Top ten sports.

1 Squash

If you can't face a summer without sport, squash is an excellent indoor alternative, helping you keep that competitive edge in the hot season without collapsing with dehydration. It's easy to pick up but hard to master, so if you've never played before, you'll probably want to carry on playing all year round. There are plenty of courts at hotels and gyms around town - check out www.dubaisquash.org.

2 Climbing

Only the brave and foolish head to the mountains in summer - but you can still get a fix at the indoor climbing wall at Pharaohs' Club, Wafi (04 324 0000, www.wafi.com). The centre offers a range of courses for kids and adults of all abilities, as well as public sessions for experienced climbers. The wall consists of varied routes, and crash mats are present for bouldering - all without the blistering sun on your neck.

3 Skiing/Snowboarding

Another must-do indoor activity while you're in the UAE. Lessons are offered in the Ski Dubai Snow School, while the world's first indoor black run challenges advanced skier. The Snow Park is great fun for children, with so much space. You can build a snowman, ride a bobsled or explore a snow cavern. Don't forget that hot chocolate at the Avalanche Cafe though.

04 409 4000, www.skidxb.com

4 Bowling

Al Nasr Leisureland (04 337 1234) has eight lanes surrounded by fast food outlets and a bar. It can get busy, so you should make a booking. The first game costs dhs15, including shoe rental; games thereafter are dhs10. The Dubai Bowling Centre (04 339 1010, www.bowlingdubai.com) has leagues for serious players as well as those who bowl for fun. Prices are dhs20 per game or dhs130 per hour for a lane.

5 Martial Arts

Aspiring Bruce Lees are well catered for with many centres offering courses in judo, aikido, karate, kick boxing and other martial arts. In addition, many fitness clubs and gyms offer thai boxing, kung fu, self-defence and other martial arts. For kids, the Active Sports Academy (050 559 7055, www.activeuae.com) has an excellent range of disciplines and runs after-school classes as well as holiday camps.

6 Table Tennis

Table tennis can be played for dhs20 per hour at Insportz (04 347 5833) just behind Dubai Garden Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road; booking is required. Several of the older leisure clubs provide table tennis, although the equipment is usually a bit rusty. The UAE Table Tennis Association is based in Dubai (04 266 9362), and can provide information on how to get into leagues and high level competitions.

7 Gymnastics

Whether you are looking for professional coaching, something to keep the kids active or just to try out a new activity, there are gymnastic facilities and training for all. DuGym Gymnastics Club (050 553 6283, www.dugym.com) offers gymnastics and trampoline coaching for children of all abilities. The club operates at locations throughout Dubai from Sunday to Thursday.

8 Shooting

Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club (04 548 7777) has indoor pistols, rifles and revolvers, as well as 25m and 50m ranges. A fully trained safety instructor is on hand at all times. Beginner lessons cost dhs150 for 30 minutes with .22 caliber weapons; 25 shots are charged at dhs95. You can head further afield to the Ras Al Khaimah Shooting Club (07 236 3622) which offers lessons in firing shotguns or long rifles.

9 Cycling

If you'd like to get on your bike but the heat has put an end to any road journeys, join an RPM session at one of the branches of Fitness First. The hour-long workouts merge music with cycling on a customised bike. Sessions cost dhs100 (which also allows you to use the rest of the facilities) and can be taken at most of its branches including Ibn Battuta Mall (04 366 9933) and Dubai Festival City (04 375 0177).

10 Boxing

Harness you inner Rocky at Dubai Fight Academy (050 650 1184/050 650 1184 www.fightacademy.ae) which organises Thai boxing lessons and tournaments. Membership is dhs500 per month which includes use of the gym and pool. Colosseum Health & Fitness Club (04 337 2755, www.colosseumuae.com) specialises in boxing, Muay Thai (Thai boxing), kickboxing and street fighting.

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