The UAE's scorching summer months lead to several venues closing their doors temporarily. However, the cooler climes bring with them a wave of comebacks. Whether it's a family day out interacting with wild animals, or a stroll across verdant parks, there's a venue out there for you.
Here are some to keep on your radar and dates to add to your calendar.
Sharjah Safari Park
Opens: September 23
The sprawling safari park – the largest of its kind in the world's outside of Africa – is returning for its fourth season on Monday. More than 300 new animals and birds were born this year, adding to the 50,000 animals from more than 120 species. The area spans 12 environments, inspired by the regions of Africa. Each area features unique landscapes, ecosystems and groups of animals.
General admission aside, groups can book private tours that start at Dh1,500 for six people. Restaurants and food and beverage kiosks are on site too. Visitors are encouraged to bring hats, sunglasses and comfortable walking shoes to enjoy the venue.
Daily, 8.30am-6pm; from Dh15; Al Bridi, Sharjah; 06 803 7777
Dubai Safari Park
Opens: October 1
The popular wildlife park is divided into six themed zones with an array of educational opportunities, and will also offer new experiences and attractions this season. More than 3,000 animals are housed there, from wildcats best viewed on a safari drive to giraffes, elephants and dozens of reptile and bird species.
Daily, 9am-5pm; from Dh20; Al Warqa 5, Dubai; 800 900
Hatta
Opens: October 1
Just 90 minutes from Dubai, Hatta remains one of the most popular winter venues for people of all ages and interests – whether it's a relaxing glamping experience or a more adventurous time in the mountains. Elevated camping options, from tents to wooden lodges, are available at Hatta Resorts, while those looking for activities such as hiking and mountain biking can head to Hatta Wadi Hub.
Daily, 9am-9pm; various locations around Hatta; 04 852 2200
Ripe Market
Opens: October 14
The flagship location of Ripe Market at Academy Park in Dubai is home to dozens of artisans selling everything from jewellery to home decor and toys to home-made foods. A petting zoo is on-site as well as live entertainment in the central arena.
Saturday, 9am-9pm; Sunday, 9am-7pm; from Dh5; Umm Sequim, Dubai; 04 315 7000
Dubai Miracle Garden
Opens: October 10
Dubai Miracle Garden is opening its doors for a new season of flowers galore in October. Located in the Dubailand district, the vast park is pegged as the world's largest flower garden with more than 50 million flowers and 250 million plants – perfect for a day of sightseeing and picture-taking.
Monday to Friday, 9am-9pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9am-11pm; from Dh60; Dubailand; 04 422 8902
Global Village
Opens: October 16
Global Village, one of Dubai's most popular open-air entertainment destinations, is buzzing with things to see, do and buy. The park is set to expand with more pavilions, attractions and food options on offer for the 29th season. Global Village is scheduled to remain open until May 8 next year.
Sunday to Wednesday, 4pm-midnight; Thursday to Saturday, 4pm-1am; Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Dubai; 04 362 4114
Dubai Garden Glow
Opens: Now
Back for its 10th season, this family-friendly destination is pegged as the largest glow-in-the-dark garden in the world, with more than 10 million LED lights illuminating the outdoor park. About 500 glowing designs and 120 animatronics are scattered across the venue, making it a fun spot for young children.
Sunday to Friday, 5pm-10pm; Saturday, 5pm-midnight; from Dh70; Zabeel Park, Dubai; 055 918 8126
Aventura Parks
Opens: Now
The zip line park and obstacle course playground is designed for thrill-seekers. The theme park is home to 80 obstacle courses, 24 zip lines and other activities designed to promote movement and problem-solving skills. There are trampolines and swings, as well as restaurants all nestled around a tranquil ghaf forest.
Daily, 2pm-8pm; from Dh35; Mushrif Park, Dubai; 052 178 7616
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BIOSAFETY LABS SECURITY LEVELS
Biosafety Level 1
The lowest safety level. These labs work with viruses that are minimal risk to humans.
Hand washing is required on entry and exit and potentially infectious material decontaminated with bleach before thrown away.
Must have a lock. Access limited. Lab does not need to be isolated from other buildings.
Used as teaching spaces.
Study microorganisms such as Staphylococcus which causes food poisoning.
Biosafety Level 2
These labs deal with pathogens that can be harmful to people and the environment such as Hepatitis, HIV and salmonella.
Working in Level 2 requires special training in handling pathogenic agents.
Extra safety and security precautions are taken in addition to those at Level 1
Biosafety Level 3
These labs contain material that can be lethal if inhaled. This includes SARS coronavirus, MERS, and yellow fever.
Significant extra precautions are taken with staff given specific immunisations when dealing with certain diseases.
Infectious material is examined in a biological safety cabinet.
Personnel must wear protective gowns that must be discarded or decontaminated after use.
Strict safety and handling procedures are in place. There must be double entrances to the building and they must contain self-closing doors to reduce risk of pathogen aerosols escaping.
Windows must be sealed. Air from must be filtered before it can be recirculated.
Biosafety Level 4
The highest level for biosafety precautions. Scientist work with highly dangerous diseases that have no vaccine or cure.
All material must be decontaminated.
Personnel must wear a positive pressure suit for protection. On leaving the lab this must pass through decontamination shower before they have a personal shower.
Entry is severely restricted to trained and authorised personnel. All entries are recorded.
Entrance must be via airlocks.
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About Takalam
Date started: early 2020
Founders: Khawla Hammad and Inas Abu Shashieh
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech and wellness
Number of staff: 4
Funding to date: Bootstrapped
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE DETAILS
Deadpool 2
Dir: David Leitch
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Justin Dennison, Zazie Beetz
Four stars
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Ticket prices
- Golden circle - Dh995
- Floor Standing - Dh495
- Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
- Lower Bowl premium - Dh795
- Lower Bowl Plus - Dh695
- Lower Bowl Standard- Dh595
- Upper Bowl Premium - Dh395
- Upper Bowl standard - Dh295
Dubai Women's Tour teams
Agolico BMC
Andy Schleck Cycles-Immo Losch
Aromitalia Basso Bikes Vaiano
Cogeas Mettler Look
Doltcini-Van Eyck Sport
Hitec Products – Birk Sport
Kazakhstan National Team
Kuwait Cycling Team
Macogep Tornatech Girondins de Bordeaux
Minsk Cycling Club
Pannonia Regional Team (Fehérvár)
Team Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Team Ciclotel
UAE Women’s Team
Under 23 Kazakhstan Team
Wheel Divas Cycling Team
MATCH INFO
Euro 2020 qualifier
Croatia v Hungary, Thursday, 10.45pm, UAE
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
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
