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Dubai's best gaming centres and arcades
Fri, May 5, 2023
From dedicated gaming cafes to indoor arcades, there are plenty of places in the city to get your game face on.
From dedicated gaming cafes to indoor arcades, there are plenty of places in the city to get your game face on.
1
Step into the game at Play DXB
This virtual reality gaming hub in The Dubai Mall, previously known as VR Park, is the first theme park of its kind in the Middle East, and packed with thrilling fun for the whole family. It's spread out over two floors, and home to over 30 attractions. Simply don a VR headset and you could be transported anywhere, from an alien world to high atop the Burj Khalifa. You can play games on your own or with friends and, if you don't want to escape reality, there's also plenty of arcade games dotted around.
2
Hang out with friends at Brass Monkey
Head to Bluewaters Island to find this one-stop venue for all kinds of gaming fun, from bowling alleys and snooker tables to the gaming arcade upstairs. Whatever you're into, you're sure to find something to take your fancy, with more than 60 old-school games like Pac-Man standing right alongside state-of-the-art VR racing simulators. You can get your game on with a Play Pass Card starting from just AED100. These don’t expire, so you can use any leftover credit on your next visit.
3
Make a splash at Wavehouse
This sprawling venue at Atlantis, The Palm is home to all kinds of fun activities to keep the whole family occupied. There's a bowling alley, a soft play area for the little ones, a restaurant, and even a wave rider machine if you want to make a splash. The main attraction is LEVELS, a gaming area packed with over 50 retro arcade machines as well as rides. It's spread out over two floors, and gaming fans are sure to flock to the Xbox area, where they can play Fortnite and other console favourites.
4
Game on at Rails Dubai
One of the best gaming destinations for the more dedicated video game fans out there, Rails in Jumeirah Lakes Towers is the ideal place to gather with friends and challenge them to everything from Call of Duty to Rocket League. This centre is fully-equipped with the latest gadgets and top-flight technical facilities, including hardwired keyboards and high-quality headsets, making it a top choice for serious gaming in the city.
5
Sign up for tournaments at Que Club
This gaming centre has two branches, in Bur Dubai and Al Barsha, and both are ideal for those looking to hone their skills in a competitive environment. You can play billiards and snooker as well as blockbusters on top-of-the-line computers. If you really want to challenge yourself, then head on over to the VIP Gaming Room, where Que Club hosts and organises regular tournaments for games such as Dota 2 and League of Legends.
6
Take a staycation at Rove Hotel’s Gamer Cave
If you're thinking of holidaying in Dubai but don't want to fall behind on your gaming time, then consider a break at Rove Hotel. The chain is home to the the region's first-ever hotel room designed exclusively for gamers, which you can find at both Rove Downtown and Rove At The Park. Each room is equipped with state-of-the-art gear such as chairs with built-in lumbar support. Even the dishes on the room service menu are themed, so you can fuel up on Lara Croft’s calamari and Kitana flatbread.
7
Challenge yourself at Arena Games
This virtual reality (VR) gaming hub in the centre of Dubai International Financial Centre offers a chance to take a trip into computer-generated worlds. Be prepared to get truly immersed in battles against zombies, killer robots, and more. Suited for both casual gamers as well as veterans, there's a grand total of 15 games to take on, with highlights including Far Cry VR, Engineerium and Singularity. You can even take a group of friends with you to play, and compete against them to find out who's best.
8
Explore new thrills at The Arcade by Hub Zero
Get your game face on at The Arcade by Hub Zero, an immersive, virtual reality gaming park at Al Khawaneej. The mini entertainment centre offers over 50 top video games including artificial intelligence, virtual reality and motion capture adventures, as well as old school favourites like Space Invaders. Football fans can show-off their skills on the Soccer Star game, while nostalgic petrol heads can get behind the wheel with Mario Kart.
9
Take on your opponents at Xstrike
If you want to skip the screens and get more involved, this might be what you're looking for. Enjoy a completely immersive experience at Xstrike, an action-packed combat simulation that's sure to get your heart pumping. It sees you compete against other players in a multi-storey warehouse in Al Quoz, wearing a high-tech vest and wielding a laser gun. Gather your teammates and battle it out in arenas that resemble Hollywood movie sets.
10
Test your mind and body at Activate
State-of-the-art gaming meets physical exertion at Activate, which features nine game rooms filled with adrenaline-fuelled adventures (for ages six and up). Teams of two to five players can test their mental and physical agility through more than 50 games, including the colourful Mega Grid. There are 10 levels, from easy to extreme, and you can either collaborate with your fellow players or compete against them. This is the region's first Activate, which has more than 30 locations across the USA and Canada.
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