Abu Dhabi
Cultural festival
Enjoy a day at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, with a variety of activities that celebrate the legacy of the nation’s Founding Father. Enjoy regional and international traditional dances, camel and horse rides, arts and crafts, activities for children, handicraft demonstrations, henna, a souq and traditional food options.
Daily until January 22, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, www.facebook.com/zayedfestival
Sharjah
Concert series
Book tickets now for the Sharjah World Music Festival, which starts next Friday with a concert by Abdullah Al Ruwaished and Balqees at Al Majaz Amphitheatre. Performances continue for four more nights, showcasing sounds from around the world, including Andalusian Night, The Magical Classic & Jazzy Night and more.
January 12 to 14 and January 18 to 19, 9pm, from Dh100, Al Majaz Amphitheatre on January 12; 9pm, from Dh60, Flag Island Amphitheatre all other nights, Sharjah, www.ticketmaster.ae
Abu Dhabi
Exhibition
Catch the final weekend of the Game Van at the exhibition Comic Craze, an exhibition of comic-strip artworks by members of the UAE's graphic artist community, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Enjoy playing the latest gaming consoles including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Wii and more, including fun snacks. Visitors can also see a video room, books, figurines and explore an interactive wall.
Daily until Sunday, 8am to 8pm for the exhibition; daily until Saturday for the Game Van, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, www.visitabudhabi.ae
Al Ain
Karting
Learn the fundamentals and discipline of motorsports at the third Students’ Karting Cup at Al Ain Raceway. Three age categories of aspiring racers will compete over two days, promoting karting as a sport among the new generation and teaching responsible driving skills. The finals for the event are scheduled to take place on February 16.
January 26 for ages 12-15; January 27 for ages 16-19 and ages 20-23, from 10am to 7pm, from Dh250 for the series, Al Ain Raceway, Al Ain, www.skcae.com
Abu Dhabi & Dubai
Outdoor markets
Visit Ripe Market to stock up on produce, shop for gifts and enjoy a community spirit at one of several city venues. Find seasonal organic produce grown locally as well as a variety of superfoods, juices, honey, eggs and essential pantry items. You can also enjoy cooking stalls, vendors selling gift items such as jewellery and clothing, live music and entertainment, yoga and children’s activities, all in beautiful surroundings.
Today, 9am to 4pm, Gate 2, Zabeel Park, Dubai; tomorrow, noon to 9pm, Al Barsha Pond Park, Dubai; 3pm to 9pm, Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi, www.ripeme.com
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Dubai
Performance
Book tickets to attend a performance of Evita at Dubai Opera. The Bill Kenwright production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice show tells the story of Argentina's first lady, Eva Perón, who was seen as the country's spiritual leader after her work for women and the poor. The show, which debuted in 1976, includes the hit songs Don't Cry for Me Argentina and On This Night of a Thousand Stars, and was the basis for the film of the same name starring Madonna.
January 22 to February 3, 8pm daily; plus 2.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, from Dh250, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, www.dubaiopera.com
Dubai
French classes
Resolve to learn a language this new year and take advantage of a 10 per cent discount on French classes with Alliance Française Dubai at their new branch in Dubai Knowledge Park. Classes are also available at the Oud Metha and Mall of the Emirates branches and are aimed at adults and teenagers in various levels.
Starts January 13, run until March 2, various timings, from Dh1,700 for 21 hours of classes, Alliance Française Dubai, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai, 04 335 8712, www.afdubai.org
Dubai
Family fun
Take advantage of an offer from Emaar Entertainment at Dubai Shopping Festival that gives you access to top venues including Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Reel Cinemas, Dubai Ice Rink and KidZania Dubai. Enjoy movies, public skating, visit marine life and more, at discount prices of nearly 40 per cent off.
Daily until January 27, from Dh135 for the Friends pass; Dh230 for the Family pass, Dubai; passes can be purchased at each venue or at www.dubaifunpass.com
Dubai
Winter attraction
Enjoy the final day of the Dubai Ice Rink Snowfest, which features a wonderland of children’s activities, a winter festive market full of gifts and accessories to buy, plus tasty treats that include desserts made with liquid nitrogen. Also enjoy a snow-play zone and snow slope.
Today, 10am to midnight, free entry to festive market; access to activities via waitlist or upon market purchase, Dubai Ice Rink, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, 04 448 5111, www.dubaiicerink.com
Dubai
Exhibition
See the latest instalment of the Perspective: Art Exhibition series, Maqam Al Saba by Maysa Mohammed, which showcases 30 images by the Syrian artist that narrate a story of the cultural and social landscape of her country. The bright colours and playful art represent the belief that despite pain, there is plenty of room for life.
Daily until February 14, 10 am to 10pm, Le Patio, St Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, www.stregisdubai.com
