Take the family to Ski Dubai to meet Santa Claus. Photo: Ski Dubai
Take the family to Ski Dubai to meet Santa Claus. Photo: Ski Dubai
Take the family to Ski Dubai to meet Santa Claus. Photo: Ski Dubai
Take the family to Ski Dubai to meet Santa Claus. Photo: Ski Dubai

Things to do in the UAE this week, from festive markets to Mother of the Nation


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Festive markets make their return as we enter the last week of November. The weather is ideal for being outdoors, and those who enjoy a spot of culture can check out several events, including African music, photography and a National Day-themed festival.

Here, The National rounds up seven things to do around the Emirates, from November 25 to December 1.

Monday, November 25

The works of Saudi photographer Mohammad Mohtaseb are on display at the Cultural and Scientific Association in Deira until Saturday. The exhibition, called Memoria, features more than 50 photographs captured in various countries around the world – including India, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Pakistan. The works reflect the cultures and identities of people in these regions.

Saudi photographer Mohammad Mohtaseb travels the world to capture people, their culture and identities. Photo: Mohammad Mohtaseb
Saudi photographer Mohammad Mohtaseb travels the world to capture people, their culture and identities. Photo: Mohammad Mohtaseb

The exhibition aside, the week will also include workshops and free seminars presented by professional photographers from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, on topics such as drone photography and astrophotography.

Until November 30; 7pm-9pm; Deira, Dubai; 04 201 7777

Tuesday, November 26

Message of Love, a concert for a cause, is being held at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. It features a line-up of regional stars such as Tania Kassis, Joseph Attieh, DJ Rodge, Michel Fadel and Anthony Touma. The event is being held in support of Lebanon, so expect to hear patriotic hits such as Lebnan Rah Yerja3, Watani, Elle s’appelait Beirut and Waynik Beirut. Donations through Dubai Cares will be accepted during the event.

Doors open 8.30pm; from Dh185; Palm Jumeirah, Dubai; dubai.platinumlist.com

Wednesday, November 27

3Fils and Vietnamese Foodies are collaborating on a one-off menu. Photo: 3Fils / Vietnamese Foodies
3Fils and Vietnamese Foodies are collaborating on a one-off menu. Photo: 3Fils / Vietnamese Foodies

Foodies can head to award-winning 3Fils restaurant in Dubai for a one-night-only collaboration between its chef, Jhonavi Manalo, and chef Lily Hoa Nguyen of Vietnamese Foodies. The duo have curated a four-hands menu with eight dishes, including a trio of summer rolls and duck sausage for starters; A5 Wagyu pho and kushiyaki for mains; and African powerhouse and panna cotta squares with tropical fruit for dessert.

Wednesday; 7pm onwards; Dh600 per person; Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Dubai; 3fils.com

Thursday, November 28

Dubai Festival City Mall is hosting a festive market. Photo: Dubai Festival City Mall
Dubai Festival City Mall is hosting a festive market. Photo: Dubai Festival City Mall

The Bay by Social at Dubai Festival City Mall will transform into a winter wonderland during the Ice and Lights Festival. The month-long pop-up features festive decor, family-friendly activities, various food and drink options and more. There will also be several local vendors selling everything from fashion to homeware. A carnival park area with thrilling rides will keep children entertained.

Until December 28; 4pm-midnight; Dubai Festival City Mall; dubaifestivalcitymall.com

Friday, November 29

The Mother of the Nation festival is heading to Al Ain Square and Mugheirah Bay in Al Dhafra for National Day, and following an Interstellar theme. Several family-friendly attractions will be on site, including a pop-up of Smash Room, where guests can gear up in astronaut suits while shattering items that burst into glittering debris. There's also an arcade zone featuring retro games, foosball tables and PlayStation5 consoles. A carnival area with dozens of rides is also on the cards, as well as art installations, crafts stations and food trucks.

From Thursday to December 2; 4pm-midnight in Al Ain, 4pm-10pm in Al Dhafra; from Dh25; Al Ain Square and Mugheirah Bay; motn.ae

Saturday, November 30

Celebrate African culture via live music at the two-day All Africa Festival at Yas Links, with regional and international artists taking to the stage. Beyond the music, the festival celebrates other forms of African art and fashion. Food lovers can enjoy dishes such as fufu and jollof rice served at various kiosks across the venue. Several entry packages are available, including family-friendly bundles and an exclusive meet-and-greet option with some of the artists.

Friday and Saturday; 1pm onwards; from Dh116.50 per person; Yas Links, Abu Dhabi; abu-dhabi.platinumlist.com

Sunday, December 1

Have breakfast with Santa Claus at Ski Dubai. Photo: Ski Dubai
Have breakfast with Santa Claus at Ski Dubai. Photo: Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai is transforming into a festive wonderland, complete with sub-zero temperatures to capture the magic of a white Christmas. Visitors can also click photos with Santa Claus and partake in snowy activities, from rolling in a zorb ball to racing down in a bobsled.

December 1 to December 25; 8am onwards; from Dh160 per person; Ski Dubai; skidxb.com

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The rules of the road keeping cyclists safe

Cyclists must wear a helmet, arm and knee pads

Have a white front-light and a back red-light on their bike

They must place a number plate with reflective light to the back of the bike to alert road-users

Avoid carrying weights that could cause the bike to lose balance

They must cycle on designated lanes and areas and ride safe on pavements to avoid bumping into pedestrians

While you're here
Company Profile

Company name: Fine Diner

Started: March, 2020

Co-founders: Sami Elayan, Saed Elayan and Zaid Azzouka

Based: Dubai

Industry: Technology and food delivery

Initial investment: Dh75,000

Investor: Dtec Startupbootcamp

Future plan: Looking to raise $400,000

Total sales: Over 1,000 deliveries in three months

Dark Souls: Remastered
Developer: From Software (remaster by QLOC)
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Price: Dh199

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Results:

CSIL 2-star 145cm One Round with Jump-Off

1.           Alice Debany Clero (USA) on Amareusa S 38.83 seconds

2.           Anikka Sande (NOR) For Cash 2 39.09

3.           Georgia Tame (GBR) Cash Up 39.42

4.           Nadia Taryam (UAE) Askaria 3 39.63

5.           Miriam Schneider (GER) Fidelius G 47.74

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MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid

When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

Company Fact Box

Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019

Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO

Based: Amman, Jordan

Sector: Education Technology

Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed

Stage: early-stage startup 

Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.

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Updated: November 25, 2024, 2:04 AM`