What if there was a way you could blast off on an intergalactic adventure without ever leaving Dubai? Well, gear up, because Expo City Dubai is going full cosmic this October with the Alif Galactic Adventure. A full family event that’s basically every space lover’s dream come true. Happening over two weekends only – October 11–12 and October 18–19, from 10 AM to 6 PM, this festival is all about rockets, creativity, and good old-fashioned fun. I have even more space-tastic details where that came from, so keep reading to find out more.
Also read: Manar Abu Dhabi Returns For A 2nd Edition This November With Dazzling Installations & More
Half The Price, Double The Fun
Here’s a deal that’s truly out of this world. Tickets are just AED 50 per person, and that includes access to the entire Alif (which usually costs AED 100 on its own). So yes, you’re getting Dubai’s coolest family event at half the price!
In partnership with Lab of Future and celebrating International Space Week, the adventure mixes science with imagination, turning Expo City into a cosmic playground for all ages. As Cristiana Ruggieri, Head of Visitor Experience at Expo City Dubai, says, “It’s an invitation to dream bigger and see ourselves as explorers.” And honestly, I couldn’t agree more.
Rocket Science Just Got Real (And Really Fun)
Got a little one who can’t stop asking how rockets fly? The Hydro Rocket Workshop is your perfect answer to all their questions. Kids get to design, build, and actually launch their own water-powered rockets. Expect a few squeals of excitement and some wide-eyed wonder when those rockets take off!
And if you’ve got a teenager who loves a challenge, the Ultimate Hydro Boost Experience takes it up a notch. Designed for ages 15–18, this parachute workshop lets them simulate real spacecraft lift-offs and safe landings. It’s pretty much the closest thing to astronaut training they’ll get this side of NASA. (Both activities run at 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM, so plan your mission accordingly!)
Train Like An Astronaut
Think you’ve got the reflexes to handle outer space? The Space Docking Simulator will put that to the test. Try docking with the International Space Station in a timed digital challenge. Don’t worry, it’s trickier, and way more fun, than it sounds.
Where Science Meets Art, All In One Place
But not everything here is about rockets and physics. There’s plenty of room for creativity too! At Nebula Art, you can channel your inner artist and paint your own glowing cosmic clouds using sprays and pastels. Or, head to Asteroid Modelling and sculpt your very own rocky masterpiece inspired by NASA’s real asteroid missions.
Feeling strategic? Check out the Stellar Evolution Chess Contest, where each chess piece represents a stage in a star’s life. From a nebula to a black hole. It’s a clever, brainy twist on the classic game, and yes, it’s as cool as it sounds.
Little Astronauts, Big Imagination
Even the tiniest space cadets aren’t left out! The Creative Corner is packed with storytelling sessions and colouring stations, so kids can explore galaxies with crayons in hand. Oh, and here’s the cherry on top – kids under 12 get in FREE! That means more fun, less spending, and zero excuses to stay home.
More Magic Awaits At Expo City
If you haven’t been to the Alif before, prepare to be amazed. It’s a journey through time, tracing how humans have moved (and dreamed) from the early explorers of Arab civilization to the groundbreaking Emirates Mars Mission. You’ll leave with a new appreciation for how innovation (and a bit of curiosity) keeps our world moving forward.
And the fun doesn’t stop here. Later this year, Expo City is bringing the Goat Festival! Yes, you read that right. After you’ve explored the stars, it’s time to get down to earth at The Goat Festival at Terra, Expo City Dubai, happening October 25–26. This fun and interactive celebration is all about our adorable, horned friends and the important role they play in our ecosystem.
Your October Just Got A Whole Lot More Cosmic
Whether you’re launching rockets, sculpting asteroids, or pretending to dock with the ISS, the Alif Galactic Adventure promises a day full of discovery, laughter, and memories your family will be talking about long after the stars come out.
So grab your crew, fuel up with excitement, and head to Expo City Dubai. This is one adventure that’s truly out of this world. Visit Alif’s website for more information and to get your tickets.
