Fun things to do at home in Abu Dhabi this weekend

Thursday: Work your way through our 50 things to do at home list

We’re all self-isolating and spending much more time at home but that doesn’t mean you have to be bored. There are loads of things to do to keep your mind busy, keep moving, be entertained, learn and improve your health while staying home in the UAE capital. Don’t believe us? Check out our list of 50 things to do at home and thank us later.

Friday: Engage with nature from your living room

Umm Al Emarat Park has launched the #GrowAtHome initiative that features a host of online sessions to keep us busy and stay connected to the great outdoors. As part of the campaign you can join in on a range of sessions on the park’s social media channels including cooking, planting, exercising and meditating. You can watch the park’s gardening 101 series to get some tips, learn new recipes from the chefs at the park’s restaurants and get a great workout thanks to UAE-based trainers and fitness instructors. For more information, visit Umm Al Emarat Park’s Facebook page here.

Friday: Go under the sea to the Great Barrier Reef with a legend

Travelling may be off the cards at the moment but that doesn’t stop our wanderlust having us dreaming of exploring destinations both near and far. Encouraging our natural curiosity and helping us to explore the world, Sir David Attenborough has been a fixture on our screens and our home for decades with astonishing documentaries. Helping us to navigate through unprecedented time, Sir David is once again at hand to guide us on another adventure while we’re practising self-isolation. A multi-sensory online tool, Exploring the Great Barrier Reef is now available online and Sir David will be your guide. You can log on to see what amazing things lurk under the waves and learn all about the amazing ecosystems. We don’t know about you, but we’re getting ready to go underwater and see what’s what.To check it out for yourself, visit www.attenboroughsreef.com.

Friday: See what Louvre Abu Dhabi has to offer

Louvre Abu Dhabi is one of the most visited attractions in the UAE, and it’s easy to see why. While the museum is temporarily closed, that doesn’t mean you can’t see what’s on display and learn more about the museum’s collection and its significance online. And now there’s even more content for you to check out, as Louvre Abu Dhabi is expanding its digital offering with virtual tours, audio and video content, and downloadable activities for children. All the content is free to access and can help children participating in distance learning with content covering ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, Islamic history and some of the world’s greatest artists including Piet Mondrian, Rembrandt van Rijn and more. For more information visit www.louvreabudhabi.ae or download the app on your Apple or Android device.

Friday: Explore the world with amazing live webcams

Just because you’re staying at home, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on some of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. A trip to South Africa to visit the Tembe Elephant Park? How about catching the Northern Lights live from Canada? All this and more is possible thanks to Explore.org – the world’s leading philanthropic live nature cam network and documentary film channel. Nature enthusiasts and animal-lovers alike can tune in to 24-hour live streaming cameras across the world and virtually travel to some of the most stunning destinations, as well as watch wild animals such as lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos and leopards in their natural habitats. For more information visit www.explore.org/livecams

Saturday: Explore the history of the UAE

Showcasing the UAE’s intriguing history and culture, a new TV series has been released exploring the roots of the nation. Image Nation has released the documentary series History of the Emirates alongside a new virtual reality mobile app. Free to watch, the stunning documentary series is narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons and explores the UAE’s past. Accompanying the series, the 7 Mysteries of the UAE mobile app has also been launched. The app uses virtual reality and games to teach children about the UAE and support children with distance learning. To watch the series visit www.historyoftheemirates.com

Saturday: Have a games night with your family and friends

Playing classic board games is the ultimate at-home bonding experience with friends and family. However, the good old-fashioned way of crowding around a coffee table is a big no-no now that we’re all social distancing. Luckily for us, that doesn’t mean we can’t play games together. Many of our favourite board games, including nostalgic picks like Ludo and Uno, have been adapted for smartphones and online devices, meaning you can still play with friends from afar or host family game nights during isolation. Ready to play? Check out these great games you can play now.

Saturday: Take a virtual tour of some amazing museums

The world’s a huge place, full of incredible things to see, but sometimes traversing the globe from the UAE to soak up the culture isn’t always easy, or possible. But now you don’t have to hop on an airplane to see the world’s most amazing art exhibitions, as they are coming to you, right here in the UAE. Here are 13 museums and art galleries that are digitally streaming exhibitions, artwork and historical artefacts straight into your home. Settle down and prepared to be immersed in culture.

Saturday: Relax and listen to an audiobook

We’re self-confessed bibliophiles and we love reading whenever we get some spare time. But we also enjoy a good audiobook – hearing a top actor or personality bringing the pages to life adds a new dimension to the experience. Here are some of the most popular audiobooks on audible.com and audiobooks.com to check out at home.