Long UAE weekend ahead: 5 things to keep you entertained

As the UAE marks May 25 as a public holiday, residents are spoilt for choice with a long weekend break that packs in entertainment from top international acts, along with a chance to pack your bag for a long awaited road trip across the border.

Emirates 24|7 brings you five fun things to plan in the upcoming three-day break.

Live entertainment

It’s a double whammy this long weekend with live performances by 90s boy band, Boyzone and superstar Justin Timberlake.

Thursday’s act will see the four boys from Dublin belt out a number of chart topping hits through their careers, along with a few hits from their own successful solo ventures as well.

Having just celebrated their 20 years anniversary with the BZ20 Tour, Boyzone will be performing at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium for one night only; so if you want to relive the decade when ‘Words’ had you swooning with pleasure, while ‘When The Going Gets Tough’ was the track to inspire you through several heartbreaks, you know where to be May 22 at 9pm.

Tickets are priced at Dh225.

Meanwhile, fresh from his win at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday, taking home seven trophies for Top Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist and Top Billboard 200 Album (The 20/20 Experience), Justin Timberlake celebrates in Abu Dhabi on May 23 when he performs at the du Arena.

DJ Freestyle, renowned Miami DJ, will be opening the show.

Tickets are still available with Flash Entertainment, starting at Dh395 going up to Dh1,295.

Amusement for the family

Spend the weekend bonding with the family at one of the UAE’s amusement getaways.

A day trip to Ferrari World on Yas Island can be coupled with a splash-tacular adventure at Yas Waterworld.

If Abu Dhabi isn’t what you fancy, then simply drive up to The Atlantis, The Palm to play with its newest attraction, Sea Lion Point.

The new programme allows guests to enjoy a unique aquatic interaction with the South African Fur Seal.

Under the supervision of Marine Mammal Specialists, guests are invited to wade into waist deep water to share a number of behaviours, including a whiskery kisses, cuddles and one-on-one time, whilst learning what makes these marine mammals so unique.

Because the interaction takes place in shallow water, non-swimmers are also welcome to participate.

Each Sea Lion Discovery session has a maximum of 10 guests and participants must be at least 6 years of age. Sessions are available at 10,45am and 3.45pm daily.

Sea Lion Discovery is Dh495 for in-house guests and Dh595 for visitors.

If an aquatic adventure doesn’t tickle your fancy, then maybe it’s time to revisit the Al Ain Zoo with the children, which can be coupled with a picnic at the summit of Jabal Hafeet mountain.

Road Trip to Oman

Serene sands, towering mountain ranges and clear blue seas, a road trip across Oman can serve up natural wonders at every turn of the highway.

Book a beachside resort for a weekend getaway, or better yet, hop into your car and drive across the border to explore some rugged terrain along Ibri and Nizwa, while camping in the Jabal Shams mountains.

Fancy a bit of ecotourism? Then drive down south, below Muscat, to the Ras AI Jinz fishing village which is home to the Ras AI Hadd Turtle Reserve on the eastern shores of the Arabian Peninsula.

World renown for the nesting endangered green turtles, you can spend the night in a private resort or camp nearby in Sur before you head in the morning hours to see the turtles lay their eggs.

Sunny Sri Lanka

If sun and surf is what you desire (and wish to do it outside of the UAE), then hop on a flight to the tropical island of Sri Lanka and zip down to the beach town of Bentota.

Located on the southwest tip of the island Vivanta by Taj is the ideal luxury getaway on the cheap.

Spend the day sunning yourself by the pool, or hop into as tuk tuk to explore the neighbouring villages of Galle and Hikkaduwa.

Seat on direct flights to Colombo aboard Mihin Lanka from Sharjah start at Dh1,432 for the long weekend, with Thursday night departure and return on Sunday evening.

The staycation

If hopping on a plane is not on the cards, then opt instead with a long weekend at one of the beachside resorts in Fujairah or Ras Al Khaimah.

The Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah Resort is one such option that is still available for those looking for five-star luxury. Located in the centre of Al Hamra Village, with a pristine white sandy beach and an 18-hole championship golf course and club, you can also relax the weekend away at its spa and 10 restaurants and lounges.

Rooms are available for Dh2,650 per night as per its official website, which includes a king junior suite for two adults, with breakfast.

In Fujairah, the water facing Iberotel Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort is still showing availability for the long weekend, with prices starting at Dh4,833 for a family of four for two nights in the Al Rawda Suite.
 

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