A Day Out in the UAE during Midterm Break

By Nohad Mouawad

 

Midterm break is finally here, and instead of hitting your usual favorite play areas, outdoor spots or amusement parks, how about trying something different for a change? We all need to get our kids out of the house in this lovely weather and keep them and us busy and happy during the school break. Living in the UAE, we all get used to sticking to Dubai or Abu Dhabi or even our specific neighborhood.

But how about taking a road trip this break and checking out something different in another emirate? If you would like a day out or even a relaxing staycation, check out what’s on offer in Ras Al Khaima, Sharjah and Al Ain this February:

Start by exploring the nearby Emirate of Sharjah. A great option for exploring Sharjah for the first time is by hoping on and off the City Sightseeing bus, which will take you to all the top spots around town. You might not know what there even is to see in Sharjah, but they actually have some pretty fascinating things to explore, including a very cool science museum and a maritime museum, where your kids can learn about the history of maritime exploration and travel in the UAE! Your kids will love looking up close at the wooden boats and taking pictures with them. If that’s not adventurous enough, then visit Sharjah’s safari park for an up-close look at over 1000 species of animals and birds, or book a sailing trip down Sharjah’s Khalid lagoon to see what it’s really like to ride in a dhow.

For more of an oasis escape, head to Ras Al Khaimah this break and book a staycation and kids club at BM beach resort, where all the food and entertainment is sorted for you. If you’re looking for the less explored side of RAK then how about visiting the emirate’s fishing village, an abandoned village where guides will show you and your kids how fishermen traditionally caught fish and lived. Another very different, fun and educational activity is visiting the Suwaidi Pearls Farm, where you can see real pearls being farmed and maybe even keep some treasure. For a staycation done differently, how about staying overnight at a Bedouin oasis camp? Jeeps will take you off into the desert where you will stay like a local and enjoy traditional food in an authentic setting.

Everyone knows about Al Ain Zoo, and a midterm break is the perfect excuse to head up to one of the best zoos in the region. If you’ve made the trip all the way to luscious and green Al Ain, you might as well visit Al Ain Oasis and the Outdoor market, where you can buy farm fresh produce and buy gifts that are locally-made. For an impressive sightseeing experience, check out the Al Ain Palace museum, which is one of the best reinstated forts and the visit is free! If your kids need a break from all the historical and cultural sites, why not take them to the super fun Trampo Extreme in Al Ain Mall, where they can get all their energy out?