If you’re staying in the UAE throughout December to enjoy the winter sun, there’s lots of festive fun to be had for the entire family – particularly the younger members.
After previous years of cancellations, winter markets and festivals are back in 2021, with the chance to chill out without getting chilly at street parades and stage shows, art installations and winter gardens.
Here are 10 places to visit, activities, shows and parades to keep teenagers occupied this Christmas …
1. Hatta Dome Park
The park, which opened in April, features 15 dome-shaped luxury tents with panoramic views of the Hajar mountains. The tents on-site are all identical in layout and offer the same views. They are 40 square metres and come with a full range of amenities, including a television, Wi-Fi and a mini fridge.
The rooms are designed to accommodate up to two adults and two children by offering a king-sized bed, as well as two single sofa beds. Each dome tent also comes with its own barbecue and fire pit within a large terrace space.
Located a short walk from Hatta Wadi Hub, there are plenty of activities to try, including kayaking, mountain biking, trampoline jumping, zip lining, wall climbing, paragliding and more. There are also food and beverage options on-site, as well as a variety of food trucks.
Hatta Wadi Hub; visithatta.com
2. Sky Views Dubai, Address Sky View
The three-part attraction, which comprises an observatory, glass slide and edge-walk experience, will be a great adrenalin-filled activity for older kids. The new attraction at the Address Sky View hotel in Downtown Dubai only opened last month.
The observatory transports visitors via a panoramic glass lift to level 52. From there, they walk up a spiral staircase to level 53 to take in impressive views of Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai and Sheikh Zayed Road. The hotel's twin towers are connected at level 53 via a 46-metre glass walk providing a number of vantage points for photos.
The Sky Views Glass Slide is encapsulated in transparent glass and propels visitors from level 53 to 52. The slide is also transparent below and on the sides, offering 360-degree views.
Then there's the Sky Views Edge Walk experience. Strictly for the brave of heart, visitors can stroll hands-free along the ledge of the 53rd floor, and also leads them outside the building, for a barrier-free view.
Visitors will be equipped with a safety harness and must complete a briefing before stepping out on the ridge, which is located 219.5 metres above the ground. Sky Views Dubai is best visited at sunset and is open to thrill seekers of all ages.
Daily, from 10am to 10pm, Address Sky Views Tower 1, Downtown Dubai. Dh55 for children (Dh65 around sunset), Dh65 for adults (Dh85 around sunset), and Dh699 for the Sky Views Edge Walk experience; skyviewsdubai.com
3. The Zone, Jumeirah Village Circle
Spread across 1,500 square metres, this action-packed family entertainment arena is for all ages. With attractions for toddlers, teenagers and adults, activities include a state-of-the-art arcade games area, with a number of redemption games and immersive VR games such as Star Wars Light Saber Dojo VR, where a player can face-off with Darth Vader in a sabre challenge.
Game packages start at Dh100; open daily from 10am-10pm; thezonearcade.com
4. The Arena Games, DIFC
This new gaming attraction vows to take virtual reality to the next level. With 13 virtual games, up to eight players can take part as a team once, whether it's trying to survive a zombie attack or becoming famous assassin John Wick, a character made famous by Keanu Reeves on the big screen. There are also interactive versions of Fruit Ninja, the popular fruit-slicing mobile game, as well as Beat Saber, a virtual-reality rhythm game.
Games last for various times and players need to be at least 12 years old to participate. Rooms are 128 square metres, but the virtual space is larger. There will be in-game safety mechanisms in place to prevent players from walking into walls.
The Arena Games is open daily, from noon to 9pm; prices start at Dh50; Gate Avenue, Zone D, ground level, DIFC, Dubai; thearenagames.com
5. Chocolate Academy Dubai, Downtown Dubai
Learn how to best use your creativity with chocolate at this academy, which moved to its new location in Downtown Dubai in October. The centre is one of 24 academies around the world, which hosts renowned chefs, who train students in the art of chocolate.
Prices for courses depend on the level and the number of hours involved to learn the set skill. For example, a series called Atelier Gourmand, which offers chocolate education to all chocolate lovers, starts at Dh350.
More information on courses is available at chocolate-academy.com
6. Madame Tussauds Dubai, Bluewaters Island
The world-famous waxwork museum opened its first Middle East attraction in October on Bluewaters Island, bringing replicas of some of the world’s biggest stars to the Emirates.
The museum is divided into six zones in total: leaders; fashion; film and media; Bollywood; sports and music. In the fashion section, you can walk a runway with Vogue's Anna Wintour judging your look, take a picture with Victoria Beckham or perch by a pearl swing next to Kylie Jenner.
Hollywood stars include Jennifer Lawrence, Tom Cruise and Jackie Chan. There are plenty of famous Arab stars too, including Balqees Fathi, Mohammed Assaf, and Nancy Ajram.
Sunday to Wednesday, 12pm-8pm, Friday and Saturday, 10am-8pm; Dh135 for adults, Dh110 for children tickets aged 3 to 11, children under 3 go free; Madame Tussauds Dubai, Bluewaters Island; www.madametussauds.com/dubai/
7. Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates
The UAE might not be home to snowy mountains, but it is home to the world’s largest indoor ski slope, where you can get your alpine fix. As well as taking to the three different slopes and trying out the attractions at the snow park and meeting Ski Dubai’s resident penguins over the holiday season, visitors can also get festive at the Snow Cinema.
As well as latest releases including Sing 2 and King Richard, the Snow Cinema will be showing festive classics including Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Father Christmas is Back.
Sunday to Wednesday, 10am-11pm; Thursday, 10am-12am; Fridays and Saturdays, 9am-12am; Ski Dubai packages from Dh175, Snow Cinema tickets from Dh200 for two guests; Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates; 600 599 905, www.skidxb.com
8. Dubai Ice Rink, The Dubai Mall
Take to the ice at Dubai Ice Rink, the Olympic-sized rink located at The Dubai Mall. As well as social skating sessions, youngsters can practice their figure skating skills, take part in ice hockey lessons and games, and enjoy regular DJ sets.
Sessions can be booked in advance for a 90-minute slot. The attraction can also be rented privately for parties and events.
Sunday to Wednesday, 10am-10pm; Thursday to Saturday, 10am-12am; from Dh93.50; Dubai Ice Rink, The Dubai Mall; www.dubaiicerink.com
9. Wavehouse, Atlantis, The Palm
Whether you want to try your hand at surfing, opt for a round of bowling, or beat your friends on the latest arcade games, Wavehouse has you covered. The family entertainment centre at Atlantis, The Palm also doubles as a restaurant and live music venue, where teens can enjoy burgers, pizzas, hotdogs and shakes.
Saturday to Wednesday, 12pm-11pm; Thursday and Friday, 12pm-12am; Wavehouse, Atlantis, The Palm; 04 426 2626, www.atlantis.com
10. RollDXB, Port Rashid
RollDXB set up its first permanent skating rink in Dubai’s Port Rashid earlier this year. The venue hosts regular themed skating nights, DJs and offers plenty of corners to show off your tricks. Youngsters can bring their own skates, or rent a pair at the venue. For those interesting in learning, or sharpening their skills, RollDXB offers lessons with its private instructors.
Sunday, 4pm-11.15pm; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, 10am-11.15pm; Thursday, 2.30pm-1am, Friday, 10am-1pm; from Dh105; RollDXB; Port Rashid, Dubai; www.rolldxb.com
Read more
11 things for children to do over winter break in Dubai
What is a calorie?
A food calorie, or kilocalorie, is a measure of nutritional energy generated from what is consumed.
One calorie, is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1°C.
A kilocalorie represents a 1,000 true calories of energy.
Energy density figures are often quoted as calories per serving, with one gram of fat in food containing nine calories, and a gram of protein or carbohydrate providing about four.
Alcohol contains about seven calories a gram.
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
HER%20FIRST%20PALESTINIAN
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20Saeed%20Teebi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPages%3A%20256%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPublisher%3A%C2%A0House%20of%20Anansi%20Press%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Star%20Wars%3A%20Ahsoka%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Various%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Rosario%20Dawson%2C%20Natasha%20Liu%20Bordizzo%2C%20Lars%20Mikkelsen%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202-litre%204-cylinder%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E153hp%20at%206%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E200Nm%20at%204%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E6-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E6.3L%2F100km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh106%2C900%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHigh%20fever%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIntense%20pain%20behind%20your%20eyes%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESevere%20headache%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EMuscle%20and%20joint%20pains%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ENausea%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EVomiting%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESwollen%20glands%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ERash%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIf%20symptoms%20occur%2C%20they%20usually%20last%20for%20two-seven%20days%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
More from Armen Sarkissian
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.