Weekend Getaways in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

(Image Credit: The National)

Excited about the holiday? I know we are!

Despite being a turbulent year, the UAE authorities and response from the UAE residents have been overwhelmingly positive and beneficial as a collective effort for the community. This year, we get to enjoy a three-day holiday and a total five-day weekend, in celebration of the Commemoration Day and the 49^th UAE National Day.

There will be loads of activities going on across the seven emirates. Whether you are planning for a staycation, lounge at the latest beach club, or check out a new restaurant – there will be plenty of options for things to do this week.

We have rounded up the best things to do in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for the long weekend. If you haven’t laid out your plans just yet, choose amongst our top picks!

Best Things To Do in Dubai during the National Day

Dubai Autodrome

Need for speed? Visit the Dubai Autodrome in Motor City this holiday for indoor and outdoor karting. Completed in 2004, Dubai Autodrome was the first fully-integrated motorsport and entertainment facility in the UAE. A new karting experience is designed to keep you safe on every lap out on the circuit. Other activities in the Autodrome include the LaserTag which features a unique Laserdrome where players can battle it out and the RaceRoom with the best virtual experience, driving dynamics and motor racing simulation. The Festive Promotion for the Festive Challenge Grand Prix is also back by popular demand until 6^th January 2021. Prices start at 305 AED. Call out your friends and enjoy the race!

Website: Festive Promotion - Dubai Kartdrome (dubaiautodrome.ae)

Dine at Al Seef

Al Seef is an exciting new destination in Dubai. Located on the Bur Dubai side along the Dubai Creek, Al Seef offers you contemporary elements with a twist of Emirati culture and heritage. Perfect to visit this National Day, Al Seef is steeped in Emirati history and boasts of traditional artifacts, souks, and restaurants. Dine along Dubai Creekside or better yet jump on the Bateaux Dubai for a dinner on top of the Dubai Creek waters. Take a stroll, dine and shop here at Al Seef with family and friends!

Website: Al Seef | Shopping, Restaurants & Cafes - Dubai Creek, UAE

Etihad Museum

For more cultural activities, pay a visit this National Day at the magnificent and futuristic Etihad Museum. Located in Jumeirah, on 2^nd December Street, you can make new discoveries about the UAE’s rich heritage. Visitors can explore the UAE history through the interactive pavilions, photos, films and more. Museum entry for an adult costs AED 25. Discover the UAE’s rich heritage before the union of the seven emirates on 2^nd December of 1971.

Website: Discover Etihad Museum - (dubaiculture.gov.ae)

IMG Worlds of Adventure

Theme parks will not be missed out on this list. The IMG Worlds of Adventure is a 1.5 million square feet facility making it the biggest indoor theme park on the planet. It is home to our favourite Cartoon Network characters and pretty awesome rides. Some of the highlights inside the park include the Velociraptor roller coaster, save the world before bedtime with the PowerPuff Girls Robot Rampage and join Ben 10’s world for a 5D Hero Time! Come celebrate National Day at IMG Worlds with unlimited rides for 175 AED plus a free food or Novo Cinemas voucher. This special offer is valid until 5^th December 2020!

Website: IMG Worlds of Adventure

Newly opened Aprons & Hammers Beach House

Planning to lounge on a beachfront, with a cold drink in your hand? Aprons & Hammers Beach House, their newest branch locatred in West Beach, Palm Jumeirah is now open to welcome you! Perfect for those who like to kick their feet up with a relaxing beach vibe. Aprons and Hammers, serves you with a seafood in a bucket filled to the brim. Check out this beachfront restaurant and get your aprons ready. Open daily from 12 PM to 12 AM.

Website: A&H (apronsandhammers.com)

Best Things To Do in Abu Dhabi during the National Holiday

Kayaking at The Louvre

An exciting and fun way to spend with your family and kids! Kayaking at The Louvre on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi now permits one child, from ages six to twelve, free of charge to join an adult on a kayak ride! Take your kids on a kayak tour around the Louvre for a unique experience they will truly never forget. A ticket for adults costs AED 126, with a child free of charge. All tickets must be booked in advance and strict safety measures are being followed. Kayaking sessions take place on Thursdays at 3 PM, Fridays, and Saturdays at 10 AM.

Website: www.louvreabudhabi.ae

Catching up over coffee at Café 302

Want to take the holidays slow? A popular Abu Dhabi café has launched a new deal for coffee at AED 5 a cup! Café 302 which is in Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana is offering espresso cups starting at 5 Dirhams. Other caffeinated drinks are available as well such as a Café latte, Americano, Mocha and Cappuccino for AED 10 at the venue. The offer is available until 31^st December. So, sip your cup of coffee and make this place your home for the holiday.

Website: Rotana Hotels and Resorts • Hotels in the Middle East, Africa & Turkey

Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival

Want to get cultured? Named after the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival is one of the best ways to celebrate Emirati heritage on the UAE National Day. Located in Al Wathba, Sheikh Zayed Festival highlights the history and union of the UAE through grand pavilions and highly traditional and international activities suitable for the whole family. There will be a showcase of folklore performances, wide selection of restaurants and food trucks, spectacular fireworks display and fountain show. There is a general admission fee of AED 5 and the festival will be running until the 20^th February 2021. Make this the highlight of your UAE National Day.

Website: Sheikh Zayed Festival

Yas Island Theme Parks

Get tickets to the Yas Island theme parks for less! Yas theme parks are offering a 49 percent discount for their “two parks ticket bundle” in celebration of the 49^th UAE National Day. Visit two theme parks of your choice at Yas Island. Theme parks include Yas Waterworld, Warner Brothers World, and Ferrari World. This is your chance to visit two parks for a bundle price of AED 220 per person! Available on the theme parks’ websites until 2^nd December and tickets will be valid until Christmas Day, 25^th December. Book now!

Websites: Find That Ferrari Feeling - Ferrari World Abu Dhabi; Water's Greatest Playground - Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi; Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi (yasisland.ae)

All-new Cove Beach

Cove Beach has now opened in Al Reem Island and is also open to the public. You can book a day pass to this membership beach club. The Cove Beach boasts of a stunning beachfront, three swimming pools, and lounge in this contemporary and Mediterranean beach club. The Cove Beach has over 100 outdoor seating restaurant and can host up to a thousand people. The 300-meter beach will also be home to water sports, water activities, and beach parties for guests to try. Pre-booking is required for all guests and strict regulations will be followed.

Website: Cove Beach