What happened?
Abu Dhabi City Municipality has launched the Summer With Us initiative, a month-long community programme featuring free family activities across four locations in Abu Dhabi.
Who is affected?
Families, children, young people, senior citizens and People of Determination living in or visiting Abu Dhabi.
Why does it matter?
The initiative supports the UAE’s Year of the Family by offering educational, recreational and community-focused activities during the summer holidays while encouraging healthy lifestyles and stronger community engagement.
At a Glance
- Location: Al Falah Plaza, Rabdan Park, Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach and Al Shamkhah Plaza
- Organisation: Abu Dhabi City Municipality
- Status: Running throughout August 2026
- Who is affected: Families, children, youth, senior citizens and People of Determination
- Business impact: Supports local food vendors and community partners while increasing visits to public spaces
- What’s next: The programme will continue across three more venues until August 23
Families looking for free things to do in Abu Dhabi this summer have a new reason to head outdoors. Abu Dhabi City Municipality has launched the Summer With Us initiative, a community programme designed to bring educational, recreational and wellness activities to public spaces across the capital. The initiative, announced as part of the UAE’s Year of the Family, aims to help residents make the most of the school holidays while encouraging stronger community connections, healthier lifestyles and meaningful family time.
Families can enjoy activities across four Abu Dhabi locations
The Summer With Us initiative officially began at Al Falah Plaza, where residents took part in a variety of family-friendly activities over four days.
Following the launch, the programme is continuing at:
- Rabdan Park: August 6–9
- Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach: August 13–16
- Al Shamkhah Plaza: August 20–23
Each stop will feature a packed schedule of activities suitable for different age groups, making it easy for families across Abu Dhabi to take part without travelling far.
The municipality says the initiative is designed to make public spaces more vibrant while giving residents more opportunities to spend quality time together during the summer break.
What activities are included in Summer With Us?
Visitors can expect much more than children’s entertainment.
According to Abu Dhabi City Municipality, the programme includes:
- Interactive workshops for children and young people
- Educational competitions and games
- Health screenings
- Family entertainment
- Food trucks
- Awareness sessions on public safety
- Fire prevention workshops
- Recycling and environmental awareness activities
- Information about the internationally recognised Blue Flag Award
Special sessions have also been planned to introduce the Municipality’s beach services for People of Determination and senior citizens, highlighting efforts to make Abu Dhabi’s public facilities more accessible for everyone.
The activities are designed to combine fun with learning, helping children develop practical skills while promoting responsibility, teamwork and community values.
Supporting the UAE’s Year of the Family
The initiative forms part of the UAE’s wider Year of the Family campaign, which focuses on strengthening family bonds and creating more opportunities for children to learn and grow outside the classroom.
By offering free educational and recreational experiences, Abu Dhabi City Municipality hopes to encourage families to spend more quality time together during the summer holidays.
The programme also promotes values such as respect, volunteerism, belonging and social responsibility through interactive learning rather than traditional classroom settings.
This aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of creating healthier, more connected communities where public spaces become gathering places for residents of all ages.
A wider effort to improve community life in Abu Dhabi
Summer With Us is part of Abu Dhabi City Municipality’s ongoing efforts to enhance residents’ quality of life through community programmes and well-maintained public spaces.
Throughout 2026, the municipality has continued organising initiatives that encourage environmental awareness, community participation and civic responsibility. The latest programme builds on those efforts by bringing activities directly into neighbourhood parks, plazas and public beaches.
Several government entities are supporting the initiative, including:
- Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters
- Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority
- Burjeel Medical City
- Burjeel Hospital
- Medeor Hospital
- Tadweer Group
- Abu Dhabi Sports Council
- General Women’s Union
- Al Ain Farms
- National Archives
- Community Police
- Al Ahliya Hospital
- Ayat Helmi Foundation
- Royal Phone Mobile Store
These partnerships allow visitors to access health, safety and educational services in one convenient location while enjoying family-friendly entertainment.
What the initiative means for Abu Dhabi families?
Summer temperatures often limit outdoor activities across the UAE, making organised community events especially valuable during the school holidays.
By activating parks, beaches and neighbourhood plazas, Abu Dhabi City Municipality is encouraging residents to reconnect with public spaces while participating in free activities that benefit both children and adults.
The initiative also supports local businesses such as food truck operators while increasing footfall at community venues across the capital.
For parents, it offers an affordable way to keep children engaged during the holidays. For young people, it provides opportunities to learn new skills, volunteer and interact with community organisations. Meanwhile, senior citizens and People of Determination benefit from dedicated accessibility awareness sessions and inclusive programming.
Why It Matters?
Here’s why the Summer With Us initiative is significant:
- Families can enjoy free activities throughout August.
- Children gain access to educational workshops alongside entertainment.
- Public spaces become more active and community-focused.
- Local organisations and businesses benefit from increased visitor numbers.
- The programme supports the UAE’s Year of the Family by encouraging stronger family connections and community participation.
FAQs
What is the Summer With Us initiative?
It is a free community programme organised by Abu Dhabi City Municipality featuring family activities, workshops, competitions, health screenings and educational events across four locations in Abu Dhabi.
Where is the programme taking place?
The initiative is being held at Al Falah Plaza, Rabdan Park, Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach and Al Shamkhah Plaza during August 2026.
Is the initiative free to attend?
Yes. The programme is designed as a community initiative offering free educational and recreational activities for residents and visitors.
Who can participate?
Families, children, young people, senior citizens and People of Determination are all encouraged to take part.
Why was the initiative launched?
The programme supports the UAE’s Year of the Family by promoting family engagement, community participation, healthy lifestyles and educational experiences during the summer holidays.
Abu Dhabi’s Summer With Us initiative offers residents a practical and enjoyable way to stay active during the summer while strengthening community connections. With free activities, educational workshops, health services and family entertainment spread across four locations, the programme reflects the capital’s continued focus on improving quality of life for residents of all ages.
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