Long weekend: 9 activities to try with children during the UAE Union Day holidays in Dubai

Dubai: Ready to spend the upcoming long weekend with your family? If you are not travelling out of the UAE this weekend and are looking for activities within the UAE to try with your children, we have put together a list of nine things to try during UAE's 52nd Union Day weekend.

1. Eco-friendly laser show at Riverland

Dubai Parks and Resorts, a theme park, is gearing up to commemorate this year’s Union Day with a spectacular laser show at Riverland, Dubai.

From Friday, December 1 to Sunday, December 3, the laser show will light up the skies with the UAE flag’s colours as the UAE national anthem will play in the background. Three performances are scheduled at 7.30pm, 8.30pm, and 9.30pm, respectively.

The laser show is also environmentally friendly, designed to minimise its environmental footprint.

Guests can enter Riverland Dubai for Dh15, fully redeemable against dining and attractions. Entry is free for Annual Pass Holders and guests with a valid ticket to Motiongate Dubai, Legoland, Legoland Water Park Neon Galaxy, or JumpX.

Children can also witness the recently re-launched ‘Dino Mania’ show at 9pm, featuring a series of life-like animatronic dinosaurs, including the mighty T-Rex, triceratops, and playful raptors using special sound and visual effects. Food enthusiasts can savour an all-you-can-eat live barbecue priced at just Dh99 at Al Mashowa Restaurant, family meal deals at Viva Ristorante, and more.

2. Scavenger Hunt at Legoland

Legoland Dubai Theme Park will offer various UAE Union Day-themed activities including the ‘UAE Union Day Scavenger Hunt’ and a Lego UAE Salute Model, as well as the Brick Brunch at Legoland Hotel.

3. Arabian nights at Lapita Hotel

Lapita Hotel will commemorate UAE's 52nd Union Day with traditional dance performances and an Arabian Nights-themed buffet.

4. Green holiday

The Green Planet will host Union Day celebrations at Nature Park from Friday, December 1 to Sunday, December 3.

Kids’ activities will include planting seeds aligning with the country’s theme of the ‘Year of Sustainability’ in addition to themed arts and crafts activities including colouring, painting, origami, and bracelet-making sessions. Guests can enjoy temporary henna tattoos by skilled artists with Nature-themed designs.

5. Movie day with family

Want to plan a family movie day? Roxy Cinemas is celebrating Union Day with an exclusive offer from Saturday, December 2 to Monday, December 4. At Dh52, guests can enjoy a silver viewing experience movie ticket and a medium tub of popcorn. The offer is only available at Roxy Cinemas' Dubai Hills Mall, City Walk, and The Beach locations. Movie buffs can avail of the offer using the promo code ‘UNION52’ on the Roxy Cinemas’ website, app, or self-service kiosks. Enjoy this week’s line-up of English releases such as Ridley Scott‘s historical epic, Napoleon, Disney Animation Studios’ animated musical fantasy film Wish, as well as The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and The Smurfs: Timeless Adventure.

6. Winter Wonderland free preview

Gymboree, an early learning and play center, unveiled its latest winter wonderland at the Springs Souk, Dubai this November. To make the long weekend special, Gymboree will offer families a chance to join a free preview on Friday, December 1, and Saturday, December 2.

7. Staycation deal at Central Hotels and Resorts

Central Hotels and Resorts has announced a 25 per cent discount on room bookings and a 15 per cent discount on restaurant bills across all its properties on December 2.

The group’s culinary team has crafted a special menu featuring local UAE dishes. Younger guests can engage in Union-Day-themed activities such as painting flags, receiving specially curated gifts, and enjoying balloon decorations. Guests can enjoy live entertainment in the evening. The offers are available at Canal Central Hotel in Business Bay, C Central Resort at The Palm, and Royal Central Hotel at The Palm

8. Global Village celebrations for the 52nd UAE Union Day

Dubai's shopping and entertainment venue, Global Village, will be decorated in the colours of the UAE national flag over the coming weekend.

From December 1 to December 4, visitors can enjoy special orchestra performances and entertainment shows on the Main Stage. Pop-up kiosks will be offering henna art. There is also a UAE-themed-attire photo booth and Emirati cultural shows such as Yola and Ayyala.

9. Interactive story time for mums and toddlers

Dubai Mums Meet, a community for mothers and children based in Dubai, will host their weekly ‘Connect, Learn, and Play’ session on December 2, from 9.30am to 11am. Families with children, four years old and below, can walk in to BohoX restaurant in Downtown Dubai and join the session. As parents relax, unwind, and chat, children will engage in sensory play activities, an interactive story time, arts and crafts, and learn action songs.