Things to do in the UAE this week, from doggy summer camps to a street food festival

Who says things slow down during the UAE summer? While residents historically travelled abroad to escape sweltering temperatures, an increasing number of people are staying back to enjoy a packed season of indoor and even outdoor fun.

Parents have many options of summer camps to keep the little ones engaged, while most of the entertainment action is taking place inside malls. Here are seven things to do around the Emirates, from July 15 to to 21.

Monday, July 15

Louvre Abu Dhabi is calling on aspiring young astronauts, aged eight to 12, to join a four-day space-themed summer camp.

Developed through a collaboration among the museum, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and the Advanced Technology Research Council for Robotics, the camp takes place at the Picturing the Cosmos exhibition within the venue's Children's Museum. Participants will take part in highly engaging and educational activities, from a robotics challenge to a space rocket launch.

Skills such as team work, leadership and decision-making will be taught, with children also enhancing their collaboration, creativity and critical thinking abilities.

Until July 26; 9.30am-3.30pm; Dh400 per child; Louvre Abu Dhabi; louvreabudhabi.ae

Tuesday, July 16

Amazon’s Prime Day sale starts on Tuesday and, for the first time, will run over six days in the UAE, with discounts on categories spanning fashion, beauty and toys to electronics, groceries and home decor.

To mark the sale this year, Amazon has launched Echo Spot, an Alexa-enabled smart alarm clock, with time, weather and prayer time notifications, and available at 26 per cent off during Prime Day. Other discounts include: 48 per cent on Samsung mobile phones; 42 per cent PlayStation consoles; 53 per cent on Nutricook cooking appliances; 33 per cent on refrigerators and dishwashers from Midea and Bosch; and 48 per cent on hair appliances from Dyson.

Until July 21, www.amazon.ae/prime

Wednesday, July 17

Children who love pets will enjoy the Bark 'N Learn summer camp by The Petshop, which begins on Monday. The five-day affair aims to equip children with essential dog-training skills and encourage responsible pet ownership. Rescued puppies will be at the camp, giving them the opportunity to be trained before they find their forever homes.

Taking place at the Dubai Investment Park branch, the camp dives into various aspects of dog training and care, from introducing basic cues to agility training and hands-on grooming. Participants can join for a single day at Dh200 per child, or opt for the full five-day experience at Dh840 per child. The camp is open for children aged seven to 14.

Until July 19; 9am-10.30am; from Dh200 per child; Dubai Investment Park; form.typeform.com

Thursday, July 18

Foodies looking to learn some cooking skills in the capital can head to Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. The French restaurant is inviting guests to step inside its professional kitchen and cook alongside chef David Tavernier in an engaging culinary masterclass.

The hands-on experience ends with a five-course set menu. Timings can vary based on bookings.

Until September; Dh609 per person; Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi; 02 509 8555

Friday, July 19

Head to the Pavilion Garden at BurJuman Mall in Dubai on Friday for the third season of its street food festival.

More than 15 stalls and kiosks are on site, serving dishes from a range of cuisines such as Mexican, Arabic, Korean, Filipino and Japanese. Food aside, there is also plenty of entertainment, such as live music, dance performances and karaoke sessions. Visitors can also take part in games and arts and crafts.

Until August 6; noon-10pm on Sunday to Thursday, noon-midnight on Friday and Saturday; Al Mankhool, Dubai; 04 352 0222

Saturday, July 20

Start the weekend with some laughs at Movenpick JBR, where The Laughter Factory is bringing in three comedians for non-stop chuckles.

The line-up includes Irish stand-up comic and actor Rory O’ Hanlon, British comedian Darius Davies and Pakistan-born Dubai artist Tabarak. Jokes about society, relationships and work will be thrown onstage for a relatable evening of humour.

July 20; show starts 8.30pm; Dh160 per person; JBR, Dubai; platinumlist.net

Sunday, July 21

End the week with a family roast at Horse & Hound at Al Habtoor Polo Resort.

Slow-roasted meats are on the menu, traditional to British-style gastronomy, as well as mounds of mashed potatoes and Yorkshire puddings filled with gravy. Other dishes on the cards include crispy roast potatoes, creamy cauliflower gratin and other trimmings. Little ones can enjoy pony rides, bouncy castles and other family-friendly entertainment at the resort too.

Every Sunday; noon-5pm; Dh145 per person; Wadi Al Safa 5, Dubai; 056 545 8391