Are you ready for the weekend? It’s time to kick-back, relax and enjoy a good fam-jam. Whether you’re looking for a scare-tastic new ride to try, wallet-friendly staycation, or fun things to do that the whole family can enjoy, look no further than this list.
Check out the new exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi Children’s museum
Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Children’s Museum is reopening Friday June 18 with a fascinating exhibition: Emotions! The exhibition helps kids identify and explore their feelings through artwork and immersive experiences. The artistic adventure features ten artworks and multiple interactive stations that will help them communicate how they feel. Designed for children aged four to ten, the exhibition combines entertainment with education across three floors of immersive experiences, games, and play areas. It’s free for children below 18, and its regular admission for adults. Book your tickets for the opening on Friday.
Dhs65 (adults) Free (under18); Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island. (600 565566).
Emirates Palace has new staycation deals for families
There’s nothing better than a staycation getaway with the family. If you’ve always wanted to stay at Emirates Palace with the family, here’s your chance. Take advantage of a special package curated to make sure the whole family enjoys their stay. Enjoy the world-class restaurants, two pools, state-of-the-art fitness centre, and luxurious Emirates Palace Spa. Prices start at Dhs1895 per night in the coral room. A second room can be booked with a 50 percent discount when occupied by a family member. You are guaranteed connecting rooms, as well as one rollaway bed for kids up to 12 years old. Enjoy a free breakfast at Le Vendome Restaurant or from the comfort of your suite. Kids under 12 eat free with every paying adult, and you can access the kids’ camp for up to two children, all additional children will get 20 percent off.
Dhs1895 (coral room). Ongoing. Emirates Palace, Corniche (02 690 9000).
Arabic Calligraphy for children at the Cultural Foundation
Do you know a great little artist? On Thursday from 4pm to 6pm, The Cultural Foundation is hosting an Arabic Calligraphy for kids aged eight to 12. Develop your child’s calligraphy skills, by learning the techniques of basic lettering, to help improve their handwriting and develop appreciation for the Arabic language, led by artist and calligrapher Mohammed Mandi. This workshop is part of a series of workshops for kids by The Cultural Foundation, so if calligraphy isn’t your child’s thing, they’ll find something that piques their interest among the many workshops on offer. A package of four workshops costs Dhs200.
Dhs200 for four workshops; The Cultural Foundation, Al Hosn, culturalfoundation.ae/en/event/arabic-calligraphy-for-children
Try the scarecrow scare raid ride at Warner Bros World
Are you ready for a thrill? Try the Scarecrow Scare Raid at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi this weekend. The park has revamped and scaled up the terror for the Scarecrow Raid ride, where 24 brave guests ascend a central column that rotates in a clockwise motion, while the ride’s arms rotate in a 360-degree motion for a ride that’s full of unexpected twists and turns. Scream your head off as a family at this indoor park – perfect for a June weekend.
From Dhs295. Open daily noon-8pm. Yas Island (600 511115).
Write a story together for the Emirates Literature competition
Do you know a young writer or creative? Emirates Literature has launched its annual young writer’s competition for kids in English and Arabic. The competition is open to all full time students enrolled at school, college, or universities in the GCC and winners will have their stories published in an anthology. The competition is divided into age-specific categories: 11 and under, 12-14, 15-17, and 18-25. The theme for 2021 is “Here Comes the Sun,” and the deadline for submissions is Wednesday November 3. Have fun being creative together and encourage their love of learning by reading and writing together.
Read the full scoop about the competition here.
Competition ends Wednesday November 3. www.elfdubai.org/en/home
Try out the new M&S food hall in Yas Mall
Fancy a Colin the Caterpillar cake? Head to Yas Mall this weekend to the newly opened M&S Food Hall. Colin the Caterpillar is accompanied by more than 1,500 other Marks & Spencer food items. Take the family to the M&S café for a smoothie, soup, sandwich, cake, tea, or even fish and chips. You can also pick up some specialty cheese with more than 35 cheese products to choose from – as well as antipasti and desserts. The relaunched store covers a whopping 25,000 sq ft with a new look and feel. It’s a great place to shop for the whole family.
Yas Mall, Yas Island www.marksandspencer.com/ae/
Make art together for the Abu Dhabi International Airport art competition
Children, teens, and adults can enter the Abu Dhabi International Airport art competition. The #ArtPortChallenge is open to artists of any nationality and to anyone over the age of six. Nine winners will be chosen from three categories: children, teenagers, and adults. Winners will have their work displayed on billboards outside of the airport, and will have the opportunity to show their work at a specific event at the French Pavilion during Expo 2020 Dubai. All artists must respond to the theme: how will we travel in the future? Applications need to be sent online via email to artportchallenge@if-uae.com by Saturday June 26. You will also need to fill in a registration form and attach it to your email. To register visit the website.
Read the full story about the competition here.
