8 out-of-this-world kids’ experiences in Abu Dhabi

Home to the helicopter Uber, the world’s fastest rollercoaster and a gold-dispensing vending machine, Abu Dhabi is no stranger to the extraordinary. Here are eight must-dos for families to make the most of the UAE capital.

1. Become an artist

Kids will love spending the day exploring family-focused exhibitions and interactive workshops at Louvre Abu Dhabi. The Children’s Museum spans two floors under the Jean-Nouvel designed dome, which seems to float on water. Curated just for visitors aged six to 12, little van Goghs get hands-on learning artistic techniques to inspire their creative spirits. Workshops are conducted in Arabic and English, and focus on themes that show how much children on opposite sides of the world have in common.

2. Bring work to life

Remember the days of playing doctor or fireman, immersed in your character without a care in the world? The recently opened KidZania Abu Dhabi brings these roles to life, giving children aged one to 14 the chance to spend a day working in a hospital, police station, beauty salon or radio station. With its own proprietary currency (“kidZo”), KidZania gets children thinking about bank accounts, savings and interest through role-play, allowing them to learn in a fun, friendly environment.

3. Peek inside one of the city’s most incredible buildings

Pay a visit to the gilded halls of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest and most extravagant mosques in the world. Little jaws will hit the floor as they learn about Emirati culture amid walls of white marble and stroll through landscaped gardens. Next, even young travellers will be thrilled by a visit to the lavish Kempinski hotel, Emirates Palace, which is home to a vending machine that dispenses gold.

4. Take a step back in time

Journey through Abu Dhabi’s traditional souks, where spices, silks and perfumes are traded today as they have been for centuries before. Practise your bartering skills as you journey through the markets, and perhaps buying traditional garments or a dallah (an Arabian coffee pot). In Souk Al Zafarana, Mubdia Village is dedicated exclusively to women and staffed by female shopkeepers, and makes for a culture-rich mother-daughter bonding opportunity.

5. Go on a desert safari

Follow in the footsteps of Bedouins on a private tour of the Abu Dhabi desert. An experienced driver will chauffeur you from your hotel to the towering dunes for a series of high-octane thrills. Ride a camel, try your hand at sand-skiing and top off the day watching the sun set over the desert. The tour includes a visit to a traditional Arabian Bedouin camp, where families can enjoy tea and dates with locals.

6. Meet the powerful falcons

The falcon is an icon of the UAE and a crucial player in Emirati history. In years gone by, Bedouins would rely on these birds of prey to hunt in the harsh desert landscape. Join a Falcon World Tour at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital to learn all about their important historical role and the art of their training. You’ll also witness these extraordinary birds flying free in the aviary. At maximum airspeeds of 390 kilometres per hour, it’s a sight little ones are unlikely to forget.

7. Search for pearls

For centuries, harvesting pearls was a crucial part of life in the Arabian Gulf; early divers are said to have ventured to depths of up to 20 metres with little more than a nose peg. Book an expedition on a traditional pearling dhow and explore this history brought to life with demonstrations of pearl diving, oyster opening and the use of a traditional oyster knife. Along the way you may spot flamingoes, and families can take home the pearl they find as a keepsake.

8. Gain VIP access to the Formula 1 Grand Prix

Enjoy prime seating at Abu Dhabi’s most exhilarating event of the year, held at Yas Marina Circuit. Motor enthusiasts big and small won’t be able to contain their excitement as they are escorted to the international event in luxury transport, with tours available to lap up the race’s history. Or, head to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park and home of the world’s fastest rollercoaster.

This article originally appeared in Five Star Kids magazine. To subscribe to the latest issue, click here.