We’re very much looking forward to the summer holidays this year – and not because we’re off to cooler climes. Staycations are the new black when it comes to holiday planning and, because of the rising temperatures, there are loads of indoor treats to look forward to. Summer in Abu Dhabi is back for its third consecutive year and is bigger and better than ever. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), and with activities and events taking place all over town, the season is running for six sanity-saving weeks from June 24 right through until August 5.
Our editor was very excited when she heard Lord of the Dance was coming to town. In fact, words almost failed her. ‘That show’s on!’ she cried. ‘What show?’ we asked. ‘That show – with Michael Flatley! Oh you know,’ she continued, ‘it’s – it’s the one where all the Irish people dance with their feet and keep their arms still…’
Having experienced Lord of the Dance first hand (which has smashed box office records several times over since it was first launched in 1996), we could fully appreciate her ‘lost for words’ excitement. The world-famous concert that combines Irish dancing, toe-tapping rhythm, heart-pounding music and superb choreography to tell a classic folklore tale about good versus evil, is, quite simply, awesome. Unfortunately, the famous Michael Flatley will not be at the helm, but it’s still a must-see event.
The varied nature of the show means that audience members of all ages can enjoy themselves. Grans and mums get especially excited about the men’s slashed-to-the-waist silk shirts, there are lots of pretty dancing gals to keep dad happy, and the kids will be enthralled by the sheer speed, energy, elaborate sets, costumes and pyrotechnics of the whole caboodle. Brilliant! But, be sure to book your ticket soon as Lord of the Dance has a history of selling out faster than Flatley’s feet can do an Irish jig.
Shows run from June 23-25, with tickets ranging from Dhs295-795 available at www.boxofficeme.com, www.timeouttickets.com, www.ticketingboxoffice.com and Virgin Megastores. For more information visit www.adnec.ae/lordofthedance
Next up is the Big Apple Circus, which has a massively colourful cast of first-class international performers. The show’s artists are constantly changing and evolving their acts, which means even if you’ve been lucky enough to see them before, the experience will still be a big treat the second time around.
The Big Apple Circus was founded by two American Jugglers way back in 1974, and now has artists from the US, Armenia, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, England, France, Germany, Italy and Russia. Once again, it’s a performance that the whole family can enjoy because it combines everything from Bello the Daredevil Clown (who was voted ‘America’s Best Clown’ by Time magazine – the mind boggles), the Long Twins (award-winning Chinese acrobats who do bizarre things with barrels) to Picaso Jr, a ping-pong-ball-blowing juggler who’s been in the Guinness Book of World Records three times for his completely nutty routines. There are also world-class trampolinists, trapeze artists, aerial acrobats, equine performers and lots more besides.
The circus is particularly famous for its incredible aerial displays, as well as its recent stint as opening act in Britney Spears’ 2009 ‘The Circus’ tour. Making its first appearance in the Middle East, the Big Apple Circus will perform at the Abu Dhabi Hall from July 23 to August 3. Tickets are available from shopping malls or directly from Adnec.
www.adnec.ae
Zone in
Offering a whole host of other Summer in Abu Dhabi activities, Adnec is packed with goodies for every age group. Brave visitors can head to Lazer Zone for a shoot-’em-up futuristic battle with laser guns, or even the Takeshi’s Castle-inspired ‘Bee Amazed’ Zone (a maze that requires strategic brain power to escape from). For musical kids, there’s the Hello Music Zone – which has a unique mix of movie and live stage songs, performed by characters adept at comedy, magic, music and mayhem.
Meanwhile, at Play Motion, visitors will step into a world transformed into a magical playground of games and art using the latest sensor entertainment technology. And for budding scientists, there’s the Mad Scientist Laboratory, where professors will conduct real-life experiments with fun and unpredictable results. Kaboom! For culture vultures, ADTA is laying on complimentary cultural tours for visitors, daily tours from Abu Dhabi city to Al Ain and free admissions to selected attractions. Abu Dhabi Municipality is also joining in the campaign planning a host of festivities in its popular Khalifa Park.
Mall trawls
Make your way to the malls this summer for a whole host of activities to keep the little tykes amused
Abu Dhabi Mall, Marina Mall and Al Wahda Mall, as well as Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain Mall and Bawadi Mall in Al Ain will be running loads of fun activities including arts, crafts, cooking classes, competitions, workshops and indigenous cultural performances by traditional dance troupes from 10 different countries including Mongolia, New Zealand, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Botswana, Mexico, the UAE, China, Malaysia and India.
Play Zone’s activities in Abu Dhabi Mall and Al Jimi Mall in Al Ain, include Car Madness – an area where budding young mechanics can step into a pretend car workshop equipped with all the tools needed to perform make-believe repairs to kid-size cars. Beep beep! Meanwhile, in the Tasty Zone, food will be transformed into art, and in the Junior Cooking School, little chefs will design their own cupcakes under the careful supervision of top chefs.
Find out more more by visiting www.summerinabudhabi.com
