7 things to do with the family in UAE

As the cool winter winds still blow and the sun plays peek-a-boo in the skies, it’s time to get the family together for a holiday. Whether you are an outdoorsy gang that likes to go for hikes or enthusiastic about learning about culture, there’s a lot of options for you to explore.

Across the UAE, there are some things you can do in each emirate: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain.

1. Relax on a beach: Want to work on your tan as the kids play nearby? Yes, you can. Carry a small bucket and tiny scooper and you can make sandcastles together as you watch the waves gently lap the shores. Many beaches offer watersport options – and of course, beautiful sunsets.

2. Grill your own lunch: There are plenty of barbeque spots across the UAE where you can take your own marinated meat and cook it exactly as you like it. Look for parks, beaches and camping spots, some of which may even offer readymade infrastructure.

3. Animal encounters: In most emirates you’ll find petting zoos as well as curated encounters where you can meet, greet and sometimes, feed creatures that are native to the land or foreign visitors.

4. Air adventures: As the winds rush from one emirate to another, kicking up dust and sand, they do one more thing – they create an environment ripe for adventure sports such as parasailing and paragliding.

5. Desert safari: We know, we know, few people haven’t explored the desert safari option – and yet, there’s so much fun to be had out there. From dune bashing and photo ops for the Gram to eating by starlight as you see acts including belly dancing, there’s much to keep the whole family engrossed.

6. Theme parks: The UAE is rich in theme parks, with everything from rollercoasters and haunted houses to sweet treats and challenging games.

7. Spend a night under the stars: Have your own camping equipment? Spend a night under the stars with the whole family. For best results, download an app to help you demystify what you are looking at.