How to Best Spend the Weekend in the UAE and Plan Ahead

By Nohad Mouawad

 

1. Catch Some Culture: I just love Broadway musicals and Disney, and when I was my kids’ age I had the entire Lion King soundtrack memorized! That’s why the Lion King finally coming to the UAE is so exciting. It’s the kind of show that’s fun for both kids and adults and it’s a big night out for the family. The Lion King starts this weekend until December 10^th at Yas Island. My kids love to do crafts and draw at home, but it’s also great to get out and see some art in a gallery to get out of the house and help them experience something different. Alserkal Art Week is coming to a close this weekend with jamjar offering workshops just for kids and slow art walks and special cultural talks for adults. If you want your kids to have a theatrical and cultural experience, but they prefer being glued to their screens, The Little Prince, at The Theatre of Digital Art (ToDA) in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, will get them interested. The show uses tech and a live hologram to give the audience a 360 degree theatre experience. The original book, The Little Prince, is a timeless classic, but here it’s been re-envisioned for modern kids and adults.
2. Entertain Your Kids for Free: If you just want to get some errands done this weekend in Abu Dhabi, and you want to avoid spending on lots of activities, then I feel you. There’s actually an event on that will let you get your shopping done, while entertaining the kids with face painting, coloring and carnival games. It’s the Grandiose Supermarket Birthday. They’ve actually set up games like Spin the Wheel, Mystery Box, Ring Toss, Ball in the Bucket and added carnival décor across their stores, so your kids will think the carnival has really come to town. They won’t be disappointed that they tagged along with you on your weekly shopping trip.
3. Go Bowling!: If you’re in Abu Dhabi, check out the cool new Central in Yas Bay. It’s more than just a traditional bowling alley, as it has an arcade, music and burgers, along with super cool lit-up lanes. Spend the day as a family, or book a lane for your teenagers or pre-teens, while you have lunch and take a minute to yourself.
4. Relax while Your Kids Go Nuts: If your kids have been begging you to visit Legoland, Motiongate, Bollywood Parks or Legoland Waterpark, you can actually book a staycation at Lapita, the only hotel within Dubai Parks and resorts. With the weather getting so nice and offers on several different rooms, including family rooms and suites, now is the perfect time to spend the weekend at Lapita. Another way to keep your kids really busy and active this weekend is at Adventure Parx and Cafe in Al Safa. They have a ropes course, soft play area and toddler play area, supervised by play attendants, so all your kids will be kept busy while you enjoy yummy food and fresh coffee. Your kids can go nuts and you just might get a moment to relax!
5. Go On a Safari! At only 21 dirhams per child, you can have an unexpected experience at Dubai Safari Park, with its 4 villages- African, Asian, Arabia and Safari and over 2500 animals, as well as a children’s zoo. What’s more, at the Dubai Safari Park they make it their goal to treat the animals at the highest standards of animal welfare, nutrition and ethics.
6. Get Ready for December: We are still in November, but even if you’re not planning much for this weekend, it’s time to book ahead, because December is going to be a bumper month! In Abu Dhabi, The Spartan World Championship kicks off on December 2^nd for all you fitness fanatics, and it includes a kid’s as well as an adult’s race. The races involve obstacle courses and endurance, testing the limits and guaranteeing a weekend to remember. December 16^th in Zayed Sports City, tennis lovers are in for a big treat! The Mubadala Tennis Championship will be on with a host of tennis stars facing off, as well as greeting fans during player visits. At the tennis village, there will be family activities, food trucks and entertainment. Starting at the end of November in Abu Dhabi as well, Magic Phil’s Starlight Safari magic show will mesmerize your kids with his annual Christmas show that’s full of humor, holiday music and fun characters. Make sure to book and get 10% off through the Qidz app.