Looking forward to the weekend in Abu Dhabi? Silly question. If you’re getting ready to turn your out of office on, then have a read of our top recommendations of family-friendly things to do with the family in the capital this weekend.
The summer holidays may be in full swing for the kiddos, but mums and dads need a break too. From kid-friendly staycations and new family film releases to thrills and spills at a popular theme park, we’ve got your weekend covered.
So grab the kiddos and get planning your family-friendly weekend in Abu Dhab with these five brilliant things to do.
Go on an exciting staycay at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Looking for a new hotel to staycation at this weekend? you’re in luck! The family-friendly Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is offering an active getaway for the whole gang with free access to Yas Island’s theme parks. Rates for the ‘Ultimate Staycation’ start from Dhs429 per person, per night and includes breakfast and access to either Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Yas Waterworld or Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi for the day and there are also optional add-ons to visit some of Abu Dhabi’s most popular attractions including Qasr Al Watan, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi.
From Dhs429 (per person, per night – sharing in a double room). Ongoing. Yas Bay, Yas Marina www.yasisland.ae (02 208 6888).
Head off on a family staycation to Emirates Palace
A night in a palace? Oh, go on then. This summer, UAE residents can take advantage of up to 20 percent off the best available rates at Emirates Palace including breakfast for two. If you’re staying for two consecutive nights, you can get 50 percent off the second night with breakfast included too. Best of all, the hotel has an awesome kids club where little ones under 12 can expect to find henna art, face painting and educational activities. Kids older than 12? Don’t worry, there are lots of cool activities for the tweens and teens too, in fact there’s even a kid’s spa. There’s a child-friendly beach and harbour, huge lagoon-like pools, plus spa, tennis courts and gym. With playgrounds, sports and waterslides, there’s plenty to keep children entertained and if your kiddos are between six and 12, you’ll get 50 percent off extra beds. As an added bonus, kids menus are available across all restaurants apart from Hakkasan and children under six get free breakfast.
Prices vary. Until Tue Aug 31. Emirates Palace, Corniche, mandarinoriental.com/abu-dhabi (02 690 8888).
Stargaze
If you’ve ever been camping with the kiddos in the UAE then you know there are no night skies that compare to a starlit desert sky. But what if you want to get a closer look? Sharjah’s Mleiha Archaeological Centre has launched mobile sky watching, which allows you to explore the night sky from your preferred location. You’ll get to use a high-definition telescope with the assistance of an expert guide, all from whichever campsite you choose. the stargazing session will take place for two hours any time after sunset until 9pm. You will need to make a booking at least 24 hours in advance and the Mleiha team will complete the preparations in advance. The experience will set you back Dhs1,650, but if you’re an avid stargazer you’ll want to add this to your bucket list.
Dhs1,650. Locations vary. Mleiha Archaeological Centre www.discovermleiha.ae (06 802 1111).
Thrill seek at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi
Gather your family and head to this massive indoor theme park for a special summer offer. You can meet all your fave Warner Bros. characters (hi, Tom and Jerry) as well as ride some crazy-scary rides – and what’s even better is there’s a UAE residents’ family and friends deal. Buy a four-person pass and you’ll pay for only three tickets – so your fourth member is free. More than four of you going? You’ll get 25 percent off regular prices for the extra tickets.
Prices vary. Open daily noon-8pm. Until Dec 31, 2021. Yas Island, wbworldabudhabi.com.
Watch Jungle Cruise at the cinema
It feels like we’ve been waiting for the release of this long-delayed actioner starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. Well, it’s finally coming to the cinema this weekend, woohoo. Set during the early 20th century, a riverboat captain named Frank (Dwayne Johnson) takes a scientist (Emily Blunt) and her brother on a mission into the Amazon jungle to find the Tree of Life, which is believed to possess healing powers. All the while, the trio must fight against dangerous wild animals and a competing German expedition.
Jungle Cruise opens in cinemas across Abu Dhabi on Thursday July 29, 2021.
For more top things to do with the kids in Abu Dhabi, click here.
