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.

 

This summer, the picturesque village of Skala Sikamineas on the northeast coast of Lesbos is witnessing a vibrant influx of well-heeled tourists from the Turkish coast across the Aegean Sea. The two acclaimed fish restaurants lining the coast are bustling, filled predominantly with Turkish-speaking diners, including families from Izmir, groups arriving from Ayvalik via a new catamaran connection, and young couples from Istanbul soaking in the island's charm.

Among them are first-time visitors Isin and her boyfriend, who arrived by ferry from Dikili and quickly fell in love with Lesbos’ beaches and taverns, already planning a return next summer. The short crossing under an hour with tickets costing just €35, combined with eight daily ferry trips in the summer season from Dikili to Mytilene, Lesbos’ capital, makes the island an accessible and attractive getaway for Turkish tourists seeking a relaxed atmosphere.

On the Greek side, Turkish visitors find a welcoming environment where they can enjoy local specialties like ouzo, the aniseed schnapps, and relax openly—Turkish women sunbathe comfortably in bikinis, and social mingling happens naturally. Restaurateurs like Takis, operating a tavern in Gera Bay, praise Turkish visitors as appreciative, friendly, and relaxed, often representing the Turkish middle class looking for tranquil retreats. Unlike many Greek islands that have become prohibitively expensive, Lesbos remains affordable compared to Turkish Aegean destinations such as Bozcaada, Bodrum, or Assos.

Tourism is not just boosting local economies; it also serves as a bridge easing historical tensions between Greece and Turkey. Since the 19th-century conflicts and the Greco-Turkish War ending in 1922, relations have softened somewhat, particularly through growing cross-border tourism. In this vein, the deputy mayor of Mytilene, Nikos Giannakas, warmly welcomed the Turkish mayor of Balikesir, Ahmet Akin, and 150 tourists arriving via the new Mytilene-Ayvalik catamaran route now the eighth between these cities, enhancing tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.

Despite continuing political frictions such as maritime border disputes, airspace disagreements, and recent tensions around marine park creations in the Aegean—these issues remain largely distant from the holiday experiences of Turkish tourists on Lesbos. For visitors like Isin and countless others, the beauty and hospitality of the island overshadow any geopolitical rumblings, highlighting how tourism fosters goodwill and cross-cultural understanding amid complex diplomatic landscapes.

This summer, Lesbos is not only a tranquil sanctuary for vacationers but also a living example of how shared human experiences can nurture peaceful connections across the historically often tense Aegean Sea.

Hyundai Department Store’s shares surged 7.1% recently, buoyed by strong second-quarter business results that exceeded market expectations. For Q2 2025, the company reported consolidated operating profit of 86.9 billion won, marking a 102.8% increase year-on-year, and consolidated sales rose 5.5% to 1.803 trillion won. Notably, net profit returned to a surplus of 54.5 billion won during this period.

However, it is worth noting that sales and operating profit in Hyundai's core department store business declined slightly in Q2, with sales falling 3.6% to 590.1 billion won and operating profit down 2.3% to 69.3 billion won. This was attributed partly to reduced operating area due to major store renovations and renewal activities. On the other hand, their subsidiaries showed robust performance: duty-free stores grew sales by 22% while reducing operating losses, and Zinus, an online furniture company under Hyundai, posted an 11.2% sales increase and turned an operating profit of 29.1 billion won.

Hyundai Department Store has also been proactive with shareholder returns, declaring an interim cash dividend of 500 won per common share, reflecting a market dividend rate of 0.7% and total dividend payments of 10.78 billion won.

In response to evolving market trends and consumer behavior, Hyundai is focusing heavily on store renovations and leveraging technology. It launched “Heydi,” an AI shopping assistant for personalized in-store experiences, combining offline retail with generative AI-powered services to attract and engage customers, aiming to set a new shopping concept standard in Korea.

Despite the department store segment’s challenges, Hyundai Department Store's overall financial health and strategic initiatives are generating renewed investor confidence, positioning the company well for stronger performance in the second half of 2025 amid improving domestic consumption trends.

This comprehensive growth across core and subsidiary operations, alongside innovative customer engagement efforts, underpins the recent stock price surge and optimistic outlook for Hyundai Department Store moving forward.

Kuwait has launched a new welcome gesture for expatriates residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by allowing them to obtain tourist visas on arrival. This latest resolution from the Ministry of Interior permits eligible GCC expats to enter Kuwait hassle-free with a tourist visa issued directly at any border or airport entry point.

To qualify, travelers must possess a valid passport alongside a residence permit in a GCC country valid for at least six months. This significant update, formalized under Ministerial Resolution No. 1386 of 2025 and signed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, repeals the earlier 2008 resolution and aligns with Kuwait’s updated Foreigners’ Residence Law enacted in 2024.

The move streamlines travel for the GCC’s extensive expatriate community, fostering greater regional mobility and tourism. The resolution officially took effect with its publication in Kuwait’s Official Gazette on August 6, 2025, marking a new era of more accessible travel to Kuwait for residents of neighboring Gulf states.

This initiative is expected to promote closer ties and increased tourism exchanges among GCC countries while simplifying border procedures for expatriates living and working within the Gulf region. The Ministry of Interior’s proactive step reflects Kuwait’s commitment to facilitating smoother entry protocols and enhancing visitor experiences in line with modern travel trends.

The U.S. State Department is launching a 12-month pilot program starting August 20, 2025, requiring certain travelers applying for B-1 business and B-2 tourist visas to post bonds of up to $15,000 as a financial guarantee they will comply with visa terms, particularly leaving the United States before their visa expires.

Visitors from countries with high visa overstay rates, initially Zambia and Malawi, will be subject to this rule, with bond amounts tiered at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 depending on individual circumstances.

This initiative aims to address the persistent challenge of visa overstays, where travelers remain in the U.S. beyond their authorized period, which has historically contributed to the unauthorized migrant population. Roughly 400,000 visa overstays were reported in fiscal year 2023 alone from about 39 million expected departures.

 Visa overstayers account for about one-third to 42% of unauthorized migrants in the U.S., according to various government and independent studies.

Consular officers will determine the bond amount for each applicant based on factors including the traveler's employment, income, education, travel purpose, and overall risk of overstaying. Waivers can be granted in limited cases such as urgent humanitarian travel or government employee missions. If applicants comply with the bond conditions and depart on time via designated airports, their bond is refunded.

This bond requirement marks a renewed effort reminiscent of a similar program proposed but not fully implemented in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, the State Department avoided imposing bonds citing administrative burdens, but now asserts that visa bonds are necessary due to increasing overstay rates and insufficient data from previous years.

The program excludes visitors from Mexico, Canada, and over 40 countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which allows visa-free travel for up to 90 days. Additional countries may be added to the bond program based on ongoing evaluation of visa overstay data and concerns about inadequate screening or Citizenship by Investment programs, which have no residency requirements.

This move complements other recent immigration enforcement efforts, such as travel bans targeting 12 countries with high overstay and security concerns and new fees on visitors. The bonds act both as a deterrent against visa violations and a safeguard to hold travelers financially accountable for compliance.

In summary, the new U.S. visa bond pilot program is a stringent immigration control measure focused on reducing visa overstays by tying entry permissions to significant financial guarantees from travelers originating in countries with historically high rates of visa non-compliance.

If you would like, I can provide additional detail on specific countries affected or the historical context of visa overstays.

In a landmark move set to transform the travel landscape, Kuwait has announced a series of sweeping visa reforms aimed at enhancing tourism and easing entry restrictions for visitors. The changes were revealed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah during a recent conversation with Ahmed Al Jarallah, Editor-in-Chief of Al Seyassah newspapers.

Effective immediately, these reforms remove several longstanding visa constraints, with a particular focus on family visits and traveler convenience. One of the headline changes is the introduction of a three-month family visit visa, allowing visitors an initial stay of up to 90 days. Even more notable is the flexibility to extend the visa to six months or a full year, depending on the visitor’s needs and adherence to regulations. Sheikh Fahad highlighted that “violations in this category are minimal, so flexibility can be granted,” reflecting a more visitor-friendly approach.

Among the significant updates is the abolition of the local carrier requirement, a former rule that mandated travelers obtain visas tied to Kuwait’s national airlines. Now, tourists and visitors can choose their preferred airline, a step aimed at increasing accessibility and encouraging competition. Sheikh Fahad remarked on the shift, stating, “The state should not act as a marketer for airlines; they must market themselves,” underscoring a more liberalized aviation climate as Kuwait builds a new international airport and seeks to reinstate airlines previously withdrawn from the market.

The reforms also expand family visit visa eligibility by extending kinship qualifications to the fourth degree and eliminating the controversial demand for visitors to possess a university degree. This move opens doors for a broader range of family members to reunite and visit with ease.

To ensure security remains uncompromised, Sheikh Fahad noted that travelers facing any security restrictions will be notified promptly and responsible for addressing these matters independently. This aligns Kuwait’s visa procedures with international best practices.

The visa fee structure is currently under governmental review, with amendments expected to be finalized soon by the Council of Ministers. This is part of the broader initiative to streamline visa processing, reduce bottlenecks, and make Kuwait a more inviting destination for visitors from around the world.

Tourism as an Economic Priority

Simultaneously, Kuwait is amplifying its commitment to tourism as a strategic pillar of economic diversification. Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al Mutairi has announced plans for the “Visit Kuwait” digital platform, poised to centralize tourism promotion under a unified national brand. Speaking at a recent event, Al Mutairi emphasized the platform’s role as “the gateway for all tourism-related messaging,” aligning with the ambitious Kuwait Vision 2035 development roadmap.

Looking beyond borders, Kuwait is preparing to welcome regional tourism leaders to the 52nd session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s Regional Committee for the Middle East in early 2026. The country will also make its mark at Expo Osaka 2025, highlighting innovations in sustainability, cultural heritage, and technological advancement.

Cultural diplomacy is flourishing alongside these trends. Preparations are underway for the renowned Kuwait International Book Fair, complemented by the launch of “I Am the Author”—an interactive initiative designed to inspire creativity and storytelling among children and youth.

With these reforms and initiatives, Kuwait is positioning itself as an increasingly open, vibrant destination that balances tradition with modernity, welcoming the world to experience its unique culture and opportunities.