Celebrate the Year of the Monkey at Yas Mall with a line-up of performances including the UAE's first Lion Pole Dance, lantern decorations, an authentic Chinese garden and a Tree of Wealth, plus kung-fu workshops, acrobatics shows, calligraphy, Chinese lantern-making, roaming entertainers and more. From 10am to 10pm, Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.yasmall.ae
Visit Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo to see the sea dragons. Native to Australia and related to seahorses, they are among the most ornately camouflaged creatures in the world. Divers will also perform hourly Dragon Dances from 2pm to 8pm. Open 10am to 11pm, from Dh100, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai Mall, Dubai, 04 448 5200, www.thedubaiaquarium.com
Register to take part in the Chinese Cultural Evening at Eton Institute and celebrate Chinese New Year by learning about the culture and language. Experience an evening of colourful traditions, authentic cuisine and simple language lessons. Wednesday, 6.30pm to 8pm, free, Eton Institute, Dubai Knowledge Village, Dubai, 04 438 6800, www.middleeast.etoninstitute.com
Enjoy a night of fashion at Shop My Closet. Find pre-loved high-street and high-end items from more than 20 fashionistas' closets, plus merchandise and overrun designer boutique stock discounted by up to 90 per cent. Get fashion and styling tips, and discount vouchers. From 7pm to 10pm, Le Méridien, Tourist Club, Abu Dhabi, www.facebook.com/shop.my.closet.gotg
Get tickets for RedFest DXB, featuring live music by Steve Aoki, Rita Ora, The Vamps, Dawin, Grace and Nathalie Saba on Thursday, and Adam Lambert, Trey Songz, Eva Simons, Fifth Harmony, Redfoo and MistaJam on Friday. From 6pm to 1am, Thursday; 2pm to 1am, Friday, from Dh400 for a one-day ticket, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai, www.platinumlist.net
listings@thenational.ae
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
More on animal trafficking
Race card
6.30pm: Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
7.05pm: Meydan Cup – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (Turf) 2,810m
7.40pm: UAE 2000 Guineas – Group 3 (TB) $125,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Firebreak Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (D) 1,600m
9.50pm: Meydan Classic – Conditions (TB) $$50,000 (T) 1,400m
9.25pm: Dubai Sprint – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,200m
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
