Khalifa Park, that once obscure-to-me green space situated towards the end of what was once known as Salam Street and is now, instead, a mouthful, is hosting a Six Continents family event during the UAE’s balmy winter. Continuing until March, the park offers a fun day out in what, to me, is perfect weather. Sometimes, it feels like life in the UAE is a testing exercise in patience: how long can you wait until January and February come along and you can finally feel a cool breeze against your skin?
Mr T and I are forever on the hunt for activities to tire Baby A out. Her Highness has become a handful and the only way we know how to deal is to bombard her with activities in the hope that one day, she will be so exhausted from her fun-packed day that she just might sleep through the night. One day.
So off to Khalifa Park we went this past Saturday. It has a carnival atmosphere, with rides for all ages, bouncy castles teeming with boisterous kids and food stands offering candyfloss and cobs of corn. There are all sorts of games, too: knock these cans over and leave with a stuffed animal, catch a plastic fish out of a basin of water and win a prize. There are also shopping pavilions from China, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Turkey, India and Egypt.
Mr T and I spent three hours that afternoon chasing Her Dictatorship and wiping her tears every time we had to drag her off a ride. How dare we take her off the merry-go-round after only her third turn? And five trips on the baby train are absolutely not enough. And take her off the swings? Are we insane?
Despite the mini-tantrums, she did have a good time, as evidenced by the thrilled squeals she was emitting while running around a man dressed as a rabbit, giggling maniacally every time she managed to give him a high-five. She was out in the fresh air, exploring ants on sidewalks and chasing kids every which way. The sun was just beginning to set, the colours of the sky were humbling in their beauty and I had a content, glad-to-be-alive feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Mr T went to buy a cup of steamed corn and, while waiting by the corn vendor, a nearby Arab customer took one look at Baby A, running in circles around her daddy, and frowned at me. “Daughter,” she said, “why is your baby dressed like this? Too cold for her, dressed like that. It is winter, the weather is cold, haraam baby, she needs more clothes.”
I refrained from pointing out that it was 20 degrees and took a moment to look around. More than 80 per cent of the children – from newborns to teenagers – were in winter clothing. I don’t mean long trousers and sweaters, oh no. We’re talking puffy winter coats, woollen hats, scarves and gloves.
Not too long ago, I compiled a list of four telltale signs that a child has Arab parents. Allow me to add one more to that list. Indicator No 5: child is dressed in dozens of layers, regardless of weather.
The day’s conclusion? Exhausting Baby A does not mean she will sleep through the night. And Khalifa Park is a must-visit for anyone living in Abu Dhabi, regardless of what you decide to wear when heading there.
Hala Khalaf is a freelance writer based in Abu Dhabi
[ artslife@thenational.ae ]
