Amanda PhillipsAlong the northern coast of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is ready to greet visitors along the Arabian Gulf. A city split between the mainland and a cluster of islands, it’s a playground of attractions, shopping and entertainment where no visitor ever complained of boredom. A popular destination all year round due to its golden sands and glistening sun, the summer months however are welcomed by an Emirate-wide itinerary of entertainment, perfect for all members of the family.
1. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
The world’s largest indoor theme park is home to an eclectic mix of Ferrari-themed rides and attractions. Under its eye-catching roof lies both the world’s fastest rollercoaster and highest rollercoaster loop – not for the faint-hearted. For calmer family-members who aren’t into adrenaline-rushing rides, there is instead the massive Ferrari-branded shop and authentic Italian restaurants.
2. Al Ain Zoo
Al Ain Zoo is home to 180 animal species, 30% of which are considered endangered. Children and the rest of the family can get up close to the animals through the giraffe feeding and camel riding programmes in the grounds that are designed to reflect the animals’ natural habitats.
3. Marina Eye
Dominating the skyline of the Corniche and located alongside one of Abu Dhabi’s most-visited shopping centres, this eye-catching Ferris wheel has 42 capsules that provide unbeatable views of the city. Afterwards, head into the Marina Mall for some fashion-conscious shopping, eclectic dining, and some bowling.
4. Observation deck at 300
Take in the sights of Abu Dhabi and the surrounding islands from the 300m above sea level observation deck in Tower 2 at the Etihad Towers complex. Visitors can also sip on refreshments and even treat themselves to a High Tea while enjoying the views.
5. Live shows
This summer watch your kids’ favourite characters come to life in live performances throughout Abu Dhabi. Hello Kitty will be gracing the city with the world-premier of her new Fashion and Friends show during July plus Alvin and the Chipmunks will be performing their stage debut in August. If there’s a young dinosaur fan in your family, take them along to the interactive exhibition featuring life-sized replicas of these prehistoric creatures running in the second week of July.
6. Mother of the Nation Park
The Abu Dhabi landscape is home to a stretch of tranquil parks, with Mother of the Nation Park being the largest and oldest. It is located right in the heart of the city and features a Shade House, Animal Barn, Amphitheatre, Great Lawn, Botanic Garden, Children’s Garden and Evening Garden.
7. Al Ain National Museum
To learn more about the history of the emirate, head to the Al Ain National Museum with some displays dating back to the third millennium BC. Outside is Al Ain Oasis, a hub of walkways decorated by palm plantations with streams of water feeding into the tropical paradise.
8. Behind the Scenes at Yas Marina Circuit
Abu Dhabi is a hub for motorsports racing and fans would be hard pressed to pin-point a better holiday experience than this. Receive a behind the scenes tour inside the Yas Marina Circuit, one of the world’s most advanced motorsports centres.
9. Hili Fun City
The Gulf’s very first theme park still remains a firm family-favourite to this day. Located in Al Ain, Kili Fun City boasts over 30 attractions with plenty of gentle rides for small kids and a few fast adrenalin-rushing rides for adults. The park has also been newly renovated and is home to an Olympic-sized ice rink, picnic areas and plenty of cafés to grab some lunch.