Enjoy National Day on Yas Island with events that include the National Day Colours Festival at Yas Marina Circuit, which will offer family activities including circus performances, ziplines and camel rides. Yas Marina will also host traditional Arabic storytelling, acrobatic performances, falcons and salukis, calligraphy writing, Ayala dancing and fireworks. From 2.30 to 6.30pm, free, Abu Dhabi Hill, Yas Marina Circuit; 3 to 6pm, free, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.yasisland.ae
Attend the grand finale of MTV India's Next Big Thing competition and see a performance by musician and actor Luke Kenny. A judge at the event, his films include Rock On!! and Rise of the Zombies. Thirteen finalists will battle to be crowned champion. From 9pm, The Music Room, Majestic Hotel, Al Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai, 05 359 8888, www.facebook.com/MusicRoomDubai
See the operetta Nation of Hope, written by Emirati poet Mosbeh Ali Al Kaabi and featuring performances by Hussein Al Jassmi, Jassem Mohammed, Arwa and Ismail Mubarak. It focuses on the heroism of the Founding Fathers and the sacrifices of UAE martyrs. From 8pm, free, Flag Island, Sharjah
Register children between the ages of 5 and 11 for Camp Igloo, where they can enjoy a fun-filled and educational art camp with a new winter-related theme every day, such as snowflakes and snowmen. Activities include arts and crafts, painting and clay modelling. December 20 to 31, Dh180 per day; Dh900 per week, Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, www.ductac.org, 04 341 4777
Visit the group exhibition Emerging Voices, which features works by Emirati artists celebrating National Day, including digital art, photography, painting, mixed media and installation art. From 9am to 9pm, Gallery 76 at Dubai International Arts Centre, Street 75B, Jumeirah 1, behind Town Centre, Dubai, 04 344 4398, www.artdubai.com
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