If you are looking for something to do in the UAE this weekend, there are plenty of options to keep you and the family busy.
From outdoor cinema screenings in the capital to superstar performances in Dubai, you'll be spoiled for choice when making plans.
It's also your last chance to catch some of the UAE's top exhibitions, so make sure you don't miss out before they are gone.
Here are some of the best things happening on Thursday, Friday and Saturday across the Emirates ...
ABU DHABI
Spend a day out with your pets
The Yas Pet Festival is returning for a second year. Taking place on Friday, February 14 at du Arena from 1pm to 9pm, the popular event features activities to celebrate both dogs and cats. From the same organisers as the Abu Dhabi Pet Festival, this event will focus more on pet and owner interaction. This year will see a dog agility competition, pet fashion show, and cat and dog competitions. There will also be a pet and owner fancy dress competition, as well as a K9 Unit and petting farm on hand. Guests are welcome to come with or without pets.
Friday, February 14, 1pm-9pm; free entry; du Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.petfestival.ae
Hear Assala at Cultural Foundation
Syrian singer Assala Nasri, one of the most famous vocalists in the Arab world today, will perform this Valentine's Day in Abu Dhabi. Last year, Assala was part of an A-list cast of singers who sang the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi's official anthem, Right Where I Am Supposed To Be.
Friday, February 14, 8-10pm; tickets start from Dh250, Dh300 and Dh500; Cultural Foundation Theatre, Abu Dhabi; www.culturalfoundation.ae
Catch the last days of a Warehouse421 exhibition
Catch the final days of How to Manoeuvre: Shape-shifting Texts and other Publishing Tactics, an exhibition that challenges the traditional concepts of publishing. With more than 40 pieces on display, the show is the largest presented at Warehouse421. The works are developed by artists, writers and publishers from across the region and the world. The exhibition aims to initiate relevant conversations around notions of authorship, independence, values, constraints and dominant discourse.
Daily, 6pm-8pm; free; until Sunday, February 16; Warehouse421, Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi; 02 676 8803; www.warehouse421.ae
Take part in Superhero Saturday
Visit Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi for their newly launched Superhero Saturdays. Guests entering the theme park will be greeted with a live performance, as a DJ spins the latest tunes. Throughout the nine-week series, DC superheroes Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman will be available for photos and to pass along words of wisdom to the heroes-to-be. There will also be a glow-in-the-dark dance party.
Saturdays, 11am; from Dh295 for adults; from Dh230 for children; Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; 600 511115, www.wbworldabudhabi.com
See the final days of 10,000 Years of Luxury
It's the final weekend to see Louvre Abu Dhabi's first comprehensive exhibition on the history of luxury in the Middle East, displaying about 350 objects from 30 countries spanning several millennia. Fashion, jewellery, visual art, furniture and design are all on show at 10,000 Years of Luxury, which also features designs from couture houses such as Chanel, Christian Dior and Elie Saab.
Daily; free with general museum admission; until Tuesday, February 18; Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island; www.louvreabudhabi.ae
Catch a movie in the park
Head over to Umm Al Emarat Park's outdoor cinema. Today, you can watch The Lion King (6.30pm) and Toy Story 3 (8.30pm). Tomorrow, Aladdin (6.30pm) and Finding Nemo (8.30pm) will be screened. On Saturday, see Zambezia (6.30pm) and Shawn the Sheep (8.30pm). There will also be other activities, including face-painting and origami workshops, plus an appearance from Mushrif the Mascot.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 6.30pm; Dh10 (park entry fee); Umm Al Emarat Park, 15th Street, Mushrif, Abu Dhabi; www.ummalemaratpark.ae
DUBAI
Plan the proposal of a lifetime with Dubai Opera
Dubai Opera and Broadway Entertainment Group have come together to offer the perfect Valentine's Day proposal. Guests can pre-arrange tickets to Formidable! Aznavour, a musical by French-Armenian troubadour Charles Aznavour set on the streets of Paris. After the show, the couple can enjoy a private dinner under the stars in Dubai Opera's gardens, overlooking Burj Khalifa. Meanwhile, a talented soloist will play signature melodies inspired by the music of Aznavour, adding to the romance of the evening. The Dubai Opera team will organise a meet-and-greet with performers from the musical and assist with every detail of the proposal – from arranging a bouquet of favourite flowers to organising a majlis for family and friends as a post-proposal surprise.
Thursday and Friday, February 13 and 14; 8pm (with an additional performance at 3pm on Friday); Dh10,000 per couple; Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai; www.dubaiopera.com
See Maluma perform
Colombian superstar Maluma is bringing his world tour to the UAE for one night only, marking his debut performance in the Emirates. The No Se Me Quita singer will perform at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena on Friday, February 14. The 25-year-old, born Juan Luis Londono Arias and raised in the city of Medellin, released his first album at the tender age of 17, though found fame with his 2015 album Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy. He has gone on to collaborate with some of the Latin music industry's biggest names, including Ricky Martin and Shakira, as well as Madonna and J Balvin.
Friday, February 14, 8pm; from Dh295; Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai City Walk; 04 215 3000; www.coca-cola-arena.com
Spend an afternoon on board an abra
Jumeirah Al Qasr is celebrating the most romantic day of the year with a number of packages. Those looking for something a tad offbeat can book an Abra afternoon tea and enjoy views of the Madinat Jumeirah waterway on board an abra, with two glasses of premium bubbly and a bouquet of roses. The hotel is also having a Valentine’s Day-themed brunch, with the best-dressed couple winning a couple’s Talise Spa massage. Meanwhile, a lady “dressed to kill” at the brunch stands a chance to win a complimentary one-night stay at the Jumeirah Al Wasr.
Friday, February 14; timings vary; prices start at Dh480 per person for the brunch, the Abra Afternoon Tea is priced at Dh1,500; Jumeirah Al Qasr; 04 432 3232
Go vegan with Brambles
The pretty bohemian cafe will celebrate V-Day with a five-course Italian-themed vegan dinner, titled Veni Vidi Vici (which translates to “I came, I saw, I conquered”). Couples can expect dishes such as lentil bruschetta, soup or salad, puttanesca lasagne or spaghetti and meatballs pomodoro and a dessert of a brownie sundae with berries compote. The package also includes a ticket for two beverages, which can be claimed at Tryp by Wyndham hotel later that night.
Friday, February 14; 7pm-10pm; Dh145 per person; Citadines Metro Central, Barsha Heights, Dubai; 04 452 9529
Watch a Spanish film at Cinema Akil
For a week, Dubai's arthouse theatre Cinema Akil will bring seven award-winning Spanish films to the big screen, including 1973's The Spirit of the Beehive. The most recent film on show is Handia from 2017, a story about the world's tallest man.
Friday to Thursday, February 14 to 20; various times; tickets from Dh52.50; Cinema Akil, Dubai; www.cinemakil.com
THE REST OF THE UAE
Visit Sharjah Light Festival
The Sharjah Light Festival is back, bringing installations, displays and shows to the emirate. As part of the 10-day event, which closes this weekend, some of Sharjah's most renowned landmarks, such as Masjid Al Noor and Al Hisn Fort, will be illuminated in new colours, featuring creative light technology and curated soundtracks. This year, the festival will comprise 18 daily shows spread out across the emirate, and will also include pop-up food trucks and a sightseeing bus.
Daily; until Saturday, February 15; free; various locations; www.sharjahlightfestival.ae
Get spooked at a haunted house, Ras Al Khamiah
Al Qasimi Palace in Ras Al Khaimah is now open to visitors. The exquisite mansion was built by the late Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Qasimi in 1985, but has since fallen into disrepair. Having been unoccupied for years, the building has long since been considered “haunted” by some, and they claim “mysterious” occurrences take place, such as furniture moving of its own accord. Adding to the creepiness, some say they have seen the faces of children peeping out of its windows.
Daily, 9am-7pm; Dh75; Al Qasimi Palace, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Road, Ras Al Khaimah
Try out the new Jais Adventure Peak
Home to the world's longest zip line and numerous hiking trails, Ras Al Khaimah further cemented its place as an adventure lover's paradise with the unveiling of Jais Adventure Peak on Sunday, February 9. Set amid the Hajar mountain range, Jais Adventure Peak includes a number of activities for adrenalin junkies including the new Jais Sky Maze. The latest addition to the Peak's attractions is a self-guided rope course experience spanning two levels. The first level is at a lower height and suitable for children who are 6 years and above. The second level will give adventure-loving teens and adults a chance to navigate obstacles such as rope swings, wobbly bridges, swimming loops and more while suspended 10 metres above the ground.
Wednesday to Sunday, 9.30am-5.30pm; from Dh75; Jais Adventure Peak, Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, www.visitjebeljais.com/
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
Four tips to secure IoT networks
Mohammed Abukhater, vice president at FireEye in the Middle East, said:
- Keep device software up-to-date. Most come with basic operating system, so users should ensure that they always have the latest version
- Besides a strong password, use two-step authentication. There should be a second log-in step like adding a code sent to your mobile number
- Usually smart devices come with many unnecessary features. Users should lock those features that are not required or used frequently
- Always create a different guest network for visitors
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
What is Reform?
Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.
It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.
Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.
After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.
Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.
The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
More on animal trafficking
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Graduated from the American University of Sharjah
She is the eldest of three brothers and two sisters
Has helped solve 15 cases of electric shocks
Enjoys travelling, reading and horse riding
THE SPECS
Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre
Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Power: 165hp
Torque: 241Nm
Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000
On sale: now
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Cofe
Year started: 2018
Based: UAE
Employees: 80-100
Amount raised: $13m
Investors: KISP ventures, Cedar Mundi, Towell Holding International, Takamul Capital, Dividend Gate Capital, Nizar AlNusif Sons Holding, Arab Investment Company and Al Imtiaz Investment Group
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
Despacito's dominance in numbers
Released: 2017
Peak chart position: No.1 in more than 47 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Lebanon
Views: 5.3 billion on YouTube
Sales: With 10 million downloads in the US, Despacito became the first Latin single to receive Diamond sales certification
Streams: 1.3 billion combined audio and video by the end of 2017, making it the biggest digital hit of the year.
Awards: 17, including Record of the Year at last year’s prestigious Latin Grammy Awards, as well as five Billboard Music Awards
Essentials
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Geneva from Dh2,845 return, including taxes. The flight takes 6 hours.
The package
Clinique La Prairie offers a variety of programmes. A six-night Master Detox costs from 14,900 Swiss francs (Dh57,655), including all food, accommodation and a set schedule of medical consultations and spa treatments.
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Norway
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TECH%20SPECS%3A%20APPLE%20WATCH%20SERIES%208
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2041mm%2C%20352%20x%20430%3B%2045mm%2C%20396%20x%20484%3B%20Retina%20LTPO%20OLED%2C%20up%20to%201000%20nits%2C%20always-on%3B%20Ion-X%20glass%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20S8%2C%20W3%20wireless%2C%20U1%20ultra-wideband%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECapacity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2032GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20watchOS%209%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHealth%20metrics%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203rd-gen%20heart%20rate%20sensor%2C%20temperature%20sensing%2C%20ECG%2C%20blood%20oxygen%2C%20workouts%2C%20fall%2Fcrash%20detection%3B%20emergency%20SOS%2C%20international%20emergency%20calling%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20GPS%2FGPS%20%2B%20cellular%3B%20Wi-Fi%2C%20LTE%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%2C%20NFC%20(Apple%20Pay)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDurability%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20IP6X%2C%20water%20resistant%20up%20to%2050m%2C%20dust%20resistant%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20308mAh%20Li-ion%2C%20up%20to%2018h%2C%20wireless%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECards%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20eSIM%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinishes%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Aluminium%20%E2%80%93%20midnight%2C%20Product%20Red%2C%20silver%2C%20starlight%3B%20stainless%20steel%20%E2%80%93%20gold%2C%20graphite%2C%20silver%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Watch%20Series%208%2C%20magnetic-to-USB-C%20charging%20cable%2C%20band%2Floop%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Starts%20at%20Dh1%2C599%20(41mm)%20%2F%20Dh1%2C999%20(45mm)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Important questions to consider
1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?
There are different types of travel available for pets:
- Manifest cargo
- Excess luggage in the hold
- Excess luggage in the cabin
Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.
2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?
If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.
If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.
3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?
As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.
If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty.
If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport.
4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?
This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.
In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.
5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?
Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.
Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.
Source: Pawsome Pets UAE
