10 things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah: from a comedy show to an online book fair

As the weather gets cooler, now is the time to make the best of outdoor activities and events. So, whether you're looking for a new jogging track or want to catch a show at Dubai Opera, why not try out one of the things listed below this weekend? The British-Iranian comic Omid Djalili is bringing his Good Times show to Dubai Opera. After not having performed a gig since March, his material will delve into some of his learnings amid the pandemic. In addition to his stand-up, Djalili is also an experienced actor, having appeared in movies from Notting Hill and Gladiator to Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again . Saturday, November 7; 8pm; Dh195; Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, www.dubaiopera.com The 39th Sharjah International Book air has kicked off. The 10-day event is taking a hybrid approach this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic. While publishers will be at the Sharjah Expo Centre selling physical books at stalls spread across the venue, the fair’s cultural programme, which includes panel discussions and talks, will take place online. Until Saturday, November 14; free; www.sibf.com The Burj Khalifa and Namshi have teamed up for a special shopping venture. A discount code will be projected onto the world’s tallest building on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 9pm to 9.30pm throughout the month of November. The code will only be valid for four hours after being unveiled and will get customers anywhere between 35 to 50 per cent off purchases as well as ongoing deals. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout November, 9pm to 9.30pm; free; Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, www.burjkhalifa.com The supercar-themed park is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The 86,000-square-metre attraction is home to more than 30 rides including the Formula Rossa, the world's fastest rollercoaster. Ferrari World Abu Dhbai has also opened a brand new Roof Walk and Zip Line experience, as part of the celebrations. Visitors will need to buy a separate ticket for both, on top of the general admission pass. To celebrate its 10th birthday, Ferrari World is offering all UAE residents 50 per cent off the cost of a day pass until December 5, or a discounted season pass from now until December 31. Tuesdays to Saturdays, until December 31, noon to 8pm; starts at Dh155; Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com A favourite late-night option, Zaatar w Zeit has launched a mammoth version of kaakeh, a popular Lebanese street dish, made with crispy bread and sesame. The franchise's mega kaakeh is 42 centimetres long and available in six flavours; zaatar, picon, truffle skanklish, pepperoni cheese, veggie pesto and barbecue chicken. Prices start at Dh14. Customers can also order via the mobile app or by calling 600 522 231. Nationwide; Dh14; www.zaatarwzeit.net A new jogging track has opened at Umm Al Emarat Park. The 1.2-kilometre-long track starts from the promenade and goes all the way to the amphitheatre, giving joggers ample views of grassy lawns, shrubbery and palm trees. Umm Al Emarat Park is home to plenty of indigenous species and more than 200 mature trees that are over 20 years old, so some lush vistas are guaranteed along the track. Meanwhile, more serious athletes can keep track of their progress with the jogging track's distance markers. Daily; 8am to midnight; Dh10; www.ummalemaratpark.ae Do you love the Vietnamese soup dish pho? Hoi An, in the Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, is hosting a special foodie challenge where they will offer a 1.1-litre beef pho dish to be completed in a single sitting. If successful, the bowl will be free of charge but if it's failed to be devoured, it will be billed at Dh189. Pho typically consists of broth, rice noodles, herbs and in this case, beef. Tuesdays to Saturdays; 6pm to 11pm; Hoi An, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, www.shangri-la.com Artist Maryam Al Dabbagh's latest text and audio installation Library Circles connects the lives of the UAE's immigrant population, who reside in the country on visas that need regular renewal, to the story of Scheherazade, the heroine of Arabian Nights , who tells a new story every evening to trick the ruler into sparing her life. Library Circles' eight chapters, narrated by Al Dabbagh in Arabic and English, appear on audio and in snippets of text across the Jameel building. They tell the fragmented story of a fictionalised Iraqi character who has grown up in Sharjah, shifting from school-era episodes to reflections on the logistics of organising visas. Until January 7, Saturday to Wednesday, 10am-6pm; Thursday and Friday noon to 8pm; closed on Tuesdays, free; Jameel Arts Centre, Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai; www.jameelartscentre.org The Dubai Fitness Challenge has returned for another year. The 30-day challenge, launched by the Crown Prince of Dubai in 2017, returns for its fourth iteration, offering more than 2,000 free fitness sessions across the emirate and online until Saturday, November 28. As with previous years, DFC challenges Dubai residents to commit to 30 minutes of exercise every day for a 30-day period to improve their health and overall wellbeing. Until Saturday, November 28; daily; www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com Dubai's indoor tropical rainforest has welcomed three ring-tailed lemurs into its midst: a 3-year-old female, and a 1-year-old brother and sister duo. The creatures, which were born in a care facility in Europe, are native to the island nation of Madagascar. The Green Planet's trio will be part of the facility's conservation breeding initiative when they are older. According to The Green Planet, the lemurs can often be found hanging out with sloths or playing with the forest's Victorian crowned pigeons. The indoor attraction has welcomed a couple of new additions in recent months, including a slow loris and the UAE's first tamandua, a small type of anteater. Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm; closed on Sundays; Dh89 (online) or Dh120 (at the gate); The Green Planet, City Walk, Dubai, www.thegreenplanetdubai.com

10 things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah: from a comedy show to an online book fair

Here are all the events happening across the UAE that you need to know about this weekend