Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Pong, Donkey Kong: arcade classics that resonate with plenty of players.
Fortunately for retro gamers, there are plenty of banging 8-bit establishments at which to hammer the joystick and button mash your way to the high score.
Ready to play?
Here’s where to find cool arcades in Dubai.
Brass Monkey
Whoever said a bar and arcade games don’t mix, clearly hasn’t enjoyed a sup on a cool one while battling Space Invaders. There are more than 60 arcade games as well as VR racing simulators to run your eyes over at this funky bar, and when you run out of shrapnel, you can knock down some pins on one of the 12 bowling alleys.
Open Sun-Wed 4pm-1am, Thu 3pm-1am, Fri 1pm-1am, Sat 2pm-1pm. Bluewaters Island (04 582 7277).
Dubai Bowling Center
Bowling alleys and arcade games go together like salt and pepper – one seems inseparable from the other, and while you’re waiting for your lane to open up, you can hop to one of the many e-gaming and arcade consoles. Groovy.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-midnight, Thu-Fri 10am-1am. Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz (04 339 1010).
We couldn’t do a rundown on cool arcades without mentioning arcade royalty in the UAE. Magic Planet is dotted all over the city and is the perfect playground for kids (big and small) to get their gaming kicks. And should you get bored of the screen (we know you won’t), there are bumper cars and climbing walls to give your eyes a rest.
Various locations including Mall at The Emirates and Deira.
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The Arcade by Hub Zero
The former premises in Al Wasl was an arcade fan favourite with tonnes of retro games about which to get misty-eyed. Now, the Al Khawaneej Walk location is living up to those lofty standards with more than 50 games to check out.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. Al Khawaneej Walk (800 7699).
VR Park
Leave reality on a visit to this theme park of some 18 attractions. Ride an indoor roller coaster or take a trip to the distant future, VR Park (as the name suggests), is stacked with games to keep your hands busy. And should you feel your adrenaline levels dipping, get the goosebumps and hair on the back of your neck rising with a ride on the Burj Drop and Dubai Drone in this 7,000 square metre arcade.
Open daily 1pm-1am. The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, vrparkdubai.com.
Wavehouse
This popular venue is another spot for those looking to do their arcading in cool surrounds. In what can only be described as industrial-chic, with exposed pipes and bright murals, Wavehouse in Atlantis, The Palm scratches itching thumbs with a range of arcade games from back in the day. There’s also a chance to play some pool or simply kick-back and watch some footy on the screens.
Open daily noon-11pm. Atlantis, The Palm, Crescent Road (04 426 2626).
Enjoyed that list of cool arcades in Dubai? Have a gander at some awesome board cafés all around the city here.
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