Here are some of the most interesting camps and classes happening across the city this season.

Expo City Summer Camp 6 July - 28 August, Monday to Friday, Terra | ê 152 onwards (book by 3 July) Terra's summer camp returns with an expanded eight-week programme blending hands-on science, creativity and discovery-led workshops in one of Dubai's most immersive environments. Daily passes, weekly and full-season packages are all available, with early drop-off from 0800 and extended hours until 1700.

Elite Engineer Summer Camp 13 July - 28 August, 0900 - 1430 C3 | Ages 9-16 Founded by a mechanical engineer who wanted to create the programme she wished had existed for her, Elite Engineer is a five-day immersive camp for curious young minds. Participants work through real engineering challenges using practical problem-solving and hands-on experimentation – less classroom, more build-and-test.

SOPM Summer Camp 6 - 10 July, Monday to Friday, Sky Quarter A, Mobility District | ê 200, ages 8-plus A music-focused camp lands at Expo City this July, giving young participants the chance to explore rhythm, self-expression and performance through collaborative workshops.

Circus 360 Summer Camp Various dates throughout summer, Dubai Marina

Aerial silks, trampolining, acrobatics and performance in a high-energy space designed to build confidence and coordination. Circus 360 is one of those camps children talk about for weeks afterwards – the kind where they come home exhausted and immediately ask when they can go back.

Ninja Kids Academy Various dates throughout summer, Al Quoz Obstacle courses, climbing walls, agility training and martial arts-inspired movement for children who find it impossible to sit still. The focus is on fitness and resilience, with a significant amount of fun built in.

For adults, teenagers – and anyone who wants something different Not everything this summer has to involve children. Dubai's creative scene has quietly grown into something genuinely impressive, and there are now workshops and short courses worth clearing an evening for.

Try Something at Terra Until 30 September, Terra | ê 200 per session or ê 600 for a summer pass A four-month workshop series built around creativity, sustainability and making things with your hands. Each two-hour session is led by industry experts with all materials included – no ongoing commitment, no prior experience required. Two sessions worth highlighting this summer:

Nature's Kitchen – plant-forward cooking 11 July, Terra Hosted in partnership with PXB Cafe, this cooking workshop explores the possibilities of conscious, seasonal cuisine. Participants prepare dishes using locally sourced ingredients while getting to grips with sustainable food systems – in a way that's more inspiring than instructional. Upcycle & Make – circular fashion 8 August, Terra Bring a pre-loved piece of clothing and leave with something transformed. Guided by expert by tailors and dressmakers, this session covers embroidery, sewing machines and upcycled denim – a practical, creative response to the mountains of textile waste the fashion industry generates every year.

Also worth knowing about Pottery at Yadawei Ceramic Studio in Al Quoz. Indoor climbing at Mountain Extreme. Dance and movement workshops at The Fridge Warehouse. Abstract painting at We Love Art. Stand-up paddleboard yoga, reformer Pilates, culinary masterclasses and tasting workshops at restaurants across the city.

Summer in Dubai is long. Coming out of it with a new skill or a new obsession makes it considerably more interesting.

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