Summer in Abu Dhabi

It's back again! We look at what's hot and what not to miss at this summer's biggest event in the capital 2 Comments

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Circus magic

Summer in Abu Dhabi is playing host to two performance spectaculars, guaranteed to keep your sun-weary eyes open. Magic On Ice is an acclaimed American extravaganza, combining ice dare-devilry with the spectacle of illusion, much as if David Copperfield lived in your freezer. It takes place at Zayed Sports City, Aug 1-15 (not Aug 9), daily at 8pm. Tickets are Dhs200 for adults and Dhs80 for children under 12 years old. The Freij Circus will bring the traditional big top to the big city, with dates and prices yet to be announced  (www.summerinabudhabi.com). Expect animals, acrobats, and air-conditioning.

Science and Technology Island

7,000 sq ft of geek paradise. If you’ve ever pondered the possibilities of invisibility, or perhaps envisaged a world where robots walk and talk at your command, then this is the island for you. It’s also the temporary home of ArcAttack, an American ensemble who create sounds (music might be too kind a word) using three-metre high Tesla coils. Doctor Who meets Darth Vader on an Abu Dhabi dancefloor? Affirmative.

Adventure Island

This is the place to get good and grubby as you traverse jungle trails, cling to a runaway train, teeter around waterfalls and scramble over rock walls. There’s even promise of ‘realistic’ animatronics – surely a first for the animatronics community, and therefore worth the price of entry alone.

Art, Culture and Heritage Island

No prizes for the name of this island, but plenty for its attractions. The main feature is a celebration of Emirati culture, though visitors can also learn about South African Zulus, Australian Aborigines and native Mongolians. Look out for great music, passionate dancing and photo opportunities galore.

Fun and Entertainment Island

According to our science teachers, the fourth dimension is space. Not so at Summer Abu Dhabi, where the 4D cinema attraction throws water, air and movement into the mix. They’re also promising ‘neck blasts’ and ‘leg tickles’, which prompts us to ask: ‘Where and how can we apply to work as leg ticklers for the summer?’ The humble cinema usher’s job description never sounded so appealing.

Sports Island

If there’s one thing Time Out loves above all else, it’s gladiatorial combat. Hurrah for Summer in Abu Dhabi, then, as we get the chance to open up a can of Russell Crowe all over our deadliest rivals. Good people of Abus Dhabus, let the battle of the gladiators commence! The island will also host archery tournaments and the noble sport of, err, bowling. It’s also the place to indulge those bungee-jumping urges you’ve so far kept at bay (albeit at a vertigo-friendly height).

Atrium

Lucy may remain in the sky with diamonds, but Summer in Abu Dhabi has the flowers, ‘that grow so incredibly high’. And here they are, towering 12m above you as you approach the surprisingly psychedelic entrance to this year’s carnival. A word of warning – the tree house is not as it seems…