Children’s play areas that are now open in UAE


Janice Rodrigues
  • English
  • Arabic

After months of closures, family entertainment spaces and children’s soft play areas are reopening, with fun new offers and safety precautions in place. Looking for a little downtime as the little ones enjoy themselves? Here’s what you need to know:

Cheeky Monkeys

For those aged 1 to 8

The edutainment kids play area has reopened six of its Dubai branches, so children can enjoy its numerous features, which include a 280-square-metre play structure (for those over the age of 4), life-size playhouse and more. Branches also feature arts and crafts stations and an indoor play park, so little ones can let their imaginations run free.

Safety precautions being taken:

The facility is currently operating at 30 per cent capacity, so it is best to call ahead or make bookings online. Guests can also message on social media to fast track entry and reserve a table.

Other than that, Cheeky Monkeys has full time sanitisation officers in place to disinfect the facility. Toilets are disinfected every time they are used.

Staff are mandated to wear masks, with some also wearing face shields. Temperatures will be checked on entry, and hands and shoes have to be sanitised upon entry.

Contactless payment is encouraged, and sanitisation stations have been placed throughout the facility.

Cheeky Monkeys has partnered with Prime Medical to instal UV LED lighting with Germicidal Bulbs, designed to kill bacteria and germs. The UV smart lights are turned on automatically when Cheeky Monkeys is not operating at night. The company has also invested in sanitisation guns, cold fogger machines and UV wand lighting to better sanitise its facilities.

As an extra precaution, the ball pits and Monkey Market are closed and building bricks have been removed.

Branches currently open: In Dubai: JBR, Arabian Branches, Al Barsha, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai and J3 Mall; 043850875; visit www.cheekymonkeys.com

Fun City

For those aged 1 to 12

Popular children’s play area Fun City has reopened several of its branches across the UAE, giving little ones access to its soft play areas, video games and other attractions.

Safety precautions being taken:

Dedicated entry and exit points for all guests, health screening protocols for fever detection before entry, frequent fever screening for all staff members, and mandatory face masks. There is also enhanced store cleaning and fumigation on a regular basis.

All “top-ups” can be done online and contactless payments are accepted. In a bid to further minimise touch points, there are no paper tickets – e-tickets will be directly loaded onto a card.

Branches currently open in DubaiOasis Mall, Mercato Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall, Century Mall; In Sharjah: Safeer Mall; In Ajman: Safeer Mall. All branches in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Fujairah are currently not open. 

For more information, visit www.funcity.ae or email info@funcity.ae

Fun Block

For those aged: 1 to 12

A Landmark Leisure brand, Fun City has reopened it's doors in Dubai and Sharjah, complete with climbing walls, trampolines, and a focus on active play for children.

Safety precautions being taken:

Dedicated entry and exit points for all guests, health screening protocols for fever detection before entry, frequent fever screening for all staff members, and mandatory face masks. There is also enhanced store cleaning and fumigation on a regular basis.

Branches currently open in Dubai: First Avenue Mall, Motor City, Arabian Centre; In Sharjah: Oasis Mall; www.funblock.ae

Fun Ville

For those aged: 1 to 12

This play area, which reopened to the public at the end of June, features a number of family-friendly activities from bumper cars to a "happy swing" for little ones.

Safety precautions being taken:

Dedicated entry and exit points for all guests, health screening protocols for fever detection before entry, frequent fever screening for all staff members, and mandatory face masks. There is also enhanced store cleaning and fumigation on a regular basis.

Branches currently open: Al Hamra Mall, Ras Al Khaimah; 054 581 3372; www.funvillearabia.com

KidZania

For those aged: 1 to 16

Face masks and temperature checks are required at KidZania. Courtesy KidZania
Face masks and temperature checks are required at KidZania. Courtesy KidZania

The sprawling indoor play area within The Dubai Mall is currently open, but operating at a reduced capacity. Thinking of letting the children have some fun while you catch up on chores or shopping in the mall? Here’s a look at changes you can expect at the entertainment centre.

Safety precautions being taken:

Mandatory temperature checks, face masks and hand sanitisation upon entry. A distance of two metres must be maintained and stickers have been placed on the ground to indicate where one must stand while queuing.

Online ticket purchase is encouraged and contactless payment is required. Only disposable cutlery is used at food and beverage outlets, and disinfection and sanitation routines have been implemented at all touchpoints.

Branches currently open: The Dubai Mall; visit www.dubai.kidzania.com/en-ae

Magic Planet

Magic Planet has several branches open across the UAE. Supplied
Magic Planet has several branches open across the UAE. Supplied

Family entertainment centre Magic Planet has attractions for all age groups, from video games to rides, simulators and more.

Safety precautions being taken:

Mandatory face masks for guests and masks and gloves for employees. Guests must maintain physical distancing, with signs and safety ambassadors to guide them.

The number of lanes in Yalla! Bowling has been reduced and alternate seats will also be kept vacant in the bowling area and on certain rides to maintain a safe distance. Guests will be asked to use another game if the one beside them is in use.

To minimise social contact while queuing, the number of cashiers has been reduced and guests are encouraged to do online top-ups. Contactless payment is also provided and the top-up kiosks will be temporarily closed to reduce physical contact.

In addition, fogging machines are being used to disinfect large areas and staff are sanitising surfaces after every guest interaction. Washroom cubicle accessories are also disinfected after every use. Hand sanitiser is available for guests and employees with dispensers at entrances and at other locations.

Branches currently open: In Dubai: Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Shindaga, Burjuman and City Centre Me'aisem; In Sharjah: City Centre Sharjah, Matajer al Juraina, Matajer Al Mirgab; In Ajman: City Centre Ajman; in Ras Al Khaimah: Al Naeem Mall; www.magicplanetmena.com

OliOli

For those aged: 1 to 11

OliOli has a summer camp operating at 30 per cent capacity this year. Chris Whiteoak / The National
OliOli has a summer camp operating at 30 per cent capacity this year. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The interactive children’s play museum in Dubai is now open and it has launched a selfie wall attraction (where children can turn their selfies into artworks). Mandatory advance booking is required and the attraction is currently only operating its summer camp at 30 per cent capacity.

Meanwhile, for parents still not comfortable sending their children to public spaces, OliOli has “virtual summer adventures”, where children are sent a set of materials and tools, and can partake in a fun 90-minute Zoom session.

Safety precautions being taken:

OliOli has reduced its capacity to admit only six to eight children every 30 minutes (with a maximum stay of two hours). This ensures social distancing guidelines can be easily followed.

Temperature checks are conducted regularly, with the team being checked twice a day. Face masks are mandatory.

Touch-free sanitisers have been placed throughout the museum, and the facility is cleaned once every two hours. Online booking is mandatory.

OliOli also currently has a summer camp programme that takes in only six children per group and limits the number of groups to two. The camps are held in two separate rooms, which are not accessible to regular visitors. These rooms are sanitised several times a day by the housekeeping team.

There is a dedicated team for each camp – and that team does not have any other museum responsibilities, to avoid the risk of cross contamination.

 Al Quoz 1; 04 702 7300; www.olioli.ae

Splash n Party

For those aged: 1 to 12

Children's water park Splash 'n' Party is now open to the public. Courtesy Splash 'n' Party
Children's water park Splash 'n' Party is now open to the public. Courtesy Splash 'n' Party

If your little ones want to beat the summer heat, they can make a splash at this aqua park for children, with its two branches in Dubai now open.

Safety precautions being taken:

Mandatory temperature checks. Those with symptoms will be taken to an isolation zone. Guest and visitors with underlying medical conditions, respiratory illness or chronic diseases are not allowed in.
All guests have to wear a mask, including children, who can only remove them while playing or during swim time. Staff also wear masks or face shields.
Guests have to bring their own towels, and social distancing guidelines have to be followed at all times – even in the water. Children must be supervised by an adult to ensure they are following these guidelines.

Food and beverage outlets in the waterpark are open, with contactless payment encouraged. 
Branches currently open: Al Safa; Kite Beach; 04 388 3008; email info@splashnparty.ae or events@splashnparty.ae

Tridom

For those aged: 1 to 12

This children play area and indoor park has a number of rides, video games and a play zone to keep children entertained. It has even introduced "Funday Mondays" when blue swiper games are available for Dh1.

Safety precautions being taken:

Dedicated entry and exit points for all guests, health screening protocols for fever detection before entry, frequent fever screening for all staff members, and mandatory face masks. There is also enhanced store cleaning and fumigation on a regular basis.

Tridom, Manar Mall, Ras Al Khaimah; www.tridom.ae

Children's play areas in Abu Dhabi are currently closed. 

The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

Indoor cricket in a nutshell

Indoor Cricket World Cup – Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai

16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side

8 There are eight players per team

There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.

5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls

Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership

Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.

Zones

A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs

B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run

Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs

Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full

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Suggested picnic spots

Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
 
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes 

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Countries offering golden visas

UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.

Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.

Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.

Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.

Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence. 

Abu Dhabi GP Saturday schedule

12.30pm GP3 race (18 laps)

2pm Formula One final practice 

5pm Formula One qualifying

6.40pm Formula 2 race (31 laps)

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The specs: 2018 Maxus T60

Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000

Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder

Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm

Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

SPECS

Toyota land Cruiser 2020 5.7L VXR

Engine: 5.7-litre V8

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 362hp

Torque: 530Nm

Price: Dh329,000 (base model 4.0L EXR Dh215,900)

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MATCH INFO

Barcelona 2
Suarez (10'), Messi (52')

Real Madrid 2
Ronaldo (14'), Bale (72')

The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989

Director: Goran Hugo Olsson

Rating: 5/5

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The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

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Racecard
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Last 10 winners of African Footballer of the Year

2006: Didier Drogba (Chelsea and Ivory Coast)
2007: Frederic Kanoute (Sevilla and Mali)
2008: Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal and Togo)
2009: Didier Drogba (Chelsea and Ivory Coast)
2010: Samuel Eto’o (Inter Milan and Cameroon)
2011: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2012: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2013: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2014: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2015: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund and Gabon)
2016: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City and Algeria)

Heavily-sugared soft drinks slip through the tax net

Some popular drinks with high levels of sugar and caffeine have slipped through the fizz drink tax loophole, as they are not carbonated or classed as an energy drink.

Arizona Iced Tea with lemon is one of those beverages, with one 240 millilitre serving offering up 23 grams of sugar - about six teaspoons.

A 680ml can of Arizona Iced Tea costs just Dh6.

Most sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, five teaspoons of sugar in a 500ml bottle.

Disability on screen

Empire — neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis; bipolar disorder; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Rosewood and Transparent — heart issues

24: Legacy — PTSD;

Superstore and NCIS: New Orleans — wheelchair-bound

Taken and This Is Us — cancer

Trial & Error — cognitive disorder prosopagnosia (facial blindness and dyslexia)

Grey’s Anatomy — prosthetic leg

Scorpion — obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety

Switched at Birth — deafness

One Mississippi, Wentworth and Transparent — double mastectomy

Dragons — double amputee

Disclaimer

Director: Alfonso Cuaron 

Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville 

Rating: 4/5