These summer workshops in Abu Dhabi are designed for kids with all kinds of interests, including art, cooking, music and more…

Summer’s arrived fast, and with it, the annual question: how do you keep the kids busy and happy? Sure, soft plays and indoor parks are “great”, but there’s nothing quite like a summer workshop to keep young minds and bodies engaged. From art programmes to pizza-making sessions, there’s something for every child…

Here are 6 of the best summer workshops in Abu Dhabi for kids

Art

Abu Dhabi isn’t short of spots to get creative, little ones included. But if you’re looking for a hub that offers a range of creative outlets, Manarat Al Saadiyat is the place to be. There’s no shortage of things to do, with programmes led by trained staff and studios equipped with everything you need. You can plan ahead, joining workshops spanning pottery, textile art and ceramics, or just casually drop in and have a go at your own pace. And the fees won’t hurt your wallet either, with prices ranging from Dhs30 for a 90-minute session for children aged three to 12, and Dhs50 for teens for a two-hour session. Workshops are updated frequently on the website, so check it out if you feel the need to get creative.

Al Saadiyat Island, Cultural District, manaratalsaadiyat.ae

Dance

Dancing - summer workshops in Abu Dhabi

Dance Waves UAE offers ballet classes for children of all ages and levels. They can start as young as three where emphasis is on creative movement. There’s also primary, beginners, intermediate advance and higher advanced for teens. For little ones who love to show off their acrobatic skills, there’s acro-ballet – a combination of acrobatics and ballet with lot of flexibility, tricks and movements on the agenda. For little ones leaning more into the street dance style, there’s hip-hop classes available for kids ages six to 10, and teens. Just want the little ones to burn off energy? There’s also Zumba classes.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel, Al Zahiyah, dancewavesuae.com

*The best summer workshops in Dubai for kids*

Public speaking

Time Master Skill Development Center in Abu Dhabi offers a public speaking course for children aged five and above, helping them build confidence and communication skills in a fun, interactive environment. The programme covers everything from clear pronunciation and speech structure to body language, gestures and posture. Over the summer break, spirited juniors can attend classes from 11am to 1pm, Monday to Saturday, taking part in games and activities designed to encourage natural confidence. Sessions are led by expert mentors trained to work with children, and with classes limited to just five students, each child receives plenty of personalised attention.

ADCP Tower B, behind City Seasons Hotel and opposite Phoenix Hospital, Musaffah, timemaster.ae

Cooking

Cooking - summer workshops in Abu Dhabi

Eataly at Reem Mall teaches kids the art of authentic Italian cooking for Dhs299 per one-hour class, while a family-friendly option is available for Dhs369 for a two-hour session. Kids get hands-on experience making classic dishes such as pizza, pasta, and tiramisu, and can enjoy their creations at the end of the class. Each participant also receives a recipe card to recreate the dish at home, along with a chef-signed diploma, with the latest schedule available on the Eataly Arabia website.

Reem Island, Al Reem Island, eatalyarabia.com

Music

Music - summer workshops in Abu Dhabi

Looking for an affordable music institute in the UAE? WMDI offers expert-led classes for children across instruments like piano, keyboard, violin, guitar, trumpet, tabla, and harmonica, with courses tailored to different ages and skill levels. Group classes start from Dhs250 to Dhs300 per month, private sessions range from Dhs500 to 800, and there’s a trial class so kids can test the waters before diving in.

Near Al Safeer Mall, Next to Musaffah, wmdiuae.com

Acting

The Drama Factory is a performing arts school in Abu Dhabi that offers fun, confidence-building drama classes for children and teens aged around 4 to 18, led by experienced theatre educators. Through acting, improvisation, voice work and performance-based activities, students are encouraged to explore creativity, teamwork and self-expression in a supportive environment, with options for face-to-face classes across locations such as Saadiyat, Al Raha and Reem Island, as well as private and school programmes.

Four locations in Abu Dhabi – 365 Studios, Downtown; Saadiyat Jumeirah Hotel; St Regis Resort Saadiyat and Fit & Flex Wellness Studios Amwaj 1, Raha Beach; thedramafactory.com