CLYMB Yas Island, Abu Dhabi — Attraction in Abu Dhabi

Being relatively starved of climbing opportunities in Abu Dhabi, I was looking forward to visiting CLYMB with my kids (10 & 8). However, I have to say that while the facility is impressive, as another reviewer has posted it’s not a climbing gym, it’s a ‘by the numbers’ experience.

I understand the COVID restrictions that limit numbers, the sanitizing etc, but I’ve climbed in gyms in Australia, Europe, the US & the UK, and they have an atmosphere and vibe that comes from climbers just hanging out and enjoying the opportunity to climb.

Perhaps it was the fact that my kids and I have climbed before that the instructor didn’t contribute anything to the experience other than making sure we clipped into our harnesses properly. But even in Adventure HQ the staff were far more engaged in tips and pointers, especially for the kids.

And I really don’t understand why kids under 14 can’t participate in the half day sessions, or without an instructor. If I’m their guardian and I’ve signed the indemnity and I’ve passed the top-rope/belay test etc, why can’t we hang out in the gym for a few hours like we would anywhere else? It means I have to drop 360 dizzers for an hour’s climbing for three of us (or 480 if my wife comes too).

Sorry, the potential is there but I think the business model & culture needs some work

(Editing my previous post in response to the reply from the Owners. I think you missed my point about children climbing. I'm not suggesting that kids under 14 should be able to 'climb alone'. What I am saying is that if they are under the active supervision of their parent/legal guardian, and both children and parent/guardian have passed the belay test, and the parent/guardian has signed the waiver, children should be able to climb without the instructor. Otherwise you consign yourself to the novelty value of a single visit after which it is cost prohibitive for families to make repeat visits. So I go back to my comment about business model and culture - do you want to be just a tourist attraction or do you actually want to foster a grassroots climbing community...

My daughter and I recently celebrated our shared birthday with a fantastic indoor skydiving experience at Clymb Abu Dhabi, and we couldn't have asked for a better time! It was a truly special way to mark our special day. We went with the whole family, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of flying.

Our instructor, Nino, was absolutely fantastic. He was professional, patient, and made us feel safe and comfortable throughout the entire experience. His expertise really enhanced the experience for everyone.

The highlight of our visit, however, was the incredibly thoughtful birthday surprise from the Clymb team, organized by the wonderful Lalita and Lulua. After our flight, they presented us with a beautiful birthday cake! The cake was not only visually stunning, with a personalized chocolate and gold dust message on the plate, but it was also incredibly delicious. It was a perfect ending to an already exhilarating experience.

But the surprises didn't stop there! Before we left, Clymb also gave us birthday gifts for me and my daughter. This gesture was so unexpected and truly made our shared birthday feel extra special. It showed a real commitment to customer service and creating memorable experiences.

The entire atmosphere at Clymb Abu Dhabi was energetic and positive. The facilities were clean and well-maintained. From the initial booking process to the actual flight with Nino, and the birthday surprises orchestrated by Lalita, Lulua, and Lusanda, everything was top-notch.

I highly recommend Clymb Abu Dhabi to anyone looking for an exciting and unforgettable experience, especially if you're celebrating a special occasion. The combination of the thrilling indoor skydiving and the exceptional customer service, including the personalized birthday touches, made our shared birthday visit truly exceptional.

Thank you, Clymb Abu Dhabi, for making our birthday so memorable! And special thanks to Nino, Lalita, Lulua, and Lusanda for making it...

This is not my first visit. My friend, who already passed the test before & climbed here (in the same branch) for hours, was failed this time due to a minor mistake/misunderstanding. He paid the same AED 135 as us but was forced into a short 1-hour class (it was not even 1 hour, it was less) instead of climbing freely with us (group of friends who traveled to this place together to enjoy together, and it is not our first time). Staff refused to find a solution, showed no flexibility, and even banned him from sitting to watch us while we climbed.

SAFETY: The instructor at one point pressured one of us to jump off the bouldering wall.... VERY unsafe, JUST because the instructor was in a hurry. This is concerning.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: One of the worst customer experiences in the world (in any entertainment park) Extremely unfriendly Negative Energy Do not treat kids well On top of this, several staff were extremely rude and dismissive.

SYSTEM: It is extremely MISLEADING that customers are required to PAY AED 135 upfront before any assessment, only to LATER DISCOVER that failing their so-called test limits them to a much shorter and less valuable experience than those who pass, despite paying the exact same amount.

One female instructor even contradicted what a previous instructor told us about how to land, and when my friend tried to explain, she rudely dismissed him, causing him to fail his test.

The system is unfair, the staff lack BASIC CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS, and the experience left us feeling disrespected. If I had known that, I would never have come.

Strongly do not recommend to any one (whether professionals or friends/family who just...