8 Best Arcades in Dubai for Families and Adults in 2026

Arcades in Dubai offer everything from racing cabinets and prize machines to retro games, VR experiences and evenings built around food and bowling. The right choice depends on who is coming, which games you enjoy and how much you want to spend before the first round begins.

I would compare arcades in Dubai by location, age rules and payment model before looking at bonus-credit offers. A family with young children needs a different plan from friends arranging an adults-only night.

This guide brings together eight arcades in Dubai, with practical details to help you fit gaming into your wider things to do in Dubai itinerary.

Compare Arcades in Dubai Before You Choose

These are my suggested arcades in Dubai for different outings, based on published visitor information.

8 Best Arcades in Dubai for Different Days Out

1. GLITCH for Arcade Games in Deira

GLITCH is on Level 2 of Al Ghurair Centre. Its advertised games include Mario Kart Arcade, MotoGP and air hockey, making it worth considering if racing and friendly competition are your priorities.

The official GLITCH pricing page lists arcade games at AED20 each. Its FUN package costs AED100 and provides 120 credits, including the bonus. FUN, EPIC and MEGA packages are listed for individual use; do not assume one of these packages can be shared between children.

Published hours are 10am–10pm Monday–Thursday and 10am–midnight Friday–Sunday and public holidays. I would check the current machine selection before buying a larger package.

2. Magic Planet for a Family Mall Visit

For family arcades in Dubai, Magic Planet at City Centre Mirdif South is a practical option to combine with shopping or food. The official directory places it on Level 1 by the South Entrance, with hours of 10am–10pm Monday–Thursday and 10am–midnight Friday–Sunday.

BurJuman is another listed Dubai branch, but I would choose the specific location first because games and attractions can differ.

A new swipe card costs AED5 under the published card terms. Before loading it, compare the available games with your child’s interests and check the credit charged for each play.

3. Loco Bear for Arcades and Group Activities

Loco Bear in Al Quoz 2 advertises more than 30 arcade games, including racing, shooting, skill and ticket-redemption machines. It also offers activities such as bowling and laser tag, which makes it suitable for a longer group outing.

Entry is free, but games require paid credit. The operator lists a minimum recharge of AED250 for 250 credits. Its official pricing says credits remain valid for 365 days from recharge, while bonus credits can only be used for arcade games and VR.

For a short stop, I would pay attention to that initial spend. Children under 13 need an accompanying adult aged at least 18 throughout the visit. Arcade walk-ins are accepted; parties and additional activities need separate planning.

4. Dubai Bowling Center for Bowling and Arcade Games

Dubai Bowling Center is on Meydan Road in Al Quoz 1. Its arcade offering includes classic and newer games, a VR zone and a prize booth, alongside its bowling facilities.

I would choose it when part of the group wants bowling and others prefer shorter games. Agree on the bowling time first, then decide how much arcade spending fits around it.

A current standard arcade tariff was not confirmed on the official pages checked. Ask for the game-card options and machine charges before paying. A bowling reservation or promotional lane price does not establish what arcade play costs, and it should not be treated as an all-inclusive ticket.

5. Play DXB for Arcade Games and VR at Dubai Mall

Play DXB is on Level 2 of Dubai Mall, between KidZania and Reel Cinemas. It combines arcade gaming with VR and rides, so I would choose it when the group wants more than traditional cabinets.

Emaar lists an AED250 Pay & Play package. Read its inclusions before purchasing; the package name does not establish unlimited access to every attraction. Individual experiences also have their own restrictions. For example, the published Burj Drop guidance specifies a minimum height of 110cm with a guardian or 120cm alone.

I would fit Play DXB into a Downtown outing. Confirm the operating hours for your visit date and allow time to reach the attraction inside the mall.

6. Ground Control for Retro Games and Prizes

Ground Control lists Dubai locations at Palm Jumeirah Mall and Dubai Festival City Mall. Its arcade offering includes retro games, racing simulators, skill machines and redemption games, with tickets exchanged for prizes.

Play uses a rechargeable Ground Control Card. The operator describes the venue as suitable for ages six and above, allows accompanied infants to enter and notes that some games have additional participation requirements.

For retro arcades in Dubai, I would check the exact branch and preferred machines before travelling. The brand operates across several countries, so a game shown in a general promotional article may not be available at your chosen Dubai venue. Confirm recharge options, remaining-credit validity and branch hours when planning the visit.

7. Wavehouse for Games and a Family Meal

Wavehouse at Atlantis The Palm lists two arcade levels and more than 70 games. I would consider it when food and entertainment are equally important parts of the outing.

Its advertised AED495 family bundle covers two adults and two children, with bowling, AED50 arcade credit per person, two adult meals, two children’s meals and four nonalcoholic drinks. Confirm the bowling allocation when booking. The offer is listed daily from noon to 10pm. That is a package window, not confirmation of every facility’s opening hours.

Check that the meal and bowling inclusions suit everyone. The official page marks soft play as “Coming soon”, so I would not plan a toddler’s visit around that facility.

8. Brass Monkey for an Adults-Only Arcade Night

Brass Monkey has Dubai venues at Bluewaters and City Walk. Both apply a 21+ admission rule, making this an adult option rather than somewhere to bring younger teenagers.

The official Bluewaters page lists arcade games alongside bowling and dining. Published hours run from 4pm on weekdays and noon on weekends, with late closing times depending on the day. Confirm your branch’s schedule and booking requirements before travelling.

I would choose Brass Monkey when looking for arcades in Dubai as part of a social evening. Current arcade-card rates were not clearly confirmed in the pages checked, so avoid budgeting from an old promotional pass. For the Bluewaters branch, our Bluewaters Island guide can help you plan the surrounding outing.

How Much Do Arcades in Dubai Cost?

Entry Fees, Game Credit and Packages

Comparing arcades in Dubai by one headline price can be misleading. Payment may cover individual games, a rechargeable balance or a package that includes food and other activities.

Work out the total for your actual group: card charges, playable credit, separately booked activities, meals and transport. Ask whether the displayed price is per person, per card or for the whole group.

For a limited budget, I would inspect the game prices before topping up. Divide the amount you intend to spend between the players, agree a stopping point and avoid treating tickets won at redemption machines as money back. A larger bonus offers little value if you cannot use it during the visit.

Bonus Credit, Expiry and Unused Balances

The Magic Planet card terms say game points and tickets expire if the card is not reloaded within six months. Bonus points and free games expire three months after the last reload, and free games exclude purple-swiper machines. Used cards’ charged balances are not refundable under those terms.

GLITCH’s pricing page and general card terms show different bonus-credit validity wording. I would ask which conditions apply to the purchased package and keep the receipt.

Across arcades in Dubai, confirm whether cards can be shared, used at another branch or replaced if lost. For a short holiday, usable credit matters more than a balance you may never return to spend.

Visiting Arcades in Dubai With Children

Family-friendly arcades in Dubai still need game-by-game checks. Admission to a venue does not mean a child can use every ride, VR experience or simulator. GLITCH’s published terms require under-16s to remain accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

I would check the youngest child’s options first, including height limits, supervision and whether an accompanying adult also pays. For a child who finds flashing lights or loud sounds uncomfortable, ask about quieter periods and somewhere to take a break. Confirm step-free access and suitable seating if those are important to your group.

If you want other indoor activities alongside gaming, compare the options in our Silicon Central Mall guide. For a visit centred on younger children, our Times Square Center Dubai guide covers a different mix of activities. For an outing built around a coaster or physical activities, our Dubai Hills Mall guide explains Storm and Adventure Park tickets, including the height restrictions to check before booking.

Getting to Dubai Arcades and Planning Your Visit

Choose arcades in Dubai near the area where you already expect to spend time. Use the full venue and branch name for navigation, then allow for the walk from the parking entrance or drop-off point.

Our guide to getting around Dubai as a tourist helps compare transport options. For a late visit, plan the return journey separately from the venue’s closing time.

Drivers should check the relevant parking allowance and any validation process. Our free parking in Dubai guide explains why a mall’s free period may not cover an entire gaming session. I would set a reminder before walking away from the car.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arcades in Dubai

Are Arcades in Dubai Suitable for Children?

Many offer family activities, but rules differ. Brass Monkey is 21+ only, while other venues apply game-specific age, height and supervision requirements. Check the chosen branch and activities before paying.

Can Adults Visit Arcades in Dubai?

Yes. Adults can enjoy racing, retro games and competitive machines at several venues in this guide. Brass Monkey specifically caters to guests aged 21 and over.

Do I Need to Book Arcade Games in Advance?

It depends on the venue and activity. Loco Bear accepts arcade walk-ins, but bowling, parties, dining and group packages may need reservations. Booking one activity does not automatically reserve another.

Can I Share an Arcade Card or Use Leftover Credit Later?

Check the package terms. Some cards are restricted to one person, and purchased credit, bonus credit and tickets can have different expiry conditions. Keep the card and receipt if you plan to return.

Which Dubai Arcade Would I Choose?

I would start with location and the youngest person in the group, then compare the games and total spend. For a family outing, shortlist a suitable mall arcade; for an adult evening, consider a venue with dining. The most useful choice among arcades in Dubai is one where everyone can play and the payment terms fit your plan.