It's set to be a busy weekend across the Emirates, with sporting finals, festivals and new attractions to explore.
From Lionel Richie and One Republic at the Dubai Jazz Festival to a new outdoor instalment at Louvre Abu Dhabi, there is plenty to keep you busy if you are looking for something to do.
Here are some of the big events happening this weekend ...
Hear trees sing at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Visit the choir of 30 date palms that sing in unison as part of Louvre Abu Dhabi's new interactive installation, Singing Trees. The songs, which include the traditional Emirati Ayyala, play on speakers strapped around each palm. With the use of presence sensors, the volume of these tunes increases when visitors get closer to the trees. The more people interact with the trees at the same time, the more resonant the music will be.
Daily, until Saturday, March 7; free; Outdoor Park, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island; 600 565 566, www.louvreabudhabi.ae
Visit the Etisalat Beach Canteen at Dubai Food Festival
Dubai Food Festival kicks off this weekend with the opening of the Etisalat Beach Canteen. The festival's flagship event takes the form of a massive pop-up with grab-and-go food trucks, and cooking workshops and live cooking sessions hosted by chefs from UAE restaurants. A dedicated family area will include live entertainment, a kids' zone, a beachside theatre and a gaming square and sports court – ideal to shave off a few calories.
Daily, until Saturday, March 14; 1pm-midnight Sunday to Thursday, 10am-midnight Friday, 10am-11pm Saturday; Etisalat Beach Canteen, Jumeirah Beach (behind Sunset Mall), Dubai;www.beachcanteen.ae/
See Lionel at Dubai Jazz Festival
The Dubai Jazz Festival returns this weekend with one of its biggest line-ups to date. The festival, held at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on Wednesday, February 26, kicked things off with hip-hop legend Ms Lauryn Hill on Wednesday, while Lionel Richie headline on Thursday, February 27. One Republic will be the headliners for the third and final day of the festival, on Friday, February 28. Tickets are on sale now, and start from Dh395.
Wednesday to Friday, February 26 to 28; from Dh395; Dubai Media City Amphitheatre; dubai.platinumlist.net
Wings at O’Learys Dubai Creek
To celebrate the Leap Year, O'Learys Dubai Creek is offering a selection of dishes for Dh29 from Wednesday, February 26 to Saturday, February 29, including chicken wings, classic Caesar salad and chicken quesadilla.
Wednesday, February 26 to Saturday, February 29; O’Learys, Hilton Dubai Creek; 04 212 7570; olearys.ae/dubaicreek
Hear the greatest hits of ‘60s legends, Dubai
Tunes from The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and other legends of the 1960s will be performed during a show at Dubai's QE2 this month. Expect to hear all the classics – Satisfaction, Paint It Black and Hey Jude – as The Revolvers '60s tribute band transports you back to an era of legendary music. Attend just for the show or join the supper club for a three-course meal, too.
Wednesday to Saturday, February 26 to 28, 8pm-10pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and 9pm-midnight on Friday; tickets from Dh162; Queen Elizabeth 2, Mina Rashid, Dubai; www.qe2.com
See Pastor Chris at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is a superstar in Nigeria, and his events there see millions of people attend. He's holding two days of worship at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena this month. Expect a lot of song. There will be three three-hour sessions, one on the Thursday night, one on the Friday morning and one on the Friday evening.
Thursday and Friday, February 27 and 28, from 6pm or 9am; Dh35; CocaCola Arena, CityWalk; 2daysofglory.com
See oud master Nehad Al Sayed, Abu Dhabi
Following a week of masterclasses at Bait Al Oud, Swiss-Egyptian oud master Nehad Al Sayed will perform with his students at the Cultural Foundation Amphitheatre. Bait Al Oud Abu Dhabi is one of the leading music academies in the region. Its aim is to develop the talent of Emirati youth in playing traditional Arabic instruments.
Thursday, February 27, 8pm-10pm; Dh50; Cultural Foundation Amphitheatre, Abu Dhabi; 02 657 6348, www.culturalfoundation.ae/
Launch of skatepark at Saqr Park
Spend the weekend at the launch of skatepark at Saqr Park, the largest public recreational area in Ras Al Khaimah. The free public event, open to everyone, will be held in partnership with Ripe Market and Truckers Dubai, and will offer an array of mouthwatering F&B options as well as retail and craft vendors for those looking for an al fresco shopping experience. In addition, there will be skateboarding workshops from international skateboarders where visitors can learn key techniques and skills, and pick up some tricks along the way.
Thursday to Saturday, February 27 to 29; 3pm-10pm; free entry; Saqr Park, off the E18, Ras Al Khaimah
See the latest French films at Francofilm Festival
The 10th Francofilm Festival will bring nine French-language films to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Films include Oscar-nominated French drama film Les Miserables. Films will be screened at Cinema Akil in Dubai and at the Edition Hotel in Abu Dhabi. See the full list of films here. All non-English films will have English, Arabic and French subtitles.
Friday, February 28 to Saturday, March 7, various times, from Dh52.5; various locations www.cinemaakil.com/films
Hay Festival, Abu Dhabi
Friday is the final day of Hay Festival Abu Dhabi, taking place at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Friday's line-up sees talks from the likes of children's authors Philip Ardagh and Jenny Valentine, as well as an appearance from the 2019 Man Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo. There will also be a 'silent' closing party with Rooftop Rhythms.
Until Friday, February 28, times vary; prices vary; Hay Festival Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat; www.hayfestival.com
Men, sign up for an immersive meditation workshop, Dubai
German sound artist and meditative healer Hansu Jot will host the Men’s Immersion workshop at Life’n One meditation centre on February 28. The session includes short lectures, kundalini yoga, breath work, sound healing, chanting and interactive exercises aimed at finding purpose, fostering healthy relationships, increasing emotional intelligence and generating prosperity, and aims to provide a safe space for men to explore their spiritual side. Jot’s premise is that men should “hold the space of clarity and connection [to] allow spiritually empowered women to relax and thrive”.
Friday, February 28, 5.30pm-7.30pm; Dh250; Life’n One, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai; 056 534 2899, info@lifenone.com
Workout with F45's famous face, Dubai
The hundreds of members of F45 gyms across the UAE will be familiar with Cory George, the face of the franchise, and the man who virtually guides their workouts day in, day out. But this Friday, they will have the chance to workout with Georgein the flesh, at a special outdoor training event at Dubai’s Sevens Stadium. Kicking off at 8am, the workout will include both weight and cardio based movements. The session costs Dh50, and participants will get an exclusively branded F45 Track merchandise pack.
Friday, February 28, 8am; Dh50; Dubai Sevens Stadium, Al Ain Road; 050 180 0354, www.f45training.ae
See Mr Men Little Miss on stage, Abu Dhabi
Art For All is bringing the latest Mr Men stage show from the UK to the UAE. Kids' favourite Mr. Men and Little Miss characters will tell a series of hilarious and colourful stories told through music and puppets. It’s a family show for all ages.
Friday, February 28; 11am, 2pm, 4pm; The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates; Saturday, February 29; 2pm, 4pm; Abu Dhabi Theatre, Abu Dhabi; tickets from Dh69; www.tickets.virginmegastore.me/ae
Catch international dance festival Afterlife, Dubai
Dubai’s new warehouse music venue Hangar 4 will host international dance music festival Afterlife this Friday. The one-off event features big-name DJs including the likes of Tale of Us and Ame, alongside performances from Mind Against, Fideles and Kas:st. The 12-hour festival kicks off from 4pm, with tickets starting at Dh260.
Friday, February 28, 4pm-4am; Dh260; Hangar4, Port Mina Rashid; 056 113 3400, www.alma.art
Watch Akon at a Dubai superclub
UAE regular Akon will return to Dubai this weekend for a performance at d3 superclub Base. The Senegalese-American singer and entrepreneur will be on stage on Friday, February 28, performing his biggest hits including Locked Up, Right Now and Lonely. Entrance is free for the first 100 ladies, and Dh100 thereafter, while for men, entrance is Dh250.
Friday, February 28, doors open at 11pm, from Dh100; Base Dubai, d3, Dubai; 055 313 4999, www.basedubai.com/
Leap Year room rates at The H Dubai
The H Dubai is offering a two-day Leap Year Sale offering 29 per cent off of best available rates on deluxe and premium rooms with a free upgrade to an executive suite. Bookings must be made on Friday and Saturday, February 28 and 29, while stay dates are valid through until December 28.
Book on Friday and Saturday, February 28 and 29; The H Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai; book here
Up your fitness game with MMA-inspired classes, Dubai
Try an MMA-inspired conditioning workout followed by breakfast at Azure.
If your new year fitness resolutions have slipped, pick them back up with an MMA-inspired fitness class at Azure Beach. Former UFC contender Krzysztof Soszynski will join coaches from UFC Gym UAE to lead participants through a series of conditioning exercises designed to get everyone’s hearts pumping. Train hard, there’s a nutritious breakfast waiting for you at Azure Beach when you finish.
Saturday, February 29, 10am; Dh80 (including breakfast), Dh130 (including breakfast and day pass); Azure, Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR; 04 342 1924. www.azure-beach.com
Watch the final match at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
After two weeks of exciting on-court and off-court action at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, catch the men's singles semi-final and final. Off-court there will be entertainment, live music, and a host of eating and drinking options for the whole family.
Until Saturday, February 29, match timings vary from 10:30am to 7pm; tickets from Dh55; Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Garhoud, Dubai; www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com