Hiltonia Beach Club: The Hilton is setting up a winter beach club for kids aged four-12. They’ll be able to burn off energy with games such as cricket, football and treasure hunts, or by hitting the water for some snorkelling.
Dhs160 per day, Dhs650 per week. Dec 19-Jan 6. 9am-3pm. Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche (02 681 1900).
Beach Rotana Hotel: As well as a Christmas tree, carol singers and visits from a jolly fat man with a penchant for dressing in red, the Beach Rotana’s main selling point is its real gingerbread house. We asked whether we could go along and take a bite, but are yet to receive a firm answer.
Beach Rotana Hotel, Tourist Club Area (02 697 9000).
Sheraton Abu Dhabi: Gingerbread houses seem to be a theme across Abu Dhabi’s hotels this year, with the Sheraton boasting its own confectionery-walled residence. There’ll also be appearances by carol singer, while Santa’s promised he’ll be popping in to spread merriment among younger visitors.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche (02 677 3333).
Crowne Plaza Yas Island: Santa will be making an appearance at both Christmas day brunches at the Crowne Plaza. The hotel is putting on an Aussie-themed barbecue at Stills and an Asian-style slap-up meal at Jing Asia. The question that remains is where he’s going to land his sleigh. Our guess is the nearby Yas Marina Circuit racetrack.
Crowne Plaza Yas Island, Yas Island (02 656 3000).
