Your daily guide to community and cultural activities across the Emirates for December 2, 2016, including performances, festivals, art exhibitions, film screenings, health and fitness events, talks, classes, workshops and family fun.
Abu Dhabi
National Day
Yas Mall has an array of activities to celebrate National Day, including a collection of vintage photographs of the UAE’s rulers; a painting by Sheikh Saifi of Sheikh Zayed, Founding President of the UAE; a family walkathon today; traditional dances; falcon shows; henna stations; and an Emirati market featuring local entrepreneurs in collaboration with the Khalifa Fund, with the top seller granted free space to sell their products for up to six months.
Today and tomorrow, 10am to midnight on Friday; 10am to 10pm on Saturday, Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.yasmall.ae
Dubai
National Day
Visit Mall of the Emirates and celebrate the Spirit of the Union with cultural events showcasing the UAE’s heritage, plus fun family activities and performances, including a speed painter; a live show with colour, music, dance and costumes; The Desert Tales, a show that reflects the UAE through time; and a concert by Mohammed El Menhali. Visitors will receive complimentary scarves and flags.
Today and tomorrow, various timings for shows throughout the day, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, www.facebook.com/malloftheemirates
Abu Dhabi
National Day
Yas Marina Circuit has a range of activities available for families to #LetYourColoursFly on National Day. Enjoy free entertainment, live music, an oud player, stories, calligraphy, henna, falconry, dancers, face-painters, arts and crafts, inflatable rides, caricaturists and more.
Today, 2pm to 7pm, free entry, Abu Dhabi Hill, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Abu Dhabi
Craft market
Attend the launch of Marhaba Market at Deerfields Mall. The market will run on the first and last Friday of each month until April, offering family fun and entertainment, as well as 30 exhibitors offering fresh produce, flowers and plants, plus art, handicrafts, fashion items, toys and homeware. There will also be children’s activities, food stalls, football, Zumba and hip-hop dance classes. Today there will be UAE flags handed out to shoppers in the main atrium.
Today, 4pm to 10pm, Deerfields Mall, Abu Dhabi-Dubai Road, www.facebook.com/deerfieldsmall
Abu Dhabi
National Day
Visit Al Maryah Island for the festive celebrations to mark National Day, with performances including ayalah and yola dancers, traditional drummers, a National Day parade, police marching band and fireworks along the waterfront promenade. There will also be engaging activities for the whole family and themed tents representing the elements of the UAE’s heritage and history – desert, sea and oasis – with activities such as henna, calligraphy, weaving and sand art. Plus there will be food trucks, serving up delicious fare on both days.
Today and tomorrow, 3pm to 10pm, Al Maryah Island Promenade, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, www.facebook.com/almaryahisland
Dubai
Mothers’ class
Book a spot to attend Bumps & Beyond Breakfast with Baby Sensory, organised by CitiSpi, where new mothers and mothers-to-be can enjoy an al fresco breakfast of healthy gluten-free dishes, as Oana from Baby Sensory conducts a baby-development class.
Tuesday, 9am to noon, Gourmet by Kcal, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai, register at www.facebook.com/citispi
Dubai
Rugby Sevens
Put on your fancy dress to attend Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens, where the world’s best Sevens players hit the pitch for this annual highlight on Dubai’s sporting calendar. Rugby Village has entertainment, exhibitions and food all day, and the popular Rugby Rock concerts keep fans dancing all night.
Until tomorrow, from 7.30am; from Dh300 when pre-purchased; Dh500 for season ticket, The Sevens Stadium, Dubai, www.ticketmaster.ae
Abu Dhabi
Music concerts
Grab the last chance to book early-bird tickets for the Abu Dhabi Festival and get 25 per cent off to see performances by renowned performers such as Saudi singer Mohamed Abdo, jazz icon Wynton Marsalis, and Chinese-American cellist Yo-Yo Ma with the multinational Silk Road Ensemble. Pictured: Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma
Discount valid until midnight tomorrow from www.800tickets.com/abudhabifestival, the festival runs from March 1 to 31
Dubai
Shop for a cause
Support a worthy cause at Towers Rotana on National Day by purchasing items handcrafted by children and young people with special needs usually sold at Smiles N Stuff – Al Noor Training Centre’s retail shop. Items on sale will include bags, mugs, scarves, bookends, tunics.
Today, noon to 2pm, Towers Rotana Hotel Lobby, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Dubai
Films for kids
Take your little ones for the Reel Cinemas child-friendly screenings at Dubai Mall. Children under the age of 5 can watch for free and enjoy face painting every Friday and Saturday morning until December 31. Films being screened include The Secret Life of Pets and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
Fridays and Saturdays until December 31, to book tickets visit www.reelcinemas.ae