UAE: As temperatures dip, take these trips

If there’s one thing you can say about the UAE, it’s this: you will never be bored here. Whether it’s a road trip or animal meet and great, museums or a penchant for shopping, your to-do lists will never be so supplied. So change your phone batteries and get ready to roll … you are going to want to take pictures of this trip.

Museum of the Future: This 77-metre tall building on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road is home to seven floors dedicated to a time yet to come. The façade, an ode to Arabic culture and calligraphy, is a photographer’s dream but what lies indoors is nothing to be sneezed at either: Sections traverse space travel and living; education, climate change and ecology; as well as health, wellness and spirituality. There’s a kids’ floor too, where the leaders of tomorrow can start brainstorming solutions today. Tickets: Dh145; kids under three, senior Emirati citizens, people of determination and one accompanying caregiver go free. Timings: 10am-6pm.

Jais Sledder: Rush down Jebel Jais in a sweeping arc, secure in the knowledge that you are fastened securely to your seat. The region’s longest toboggan ride, Jais Sledder, is 1,885 metres in length and races through the Hajar Mountains, offering riders unprecedented vistas of the neighbouring ground. Got kids? As long as they are older than three, they can ride along with a parent. Tickets: Dh40 for one ride, Dh90 for three (adult). Timings: 9am-5.30pm.

Sharjah Safari Park: More than 50,000 animals call this space home. The newly-opened safari park is the largest safari park outside Africa! Among the wildlife you can spot gazelles, giraffes, African wild turtles, crocodiles, lions, rhinos, African rock python, elephants and flamingos – take your binoculars along. Tickets: Start at Dh15. Timings: 8.30pm-6.30am.

Less than a month remains until the curtains close on Expo 2020 Dubai and there’s lots of check out over the weekend. From visiting hundreds of country pavilions, to concerts, digging into some amazing global food options, there’s something for everyone.

Dubai Hills Mall is home to the worlds fastest indoor roller coaster, The Storm. Daredevils will be carried high above Dubai's skyline and then thrown into the midst of an epic mega-storm using real-world cinematic special effects. Riders must be at least 130cm tall to board. The price of a ticket is Dhs49 per person.

Palm Jumeirah at Palm West Beach: Race to the beach for sun, sand and a splash of water. There are cool views of Dubai for the camera, a promenade for those who like long walks and plenty of eateries for the foodie in you. Some spots allow pets too, so this really is one for the entire family.

Yas Bay Waterfront: This Abu Dhabi hot spot is home to Etihad Arena and the recently Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, shops, eateries, boardwalks and enough shops to help you spend the day in cool new wares. Fancy a movie? There’s a cinema here too!