Things to do in the UAE this week, from festive fun to World Arabic Language Day celebration

Festive cheer goes up a notch this week when it comes to the UAE's events calendar. Dozens of Christmas markets and villages are scattered across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but there are outliers too, such as a food festival in the desert and an art-inspired meal at Louvre Abu Dhabi . Here, The National rounds up seven things to do around the Emirates, from December 16 to December 22. As the school break kicks off, check out Winter District at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, which returns with a bustling Christmas market, seasonal treats and a range of handcrafted gifts from vendors such as Toy Corner and Joyful Candle. Family-friendly attractions include a snow play area and Santa's grotto with carolers. Food pop-ups, such as Joe and the Juice, Freedom Pizza and Garrett popcorn, are on site to provide refreshments. Daily, noon-midnight; until December 22; from Dh25; Dubai Media City Head to Fouquet’s in Louvre Abu Dhabi for an artfully curated meal that draws its cues from the works of four artists – Paul Cezanne, Paul Gauguin, Vincent Van Gogh and Georges Seurat – part of the museum's Post-Impressionism: Beyond Appearances exhibition. Think dishes such as artistic scallops, cauliflower puree and colourful carrot and beetroot starter – all with elements inspired by Van Gogh’s swirls, Cezanne's love for structure forms and Seurat's pointillism. Tuesday to Sunday, noon-11pm; until February 9; Dh325; Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi Catch the last few days of Yas Winter Fest at Gateway Park North. Plenty of festive attractions and activities are on site, from a winter cinema, snow park and a carnival with several rides and Santa land. Best for families with young children, the festival also hosts a range of fun workshops, such as paining ornaments, decorating gingerbread and making slime. Watch out for a quirky freeze wall for Instagram-worthy shots. Until December 22; from Dh20 for general admission; noon onwards; Yas Island, Abu Dhabi In celebration of World Arabic Language Day, Miral is organising a community event on Thursday and Friday called Funoon Bil Arabi. Free for families to attend, the two-day affair features Arabic workshops in tote bag design, bracelet-making and ceramic-painting. Visitors can also attend storytelling sessions, musical performances, puppet shows, as well as meet-and-greet sessions with beloved children's character Faynoonah. Screenings of popular films such as Al Eid Eiden and Shabab Sheyab will be organised, and there's a dedicated henna station too. December 19 and 20; 5pm-10pm; Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi Take the family to Dubai Racing Carnival's Christmas village, where Santa Claus and his elves will put in an appearance to bring festive cheer. A host of seasonal activities are on the schedule, including decorating gingerbread house and other themed arts and crafts. A performance from harpists and flautists is set to add to the entertainment, as well as roaming ice queens, tin solders and more. Guests can take pictures at the snow globe photo booth, while the festive menu includes a traditional roast turkey. December 20; gates open 4pm; from Dh50 for general admission; Meydan Racecourse, Dubai; 04 327 0077 Head to Al Ain's Jebel Hafit Desert Park for Meats & Mountains, a food festival held in the desert by Cucina del Sul. The full-day affair includes unlimited barbecue, including Texas-style brisket, fire-grilled Mexican street food and a kunafa cooked over coals. Emirati cultural activities are also part of the programme, such as a falconry demonstration and guided hikes. Guests can also enjoy camp bonfires and kite-flying sessions. December 21; 3.30pm onwards; Dh378; Jebel Hafit Desert Park, Al Ain Continue the festive cheer at Dubai Opera by catching a performance of The Nutcracker . The ballet masterpiece by illustrious Russian composer Tchaikovsky features the company and orchestra of Astana Opera, weaving a narrative of magic, courage and festive wonder, complete with snowflakes gracefully dancing with the toy soldiers. December 19 to December 22; 2pm, 7pm, 8pm; from Dh290; Dubai Opera; 04 440 8888

Things to do in the UAE this week, from festive fun to World Arabic Language Day celebration

Culture vultures can get into the Christmas spirit by way of a performance of The Nutcracker at Dubai Opera