Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Summer weather may be kicking in, but mercury readings didn't stop families from making the most of the Eid Al Adha holiday. On the first day of Eid on Wednesday, indoor attractions bustled with laughter and excitement - as did coastal destinations and mountainside retreats, which drew residents seeking a change of scenery.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) earlier forecast hot weather across the UAE from May 25 all the way until the end of the long weekend on Sunday, May 31.
Maximum temperatures were expected to range between 35 and 43°C over coastal areas and islands, 43-48°C over inland areas, and 28-35°C in mountainous regions.
On Wednesday, the highest temperature recorded in the country was 47.7°C in Muzaira, Al Dhafra Region), at 3.15pm, the NCM said.
For many families, comfort was key and the weather was taken as a sign to celebrate Eid at some of the country's popular air-conditioned spots.
The attractions of Yas Island - Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi - were among the top choices.
Warner Bros. World, recently named the world's best theme park, welcomed families of diverse nationalities. While superheroes made their usual appearances across the park, UAE heritage also took centre stage.
Emirati folk dancers treated visitors to an Al-Ayyala performance, engaging youngsters in a lively cultural display. Henna art also proved popular among children, while many had the opportunity to get up close with a falcon.
At Abu Dhabi's museums, culture enthusiasts found themselves immersed in a programme blending heritage, creativity and entertainment. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and the wider Saadiyat Cultural District were among the popular picks.
In Dubai, the Eid crowd was also spoilt for choice - with destinations such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Bluewaters Island, Al Seef, Museum of the Future, IMG Worlds of Adventure, The Green Planet and Dubai Parks and Resorts offering something for everyone.
Emirati citizen Shama Saeed said that for her family, Dubai was the destination of choice, mainly because of the variety of options. "It offers many wonderful entertainment destinations for all ages," she said.
Shama highlighted destinations like Al Shindagha Museum, which is hosting a rich lineup of programmes, workshops, and cultural activities for Eid.
Besides these all-time favourite attractions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE national Ameerah Al Amiri said many families also seek destinations that combine relaxation, entertainment and natural scenery.
"There is no single specific destination... but many parks, waterfront destinations, and family attractions across the UAE [do hit that mark]," she told Aletihad. She cited examples like the Kalba Hanging Gardens, Al Hefaiyah Lake, and Al Qudra Lakes.
When deciding on places to visit, Al Amiri said the goal is to give children a refreshing change to their usual surroundings. In Sharjah, many visitors prefer heritage, nature-centric, and coastal destinations, including the Heart of Sharjah, Al Noor Island, Khor Fakkan, Kalba Hanging Gardens, Al Hefaiyah Lake, Al Majaz Waterfront and Al Montazah Parks.
Ajman and Umm Al Quwain offers quieter seaside escapes, with destinations such as Ajman Corniche and Al Zorah Nature Reserve attracting those seeking a more relaxed experience.
The mountain, heritage and coastal attractions in Ras Al Khaimah also remain popular, especially Jebel Jais, which provides a cooler retreat. Residents and visitors also explore heritage sites such as Dhayah Fort and Al Jazirah Al Hamra.
On the east coast, Fujairah's top destinations include attractions such as Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah Fort, Umbrella Beach and Fujairah Corniche, drawing visitors in search of beaches, heritage sites, waterfront activities and family outings.
