Now that it’s December, the festive spirit is in full swing across the UAE. With cooler temperatures, it’s the perfect time to visit some of the Christmas markets and winter festivals popping up in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Whether you're planning a family outing or catching up with friends, there’s no shortage of holiday-themed events to enjoy this month. Here are some you won’t want to miss.
Dubai
Festive Friday at Meydan Racecourse
Dubai Racing Carnival is being given a holiday makeover with activities for the entire family. The one-day event will offer photo opportunities with Santa Claus and his elves, who will have special presents for children, as well as gingerbread house decorating, arts and crafts, live entertainment from harpists and flautists and a snow globe photo booth. There will also be a festive parade with carol singing and a holiday meal with roast turkey, crackers, mulled beverages and other festive drinks.
Starts at 5.30pm; December 20; tickets are Dh50 for under-12s, Dh65 per adult; Meydan Racecourse
Winter District at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Dubai Media City Amphitheatre is celebrating the holidays with a festive marketplace that sells locally crafted gifts, artisanal products and unique items from vendors such as Toy Corner and Joyful Candle. There will also be activities for families such as Santa’s grotto, snowy play zones, arts and crafts, face painting and festive carol singing. Live entertainment is in the form of open mike nights and roaming entertainers. Food vendors such as Joe and the Juice, Freedom Pizza and Garrett Popcorn will also be on-site.
Daily, noon-midnight; until December 22; Dh25; Dubai Media City
Winter City at Expo City Dubai
Winter City at Expo City Dubai returns with food trucks and stalls offering everything from spiced Christmas treats to plant-based bites. Visitors can indulge in German favourites from Munich Finest Bakery, toffee pudding and apple crumble from Alannah’s Pastry, and hearty street food from Vietnam and Peru, among others. Expo City Dubai’s restaurants are also getting into the holiday spirit, with special dishes like winter burgers, duck mapas and plant-based Christmas baguettes.
Winter City also offers live music, a festive brunch at Brunch City every Saturday in December, and a special Christmas Day brunch. Families can enjoy Carols by Candlelight from December 20 to 24, with performances by school choirs and the Firdaus Orchestra. Plus the little ones can enjoy surprise visits from Santa and Mrs Claus.
Daily, 2pm to 10pm; until December 31; tickets start at Dh40; Dubai Expo City
Christmas Market at Madinat Jumeirah
One of the biggest Christmas markets in Dubai is Madinat Jumeirah’s. It is spread over 1,750 square metres of the Souk Madinat. There is also a huge 12-metre Christmas tree and family-friendly activities include a North Pole Train, a four-lane bungee and a Venetian carousel.
Children will also have the chance to take abra rides with Santa and decorate their own gingerbread house. Festive food and drinks will be available while a live band plays seasonal favourites.
Monday to Thursday, 3pm-midnight; Friday to Sunday, noon-midnight; until January 12; Madinat Jumeirah
Christmas Market at Dubai Festival City
The Bay by Social transforms into a candy-themed wonderland, complete with giant candy canes, gingerbread houses and twinkling lights. Visitors can enjoy interactive performances, carollers and characters like Santa and Mrs Claus spreading festive cheer.
There are also plenty of family-friendly activities, including gingerbread and hot chocolate workshops, children’s activities and themed photo booths. Santa's Grotto adds to the festive experience. Live shows and carollers will perform classic holiday tunes on Fridays and Saturdays.
Monday to Thursday, 4pm-1am, Friday 4pm-2am, Saturday, midnight-2am, Sunday, noon-1am; until January 7; free; Dubai Festival City, Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Yas Winter Fest at Yas Gateway Park North
Yas Winter Fest returns this year with a spectacular 10-day celebration of all things festive. Step into a frosty-themed wonderland full of new carnival rides, snowball fight zones and snow slides. There will also be an outdoor winter cinema and a main stage for live performances. Families can enjoy daily tree-lighting ceremonies, artificial snowfall and Santa sightings.
Children can have fun in a mega play zone, make handmade gifts in Santa's workshop and write letters to Santa. Adults can explore the artisan market stalls, savour winter treats and capture memories with interactive photo opportunities. Plus, the entry provides access to free activities such as culinary workshops, festive shows and the outdoor winter cinema.
Monday to Thursday, 4pm- 11pm; Friday to Sunday, noon-11pm; December 13 to 22; tickets are Dh20, children under three go free; Gateway Park North, Yas Island
Winter Wonderland at Galleria Al Maryah Island
The promenade at Galleria Al Maryah Island hosts a Winter Wonderland brimming with holiday cheer. Children can meet famous characters such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the magical Elf on the Shelf and the Grinch. Cosy up with snacks at the outdoor cinema for screenings of classics like Home Alone, Frozen and The Polar Express.
For some added fun, test your skills with games like Rudolph Race and Penguin Pop-Up. Indulge in seasonal treats such as roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate and burgers. There are also other activities such as stocking decorating, snow slides and ice skating that cost an additional Dh10 to Dh15.
Daily, 4pm-10pm; free entry; December 18 to 31; the Promenade, Galleria Al Maryah Island
Winterfest, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Winterfest offers a variety of festive activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy an all-new ice-skating show featuring the characters Bella, Jack and Gio, as they work together to save the holiday season.
Children can explore the Little Pioneers Village, which has snow pits, a mini ball pit for toddlers and gingerbread decorating workshops. Over at La Piazza, there will be daily advent calendar giveaways, while story time sessions and tree-lighting ceremonies add to the festive atmosphere.
There’s also live entertainment, along with cosy holiday treats like hot chocolate and pastries.
Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am-8pm; Monday, Thursday and Friday, 11am-8pm; until January 5; Yas Island
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
MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE)
Matches can be watched on BeIN Sports
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Coffee: black death or elixir of life?
It is among the greatest health debates of our time; splashed across newspapers with contradicting headlines - is coffee good for you or not?
Depending on what you read, it is either a cancer-causing, sleep-depriving, stomach ulcer-inducing black death or the secret to long life, cutting the chance of stroke, diabetes and cancer.
The latest research - a study of 8,412 people across the UK who each underwent an MRI heart scan - is intended to put to bed (caffeine allowing) conflicting reports of the pros and cons of consumption.
The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, contradicted previous findings that it stiffens arteries, putting pressure on the heart and increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, leading to warnings to cut down.
Numerous studies have recognised the benefits of coffee in cutting oral and esophageal cancer, the risk of a stroke and cirrhosis of the liver.
The benefits are often linked to biologically active compounds including caffeine, flavonoids, lignans, and other polyphenols, which benefit the body. These and othetr coffee compounds regulate genes involved in DNA repair, have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with lower risk of insulin resistance, which is linked to type-2 diabetes.
But as doctors warn, too much of anything is inadvisable. The British Heart Foundation found the heaviest coffee drinkers in the study were most likely to be men who smoked and drank alcohol regularly.
Excessive amounts of coffee also unsettle the stomach causing or contributing to stomach ulcers. It also stains the teeth over time, hampers absorption of minerals and vitamins like zinc and iron.
It also raises blood pressure, which is largely problematic for people with existing conditions.
So the heaviest drinkers of the black stuff - some in the study had up to 25 cups per day - may want to rein it in.
Rory Reynolds
'Cheb%20Khaled'
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Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
TO ALL THE BOYS: ALWAYS AND FOREVER
Directed by: Michael Fimognari
Starring: Lana Condor and Noah Centineo
Two stars
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
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ACL Elite (West) - fixtures
Monday, Sept 30
Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)
Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)
Brief scores:
Manchester City 3
Bernardo Silva 16', Sterling 57', Gundogan 79'
Bournemouth 1
Wilson 44'
Man of the match: Leroy Sane (Manchester City)
Most wanted allegations
- Benjamin Macann, 32: involvement in cocaine smuggling gang.
- Jack Mayle, 30: sold drugs from a phone line called the Flavour Quest.
- Callum Halpin, 27: over the 2018 murder of a rival drug dealer.
- Asim Naveed, 29: accused of being the leader of a gang that imported cocaine.
- Calvin Parris, 32: accused of buying cocaine from Naveed and selling it on.
- John James Jones, 31: allegedly stabbed two people causing serious injuries.
- Callum Michael Allan, 23: alleged drug dealing and assaulting an emergency worker.
- Dean Garforth, 29: part of a crime gang that sold drugs and guns.
- Joshua Dillon Hendry, 30: accused of trafficking heroin and crack cocain.
- Mark Francis Roberts, 28: grievous bodily harm after a bungled attempt to steal a £60,000 watch.
- James ‘Jamie’ Stevenson, 56: for arson and over the seizure of a tonne of cocaine.
- Nana Oppong, 41: shot a man eight times in a suspected gangland reprisal attack.
Key features of new policy
Pupils to learn coding and other vocational skills from Grade 6
Exams to test critical thinking and application of knowledge
A new National Assessment Centre, PARAKH (Performance, Assessment, Review and Analysis for Holistic Development) will form the standard for schools
Schools to implement online system to encouraging transparency and accountability
Red Sparrow
Dir: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Egerton, Charlotte Rampling, Jeremy Irons
Three stars
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
MATCH INFO
Euro 2020 qualifier
Fixture: Liechtenstein v Italy, Tuesday, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match is shown on BeIN Sports
