Smurf village coming to the UAE in world first

ABU DHABI // The world's first Smurf Village, based on the famous blue cartoon characters, will come to life at Summer in Abu Dhabi.

The village will be divided into 12 districts including Papa Smurf's Story Corner, Smurfette's Land of Beauty and the Smurf Fun Park.

At the festival, which will run between June 30 and July 30 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), children will have one-on-one time with the Smurfs in their famous mushroom houses.

One attraction, called The Reel Mushroom, will play back-to-back episodes of The SmurfsTV show.

"Part of Smurf legend is that outsiders cannot find their village except when shown the way by a Smurf," said Faisal Al Sheikh, the events manager of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, which runs the festival. "Thankfully, Summer in Abu Dhabi has solved this problem."

The Smurfs have recently had an increase in popularity because of the worldwide release of the 3D movie The Smurfs on July 29. It will star Neil Patrick Harris and the US pop artist Katy Perry.

Other Adnec activities at Summer in Abu Dhabi include Adventure World, which has 11 competitions; Career World, which allows children to try their hands at a dozen careers; and Show World, which will screen TV programmes including SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer in a 120-seat theatre twice daily.

The indoor festival at Adnec will cost Dh20 for children up to 12 years old and Dh40 for adults. Children younger than two will be admitted free.

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