It’s Halloween…

And for those of you living in the UAE, it is a BIG event here.

In my first year, I was completely taken by surprise with just how big it is here.

Shops, schools, nurseries, families, kids, vendors etc… – everyone goes all out and decorates their houses, their shops, their kids dress up and so much more.

The kid in everyone comes out and it makes for a really fun family friendly and spooky event.

But no Halloween is complete without the traditional jack-o-lantern pumpkin carving.

How To Carve A Pumpkin | Halloween In Dubai | QiDZ

And creating the best and scariest pumpkin is part of the fun. However, creating the right scary pumpkin requires a certain pumpkin carving technique, so we pulled together some instructions to help you create the right toothy grinned pumpkin:

1.Start with the right pumpkin

Choose a pumpkin that’s fresh with a sturdy stem, no bruises, and a flat bottom so it won’t roll while you carve.

2. Cut out the lid on an angle

This way it won’t drop inside the pumpkin when you replace it like it would with a straight up-and-down cut. A boning knife should work well for this.

3. Scoop out all the pulp

You can buy a special “claw” for pumpkin gutting, but an ice cream scoop or a strong big spoon will do just fine. Thin the inner wall of the “face” area so that is like 2cm wide

How To Carve A Pumpkin | Halloween In Dubai | QiDZ

4. Sketch out your design on paper first and then recreate it on the pumpkin

Draw the face to size (use a black marker and draw the face). Try not to make the teeth too small or pointed as that is more difficult to cut out.

5. Light up your pumpkin

Put a small tea light inside your pumpkin and light it (make sure that you do this with an adult close by).

Tools needed to create the perfect pumpkin carving

  • Pumpkin
  • Strong knife
  • Apron
  • Strong spoon (ice cream scooper)
  • Black marker pen
  • Tea light
  • Lighter

How To Carve A Pumpkin | Halloween In Dubai | QiDZ

And now for the parties…

Where is the best place to hang out in Dubai & Abu Dhabi this Halloween?

We have the lowdown of the top Halloween parties around your town this week:

KidZania Spooky Fun Festival

Head to Kidzania Abu Dhabi or KidZania Dubai for the fun haunted house full of fun including zombie makeovers, zombie antidotes and more!

Spooktacular Halloween Party at Kidz Palooza

Visit Times Square this weekend for the Spooktacular Halloween Party at Kidz Palooza where the kids can get dressed up and trick-or-treat!

Halloween at Reform Social & Grill

Visit Reform Dubai at The Lakes for spooktacular fun! They will also have Magic Phil performing and more fun events on Saturday!

How To Carve A Pumpkin | Halloween In Dubai | QiDZ

Halloween Family Brunch at Bread Street Kitchen, Atlantis

Have fun at the Halloween Family Friday Brunch at Bread Street Kitchen, Atlantis with kids entertainment and free access to the very spooky Lost Chambers.

Velocity Halloween Party

Head down to the Velocity Halloween Party in Al Quoz and visit their Haunted Room with Dracula’s Coffin, Scary Treasure Hunt and scary challenges – and FREE popcorn and ice cream

Have a Happy Halloween!

 

Contributor:

Simona Agolini QiDZ CEO | QiDZ UAE Family Guide

Simona Agolini
QiDZ CEO