Visit the greatest show on Earth…
Opening its doors on 1 October, 2021 is Expo 2020 and it promises something new for everyone to experience. From being a food destination in its own right with more than 200 food and beverage outlets, the site will host 60 live events – including film nights, poetry readings, art activations, musical concerts, cultural tours, parades and interactive journeys for all ages. Learn more about countries around the world through immersive purpose-built pavilions and make it a learning experience for everyone. A foodie event to check out is The Future of Food: Epochal Banquet, where UK-based culinary experts Bompas & Parr will showcase a feast of aerogels and edible luminescence in a multi-sensory journey to challenge the meaning of the future of dining.
Clamber among trees…
The temperature is cooling down but here’s a way to make your evenings even cooler – and get your kids involved, too! Take advantage of the Summer Nights deal at Dubai’s Aventura Park until the end of September and keep that adrenaline pumping with 24 ziplines, six circuits, 80 obstacles, and over 1,640 metres of games. All six circuits are illuminated after sunset, turning the 35,000sqm Ghaf forest into a glowing wonderland. Whether you’re going in for the adventure or indulge in the nature trail where you can learn more about the region’s flora and fauna, there’s plenty of ways to connect with nature here.
Make it to the mountains…
Ras Al Khaimah has been making a name for itself in adventure and sustainable tourism, so there’s no better time to head out for the mountains in this northern emirate. Jebel Jais Adventure Peak offers a number of exciting adventure activities: from the Jebel Jais Flight to the Jais Sky Tour with seven ziplines and a 15m-long sky bridge, and the Jais Sky Maze, which is a suspended obstacle course with two levels of rope swings, wobbly bridges and more. Craving something more rugged? Head over to the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, which also includes the world’s first Bear Grylls branded accommodation, which is expanding this season. Plus if you just want to relax, 1484 by Puro – the highest restaurant in the UAE – is reopening after some enhancements. Want to see more? Head to the Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park – its seven viewing decks offer panoramic views of the Hajar Mountains. Also use these months to prep for the Highlander hikes that will go live in November this year.
Catch a movie…
Head outdoors to Madar at Aljada in Sharjah where you can pick between 15 food trucks to serve you food while you watch movies from the comfort of your car at this drive-through cinema. Get out and about before the movie starts as well; there’s an outdoor park that promises fun for little ones along with a skate park that’s great for older children. Be prepared to spend a few hours at this outdoor community area where there’s something to do for everyone – including experiencing a farmers’ market in the cooler months!
Head to a beach club…
Take advantage of cool night skies and head over to Drift Beach Dubai for a sumptuous Provençal-themed dinner while waves gently lap at the beachfront. Sit at the restaurant’s spacious terrace and try dishes such as yellowfin tuna tartare and poached globe artichokes for starters, before sampling signature mains such as lamb cutlets, seafood risotto or lobster pasta. End your al-fresco dinner on a sweet note with pain perdu, chocolate fondant or mille-feuille. With the Dubai Marina skyline in the distance, the beach club manages to give you a feeling of separation from the rest of the world.
