When I first stepped into Aya Universe, I thought I’d wandered onto a film set. Digital flowers bloomed underfoot, robotic lights danced across mirrored walls, and a waterfall flowed upwards — actually upwards — defying physics entirely. This isn’t a museum or traditional attraction; it’s a 40,000-square-foot digital art park where technology and imagination collide across 12 interactive zones.
Located inside Wafi City Mall, Aya bills itself as “a sanctuary beyond the stars”, which sounds pretentious until you’re standing in a room full of glowing orbs that respond to your movements. Then it makes perfect sense.
Quick overview
Aya Universe admission costs AED 135 for adults and AED 99 for children aged 4-12. Children under 4 enter free. The attraction is open Sunday to Thursday from 10:00am to 10:00pm, and Friday to Saturday from 10:00am to midnight. Last admission is one hour before closing. Online booking is strongly recommended during peak times, though walk-up tickets are usually available. Most visitors spend 60-90 minutes exploring the 12 zones. People with disabilities enter free with one complimentary companion ticket — collect at the customer service desk.
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AED 135 adults / AED 99 children | Sun-Thu 10:00am – 10:00pm, Fri-Sat 10:00am – midnight | Level One, Main Atrium, Wafi City, Oud Metha Road, Dubai | Under 4, people with disabilities + companion | 1 hour before closing |
How much does Aya Universe cost?
Standard admission costs AED 135 for adults and AED 99 for children (ages 4-12). Children under 4 enter free — collect complimentary tickets at the customer service desk upon arrival. People with disabilities receive free entry plus one free companion ticket with documentation.
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | AED 135 (€33) | Ages 13+ |
| Child | AED 99 (€24) | Ages 4-12 |
| Under 4 | Free | Under 4 years |
| People with disabilities + companion | Free | With valid documentation |
Third-party vendors occasionally offer discounted tickets (AED 99-125), though official website pricing is AED 135.
Nova VIP packages include faster entry and enhanced experiences but must be booked through the official website. All ticket prices include VAT.
Why book the Dubai City Pass?
- Access more than 20 top attractions: Enjoy free entry to highlights such as The Dubai Frame and IMG Worlds of Adventure as part of your pass.
- Hop-on hop-off sightseeing included: Use the double-decker bus service to explore Dubai’s streets and landmarks at your own pace.
- Speedboat and cruise experiences: Take in the skyline from the water with a 90-minute speedboat tour or a Dubai Marina sunset dinner cruise.
- Fun and family-friendly attractions: Visit immersive experiences like AYA Universe and enjoy adventure and entertainment for all ages.
- Flexible pass length: Choose from 1 to 7 days so you can tailor the pass to how long you are spending in the city.
Is Aya Universe free to enter?
No. All visitors aged 4+ must pay admission. Children under 4 receive complimentary entry. People with disabilities and one companion enter free with appropriate documentation presented at the customer service desk.
There are no free admission days, reduced-price hours, or other complimentary access programmes beyond the exceptions listed above.
5 great Dubai experiences to book
- 🏜️ Combine ATV dune-bashing, camel riding, stargazing and a desert camp BBQ in one grand adventure.
- 🚙 Take a heritage desert safari in a vintage Land Rover.
- 🏙️ Save money with a Burj Khalifa At The Top and Dubai Aquarium combo ticket.
- 🛍️ Get a taste of Old Dubai on a guided souks and heritage walking tour.
- 🌸 See the floral displays at the Dubai Miracle Garden.
What time does Aya Universe open?
Aya Universe opens daily at 10:00am. Closing time varies: Sunday to Thursday at 10:00pm, Friday and Saturday at midnight. Last admission is one hour before closing (9:00pm Sunday-Thursday, 11:00pm Friday-Saturday).
Early mornings (10:00am-12:00pm) and weekday afternoons (2:00pm-5:00pm) are quietest. Friday and Saturday evenings attract substantial crowds, particularly around 7:00pm-10:00pm. Avoid weekends if you dislike crowds.
The attraction operates year-round with no seasonal closures, though occasional technical maintenance may close individual zones temporarily.
These Aya Universe ticket prices and opening hours were checked and verified in January 2026.
Do I need to book Aya Universe tickets in advance?
Online booking is recommended but not essential. Walk-up tickets are usually available at the entrance, though availability isn’t guaranteed during weekends, public holidays, and Dubai peak tourist season (November-March).
Book at least 24 hours ahead if visiting during busy periods. Tickets are date-specific but not time-specific — enter anytime during operating hours on your booked date.
Critical: Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable once purchased. If your plans change, you cannot reschedule or receive refunds.
A brief history
Aya Universe opened in 2023 by Hyperspace, a Dubai-based entertainment company specialising in immersive experiences. Unlike traditional museums or theme parks, Aya was conceived as a “multimedia entertainment park” blending digital art, interactive technology, and sensory design.
The concept emerged from Dubai’s push toward experiential tourism and entertainment beyond shopping and luxury hotels. Hyperspace positioned Aya as a futuristic destination where visitors don’t merely observe but actively participate in creating the experience through movement, touch, and interaction.
The name “Aya” (various interpretations include “miracle” or “sign”) reflects the attraction’s goal: creating moments that feel miraculous or otherworldly. The 12 zones represent different aspects of an imagined cosmos — gardens, celestial bodies, energy pools — each with distinct visual and audio environments.
Since opening, Aya has attracted visitors through social media virality. The highly Instagrammable zones generate organic marketing as visitors share photos and videos across platforms. This strategy proved particularly effective with younger demographics and tourists seeking unique Dubai experiences beyond traditional landmarks.
What you’ll see inside Aya Universe
The Source — Infinity pools, dancing digital blooms, and an enchanted dome create an ethereal garden. Flowers respond to your movements, blooming and shifting colours as you walk through.
Harmonia — A robotic orchestra builds infinite light architectures accompanied by music. The three-minute show combines choreographed robotics with projections. Arrive on the hour when shows typically run.
Aurora — Motion-tracking technology transforms your movements into swirling light patterns resembling northern lights. Wave your arms to create cosmic portraits that shift and morph in real-time.
Celestia — Float through a sea of glowing orbs while vibrant cosmic imagery swirls across walls and ceiling. The room feels like drifting through deep space.
The Pool — Stand atop an infinite energy vortex surrounded by bubbling projections that flow outward. The floor appears to drop away beneath you — vertigo-inducing but safe.
The River — Cross a bridge over rushing energy streams. Your footsteps create storms of colour that ripple across the floor and walls.
The Falls — A gravity-defying waterfall flows upward. You can walk through the projection, which responds to your presence.
Tides — An infinite chamber filled with light pillars that ripple like waves. Movement at the centre bends colour clouds throughout the room.
Flora — Wander through bioluminescent gardens experiencing dawn, twilight, and storm sequences. Large-scale projections create immersive nature-like environments.
Luna — An infinite chamber of shimmering moons visualising cosmic harmonies. Reflective surfaces multiply the projections endlessly.
Outland — Shape-shifting waves of colour respond to your movements. Create avatars that ripple through liquid light.
Drift — Lie on cushioned platforms and voyage through distant ecosystems projected above. The most relaxing zone — many visitors spend 10+ minutes here.
What’s included with your ticket?
- Unlimited access to all 12 interactive zones
- Free WiFi throughout
- Photography and videography (non-flash, non-professional)
- Air-conditioned environment
- Lockers for belongings
- Wheelchair accessibility
Not included: Food and drinks (outside food prohibited; sealed water bottles permitted), professional photography equipment, guided tours, parking fees (use Wafi City parking).
Things to do near Aya Universe
Dubai Creek (2km, 5-minute drive) — Historic waterway lined with traditional souks (Gold Souk, Spice Souk). Traditional abra boats cross for AED 1. Atmospheric at sunset. Free to explore.
Zabeel Park (3km, 7-minute drive) — Large urban park with duck ponds, jogging tracks, and picnic areas. Dubai Frame observation deck offers panoramic views. Park entry free; Dubai Frame tickets around AED 50.
Dubai Healthcare City Metro Station (600m, 6-minute walk) — Green Line metro provides access across Dubai. Station connects to Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa (10-minute journey).
Burj Khalifa (6km, 12-minute drive or 15-minute metro) — World’s tallest building at 828 metres. Observation decks on floors 124-125 (AED 149+) and 148 (AED 378+). Book weeks ahead. Spectacular views.
Dubai Mall (6km, 12-minute drive) — World’s largest mall with 1,300+ stores, Dubai Aquarium, ice rink, and VR park. Dubai Fountain shows every 30 minutes from 6:00pm. Free entry; individual attractions priced separately.
Elsewhere in Dubai, you can head to the Palm Jumeirah for the enormous Aquaventure World water park, Lost World Aquarium and the View at the Palm observation deck.
Practical tips
- Location: Level One, Main Atrium, Wafi City, Oud Metha Road, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai
- Getting there: Metro Green Line to Dubai Healthcare City station (6-minute walk). Buses 13, 27, 88, C7, X23 stop near Wafi City. Free parking at Wafi City (charges apply after initial free period).
- Time needed: 60-90 minutes. Allow two hours if photographing extensively or revisiting favourite zones.
- Photography: Non-flash photography and videography encouraged. No professional equipment, tripods, or commercial filming without permission. Every zone is Instagram-worthy.
- Dress code: Casual. Comfortable shoes recommended. Modest clothing preferred (Dubai cultural norms).
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs and strollers available on request. People with disabilities enter free.
- Crowds: Weekday mornings and early afternoons quietest. Friday-Saturday evenings busiest. School holidays attract families.
- Warnings: Not suitable for visitors sensitive to flashing lights, loud noises, or dark spaces. Potential triggers for photosensitive epilepsy, migraines, or claustrophobia.
FAQs
Is it suitable for children? Yes, family-friendly for all ages. Young children especially enjoy the interactive elements. Under-4s enter free. Children under 12 must be supervised by adults.
How long does it take? Most visitors spend 60-90 minutes. You can stay longer — there’s no time limit once inside.
Can I bring food and drinks? Outside food prohibited. Sealed water bottles permitted. Wafi City has numerous restaurants and cafés nearby.
Is photography allowed? Yes, non-flash personal photography and videography encouraged. Professional equipment (tripods, large lenses, lighting) requires permission.
What should I wear? Comfortable casual clothing. Avoid restrictive outfits — some zones encourage movement and interaction. Comfortable shoes essential.
Can I re-enter after leaving? No. Tickets are single-entry only. Once you exit, you cannot re-enter.
Is it really worth AED 135? If you enjoy immersive art, digital experiences, or want Instagram content, yes. If you prefer traditional museums or outdoor activities, skip it.
More UAE travel
Other UAE travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Inside the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital.
- A guide to tackling Abu Dhabi in February with children.
- The best day to visit Ferrari World.
- Visitor guide to the Emirates Park Zoo in Abu Dhabi.
- Practical guide to visiting Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi.
