If you're seeking family-oriented attractions in Abu Dhabi, you're in for a delightful surprise. The capital of the UAE offers more than just opulent malls and luxury resorts; it also boasts a wealth of nature, art, and entertainment options that are perfect for families.

From renowned museums and stunning mosques to adventurous desert safaris and serene mangroves, there are numerous activities for children and adults alike. Here are 13 hidden gems in Abu Dhabi that promise enjoyment for families, friends, and solo travelers.

Cultural Experiences

Qasr Al Hosn

This historical site captures the spirit of Emirati heritage with the oldest building in Abu Dhabi, the Watchtower, dating back to 1760. The Inner Fort, built in 1795, and the Outer Palace, constructed between 1939 and 1945, further enrich the experience. Visitors can engage in traditional crafts at the House of Artisans, where you can try your hand at ancient techniques like pottery and weaving. Don’t miss the Cultural Foundation, which offers engaging exhibitions and workshops for all ages.

Heritage Village

Step back in time at this reconstructed village that showcases the traditional lifestyle of the UAE. With a souk, mosque, and traditional fort, children can marvel at palm-leaf houses (barasti) and the ancient falaj irrigation system still in use today. Artisans demonstrate their crafts, allowing visitors to learn about pottery, weaving, and glassblowing, often inviting participation.

Abu Dhabi Children's Library

A perfect blend of fun and education, this library features a design inspired by the UAE's diverse landscapes. Kids of all ages can enjoy reading in cozy spaces resembling soft sand dunes or explore new books on Book Mountain. The library is packed with literature suitable for everyone, along with interactive activities and storytelling sessions to make learning enjoyable.

Bait Mohammed Bin Khalifa

Restored as a community hub, this historic building in Al Ain offers a glimpse into its past with exhibitions that highlight the area's history over the last 60 years. Families can explore the beautifully restored space and learn about traditional Emirati life through engaging displays and activities.

Adventure Awaits

KidZania

An interactive mini-city tailored for children, KidZania allows kids to role-play in various real-world scenarios, from operating a petrol station to navigating crime scenes, complete with its own currency, kidZos. Designed for ages 3 and up, this vibrant space encourages learning through play, making it a must-visit attraction.

Desert Safari

Experience the thrill of dune bashing in the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest uninterrupted sand desert. Start with adrenaline-pumping rides over the dunes, followed by camel rides and sandboarding. End your day at a traditional Bedouin camp, where you can enjoy authentic Arabic cuisine, belly dancing, and henna painting under the stars.

Bounce

This indoor trampoline park provides a range of activities for all ages, from freestyling on trampolines to tackling obstacle courses and ziplining. With various arenas dedicated to different activities—like slam dunking and dodgeball—Bounce guarantees a day full of energy and excitement for families and friends alike.

Nature Exploration

Al Ain Zoo

Home to over 4,000 animals, the zoo offers engaging activities like penguin feeding, lemur exhibits, and parrot shows. Families can enjoy horse and camel rides and learn about conservation at the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre. The Al Ain Safari tour provides an unforgettable journey through the zoo’s expansive grounds, where guides share insights about the wildlife and ecosystems.

Jubail Mangroves

An educational park and wildlife sanctuary, Jubail Mangrove Park features a scenic boardwalk that allows visitors to explore the rich biodiversity of the mangrove ecosystem. As you walk, you might spot flamingos, herons, and various fish species. The park is designed for reflection and relaxation, making it a perfect spot for families to connect with nature.

Sir Bani Yas Island

This island paradise offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. You can engage in water sports like sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking, or embark on a 4x4 safari through the Arabian Wildlife Park, home to over 17,000 free-roaming animals, including Arabian oryx and cheetahs. The Sir Bani Yas Stables provide opportunities for horseback riding in a scenic environment.

Culinary Delights

Mina Markets

The Mina Zayed Port markets are a foodie’s paradise. Explore the Mina Zayed Fish Souq for freshly caught seafood, where you can enjoy grilled dishes right on the spot. The Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Souk showcases vibrant produce from around the world, including Indian mangoes and Sri Lankan coconuts. Don’t forget to sample the locally loved Medjool dates for a true taste of the Middle East.

Mamsha Al Saadiyat

Just a 20-minute drive from the city center, this beachfront promenade on Saadiyat Island offers a tranquil escape. Enjoy wellness activities like yoga and Pilates, or relax on the beach. Afterward, indulge in a variety of dining options ranging from gourmet burgers to artisanal coffee, making it a perfect spot for family meals and leisurely outings.

Al Yasat Marine Protected Area

For ocean enthusiasts, Al Yasat is a marine protected area ideal for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and dolphin watching. Families can explore diverse marine life, including turtles and colorful fish. This area, located in the Al Dhafra region, provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the UAE’s coastal environment.

These hidden gems in Abu Dhabi offer unforgettable experiences that cater to families, ensuring a memorable adventure in the heart of the UAE. Whether you're exploring cultural sites, seeking adventure, or enjoying nature, Abu Dhabi has something for everyone.

 

Pakistan has officially reopened its airspace to all commercial, cargo, and military flights after a period of heightened conflict with India, marking a significant move toward regional stability. The closure, which lasted several days, was implemented in response to a sharp escalation in hostilities that saw both nations exchange missile strikes and conduct military operations along their shared border.

The airspace shutdown caused widespread disruption, with hundreds of flights canceled or rerouted, affecting not only travelers between Pakistan and India but also international airlines whose routes traverse South Asian airspace.

The breakthrough came after a ceasefire agreement was reached on May 10, 2025, following intense diplomatic mediation involving the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations. The ceasefire called for an immediate halt to all military activities and the reactivation of communication hotlines between the two countries’ militaries.

Officials in Islamabad stated that the decision to reopen the airspace was made in coordination with civil aviation authorities and after ensuring that security risks had subsided.

Airlines have welcomed the announcement, as the closure had forced many to take costly and time-consuming detours, leading to increased fuel consumption and operational expenses. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other regional carriers have begun restoring their regular flight schedules, though authorities caution that it may take several days for operations to return to normal as aircraft and crews are repositioned.

The airspace reopening is expected to have a positive impact on the economies of both countries, restoring vital trade and travel links and allowing for the resumption of business and tourism activities. Analysts note that while the ceasefire and reopening are encouraging developments, the underlying issues-particularly the dispute over Kashmir-remain unresolved.

Nevertheless, the move is being seen as a hopeful sign that both nations are willing to take steps toward de-escalation and dialogue, with the international community urging continued engagement to build on this progress and prevent future crises.

Emirates has reached a new milestone in global aviation by recording its busiest year ever for baggage handling between April 2024 and March 2025, processing over 2.8 million bags each month-an average of 100,000 bags daily-across flights to 140 destinations worldwide. This surge represents a 3.7% year-on-year increase, reflecting the continued rebound and growth in international travel demand.

Despite the increased volume and complexity of international operations, Emirates maintained an industry-leading 99.9% baggage handling accuracy rate at its Dubai hub, one of the world’s busiest airports. The airline’s mishandling rate-covering delayed, lost, or misplaced baggage-remained exceptionally low at just 1.4 per 1,000 bags, which is nearly 30 times lower than some other major international carriers.

When baggage delays did occur, Emirates reunited 91% of affected bags with their owners within 72 hours, a notable achievement given the long and complex journeys typical of international and transfer baggage. In addition, Emirates’ Lost and Found team at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3 returned 94% of valuable lost items, such as passports and wallets, within 60 minutes, highlighting the airline’s commitment to customer service.

Emirates attributes its operational excellence to several factors:

• Advanced Technology and Innovation: The airline has invested millions in bespoke software and surveillance systems that provide real-time visibility over each bag’s journey, from check-in to final destination. In 2024, Emirates launched the Emirates Bag Connect digital tool, allowing passengers to track their luggage in real time via the Emirates app and website. This feature is now available at 80 international stations, enhancing transparency and customer confidence.
• Integrated Baggage Management Systems: Emirates leverages a combination of Dubai Airport’s Baggage Handling System, dnata’s Baggage Reconciliation System, and its own tracking platforms to monitor and manage baggage at every stage. These systems automatically assign delayed baggage to the next available flight, ensuring swift resolution.
• Highly Trained Workforce: Emirates’ ground handlers and operational staff undergo regular, rigorous training in both virtual and hands-on settings to stay updated on the latest systems, protocols, and best practices. This ensures consistent service standards and rapid adaptation to new technologies.
• Proactive Handling of Untagged Bags: At Dubai’s hub, around 2,300 bags per month are found without baggage tags. Emirates and dnata manage to recover and load 80% of these untagged bags onto their respective flights before departure, minimizing passenger disruption.
• Collaboration and Process Optimization: Seamless cooperation between Emirates, dnata, and Dubai Airports is essential for maintaining smooth baggage flow and high service levels, particularly given the scale and international nature of Emirates’ network.

The airline’s end-to-end baggage management workflow, robust digital infrastructure, and continuous innovation have set a new global benchmark for operational excellence and customer satisfaction in baggage handling. Emirates’ performance not only underscores its leadership in the aviation industry but also demonstrates how strategic investment in technology and people can deliver tangible benefits to millions of travelers each year.

On Sunday, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport experienced significant operational disruptions with at least 97 flights cancelled and over 150 delayed, as the fallout from the closure of 32 airports in northern and western India continued. These closures, implemented due to heightened security concerns amid tensions with Pakistan, remain in effect from May 9 to May 14, 2025, despite a ceasefire agreement reached on Saturday to halt all military action.

Of the cancelled flights, 96 were domestic-comprising 44 arrivals and 52 departures-while the sole international cancellation was Air India flight AI-139 to Tel Aviv. Flight delays averaged 15 minutes, affecting more than 150 flights on Sunday, following a day when 60 flights were cancelled and over 200 delayed.

The 32 airports closed are primarily located near the India-Pakistan border in the north, northwest, and western regions, severely restricting air traffic and reducing operations at Delhi Airport to about 60 percent of normal levels. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) cited operational reasons for the closures, which are part of ongoing security measures following the launch of Operation Sindoor earlier in the week.

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has issued travel advisories urging passengers to anticipate schedule changes and longer security wait times due to enhanced screening protocols mandated by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. Passengers have been advised to arrive at least three hours before departure and to stay updated via airline and airport websites for real-time flight information.

Despite the ceasefire, the security situation has kept airports on high alert, with continued disruptions expected until the closures lift on May 14. Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and others have offered flexible rescheduling and refunds to affected passengers. The ongoing situation underscores the complex challenges in maintaining civil aviation operations amid geopolitical tensions and security imperatives.

 Korean Air, South Korea’s flagship carrier, has dramatically cut its international flights from regional airports by 45% betweeinternational n 2019 and 2024, igniting controversy and concern across the country’s regional hubs. The airline operated 6,199 international flights from regional airports in 2024, down sharply from 11,408 in 2019, excluding Seoul’s Gimpo and Incheon airports.

At Busan’s Gimhae Airport, a critical economic and tourism center, international flights plunged 42%, from 9,675 in 2019 to 5,567 in 2024. The decline continued into early 2025, with a 36% year-on-year drop in the first quarter. Korean Air attributes these reductions primarily to delays in aircraft deliveries from manufacturers, which have constrained its capacity and forced temporary route suspensions.

Critics, however, argue that Korean Air is disproportionately favoring Seoul’s Incheon Airport, where flight reductions were minimal at just 5.7%. This Seoul-centric approach has sparked backlash from civic groups and local politicians, who warn that the cuts could undermine regional economies by reducing connectivity, tourism, and trade opportunities.

Aviation experts explain that Korean Air is strategically reallocating resources toward long-haul, more profitable international routes amid uneven demand recovery, especially as regional routes like Busan to China have yet to fully rebound post-pandemic. By consolidating operations at major hubs like Incheon, the airline aims to optimize fleet utilization and reduce costs amid global supply chain disruptions and shifting travel patterns.

The regional flight cuts have raised alarms about South Korea’s aviation future. While Korean Air’s long-haul focus positions it to compete globally, regional airports such as Gimhae face challenges without diversified services. The recovery of regional routes depends on resolving aircraft delivery delays and stabilizing demand, but for now, Korean Air’s cautious strategy reflects the uncertain landscape of the aviation sector.

Local stakeholders urge government intervention to ensure more equitable flight service distribution, emphasizing the importance of balanced regional development in South Korea’s evolving air travel market.

This significant restructuring highlights the broader challenges facing the aviation industry as it adapts to post-pandemic realities and supply chain hurdles, with Korean Air at the forefront of navigating these turbulent skies.

The White House is in active talks with Qatar’s royal family about acquiring a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet, potentially to serve as Air Force One during President Donald Trump’s second term. While Qatar denies the plane is a gift, it confirms discussions are underway for the “temporary use” of the aircraft by the U.S. government.

The plane, described by some as a "flying palace," would be retrofitted by the U.S. Department of Defense to meet presidential security and communication requirements before entering service. Sources indicate it will not be ready immediately and will require thorough security clearance.

President Trump is expected to announce the arrangement during his upcoming Middle East trip, which includes a visit to Qatar. After his presidency, the jet is reportedly planned to be donated to Trump’s yet-to-be-built presidential library, a move that could sidestep constitutional restrictions on foreign gifts to government officials.

Qatar’s media attaché to the U.S., Ali Al-Ansari, emphasized that no final decision has been made and that the proposal remains under legal review by both countries’ defense departments. He also refuted reports that the jet would be gifted during Trump’s visit as inaccurate.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt assured that any gift from a foreign government would comply fully with U.S. laws and that the administration is committed to transparency. Trump himself defended the deal on his Truth Social platform, calling the plane a “GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE” and criticizing opponents who question the arrangement.

Currently, the presidential fleet includes two Boeing 747-200B aircraft, in service since the early 1990s. The proposed 747-8 model from Qatar is a newer, more luxurious plane, which Trump had previously sought from Boeing but found delayed until 2027 or 2028.

This unprecedented potential gift raises significant legal and ethical questions, as the U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause restricts officials from accepting gifts from foreign states. However, the plan to transfer ownership to Trump’s presidential library after his term may provide a legal workaround.

The negotiations underscore the continuing close diplomatic ties between Trump and Qatar, which in 2019 committed to large purchases of American aircraft. Qatar has a history of gifting luxury jets to other countries, including Turkey in 2018.

As Trump prepares for his first major foreign trip of his second term, the world watches closely how this high-profile aircraft deal unfolds, blending diplomacy, politics, and presidential legacy in the skies.