Abu Dhabi/Dubai/Sharjah: If you’re among those who choose to spend the long Eid weekend in the UAE, you’re in for a treat.
Organisers of Eid Al Adha celebrations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah have made sure there is plenty of offer while marking the occasion with your family and friends. Gulf News gives you the low-down on what’s going on.
Dubai
1) Celebrate the outdoors — fun, sun and sand
Families can hit Kite Beach in Umm Suqeim 1 in Dubai from October 5 to 11 for a free public event organised for families and children. Stage shows are no longer just Rigga or mall-bound; they’re on the beach, too. Those up for an adventure may take advantage of the rides for all ages and water activities available for use. Relax and watch the sunset with live music in the background.
2) Eid Fireworks
After a relaxing day at Kite Beach, there’s no going home yet as fireworks await you. The annual Eid fireworks are taking place this time at Kite Beach. Make sure to be there nightly at 9pm from October 2 to 11.
3) Rhythm of Arts
Zabeel Park will transform into a concert stage this Eid Al Adha as several musical shows for the ‘Rhythm of Arts’ event will be organised there from October 5 to 11 from 5pm to 9pm.
A number of bands, musicians and dancers will also keep the audience entertained. The House of Oud, Sherif Moghazy, Canella Trio, Desert Streams, Abri and Funk Radius, Dubai Vocal Ensemble, Dubai Chamber Orchestra, and many more are out to serenade guests.
4) In-mall entertainment — and it’s free!
It’s that time of year again for roving performers to descend on Dubai. Cirque du Soleil veteran Dimitri Bogatirev has brought his 45-minute show to Dubai to bring unrestrained laughter to families at Ibn Battuta Mall daily from October 2 to 8 at 4pm and 6.30pm. Performers will also bring smiles to guests of Dubai Festival City Mall until October 11.
Dubai Festival City Mall will also pay homage to the Emirati tradition as Yulla Dancers have come on-board to welcome guests with their 30-minute cultural dance show from October 2 to 7. Many more dance forms from around the world including those from Syria, Lebanon, Morocco, India and Spain, will take centre stage at the same venue from October 2 to 11.
Fans of Michael Jackson can relive memories of their idol at Mercato from October 5 to 11 for a series of live shows paying tribute to the King of Pop.
5) Revisit the past and learn through science
Dino Live, the world’s largest movable Dinosaur Exhibition, has taken up residence at the Arabian Centre and will be open this Eid Al Adha until next year. Visit this pre-historic world when giant dinosaurs thrived on planet earth.
After seeing the years gone by, get a glimpse of the cosmic creations in a simulation of planets and stars at Planetarium 360.
Sharjah
6) Fun all in one place
Al Qasba, Sharjah’s popular family and tourist spot, has prepared a line-up of international entertainment this Eid Al Adha from October 4 to 6. Visitors will be treated to a fireworks display nightly at 10pm.
Comedy acts by the ‘Men in Coats’ will also keep guests laughing non-stop. The duo have performed live across the globe, including performances for British and European Royalty.
Learning and fun can indeed go hand in hand in Al Qasba as the brainy lot from Nutty Scientists will be wowing Al Qasba’s young visitors with two science trick shows and an educational drama showcasing the Ice Age phenomenon. Five workshops will also be held to teach children what science can do.
7) Live performances
Live entertainment at Al Montazah Park (formerly known as Al Jazeera Park) in Sharjah for the Eid Family Fun and International Show will start from October 4 to 6 at 7.30pm until 11pm. KiKi, aka ‘The TNT Show’ is the first of the two acts featured at the event, which stars Mr Vita, a real-life cartoon character.
‘The Amazing Ball Show’ will feature professional street performer Mark Wallis. The show consists of football juggling, circus ball walking, mime and loads of laughter.
Eid-Fest Abu Dhabi 2014
8) Musical shows
Emirati singer Mehad Hamad is performing in Abu Dhabi for the first time in 10 years at the St Regis, Saadiyat Island on October 5.
Contact info: 055 499 9555
On the same day and until October 6, the Sheraton Abu Dhabi is bringing female singer Mashael, well-known Lebanese artist Wael Kfoori, as well as Fares Karam and Sara Al Hani.
Still at the Sheraton on October 7, a Comedy Show Night featuring Tony Abu Jawde, Carla Haddad, Mario Basel, Janed Zain Al Deen and Hisham Haddad is guaranteed to send laughter roaring across the halls as Arab residents get to see their TV stars live on stage. For tickets, visit www.e2r.ae, the Sheraton Abu Dhabi or by calling 050 556 6282.
Kuwaiti residents in Abu Dhabi can enjoy an all-Kuwaiti show At Al Raha Beach Theatre on October 9 and 10 as comedian Tarek Al Ali and actors Ahmad Al Salman, Mohammad Al Sairafi, Saoud Al Shuwai, Amal Abbas, Abdullah Bahman and Farhan Al Ali set the stage for two special nights. For tickets, please call: 055 955 1313 or 055 955 1212
9) Magic Show
In Al Ain, a magic shows will entertain the entire family. The Quick Change, focuses on a showman who can change clothes in a few seconds while a Bar Jumping performance will highlight the abilities of a strongman performing stunts.
Contact info: 03 7660333
The Al Ain Convention Centre is featuring the Eid Al Adha shopping exhibition including a Thailand-themed section for the first time. It will run daily until October 3, from 10am until 1pm and from 5pm until 11pm. Contact info: 055 999 03 94
10) Mixed events
The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre is hosting the Eid Al Adha Festival until October 2, including daily raffle prizes for visitors. Contact info: 055 6452278
Until October 10, the Marina Mall is welcoming an ice-skating show surrounding the classical journey of Alice in Wonderland. The show will run daily at 5pm, 7pm and 9pm. Meet and greet sessions with the cast will take place at 6pm and 8om. The show is free and open to all.
Finally, the Fashion Saray Exhibition is running until October 3 at Jumeirah Etihad Towers from 2pm to 10pm. The free event will showcase classic and contemporary collection of jalabeyas, kaftans, evening dresses and other Arabic-themed luxury items. Contact information: Aisha Al Aleeli, 04 3804777
