Top 10: The exhibition Sinyar opens at Alliance Francaise Dubai, Birmingham Quran Manuscript digital exhibition is on at Umm Al Emarat Park, the Chilli Crab Festival starts at Madinat Jumeirah

Your essential guide to what's happening in the Emirates

Alliance Francaise Dubai presents the exhibition Sinyar, which includes images by artists such as Claude Guenard (pictured: a detail of Twisted Tower). Alliance Francaise Dubai

Dubai

Exhibition

Alliance Francaise Dubai presents the group art exhibition Sinyar, the Khaleeji word for the departure of caravans. The exhibition is a showcase of works by Emirati and French artists featuring paintings, multimedia works, art tapestries and more, inspired by the heritage of the Gulf, and pays tribute to the friendship between the countries. Pictured: Twisted Tower by Claude Guenard

Opens tonight, 7.30pm, then runs daily until January 14, 9am to 8pm, Sundays to Wednesdays; 9am to 5pm on Thursdays and Saturdays (closed Fridays), La Galerie, Alliance Francaise Dubai, Oud Metha, Dubai, 04 335 8712, www.afdubai.org

Abu Dhabi

Family fun

Make plans to be at Yas Waterworld on National Day to take part in what is being called Abu Dhabi’s Biggest Water Battle – a full 15 minutes of splashing fun, shooting water with coloured water pistols. The event is open to ticket holders, and will start at 11.46am sharp, in honour of the 46th National Day. The park will be decorated with UAE flags and guests will be able to enjoy interactive games and National Day-themed celebrations.

December 2, 11.46am, from Dh275 for the UAE Residents National Day Offer, which is access to both Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi for one price, Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.yaswaterworld.com

Abu Dhabi

Exhibition

The Birmingham Quran Manuscript digital exhibition is on display at Umm Al Emarat Park as part of the UK UAE 2017 Year of Creative Collaboration. The exhibition lets visitors digitally explore one of the oldest surviving Islamic manuscripts as well as a detailed replica. Adults can take part in a free calligraphy workshop on Monday at 7pm by booking their spot at [e-mail].

Daily until November 29, 9am to 10pm, Sundays to Thursdays; 2pm to 10pm Friday and Saturday, Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi, www.britishcouncil.ae/en/uk-uae-2017

Abu Dhabi

Mall offer

Make plans to attend the Yas Mall Black & White Weekend Sale, where retailers will offer discounts of up to 90 per cent. Plus, families and visitors to the capital will enjoy the roaming entertainment, as well as race-themed decor including checkered flags, an F1 starting-line arch, as well as giant-sized F1 helmets. Spend Dh300 at the mall to be entered into a daily draw for a Yas Mall gift card.

Starts tomorrow, then runs daily until Sunday, 10am to midnight, Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.yasmall.ae

Abu Dhabi

Concerts

EDM musicians Martin Garrix, Carl Cox and Tiësto will perform as part of the Beyond the Track concert series during the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Garrix (In the Name of Love) opens the series on Friday night, followed by Cox (Fantasee) on Saturday, and Tiësto (Red Lights, The Only Way Is Up) after the race on Sunday.

Thursday to Sunday, from 10pm, from Dh395, du Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.tixbox.com

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Abu Dhabi

Kids’ camp

Register your children, ages 4 to 14, for the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort winter camp, with a variety of swimming activities, water sports such as banana-boating and kayaking, beach games, boat trips, island picnics, fitness and Zumba classes and holiday arts and crafts.

December 17 to 28, 9am to 2pm, from Dh200 per day; Dh1,500 for all 10 days, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 02 697 0272, [e-mail]

Dubai

Performance

See Amazing Dubai, a musical performance that takes audiences on a journey from city's beginnings as a small fishing community in the 1800s to one of the world's most modern metropolises. The multinational cast present an upbeat script and production that runs year round, sharing the story of the resilience and strength of the Emiratis and their leaders' vision to triumph against all odds. Audiences will leave with a deeper understanding of the history, culture and heritage of Dubai.

Daily at noon and 2.30pm, plus 7.30pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from Dh120 for adults; Dh90 for children younger than 18, Madinat Theatre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 04 366 6546, madinatjumeirah.etixdubai.com

Dubai

Film screening

See the film Jodhaa Akbar, a 2008 Indian film directed by Ashutosh Gowariker as part of the Cinema Akil series of outdoor screenings, Jewels of Cinema. The historical romance tells the story of Mughal emperor Akbar (Hrithik Roshan) and the beautiful Rajput princess, Jodhaa (Aishwarya Rai), he marries for political reasons. The film will be introduced by an art historian from L'Ecole Van Cleef & Arpels, who will put the jewellery shown in the film in its historical context.

Tonight, 6.30pm, free with registration, Hai d3, Dubai Design District, Dubai, www.cinemaakil.com

Dubai

Festive fun

Register to take part in the Christmas Full Moon Desert Drumming event, featuring drum beats, a buffet dinner in the desert, and child-friendly entertainment including a visit from Santa Claus, who arrives on Clarence the camel bearing gifts.

December 8, arrival from 6pm to 7.30pm; departure from 9.30pm to 11pm, from Dh260 for adults; Dh110 for ages 6 to 14; Dh20 for ages 3 to 5, Planet Tours Desert Camp, Al Awir, Dubai, www.dubaidrums.com

Dubai

Food festival

Visit the four-day Chilli Crab Festival at Madinat Jumeirah and tuck into the famous Singaporean delicacy as well as dishes from the Far East. The family friendly event includes food stalls, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment.

Daily until Saturday, 3pm to midnight today; noon to midnight Thursday to Saturday, free entry; food and beverages to be purchased at the stalls, Amphitheatre at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 04 366 6730, [e-mail]