As the UAE’s summer sun blazes and school holidays stretch on, families across the Emirates are searching for ways to keep children engaged, inspired, and out of the heat. This season, the country’s museums are stepping up as vibrant playgrounds for young minds, blending hands-on learning with immersive fun. Here’s a feature look at ten standout museums where kids can embark on unforgettable adventures, discover new passions, and make the most of their summer break.

1. Louvre Abu Dhabi

Step into a world where East meets West beneath the iconic “rain of light” dome. The Louvre Abu Dhabi isn’t just about art—it’s a journey through human creativity, with galleries that juxtapose ancient artifacts and modern masterpieces. The Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits at a child’s eye level, encouraging hands-on exploration and creativity. Family workshops and treasure hunts make every visit a new adventure.

2. Museum of the Future, Dubai

This architectural marvel is more than a photo opportunity. Inside, kids can dive into futuristic worlds, design cities, and interact with AI-powered displays. The “Future Heroes” zone is dedicated to children, where they can play, build, and solve eco-challenges, earning digital badges along the way.

The annual Future Heroes Summer Camp, running from July 21 to August 7, 2025, immerses children ages 6 to 13 in weekly themes of sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Activities range from robotics and 3D printing to real-world problem-solving, all designed to empower the next generation of changemakers.

3. Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort)

Housed in Dubai’s oldest building, this museum brings the city’s transformation to life. Kids can wander through recreated souks, pearl diving expeditions, and desert scenes, all brought to life with life-sized dioramas and authentic artifacts. It’s a hands-on history lesson that contrasts the city’s humble beginnings with its modern skyline.

4. Sharjah Science Museum

Curiosity comes alive here with interactive workshops on everything from color theory and sound to space, AI, and chemistry. Children can experiment, tinker, and even try their hand at perfume-making. The museum’s summer camps, running in late July and early August, are designed to build critical thinking and a love for discovery through hands-on experiments and group activities, with sessions tailored for different age groups.

5. OliOli, Dubai

Dubbed the “anti-boredom zone,” OliOli is a hands-on laboratory of curiosity. With eight immersive galleries, kids can climb, splash, and experiment with air cannons, water channels, and more. The Future Park zone uses projection mapping to turn children’s doodles into animated creatures, while Arabic storytelling sessions add a cultural twist.

6. Museum of Illusions, Dubai

Prepare for mind-bending fun! This museum is packed with optical illusions, brain teasers, and interactive exhibits that challenge perception and spark laughter. The Vortex Tunnel and Ames Room are favorites, and the smart playroom lets kids compete and learn through puzzles and games.

7. Sharjah Maritime Museum

Dive into the UAE’s seafaring heritage with traditional dhows, pearl diving equipment, and navigation tools. Kids can join “Maritime Adventures,” a summer camp from August 4 to 14, where they’ll try fishing, cook Emirati dishes, and make scented herbal candles—all while learning about the region’s deep connection to the sea.

8. Etihad Museum, Dubai

Located at the historic site where the UAE was founded, this museum’s interactive exhibits and holographic displays bring the nation’s story to life. Children can design their own passports, explore the Union Vault, and even film mini-documentaries, making history both accessible and exciting.

9. House of Wisdom, Sharjah

This ultra-modern library and cultural center fuses architecture, light, and technology. The “Little Reader” zone features AR books, sound domes, and LEGO robotics kits, while the Sculpture Garden outside offers a creative space for picnics and play. Summer camps here blend reading, science, and art in a futuristic setting. The Al Jazari FabLab, for kids aged 6 to 15, introduces AI, 3D printing, and coding through storytelling, while the Kalila wa Dimna camp brings classic Arabic fables to life with shadow theatre and puppetry.

10. Al Shindagha Museum, Dubai

Explore Dubai’s roots in this museum’s “Living Off the Sea and Land” pavilion, where interactive floor projections and scent stations immerse kids in old Emirati life. The Summer Camp, running mid-July, transforms children into young archaeologists—digging for fossils, exploring ancient trades, and learning about Dubai’s transformation from fishing village to global city through hands-on workshops and crafts

Tips for Visiting UAE Museums with Kids

• Stay Cool: Most museums are fully air-conditioned—perfect for escaping the summer heat.
• Check Schedules: Many offer extended hours and special summer programs; early registration is often required due to limited slots.
• Dress Modestly: Especially important at museums focused on Islamic culture.
• Photography: Allowed in most museums, but check for restrictions.
• Combo Tickets: Look for joint passes to save on multiple visits.

This summer, let the UAE’s museums be your family’s passport to discovery, creativity, and endless fun. Whether your child dreams of exploring ancient civilizations, coding robots, or building the cities of tomorrow, these museums promise stories and memories that will last long after the school bell rings again.

Heathrow Airport has officially submitted a groundbreaking £49 billion ($65 billion) private investment plan to the UK government for a major expansion that includes a third 3,500-meter runway and new state-of-the-art terminals. If approved, the development would allow flights to take off from the new runway within the next decade, dramatically increasing capacity and connectivity for Europe’s busiest airport.

The ambitious project aims to raise annual passenger capacity to 150 million from the current 84 million, with up to 756,000 aircraft movements a year. Central to the expansion is a new terminal complex featuring Terminal 5X, designed to serve as a second main entrance alongside Terminal 5, plus three satellite terminals and a significantly enlarged Terminal 2.

This development will also involve closing Terminal 3 and redeveloping the Central Terminal Area to streamline passenger transfers and enhance operational efficiency.

Heathrow plans to invest £21 billion ($27.9 billion) on runway and airfield infrastructure, £12 billion ($16 billion) on new terminals, and a further £15 billion ($20.7 billion) to modernize existing airport facilities — reflecting increased costs due to inflation and project complexity.

The new runway and initial airfield works are targeted for completion by the mid-2030s, with terminal upgrades phased in over subsequent years. Notably, the entire project is to be privately financed under a regulatory framework designed to protect consumers and ensure timely delivery.

This expansion is expected to add at least 30 new daily routes, boosting domestic and international connectivity, including improved access for regions such as Cornwall, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Cargo capacity would rise by 50 percent, reinforcing Heathrow’s critical role in facilitating £200 billion in annual trade and supporting UK exporters.

The plan anticipates fostering inclusive economic growth, with an estimated 0.43 percent uplift to UK GDP, and promises tens of thousands of new jobs during construction and operation, with 60 percent of supply chain spending benefiting communities beyond London.

Environmental sustainability is a keystone of Heathrow’s vision, aligned with its net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050. The airport has already reduced flight and ground emissions by 10 and 15 percent respectively since 2019, embracing Sustainable Aviation Fuel and clean energy. The design includes noise reduction measures, improved air quality monitoring, and more efficient airspace to cut delays and emissions.

 New terminals will prioritize energy efficiency and support electric vehicles, while infrastructure for low-emission ground operations and SAF will be integrated from the outset.

Despite strong backing from key business groups, airlines such as easyJet, and regional airports endorsing improved connectivity, the expansion faces opposition on environmental grounds. London's Mayor Sadiq Khan remains concerned over noise, air quality, and climate impacts. The government is expected to decide on the proposed plans by September, aiming to balance economic growth with environmental responsibilities.

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye reaffirmed the airport’s readiness to commence work promptly upon approval, citing past successful projects delivered on time and within budget. As the UK’s gateway to the world, Heathrow’s expansion represents a pivotal investment in the country’s long-term infrastructure and global competitiveness.

Gisborne faced significant travel disruption on Thursday, July 31, as Air New Zealand suspended all flights in and out of the city's airport following technical issues with two of its aircraft. The airline, the sole carrier linking Gisborne to Auckland and Wellington, grounded its entire Gisborne operation after both of its de Havilland Q300 planes required urgent repairs, bringing operations to a halt that began Wednesday afternoon.

One aircraft sustained in-flight propeller blade damage, the cause of which remains unknown, while the second failed a critical cockpit control check, prompting engineers to commence maintenance work immediately. With Gisborne Airport having only two gates, both occupied by the grounded planes, no other flights could operate, leaving passengers stranded and flights canceled through much of Thursday.

The disruptions caused mounting frustration among travelers, many of whom reported receiving late flight cancellation notices and poor communication from the airline. One passenger, booked on a 6 AM flight, was not informed of its cancellation until 3 PM the previous day and faced difficulty rebooking flights that conflicted with his return schedule.

 Another passenger, traveling internationally via Auckland, learned about the disruption only upon arrival at the airport missing valuable family time due to the delayed notification.

In response, Air New Zealand expedited the delivery of replacement parts overnight and deployed engineers to Gisborne, aiming to resume flights by the evening. The airline offered alternative travel arrangements where possible, including road transport to Napier for some passengers, though limited seat availability restricted options.

 Chief Operating Officer Alex Marren thanked customers for their patience, highlighting efforts to restore services promptly and exploring additional aircraft parking at Gisborne to prevent future groundings caused by limited space.

Local leadership underscored the critical nature of reliable air service to the region. Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz described Air New Zealand flights as a "lifeline" for business, family, and international connectivity. Following recent discussions with the incoming Air New Zealand CEO, Stoltz urged the airline to improve communication and service consistency, especially given Gisborne’s isolation and the airline’s majority government ownership.

The mayor also acknowledged the airline’s support during emergency responses, such as flight arrangements after Cyclone Gabrielle, expressing hope such cooperation would extend to routine operations.

This latest disruption reflects ongoing challenges for air travel in Gisborne, highlighting vulnerabilities in infrastructure and the critical importance of maintaining reliable connections for isolated communities.

Istanbul Airport has once again claimed the title of the world’s best international airport, securing the top spot in Travel + Leisure’s prestigious “World’s Top 10 International Airports” ranking for the second consecutive year.

The announcement was made by Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, who hailed the recognition as a “double success” for the airport. In addition to maintaining its global title, Istanbul Airport also recorded its highest-ever daily flight count on July 18, with 1,695 air traffic movements.

“This year, Istanbul Airport scored an impressive 98.57, up from last year’s 95.79,” Travel + Leisure noted, calling the achievement “extra impressive,” especially considering the airport ranked seventh just two years ago with a reader score of 83.36.

Airports in the survey were evaluated by readers based on key criteria such as accessibility, check-in experience, security procedures, dining options, shopping, and overall design. Istanbul Airport’s continued dominance reflects its rapid evolution into a global aviation powerhouse since entering the ranking in 2021 — the first Turkish airport ever to do so.

Operated by IGA, the airport has demonstrated significant operational milestones. In April, it became the first in Europe and second globally to operate three runways simultaneously, following only the United States. In 2024, it handled nearly 80 million passengers, solidifying its position as Europe’s largest and second-busiest airport, according to the State Airports General Directorate (DHMI).

Istanbul Airport is not only a leader in passenger traffic but also in air cargo. It was named Europe’s busiest cargo hub by Airports Council International (ACI) in its 2024 Annual Traffic Report. Weekly data from Eurocontrol consistently ranks it among Europe’s top airports for daily flights.

With a seamless blend of cutting-edge infrastructure, operational excellence, and world-class passenger amenities, Istanbul Airport continues to redefine global standards in aviation.

Hamad International Airport (DOH) maintained a robust and stable operational performance in the first half of 2025, reflecting its resilience amid evolving global travel dynamics. As the gateway to Qatar, the airport saw a notable increase in point-to-point travel to Doha, with passenger traffic rising by 2.3% between January and June 2025, underscoring the city's growing status as both a tourism and business hub.

During the same period, Hamad International Airport served 25.9 million passengers, marking a slight year-on-year dip of 0.45%, while cargo volumes totaled 1.2 million tonnes (-1.68% Y-o-Y), and aircraft movements reached over 136,000 (-1.71% Y-o-Y). These figures remain in line with regional trends and reflect the airport’s ability to sustain momentum despite the leap year comparison to 2024.

Beyond numbers, Hamad International Airport continued its commitment to enhancing the passenger journey. The airport’s recent expansion – including the opening of Concourses D and E – significantly boosted capacity, adding 17 new contact gates and increasing boarding bridges by 40%. These enhancements eliminated an estimated 350,000 bus transfers, streamlining terminal-to-aircraft transitions and offering a more seamless travel experience.

The terminal’s inclusive design further elevates passenger comfort, featuring barrier-free pathways, hearing loops, spacious seating areas, and dedicated services such as family lanes and e-gates for travelers with disabilities. These initiatives demonstrate the airport's focus on accessibility and thoughtful service.

Adding to its signature ORCHARD indoor tropical garden, Hamad International Airport also unveiled a permanent art collection by renowned artists Gillie and Marc. These installations not only enrich the airport’s ambiance but also serve as a reminder of the need to protect endangered wildlife, blending travel with cultural and environmental consciousness.

As it continues to evolve, Hamad International Airport stands as a model of operational excellence and passenger-centric innovation in the global aviation sector.

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) has once again achieved a major milestone, earning the distinction of being the world’s most punctual airport in June 2025 with an impressive on-time performance rate of 90.41%. This recognition was announced by Cirium, a global leader in aviation analytics, reinforcing KKIA’s reputation for operational excellence and reliability on the international stage.

Third Top Ranking in 2025

This marks the third time in 2025 that KKIA has secured the number one global ranking for punctuality, having previously attained this accolade in March and April. Such consistency underlines KKIA's commitment to maintaining world-class standards in flight operations and passenger experience.

Cirium Report and Methodology

Cirium compiles its punctuality rankings through a comprehensive analysis of data from airlines, air traffic control systems, and airport feeds across the globe. The rankings reflect the proportion of flights departing or arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled times—a widely accepted industry standard. This robust methodology guarantees transparency and accuracy, providing a valuable benchmark for industry stakeholders and travelers alike.

Saudi Vision 2030 and Aviation Strategy

KKIA’s consistent top performance aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious strategy to transform its aviation sector and cement Riyadh as a top-tier logistics and travel hub. Ongoing investments in new infrastructure, enhancements in efficiency, and elevated customer service standards have all contributed to this achievement.

Additional 2025 Milestones and Recognitions

• Skytrax 2025 Awards: KKIA climbed to 24th place globally in the Skytrax World Airport Awards, an 11-position improvement, becoming the highest-ranking Saudi airport ever. The airport also received honors for “Best Airport Staff in the Middle East,” third globally for the “Best New Terminal,” and fourth for airports in the 30–40 million passengers category.

• Environmental Leadership: Earlier in 2025, KKIA became the first airport in Saudi Arabia to reach Level 4 Transformation under the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, marking a significant step toward sustainability and a commitment to reach net zero emissions by 205010.

• Expanding Connectivity: 2025 saw the launch of direct flights from Virgin Atlantic and US-Bangla Airlines, strengthening air links between Riyadh and key international destinations such as Toronto and Dhaka, further cementing KKIA's role as a global gateway.

• Domestic Excellence: KKIA maintained top rankings within Saudi Arabia for passenger traffic and flight punctuality, driven by ongoing modernization and expanded passenger services.

Saudi Airlines Also Excel

In June 2025, Saudia was named the world’s most punctual airline, with a 91.33% on-time arrival rate and a 90.69% on-time departure rate, according to Cirium. Saudia’s low-cost carrier, flyadeal, led the Middle East and Africa with a 91.77% punctuality rate, adding further prestige to Saudi Arabia’s aviation achievements.