Strike it lucky: 6 of the best places to go bowling in Dubai

Where to go and strike it lucky.

Whether with family, colleagues or on a date, bowling has an undeniable charm. Even if you can’t bowl as well as Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski, there’s plenty of fun to be had when hitting (or missing) those pins. And, when you’re bowling in Dubai, you can raise the barriers or bowl blindfolded – we’re not judging.

If you want a family-friendly or adults-only venue, there are places to go bowling in Dubai to meet all your needs. Plus, you can make a whole day out of it, as so many venues for bowling in Dubai come with food, drink and games. Lots of games. 

So, bookend bowling with anything from pool to pinball or carousels to karaoke. It’s time to tie up your shoelaces, as here are the best spots to go bowling in Dubai.   

Brass Monkey 

If you’re competitive, you’ll love Brass Monkey, as it’s a haven for all things gaming. Come for the fun 12-lane bowling alley, but stay for the pool tables, basketball machines, VR racing car simulators and old-school arcades – Pac-Man, anyone? The bar and restaurant are a great way to toast (or drown) your sorrows, as there are comfort food classics ranging from pizzas to sticky toffee pudding. The Bluewaters venue has major swagger, thanks to its neon statement signs and adults-only rule. Guests must be aged 21 years old or above, and the venue stays open until 3am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. 

GO: Visit https://brassmonkeysocial.com for more information. 

Dubai Bowling Centre 

What Dubai Bowling Centre in Al Qouz lacks in style, it makes up for in scale. The big, brightly-lit bowling alley in Dubai has 16 lanes. The venue prides itself on attracting serious players, and even boasts about letting you try bowling blindfolded and backwards. If you get bored between turns, there are huge screens playing movies, 40 arcades and 10 gaming systems. Plus, there are birthday party packages and a child-friendly menu with pancakes, milkshakes and chicken nuggets. 

GO: Visit https://bowlingdubai.com for more information.

Switch Bowling 

Lights, music, bowling. Switch is a popular place for families to go bowling in Dubai, as there are special birthday packages. The Ibn Battuta Mall venue prides itself on its 12 high-tech bowling lanes, which ooze old-school disco vibes, thanks to the music and lights. What sets this apart from other venues are the six billiard tables and three karaoke rooms. Whether or not you’re the champion, you can unleash your inner Freddie Mercury in one of the soundproof karaoke rooms. 

GO: Visit www.switchbowling.ae for more information.

The 44, Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City

This is one for the grown-ups, offering the highest bowling alley in the world! The American vibes are strong in this classy sports bar, as you have darts, pool, pinball machines and, of course, a bowling alley nestled away on the side. Since there are only two lanes, it’s more of an accompaniment to your night rather than the main event. The American-inspired food includes burgers, steaks and platters, plus a drinks list with American whiskey and the odd wine. The venue is open from Sunday to Thursday from 4pm to 3am, and Friday to Saturday from 12pm to 3am. 

GO: Follow @the44dubai on Instagram for more information. 

Wavehouse

What Wavehouse lacks in bowling lanes – there are only four – it makes up for in its location. This much-loved venue is inside Atlantis, The Palm, and is a great addition to a day out at the iconic hotel. The family-friendly restaurant serves fun food, from a one-meter-long hot dog to Jack Daniel’s banana sundaes. The bad news: this spot for bowling in Dubai is so popular that you often have to wait for a free lane. The good news: there are arcades, ping pong and a soft play area to keep you busy, and all ages are welcome.

GO: Visit www.atlantis.com/dubai/restaurants/wavehouse for more information.

Yalla! Bowling

Mall of the Emirates strikes it lucky with Yalla! Bowling. The family-friendly venue has given bowling the digital upgrade – immerse yourself into the UV neon lights and state-of-the-art video simulators, which tell you how to improve your game. There are twelve bowling alleys in total, which attract large (and often loud) groups of children. Throughout the venue, there are games galore including bumper cars, trampolining, climbing walls and soft play. 

GO: Visit www.magicplanetmena.com for more information.