Things to do this weekend with the family in the UAE

The weather is getting better by the day, and so are the family-friendly offerings of UAE. From glowing park lights to the greatest show on earth, there’s so much to do over the weekend. Here’s a list of your very many options.

Mleiha Archaeological Centre offers visitors of all ages the chance to learn about the Emirate’s history. A visit to Mleiha allows you to step back in time and learn a whole host of information about the settlers in the region during the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, Iron, pre-Islamic, Islamic and modern ages. Want to experience something truly special? Stay over for an overnight retreat. The package includes sunset hatha, a guided meditation around the bonfire followed by a sunrise vinyasa session. Your package also includes a guided stargazing session, morning drive, and a delicious vegetarian dinner and breakfast. DETAILS: Offer on November 5, from 4.30pm-8am costs Dh700 (adult). Add a 20-minute horse ride for a young one for Dh100.

Celebrate Diwali at Swissôtel Al Ghurair this Friday. This weekend, Liwan Restaurant is offering a menu rich in Indian favourites such as Pani-Puri, chicken biryani, mutton roganjosh, gulab jamun and more. Exciting activities such as cooking classes, Zumba sessions and painting are also on hand to keep the little ones occupied. DETAILS: Dh175 per adult; Dh88 per child, from 12.30pm-4pm

Expo 2020 is not called the world’s greatest show for nothing – there are 192 country pavilions showcasing futuristic tech, there’s the world’s biggest 360-degree projection dome which projects shows, virtual reality and augmented reality segments and so so much more. Head on over this weekend for some Diwali fun. There are spectacular performances and even nicer food. DETAILS: Kids under 18 and those over 65 go free; one-day tickets are Dh95.

Are you a fan of Global Village? Us too! From fun rides that’ll have you screaming in delight to carnival games, 26 pavilions from various countries and food from across the world, this – mostly outdoor – space has something for everyone. DETAILS: Entry is Dh20 onsite and Dh15 online. Kids under three, people of determination, senior citizens go for free.

Dubai Miracle Garden is back with 150 million flowers arranged just so. There are stunning installations that are perfect for the ‘gram including a three-dimensional clock, a Guinness-award-winning Emirates A380 installation, an 18-metre floral structure of Mickey Mouse within the garden’s Disney Avenue and an ‘Umbrella Tunnel’. For those who like the little blue characters Smurfs, this time around there’s Smurfs Village too. DETAILS: Tickets start at Dh40 for kids; Dh55 for adults. For everything you need to know about Dubai Miracle Garden, go to https://gn24.ae/c8f6bb8e1ba9000

Dubai Garden Glow is now open for visitors: With its megawatt exhibition of garden sculptures, giant animal models that shine in the dark and an Art Park, there’s all sorts of picturesque moments to look forward to. When visiting with the family, don’t forget a tour of the dino park. DETAILS: Opens at 4pm. Tickets start at Dh45. For everything you need to know about Dubai Garden Glow, click here: https://gn24.ae/c90e6c433e3a000

Get the complete experience at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island: This option offers real value-for-money for a family of four. Staycationers not only get complimentary breakfast at Graphos Social Kitchen but also up to 25 per cent off on food and beverages, and access to Yas Theme Parks including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. DETAILS: Offer, which starts from Dh565, is valid until November 30.

Dubai Fitness Challenge: It’s time to get fit with the whole family. The fifth edition of the healthy campaign has a packed calendar of activities and events of free and inclusive fitness events, activities and classes across the city. Go to www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com to register.

Kids learn how to bake: Golden, crumbly biscuits – that’s what your child will learn to make at Jones the Grocer’s new baking class, which runs on weekends at stores in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. DETAILS: The Anzac Biscuit classes, which are one-and-a-half hours long, run till November 6 and cost Dh149 per kid. The price includes a chef’s hat, an apron and a reusable canvas bag. Timings: Usually 3pm or 4pm. For bookings, visit https://www.jonesthegrocer.com/events-i197