Guide: Abu Dhabi Summer Season 2017

The annual Abu Dhabi Summer Season returns to the capital from Thursday (July 20), with an exciting month-long programme that runs until August 20. A full calendar of entertainment, shows and interactive experiences for all the family will be staged at hotels, malls and popular locations across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. Headline attractions for children this year will be live performances and up-close encounters with popular cartoon network characters, while adults will be clamoring to see Hollywood comedian Mike Epps. We have the low-down on the top tickets at ADSS. July 20-29 Tom & Jerry In a series of shows called The Crystal Quest , playful cat and mouse duo Tom & Jerry will be seen live on stage during ADSS. When the pair unexpectedly meet the magical spirit of Taja, they are transported to the long-lost island of Pawprint. Shows will take place at Al Raha Theatre in Abu Dhabi from Thursday until Saturday and at Al Ain Municipality Theatre from July 27 to 29. Tickets cost from Dh100 from www.eventboxtickets.com . Children can also take part in an interactive Tom & Jerry experience called The Cheese Maze in Dalma Mall from August 13 to 19. Entrance is free. July 28-29 Masha & the Bear A bold and beautiful ice extravaganza will come to the capital, in the Russian folk tale-inspired show called Masha & the Bear . Staged at Zayed Sports City Ice Rink, the performance will see more than 30 skaters weave their way around a dramatic winter wonderland set with props that reach up to ten metres in height. The show also includes a troupe of dancers and acrobats dressed in elaborate costumes, who tell the tale of a little girl called Masha and the fatherly bear that always keeps her out of danger. Tickets cost from Dh95 from www.tixbox.com . August 3-5 Arabic kids show An Arabic show for families with young children called Iftah Ya Simsim (Open Sesame) will be held inside Yas Mall. In a performance that has been especially written for the Abu Dhabi Summer Season, four main characters from the popular television show of the same name, will embark upon an adventurous expedition. The show will feature well-known Arabic songs, and audience participation will be encouraged. Following each show, children will have the opportunity to meet the characters and take part in arts and crafts in a dedicated workshop on-site. Entrance is free. August 3-5 Fifa mobile roadshow Football fans will not want to miss two travelling roadshows dedicated to the 14th edition of the Fifa Club World Cup this summer. Held at Bawadi Mall in Al Ain, fans of all ages are encouraged to come down and test their soccer skills. The workshops are light-hearted, and athletic activations are aimed at engaging fans across the UAE as they take part in a series of physical and mental activities. Professional coaches are expected to participate and drum up excitement ahead of the Fifa Club World Cup UAE 2017 tournament, which takes place in Abu Dhabi from December 6 to 16, and will feature six continental club champions. August 9-12 Ninja turtles Bawadi Mall in Al Ain will play host to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. In an experience titled Green & Extreme, Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael will introduce children to the underworld of an imagined New York City suburb. The interactive playtime with Nickelodeon's hard-shell avengers will also include turtle makeovers, relay races, meet-and-greet sessions and workshops, where kids can create their favourite character out of balloons. To cap things off, families will be invited to take part in martial arts lessons, where they will learn to perfect their lean, green, ninja moves. Entrance is free. August 3-5 Saudi illusionist Highly-regarded master illusionist Ahmed El Bayed from Saudi Arabia will make an appearance at ADSS as part of his first Take Off world tour. UAE audiences have three opportunities to see him as he takes to the stage at Al Raha Beach Theatre from August 3 to 5. Known for his death-defying stunts and daring feats of illusion, El Bayed performed his first magic trick when he was five. After studying in the United States and United Kingdom, he returned to the Middle East, and continues to perform live shows to his legions of fans at home and abroad. Tickets cost from Dh300 from www.tickets.virginmegastore.me Until July 31 and August 13-31 Global talent show Participants from The Talents Around the World show will gather in one spot at the main atrium of the Bawadi Mall in Al Ain until July31 and then August 13 to 31. Check out performances by Hip-hop dance group XIX Crew, a shadow show by the group Verba, Irish tap dancers Narnia, acrobatic performances by the Habasha Circus Group as well as Khulan Circus group, and a UV reflector sequence by the group Melange, among others. Another anticipated show will involve the ancient Chinese art of shadow storytelling. August 18 Mike Epps Proudly making his Middle Eastern debut this summer in Abu Dhabi is American stand-up comedian and actor Mike Epps. Tickets for his one-off show at Al Raha Beach Theatre, which cost from Dh145 from www.platinumlist.net , are expected to sell-out fast. Best known for his impersonations and roles in films from Next Friday to The Hangover , Epps has grown a considerable fan-base since he first burst upon the scene in 1995. The funnyman was recently seen in the second series of Survivor's Remorse , produced by LeBron James and he is currently filming a biopic where he will portray the late comedian Richard Pryor. August 18 Bollywood concert Bollywood musical icons, composer brothers Salim and Sulaiman Merchant will perform live in Abu Dhabi at Emirates Palace on August 18. Their three-hour show, titled Namaste Abu Dhabi, is expected to be a vibrant all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza. The popular duo is expected to bring a troupe of 20 dancers and musicians with them as they relive some of Bollywood's most famous songs. The highly-respected pair have scored and produced music for more than 100 Hindi films including Kurbaan and Fashion. They have also collaborated with Lady Gaga and Enrique Iglesias. Tickets cost from Dh100 from www.platinumlist.net All month Shopping deals Over ten malls are taking part in the Abu Dhabi Summer Season this year, offering visitors unique opportunities to win luxury gifts. Among the big-ticket prizes are five BMW cars and fifty Abu Dhabi experience packages comprising of a two-night stay in a five-star hotel in the capital. To qualify, all shoppers have to do is spend Dh200 or more at any participating retail outlet in malls across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. A wide variety of sales, promotions and discounts are available at big brands. The five-week long giveaway will run until August 20, with raffle draws held on a weekly basis. Hotel packages Many hotels and resorts in the capital are offering discounted room rates during ADSS, including the Ayla Hotel in Al Ain. Special room rates start from Dh299 per night, inclusive of all taxes. The deal, which includes breakfast for one person and free Wi-Fi, is valid until August 31. The Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan has single rooms with a buffet breakfast from Dh290 per night and double rooms with breakfast from Dh315 with a buffet breakfast. Both rates are inclusive of 10% service charge, 6 per cent tourism fee and 4 per cent municipality fee. An additional Dh15 municipality room fee per night may apply. The deal is valid until August 20. For more on the ADSS and for ticketing information go to www.abudhabievents.ae