Discover seven programmes designed to spark imagination, build skills and beat the heat this summer.
The long, sun-drenched days of summer are here, and school will soon be out. For families in Dubai, that means one thing: summer camp season. While summer break is the highlight of the year for kids, it can be more of a juggling act than a break for parents. Factor in the blazing heat, and keeping children entertained, active, and off screens becomes a real challenge. Fortunately, Dubai has an exceptional range of camps that go far beyond babysitting – from indoor rainforests to creative drama clubs. Here’s our curated guide to the best of them.
The Green Planet
Housed within a 60,000-square-foot biodome in City Walk, The Green Planet’s summer camp swaps the classroom for a verdant rainforest canopy. A striking contrast to the desert and city beyond, this lush indoor ecosystem is teeming with plant and animal life, including rare birds, sloths, snakes, and more. Summer camp activities weave gentle education with eco-conscious fun: think animal encounters, themed science experiments, and nature-inspired crafts. It’s a calm, nature-led space where wonder leads the way, and your child will likely leave with a much deeper appreciation of the planet and all who call it home.
The summer camp runs from July 10 to August 24, from Monday through Thursday.
MDX Dubai Summer Camp
For teens starting to think about what comes next, MDX Summer Camp at Middlesex University Dubai offers a well-rounded glimpse into university life. Held on the Knowledge Park campus, this prestigious programme is tailored to students aged 13 to 18, with themed courses covering law, business, media, fashion, and more. Days are a mix of hands-on learning, social events, and off-campus outings, though it varies by course. It’s a chance to build new friendships and test-drive potential career paths in a relaxed, supportive setting. For international visitors, the camp offers accommodation in student dorms in The Myriad.
MDX Dubai Summer Camp runs from July 7 to August 22.
Museum of the Future, Future Heroes Camp
Designed to ignite the imagination, the Museum of the Future’s summer camp is geared toward budding STEM enthusiasts aged 6 to 13. The two-week programme blends science, creativity, and play through bold, future-facing themes: artificial intelligence, space exploration, sustainability, and robotics. Interactive zones, hands-on challenges and guided discovery sessions encourage children to think critically and dream big. It strikes a thoughtful balance between learning and imagination, all set within one of the world’s most recognisable buildings.
Future Heroes Camp runs from July 15 to August 1, Monday to Thursday.
Qudrability Summer School
Not all children start the school journey in the same way, and Qudrability’s Summer School Readiness Programme is thoughtfully designed with that in mind. Created for children aged three to six with learning delays or developmental challenges, the camp is a warm, inclusive space where routines are gently introduced and confidence is nurtured. Weekly themes range from nature to numbers, brought to life through sensory play, storytelling, music and movement. With small class sizes and an exceptional child-to-adult ratio, every child is supported, seen, and celebrated.
The camp runs from July 7 to August 22, Monday to Friday.
LaLiga Academy Dubai
For football fans with big dreams, LaLiga Academy Dubai runs one of the city’s most respected sport-focused summer programmes. Located in Sports City and run by UEFA-certified coaches, the camp combines high-level training with a focus on technique, tactics and fitness – all delivered in a world-class indoor facility.
Sessions are structured yet supportive, with an emphasis on teamwork, discipline and play. Days wrap up with a friendly tournament-style match to put new skills into practice. Whether your child dreams of going pro or simply loves the game, it’s a serious football experience that keeps fun at its core.
The camp runs for six weeks over the summer, with weekly sessions from Monday to Friday, June 30 to August 19.
Courtyard Theatre Playhouse
In a cosy, red-curtain theatre in Al Quoz, the Courtyard Playhouse is a summer camp that builds character and confidence. Suitable for children aged four to 14, the programme introduces young performers to improvisation, character creation and narrative structure through themed weekly sessions. Week one is based on Harry Potter, week two on Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man, and week three on Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. With no scripts to memorise, children learn to trust their instincts, think on their feet, and find their voice both on stage and off. It’s a warm, laughter-filled space for self-expression, bringing a genuine sense of theatre magic that’s rare to find in Dubai
The camp runs in weekly blocks from July 1 to August 22, with morning and afternoon sessions available.
American University Dubai (AUD)
Part summer camp, part academic accelerator, AUD’s summer programme offers grade 10 and 11 students a full-bodied preview of life on a university campus. Set over one intensive week, students choose from four tracks: Empowered Leadership, Tech Pioneers, Psychology of Media, and a Pre-Med Bootcamp, each blending seminar-style workshops with big-picture thinking. From live dissections to VR challenges and debates on digital identity, the course is creative and immersive. Afternoons bring city outings, while evenings are reserved for relaxed social time with fellow campers. Accommodation is included, with private rooms and a packed itinerary that realistically mimics student life.
The camp runs from July 6 to 13.
Repton School Dubai (Ivy Schools USA)
First founded in 1557, Repton School is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the world. This summer, Repton’s Nad Al Sheba campus is partnering with Ivy Camps USA to deliver one of Dubai’s most polished programmes. Led by instructors from top US universities, each week brings a new theme, from space and storytelling to business development. For today’s students, there’s plenty of relevance: niche topics include ‘how to become a YouTuber,’ game design, and ‘leading as a CEO,’ which includes public speaking and leadership roleplay. It’s high-calibre and internationally minded, with limited spaces that tend to fill fast.
The camp runs from July 21 to August 15, Monday to Friday.
