Things to do in the UAE this week: Chat with Santa or meet Ronaldo

While festive fun continues this week, there is also plenty more to do, including a thrilling basketball match, a glittering soccer awards ceremony, a new skating rink and the return of Monster Jam . Here, The National rounds up seven things to do around the Emirates, from December 23 to December 29. Start the week by telling Santa Claus your Christmas wish over the phone. Head to City Centre Deira, where there is a Santa Hotline booth, which allows people to chat with “Father Christmas” between 2pm and 10pm. This bit of festive fun aside, the mall is replete with roaming entertainment, a dazzling Christmas tree centrepiece, plus a meet-and-greet spot with Santa Claus and his merry helpers between 5.45pm and 9pm. Daily, until December 25; City Centre Deira, Dubai; 800 226 255 Basketball fans can support Dubai BC, an Emirati professional team, as they go against a European powerhouse at Coca-Cola Arena on Tuesday. The basketball team is facing Igokea, a Bosnian club, which has competed major international leagues with several championship and cup titles. December 24; from Dh75; doors open 5.30pm; Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai; 800 223388 Take the children to The Galleria Al Maryah Island on Christmas day. In the mall's north atrium, children can explore makeshift tinsel woods and become honorary pine scouts, uncovering treasures and earning badges along the way. Other activities in the area include cane-fishing, bauble-painting and gingerbread-decorating. Also check out the Santa's Grotto, which runs until December 26. The mall's promenade area has also been transformed into a winter wonderland with festive activity huts, stage shows and roaming performers. There's also an ice-skating rink and snow slide until December 31. Daily, until December 31; 10am-10pm; The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi; 02 493 7400 A constellation of football stars is descending upon Atlantis The Palm for the 15th Globe Soccer Awards. The event is a celebration of the sport, attended by top-tier athletes, visionary coaches, astute club managers and more. For the first time in its history, the ceremony will be open to the public, giving fans a chance to be in the same room as some of the biggest names in the industry and a chance to meet them up close. Some of the attendees include English footballer Harry Kane, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays with Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr. Two ticket categories are available, including one that allows access to the main auditorium and the after-party celebrations, as well as a ticket that gives entry to the red carpet and the winners' enclosure. December 26; from Dh3,000; doors open 5.30pm; Atlantis The Palm, Dubai; info@globesoccer.com Gigantic truck extravaganza Monster Jam is returning to the capital, at Moreeb Dune in Liwa. Watch the quirky and colourful five-tonne trucks defy gravity in various competitions, including racing, freestyle and skills categories – set against the picturesque desert landscape. Visitors can pay extra to access the pit party for more off-track fun and a meet-and-greet with the talented drivers. Monster Jam tickets include access to the Liwa International Festival, where a host of other family-friendly activities can be enjoyed. December 27 and 28; from Dh75; 3pm onwards; Liwa, Abu Dhabi From captivating global audiences with their rendition of Stand By Me at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding in 2018, to a scintillating performance at Expo City Dubai in 2020, The Kingdom Choir is returning to the UAE. Led by award-winning conductor Karen Gibson, the group has been touring the world since the wedding, and on Saturday, they are due to perform their greatest hits at Dubai Opera. Expect to hear their latest single Not Giving Up , as well as earlier hits such as Real Love . December 28; from Dh330; doors open 8pm; Dubai Opera; 04 440 8888 Take friends or family to Floored, a new roller skating rink at Oasis Mall Dubai. Skaters of all ages and skill levels are welcome to take the wooden rink floor. The venue, which can also be booked for private events and birthday parties, offers coaching classes to for those who want to take their skating journey more seriously. Monday to Thursday, 10am-10pm; Friday to Sunday, 10am-midnight; Dh70 for unlimited skating time; Oasis Mall, Dubai; 04 515 4000

Things to do in the UAE this week: Chat with Santa or meet Ronaldo

You can also head to the Liwa desert for a festival complete with monster trucks