Looking for ways to keep your children engaged this summer? The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched a series of summer camps offering children aged 5 to 14 the chance to explore museums, heritage sites, creative spaces and cultural institutions across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Running between June and August, the camps combine hands-on learning with art, science, history, music and technology.

What types of camps are available?

Library Summer Camp (July 1–August 27)

Held at Abu Dhabi Libraries, this bilingual (Arabic and English) programme features:

• Arts and crafts workshops.
• AI and technology-based creative activities.
• Fashion design challenges.
• Storytelling sessions.
• Cultural exchange programmes.
• Entrepreneurship activities with local small businesses.

Museum Discovery Camp (July 6–August 7)

Children can explore three of Abu Dhabi’s leading museums:

• Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi – science, fossils and the natural world.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi – art, culture and civilisations.
• Zayed National Museum – UAE history and heritage.

The programme also includes a visit to teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.

Legacy Camp (July 6–August 20)

Designed to introduce children to Emirati heritage, the camp includes visits to:

• Qasr Al Hosn.
• House of Artisans.
• Al Maqta’a Museum.
• Cultural sites across Al Ain.

Activities focus on traditional crafts, storytelling and the UAE’s history.

Arts and Creativity Camps

Several camps will help children develop artistic skills through:

• Painting.
• Ceramics.
• Printmaking.
• Textile art.
• Arabic calligraphy.
• Mixed-media workshops.

Sessions will be held at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Cultural Foundation and Bait Al Khatt (House of Calligraphy).

Music and Performing Arts Camps

Children interested in music and performing arts can take part in programmes at Bait Al Oud and the Cultural Foundation, where they will learn:

• Music and rhythm.
• Dance and movement.
• Storytelling.
• Stage performance.
• Traditional oud-making and basic music theory.

Special Interest Camps

Additional programmes include:

• An interdisciplinary camp at the Cultural Foundation featuring art, culinary experiences and library activities.
• A maritime heritage and biodiversity camp at Delma Museum.
• A board games camp at Louvre Abu Dhabi, where children will learn about traditional games from around the world and design their own board games.

Who can join?

Most camps are open to children aged 5 to 14, with programmes offered in both Arabic and English at selected locations.

Why join?

The summer camps are designed to help children develop creativity, practical skills and confidence while learning about the UAE’s history, arts, culture and innovation through interactive experiences across some of Abu Dhabi’s leading cultural destinations.