5 fun destinations to visit in the UAE in 2017

Back in the UAE after a nice long holiday? Here’s welcoming you back to some good news. The UAE government recently announced the list of public holidays for 2017 and it looks like we are going to have plenty of long weekends in the new year! It’s never too early to start planning your next trip, but if you can’t yet decide, there’s a lot you can do even in the UAE.

Here’s a look at some of the new attractions that opened up in the last year that are worth a visit.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

2016 saw a number of theme parks open their doors in Dubai, starting with the world’s largest indoor theme park, IMG Worlds of Adventure. Located on Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, this indoor theme park is spread over 1.5 million square feet and has a capacity of 20,000 guests a day. Its four zones are themed around Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley Dinosaur Adventure and IMG Boulevard and you can look forward to a range of adrenaline pumping roller coasters, thrill rides, theme retail stores, dining venues and a 12-screen cinema. Tickets are priced at AED 300 for adults and AED 250 for children. However, keep an eye out for various seasonal offers to get discounted ticket prices.

Dubai Parks and Resorts

Dubai is known for taking things to the next level when it comes to its tourist attractions. And its most recent addition is the £2.8 billion mega theme park known as the Dubai Parks and Resorts. Spread over 30.6 million square feet, Dubai Parks and Resorts comprises of three separate theme parks, a water park, a dining and retail district and a Polynesian-themed family hotel. From the Hollywood-inspired Motionate Dubai to the World’s first Bollywood theme park and Dubai’s very own Legoland, its a fun packed experience that awaits all age groups. Prices vary for all parks, but keep an eye out for seasonal combo offers that can get you entry to all parks at a discounted rate.

Dubai Opera

One of the grand openings in Dubai in 2016 was seen at the Dubai Opera where the stage was set on fire by Spanish tenor Plácido Domingo. With a magnificent design and the Burj Khalifa in its backdrop, this cultural centre has taken performing arts and music to a new level. Its iconic dhow-shaped design is inspired by and is a tribute to Dubai’s long maritime history. Located in the heart of Opera District and with a 2000-seat capacity, the venue’s design can be transformed into three modes, a theatre, concert hall, or flat floor. This enables it to host a wide variety of performances and events including theatre, opera, ballet, orchestras, concerts, conferences, fashion shows, art exhibitions and so on. The upcoming shows include West Side Story, Michel Legrand Live, Madam Butterfly, La Boheme amongst others.

Dubai Water Canal

Dubai’s latest landmark attraction that’s been the talk of the town is a 3.2 kilometre canal that originates from Business Bay, passes through Safa Park, Jumeirah and ends in the Arabian Gulf. Across the length of the canal are five pedestrian bridges, dedicated footpaths, running tracks, cycling paths which means there’s easy access for you to enjoy the stunning city views. The canal will also see many establishments such as a shopping centre, four hotels, 450 restaurants come up along the waterfront in the near future. The motion operated waterfall located at the junction of the Canal and the Sheikh Zayed Road bridge has been the highlight of the attraction with ferries and private boats passing right through it. With winter having arrived in the UAE, what better time than now to explore this latest attraction.

The Green Planet Dubai

A tropical rain forest in the middle of a desert? Yes, you read it right. The Green Planet Dubai is a treat for all curious minds who can explore the flora and fauna of a rain forest along with 3,000 species of plants, animals and birds all under one roof. This is a great learning experience especially for children, who can observe the various layers of the rain forest which are a home to wide range of species. There are 15 educational programmes across five topics that are offered to three age groups – 3 to 6 years, 7 to 11 years and 12 to 14 years. Tickets are priced at AED 95 for adults and AED 70 for kids (3 – 12 years).