Keep your cool with our guide to summer, from live shows and hotel deals to getaways and skincare tips
For the past few years, TCA Abu Dhabi has been bringing international entertainment to the city as part of Abu Dhabi Summer Season – and 2015 will be no different.
The ‘Summer Season’ runs from June to September, but mostly it consists of deals at hotels for tourists and some events in malls. The top-line live performances start after Ramadan with a concert from Emirati singer Habib Elyasi in Al Ain and Saudi singing sensation Mohamed Abdo at du Forum.
Other Season highlights include comedy, a spectacular fire and light show, Hans Klok (“the world’s fastest illusionist”) and a live show from Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman with the kind of experiments you’ll see in their popular Mythbusters TV show.
And for the younger ones, favourite TV characters are coming to Abu Dhabi in live productions of Barney, Shaun the Sheep and Sesame Street.
Hot deals to keep you cool
Many Abu Dhabi hotels are offering great room rates or free nights during the summer – so why not escape for a few days and let someone else do the laundry?
Al Raha Beach Hotel has rates from AED 455++ including a 20 per cent discount on food and beverage and spa treatments. Valid until 30th September (excluding Eid and public holidays). Contact: 02 508 0555 www.alrahabeach.danathotels.com
At the brand new Jannah Burj Al Sarab on Mina Street, you can stay for two nights but only pay for one. Bunk up in a suite while your personal butler caters to your every need. Valid until 5th September. Rates start at AED 925++ per night for a one-bedroom suite. Contact: 02 412 3333 reservations.jbas@jannah.ae
Book the Arabian summer package in the world’s most leaning tower at Hyatt Capital Gate and you’ll get a complimentary night when you book two or three consecutive nights. Prices vary. Valid until 30th September. Contact: 02 596 1234 abudhabi.capitalgate.hyatt.com
Here’s another three-for-two – pay for two consecutive nights at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and get a third one free until 30th September. Rates are based on the best available rate. Contact: 02 654 3333 www.fairmont.com
You’ll get the same offer at Rosewood Abu Dhabi, valid until 31st December. Rates start at AED 650++ for a deluxe room. Contact: 02 813 5550 www.rosewoodhotels.com
Snap up the weekend getaway package at Southern Sun Abu Dhabi for AED 325++ and you’ll get a room at the hotel with two tickets to either Ferrari World or Yas Waterworld thrown in. Valid until 31st October. Contact: 02 818 4888 reservations.abudhabi@tsogosun.com
Want to feel like you’re miles away without having to travel too far? Head to Sir Bani Yas Island, home to a wildlife reserve and three beautiful Anantara properties. From now until the end of August you can have a second room or a second night free. Stay in the African-inspired Al Sahel Villa Resort from AED 1,600++ per night including breakfast or the romantic Al Yamm Villa Resort from AED 1,850++ per night including breakfast. If you’ve got the family in tow, opt for Desert Islands Resort & Spa from AED 975++ per night including breakfast for two. Book in advance at www.anantara.com/abudhabisummer using the promotional code RMFREE.
Quick getaways
Looking to escape but don’t have any holiday days left? Take a weekend to discover these spots without the hassle of long haul travel and extended leave.
Al Ain
We don’t visit the Garden City enough, and there’s really no excuse. Al Ain has a modest selection of hotels including Ayla Hotel, Hili Rayhaan by Rotana, Al Ain Rotana, Hilton Al Ain, Danat Al Ain and City Seasons Hotel Al Ain.
Jebel Hafeet. While the mountain certainly offers stunning views over the city and beyond, there’s not much to do once you reach the top other than take photos and grab a bite to eat in the Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet Hotel – but it’s still worth it on a clear day. At the base of the mountain is the Green Mubazzarah, a park with hot springs and a kids’ mini train.
Wadi Adventure. Adrenalin junkies can try surfing, white water rafting and rock climbing; the more sedate can chill out by the pool. Entrance starts at AED 50 for adults and AED 25 for children. Contact:
03 781 8422 www.wadiadventure.ae
Al Ain Zoo. The park is a great way to spend the evening – it’s home to 197 species. You can feed the giraffes, watch birds of prey in action or take the little ones to the children’s zoo. Be warned though: it is closed during Ramadan. Contact: www.alainzoo.ae
Culture. The impressively restored Al Jahili Fort houses the permanent exhibition of photos by Mubarak bin London (aka Wilfred Thesiger). Or check out Al Ain National Museum, covering the Stone Age until the early days of the UAE.
Stay. Book the summer escape package at Danat Al Ain Resort and you’ll get 25 per cent discount in two of its restaurants, access to the recreational facilities and complimentary early check-in and late check-out. Rates start from AED 259++ per room per night based on single occupancy. Valid until 15th July. Contact: www.alain.danathotels.com
Salalah
If you’ve heard whisperings of forests and waterfalls sprouting out of the desert you’ve probably been listening to someone gushing about Salalah. And June to August is considered the best time to visit, because the city gets a mini-monsoon season called the ‘khareef’. The arid land comes alive with foliage, the temperature hangs in the mid 20s and wadis run deep with fresh water. In stark contrast to the rest of the region, which is dominated by bare dunes and grey mountains, Salalah retains an East African feel with white sandy beaches and green oases.
Festival time. For 40 days after Ramadan (mid-July to end August) Salalah comes alive with the Khareef Festival – a great chance to catch local music and dance shows, watch sport tournaments, and buy traditional handicrafts. The festival site is on the edge of town, near the new airport.
Explore. While you’re in Salalah, check out some history – Sumhuram is an old trading town in a stunning location, The Land of Frankincense Museum is at one end of another much larger archaeological site called Al Baleed.
Stay. As most tourists want to visit Salalah during monsoon season, hotels fill up and prices increase; so try to take advantage of early booking promotions.
Good accommodation options include Salalah Rotana Resort, which is on a stunning palm-fringed beach and built around lagoons and manmade canals, and the four-star Juweira Boutique Hotel right next to it.
Contact: +968 23 275 700 www.rotana.com/salalahrotanaresort or +968 23 239 600 www.juweirahotel.com
Hilton Salalah Resort is a good family option with a kids’ club, children’s pool and playground for the little ones and tennis courts, a fitness room and jogging track for adults. Contact: +968 23 211 234
www.hilton.com
Getting there. You could drive, but it’ll take a couple of days. Rotana Jet flies direct to Salalah from AED 650++. You can also fly one-stop with Qatar Airways from around AED 600 or Oman Air from AED 590++.
Be cool, baby
Summer can be tough for little ones. The harsh weather can affect a baby’s fragile skin causing rashes, sunburn, dehydration and other health issues. So what can you do to keep kids cool and safe during the season?
Pick comfy clothes
Dr Aditya Rakhecha, consultant neonatologist and head of department at Brightpoint Royal Women’s Hospital, says, “Dress your baby in cotton; it absorbs sweat better than synthetic fibre. If going outside, choose long sleeved, light clothes with a wide hat to protect the face. Also, choose cotton nappies as disposable ones trap more heat.”
Dr Mohamed Wasfy El Abiary, consultant and paediatric endocrinologist at Burjeel Hospital, adds, “Nappies should be changed more frequently during this time as the humidity can exacerbate the chances of rashes and skin maladies.”
Keep the fluids coming
Babies need more water than adults and Dr Mohamed says it’s advisable to give them lots of fluids even if you think they’re not thirsty. Dehydration can become a serious problem if it’s not sorted out quickly.
For babies who are below six months, Dr Mohamed says breast milk is fine – “if really necessary, especially during summer time, parents can give them water not more than two ounces at any given time.” Formula-fed babies may be offered boiled cooled water.
Avoid the outdoors
“Since babies do not sweat, they can become overheated more quickly than adults,” says Dr Aditya. “Keep babies indoors during the hottest hours of the day, around 10am to 5pm.”
Staying indoors still requires caution; parents are advised to be on guard to avoid accidents.
“Don’t leave an infant in a hot room or parked car even for one minute. In such condition, the baby’s temperature can rise quickly and they may not be able to cope,” warns Dr Mohamed.
Use sunscreen
As babies under six months have thin, delicate skin, it is best to avoid direct sunlight. But you can still apply a thin layer of sunscreen; just make sure it’s at least SPF 15.
Dr Aditya explains, “The American Academy of Pediatrics says it’s fine to apply a small amount on exposed areas, even on the face, to babies under six months. For older babies, sunscreen should be applied more liberally. Preferably use a water-proof sunscreen.”
He adds, “Excessive exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn. The skin may be hot, red, swollen and painful to touch. A cold compress followed by a moisturiser will be soothing on such skin. A doctor should be consulted in such situation immediately if the child is less than one year old.”
Summer skin essentials
‘Tis the season for swapping your jeans for shorts, shoes for sandals, bringing out your swim wear and hoping for that sun-kissed glow.
But too much exposure to the sun can also mean at least a nasty sunburn and at worst a whole range of skin diseases.
Lucky for you, we’ve borrowed some tips from the experts at Kaya Skin Clinic on how to keep your skin healthy and glowing this summer.
Stay hydrated
This advice has been drilled into our heads for years, yet many of us still fail to drink enough water. Your body loses a lot of moisture in the heat, so make an effort to carry water with you wherever you go.
Cold, fizzy drinks might be tempting, but they contain unhealthy amounts of sugar and actually dehydrate you even more. If you’re looking for something sweet, try fresh juices such as pineapple, watermelon and coconut water. But plain water is best.
Make SPF your summer mantra
We can’t stress enough the importance of sunscreen. Choose one that moisturises while protecting you from harmful rays.
Find one that suits you (and especially your skin) and apply it 30 minutes before you head out. If you’re out all day, remember to touch it up every hour.
Follow the golden rules of skincare
Cleanse, tone, moisturise: you’ve been hearing about these three steps for years. But in summer it applies even more, because there’s more dust in the air; UV rays attack the top layer of skin; and the sun and heat will dry you out.
Clean your face twice a day – even if you’ve been indoors. Use a toner to keep your pores closed and skin cool. For a few natural options, try rose water, milk or almond oil – depending on your skin type. Exfoliation is an absolute must during the summer; it removes dead skin and improves blood circulation.
It’s also vital that you continue with your daily moisturising regime to keep your skin from drying out. Go for a moisturiser with an SPF of 15 or more.
Don’t forget your neck. It’s easy to overlook it, and indeed your cleavage. Treat them as an extension of your face and continue to apply the product all the way down.
Get lippy
Lips have no melanin in the skin, which means they are more prone to sun damage. Avoid unpleasantly dry lips and sidestep potential problems by investing in a lip balm with an indicated SPF 15 or higher.
Positively fun summer
Can’t stand the summer heat? Well, your pets don’t like it too much either.
Dr Margit Gabriele Muller, director of Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, tells us: “The danger of heatstroke, dehydration and sunburn in animals is very high during the season. Heatstroke and dehydration can lead to multiple organ and kidney failure, which can result in the death of a pet.”
Obviously, keeping pets indoor is the way to go to ensure safety. But there are additional ways to shield furry pals from the harsh heat.
Walking
Samer Al-Ogidi, owner of Pooch Parlour Pet Salon, advises pet owners to walk their dogs before 7am and after 6.30pm.
“If you are walking your dog for more than one and a half hours, make sure to take fresh cool water with you for him to drink.”
If the pavement is too hot for you to walk on barefoot, it’s too hot for your dog. Dr Margit advises letting old Rufus walk on the grass instead.
Grooming
Pets with thick coats, breeds such as German shepherds and Persian cats, can find it tough to stay cool.
“Reducing large hair coats during summertime has a positive effect for pets,” says Dr Margit. “It is advisable to treat cats and dogs to a shave or haircut to keep them cool.”
Samer, however, advises against a complete shave. “While having short hair helps keep a dog to keep cool, shaving down to the skin will make them prone to sunburn.”
The increase in temperature can also stimulate bacterial growth, so infections become more likely. Aside from having pets checked by a vet, owners can apply simple hygiene methods by using baby wipes to clean the ear canals.
Shelter
“Provide pets unlimited access to an acclimatised area or room. Don’t keep pets outside during the day without access to shade and cool water,” says Dr Margit.
“Keep pets indoors after outside activities or walks – but not directly exposed to air-conditioning, as they can catch a cold.”
Samer adds, “Dogs don’t sweat, they pant. If the panting becomes fast, bring your dog back inside a temperature-controlled area.
“And while shampooing frequently is not advised, giving your dog a quick rinse with fresh water during the summer will help cool it down.”
COOL Treats
Help lower your pet’s body temperature with a cool treat. Samer recommends canine ice cream: blend banana, peanut butter and double cream, then keep it in the freezer.
Dr Margit’s own doggy lollies also come from the freezer, a mix of low-sodium chicken broth with peanut butter.
NEED TO KNOW
Pooch Parlour Pet Salon 050 566 5156 www.poochparlour.ae
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital 02 575 5155 www.falconhospital.com
American Veterinary Clinic
02 665 5044 www.americanvet.ae
British Veterinary Centre
02 665 0085 www.britvet.com
German Veterinary Clinic
02 556 2024 www.germanvet.ae
Cloud 9 Pet Hotel and Care 02 556 4111 www.cloud9pethotel.com
Stay active
The fun doesn’t have to stop just because the temperature rises. Keep your cool with these indoor sports and activities.
Indoor swimming
Here’s a simple solution to your sunburn woes: make a splash
at an indoor pool.
Where: Cristal Hotel, near
Muroor Road
When: Daily 9am-6pm for kids, 7am-11pm for adults
Cost: AED 50 per person. Monthly and yearly memberships available from AED 400
Contact: 02 652 0000
www.cristalhospitality.com
Ice skating
Cheat the heat and stay icy cool.
Where: Zayed Sports City’s Ice Rink
When: Daily 9am-10pm. Thursdays ladies only
Cost: From AED 45 per person for one session including skates
Contact: 02 403 4333 www.zsc.ae
Bowling
Strike out the sun with this all-time family favourite.
Where: There are a couple of options around the city, but our favourite is Zayed Sports City
When: Daily 9am-1am
Cost: AED 15 per person per game
Contact: 02 403 4648 www.zsc.ae
Indoor golf
Need to practise that swing? Don’t sweat it.
Where: Performance Golf UAE
When: Sun-Thu 1pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight
Cost: From AED 250 per hour
Contact: 050 103 0234 www.performancegolfuae.com
Indoor skydiving
Do you believe you can fly? Well, we believe it too!
Where: Spacewalk, Abu Dhabi Country Club
When: Daily noon-9pm
Cost: From AED 180, family
and group packages available
Contact: 02 657 7601
www.adcountryclub.com
Roller Derby
Join the gals for some indoor roller skating, derby-style.
Where: du Forum, Yas Island
When: Sun 6.30pm
Cost: Free. Bring your own gear – skates, helmet and knee, elbow and wrist guards – or ask to borrow some in advance
Contact: Search for Abu Dhabi Roller Derby on Facebook
Paintball
Grab your friends and head to the Wild West for some indoor splat action.
Where: Al Forsan International Sports Resort
When: Daily 3pm-11pm
Cost: AED 85 for 100 balls
or AED 150 for 200
Contact: 02 556 8555
www.alforsan.com