Hijri New Year is around the corner, which also means a long weekend. This is an opportunity to take a break, visit amazing places, and take part in the exciting activities that the UAE has to offer. With that in mind, we have compiled a list of places across the UAE you might want to visit.
Without a doubt, this New Year is not the same as the last one. Due to COVID-19, all the attractions mentioned below have reopened with new timings, limitations, and precautions. Nonetheless, you are guaranteed a lot of fun.
Aqua Fun
Located at the Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai is the world's largest inflatable water park. The interesting inflated structure consisted of 72+ obstacles to enjoy. From the bird's eye view, one can see the unique architecture spelling out 'I <3 DUBAI'. This water park allows you to have a unique experience with unlimited access. The tickets purchased gives you an all-day pass; you can play as much as you want, then go spend time on the beach and come back to the park for more fun any time during the day! Moreover, it is surrounded by many food franchises and restaurants.
Location: The Beach, JBR - Dubai
Contact Information: 0507849784
Al Ain Zoo
Are you an animal lover who wants to have the experience of visiting animals of different types and breeds, but also cares about the conditions these animals are kept in? Then Al Ain Zoo is the right place for you! Al Ain zoo is a 990-acre zoo located in the foothills of Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, UAE. The place is spacious enough for the over 4000 animals in it. Along with this, it is a great place to visit for the kids and adults alike, to enjoy, as well as get information they might not have known about animals. It is also an opportunity to gain interesting knowledge about the extinct dinosaurs. The zoo features a Big Cat House; lions; cougars; jaguars; black-spotted leopards; aquarium; Reptile House; Monkey Compounds; Dinosaur Trail; Aviary; Bird Show; restaurants; Bengal Tiger; chimpanzee; puma; Saltwater Crocodile and a lot more!
Location: Nahyan 1st Street, Abu Dhabi
Contact Information: 800 966, +97137992000
Hatta Dam
On a long weekend, Hatta is the perfect place to visit for some fresh air. It is just an hour away from the busy and buzzing city of Dubai. Hatta is a town located in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains. The Hatta Dam is the perfect serene spot to admire the stunning turquoise waters and rugged mountains. You can drive your car along the dam, hike up the path, and spend some relaxing time soaking up the natural beauty of the mountainous area. You can also get other exquisite activities done in the dam, such as kayaking and paddleboarding. At the location, visitors can also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Location: Hatta, Dubai
Contact Information: +971-56-616-2111 (Hatta Kayak)
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Want to experience the adventures of a mega themed entertainment destination? We got you! IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world's largest indoor amusement park in Dubai. The park is divided into five "epic zones"; these also include the prominent brands Cartoon Network and Marvel. Each zone is designed differently to cater to its respective theme. It features roller coasters, thrill rides, stimulation rides, and many other attractions and activities based on iconic cartoon characters and animatronics dinosaurs. Besides various themed retail stores and dining venues, it also has a 12-screen NOVO Cinemas complex. It is a great place for a family-day-out as it offers attractions for all ages. No one is 'too old' for IMG Worlds of Adventure.
Location: E311 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd, Dubai
Contact Information: 600 500 962 or +971 4 403 8888
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Located on the Saadiyat Island Cultural District, Louvre Abu Dhabi is a direct extension of the Louvre, Paris. It celebrates the connections between cultures and sheds light on our shared humanity through displayed artworks collected from all around the world. Designed as a 'seemingly floating dome structure', this art museum invites the world to come and experience the essence of humanity through the field of art. From the priceless, antique objects on display to the floors and the ceilings of the museum, everything represents 'art' inside the walls of Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Location: Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi
Contact Information: +971600565566
Eastern Mangroves Kayaking Tours
One of the things that is a must-try, is kayaking through the vast Eastern Mangroves, which characterises Abu Dhabi's coastline. One needs to experience the thrill of gliding through the calm waters full of wildlife. This is the perfect activity for outdoor enthusiasts. Venturing into the isolated mangrove forest, it is the right time to explore and discover the natural beauty of the land and heritage of Abu Dhabi. You will even get the chance of spotting rare birds, mammals, and unique marine life. Seahawk is one of the many water sports companies in Abu Dhabi that provide kayaking adventures.
Location: Zone 1 Eastern Mangrove, Abu Dhabi
Contact Information: +97126736688 (Seahawk)
Al Aqah Beach
We all know Fujairah is most famous for its beautiful beaches and undoubtedly, this list is incomplete without Al Aqah Beach. Al Aqah has its best beach with breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. This location is famous for its beach camping and water sports. Putting up a tent and camping under the stars on this beach needs to be on the to-do-list of everyone in the UAE. It offers opportunities for paddleboarding, scuba diving, and snorkelling.
Besides the countless restaurants and cafeterias around, visitors have the option of setting up their BBQ to enjoy traditional-style dinner. Washrooms are provided everywhere with these BBQ campsites. It is one of the best things to do if you're on a long weekend and wanting to get away from the city crowd and enjoy some peaceful time under the stars and exquisite sunset and the breathtaking mountains and clear water sea.
Location: Fujairah
Toroverde Jebel Jais Zip-line
Lastly, we conclude our list with the Toroverde - Jebel Jais Zip-line, the world's longest zip-line. It is one of the most thrilling experiences you can do on your weekend. The first step for the adrenaline seekers is to travel to the highest summit of the UAE. During your 2-hour drive to the top of the Jebel Jais Mountain, you will have the chance to stop at observation decks and admire the stunning views of the Hajar Mountains. This is the ideal long-drive for an amazing day to spend. The next step is the preparation centre where you are equipped with a harness, helmet, and GoPro. And finally, comes your most awaited flight. One can travel up to 90mph taking 2-3 minutes.
As you fly through the breathtaking mountains, the zip-line is the most exhilarating opportunity. Other than this Jebel Jais Flight, you can even try out the Jais Sky Tour and Jais Sky Maze.
Location: Jebel Jais, Ras al Khaimah
Contact Information: 07 204 6250, +971 (0)50 423 1542
About the Author
Ayesha AR is a fashion design student, working to fulfil her drive for being a part of the creative industry. What began as a hobby turned into a passion as she grew up. Preparing for medical studies her whole life, this brown girl didn't want to become another involuntary doctor, and so she dropped her passed medical entrance examination and pursued fashion design. She showcased her skills as a designer in the form of her up-cycled, sustainable 3-piece garment in FASTE 2019, which won her awards. She continues to learn and work hard to achieve her dreams.
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