attached, it would be EL&N London (in DIFC).
The London-born eatery is filled with bubble balls, bespoke fashion illustrations, neon signage emblazoned across the walls and signature florals.
You can't come here and not get a pic or two for the 'gram, so snap a few while your bright pink rose Spanish latte is getting whipped up in the kitchen.
PS Kens are allowed.
Open daily 8am-midnight. DIFC, (04 770 0222).
Take a tour of the dunes to feel like you're in Dune
(Credit: Canva)
The sci-fi adventure has now released two incredible blockbusters, both of which are mostly set on the dry sandy planet of Arrakis.
You might have already guessed, but filming for both movies (and the ongoing third part) was partly done in the UAE.
So it's no surprise that when you scramble to the top of a dune, you feel as if a sand worm could show at any time. For the full experience, take your headphones and listen to the Hans Zimmer sound track (and you'll immediately feel like the Lisan al Gaib himself).
You can browse all of the best desert adventures in Dubai here.
Head up Burj Khalifa to feel like you're in Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol
(Credit: CanvaPro)
We've all seen the iconic scene of Tom Cruise scaling the sides of the world's tallest building.
Now, we are definitely not suggesting you do that — but there are a few sky-high experiences that can give you an idea of what it would feel like.
First up is the At The Top Burj Khalifa tour, where you can check out the views from 148 floors-up (gulp) and stare down at the glittering city below.
Or if you love the adrenaline and really want to know how it feels to hang off the edge of a skyscraper, you can do exactly that at Sky Views Dubai observation deck at Address Sky View Hotel.
From 220m up you can traipse across the 46m long glass walk, zip down the see-through slide and harness up to walk along the open-air viewing area. If you're feeling really brave you can even leap across the precipice, safe in the knowledge that your harness will do its thing.
Dhs499 (Sky Views edge walk). Open daily 10am-10pm. Address Sky View Hotel, Downtown Dubai, (04 873 8888).
Stroll through the souks to feel like you're in Aladdin
One of the most popular spots for tourists in the city, the old souks of Dubai are the real-life version of those iconic Aladdin scenes.
Filled with narrowed streets, incredible spices and perfumes galore, you can haggle your way down to a bargain and get a taste for the historic city streets.
There are no magic lamps here, but the streets are definitely full of wonder if you're visiting for the first time.
If you like this: How to shop Dubai souks like a local: A first-timer's guide
Deira.
Whizz round Dubai Autodrome to feel like you're in F1
Calling all F1 fans: the new movie is hitting screens this summer, so if you want to feel like you're in this film specifically (or in the real-life competition), then this is your chance.
Letting you see how you'd fare on the track, the autodrome offers the experience to zoom around the track in an F4 car, hitting speed of over 200km per hour.
From Dhs1,350. Timings vary (18yrs+). Dubai Autodrome, (04 367 8700).
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