The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (ADNEC) will be transformed into a unique family leisure venue for eight weeks in the summer of 2008 as it hosts “Summer in Abu Dhabi,” the UAE capital’s largest and most prestigious family festival taking place from June 26 to August 18th 2008.

Jointly organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and ADNEC and supported by Etisalat, the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, and Capital Centre, the 13,000 square metre air-conditioned “Summer in Abu Dhabi” indoor venue will consist of seven incredibly-themed Adventure, Action, Creativity, Fun, Imagination, Culture, and Discovery Islands, and will treat hundreds of thousands of visitors to the very best in family entertainment.

H.E. Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of ADTA and ADNEC, said “This is a new and exciting concept for the UAE capital. Summer in Abu Dhabi has been carefully positioned to fulfill an important element in Abu Dhabi’s wider tourism strategy.”

Education will be a key element of the show, with major interactive “edutainment” attractions including the thrilling ‘Science of …Spying’, which has just completed its remarkable debut at the London Science Museum; and the award winning ‘Robot Zoo’, which has recently been delighting and amazing visitors on its tour of North America and Asia.

A packed program of live daily performances will feature International Children’s Theatre Productions, Circus Workshops & Mini Shows, Freestyle BMX bikers, UV Puppet Theatre, and appearances by well-known Children’s Characters.

“Summer in Abu Dhabi” will also feature Arts and Craft Workshops, Secret Story Gardens, a Mini Cinema, Optical Illusions, Climbing Walls, Lazer Mazes, Remote “CamCar” Racing, and a variety of lively Fun Fair Rides and Games.

H.E. Ahmad Humaid Al Mazrouie, Managing Director, ADNEC added: “Summer in Abu Dhabi is for the entire nation. It is for UAE nationals and ex-pats, every one is welcome. The event will be unique; it will provide an eight-week extravaganza of entertainment and education to children and parents from across the whole country; it will be a truly great day out for all the family.”

“Over the past twelve months the ADTA and ADNEC have worked hard to bring world-renowned visitor attractions to Summer in Abu Dhabi. From cultural attractions, to high octane excitement; from relaxing zones to elements of pure fun, Summer in Abu Dhabi really does have something for everyone. The concept of the island zones mirrors the physical islands of Abu Dhabi and allows us to create distinctive areas which offer very different attractions, but all reside under one overall event brand,” concluded Faisal Al Sheikh, ADTA Events Section Head.

Summer in Abu Dhabi will run at ADNEC from June 26 to August 18, 2008. The show is open from 12 pm to 9pm daily. Tickets are priced at AED 30 for adults and AED 20 for children under 16.