Starting today, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City is hosting ‘The Big Weekend’, a family-friendly festival that is sure to provide entertainment for all ages across three days.
Running till Saturday, the event will bring an action-packed weekend of sports, games and other activities to the UAE’s capital.
“The Big Weekend will be attended by thousands of families because it offers an unrivalled way to spend the weekend together,” says Barry Bremner, general manager of Zayed Sports City.
“It’s a great way for families to have fun and get active, offering an impressive array of entertainment to keep our guests smiling all through the weekend,” said Bremner.
“The event sees kids being kids again. We’re providing a unique and healthy entertainment outlet that is well distanced from TVs and computer screens.”
Children will have plenty to choose from, between soapy soccer, a number of sports, bouncy castles, a petting zoo and a whole lot more. Kids from across the region can even compete for the title of “Abu Dhabi’s Fittest Kid”, which will be open to all ages as they battle for the coveted prize.
The competition will be in collaboration with Haddin’s Gym and will put kids through their paces in several physical challenges.
If kids want to get their competitive juices flowing, they can take to the pitches or courts for football, tennis, rugby, basketball and a golf simulator. All equipment will be provided by Zayed Sports City.
Adventure HQ will also bring a climbing wall that brave youngsters can try to conquer.
For those who prefer to be more creative, an art station will be set up where kids can put together mask to become heroes, princesses, animals or aliens, or make their own handicrafts and take them home.
While The Big Weekend is perfect for those young at heart, parents and teens need not worry about being left out of the fun.
“We’ve put a lot of effort into making sure that nobody will be left out of the fun and have included all of the excitement in the nominal ticket fee this year,” said Bremner.
Older guests can challenge themselves on a high-octane obstacle course and bungee run. A marketplace will sell items such as handmade jewellery and other goods from local artisans.
Stilt-walkers, jugglers and cartoon characters will make appearances throughout the three days.
Other entertainment on the schedule includes skaters in Sumo suits taking to the ice, a band playing Arabic music and Beatbox Ray dropping his popular beats.
A traditional village that guests can visit will display Emirati bedouin life and how life has changed in the Emirates over the years. The festivities will kick-off today at 16:00 and will continue on Friday and Saturday with a starting time of 14:00.
Avoid queues on the day and purchase your tickets online. Prices for entry are Dh50 for a day pass, while a Family Four Pack is available for Dh180. The tickets include admission to all of the activities. For more information, visit www.thebigweekendabudhabi.com, the event’s Facebook page or call 02 403 4200.
WHAT: The Big Weekend
WHEN: Running from today at 16:00 through Friday and Saturday at 14:00
WHERE: Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi
COST: Day passes for Dh50, Family Four Pack for Dh180
Sport360° VERDICT: A weekend of entertainment for everyone in the family at a reasonable price will bring plenty of smiles.
CONTACT: Purchase tickets at www.thebigweekendabudhabi.com