Eid Al Adha is just around the corner and that also means, there’s a 6-day long weekend coming up! In celebration of the occasion, there are plenty of interesting activities to try out across the Emirates. Here are some fun things to do in the UAE over the long weekend.
1. Watch A Cinema While Kayaking
UAE-ites can now paddle around under the canopy of the Jean Nouvel dome and watch a short film. The Kayak-in cinema is launched by Louvre Abu Dhabi Children’s Museum and Sea Hawk. The shows will take place on June 26 and July 3, at 6, 7 and 8 PM. If you are looking forward to this, then you must know that the price, inclusive of Kayak rental, is AED 126 for adults and kids. The tickets can be booked via sea-hawk. ae website, so hurry!
2. Drive To The Top Of Jebel Jais
UAE’s highest peak can never go off our list! Jebel Jais, known as the highest peak of the UAE is part of the Hajar mountains which were formed 70 years ago in the eastern part of Ras Al Khaimah and Oman. Mounting at 1,934 meters above sea level, this peak is known for its breathtaking views, exciting adventures, and much more. And the best thing about Jebel Jais is that the weather here is always more pleasant than sea level.
There’s also a 4 km hiking trail that offers unrivalled views. The mountain is at a height of 1,300 metres, and once you’re at the peak, you can find a beautiful 180 degrees view of the entire mountain. The trip takes about 2/3 hours to complete and the difficulty level is low. It takes approximately 2 hours to get there.
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3. Enjoy An Authentic Arabic Dining Experience Under the Stars
Middle East’s award-winning desert resort Bab Al Shams takes you on an authentic Arabic culinary journey. Explore the sights, sounds and tastes of Arabia set amidst the enchanting dunes right here in Dubai. Al Hadheerah, the resort’s Arabian Nights-themed dining venue, looks straight out of a fairy tale.
Dine under the beautiful desert sky as you tuck in traditional Emirati cuisine. The resort’s culinary team offers diners a carefully crafted menu that offers barbecue of finest quality meats over live cooking stations, wood-fired ovens and spit roasts, all set in socially distanced settings. Amplifying the experience further is a relaxed shisha experience, perfect for while away time with friends and family.
On the menu, foodies can binge on traditional Emirati dishes in an Instagrammable setting, overlooking the Dubai desert. Hop around 10 live cooking stations which serve Lamb Ouzi as well as other delectable seafood, poultry and vegetarian dishes.
In addition, there are other Emirati favourites including Manakish, over 5 varieties of meats grills, an elaborate buffet station featuring local Emirati, Moroccan and Egyptian delicacies, as well as unmissable Arabic desserts including kunafa, date pudding, umm ali and a selection of Arabic ice cream.
And that’s not all! Apart from taking you on a one-of-a-kind culinary journey, the restaurant also has live entertainment where the region’s popular singers, Oud players, percussionists, and belly dancers liven up the evening. Besides, guests can also witness dazzling falconry displays, camel caravans, horse shows and Tanoura dancers come together for your entertainment.
The dining experience starts at AED 325 per person and includes soft beverages. The experience is priced at AED 162.5 for kids aged 4-11 years. Children under three years dine for free. The above price is valid until 30 September 2021.
More than just a culinary experience, Al Hadheerah is a place that offers authentic Arabic experience in the middle of the desert.
Deets
Location: Al Qudra Road
Timings: Daily from 7 pm till midnight
Cost: AED 325 per person daily including soft beverages; AED 162.5 per child of age from 4 to 11 years old.; Children from under 3 dine for free
Contact: +971 (0)4 809 6194
4. Check Out The Moon Lake
Dubai-ites pack your bags and head straight to Al Qudra lake to catch the sight of the stunning moon-shaped lake. With Ramadan going on, there’s no better time to spot a crescent moon than too in the middle of the dessert. It is nestled right next to the pink lake of RAK, which again is a delight to the eyes.
The moon lake is nestled between white sand dunes and trees surrounding it. So if you are from Dubai or are visiting Dubai, this place and varied others lakes are a must on your list. And if you are a photographer, what are you waiting for? Pack your drone and visit this place right away. Meanwhile, Bear Grylls Explorers Camp is now allowing guests to stay overnight. The explorer camp has nine recycled and redesigned cabins with a unique outdoor lodging. The cabins are designed in a way where the guests can enjoy more of the outdoors activities than just staying put in the rooms. Guests can also enjoy activities including instructor-led survival courses, mountain biking and climbing, as well as self-guided and instructor-led hikes.
5. Spam Your Gram At The Salt Lake
Situated a mere 40-minute drive away from the Abu Dhabi city, along the Abu Dhabi – Al Ain highway lies a stunning water body, inhabited by more than 250 species of plants and birds. The Al Wathba reserve was once a coastal salt flat (sabkha). However, it has now flourished into natural and man-made lakes that enable many of Abu Dhabi’s wildlife species to thrive.
The Al Wathba reserve is home to more than 250 species of birds, 37 plant species and varied types of dragonflies and damselflies. The reserves also have walking tours that let you explore the place on foot. You can take a self-guided tour, and a bird hide equipped with binoculars and a telescope.
While there are many birds and distinct species, this place is particularly renowned for the abundance of Greater Flamingos, with as many as 4,000 living there during autumn and spring. Now ain’t that cool? The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, which manages the site, has purposefully kept the reserve as raw as possible, so you will love walking around the area.
Also read: 5 Hidden Gems Every Tourist Must Visit In Abu Dhabi
6. Go Snorkelling At Snoopy Island
One of the various things that you can do at Snoopy Island is Snorkelling. You can get up close and touch the fishes while you go snorkelling at the island. Head to the beach hut at the sandy beach and take you snorkelling gear on rent while they take you up close to the mountain.
