You’ve got the time and so fill it with these amazing activities across the capital and in Al Ain
Back to Nature
Visit Al Ain Oasis
Grab the family and head over to a refuge of green for some much needed fresh air at Al Ain Oasis, Wander among the pathways that weave their way under the umbrella-esque palm trees. There’s also a visitor’s centre housing cultural exhibits about the oasis.
Open daily 8am-5pm. For more information, call 02 599 5438
Walk the Jubail Mangrove walk
We can’t stress enough but you MUST BOOK ONLINE to visit this recently reopened nature wonderland. Wander the boardwalk and spot wildlife, view fabulous scenery and much more. The best time to visit is during high tide. You can also hire a guide.
Weekdays 8am-6pm, weekends 8am-7pm.AED 15 for Adults, AED 10 for kids.
Soak up Culture
Be in awe at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Visit this incredible structure and rediscover the 82 domes, the largest of which sits presides over the main prayer hall. Stand in reverence and absorb the sheer scale of the design elements that include pure white marble cladding, onion shaped ‘crowns’ and crescent shaped finials decorated in gold-glass mosaic. FREE. Online booking is obligatory. To obtain your day pass, visit.szgmc.gov.ae
Explore Louvre Abu Dhabi
Step inside the world of art and rediscover what this museum represents – the dynamic nature of the contemporary Arab world while celebrating the region’s vibrant multicultural heritage. Human creativity is laid bare and reminds us what unites us. Cultures are brought together, reflecting the very ethos of Abu Dhabi itself. Pre-booked tickets are a must. Tuesday-Sunday 10am to 6.30pm. Entry AED 63 for adults, AED 31.5 for ages 13-22, free for under 13 and frontline workers. For more information, call 600 565 566 or visit louvreabudhabi.ae
Just for Kids
All the fun at Fun City
Head to Abu Dhabi Mall where kids aged between 1-12 years of age will not only get to play but will be learning too, through a range of fun-filled activities that facilitate their growth and development. Fun City, Level 3 Abu Dhabi Mall, weekdays 2pm-10pm, Thursday, Friday 1pm-11pm, Saturday 12pm-11pm. Check for special offers: funcity.ae/promotions
Dive into fun at Umm Al Emarat Park
The Water Splash Area and the return of the beloved train rides are open. Kids as young as two years of age can now dive in and get wet or hop aboard the family-friendly train at the Promenade and tour the beautiful Park. For upcoming events, visit ummalemaratpark.ae
To The Sea
Lap of luxury At Jumeirah Saadiyat Resort
Life doesn’t get much better than pristine pools and a private beach. At Jumeirah Saadiyat Resort where luxury is king, you get to take it easy on the rather splendid beach or in one of the three inviting swimming pools. Once sun kissed, float along to one of many pool-side and swim-up bars, before diving back into the cool crystal waters. For more information call 02 811 4444
Super nature lovers at Saadiyat Beach
It’s all about the sea life. This is why to access the pristine white sands stretching out along a generous shore you’ll skip along a wooden boardwalk so you don’t disturb the native wildlife, including the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles that use the beach as their nesting ground. For more information visit saadiyatisland.ae
Dine Out
It’s time to Glo
Head to Rosewood Abu Dhabi for their all new outdoor barbecue night Wood and Fire, at Glo. Tuck into fresh seafood such as lobster, oysters and red snapper, meat including lamb rump, short ribs, and beef brisket, and so much more.
Glo, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island. Daily sunset-11pm. For more information, contact 02 813 5550
Barbeque in style
Emirates Palace’s BBQ Al Qasr is back. The idyllic beachside offers a new menu combining the best local ingredients with the freshness of the finest seafood and grills. Indulge in refreshing signature mixes while relaxing in one of the elegant seaside gazebos available throughout the day.
BBQ Al Qasr, Emirates Palace, daily 7 pm to 11.30 pm. For more information or reservations, call 02 690 88 88 or email EPAUH-restaurants@mohg.com
Ahoy there!
It’s all fun and games over at Jalboot Marine who are offering aquatic activities conveniently placed behind Abu Dhabi Mall. Don’t worry about your level, as all our welcome from beginners upwards. There’s a female captain and you can customize your own itinerary too! Wake surfing AED 580 per hour, Wakeboarding AED 580 per hour, Banana Boat towable AED 50 per person, Boat tours AED 450 per hour/up to six people
All the fun happens between 8am to 8pm all you need to do to book is call 056 441 5072 or email info@jalboot.ae. For more information, visit jalboot.ae