21 things to do in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this week: fireworks, Halloween and Party in the Park

Events season is now in full swing in the UAE, meaning a busy week ahead with lots going on. From firework displays in the capital to new art exhibitions in Dubai, there is plenty to keep your diary full. Plus, with Halloween happening on Thursday, there are dozens of spooky events to keep children and grown ups alike entertained.

Check out our top Halloween picks below, along with other highlights from around the Emirates:

Attend a talk with celebrated author Awais Khan in Dubai

Attend a talk by author Awais Khan at Tania’s Teahouse, where he will discuss his novel In the Company of Strangers. Khan will read from his novel and talk about his writing life and journey in publishing, as well as his experiences in Lahore. In his book, Khan tells the story of Pakistan’s elite and follows the tale of a character named Mona. The first part of the evening will be an open mic with limited spots.

Monday, October 28, 6pm-9pm, free with registration, Tania’s Teahouse, 779A Jumeirah Road, Dubai, www.eventbrite.com

Learn to mosaic with an Emirati artist in Abu Dhabi

Learn mosaic art with Emirati artist Nasim Al Majid. Create your own mini mural by painting and gluing mosaic pieces into a work of art. Al Majid carefully selects the material for each artwork, taking into consideration shape, size, texture and colour, and in most cases, cuts and shapes the tiles by hand. Materials usually include shells, coral and other found objects.

Monday, October 28, 5pm; Dh250; Cultural Foundation, Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi; www.culturalfoundation.ae

Catch The Unseen exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi

Visit the touring exhibition The Unseen by Emirati photographer Yousef Al Habshi, which features 27 macro photography images of battle and suspense. See artistic extreme close-ups of tiny subjects – a world not normally visible to humans – that focus on the defence mechanisms of insects. The artist will be on hand to teach masterclasses to beginners and children.

Daily, 9am-8pm, until October 28; Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 02 657 5800, manaratalsaadiyat.ae

Check out a Swedish romantic horror at this Abu Dhabi screening

Catch a screening of the Swedish romantic horror film Let The Right One In (2008). Directed by Tomas Alfredson, the movie follows the friendship of a bullied 12 year old named Oskar and his new neighbour Eli, who also happens to be a child vampire. The film is based on the bestselling novel of the same name. Entry is free but registration is required.

Monday, October 28, 7.30pm; free with registration; Cinema Space, auditorium, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi; register at cinemaspace-abudhabi.splashthat.com

Check out some watercolours from around the world in Dubai

A new group exhibition called The Water that Crosses the Oceans is on at Gallery 76. The show’s journey began in Brazil, before it was taken to India and now the UAE, where more than 100 watercolour artworks from established artists from all over the world are being displayed.

Daily, 9am-4pm, until Tuesday, October 29; free; Gallery 76, Dubai International Art Centre, Jumeirah; www.artdubai.com

Comedy at Warehouse Four, Dubai

Award-winning Edinburgh Fringe comedy is coming to Dubai on Wednesday, October 30, as Mandy Knight is bringing her critically acclaimed solo show to Warehouse Four. Described by critics as “brutally funny” and “a thoroughly enjoyable hour”, tickets to Knight's show cost Dh95 and are available to over 18s only. The Dark Knight show explores the comedienne’s relationship with dark humour and goes into stories about her difficult past.

Wednesday, October 30, doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm; Warehouse Four, Al Quoz, Dubai; 04 221 2160, www.warehousefour.com

Step out in style at Fashion Forward, Dubai

Fashion Forward has returned for a new season — and it’s had a makeover. Dubai’s style showcase will bring together shows and presentations from labels including Michael Cinco, Amato and Yousef Al Jasmi, and this year, for the first time ever, you can shop the collections straight from the runway at pop-ups across D3. While certain events are invite only, anyone can register for most of the catwalk displays, so try and secure your place on the front row now.

Wednesday, October 30 to Saturday, November 2; various timings; free to attend, registration required for catwalk shows and presentations; Design Quarters, Dubai Design District, Dubai; www.fashionforward.ae

Explore a world of luxury at Louvre Abu Dhabi

Louvre Abu Dhabi is hosting the first comprehensive exhibition on the history of luxury in the Middle East, showcasing about 350 objects from 30 countries spanning several millennia. Fashion, jewellery, visual art, furniture and design will all be on show at 10,000 Years of Luxury, which will also feature iconic designs from couture houses such as Chanel, Christian Dior and Elie Saab. It ultimately explores how luxury has been defined by various cultures, from antiquity to present day.

Wednesday, October 30 to Tuesday, February 18, 2020; free with general museum admission; Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi; louvreabudhabi.ae

Horror quizzes at Publique, Dubai

Alpine-themed eatery Publique Dubai is hosting a month of spooky quizzes. If you know all things It, The Shining and The Exorcist, the first Supernatural night is for you, on Wednesday, October 16. Or head down on Wednesday, October 23 for the Conjuring, Insidious and a The Ring-themed evening. True horror fans should visit on Wednesday, October 30, for the Slasher Hallow’s Eve evening; it promises to be a horrifying night, with questions about some of the scariest movies of all time, including Halloween, Saw and Friday the 13th. Quizzes have a minimum spend of Dh100 on food and drinks.

Wednesdays, 8pm-10pm; Dh100 minimum spend; until October 30; Publique Dubai, Souk Madinat Jumeirah; www.publique.ae

See the world’s most expensive guitar in Abu Dhabi

The world’s most expensive guitar is on display in Abu Dhabi until Wednesday, October 30. Covered in more than 11,441 diamonds, the $2 million (Dh7.34m) guitar will be on display at the Jewellery and Watch Show (JWS) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Known as the Eden of Coronet, it currently holds the official Guinness World Record for being the world’s most valuable guitar.

Daily, 4pm-10pm, until October 30; free entry; Jewellery and Watch Show, Adnec Abu Dhabi; www.jws.ae

Enjoy a screening of classic horror 'A Nightmare on Elm Street', Abu Dhabi

Catch an exclusive screening of Hollywood horror classic A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) at Vox Cinemas in Nation Towers. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the film’s executive producer, the legendary Robert Shaye, which will be moderated by The National’s Samia Badih. The event is free, but reservation is required.

Thursday, October 31, doors open at 6pm, film from 7pm; free; Vox Cinemas, Nation Towers, Abu Dhabi; rsvp to bobshaye.event@ imagenation.ae

Party in the Park, Dubai

Get tickets for Party in the Park. The one-day festival will be held at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre and will feature performances from Fatboy Slim, Richard Ashcroft and Lighthouse Family. Headlining DJ Fatboy Slim is expected to play some of his greatest hits such as Right Here, Right Now, Praise You, Sunset (Bird of Prey), The Old Pair of Jeans and Eat, Sleep Rave, Repeat.

Friday, November 1, 2pm to midnight, from Dh250, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai, www.platinumlist.net

Watch the fireworks at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island will be hosting the Yas Mega Mela Festival between Thursday, October 31 and Saturday, November 2. The festival will pay homage to Indian art, food, music and theatre. Over the course of the weekend, there will be performances by Bollywood artists Kanika Kapoor and Ankit Tiwari, as well as a firework display every day at 9pm.

Thursday, October 31 to Saturday, November 2; 9pm; Dh20, free for children under 16; du Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; www.yasmegamela.ae

Have a scary stay aboard the 'QE2' in Dubai

If you are looking for an overnight fright this Halloween, the QE2 in Dubai is offering a Scary Stay Experience for families and couples. The all-inclusive package includes breakfast, a haunted tour of the historic ship and a Halloween-themed brunch. The haunted tour comes in three different scare levels to cater for both children and those looking for a real fright. Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion, while the crew and band will be getting into the full Halloween spirit.

Thursday, October 31 to Friday, November 1; from Dh699 for couples, Dh999 for families; QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai; www.qe2.com/offers

Tackle creepy challenges at TepFactor, Dubai

On Halloween, don a costume and enjoy a 50 per cent discount on TepFactor activities, with the 21-room venue decked out in its creepiest finery. Attempt all 21 challenges and unlock the final chest, all while competing for the mysterious prize up for grabs. And the competition isn't just about your scores in the game, as there will be prizes for the best costumes on the night.

Thursday, October 31, 6pm-11pm; TepFactor Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence; www.tepfactor.ae, 04 398 8438

Saffron's Halloween Brunch, Dubai

Head to a Halloween-themed brunch at Saffron that is strictly for those aged 21 and over. With a zombie-themed bar and decor set to scare, Saffron invites guests to dress up in their most terrifying attire and be prepared to feast on more than 220 dishes. The resident DJ will be spinning spooky tunes and the best male, female and group costumes will win free brunches.

Friday, November 1, 12.30pm-4pm; Dh535, 21 years or older; 04 426 1166, www.atlantisthepalm.com

Take part in the Mercedes-Benz Challenge, Dubai

Register for a spot in the Mercedes-Benz Challenge. Returning for its eighth season, the event features 100 teams made up of two to four people competing in challenges to win the grand prize of a new Mercedes-Benz GLC 200. As part of the full-day event, teams will compete around hotspots in Dubai. Participants must also have a Mercedes-Benz to take part. Rental car company Sixt will be offering special rental rates.

Friday, November 1, 8am-3.30pm; Dh339 per person; Gargash Mercedes-Benz Customer Service Centre, Al Quoz, Dubai; register at www.rushaway.com/gargash

Party on Snoopy Island in Fujairah

Snoopy Island in Fujairah will be the location of a day-to-night beach rave festival, taking place on Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2. The Snoopy-Con edition of the legendary beach rave will have a strong environmental message, serving drinks in reusable cups, and will seek to educate people about sustainability. The musical line-up will feature sets from DJs Tennis, Jimi Jules, Caleesi, Hoolz and Mak.

Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2; from Dh160; Sandy Beach Hotel Resorts, Fujairah; www.snoopybeats.com

Check out a new exhibition at Jameel Art Centre, Dubai

Jameel Art Centre’s exhibition Phantom Limb features 13 artists and collectives who explore the link between material culture and our understanding of the world through sculpture, installation, video, photography and 3D rendering. Those taking part include Forensic Architecture, Pio Abad, Akram Zaatari, Kader Attia and Rayyanne Tabet.

Until Saturday, February 15; free, Jameel Arts Centre, Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai; jameelartscentre.org

Take part in Abu Dhabi’s Neon Book Hunt

Join the evening neon book hunt at Umm Al Emarat Park. Using maps, LED neon lights and detection skills, children and their parents have the chance to “hunt” for books dispersed throughout the park. More than 1,000 titles have been planted for children to find and take home. There are also hidden prizes inside the books, including vouchers from restaurants at the park and free entry tickets to Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Daily, 6pm-9pm; Dh10 for entry; Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi; www. ummalemaratpark.ae

Prepare to be scared at Motiongate Dubai’s Fright Nights

Visit Motiongate Dubai for an early Halloween scare as Fright Nights 2 takes over. The theme park will be transformed into a scare zone filled with walking zombies, as well as interactive photo booths. There will also be three different scare zones to walk through: Horrors From the Screen, Into The Deadlands and The Haunting of The Old Graveyard. Children can also get in on the fun as the theme park will be child-friendly from Thursday, October 31 to Friday, November 2. They can enjoy story telling, face painting and trick-or-treating.

Saturdays to Wednesdays, 11am-8am; Thursdays and Fridays, 11am-9pm; until Saturday, November 9; from Dh275, Motiongate Dubai, Dubai Parks & Resorts; www.motiongatedubai.com