Aya Universe Dubai: A Deep Look + Helpful Tips
So, Aya Universe in Dubai – you might have seen photos or clips and are thinking, is it seriously worth the ticket? The attraction calls itself an immersive entertainment park, and it’s found in Wafi City Mall. Is that claim correct? Well, I checked it out, and I have some thoughts. I will walk you through what the hype is, what you could seriously expect, and some things you probably want to know before you go. I am hoping this review is actually useful if you’re thinking of checking this place out!
What is Aya Universe Really?
Aya Universe really tries to throw you into what I can only call a digital wonderland. Think of it a bit like being in a super high-tech art exhibit where actually everything is moving and reacting to you. There are, too, different zones, each with, like, its own theme and feel. Some of these spaces want you to move around, some seem to say relax, and some just give you excellent photo opportunities. That it’s indoors makes it a nice escape from the Dubai heat, basically.
It’s also geared at everyone, almost – families, solo folks, just anybody looking for something that’s really beyond the ordinary. Unlike theme parks with rides, this area is, arguably, more of a visual and sensory experience. If you’re looking to do something other than the usual Dubai stuff, it’s perhaps a place to consider, you know?
Getting Tickets and Transfer Tips
Booking tickets ahead of time? I suggest you do that! That really skips a lot of waiting in lines, especially if you happen to visit during peak times – weekends and holidays tend to get busy, almost. You have, too, several options, like, from general admission to combo deals that get you into other Dubai attractions. When you shop around, keep an eye out for these combos because they might save you some money. When I went, I saw a couple of discounts with some credit cards, it seemed.
Getting to Aya Universe isn’t too hard. It’s inside Wafi City Mall, which you find at Oud Metha. If you plan on using the metro, the nearest stop might still leave you to get a taxi or bus, it’s possible. Ridesharing apps such as Uber and Careem are a worry-free method to get there, I can tell you. Also, parking at Wafi City Mall is pretty spacious, in my experience. Just remember where you parked, alright?
Experiencing the Zones: What to Seriously Expect
So, each zone in Aya Universe has its own personality, really. Here are some I felt were memorable:
- Aurora: This zone is basically the entrance, only it’s filled with interactive lights. People love playing with this stuff, yet sometimes it’s crowded around there.
- The Source: The room really wants to make you feel connected with nature by displaying waterfalls of light, almost. Pretty nice photo spot.
- Tides: What Tides likes to do is display a digital ocean on the walls, just flowing all around you. You have a seating area, that gives you the option of relaxing.
- Luna: You see glowing orbs around this place which people seemed to play with, but frankly the area can get super packed, maybe.
- Planets: People find these mirrored rooms kind of fascinating with all their light shows, too. I didn’t feel they were suited to those of us prone to vertigo.
- Harmonia: In here, there’s a show with lasers and lights which, I must say, almost everyone loves. But find yourself a viewing spot early because they tend to fill up, perhaps?
Because these areas all use light and sound, those of us that have sensitivity to flashing lights perhaps should watch out or skip a zone when you have to. The overall visit typically runs, more or less, two to three hours. Then again, that depends a lot on how long you remain in each zone and how many photos you are looking to take, naturally.
Photo Opportunities and Social Media Potential
This place? Pure Instagram gold. I saw people just about everywhere striking poses, creating videos, generally making some memories (and content). Some zones, especially the ones featuring dynamic lights and mirrored spaces, are possibly going to fill your phone with pics real quick. Now, if you actually want to avoid crowds in your photos, visit when things aren’t that busy, like during a weekday.
A helpful idea? Plan out a couple of shots beforehand, for instance. Look up some inspiration on social media. Doing that saves you from feeling rushed, is that right? Remember though, to respect others’ spaces as everybody’s trying to get their photos, arguably. Keep your visits brief, that is.
What to Wear and Bring
Because you’ll be indoors, dress, more or less, comfortably. Light clothes might suit you, but maybe bring a shawl or light jacket, it’s a possibility that the air conditioning can be pretty effective, even. Aya Universe encourages walking around, in effect meaning comfortable footwear will definitely serve you well. You could be standing for fairly long stretches of time, too.
About bringing things: you might leave larger bags at home, or hide them out of the way. They could impede other people and take some great photos, probably. You, too, will want your phone or camera fully juiced for pictures, of course. Arguably, carrying a small power bank can come in really handy.
Is Aya Universe Seriously Worth Visiting? My Verdict
Is Aya Universe in Dubai something to go see? I mean, I would say so if you’re after that very experience. Those of you keen on cool visual art experiences will find this something they quite enjoy. In case you’re wondering where to spend a couple of hours out of the sun, give this some consideration. All this in mind, those wanting thrill rides may find it quite boring. But if posting cool pictures to your social media pages suits you then there can’t be many other locations in Dubai, almost.
The expense is, maybe, something else to think about. It might not seem cheap as a location to attend as a group. I suggest you buy tickets in advance or maybe grab a special offer online somewhere. At the close of the day, what you actually want from your experience helps a lot to determine if a place such as Aya Universe is right for you. Still, for something new and modern? It did deliver on the idea.
Key Pointers:
- Definitely purchase tickets beforehand, most likely online, just so you skip the line, right?
- Dress comfortably and wear shoes you actually want to walk in.
- Maybe take a fully charged phone, if not an extra power source.
- Consider visiting on weekdays, when that location is normally less busy.
- Watch out, it has flashing lights in some rooms.
