Dubai
Music event
Visit Dubai Marina Mall Music Festival for The Art of Sound, an experiential musical showcase that encourages you hear, feel, see and touch music. The sensory experience allows you to visualise frequencies through colour, walk through a giant stringed instrument and give it a strum, and more. The event includes a pop-up market with food, fashion and art vendors, and regional bands will also be performing.
Today and tomorrow, sunset until late, promenade surrounding Dubai Marina Mall and Marina Walk, Dubai, www.facebook.com/dubaimarinamall
Abu Dhabi
Food festival
As part of the Abu Dhabi Food Festival, attend Delicious Cinema, a dinner soirée that pairs popular movies with meals. Sample five dishes based on five food-inspired films including Ratatouille, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and The Lunchbox.
Today and tomorrow, 6pm to 11pm, Dh95, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, www.platinumlist.net
Abu Dhabi
Food Festival
Umm Al Emarat Park is hosting The Big Piknik as part of the Abu Dhabi Food Festival. The first-of-its-kind food concept is based on a giants’ picnic and is characterised by oversized decor and larger-than-life food props, making for a fun photo opportunity. The event promotes healthy living and will have 16 food trucks, including Casa Mia and Moylo’s.
Today and tomorrow, noon to 10pm, free entry, Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi, www.truckers.ae
Abu Dhabi
Holiday market
Visit the festive market at The Village at Le Méridien. Stroll through the stalls to discover a variety of handmade Christmas goodies, sample classic delicacies and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
Tomorrow, 4pm to 9pm, free entry, The Village, Le Méridien, Abu Dhabi, www.facebook.com/LeMeridienVillage
Abu Dhabi
Family fun
The holiday programme at the Mall at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi includes a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory show today, with imaginative sets and eccentric characters. Santa will also be on hand for photos and to hear the wishes of young visitors.
Today, 5.45pm; 7.45pm and 9.15pm for Charlie and The Chocolate Factory; 5pm to 10pm daily until Sunday for Santa, The Mall at World Trade Center, Abu Dhabi, www.facebook.com/WTCAD
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Read more:
[ American Idol runner up Clark Beckham to perform music residency in Dubai ]
[ The year in review: 2017's best classical music moments ]
[ Dishes to try at Abu Dhabi’s Street Fest ]
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Abu Dhabi
Cultural event
Head to Al Dhafra Festival, where more than 20,000 camels are expected to take part in the annual beauty pageant. Witness a range of events and contests that reflect Emirati heritage, with the aim of preserving local customs and traditions. These include camel racing, a camel milking contest, sheep show and dates competition. The daily programme Life of Bedouin features falconry, camel-riding and poetry circles, plus art exhibitions and workshops, a classic car show, children’s village, and traditional souq.
Daily until Thursday, 10am to 10pm, free entrance, Madinat Zayed, Al Gharbia (Western Region), Abu Dhabi, www.aldhafrafestival.ae
Dubai
Farmers market
The Farmers Market on the Terrace is where you can find a variety of fresh, organic fruit and vegetables from more than 15 local farms. The farmers will also be in attendance to offer insight into their products. There will be stalls selling freshly baked goods and preserves, plus healthy breakfast items from Baker and Spice.
Fridays and Saturdays, 6am to 1pm, Bay Avenue, next to the Skate Park, Business Bay, Dubai, www.facebook.com/TheFarmersMarketOnTheTerrace
Dubai
Theatre
Book tickets for H2 Productions' Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The show will be performed by actors from the UK and a youth chorus consisting of UAE-based singers. It will combine comedy, music, dance and colourful costumes in the English pantomime tradition.
Daily until December 29, from Dh100, Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, 04 341 4777, www.ductac.org
Dubai
Kids’ camp
Mattel Play! Town presents a winter camp for children ages 2 to 10 that features a range of activities and entertainment each day of the week. This includes puppet shows, themed workshops, character games and craft projects, as well as free play. The indoor venue features fun experiences based on Mattel characters such as Barney, Angelina Ballerina and Bob the Builder.
Runs until January 11, 8am to 4pm, from Dh599 per week, Mattel Play! Town, City Centre, Dubai, www.playtowndubai.com
Dubai
Festive fun
Take your family to City Centre malls, which have been transformed into festive wonderlands for the winter holidays. Meet Santa and his helpers at the grotto, where families can take photos and children can receive complimentary gifts and sweets, as well as surprises from Magic Planet. Roaming entertainment includes snowmen, reindeer and a marching band.
Daily until December 25, noon to midnight at City Centre Deira; 2pm to 10pm at City Centre Me’aisem, City Centre Al Shindagha and My City Centre Al Barsha, Dubai, www.facebook.com/citycentredeira