Eid Al Adha 2016: 20 amazing things to do in the UAE
Eid Al Adha is a great time to be in the UAE. Celebratory shows, events and offers across malls, shopping centres and dining outlets ensure that your holidays are fun-packed and entertaining. Here are our top picks of things to do this Eid Al Adha.
Watch the Eid Al Adha fireworks
One of the best parts about Eid is getting the chance to watch impressive fireworks. In Dubai, the Beach, opposite JBR, will play host to six nights of fireworks shows from September 11 to 16. The show will start at 8.30pm each night. Yas Island in Abu Dhabi will have Eid Al Adha celebratory fireworks on September 12 at 9pm. Al Qasba and Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah will also have fireworks on September 12, The shows will be at 10.30pm in Al Qasba and from 9-10pm at Al Majaz Waterfront.
Family fun at Cascade Dining, Yas Mall
Have a family day out at one of the 23 food outlets in Cascade Dining with free entertainment. While the fun starts with Magic Max, the resident magician and roaming jugglers add to the excitement. It’s not all about the performers though, as the outlets gear up to serve up their very best with special Eid promotions.
When: September 12, 13 and 14. Performances start at 3.30pm on September 12, and 12.30pm on September 13 and 14.
Jaguar and Mercedes AMG Driving experience in Yas Marina circuit
Experience driving a Jaguar F-type or a Mercedes AMG on the Yas Marina race circuit in Abu Dhabi. Get a passenger experience on SST Radical, Jaguar F-type or a drift taxi passenger experience — all on the circuit that hosts the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. You also get 50 per cent off on the next experience you buy.
When: Until September 17.
Cost: Jaguar F-type Driving Dh1,300; Jaguar F-type Passenger Dh500; SST Radical Passenger Dh440; Mercedes AMG Driving Dh1,500; Drift Taxi Passenger Experience Dh330. Get 50 per cent off on passenger experiences when you buy a driving experience for Jaguar F type or Mercedes AMG; Get 50 per cent off on the second SST Radical Passenger experience.
Contact 800927 or go to yasmarinacircuit.com
Titan the Robot visits Yas Island
World-famous android, Titan the Robot, will visit attractions on Yas Island over Eid. Titan’s celebrity fans include Hugh Jackman and Jackie Chan. Meeting Titan is free for visitors to Yas Island and he will be making stops at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (September 9 and 10), Cascade Dining (September 13, 14, 16 and 18), Yas Mall (September 15) and The District at Du Forum (September 17). Get ready to chat and take photos with this celebrity as he impresses you with his dance moves.
Cinderella Theatrical Musical at Al Qasba, Sharjah
Over Eid, Al Qasba will bring to life the much-loved fairy tale ofCinderella on stage. Backed by singers, dancers and other performers, the cast will keep you enthralled in the story, but only until the clock strikes midnight.
Cost: Dh50 per ticket.
When: September 12 to 14. 40-minute shows at 5.30pm, 7.30pm and 9.30pm.
Tickets available on dubai.platinumlist.net
Family day out at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort
Fujairah’s famed family destination spreads the warmth of Eid Al Adha with its festive offers. For families looking to get away just for the day, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort offers an Eid Day Out package. The Eid Day Out offer includes pool and beach access and a Dh50 voucher that can be redeemed at any of the restaurants in the resort during the days of Eid.
Cost: Dh200 per person.
When: September 11, 12 and 13.
Call 09-2449000.
Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan live concert
Pakistani Sufi maestro Rahet Fateh Ali Khan will perform in Dubai. The singer started performing when he was just seven, joining his uncle’s Qawwali group at 15. It is his only live performance in 2016 and the night promises to be one of a kind featuring a live acoustic segment. He will perform all his Bollywood and Qawwali hits in this three-hour concert.
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre.
Cost: From Dh250 onwards
When: September 16. Show starts at 8pm.
Tickets available on dubai.platinumlist.net
Nickelodeon Play Park in Dubai Festival City
Inspired by the Nickelodeon HD and Nick Jr TV Channels, Dubai Festival City has created a Nickelodeon Playpark where children can take part in interactive experiences and enjoy their favourite shows. Kids can tour play forts inspired by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, visit jewellery crafting sessions and use the iPad station to explore the Nickelodeon app. Visitors will also get to watch a live street theatre show, The Spark!, for free. The show combines high impact drumming, dynamic choreography and beautiful lighting designs.
Cost: Free.
When: The Spark! is on every day at 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm until September 17; Nickelodeon Play Park is on until September 26.
Al Capone Jazz Band
A roaming music act from Italy, this band features a combination of classic jazz and swing music. You can participate in it too as it involves the entire audience singing and clapping.
When and where: September 12 at City Centre Deira; September 13 and 14 at Mall of the Emirates; September 15, 16 and 17 at Dragon Mart 2
Family fun at The Galleria
Shoppers at The Galleria in Al Maryah Island can enjoy special activities including a live henna station and a falconry stand. Children can participate in the arts and craft activities and visitors can get individual craft pieces created by the resident calligrapher.
When: Until September 13, 5-10pm.
Eid celebrations at Mercato Mall
The Quick Change Show will feature performers changing into different dresses in split seconds in front of the audience. Other events include acrobatic performances on rollerblades, roaming acts, and a kids’ workshop conducted by the performers, which will include painting, themed arts and crafts activities.
When: Until September 17.
Comedy Illusion Show at City Centre Mirdif
These comedy illusionists combine stunning illusions, magic and comedy into one action-packed show. They won British Idol 2012 and were voted the best illusion act in the UK National Magic Championships.
When: Until September 17.
Eid Al Adha celebrations at Wafi Mall
With a traditional majlis area, Emirati dance performers, henna booth and other traditional activities, Wafi Mall is embracing Eid in a culturally significant way. Visitors can also take pictures to keep as mementos at the falcon corner or have their pictures printed instantly at the mall photo-booth with options of dressing in the UAE attire. Children will be greeted by cartoon characters Khosa and Boosa, who will be roaming around the mall from 3.30pm.
Dates: Until September 14.
Looney Tunes at Ibn Battuta Mall
The Looney Tunes show featuring Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny and Taz will perform live and will run for 10 days in Ibn Battuta Mall as part of the Eid Al Adha celebrations. At the workshop, children can make film strip bookmarks, engage in games such as spot the difference and also take part in colouring activities.
Dates: Until September 17.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Eid celebrations at the world’s largest indoor park, IMG World of Adventure, will see world-renowned superheroes such as Spider-Man strolling through the park. Other entertainment includes dance shows, magicians, acrobats and street artists. IMG Boulevard will be transformed into an Arabic souq with henna artists, Al Ayallah dancers, a falconry display and an oud player. This is in addition to the rides and attractions on offer.
Where: IMG Worlds of Adventure near Arabian Ranches, next to Global Village, Dubai
Dates: Until September 13.
Tickets: Adult Dh300, children Dh250; Two-day passes for adults Dh500, children Dh400; Annual passes are Dh2,495; Fast track passes available on IMGworlds.com
Circus Follies
The comic juggling group from Italy will perform in Dubai’s malls featuring equilibrist performers and comedy animation.
When and where: September 12 at Ibn Battuta Mall; September 13 and 14 at City Centre Deira; September 15 and 16 at Mall of the Emirates; September 17 at Dragon Mart 2.
Larger than Life Mimes
These silent performers will walk above everyone on stilts, but they will also turn heads with their silence. The group refuses to use sound to attract an audience as they draw crowds in a visual way with their colourful lined costumes complete with shaggy lace, and crazy facial gestures that tell a wonderful story.
When and where: Until September 14 at Mall of the Emirates; September 15 to 16 at Dragon Mart 2; September 17 at Ibn Battuta Mall.
The Jungle Book
Create fun memories with your family at The Jungle Book experience where visitors are taken on a journey deep into the jungle with a feast of visual and audio effects. With some real animals and real-life forest foliage, visitors can participate in interactive activities as well.
Where: City Walk expansion, located at Multaqa Al Adua’a (next to Hub Zero).
When: Until September 17.
Live concerts – Arabic music
Mohammad Abdo, Rabeh Saqer and Shamma Hamdan will perform at the Dubai World Trade Center. Saqer and Hamdan will perform on September 13. Mohammad Abdo will take centre stage on September 16.
iMall celebrations
From September 12 to 14 (7pm to 10pm), Sharjah’s newest mall’s list of activities include Creative Robo Olympics, Creative Robo Olympics, Virtual Reality games, Play and Win game series as well as a henna stall and a specialised hi-tech digital caricature artist. Creative Robotics CR8 will have special classes at discounted prices to teach children the science of designing and engineering robots and more.
