No one does summer better than the UAE – your kids’ squeals as you check out these offerings will prove it. Today, we focus on the Abu Dhabi Summer Pass, a way to keep boredom at bay, all day, every day even as the mercury soars.
The all-access pass, by Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi, will take you across a variety of things to do, from roller coaster rides to painting classes, and is valid until August 31.
What will it cost?
The Abu Dhabi Summer Pass is priced at Dh599 for adults and Dh499 for children between 4 and 17 years of age. Kids under three get in free.
What are the COVID-19 requirements for an Abu Dhabi Visit?
For now, if you are fully vaccinated, you only need to present a vaccine pass.
So what does it entail?
Here’s a look at what the ticket delivers:
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
This is the season to really indulge the adventurer in the family. Check out the world’s quickest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa, which will see you going 240km/h in 4.9 seconds. Make sure when you are strapping into the Turbo Track that you have an empty stomach – you’ll make a giddy vertical climb in your seat before you take an epic fall to original position. Finally, spend some time at the Karting Academy, where you can hone your road skills as you – and the whole family – race around the 290-metre track. Where: Yas Island. Timings: Thursday to Tuesday: 12pm to 8pm; Wednesday 10am to 8pm.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Walk into a theme park out of a comic book. Here, not only will you see characters such as Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck but also get into some thrilling adventures. Compete for title of superhero in the Teen Titans Training Academy, which is full of rope bridges and climbing walls; go old school when you join Fred, Wilma and the gang on The Flintstones Bedrock River Adventure; or join the Fast and Furry-ous ride where you can see Wile E. Coyote on a wild chase. The theme park is indoors. Where: Yas Island. Timings: Wednesday to Sunday: 12pm to 8pm; Monday and Tuesday 10am to 8pm.
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
Dive into this adventure with the young ones - there are 40 rides to pick from. Plus splashing pools. Toddlers are bound to enjoy themselves in the paddle pool Yehal, which has slides and buckets for dunking but you could also check out the region’s largest wave pool or relax on sunbeds on Amwaj beach. And then there’s the Water Wars – divide yourself into teams and compete with water balloons. Where: Yas Island. Timings: Until July 8: Sunday to Thursday from 10 to 7pm; Fridays (Ladies Days): 1pm to 10pm; Saturdays: 10am to 9pm. July 9 to 12: 10am to 9om. July 12 to 31: Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 8pm; Fridays 15, 22, 29 July the park is open to the public from 9am to 4pm, then operates for Ladies Night from 5pm to 11pm; and Saturdays from 10am to 9pm.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The grand latticed building invites those interested in art for showcases from across time. There are permanent exhibitions and temporary ones too, including ‘Stories of Paper’, a historical tracing of the medium, which will remain until July 24. Over the weekends, the museum is host to ‘make and play’ sessions, where children can learn – and create – their own works of art, think flipbook, a helmet, a mask, a costume, or even a paper horse. Want to see the place in an unusual way? Book a kayaking ride for the family – where you’ll circle the intricately built building while getting in some exercise. Where: Saadiyat Island. Timings: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6.30pm; Closed on Monday.
Qasr Al Hosn
Treat your young ones to some history when you visit the oldest permanent structure in the city – the watch tower, which dates back all the way to the 1790s. Qasr Al Hosn comprises two large constructs: the Inner Fort (originally built in 1795) and the Outer Palace (1939). The premises has seen much traffic over the years as home to the ruling family, government meeting spot and even an archive. Currently it inhabits the role of a museum, telling of the UAE’s journey from pearling and fishing pioneer to global leader. Where: Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum St(2nd St). Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 9am–8pm; Friday: 2pm to 8pm.
House of Artisans
Near Qasr Al Hosn stands another educative module, a space that celebrates local art, culture and craft. Here, you can see Al-Sadu, a traditional form of weaving done by Bedouin women using wool. The patterns they created can be seen displayed on tents and camel accessories including saddle and straps. Another weaving technique that UAE is famous for is the Khoos, which employs date palm fronds to make a usually functional object such as table mats and date basket. Talli refers to the practice of embroidery that uses cotton or silk threads to create patterns for clothing helms. Where: F9J4+H3F Palace - next to Al Hosn. Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 9am to 8pm; Friday: 2pm to 8pm.
Qasr Al Watan
If you have ever wondered how royals live, a visit here is a must. Done up in tones of beige, honey, white and blue, this palace is really something to behold. There are of course some fantastic numbers to consider, it’s got the largest central dome in the country, for instance, located at a height equal to seven stories and with a diameter of 37 metres. And the House of Knowledge, which charts the journey of writing and proliferation of books in the region. Where: Al Ras Al Akhdar. Timings: Until June 30, 11am to 8pm (last entry at 6.45pm).
Al Ain Palace Museum
Travel back to 1937, before petroleum was discovered in the country, by going to the home of the UAE’s Founding Father; the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The on-site residences offer glimpses into royal life and the museum – which the space was converted to back in 2001 – has echoes of the UAE’s storied past. Pay attention to the constructs, all constructed using eco-friendly materials such as clay, adobe and plaster stones. Where: Hessa Bint Mohamed St. Timings: 9am to 7pm.
Al Jahili Fort
Once the summer home of the Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa the First, this fort, which is made with sun-dried mud bricks is a stunning example of old age architecture. Where: Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan St - Al Jahili. Timings: 9am to 7pm.
Cultural Foundation
Besides a number of exhibitions here, you’ll find plenty to entertain children; there are interactive programs and activities that aim to promote literacy, learning and creative thinking: think story time, Baby and Me, Tinker Tots and more. The classes keep changing so go to the website for the latest schedules. Where: Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum St(2nd St). Timings: Saturday to Thurday: 9am to 8pm; Friday 2pm to 8pm.
Al Qattara Arts Centre
The centre showcases artwork, but it’s also a place children can discover their passion by creating it. They can learn about pottery, calligraphy, drawing and painting in revolving workshops. The building itself is an ‘upcycle’ project that came out of re-developing the former mud brick tower called Bin Ati Al Darmaki House.When here, also visit the permanent display in the Qattara Archaeological Basement for a look at some ancient artefacts. Where: 124th St - Al Qattarah Timings: 9am to 8pm.
Berklee Abu Dhabi
Hop aboard the performing express at Berklee, where kids can take on ballet or sound engineering classes or even learn contemporary dance. This summer, explore – it’s all about discovering your child’s passion. Where: Al Saadiyat Island. Timings: 9am to 9pm.
Wondering how you’ll get everything done? Don’t worry, the pass gives you complementary transport within the city! This summer, it’s going to be a cool holiday.
