Things to do in the UAE this week, from Veganuary menus to showjumping contests

Elsewhere, catch a free horse show in Abu Dhabi or join a friendly swim contest in Dubai

UAE's Nawaf Salem Alkarbi in action arop Leander V during the Al Shira'aa Horse Show 2025 at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. Victor Besa / The National

From food and family-friendly events, to a concert that melds music and meditation in the desert, the UAE events calendar continues to be busy this week. Here, The National rounds up seven things to do around the Emirates, from January 13 to 19.

Monday, January 13

Vegans and those trying out a plant-based diet for Veganuary have a number of limited-time options in the UAE. Signor Sassi at St Regis Gardens on Palm Jumeirah has a set menu (Dh320) with Italian dishes such as artichoke and rocket salad, pizzetta alla marinara, spaghetti al pomodoro, cauliflower with toasted seeds and strawberry panna cotta. Indian restaurant Punjab Grill, with branches at Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal Abu Dhabi and Anantara Downtown Dubai, has a three-course menu (Dh275) with dishes such as banana stem salad, beetroot phyllo in iceberg wrap and masala-pulled jackfruit.

Attiko, at W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, has a sharing-style set menu (Dh325 per head) with dishes such as sweetcorn and avocado tacos; charred cabbage and truffle; smoky eggplant miso yaki with rice noodles; and a dessert platter with mochi, yuzu cheesecake, dark chocolate banana and almond cake and coconut mango tart.

Daily until January 31; various locations and prices

Tuesday, January 14

Tashas – the group behind Flamingo Room and Avli – is opening a grab-and-go restaurant called Nala at Alserkal Avenue. While the official launch is next month, the venue is currently hosting diners for a “dress rehearsal”, where it aims to get honest feedback on the dishes. The canteen-style venue serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with comfort food such as creamy corn, pistachio bostock and beef patty baguette.

Daily, 9am-10pm; Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai; enjoynala.com

Wednesday, January 15

Renowned comedian, best-selling author and disability advocate Maysoon Zayid is performing at the Arts Centre in Abu Dhabi. Her show, Bint Balad, showcases her journey of resilience, humour and triumph. The Palestinian-American artist, who has cerebral palsy, is known for dishing out hilarious anecdotes about her family and culture.

January 15; doors open 7pm; from Dh52.50; NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi; [e-mail]

Thursday, January 16

Catch free showjumping displays at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, as the Al Shira’aa Horse Show returns to the capital. World-class riders, including Saudi Arabia’s Ramzy Al Duhami, Germany’s Christian Ahlmann and Ireland’s Michael Pender, are taking to the tracks for the event that runs until January 19. A shopping village is also set up for off-track entertainment, complete with food trucks and children's games.

January 16 to 19; 10am onwards; Mubarak Bin Mohammed St, Abu Dhabi; 055 525 7255

Friday, January 17

Enjoy a family-friendly rave at Emirates Golf Club. The event brings together a number of DJs to spin beats for all members of the family. Organisers promise the decibel level is safe for children of all ages. The venue will have a festival atmosphere, complete with bubbles, balloons and glitter. Arts and crafts stations and face-painting spots are also on site. The event is free, but registration is required.

January 17; 3pm-6pm; Emirates Golf Club, Dubai; 050 878 6728

Saturday, January 18

Art, music and meditation are all on the cards as Ape Chimba Collective fills the Al Qudra desert with its captivating sounds and immersive art on Saturday. Taking place at Al Qudra Yoga Centre, the event will weave music, dance culture and spirituality, kicking off with a meditation flow followed by a ceremonial sunset opener. A curated marketplace will be on site, as well as food vendors. Guests are welcome to bring camping supplies to stay on post-event.

January 18; 4pm-3am; Dh555; Al Qudra Yoga Centre, Dubai; 054 517 3334

Sunday, January 19

End the week with a dip in the cool waters of Dubai Islands at the King and Queen Swim. Participants can choose among different race options, from 200 metres to 3.2km. People of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join. The fastest male and female swimmer of the longest-distance race will be crowned the first king and queen of Dubai Islands.

January 19; from Dh50; Dubai Islands; [e-mail]