What Are the Best Creative Summer Activities in Abu Dhabi?

Alright so like, summer here is just insane. I can’t even describe it properly. You wake up and it’s already hot, you go outside for like 5 minutes and you’re sweating through your shirt. My kids have basically given up on life. They just want to stay inside and watch YouTube all day which is driving me absolutely crazy.

I was talking to my friend Fatima at the coffee shop last week and she was like “my kids are bored out of their minds” and I was like “yeah mine too, it’s terrible” and then she mentioned something about this place called Manarat Al Saadiyat that has summer programs. I didn’t really pay attention at first because honestly I’m skeptical about these things. But then I looked it up and actually… it seems pretty legit? Like they’re actually doing stuff that sounds interesting not just babysitting kids for money.

So I started looking into what they have going on and there’s actually quite a bit. Pottery classes, art camps for kids, photography workshops, and these weekend market things. I was actually surprised because usually summer stuff in Abu Dhabi is either super expensive or super boring or both. With many of Dubai’s indoor attractions reopening this season, families have even more options across the UAE, but Manarat Al Saadiyat stands out if you’re looking for something that’s creative rather than just another day at the mall or an entertainment park.

The Art Classes Thing

Okay so they have these art classes running all summer basically. From July through September or something like that. If you’ve ever thought “oh I wish I could try pottery” but then never actually did it, well this is your chance I guess.

The pottery wheel thing is apparently pretty fun. My neighbor’s daughter did it and she actually made a bowl that doesn’t look completely terrible. She was pretty proud of it. The instructors don’t care if you’re not good at it, they just want you to actually try and have fun. Which is nice because I would be terrified of looking stupid.

They also have painting and embroidery and textile stuff if pottery isn’t your thing. Honestly there’s so much to choose from that you could probably find something.

If you don’t want to commit to a whole class there’s this drop-in thing where you just show up whenever and make stuff. It’s like 50 dirhams which is honestly pretty cheap. You just grab whatever materials and do your thing. My friend went like twice and said it was actually really chill and relaxing which she definitely needs because she’s always stressed about work.

Summer Camp for the Kids

Finding a summer camp that your kids will actually want to go to is basically impossible. Trust me I’ve tried. But this Once Upon an Art Camp thing seems different. It runs from like early July to August and it’s for kids 5 to 14.

What’s good about it is they don’t just keep all the kids in one place all summer. The program moves around between Manarat Al Saadiyat and the Cultural Foundation and Bait Al Khatt. So like one week they’re doing painting, next week printmaking, then Arabic calligraphy or whatever. My neighbor said her kids actually talked about it at dinner which never happens. Usually they just complain about being bored.

It’s 500 dirhams a week which is not cheap but for a full week of stuff where they’re actually making things and learning, it’s not terrible. Plus they come home with actual art projects not just some paper certificate that ends up in the trash.

The moving between places thing is actually smart because the kids get to see different art spaces around Abu Dhabi. It’s more interesting than being stuck in the same room all day every day.

Teen Stuff

Teenagers are basically impossible. They’re too old for kids camps but they’re also bored out of their minds. There’s this Teen Collective thing that’s specifically for them.

So instead of sitting in a classroom listening to someone talk about art, they actually work with real artists. They make stuff, experiment, meet other teenagers who are into the same things. My cousin’s son did something like this and he actually made friends which was shocking because he usually just sits on his phone.

You gotta book ahead for this one but if your teenager is into art or creative stuff it’s probably worth it. Getting a teenager excited about anything in summer is basically a miracle so if this works, go for it.

Photography

There’s a photography meetup thing on July 21 from 6 to 8pm at the MAS Photography Studio in Manarat Al Saadiyat. It’s about portrait lighting and how to make those cool black and white photos with just one light.

They actually teach you and then you get to practice which is way better than just sitting around listening to someone talk about photography. Plus you meet other photographers in Abu Dhabi which is nice because photography can be pretty lonely.

The timing works if you have a job because it’s in the evening. You can just head there after work.

Spot Camp on Weekends

So they have this thing called Spot Camp that happens every weekend from mid-July through August. It’s basically like a market mixed with entertainment. Local brands have stalls, there’s food, music, games, workshops. It’s kind of chaotic but in a fun way.

This year the theme is travel inspired so each weekend is a bit different. They rotate vendors and themes so it stays interesting. You can just go and walk around, try food, look at local businesses, maybe do a workshop if you feel like it. There’s no pressure. You’re not paying for a ticket to go somewhere specific. You’re just hanging out in a space where stuff is happening.

It’s open to everyone so whether you’re going alone or with family or friends, it works. You get everything in one place without having to drive all over the city which is nice because Abu Dhabi is huge and everything’s far apart.

FAQs

What should I do with my kids in summer in Abu Dhabi?
The art camp is pretty good honestly. Keeps them busy, they learn stuff, they’re not on screens the whole time. My neighbor’s kids went and they actually looked forward to going which never happens with camps.

How much does it cost?
The kids camp is 500 dirhams a week. The adult drop-in art classes start at 50 dirhams. Photography stuff varies. It’s not free but it’s not crazy expensive either.

Where are the pottery classes?
Manarat Al Saadiyat has an art studio. They do pottery classes from July to September. You can book a class or just drop in whenever.

Is there anything for teenagers?
Yeah the Teen Collective is for teenagers. It’s different from the kids camps because it’s more about actually making things instead of being taught.

What’s Spot Camp like?
It’s a weekend thing with local vendors, food, music, workshops. Kind of like a market mixed with entertainment. You can spend a couple hours there or stay longer. Whatever works for you.

Can I do multiple activities?
Yeah totally. People send their kids to camp during the week and go to Spot Camp on weekends. Or adults take classes while kids are in camp. You can do whatever combination works.

What do I need to bring?
Most materials are provided. Just wear something you don’t mind getting messy because you will.

Do I need to book everything ahead?
The Teen Collective needs advance booking. The art camp they recommend booking ahead. The drop-in studio and Spot Camp you just show up.

Is this good for tourists?
Yeah tourists are welcome. It’s actually a better way to experience Abu Dhabi than the usual tourist stuff. You’re actually doing something instead of just looking at things.

How do I sign up?
Just go to their website or visit in person. The staff will help you figure out what’s available and when you can do it.