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Top 10 things to do during Eid Al Adha holidays in UAE

Abu Dhabi - The activities are for residents who prefer adventure, nature and historical sightings.

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Eid Al Adha is almost here, which also means holidays and family vacations and activities, even for residents staying in the country.
Here are the top 10 activities for residents who prefer adventure, nature and historical sightings, instead of simply dining at various spots, shopping and going on the typical staycation retreats.
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Huge fireworks display

What better way to round up every day of the holidays than watching Yas Marina's spectacular fireworks show set to take place at 9:00pm every night for the first three days of Eid.
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The fireworks display is said to be best enjoyed within the Yas Marina promenade or on board a traditional dhow with Captain Tony's Eid Fireworks Fun Cruise.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will play host to a live cook-off between Yas Island's celebrated chefs as they go head-to-head in the Black Box Chef Competition taking place at 2:00pm on August 23.
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Guests of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will also be able to enjoy a unique set of culturally inspired celebrations from August 22-26, including a 'Cultural Maze,' encounters with the park's perfume maker and fishermen in the Heritage Village and a theatrical storytelling experience.

Yas Waterworld

Families and loved ones can experience authentic Emirati culture with performances from local drummers and Ayalah dancers in addition to all-day play on over 40 thrilling rides, slides and attractions including the region's first 5D water adventure, Cinesplash.
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Eid Al Adha will also see the return of Yas Waterworld's Neon Nights on August 24, when celebrations will light up the night with glowing entertainment.

Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi

Guests celebrating Eid at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi can join iconic DC Super Heroes including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, as well as favourite animation characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Scooby-Doo for a festive day of endless family fun.
With 29 rides, attractions and live entertainment shows across six lands, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this enormous theme park.

Hili Fun City

This flagship family entertainment destination in Al Ain has been a firm favourite since opening in 1985 when it became the Gulf's first theme park.
Newly renovated, the park boasts of 28 attractions for all ages, a family show amphitheatre, picnic and play areas. The park is located near Hazza bin Zayed Stadium and opens from 4:00pm-10:00pm.

Al Ain Zoo

Al Ain Zoo welcomes Eid Al Adha this year with an array of wonderful activities and entertainment programmes.
The zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, with at least 30 per cent of its 180 species considered endangered. There are plenty of interactive activities for kids and families to enjoy, including giraffe feeding, camel riding and 'Elezba' petting zoo.
There is also a Children's Garden, which is a fun-filled, outdoor learning area designed to inspire children with a love for biodiversity.
The zoo opens daily from 9:00am-8:00pm and is located near the Traffic Police in Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain.

Emirates Park Zoo

With over 1,700 animals, including a majestic pair of white tigers, a 31-year-old, 300kg-plus Siberian bear, lions, cheetahs and dozens of zebras housed in the zoo's 'Predators' and 'Wild Animals' enclosures, the Emirates Park Zoo features a park-wide 'misting system' which keeps animals and patrons cool in the summer months.
Connected to the zoo, the Emirates Park Resort features air-conditioned accommodation with balconies overlooking the zoo, cave or garden.

Wadi Adventure

For those who prefer an adventure this Eid, why not try the region's first man-made white water rafting, kayaking and surf facility, built in the foothills of the majestic Jebel Hafeet?
The park's 3.3 metre man-made surf wave is the world's largest and its 1.7 kilometre kayaking channel network is the world's longest.
Opens daily from 11:00am-7:00pm, located in Nr Ain Al Fayda.

Sir Bani Yas Island

For nature lovers, Sir Bani Yas Island is certainly a place to check out during the upcoming holidays.
The Arabian Wildlife Park is home to more than 10,000 free roaming animals and takes up more than half of the island.
Visitors can get up close and personal, at eye-level, with the island's giraffes from a purpose-built viewing platform made completely from recycled materials.

Explore UAE's rich history at Jebel Hafeet

Outdoor enthusiasts can visit the enormous 1,240 metres, Jebel Hafeet, the emirate's highest peak.
This towering rocky height, which stands guard over Al Ain and borders Oman, is forged out of craggy limestone that has been weathered over millions of years. Significant fossil discoveries have been made in the area, which are vital pieces in the jigsaw of the city's ancient history.
Over 500 ancient burial tombs dating back 5,000 years have also been found in the Jebel Hafeet foothills. The remarkable mark the beginning of the Bronze Age in the UAE.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com