Your daily guide to community and cultural activities across the Emirates for December 27, 2016, including performances, festivals, art exhibitions, film screenings, health and fitness events, talks, classes, workshops and family fun.
Abu Dhabi
Performance
Get tickets now for a performance by the Vienna State Opera Gala Evening. As part of the Abu Dhabi Classics series, the musical ensemble will perform Mozart's masterpiece Don Giovanni, the story of a nobleman with a reputation of being a ladies' man.
February 8, 7pm, from Dh100, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, www.abudhabiclassics.ae
Dubai
Shopping festival
Shop for great deals at the Dubai Shopping Festival. From outdoor markets and entertainment programmes to mega sales and rewards, the latest edition offers new experiences such as the 12-Hour Exclusive New Year Shopping, in which you can get up to 90 per cent off various brands.
Until January 28, across various locations in Dubai, www.dubaishoppingfestival2013.com
Abu Dhabi
Music class
Sign up your children for the 2017 Kindermusik term at Bodytree Studio, where babies, toddlers and families can enjoy a programme that nurtures children's development musically, plus social, emotional and physical skills.
Starts January 8, Dh805 for 13 sessions; Dh585 for siblings, Bodytree Studio, Abu Dhabi, 02 443 4448, www.bodytreestudio.com
Abu Dhabi
Festive fun
Check out Winterland Carnival at du Forum, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a snow park featuring a snowball-fight zone and other activities for adults and children. There will also be carnival funfair games and rides, a festive mini train, crafts from local brands, food trucks and performances. On the final night, there will be fireworks at midnight.
Opens today and runs until Saturday, 4pm to 11 pm till Friday, 4pm to 12.30 am on Saturday, free, du Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.thinkflash.ae
Abu Dhabi
Fitness event
Take a turn around the 5.55km Yas Marina Circuit as part of TrainYas. Bike, walk or jog while you enjoy the cool weather. Bikes and helmets are available for rent from Fun Ride Sports, and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi provides 400 complimentary bikes each week.
Tonight, 6pm to 10pm, free with registration, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, register at www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Ras Al Khaimah
Fitness retreat
Enrol for a seven-day stay at Alma Retreat. The package includes the best of personal change coaching, meditation, desert walks, ice baths and workouts.
Starts on Sunday, from 7pm, costs from Dh4,900, Alma Retreat, Ras Al Khaimah, iamalma.com/retreats
Dubai
Kids' activity
Head to City Walk and enjoy three interactive gaming zones at The Jungle Book Experience, including Tame the Tiger, Feed the Monkey Maze and Plant a Tree. Children will learn about the benefits of conservation on a journey through the jungle with characters such as Bhageera and Mowgli.
Open Thursdays to Saturdays, 4pm to 10pm, Dh50 or free with a minimum spend of Dh150 at a City Walk outlet, City Walk, Al Safa Street, Al Wasl, Dubai, www.facebook.com/CityWalkDubai
Dubai
Donate toys
Donate a toy to charity as part of KidZania's Share Your Memories, Share Your Toys initiative. Children can bring toys and write a note with them, which will be stuck on a giant teddy bear. At the end of the drive, underprivileged children will be invited to a special performance, before receiving the toys and notes.
Until January 7, 10 am to 10 pm, KidZania, Level 2, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, www.kidzania.ae
Dubai
Art exhibition
See abstract works and photographs of nature by Palestinian-Omani artist Sara Nimer in the exhibition Peace With Nature. Nimer paints in the rain in Dubai, using acrylic inks, and letting the water fall onto the colour to find its own levels and shapes, which she then reworks in the open air or at her studio. Pictured: Thoughts
Daily until Tuesday, open all day, Monda Gallery, Sofitel The Palm Resort & Spa, Dubai, www.mondagallery.com
Dubai
Art exhibition
See the exhibition Seamless Loop at La Galerie - the new space dedicated to visual arts at Alliance Française Dubai. The exhibit, by Emirati artist Sheikha Wafa bint Hasher Al Maktoum, features strong symbols of the UAE such as the falcon, dromedary, horse and palm tree. Pictured: Leopard
Until January 21, 9am to 8pm, open Sunday to Thursday, La Galerie, Alliance Française Dubai, Oud Metha, Dubai, www.afdubai.org
10 things to do today: Check out Winterland Carnival at du Forum, shop for deals at the Dubai Shopping Festival, and more
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