Dubai: The long school summer holidays are here again which is a time when parents have more opportunity to spend time with their children.
However, the fierce sun hampers outdoor activities and parents can be at loose ends trying to find activities for their little ones.
Help is at hand, however, in the form of the UAE's many summer camps, which offer a perfect solution for restless children and parents at the end of their tether. Camps are a great opportunity for children to learn through fun activities.
This year, the Dubai Schools Agency has inaugurated its summer camp programme, which is available to approximately 6,000 students from around the emirate.
It is called 'Moltaqa Al Ma'arefa, or 'a forum for knowledge', and is open to children from the ages of 7 to 18 that study in public schools. UAE nationals from private schools can also participate in activities.
Activities
These activities include: fashion design, flower arranging, arts and crafts, photography and painting. Other activities also include swimming, diving, shooting, chess, tennis and horse riding.
Educational activities are also on offer, including scientific courses, learning the Quran and a trip to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah.
A National Identity project will be held, under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The project aims to strengthen national identity, instill a sense of belonging to Islam and Arabic among students and focuses on how to maintain traditions.
The camp begins on June 8 and lasts for six weeks.
There are numerous camps around Dubai this summer, so get your young ones involved.
Dubai
- Dubai Schools Agency (via Knowledge and Human Development Agency)
When: Starts June 8 for six weeks
Ages: 7 to 18 year-olds
Telephone: 04-364 0000
www.khda.gov.ae/KHDAWebSiteLive/en/Agencies/SchoolAgency.aspx
- Pharaoh's Club (via Active Sports Academy Holiday Camps)
When: June 8 to September 8
Ages: 4 to 14 year-olds
Telephone: 04-324 0000
www.activeuae.com/camps.htm
- Al Nasr Leisureland (including ice-skating)
When: May 25 to August 28
Ages: Two programmes - under-sixes and under-14s
Telephone: 04-337 1234
www.alnasrll.com
Abu Dhabi
- The Club (Turbo Turtles Summer Camp)
When: June 8 to September 1
Ages: 5-year-olds and above
Telephone: 02-673 1111
www.the-club.com
Sharjah
- Radisson SAS Resort Hotel
When: From June 14 for four weeks
Ages: 5 to 10 year-olds
Telephone: 06-565 7777
www.sharjah.radissonsas.com