Looking for some ideas to keep you and the family busy in the UAE this Eid Al Adha?
While celebrations may be a little different this year, there are still plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained across the different emirates at places where physical distancing and safety measures are in place.
From live music to food deals, we've rounded up some of the best offers and events.
1. Catch Hussain Al Jassmi perform at Dubai Opera
Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi will take to the stage at Dubai Opera for a charity concert this Eid Al Adha. Hosted as part of the Eid in Dubai celebrations, the concert will feature songs performed by Al Jassmi alongside vocalist Yara, as well as a special appearance by young singers from TV show The Voice Kids.
The show takes place on Saturday, August 1, from 10pm to midnight, and all proceeds from the concert will go towards helping children around the region who have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dh495 for silver class seats, Dh995 for gold, Dh1,500 for VIP, Dh2,000 for premium VIP, Dh2,500 for VIP boxes. Saturday, August 1, 10pm-midnight; Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai; www.dubaiopera.com
2. Take in some art at City Walk
City Walk will be staging a series of live art events and exhibitions this Eid Al Adha. From Thursday, July 30, Dubai Canvas at City Walk will showcase international street artist Juandres Vera who will be creating his signature 3D artworks on the floor of City Walk’s indoor courtyard.
Famous for his paintings that turn pavements into weird and wonderful optical illusions, visitors to The Walk in Dubai's JBR will be familiar with his works, some of which were featured at Dubai Canvas's 2016 event, including a giraffe emerging from a wall.
Alongside Vera, UAE artist @artkal3 will perform a live display of his pendulum painting technique, with audiences able to watch as he creates his works. Also appearing at City Walk will be artist Yaroslava Deeb, who uses sand, glitter and a projector to produce frames of live art that appear animated.
Thursday, July 30 to Monday, August 31, times vary; free; City Walk, Al Safa Street, Dubai; www.citywalk.ae
3. Try Dubai’s new opera brunch
A new brunch with a twist is launching in Dubai this Friday. Vanitas in The Palazzo Versace will be taken over by Secret Parties for the first of its Secret Palazzo Versace Brunches, which will fuse high-end Italian cuisine with live opera music from singer Joseph Terterian.
Although far from your average classical music, expect to hear your favourite party tunes given an operatic twist, accompanied by an electric violinist. On the menu, you can expect to find dishes including seafood arancini, tagliata di manzo (roasted beef tenderloin) and branzino (pan-seared sea bass fillet) all brought to the table and shared family-style. Prices start at Dh345.
Those looking to really treat themselves this Eid weekend can upgrade their brunch package with a staycation deal for Dh350 per person on top of the price of brunch.
Fridays from July 31; 1pm-4pm; from Dh345; Vanitas, Palazzo Versace Dubai, Jaddaf Waterfront; www.secret-parties.com
4. Yoga in the clouds
Start your Eid weekend right with Yoga at the Top, a session being held by Dubai’s Core Direction. The class will be conducted at Burj Khalifa's observation deck on the 124th floor, offering spectacular views across the city. It is open to all experience levels, and must be booked online via Core Direction’s app. The session will run from 7am to 8am on Thursday, July 30, and will be taking place every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday until September 3.
Thursday, July 30, 7am-8am; Dh149; Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai; www.coredirection.com/atthetop
5. Visit Ripe Market and win prizes at Nakheel Mall
Nakheel Mall on Palm Jumeirah will be hosting a number of promotions and events to celebrate Eid Al Adha. Across the weekend, there will be live performances by musicians, an art exhibition, and the Ripe Market Retail Pop Up will be there on Friday and Saturday. As part of Dubai Summer Susprises, the mall is also offering shoppers the chance to win daily and weekly prizes, from mall gift cards to cash rewards.
Daily, 10am-10pm; free; Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai; www.nakheelmall.ae
6. Escape to Italy with Dubai’s Cinema Akil
As part of its ongoing Cinema Akil Traveller series, the Dubai arthouse cinema will be showing a number of Italian films this Eid weekend to help you journey to Italy.
On Thursday, July 30, it will host two screenings of Il Postino (The Postman), often touted as one of the most romantic films ever made. Set in 1950s Italy, this re-released and remastered picture tells a story of poetry, love and friendship, made evermore poignant by the fact actor Massimo Troisi, playing the poorly educated Postman, died the day after filming ended.
On Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1, it will host screenings of Gabriele Salvatores's Mediterraneo, set during the Second World War on a seemingly deserted island in the middle of the Aegean Sea. After their ship is sunk by the British, a unit of Italian soldiers finds refuge on the island, where they soon realise the area is not deserted after all.
Thursday, July 30 to Saturday, August 1, 7pm and 10pm; Dh52.50; Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai; 04 223 1139, www.cinemaakil.com
7. Learn to ski in 48 hours
Spend the Eid weekend escaping the summer heat and learning a new skill by taking to the slopes at Ski Dubai. The Mall of the Emirates attraction has launched a summer deal perfect for beginners, helping them learn to ski or snowboard in 48 hours. Over the course of two days, participants will be given four lessons with a certified instructor – one 60-minute and three 90-minute sessions. The cost is Dh600 per person, and includes all equipment hire, as well as a hot chocolate after each session.
Daily, 10am-10pm; Dh600; Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates; 800 386, www.skidxb.com
8. Take a tour of Louvre Abu Dhabi
Visit the reopened Louvre Abu Dhabi to see the exhibition Furusiyya: The Art of Chivalry between East and West. On view are more than 130 artefacts, from weaponry and armour to manuscripts and decorative objects. This includes swords, crossbows, turban helmets and medallions, as well as items of artistry such as ceramic bowls, reliefs and tapestries. Divided into three sections, the exhibition examines the emergence of horse riding, warfare and the lives of knights in the Islamic and Christian worlds.
Advance booking is a must and it's asked that guests arrive 10 minutes prior to in their time slot or entry will be denied. Visitors will have up to three hours to spend in the museum.
Advance booking required, 10am-6.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays, Dh63; Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island; 600 565 566, www.louvreabudhabi.ae
9. Head to the drive-in
The Yas Drive-in Cinema in Abu Dhabi will be showing films throughout the Eid weekend. The movies scheduled are: Training Day starring Denzel Washington on Thursday, superhero flick Shazam on Friday, and action film Baby Driver on Saturday. Popcorn, soft drinks, water and chocolate are included in the ticket price as part of your food package, and extra snacks can be ordered from inside your car. The drive-in cinema has a limit of up to five people per vehicle if family or up to three if not and has a capacity of 65 cars.
Thursday, July 30, Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1; doors open at 7pm, film starts at 8pm; Dh160 per car; Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; www.reelcinemas.ae
10. Visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is reopening but at a limited capacity and with safety measures in place. The supercar-themed park offers a number of rides including the Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster. Children can also get in on the fun with age-appropriate rides such as The Speedway Race and Formula Rossa Junior. Advance booking is required and visitors are asked to download an app to help enhance the contactless experience once there.
Daily, 11am-8pm; Dh295 for adults, Dh230 for children; Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island; www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com
11. Go for a climb
Indoor attraction Clymb is also reopening in time for Eid weekend. Located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and connected to Yas Mall and Ferrari World, the sporting facility features a 43-metre-high climbing wall. There are a total of four walls of varying and increasing difficulty, making it perfect for beginner, intermediate and expert climbers. The sizeable project is also home to the world’s widest flight chamber. Advance booking is required and visitors are asked to download an app to help enhance the contactless experience once there.
Friday and Saturday, noon-11pm, Sunday to Thursday, 11am-9pm; tickets from Dh120; Clymb, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; www.clymbabudhabi.com
12. Visit an indoor theme park
Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi is welcoming guests back this Eid, operating at a limited capacity. Spanning 1.65 million square feet, the indoor theme park is made up of five lands – Metropolis; Gotham City; Cartoon junction; Dynamire Gulch and Bedrock. The park contains 29 rides, restaurants, attractions and shops. Advance booking is required and visitors are asked to download an app to help enhance contactless payment once there.
Daily, 11am-8pm; Dh295 for adults, Dh230 for children; Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island; www.wbworldabudhabi.com
13. Head to brunch on Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat Beach Club will be hosting an extended brunch at Safina over the Eid weekend. Guests will have the option of attending brunch on Thursday, Friday or Saturday, where they can celebrate Eid with love ones by ordering dishes from a sharing menu that will be served straight from the kitchen to the table. Advance booking is required.
Thursday, July 30, Friday, July 31, and Saturday, August 1, 1pm-4pm; prices start at Dh299; Safina, Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, www.saadiyatbeachclub.ae
14. Visit Urban Kitchen at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi for Eid dinner
Enjoy a feast of traditional Arabic dishes such as Lamb Ouzi, shawarma, and hot and cold mezzah. Even though guests will have to adhere to social distancing, there will be live cooking and carving stations. The food will be served in a buffet style layout where station waiters and chefs help fill your plate. It's advised to book ahead of time as capacity is limited.
Friday, July 31, 7pm-10.30pm; Urban Kitchen, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, www.dusit.com; 02 698 8137
15. Catch a free film screening in Sharjah
Catch a free movie screening at the drive-in cinema in Madar at Aljada. Located in Muwaileh, the event is first come, first served, with allocated parking spaces. Films set to be shown are Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides on Thursday, family film Despicable Me on Friday and action superhero flick Avengers: Endgame on Saturday. There is a capacity of 150 vehicles. While snacks aren't included, there are food options nearby at Zad at Aljada. You can order from your car and meals will be delivered to you.
Thursday, July 30, Friday, July 31, and Saturday, August 1; films start at 8pm; free; Madar at Aljada, Muwaileh, Sharjah, www.aljadamovies.com
