Latest news with #SummerLiteracyCamp


What's On
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
Your weekly guide for things to do in Abu Dhabi
Whether you want to dive into adventure, catch an epic live show, or find a great place to eat and drink, we've got the lowdown on what's on this week. From family friendly fun to top tier dining and buzzing bars, here's your easy to follow guide to make the most of this week in Abu Dhabi. Adventure and fun for everyone Summer Literacy Camp Image: What's On archive Books, crafts and a sprinkle of magic await at Maktaba's Creative Camp. Kids can explore themes inspired by Harry Potter, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dr. Seuss and more. With storytelling, slime making, ceramic plate design and other fun activities, this is the perfect way to turn reading into an adventure. Location: Various Maktaba branches including Khalifa Park Library, Al Wathba Library, Zayed Central Library and Al Marfa Library Times: Daily from 10am to 8pm until August 18 Cost: Free Contact: (02) 657 6020 @dctabudhabi Limp Bizkit in Abu Dhabi Image: What's On archive Get ready to break stuff as nu metal legends Limp Bizkit return to the UAE for one night only. Frontman Fred Durst and the band will fire up the stage with classics like Nookie, Break Stuff and Rollin'. This high energy concert promises a raw, unforgettable experience. Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island Times: August 12 from 8pm to midnight Cost: Starting at Dhs435 Contact: @ Beyond the Picture Book The Story Playground Image: KCC Instagram Step inside a world of magic and colour at this Korean picture book exhibition. Wander through whimsical forests, starry skies and lively cities created by award winning artists. Giant wall artworks and a creative corner invites visitors of all ages to explore and make their own stories. Location: Korean Cultural Center, Yas Creative Hub, Yas Island Times: Daily from 10am to 6pm until August 22 Contact: kccuae@ (02) 491 7227, @kcc_uae Snorkelling and Scuba Diving Image: Unsplash Website Dive into Abu Dhabi's warm waters and discover stunning reefs, shipwrecks and abundant marine life. Sea Hawk Water Sports offers PADI courses and daily dive packages while also running mangrove kayaking trips. Freediving UAE specialises in freediving courses and Lulu Boats provides tailor-made boat trips for scuba and watersports lovers. Location: Various locations around Abu Dhabi Times: Advance booking and weather permitting Cost: Sea Hawk from Dhs150, Freediving UAE courses from Dhs800, Lulu Boats pricing varies Contact: @seahawkuae @freedivinguae @luluboats Smash things from your driveway Image: Archive Ever felt like smashing something just for the thrill of it? Now you can, without even leaving home. The Smash Mobile by The Smash Room is a fully kitted-out van that brings the ultimate rage room experience to your doorstep. Designed for private events, it includes two zones: one to gear up and another to let loose on everything from old electronics to washing machines. Ideal for groups of four to ten, this high-energy experience is all about stress relief, your way. Location: Your location, wherever the van goes Date: Daily throughout August Cost: Packages start from Dhs1,659 Contact: ( 02) 584 5949 @ Make your own vintage teacup candle Image: Archive Looking for a crafty weekday activity? Head to the Cultural Foundation for a charming, hands-on workshop where you'll turn antique teacups into beautiful, one-of-a-kind candles. Led by candle artist Heba, this beginner friendly session blends creativity with sustainability and you'll leave with your own custom candle and the skills to keep making more. A perfect way to slow down and get creative this August. Location: Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi Date: August 11 Cost: Tickets from Dhs200 @abudhabicf Drop into a summer skate session Image: Archive Yes, you can skateboard in August, thanks to Circuit X's indoor skate park on Hudayriyat Island. Whether you're a total beginner or working on your next trick, the air conditioned space lets you skate without sweating it out. Group lessons through their skate school make it easy to level up, and all gear is included, so you can just roll in and ride. Location: Circuit X, Hudayriyat Island Date: Daily throughout August Cost: Tickets from Dhs45 @circuitx_hudayriyat For the foodies Sidekicks Image: Warner Bros Website Step into Warner Bros. Hotel Abu Dhabi's family friendly all day dining spot where your favourite supporting characters come to life. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner and you might just meet a beloved character during your visit. Location: Sidekicks, Warner Bros Hotel Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Times: Daily from 7am to 10:30pm Contact: (02) 692 7742 @thewbabudhabi Talea by Antonio Guida Image: Michelin Guide Website Experience Michelin starred Italian cuisine at Emirates Palace. Chef Luigi Stinga serves Milanese classics with dishes like handmade ravioli, creamy carbonara and ossobuco in an elegant yet casual setting. Location: Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road Times: Contact for reservations Contact: (02) 690 7999 @taleauae Erth Restaurant Image: Visit Abu Dhabi Website Dine inside Qasr Al Hosn and soak in the rich Emirati culture. Erth serves wholesome dishes made from locally sourced ingredients that blend traditional flavours with modern touches. Location: North Parking, Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi Times: Daily from 12pm to 11pm Contact: (02) 679 4014 For the Cheers Seekers Lock Stock and Barrel Image: Solutions Leisure Website Yas Bay Waterfront's award-winning bar brings rock 'n' roll vibes to your nights with craft beers, classic burgers and live entertainment. Watch the UAE's best bands or catch big sports events on the many large screens. Open daily until 2am. Location: Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island Times: Daily from 12pm to 2am Contact: (02) 235 8659 Escape Bar Image: Visit Abu Dhabi Website Relax by the pool with cocktails and tapas while enjoying stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Escape Bar is perfect for a laid-back day or evening unwind. Location: Radisson Blue Hotel & Resort, Corniche Times: Daily from 9am to 10pm Contact: (02) 681 1900 Captain's Arms Image: Visit Abu Dhabi Website Classic English pub vibes with hearty dishes and a wide range of draft beers. Outdoor seating overlooks the renovated Le Meridien Village making it a perfect spot for any time of day. Location: Le Meridien Village, Abu Dhabi Times: Daily from 12pm to 2.30am Contact: (056) 688 5361


Al Etihad
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
MAKTABA turns Abu Dhabi libraries into inspiring learning labs this summer
4 Aug 2025 00:04 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi has turned its libraries into vibrant hubs of stories, colours, and creativity with MAKTABA's Summer Literacy Camp. Here, children spend their summer break immersed in heartwarming tales and hands-on activities that bring ideas to by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the camp welcomes children aged 6 to 12 into a fun, engaging space designed to pique their curiosity and spark their MAKTABA summer camp takes places at a number locations, including the Zayed Central Library, Khalifa Park Library, Al Wathba Library, and Al Marfa Library. It seeks to develop a generation that values reading, culture, and creative thinking, making it more than just a summertime trawling through thousands of books across the libraries' aisles, children can participate in interactive workshops and let their imaginations run wild during arts and crafts sessions. With daily hands-on experiences ranging from science and storytelling to visual arts and soft skills development, the programme effectively combines play and education. Engaging activities are lined up throughout the camp as it approaches its final August 5, children will learn healthy habits by making fruit smoothies without a blender and decorating with edible fruit. On August 6, there will be a cool workshop introducing kids to 'Glow Jars from the Wizarding World.' Then on August 7, they will be able to build their own robots. From 5pm to 6pm, the camp offers families access to more enriching programmes. What's In Store for the Youth this August The emirate's summer library programmes and activities offer more than just books; they give every child a place to hosting the MAKTABA Summer Literacy Camp, the libraries continue to hold a variety of activities - from reading groups to meaningful discussions for the community. There are lively group discussions with the Youth Reading Club and Library Friends Forum, as well as storytelling sessions, aiming to build young participants' confidence by allowing them to express themselves and explore a world of ideas. Children also get to participate in artistic and practical activities, such as wood painting, origami art, pencil case colouring, and 'Draw the Hero of the Story' sessions. While workshops like Shapes Board aid in the development of focus and spatial awareness, events like Curious Amani and the Alphabet Letters make learning enjoyable for young readers. The initiative also addresses current issues in engaging sessions. 'With Love, We Defeat Bullying' combines art and storytelling to teach empathy and emotional intelligence. Then, the 'Awareness Programme on Child Protection Online' equips kids with the necessary skills to safely navigate the digital world. While the Digital Library Workshop introduces older participants to crucial research tools and online resources, children continue to learn about culture and identity in classes like 'Introduction to Heritage Sites.'Through story discussions, presentations, Q&As, and crafts like summer fans, the Future Creators Club emphasises seasonal knowledge, creativity, as well as teamwork. Community-focused and celebratory events like the Closing Day of the Summer Programme, Back to School, and An Unforgettable End of Summer bring people together through storytelling, games, and challenges.