< PreviousFor the kiddos 30 December 1 — February 14 timeoutabudhabi.com Al Ain ZooFor the kiddos timeoutabudhabi.com December 1 — February 14 31 little ones, the new Bella and Rio Playground kids’ zone in the Flooded Forest offers a fab opportunity for children to learn all about the rainforest the super-cool, interactive way. O Dhs105, children under three go free. Open daily 10am-10pm. Al Qana alqana.ae (02 418 6666). PPlann a trip tto AAl HHuudaayrriatt Islaannd Hands down one of our favourite wintertime destinations, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy on Al Hudayriat Island. You can hit the beach, get busy playing tennis, football or basketball, get an adrenaline rush from your BMX or skate parks, rent a bike and cycle along the 5km and 10km tracks, navigate the OCR park, cool off in the kid’s water playground, and so much more. Plus, there are plenty of beaches nearby for when you need a rest from entertaining your kids all day. Treat yourself to a sunbed and a colourful drink in the sun. O Al Hudayriat Island, hudayriyatisland.ae. SSpeennd thee dday at AAAl AAin Zoooo Animal fans young and old are no doubt already be well acquainted with this huge wildlife park. The vast space is home to some 4,300 animals – leopards, tigers, hippos, crocs and rhinos included – and offers loads of fun things to do, think giraffe feeding, penguin encounters, lemur walks, educational talks, bird shows and explorative safari drives. O Dhs30 (adults), Dhs10 (children). Open daily 9am- 8pm. Nahyan The First St, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, alainzoo.ae (800 966). TTakee a funn dday outt too neeww hheigghhtts aat CCLYMMBB Billed as the region’s ultimate adventure hub, if your daredevil offspring is never happier than when the adrenalin is pumping, CLYMB Abu Dhabi is a must visit and one of the best things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi. With the biggest indoor skydiving Áight chamber in the world on site, as well as The Summyt, the region’s tallest climbing wall, this place delivers high-octane fun in spaces. O From Dhs120 (climbing), Dhs 235 (skydiving). Sun- Thu noon-9pm, Fri and Sat noon-11pm. Yas Island, clymbabudhabi.com. VVisiit thhe ccooolesst libbraaryy inn tthe UUAAE Dedicated to fostering an early love of literature, art and technology, the state-of-the- art Children’s Library at the Cultural Foundation is an absolute gem. The colourful, community- driven space has something for every little (and not so little) learner: reading and movie watching (head to Book Mountain), a Creature Space where kids are taught all about animals, the environment and nature, an Art Workshop area where they’re encouraged to get creative, special Studio Space for practising coding, Àlm and podcast making and a designated chill out zone. O Open Sat-Thu 9am-8pm, Fri 2pm-8pm. Children’s Library, Cultural Foundation, culturalfoundation.ae.Explore the GCC 32 December 1 — February 14 timeoutabudhabi.com CROSS THE BOR Looking for a mini-break? The GCC has many fantastic spots for you to exploreExplore the GCC timeoutabudhabi.com December 1 — February 14 33 DERS The best part about living in Abu Dhabi is how quick and easy it is to visit neighbouring GCC countries. If you’re in holiday mode or just want to escape the city for a weekend or a day, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate itinerary. You’ll might be surprised by how much there is to explore, right on your doorstep. Doha Grab a coffee in Msheireb, Downtown Doha To cram in all the essential sights while spending just 24 hours in Doha, you’re going to need to fuel up, and we can’t think of a better place to grab your morning coffee than Msheireb Downtown Doha. The sustainable downtown regeneration project showcases the best of modern Doha, and there are tonnes of brilliant places to grab a cup of morning joe like % Arabica, Savant Cafe and The Ministry of Coffee. Take the underpass over to Souq Waqif Once you’ve grabbed your coffee and wandered around Baharat Msheireb, take the underpass to Souq Waqif (which you will Ànd next to the Alwadi Hotel). Watch as you go from one of the most modern areas of the city to one of the most traditional. Dig into breakfast at Shay Al Shomoos No 24 hours in Doha would be complete without trying some Qatari food, and Shay Al Shomoos is as traditional as it comes. Run by Shams Al Qassabi, who was the Àrst woman to establish a business in Souq Waqif, the breakfast spot serves up traditional dishes like regag as well as plenty of egg-based plates. O Open Sat-Thu 7.30am-1pm, 6.30pm-10pm; Fri 7.30am-1pm. Souq Waqif, @shay_alshomous (+974 5551 5561). Explore Souq Waqif Honestly, you could spend your 24 hours in Doha just wandering around Souq Waqif and you still wouldn’t have discovered everything it has to offer. Haggle for a bargain, take a snap with the gigantic thumb or next to the well with a view of the iconic spiral mosque, or indulge in a spot of people watching at one of Souq Waqif’s restaurants. Don’t miss the Souq Waqif Art Center, where, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot one of the artists in residence working on their latest piece (and, even if you’re not lucky, you’ll be able to enjoy works from Doha-based artists on display). O Al Souq Street, Doha. Museum of Islamic Art, DohaExplore the GCC 34 December 1 — February 14 timeoutabudhabi.com Shhoott yyour wway uppwardss aand see tthe ccitty fromm aa differenntt anggle Latin American restaurant Toro Toro, Lebanese joint Antika or Spanish spot El Faro. Dubai Kick-start your day with a traditional Emirati breakfast Want a literal taste of UAE culture? Start your journey with a trip to Old Dubai and the Creek. Make a bee-line for Bur Dubai where you’ll Ànd the world-famous Arabian Tea House. This classic coffee shop is in the Al Fahidi district in Bur Dubai, and is famous for its old-world charm and stunning Emirati design (plus tasty local plates), having Àrst opened in 1997. O Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai, arabianteahouse.net. Wander around Old Dubai Now you’re in Old Dubai, it’s time to explore. Continue your tour of the Bur Dubai side of the Creek with a stroll along the water’s edge, before hopping on an abra, a traditional boat that ferries passengers to and fro across the Áowing water all day, every day for just a dirham. Once you reach the opposite side, you’ll be in Deira, where there’s plenty to see. Head into one of the souks to haggle for the best price and grab yourself a bargain. It’s all part of the experience. O Bur Dubai and Deira. Explore the new-look Museum of Islamic Art The Museum of Islamic Art, one of the city’s top galleries, reopened at the start of October. Pay a visit and you’ll be able to see artefacts and artworks from across the Islamic World, and learn about the gorgeous I.M. Pei- designed building. O Open Sat-Thu 9am-7pm; Fri 1.30pm-7pm. Museum of Islamic Art, Doha Corniche, mia.org.qa (4422 4444). Wander around the Qanat Quartier Perhaps the most photographed area of Doha, the Qanat Quartier on The Pearl-Qatar is Doha’s own version of Venice, complete with canals and a replica Rialto Bridge. Don’t miss the piano steps, and make sure you wander over to the bridge near the Gondola Palazzo apartment buildings for a sensational view of Katara Towers. Grab dinner on The Pearl-Qatar Your 24 hours in Doha are nearly coming to an end, and after a jam-packed day, we imagine you will be pretty hungry. There are lots of places to eat in the Qanat Quartier, like Viva Mexico, budget eatery Ginger Club or Korean barbecue restaurant MARU, but don’t just limit yourself to the Qanat Quartier. Over at Porto Arabia, you can pay a visit to Junko for top- notch Japanese dishes, or the newly-opened gastropub Hamilton’s, while the Marsa Malaz Kempinski has plenty of amazing options like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Explore The Dubai Mall It’s time to Áex that credit card, or just open those peepers for some window shopping at the world’s biggest mall. It’s not just about shopping though, – you’ll also Ànd Dubai Ice Rink, an enormous Reel Cinemas and an e-karting track. Love sealife? You’ll also Ànd the world’s largest aquarium and underwater zoo here, where you can go on a tour under the sea, meet penguins or swim with sharks. O Downtown Dubai, thedubaimall.com. See sunset from At The Top The most famous building in Dubai also just so happens to be the tallest building on the planet. You can’t really miss the Burj Khalifa, so try and get that perfect snap from ground level. Then, it’s time to shoot your way upwards and see the city from a different angle. At over 828m tall, and more than 160 storeys’ high, Burj Khalifa is home to the highest outdoor observation deck in the world, and the elevator with the longest travel distance in the world. O Downtown Dubai, burjkhalifa.ae. Bites at Time Out Market Dubai All that gazing down at the world means you’ll have worked up an appetite, but if you’re hungry you’re in the right place – the massive dining destination Time Out Market Dubai is just a hop, skip and a jump from Burj Khalifa. Take a seat on the outdoor terrace, a prime Explore the GCC timeoutabudhabi.com December 1 — February 14 35 overnight stay to get inside. Make a booking at Gilt, which is, as you’d imagine from the name, a suitably shiny, lavish bar offering up plenty of picture ops from the 27th Áoor. O Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, jumeirah.com. Head to FIVE Palm Jumeirah If you’re on social media you’ll have heard about this popular party hotel. Renowned for its lively vibe, pool parties, brunches and beach festivals, there’s always something going on at FIVE (and there’s usually a celeb there taking part in the fun). If you’re into a party then you’ll want to round your night off here – and there are a variety of options, from BEACH by Five, to Maiden Shanghai and Bling, a super-club that has actual super-cars in it. Our pick is The Penthouse, as not only is there a superb line-up of live DJs and events to enjoy, the views are phenomenal. O FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, thepenthouse.co. Jeddah See the fish at King Abdulaziz International Airport If you’re arriving by plane, don’t leave the airport without taking in the colourful Àsh at Jeddah International Airport’s world record- holding Àsh tank. One could spend the day with the Àshies, but this is just the start. O King Abdulaziz International Airport, kaia.sa. Stroll on the Jeddah Corniche Whether you have 12, 24 or 48 hours in the Red Sea city, the best start to the day is with a brisk walk along the Corniche. Feel that sea FIVE Palm Jumeirah breeze and be sure to stop to soak up the views of the aquamarine waters and snap some of the public art you will inevitably come across. It doesn’t matter where you start – every part of this seaside trail is enjoyable. O Jeddah Corniche. Have brekkie at Circa After your morning exercise, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. Switch things up and make your way inland to trendy Jeddah Boulevard. Popular café Circa open all day, but a morning meal is always a good shout, especially if you’re with a crowd with different appetites. Savoury, sweet, virtuous and indulgent all at once, with an entire “Cracked” section devoted to eggs, Circa covers most breakfast bases in a picturesque atmosphere. O Jeddah Boulevard, Ash Shati, @dinecirca. Hit up Jeddah Boulevard Do a few laps of Jeddah Boulevard post- brekkie to take in the shops. The city is Àlled with fantastic malls and Jeddah Boulevard is often considered the premium luxury destination of choice. Whether you’re looking to pick up something special or just window browsing, make time to explore the space while you’re in the neighbourhood. O King Faisal Abdul Aziz Highway, boulevard.com.sa. Have fun with the fish at Fakieh Aquarium Now it’s time to go to the North Corniche for a visit to Fakieh Aquarium, the only public aquarium in Saudi. Marvel at 200 different kinds of Àsh and underwater animals as well as sea lion and dolphin shows daily. O Corniche Road, Al Nawras, fakiehaquarium.com. spot for watching the Dubai Fountain, which goes off nightly every 30 minutes from 6pm until 11pm, and is an incredible spectacle of music, lights and dancing water. While you take in the impressive performance, it’s time to grab some snacks from one of the 17 top restaurants housed in Time Out Market Dubai. With everything from bao at BB Social Dining to pho at Vietnamese Foodies, to trufÁe pizza at PitÀre, chicken burgers at Pickl, sushi at Reif, pasta at Fulvio’s and Balkan specialities at 21Grams, there’s something for everyone. O Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutdubai.com/ timeout-market-dubai. Yoga and breakfast at Aura Skypool One of the hottest places in town right now, you’ll need to book well in advance for Aura. The world’s highest inÀnity pool (you might have noticed Dubai is the holder of many a record) has spectacular views from all sides and it’s a unique way to see the palm in all its glory. Either spend the morning taking a dip or posing for pics inÁuencer style, or if you’re the active type three mornings a week you can do a yoga class for the ultimate Áex (literally). O The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, auraskypool.com. Beach day at KYMA This newly opened beach club and restaurant comes from a team behind some of the top spots in town (La Cantine Du Faubourg, Ninive and Twiggy – and if you’re here longer those should also be on your to visit list). Take a dip in the pool overlooking the Arabian Gulf and soak in the stunning Marina skyline views. You’ll also get a good snap of Ain Dubai, which as the world’s tallest observation wheel stands at 274 metres high. Before you settle onto your sun lounger, have a bite to eat from a delicious menu that includes Greek-inspired dishes, mezze, grills and more. O Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, kymabeach.ae. Take in the sights from folly Make your way to Souk Madinat Jumeriah for some of the best views of Burj Al Arab in town. The narrow alleyways are easy to get lost in, but whichever route you take you’ll pass shops and restaurants and end up with a view of the extravagant hotel. Pose for a pic in the sun, before heading to folly for the optimum sundowner spot. Once the sun’s gone down, stick around for dinner. The popular restaurant serves up some of the best European food in town – and if you leave without trying the crispy hen’s egg, you’re missing out. O Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, folly.ae. Live the high life at Gilt So you’ve seen it from the outside (from many angles as your camera rolls will prove). But the only way you’re making your way across that famous bridge, past the tourists and getting into the Burj Al Arab is with a reservation, but you don’t need to splash the cash on an Explore the GCC 36 December 1 — February 14 timeoutabudhabi.com Have a coffee at Brew92 The day isn’t over yet. Coffee is one of the things that keeps this city going and with a lively café culture, you’ll want to make sure your 24 hours in Jeddah includes at least one café. Brew92 is a trendy KSA-born speciality café and roastery and it’s one of the most popular spots in the city. Seasonal drinks, speciality coffees and juices are all on the menu here. Pair them with a freshly prepared sandwich or one of the sweets from the menu. O Al Khalidiyyah, brew92.com. Muscat Have breakfast at Dukanah Café It’s the most important meal of the day, and what a day you’ve got ahead of you. Dig into a traditional breakfast at Dukanah Café, which looks just like an Omani house. Just make sure you head here early and eat fast (you’ll understand why soon enough). Al Ghubrah South, @dukanahcafe. Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque No visit to Muscat would be complete without taking a look around Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, but it’s only open to visitors between 8am and 11am Saturday to Thursday (hence, eating quickly at Dukanah). Make sure you dress modestly, and if you’re a woman, you’ll need to cover your hair with either your own abaya or one rented from the gift shop. Once inside, you’ll be wowed by the impressive chandeliers and the huge carpet, which is the second largest in the world. O Al Ghubrah South. Hunt for a bargain at Muttrah Souq Once you’ve Ànished up at the mosque, head over to Muttrah Souq. Inside you’ll Ànd all kinds of treasures (and, if we’re being entirely honest, some tat) like furniture or traditional crafts. It’s a great place to pick up a souvenir for your friends or family, just make sure you haggle, haggle, and haggle some more for a good price. Don’t be afraid to get lost, it’s half the fun. O Muttrah Corniche. Chow down on a top burger at Section-B for lunch When it is time to refuel, head to homegrown hero Section-B for a burger. Order the B Burger if you’re feeling beef or the C for, you guessed it, chicken – or get one of each and split them with your dining companion because they typically come sliced in half. Complete your order with fries, and the signature sole dessert of banana pudding. O Hira Street, Ash Shati, sectionb-sa.com. Snap photos at Jeddah Sculpture Museum Henry Moore, Joan Miró and Alexander Calder are just some of the incredible sculptures by prominent artists on display at the Jeddah Sculpture Museum. The best news? It’s free to visit. The artworks were brought to the open-air sculpture museum in the 1970s as part of the Jeddah BeautiÀcation Project There are around 20 works in a seven square kilometre park so head on down and take a wander. O Al Hamraa, Corniche. Admire King Fahd’s Fountain The tallest fountain of its kind in the world, you need to make your way down to King Fahd’s Fountain – also called the Jeddah Fountain – while on the Corniche. The captivating Jeddah attraction shoots a stream of water straight up into the air, reaching heights of about 310 metres. You can see it throughout the city, but there’s nothing like taking it in on the Jeddah Corniche, especially as the sun begins to set. You might be tempted to come back later to see it fully illuminated by 500 lights. O Al Andalus. Watch the sunset at Nobu Jeddah If you want unobstructed views of the sunset over the Red Sea, head to Nobu Jeddah. Get comfortable on one of the sofas as you work your way through a seafood platter of Japanese bites. Sushi, sea views and super service: Is there a better way to watch the sun go down? O North Corniche Rd, noburestaurants.com. Makee yoour wway doowwn tooo Kiing Fahd’s Fouuntaainn wwhille on thhee CornicheExplore the GCC timeoutabudhabi.com December 1 — February 14 37 Go for a stroll in Riyam Park In need of some greenery? Keep walking along the corniche until you reach Riyam Park, where you can take a break and enjoy the views of one of Muscat’s most iconic landmarks, an ornamental incense burner. O Riyam. Explore Bait Al Zubair Make your way over to Bait Al Zubair, keeping an eye out for the Muscat Gate which you should pass through. Congratulations! You’re museum is split into different exhibitions including currency, intangible heritage and the role of Islam, so you’ll be able to Ànd something fascinating to learn about no matter what you’re interested in. O Old Muscat, nm.gov.om. Take photos at Al Alam Palace Also nearby is Al Alam Palace. It dates back 200 years, but was given its colourful (and Instagram friendly) façade by the late Sultan Qaboos. You can’t go inside, but you can go up to the gates to take pictures. O Old Muscat. Snap Mirani Fort and Jalali Fort Al Alam Palace is Áanked on both sites by Mirani Fort and Jalali Fort, both of which you sadly cannot visit. They’re beautiful to look at, though, and worth some more photography. O Old Muscat. Grab dinner at the W Muscat You’ve had a long day, so it’s time to relax in luxury. Head to the W Muscat and you can choose between Chinese food at Ba Ban, steak at CHAR or a brilliant buffet at Harvest. No matter which one you opt for, head up to rooftop bar Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar for a post-dinner tipple. O W Muscat, Qurum, marriott.com. now in Old Muscat, the site of the original city. Bait Al Zubair is a museum complex that has six separate buildings, each Àlled with artefacts from 19th and 20th century Oman. It’s a privately-owned museum and one of the buildings is designed to look just like a traditional Omani home, and you can grab lunch here at Zafran Café. O Old Muscat, baitalzubair.com. Learn about Oman’s history at The National Museum Just a ten-minute walk away lies the National Museum, an absolutely must-see in Muscat. It covers the history of Oman from the earliest human settlement up until the modern day through more than 7,000 objects. The Jeddah Corniche Nobu Jeddah Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque2023 Blockbusters 38 December 1 — February 14 timeoutabudhabi.com On the Scream 62023 Blockbusters timeoutabudhabi.com December 1 — February 14 39 All the blockbusters coming in 2023 you simply need to see. By Naomi ChaddertonNext >