Exploring Summer Programs in Dubai: What Makes Them Different in 2025
From robotics labs to nature-inspired art, Dubai’s summer programs in 2025 redefine what learning looks like beyond the classroom. This guide helps families find smart, age-appropriate camps that mix creativity, confidence, and discovery.
When it comes to meaningful ways for kids and teens to spend their break, summer programs in Dubai offer far more than just a way to pass the time. These aren’t your typical camps—they blend academics, creativity, and adventure in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. From engineering projects to theatre workshops, the options are surprisingly diverse.
This guide is for families seeking more than basic entertainment. Whether you’re a parent of a preschooler or a high school student exploring college prep, this breakdown is built with your needs in mind.
You’ll find practical insights, curated program highlights, and detailed info about what makes these camps worth your attention in 2025. We’ll also point out unique features and planning tips you might not have thought of. Keep reading to discover some of the best summer programs in Dubai for 2025—and how to choose the right one!
Types of Summer Programs in Dubai: What’s Available in 2025?
If you’re looking for variety, summer programs in Dubai offer it in abundance. From academic intensives hosted by leading universities to playful discovery camps for toddlers, the city accommodates nearly every learning style and interest. Age-specific programming ensures that no one is left out.
Let’s start with options tailored for teens exploring future academic paths.
University-Based Camps for High School Students
For older students interested in campus life, Middlesex University Dubai runs a summer camp from July 7 to August 22, 2025. Participants rotate through workshops in Business, Media, Fashion, Law, and Computer Engineering. Sessions are hands-on and aim to simulate real university experiences.
Each weekday, activities run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The camp includes skill development classes and guided excursions across Dubai. Prices vary from AED 1,200 to 3,800 depending on the chosen track and services included.
Another notable option is the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), which offers five short-format camps. These are designed for high school students in grades 10 to 13 and cover key disciplines like Engineering, Psychology, and Computer Science.
Held in Dubai Knowledge Park, daily sessions go from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The AED 100 fee includes lunch, materials, and shuttle access from Dubai Internet City Metro Station.
Creative and Multi-Activity Camps for Younger Kids
For children aged 3 to 11, Kings’ Schools operate Ecoventure Programs across Al Barsha and Nad Al Sheba campuses. Their Multi-Activity format blends sports, STEM experiments, and games like archery or rock climbing—ideal for children who thrive on variety.
There’s also a Combined Engineering track, which alternates between science-focused projects and traditional camp fun. Weekly fees are AED 875, with early bird discounts available at AED 775. Enrollment is flexible, with options to switch between tracks depending on availability.
Masterminds Nursery caters to children between 2 and 8 years old, separated by age. Kids aged 4 to 8 dive into Robotics, Coding, and Design Technology, and Art-based activities, all balanced with outdoor play. Programs run from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM, and full weeks cost AED 1,600.
Toddlers aged 2 to 4 enjoy creative routines that involve arts and crafts, basic science experiments, and guided movement. For this group, a half-day format is available at AED 1,200 weekly.
✅ Tip: Looking for a balance between learning and fun? Choose a camp with rotating activities across disciplines—these are often more engaging for younger kids.
Specialized Holiday Workshops With a Purpose
Some summer programs in Dubai go beyond play and academics—they focus on building life skills. Eduscan Group, led by Dr. Alka Kalra, offers such a format with workshops on Public Speaking, Memory Skills, and Creative Thinking. This camp also includes ice skating and stage performance on the final day.
It operates throughout July and August, every weekday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Each session aims to boost confidence through structured expression and guided feedback.
For younger age groups, Odyssey Nursery brings a different approach through its Creativity Studio. Based on the Reggio Emilia model, this program emphasizes sensory exploration, collaborative projects, and free play. It’s designed for children as young as three months and up to six years.
Running from June 30 to August 27, the program is available in multiple Dubai neighborhoods including JBR, Meydan, and Burj Al Arab.
In the next section, we’ll explore daily schedules, activity formats, and tips for parents who want to plan ahead with minimal stress. If you’re considering enrolling your child in one of the summer programs in Dubai, now is the time to explore your options—popular camps tend to fill up quickly.
What to Expect: Daily Schedules and Activities in Dubai Camps
Daily rhythm matters—especially when children are learning, exploring, and socializing in a new environment. Most summer programs in Dubai are structured with clear routines, blending education, recreation, and rest throughout the day. These schedules offer consistency while still allowing space for creativity and freedom.
Camps are typically designed around weekday formats, with sessions running from morning to late afternoon. While each provider has its own structure, most follow similar patterns to support learning and engagement without overwhelming young participants.
In the sections that follow, we’ll take a closer look at how a typical camp day unfolds, what kinds of activities are included, and how accommodation, meals, and social elements contribute to the overall experience.
Inside a Typical Camp Day: Structure and Flow
Each day is thoughtfully planned. Campers move through sessions that balance physical, social, and academic development. For example, Combined Engineering and Multi-Activity camps split the day between STEM tasks and physical activities.
A general daily layout looks like this:
- Morning registration and warm-up
- Two core workshop sessions
- Lunch and social time
- Afternoon themed activities
- End-of-day wrap-up and pickup
Drop-off usually takes place between 8:30 and 9:00 AM. Pickups depend on the camp’s format, ranging from 1:45 PM to 6:00 PM.
🔍 Planning tip: If you’re juggling work and school holidays, choose a program with a later pickup—many offer optional extended care.
Facilities and Accommodation Options
Many summer programs in Dubai include accommodation packages, particularly those linked to universities. MDX Dubai Summer Camp offers tiered pricing between AED 1,200 and 3,800 depending on lodging, meals, and extras.
Most programs take place at established campuses. UOWD camps are held at Dubai Knowledge Park, while Kings’ Schools use their Al Barsha and Nad Al Sheba locations. These sites are equipped with both indoor and outdoor learning environments.
Facility features you can expect:
- Fully air-conditioned classrooms
- Maker spaces and science labs
- Pools, sports courts, and gym halls
- Outdoor areas for group games
- Performance stages for end-of-camp shows
Transport is often available. For example, UOWD runs a shuttle to Dubai Internet City Metro. Other camps offer bus services, depending on enrollment packages.
Accommodation Beyond the Campus
Not every family joining summer programs in Dubai opts for on-campus living. Some prefer staying elsewhere—whether for comfort, flexibility, or to enjoy more of the city outside camp hours. Fortunately, Dubai offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets.
From serviced apartments to boutique hotels and five-star stays, choices are abundant across major neighborhoods. Families staying for multiple weeks often look for locations with easy access to both camp venues and city landmarks.
One example worth considering is The H Dubai, located right on Sheikh Zayed Road. Its central location makes it convenient for reaching key summer camp zones like Knowledge Park, Al Barsha, and Downtown. The hotel is family-friendly, offers spacious rooms, and provides wellness facilities ideal for relaxing after a busy camp day.
👌 Good to know: Staying near Sheikh Zayed Road puts you within quick reach of many camp drop-off points while allowing you to explore Dubai’s attractions at your own pace.
Meals, Social Activities, and Final Showcases
Food plans are usually part of the package. MDX Dubai includes meals, while Masterminds Nursery provides daily snacks and lunch. Menus vary by provider, but most cater to dietary needs.
Social elements are a major part of camp culture. Activities like group murals, team games, and talent shows help kids connect with others outside their regular circles.
Here are common social formats:
- Group lunches and snack breaks
- Collaborative art projects
- Team-building games
- Student-led stage presentations
- Cultural sharing sessions
✨ Did you know? Many camps end with a public performance where students showcase what they’ve learned—invite family and friends to cheer them on.
Planning the Details: Transport, Safety, and Enrollment
Beyond the schedule and activities, planning around summer programs in Dubai often comes down to a few key logistics. Parents usually want clarity on how children will get to camp, how they’ll be cared for, and what’s required for enrollment.
Let’s look at those details more closely.
Getting There: Transport Options for Families
While some programs like UOWD offer shuttle service from metro stations, not all camps include transport. Families often handle drop-off and pick-up directly, especially at locations like community nurseries or school-based camps.
Programs held at campuses in areas like Al Barsha, Nad Al Sheba, and Knowledge Park are generally accessible by car. However, traffic during morning hours can be unpredictable—so it’s wise to plan for extra time.
Some providers offer paid bus service. These are typically arranged during registration and may cover selected neighborhoods only. Always confirm routes, timing, and additional costs in advance.
🚗Tip: If you’re considering multiple children or programs at different venues, choose accommodation close to key locations like Sheikh Zayed Road or Dubai Marina to simplify transport.
Safety Measures and Supervision Standards
Although details vary, most summer programs in Dubai operate from licensed facilities with trained staff. Camps run under school systems or universities usually follow UAE-mandated health and safety guidelines.
Children are supervised in small groups, and younger age brackets often have lower staff-to-child ratios. Entry and exit points at most campuses are controlled, and sign-in/out procedures are standard practice.
Basic medical support—such as a nurse on site or first aid–certified staff—is often available during operating hours. If your child has specific medical needs, notify the camp in writing during registration.
🛡️ Helpful note: When in doubt, ask camps if their staff are background-checked, and whether the facility holds a KHDA or Ministry of Education approval.
How Enrollment Works: What to Prepare
Enrollment requirements differ from camp to camp, but there are some shared basics. Most programs require:
- A completed registration form
- Copy of child’s passport or Emirates ID
- Emergency contact details
- Any relevant medical or allergy information
Registration is usually done online through the camp or school’s website. For international students, some camps accept children on a tourist visa—but not all do, so it’s important to check.
📄 Planning tip: Keep digital copies of required documents ready—this makes registration across multiple camps faster and less stressful.
Choosing the Right Summer Programs in Dubai: Final Thoughts for 2025
Planning a productive summer doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the types of camps available, how their schedules work, and what to expect in terms of safety, transportation, and enrollment.
We’ve covered university-based experiences, hands-on engineering programs, leadership camps, and sensory learning environments—each designed with age-specific goals in mind. Practical tips on accommodation, meals, and registration help you take action confidently and early.
If you’re still comparing options, revisit earlier sections to match programs with your child’s age, interests, and daily routine. And don’t forget: early registration is key to securing a spot in the most in-demand camps.
Dubai continues to expand what learning looks like outside the classroom. For families seeking flexibility, structure, and engagement in one package, summer programs in Dubai remain one of the most rewarding ways to invest in your child’s growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of summer camps are available for teens in Dubai?
Teens can choose between sports camps, creative workshops, and academic-focused programs across the city. Summer programs in Dubai for this age group often combine skill development with hands-on learning.
How can I find summer school programs for high school students in Dubai
Many international schools publish their summer offerings in spring, often combining academics and activities. You can also explore university prep and specialized summer programs in Dubai through consultants like Unihawk Global.
Are there any summer programs in Dubai that offer transportation services?
Yes, some camps like ESM Holiday Camps offer bus services across multiple locations. School-based summer programs in Dubai may provide transport along their regular routes, but always check availability.
What are the dates for summer camps in Dubai for the year 2025?
Most camps run from late June to late August, with flexible one-week or multi-week options. Early registration deadlines typically fall between May 31 and June 15.
Can international students enroll in summer programs offered in Dubai?
Yes, many summer programs in Dubai welcome international students, including those on tourist visas. However, requirements can vary, so it’s best to check enrollment policies in advance.
What are the best summer programs for high schoolers in the UAE?
High schoolers benefit from STEAM-focused camps, university prep courses, and creative programs like drama and visual arts. Summer programs in Dubai such as those at Expo City or Courtyard Playhouse offer strong, age-specific experiences.
