DUBAI: As daily average temperatures hover at 45 Celsius, Pinoys in the UAE shift to adventure mode, planning on anything from a weekend cycling run to something a bit more extreme like wadi hiking, even desert camping to get a close-enough feel of how the Bedouins were back in the day when sandstorms leave no landmark just as it is in life, at times.
Others check out the water theme parks or even head to the beach to test tolerance levels in the face of the blow dryer weather and its warm rolling water.
Some calendar and enjoy the amazing summer events while others opt to travel especially those who have families staying with them since the kids are also on school break.
Team sports and dining out
OFWs who opt to stay in the UAE tend to gather in groups and organize themselves to hold sports leagues during the summer.
“In my observation, they are more into team sports – like basketball or volleyball,” said Bayanihan Chairman, Engr. Elmer Casao. During the weekends, Filipinos spend their time to play their favorite sport with their friends and then head to dine together in restaurants afterwards. “Filipino food businesses continue to bustle amidst the summer season kasi alam mo naman ang hilig ng mga Pinoy, kumain. Weather doesn’t affect their appetite,” adds Casao
Staying indoors or travelling
Nedie Bansag Toralba, president of the OFW Global Movement Association and Cooperation (OFWGMAC – Abu Dhabi chapter) and an Abu Dhabi resident for almost 20 years said that while OFWs do enjoy sports activities, they do them indoors. “Pag summer, nag-spo-sports sila pero indoors lahat. Nag su-swimming pero indoors din. Kung lumabas man – after 7 pm na pag medyo malamig-lamig na ang panahon,” said Toralba. She also added that many fellow OFWs take the opportunity to go overseas with their kids to take advantage of the summer holiday break. “Yung mga may kakayahang mag-travel, nasa ibang bansa sila gaya ng Georgia, or Armenia – kung saan malamig. Yung iba, nasa Pilipinas kahit mainit din doon, basta lang makasama mga pamilya nila,” adds Toralba.
(On summer days, Filipinos hold a lot of sports activities, doing them indoors. They tend to go out around 7pm when it’s a bit cooler. Those who can travel, go to Georgia or Armenia where it’s cold; others go to the Philippines to be with their loved ones.)
For those who choose to remain in the UAE, the tourism sector has planned out numerous activities for everyone across all emirates. Here are the activities to watch out for:
– Dubai Summer Surprises
OFWs and expats based in Dubai are set to enjoy daily deals, flash sales, and family-oriented events for the annual Dubai Summer Surprises. The top destinations for kids and families are Legoland, Dubai Aquarium, Motiongate theme park, the Green Planet, and Kidzania – each hosting activities related to games, experiential learning, and a deeper appreciation of nature.
Deal hunters also should prepare their pockets as Dubai Summer Surprises hosts weeks of special promotions and deals especially for gold and jewelries – with shops offering discounts as much as 70% off, making this season the best time to buy special gifts for loved ones. There will also be loads of in-mall entertainment for the whole months of July and August.
– Abu Dhabi Summer Season
Abu Dhabi has also announced their line-up of activities for the summer season, which headlines weeks of fun-filled events, amazing deals and promotions, as well as the opening of the much-awaited Warner Bros. World theme park this July!
Parents who want their children to be immersed in the cultures around the world can join the reading activities and performances for the “Around the World’”Summer Programme, which are set to take place at libraries across Abu Dhabi. Kids will also enjoy the “Nickelodeon experience” set to take place this August.
Fans of Korean Pop Idol Ji Hoon will also see their beloved star as he will celebrate his birthday with a fan meeting this coming July 13 at the Emirates Heritage Club in Abu Dhabi.
Aside from that, UNITE with Tomorrowland will connect seven countries in a party happening at du Forum on July 28. The event will feature state-of-the-art special effects synchronized across all countries with 9 different DJs.
What to do and where to go in the UAE
Apart from the Dubai Summer Surprises and the Abu Dhabi Summer Season’s line-up of events, Filipinos need not limit their options as the UAE has even more to offer should they choose to explore a bit farther.
Ras Al Khaimah. For those who don’t mind the summer heat, they can try out the world’s longest zipline at Jebel Jais. OFW thrillseekers will enjoy the speed of 120-150kph at a towering 1,680 meters above sea level in a ride that takes around two to three minutes.
Ajman. The emirate hosts the historic Ajman museum which tells the story of the emirate and the UAE. With a peaceful ambiance and accommodating staff, tourists will not only enjoy the experience, they will also be enriched with knowledge about the UAE’s past.
Sharjah. Love cars? The Sharjah Classic Car Museum will be perfect to satisfy your thirst for knowledge and Instagram-worthy pictures of cars that used to roam the streets decades ago.
Fujairah. A marvel of architecture and elegance, the Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque at Fujairah is truly a sight to behold. Regardless if you’re visiting during the day or night, the stunning beauty of this mosque makes it a place you shouldn’t miss visiting.
Umm Al Quwain. With the intense heat of the summer, Umm Al Quwain’s Dreamland Aqua Park will be the family’s destination to avoid the heat and get to enjoy the water rides and slides. The water park is perfect for families with kids who want to spend a fun-filled day.
5 family-friendly water parks in the UAE to go to this summer
For OFWs who have little kids and teens here in the UAE, it’s quite expensive to think about bringing the whole family home, so instead – they choose to stay and find alternative activities to make their summer memorable. Amidst the heat of the summer, the UAE comes prepared with theme parks for OFWs and people of all nationalities to escape from the blazing heat and enjoy the waters for a few hours.
Yas Waterworld
With over 40 rides, slides, and other attractions, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Waterworld promises a memorable adventure for the whole family. The UAE’s unique Emirati-themed waterpark is located at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
Cost per head: Dh 250 per adult, and Dh 210 for Juniors 1.1m tall or less. Kids under 3 go free.
Timings: Daily, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Website: www.yaswaterworld.com
Dreamland Aqua Park
Located at Umm Al Quwain, Dreamland Aqua Park is the first and largest water park in the region inaugurated last June 12, 1997. Having more than 15 attractions, lots of slides and a summer deal, those who will visit this water park are in for an unforgettable summer fun.
Cost per head: Dh 85 as an exclusive summer deal. Regular price is Dh 160. Kids 2 below are free. 5% VAT not included yet.
Timings: Daily, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Website: www.dreamlanduae.com
Iceland Water Park
Iceland Water Park will operate 15 attractions this summer, including the family pools, the beach and the new attractions: JUMP!, KICK!, and Watergun Fun Games.
Cost per head: Dh 75 per adult, and Dh 100 family package for 2 adults and 1 child. Children below 80cm free.
Timings: Daily, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Website: www.icelandwaterpark.com
Wadi Adventure
Best for teens and their parents, the Wadi Adventure in Al Ain is the perfect weekend getaway for families who enjoy the thrill of surfing. The world’s largest surf pool is situated in Wadi Adventure which is perfect for beginners and advanced surfers, generating 3-meter high waves every 90 seconds.
Cost per head: Dh 65 per adult, and Dh 45 for children. Kids aged 2 below go free. Dh 150 for a Family pass for 2 adults and 2 kids.
Timings: Daily, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Website: www.wadiadventure.ae
Laguna Water Park
Situated at La Mer in Dubai, the Laguna Water Park is a jack-of-all-trades with its attractions. Families can surf, splash, slide, shop, and select places within the park to relax and dine.
Cost per head: Dh 99 per adult if you buy the ticket online. Dh 125 at the door. Kids aged 2 below go free.
Timings: Daily, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Website: www.lagunawaterpark.com
