Hands in the air if you’re ready for the weekend… Yep, we are waving ours around like crazy. Bring it on!
And we’ve got some – five to be precise – excellent things for you to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend with the kids.
There is lots going on to help you make the most of your time together with the whole crew.
So whether you’re looking art and culture, super family-friendly staycations, perfect pool days or a decent Friday night fish supper with the kiddos, we’ve got you covered.
Chill out by the pool at Yas Links Golf Club
Fancy spending the weekend cooling down in a temperature controlled pool splashing around with the little ones? Swing over to Yas Links Golf Club where pool access at the weekend is Dhs100 for all-day access to the pool with Dhs100 credit for food and beverages. Kids between six and 12 receive 50 percent off entry, and best of all the tiniest tots under six get in absolutely free. Don’t forget the factor 50 and the pool toys.
Sun-Thu 8am-4pm: Dhs75 (full amount back in credit to spend on F&B), Fri-Sat 8am-7pm: Dhs100 (full amount back in credit to spend on F&B), half price (kids between six and 12), free (kids under six). Yas West, Yas Island (02 404 3077).
Get arty at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Want to get the kiddos involved in a spot of culture? Louvre Abu Dhabi is laying on a whole schedule of activities where teens can meet an artist, create 3D art, work on their own version of the collection and more. There are two two-hour arty slots to choose from on Friday and Saturday at either 10.30am or 3.30pm. The price of the ticket includes all the materials you’ll need as well as access to the museum galleries.
Dhs132 (18-25 years), Dhs100 (kids 13-17). Wed-Sat 10.30am-1.30pm or 3.30pm-6.30pm. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island (600 565566).
Go brunch at Dino’s Italian Bistro
Can’t make your mind up on what day you want to do brunch? Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at this Italian eatery, you can devour as many slices of pizza from Dhs190. Bellissimo.
Dhs190 (soft drinks), Dhs250 (bubbly), 50 percent discount (kids between six and 12), free (under six). Thu 6pm-11pm. Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (02 307 5551).
Head off on a family staycay at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
Kids love a day trip out to Bab Al Shams? UAE families can head to this family-friendly hotel for a brilliant desert escape. Rates start from Dhs449 per night for a family of three (two adults and one kid under three years old) and includes a stay in a superior room with the choice to upgrade the staycay to include breakfast or the half-board package with breakfast and dinner at Al Hadheerah, 25 percent off food and drinks. Activities like tennis, archery, and horse riding are also included in the offer so you can keep the little ones busy and active, which always makes for an easy bedtime.
From Dhs449 (per night), Dhs549 (with breakfast), Dhs649 (half board). Ongoing. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, Al Qudra Road (04 809 6150).
Introduce the kids to proper fish at chips at The Chippy
You can’t beat a proper fish and chip supper on a Friday night and it’s time to show the kiddos what they’ve been missing. Pile the whole gang into the car and whizz them over to The Chippy. Just be prepared that they may well want you to make it a regular Friday night thing every week. Read our full review here.
Sun-Wed noon-11pm, Thu noon-midnight, Fri noon-10pm, Sat noon-10.30pm. Unlicensed. The Walk at Al Seef Village, Khalifa Park Area (02 443 3010); Mangrove Place, Al Reem Island (02 444 7066).
