Abu Dhabi
Art exhibition
No White Walls continues at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, where you can see works created by professional artists in the UAE as part of an initiative to develop the art scene in Abu Dhabi. Pictured: What Do You Do Here by Emily Gordon
Daily until December 30, 9am to 9pm, main arts corridor, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between the Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 02 645 3333, www.facebook.com/NoWhiteWallsUAE
Abu Dhabi
Fitness event
Register to take part in the Daman ActiveLife Electric Run Recharged on February 24. The updated race format includes the new Power Hour, which gives exclusive access to the 5K neon course to runners from 6.30pm, plus an upgraded course experience, interactive technology and the post-run concert experience. Register before January 14 and you’ll be entered into a draw to win a round-trip flight to Abu Dhabi for a friend or loved one to join you at the Electric Run.
February 24, from 6.30pm, from Dh165, Yas Gateway Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.electricrun.ae
Abu Dhabi
Festive event
Visit The Mall at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi and enjoy celebrations for the festive season, including carols and a winter wonderland of gingerbread houses, candy canes and holiday characters. Children are invited to visit Santa in his grotto, where they can tell him their wish list and receive a gift. Then enjoy a performance of Cinderella on Ice on Thursday and Friday evening from 5pm to 10pm.
Daily 5pm to 10pm, The Mall at World Trade Center, Abu Dhabi, www.facebook.com/WTCAD
Abu Dhabi
Food trucks
Head to Al Maryah Island for Winter Wonderland, with festive cottages hosting fun family activities, as well as a variety of live performances taking place across the promenade. For a few days, the island also hosts Street Feast as part of Abu Dhabi Food Festival. More than 60 food trucks present classic treats such as hamburgers and hot dogs, along with international food concepts focusing on South America and Africa.
Daily until Monday, 3pm to 10pm, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, www.abudhabifoodfest.ae
Abu Dhabi
Heritage event
Enjoy a fun outdoor heritage event featuring more than 20,000 camels in a camel beauty pageant. Al Dhafra Festival is a celebration of Bedouin heritage, where you can visit a traditional souq with produce and handicrafts, date-packaging competitions, a camel-milk contest, an Arabian horse race, a falcon beauty show, and a special children’s area with playgrounds and games from the age of the Emirati forefathers.
Daily until December 29, 10am to 10pm, Muzayanh Al Dhafra, Madinat Zayed, Al Gharbia (Western Region), Abu Dhabi, www.aldhafrafestival.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, letting the water fall onto the colour to find its own levels and shapes, which she then reworks in the open air or her studio. Pictured: Thoughts
Daily until January 3, open all day, Monda Gallery, Sofitel The Palm Resort & Spa, Dubai, www.mondagallery.com
Dubai
Art exhibition
Kamrooz Aram presents ornamental and patterned paintings, as well as sculptures that explore the significance of how objects are displayed in museums in the exhibition Recollection for a Room. Pictured: Ephesian Fog
Daily until January 15, 10am to 7pm, Saturdays to Thursdays (closed Fridays), Green Art Gallery, Street 8, Al Quoz, Dubai, 04 346 9305, www.gagallery.com
Dubai
Kids’ camp
Register your children, ages 2 to 5, for The British Orchard Nursery’s Big Bang 2017 Winter Camp, where they can enjoy activities including science experiments, 3-D modelling, painting, and percussion music in this camp, which combines entertainment with education.
Weekdays until December 29, 9am to 2pm, Sundays to Thursdays, various prices per location, Abu Dhabi; Dubai; Sharjah, www.britishorchardnursery.com
Dubai
Underwater trip
The Shark Scooter experience is the latest close-encounter offering from Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. It lets you explore the colourful marine life while guided by an expert instructor. A bubble helmet provides visibility and one- and two-person scooters offer a safe and comfortable ride. Included with the experience is a guided tour of the Discovery Channel Shark Week exhibition and admission to the aquarium tunnel and Underwater Zoo.
Daily, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, Dh500, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, book at 04 448 5200, www.thedubaiaquarium.com
Dubai
Music festival
The Dubai Marina Music Festival features evening performances from an eclectic mix of talent including handpan musician Sherif, Dubai-based rock band The Boxtones, Jordanian fusion band Harget Kart and Australian YouTube acts PVC-pipe instrumentalist Pipe Guy, and bucket drummer Gordo, plus a music bazaar and food trucks as well as open-mic sets, DJs and street performers.
Daily until Saturday, 5.30pm to 9pm, free to attend, promenade, Dubai Marina Mall and Marina Walk, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 04 436 1020, www.dubaimarinamall.com
