11 things for teenagers to do over the winter break in Abu Dhabi

From a new aquarium to the return of a family-friendly event, there's plenty to check out as the weather cools down in the emirate

Mother of the Nation festival, featuring a Dessert Museum, takes place over 10 days on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

If you’re staying in the UAE throughout December to enjoy the winter sun, there’s lots of fun to be had for all the family – even for teenagers.

As more things begin to open in Abu Dhabi, there are more chances to discover something new. Whether it's a visit to the Middle East's biggest aquarium or simply a chance to attend the Mother of the Nation (MOTN) festival after a two-year absence, there's plenty to do. There are also some old favourites that are worth a visit as the temperatures drop.

Here are 11 places teenagers can visit to keep busy this holiday season…

National Aquarium

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi opened to the public in November. All photos by Ruel Pableo for The National

It is the first attraction to open in Al Qana, a new waterfront destination.

Inside The Sub, one of 10 zones in the aquarium.

The Red Sea Wreck zone.

The UAE's Natural Treasures zone.

The Ring of Fire zone where guests can learn about volcanic caves and how islands are formed.

Children outside of the National Aquarium on opening day.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online. Prices start at Dh105 ($28).

Visitors explore the Red Sea Wreck zone.

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is set to be joined by other attractions at Al Qana.

The aquarium is home to 46,000 creatures, representing 300 species.

Covering more than 9,000 square metres, it is the largest aquarium in the Middle East.

An underwater tunnel at the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi.

Visitors can book the aquarium tour or a behind-the-scenes tour.

The Flooded Forest zone is home to Super Snake – a female reticulated python, aged 14, that weighs 115 kilograms.

Inside the Red Sea Wreck zone visitors can can come face-to-fin with hundreds of fish.

At the Atlantic Cave zone visitors can discover what really lives beneath the ocean's surface.

The Frozen Ocean zone.

The Ocean Magic zone.

Inside Bu Tinah Island zone.

The Ocean Magic zone contains a car filled with fishes.

The Flooded Forest zone.

The UAE's Natural Treasures zone explores the country's rich pearl diving history.

Plan a visit to the biggest aquarium in the Middle East. The National Aquarium is the first project to open its doors at Al Qana, a new destination in the capital that stretches across 2.4 kilometres of waterfront. The aquatic attraction, which was launched in November, is spread across 10 zones and is home to 46,000 creatures and 300 species. The wildlife is cared for by a team of 80 marine experts. In addition to the zones, there's also the chance to enjoy a more interactive experience that includes animal feedings.

Ticket start from Dh105; thenationalaquarium.ae

Zero Latency VR

'Outbreak Origins' is the newest zombie game to come to Zero Latency at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The safety protocol and tips to play are given during the pre-game briefing

Players are given a briefing before the start of the game

Players put on hair nets and eye masks in preparation for the game

Players are equipped with a headset, a backpack with a small compact PC in it, and a controller to blast away the zombies

'Outbreak Origins' is priced at Dh180 per person and for players aged 13 and over

Players can switch between an assault rifle and shotgun to blast away the zombies in the game

A staff member controls the game at Zero Latency, a free-roam multiplayer virtual reality entertainment site at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island

The controller used during the game offers great accuracy

Players immersed in 'Outbreak Origins' roam around the game space at Zero Latency

The game only lasts 30 minutes

A free-roam multiplayer virtual reality entertainment space, Zero Latency VR opened its first UAE branch in August at The Galleria Al Maryah Island. Up to eight people (aged 13 or older) can play with or against each other in a variety of immersive virtual worlds. The library includes more than half a dozen games such as Zombie Survival, Undead Arena and Far Cry VR.

Ticket start from Dh150; zerolatencyvr.com

MOTN Festival

MOTN returns after a two-year absence. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The popular family-friendly event returns to the Abu Dhabi corniche after a two-year hiatus owing to the pandemic. The event will be divided into six sections, with sub-themes reflected in structures, activities and installations. This includes the Inspire Space, which will house a Dessert Museum, MOTN Funhouse and an area dedicated to cosplayers. There’s also the Thrill Zone which has a skate and parkour park, VR gaming hub and Rick and Morty-themed laser tag. There will also be live entertainment and a food hub.

Until December 18; 4pm to midnight Sunday to Wednesday, 2pm to midnight Thursday to Saturday; tickets start from Dh25 online and Dh30 at the door; motn.ae

Fina World Swimming Championship

See some of the most elite swimmers in the world at Etihad Arena on Yas Island as they descend on the capital for the Fina World Swimming Championship. A host of Olympic medallists have been confirmed including six-time Olympic medallist and world champion Kyle Chalmers from Australia, Tokyo 2020 double gold medallist Tom Dean from Britain; world champion Daiya Seto from Japan; South Africa’s Matthew Sates, overall winner of the Swimming World Cup 2021; and Olympic breakout star Lydia Jacoby from the USA.

December 16 to 21; tickets start from Dh10 for heats and Dh25 for finals; etihadarena.ae

Hudayriat Island

Over the bridge to Al Hudayriat Island, an oasis of food trucks is becoming the place to be seen and to enjoy refreshments, including coffee from the Shot truck. Victor Besa / The National

The food truck area features a variety of cuisines, drinks and sweet treats to eat in your car or to take away for a walk on the beach. Victor Besa / The National

Rolled ice cream is a trendy, fun take on the classic dessert that can be found at Al Hudayriat. Victor Besa / The National

Mohammad Al Mazzrouie (left) and Mohammad Alomeariah enjoyed some freshly brewed coffee during their visit to Al Hudayriat Island. Victor Besa / The National

The popular Boutique ice cream truck sees long lines of customers waiting for their icy refreshments. Victor Besa / The National

Sunset at Al Hudayriat Beach is a busy time of the day, with residents coming out to enjoy the beach, walking, biking and even speed boxing. Victor Besa / The National

The relaxed atmosphere of Al Hudayriat Island feels like an oasis within the city, with plenty to do and amenities for visitors. Victor Besa / The National

Then it's just a quick hop -- or ride -- back over the Al Hudayriat bridge to the city. Victor Besa / The National

The leisure and entertainment district has myriad things to do including a bike park that offers different trails and Circuit X, an outdoor adventure hub, home to a BMX, Splash, High Ropes and Skate Park. There’s also cycling and joggling tracks as well as OCR Park, the largest permanent obstacle course site in the UAE. It has an adult and children’s course. But that's not all, there are also plenty of dining options that include a 24-hour cupcake ATM and Chips Oman ice cream.

hudayriyatisland.ae

Sheikha Fatima Park

A view of the city from Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak park in Khalidiya Abu Dhabi. All images by Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Children at the waterpark in the revitalised Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak community park in Khalidiya.

Elijah Charles, 11, from Canada visits often to skateboard at the recently opened public skate park at Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak park in Khalidiya.

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak park, in the heart of Abu Dhabi city, has a basketball court for residents and visitors to Khalidiya.

An evening stroll at Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak park in Khalidiya.

The park is a green oasis in the heart of the city.

The skate park at Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak community park in Khalidiya.

Visitors to the park can get a bite to eat or something to drink at the Sola Restaurant & Cafe.

Something for those with a sweet tooth at Sola Restaurant & Cafe in Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak park.

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak park in Khalidiya offers an air of peace in the bustling urban landscape surrounding it.

Visit the newly opened Sheikha Fatima Park in Khalidiya. The 46,000-square-metre family-friendly space comes with cafes, a dog park, a basketball court, a skatepark and splash pad zone. Boutique cycling studio Crank is also located next to the park. Some of the cafes and restaurants on offer include Sola Cafe, Seven Dawgs, Le Patchouli Cafe, Acai Ko Cafe, Starbucks, Teela House, Chocolate Republic, Coal Steakhouse, Social Restaurant and Crunch and Munch.

sheikhafatimapark.com

Kayaking in the mangroves

As the temperature drops, it’s an ideal time to get in touch with nature. Head over to the Eastern Mangroves and enjoy lunch at one of the outlets on the boardwalk before renting a kayak and exploring the mangroves with or without a guide. For the more adventurous, stand-up paddle boarding is also available. Make sure you don’t forget the sunscreen.

Dh168 for stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking; sea-hawk.ae

Jubilee Cultural Pass

The Jubilee Cultural Pass allows for access into a number of cultural institutions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi.

In celebration of the UAE’s 50th birthday, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has launched the Jubilee Cultural Pass, granting free or discounted access to a number of cultural sites and museums across the emirate. Each pass is valid for the holder as well as one adult. Those under 18 will be granted free entry.

The pass grants access to more than 13 cultural sites across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa, Qasr Al Hosn and the House of Artisans. The Jubilee Cultural Pass will also offer discounts at restaurants and cafes at cultural sites, including Larte Restaurant at Manarat Al Saadiyat and Barzet Yadoh Restaurant at Al Ain Oasis.

Dh50, abudhabiculture.ae

Sheikh Zayed Festival

A band performs at the opening of the 2021 Sheikh Zayed Festival at Al Wathba. All photos by Ruel Pableo / The National

Daily folklore performances from more than 21 countries took place.

The Miracle Garden at the Sheikh Zayed Festival.

The festival attracted visitors, entertainers and exhibitors from all over the world.

The Miracle Garden has been overhauled and expanded at the Sheikh Zayed Festival.

Light installations at The Miracle Garden. Ruel Pableo / The National

More than 4,500 international cultural events took place during the five-month festival.

Musicians performed at the opening of the event.

A special zone featured interactive displays highlighting some of the country’s most recent accomplishments.

The festival has augmented its Al Wathbah venue almost twofold, with dedicated districts for several countries.

A parade of different cultures.

Stands stocked with spices, foods, clothes, books and trinkets.

Halwa, a regional favourite, is among the must-try dishes on offer.

The cultural event honours the country’s customs and traditions.

Learn more about the history of the UAE by taking a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Festival which takes place in Al Wathba. The event celebrates the UAE’s cultural history, and showcases the diversity of its traditions while educating visitors about the legacy of the nation’s founder and the country’s arts, crafts, customs and food. Resembling a fort, the site will host international cultural pavilions, eclectic music performances and amusement park rides.

Until April 1; Dh5 for entry; zayedfestival.ae

Jubail Mangrove Park

Visitors look out over the mangroves at Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

Mangroves play an important environmental role in the the UAE.

The sun sets over Jubail Mangrove Park.

Jubail Mangrove Park reopened to visitors in October 2020, after it was closed to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The park first opened in January 2020 with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of mangroves in the UAE.

Residents take an evening stroll through the mangrove park at Jubail Island.

The one million-square-metre site features a winding boardwalk.

Put on comfortable trainers and take a stroll through the park. The one million-square-metre area features a winding boardwalk that allows for views of the mangroves spread out on all sides. The longest route is two kilometres, the mid-range option is 1.6km and the shortest route is one kilometre.

Along the way, spot local bird, fish and crustacean species. The walkway also has six educational nodes, or areas, including a floating platform with a see-through net to catch a glimpse of the marine life underfoot, a viewing tower, and a salt collector installation that emphasises the changing tides.

Open daily, 7am to 9pm; Dh15 for adults, Dh10 for those aged 18 and below; park.jubailisland.ae

Bounce

The new X-Park Ninja Obstacle Course at Bounce Abu Dhabi in Marina Mall. Courtesy Bounce Abu Dhabi

The course consists of 13 obstacles. Courtesy Bounce Abu Dhabi

Guests can choose to complete the course the way they want including as a timed circuit or just completing as many obstacles as they can. Chris Whiteoak / The National

They can also be as creative as they wish while trying to cross an obstacle. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The course is open to anyone over the height of 125cm. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The circuit has obstacles with varying degrees of difficulty. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Ticket prices start at Dh105. Chris Whiteoak / The National

If you’re looking to expend some energy, head over to Bounce in Marina Mall. In addition to a free-jump area, there’s also three new slacklines as well as a zip-line that reaches speeds of more than 30kmph and a speed slide that spans 40 metres in length. Get enough friends together and you can also book a game of Dodgeball.

Tickets start from Dh85; Saturday to Wednesday 10am-10pm, Thursday and Friday 10am to midnight; bounce.ae

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11 things for children to do over winter break in Dubai

10 things for teenagers to do over the winter break in Dubai