INTERNATIONAL NEWS Yas Island Celebrates International Convention 'Yas Winterland Festival' Centre Sydney, is Open
Yas Island, the UAE's premier entertainment destination, is set to host the first ever 'Yas Winterland Festival' for an entire month of family-friendly events, activities and offers to celebrate the festive season. For the inaugural edition of the festival, many activities will take place like Yas Marina's 'Let It Snow' celebrations, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi's 'Winterfest', Yas Mall's Festive Season, du Forum's 'Winterland Carnival', and a spectacular midnight fireworks shows to ring in the New Year. Additionally, Coldplay's sold-out New Year's Eve 'A Head Full Of Dreams' live show- presented by du Live!, brought to you by FLASH Entertainment and in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority and Yas Island, will draw a close the winter festivities on Yas Island. The island is being completely transformed into a magical winter wonderland as several Yas Island attractions get set to offer winterthemed activities, events and special offers, from December 9th 2016 to January 7th 2017. For New Year's festivities, there will be a traditional carnival funfair full of games and rides suitable for all ages. Roaming performers will also entertain
guests throughout their journey. Kids and adults are invited to experience the festive excitement and win prizes as well as enjoy a winter-themed market that will let guests browse local crafts and winter products featuring the trendiest local artisans' artwork and jewellery. Finally, the event will also host some of the most popular food trucks and a beverage zone. More info on - www.yasisland.ae
The jewel in the crown of the $3.4 billion transformation of Darling Harbour, the $1.5 billion International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney, is opened to the public by NSW Premier Mike Baird. “The ICC Sydney sets a new standard for convention and exhibition venues and opening demonstrates the ability of this Government to deliver projects we've committed to from start to finish,” Mr Baird said. “The mega space will employ 300 fulltime staff and 1500 casual workers, and is expected to pump at least $5 billion into the NSW economy over the next 25 years.” Mr Constance said the ICC Sydney was fast becoming Australia's most desirable business meeting location and exhibition space. “ICC Sydney is the epicentre of the transformation of Darling Harbour by the NSW Government and cements Sydney as the first choice for the major events industry.” Mr Ayres said almost 500 major events had already been
booked in until 2026, which would attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Sydney and NSW. “Imagine opening a restaurant or hotel and having bookings out for a decade. The business confidence in our city and our Government is unprecedented and ICC Sydney is creating new jobs, supporting many industries, hosting more tourists and pouring billions of dollars back into our thriving economy,” Mr Ayres said.
TRAVELLING WITH KIDS
Holidays are the medium through which we spend some quality time with our families and relax from our daily hectic schedule. And when the trip is planned with the kids then it requires a lot of mind work. While selecting a destination to travel with kids, it has to be something which suits their taste and the attractions should be entertaining enough to keep those teenyboppers busy. So, here are some of the international destinations which are packed with amazing attractions that are sure to mesmerize the urchins.
Singapore Singapore is a vibrant and colourful place packed with loads of activities, delicious platter of food, shopping, and
entertainment options and thus it is accredited as the best destination for families. Amidst the endless chain of skyscrapers, Singapore upholds some of the attractive treasures which the kids will love to cherish. Places to visit with Kids: Jurong Bird Park- One of the largest free-flying aviaries in the world, Jurong Bird Park houses over 5,000 species in vibrant colour which the kids will be thrilled to see. Singapore Flyer- Go for a ride with your kid on the giant ferry wheel of Singapore to get an eagles' view of the whole city illuminated with lights from all around. Night Safari- Gear up with your kids to experience the night safari in the world's first nocturnal zoo. Sentosa and Sea Aquarium- A fun tour of Sentosa Island and visit Butterfly Park, Insect Kingdom, and Sea Aquarium will refill the kids with excitement.
Singapore’s Science Centre - Spread over 20,000 square feet with 14 galleries, the Science Centre is jampacked with interactive exhibits so that the kids can get really hands-on. Some of the other attractions that the kids will love to explore are Universal Studios, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Zoo, Botanical Garden, Tiger Sky Tower, Wild Wild Wet Water Park, etc.
Malaysia Malaysia is also a friendlier hub with an ancient Asiatic feel. It is a simple destination but loaded with some of the enticing kids' friendly attractions which are bound to provoke you to pack your bags and visit this place with your kids. Places to visit with Kids: Kuala Lumpur - As one of the best destination of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is visited by a bulk of tourists every year. Packed with theme parks, intoxicating rides, animal farms, z o o s , k i d s entertainment centers and lucrative shopping options it is one of the most happening places in Malaysia among the kids. Pamper the kids with some of the enticing activities of Kuala Lumpur like tour of the KLCC Park in Petronas Twin Tower, fun at Sunway Lagoon amusement park, tour of the Kuala Lumpur National Zoo, Aquarium and Bird Park, intoxicating activities at Skytrex adventure, a nontraditional zoo experience at the Farm in the City, learning episode at the National Science Centre. And not to be missed i-city, a perfect theme park for families where there are ample of attractions like Snowalk, Trick Art Museum, Red Carpet Wax Museum, Space Mission, Submarine, Waterworld and City of Digital Lights that will take the kids to a world full of magic and is a good learning episode for them as well. Penang - Penang is another destination which is ideal to have some fun time with your kids. The list of activities that you could try with your kids is unending. Explore the Batu Ferringhi Beach which is an ideal family place, a tour of the Penang Butterfly farm, enjoying the view from the Penang Hill and a thrilling ride on the funicular tram, playtime at Youth Park, an enchanting ride in the colourful Cyclo-Rickshaw, visit to the Kek Lok Si Temple and Liberation Pond, visit to the Snake Temple, tour of the Penang Bird Park, visit to the Orangutan Island and Penang National Park Canopy Walkway, explore and many more. Other than these there are many more attractions which are bound to make your kids fall in love with this destination.
Thailand
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Thailand is an ideal destination to relax with your family. The jaw-dropping beauty of Thailand doesn't only end with its exotic beaches; it has more to offer with the vibrant Thai culture and tradition, spellbinding attractions, the vibrant Bangkok city, and endless shopping options.
Places to visit with Kids: E a s t e r n Seaboard and Ko Chang -Ko Samet and Ko Chang are the two beauties that attract travelers. Since the sea is shallow here, so the young swimmers can easily have an e x c i t i n g swimming time in the crystal clear water. Beachcombing in the low tide during the evening will excite the kids. Little older children will love the interior jungle walk, elephant interactions, and mangrove kayaking. Ko Samui and Lower Gulf -Ko Samui is an ideal destination for the kids of any age group. Some of the popular attractions of Ko Samui are Kaho Luang National Park, Chiaw Lan Lake, Ang Thong National Marine Park, Nam Tok Na Muang, Ko Yo etc. Bangkok - One of the most lively places of Thailand with an endless chain of markets, attractions, skyscrapers and ultra modernized communication system, Bangkok is the perfect place to chill and relax with your kids. Some of the activities which are ideal for the kids to enjoy in Bangkok are tour of the Siam Ocean World, exploring the museum of Siam, the huge and happening Siam Paragon Mall, endless shopping in Chatuchak weekend market, MBK mall which is one of the best mall for kids, boat trips on the rivers and canals, floating market of Amphawa, fun at Dusit zoo, play with the dolphins at the Safari World, etc. Pattaya – Pattaya is another hub of Thailand with several lucrative attractions close to the heart of kids. Explore nature, art, science and culture in ways you would never have imagined. Some of the popular attractions which they will love to explore are Dinosaur Park, Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark, Sriracha Tiger Zoo, Teddy Bear Museum, Underwater World Pattaya, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Art in Paradise etc.
Dubai Dubai is not only the best destination for shopping, but it is also an ideal place to visit with your kids during their vacation. Within the high-end infrastructure of the u lt ra m o d er n c it y D u b a i , t h e r e l ay s thousands of activities, a t t r a c t i o n s , amusement parks, sports etc which are perfect to fill your kids' vacation days with fun and frolic. Places to visit with Kids: 1. Enjoy the pleasure of leisure with your kids in Al Nasr Leisureland. 2. Have some fun time at Aquaventure
Atlantis Dubai Waterpark with dozens of water-based rides. 3. The kids will be thrilled while playing with the dolphins in Dolphin Bay at Atlantis. 4. Let the children's investigate, play, learn and explore the world in the Children's City specially designed for the kids. 5. Tour of the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo which is one of the most popular attractions of Dubai which houses thousand species of marine life. 6. Dubai Creekside Park houses all kinds of play and fun activities for kids starting from a mini golf course, picnic locations with barbecue equipment, an amphitheater, mini train, roller skating, and children's play area. 7. Dubai Dancing Fountain shooting water jet at a height of 500ft is an ideal attraction for the kids and they will be thrilled to see the water jet shoot with the rhythm of sound and light. 8. Dubai Ice Rink located on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall is perfect for the kids to have fun while you enjoy your shopping in the mall. 9. Visit Ski Dubai which is the mountainthemed attraction with snow where you can enjoy some of the adventurous activities like skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing etc. 10. Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park are hands-on experiences allowing families to take part in LEGO themed adventures through interactive rides, water slides, models and building experiences. Not to be missed DUBAI SUMMER SURPRISES - a month long event with an endless chain of entertaining activities which makes it the best time to travel with kids. Other than these Dubai has several other enticing attractions also to amaze the kids with fun and excitement.
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