Royal Bisht workshops at Qasr Al Muwaiji
Tuesday, December 4 and Tuesday, December 18
Qasr Al Muwaiji hosts the Royal Bisht workshops, to explore the robes hand-tailored for Emirati rulers that are adorned with various patterns of gold and silver thread. Participants can try their hand at sewing and admire a collection of bishts on display.
4pm to 6pm on December 4; 11am to 1pm on December 18, free, Qasr Al Muwaiji, Al Ain, www.visitalain.com
Archaeological Excavation at Qasr Al Muwaiji
Wednesdays until December 26
Take part in a simulated archaeological excavation at Qasr Al Muwaiji, the birthplace of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE. Emirati archaeologists from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi will guide participants through a workshop on how to work on a dig site.
From 10am to noon, free, Qasr Al Muwaiji, Al Ain, www.visitalain.com
Zhuang Hong Yi
Wednesday, December 5 to Monday, December 17
Opera Gallery presents an exhibition of works by Chinese contemporary artist Zhuang Hong Yi who combines materials to achieve colourful, 3D images that draw inspiration from roses, irises and tulip petals. Zhuang is also inspired by Chinese folk art and he references Western movements such as Impressionism in his works.
10am to 10pm, Sundays to Wednesdays; 2pm to 9pm on Fridays; 11am to 9pm on Saturdays, Opera Gallery, Gate Village Building 3, DIFC, Dubai, 04 323 0909, www.operagallery.com
Lola Montes film screening
Monday, December 3
Cinema Space and Goethe-Institut Gulf Region present a screening of Lola Montes, the 1955 Max Ophuls film about the life of the 19th-century courtesan, played by Martine Carol, and her romantic relationships with Franz Liszt and King Ludwig I of Bavaria. The film follows her life in an American circus and is a meditation on the fascination with celebrity.
7.30pm, free with registration, Cinema Space, auditorium, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, register at cinemaspace-abudhabi.splashthat.com
National Day celebrations at Yas Marina
Saturday, December 1 to Monday, December 3
Celebrate National Day with a Gulf heritage theme on the Yas Marina promenade, where you can enjoy interactive theatre performances, roaming entertainment, arts and crafts and face-painting, as well as football activities in collaboration with Fifa Club World Cup and AFC Asian Football Cup. There will be stage shows of The Magic Lamp of Aladdin at 4pm, 5.30pm and 5.30pm daily. Plus, stay for the fireworks on Sunday at 9pm.
3pm to 7pm, free, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.yasmarina.ae
Within/Without
Monday, November 26 to Saturday, December 8
NYU Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat present the exhibition Within/Without, which features 25 works from Zaki Nusseibeh’s private collection. The exhibition has been curated by the nine students of the university’s curatorial practice class, and they range from new forms of figuration to expressionist abstraction. The images remind us that artists from a variety of cultures have been putting the self into question and challenging us to look at ourselves anew.
9am to 8pm daily, atrium, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, www.nyuad.nyu.edu
Celebrating Zayed at Wafi
Until Sunday, December 2
Wafi hosts Thank You Zayed, a patriotic expression celebration that lets residents come and express their gratitude to Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan. Visitors to the mall can stand on a podium in front of a large LED screen and take a picture of themselves, which will load onto the screen to build an image of Sheikh Zayed, to be revealed in its entirety on December 2, when there will also be entertainment and festivities such as face-painting, arts and crafts, traditional dancing, food and more.
10am to 10pm, Wafi, Dubai, 04 324 4555, www.wafi.com
My Fat Lady
Monday, December 10 to Monday, December 31
The Workshop and Fann A Porter present My Fat Lady, an exhibition by Lebanese artist Ghida Younes that celebrates women of all shapes and sizes through 56 watercolours that reveal an uplifting journey towards body positivity.
10am to 6pm, Sundays to Thursdays (closed Fridays and Saturdays), Fann A Porter, The Workshop, Villa 45, Street 23B, Al Wasl Road, opposite Boxpark, Jumeirah 2, Dubai, 04 341 2595, www.theworkshopdubai.com
Arabic classical music show at Al Ghurair Centre
Sunday, December 2
Al Ghurair Centre presents a musical concert in collaboration with Brooklyn Melodies Music School. Young musicians will perform Arabic classical music to express their gratitude to the UAE and its leaders. The mall will also feature roaming stilt walkers dressed in the UAE flag’s colours to demonstrate joy of the UAE people. There will also be a variety of activities and entertainment for all ages.
6.20pm to 9.40pm, free, Al Ghurair Centre, Dubai, www.alghuraircentre.com
National Day celebrations at Ibn Battuta Mall
Thursday, November 29 to Monday, December 3
Ibn Battuta Mall celebrates National Day with a range of traditional Emirati festivities and cultural activities to honour the nation’s history. There will be a majlis installation in India Court featuring Arabic calligraphers, falconers and henna artists, and visitors will be greeted with Arabic coffee and dates, while children can enjoy face-painting sessions. There will also be roaming yola performances from 2pm to 9pm on Sunday.
Majlis open 4pm to 8pm daily, but from 2pm to 10pm on Sunday, Ibn Battuta, Dubai, www.ibnbattutamall.com
Kartdrome Winter Camp
Sunday, December 16 to Thursday, December 20; Sunday, December 30 to Thursday, January 3
Dubai Autodrome and Gulf Star offers children aged 7 to 15 an adrenaline-filled spring break of go-karting, laser tag, race simulators, billiards tournaments, video games, team games and competitions at the Kartdrome Winter Camp.
9am to 1pm, with early drop-off available from 8am, from Dh995 per week, Dubai Autodrome, Dubai, 050 429 4860, info@gulfstarsports.com
Live art show at City Walk
Sunday, December 2
Visit an art show at City Walk on National Day presented by London art house Fortune Favours Art, and featuring works by UK street artist Dosa, who pays tribute to the UAE with abstract shapes and layers of paint and ink to depict the colours of the UAE flag on 47 tiles. Emerging contemporary artist Lillie Bernie will perform a live art show, and she and a special guest artist will be on hand to meet visitors. Children can paint in the kids’ corner in a fun and friendly environment.
3pm to 10pm, free, City Walk, Dubai, www.citywalk.ae
National Day celebrations at Umm Al Emarat Park
Friday, November 30 to Sunday, December 2
Umm Al Emarat Park marks National Day with themed decorations around the park and festivities including roaming performances, face-painting, balloon-twisting, a heritage village, craft activities, cartoon screenings for children at 6.30pm and 8pm, and from 3pm to 10pm there will be a bazaar in the Children’s Garden. Children who enter in national dress or in the flag’s colours have the chance win giveaways. Ripe Market will be on hand on Saturday with activities and stalls selling handicrafts and produce.
5pm to 10pm, from Dh5 park entrance fee; events are free, Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi, www.facebook.com/UmmAlEmaratPark
New Year’s Eve Black and White Party at Dubai Opera
Monday, December 31
This New Year’s Eve, Dubai Opera hosts the Black and White Party -- a night of music, dancing and beverages inside the auditorium featuring live performances by Chinua Hawk hand, DJ Said Mrad and DJ C. As the clock hits midnight, guests will enjoy ringing in the new year with LED shows, laser displays and fountain shows at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. Dress to impress in black and white with a touch of gold.
7pm to 2am, from Dh700, ages 16+, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, www.dubaiopera.com
National Day celebrations at #WOWJBR
Saturday, December 1 to Sunday, December 2
Take part in the National Day festivities at #WOWJBR and enjoy an array of traditional Emirati performances and entertainment acts that celebrate the country’s vibrant culture and heritage. There will be yola dancers, Al Rafza drummers, Arabic musicians and traditional mascots, plus LED Cyr wheel performers.
4pm to 10pm, free, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, www.facebook.com/thewalkatjbr
Amit Trivedi
Saturday, December 1
Catch a performance by award-winning Bollywood composer, singer and lyricist Amit Trivedi at Bollywood Parks Dubai. Hits include Badra Bahaar, Shaam Shaandaar and Zinda. The concert will be free for park ticket holders, but tickets for the concert can be purchased separately.
8pm, from Dh49 for the concert; from Dh99 for a standard ticket to the park, Bollywood Parks Dubai, Dubai Parks & Resorts, Dubai, www.bollywoodparksdubai.com
The Wedding Lounge bridal soiree
Wednesday, November 28
Brides-to-be are invited to The Wedding Lounge bridal soiree, where they can browse vendors featuring bridal dresses, lingerie, calligraphy, photography, make-up and more. Get advice, mingle with other brides and find inspiration for your big day.
From 4pm, La Villa Hotel, City Walk, Dubai, search theweddinglounge_dxb on Instagram
Kamal Musallam Trio featuring Veronica
Monday, December 10
Alliance Francaise Dubai presents a performance by the Kamal Musallam Trio featuring Veronica, in its newly renovated theatre. The Arabic fusion guitarist, oud player and producer, Musallam has collaborated with musicians including Yo-Yo Ma, Sting and George Benson, and performs at this event with jazz singer Veronica, the daughter of the late South African saxophonist Mike Makhalemele.
8pm, from Dh80 for Alliance Francaise members; from Dh120 for non-members, Alliance Francaise Dubai Theatre, Oud Metha, Dubai, www.afdubai.org
Art History Talks
Tuesday, December 4
Alliance Francaise Dubai hosts a series of art-history lectures by Philippine Motais de Narbonne, an art lecturer and expert in 19th-century paintings and drawings. This month, learn about intimacy in the 18th century, with a focus on the private sphere ad the individual as the centre of reflections.
10am, from Dh35 for Alliance Francaise members; from Dh45 for non-members, Alliance Francaise Dubai Theatre, Alliance Francaise Dubai, Oud Metha, Dubai, 04 335 8712, www.afdubai.org
Les Gouters Philo
Tuesday, December 11
Alliance Francaise Dubai presents Les Gouters Philo (Philosophy and Snacks), for budding philosophers aged 8 to 11. Led by Monique Thiard, the programme begins with a meditation before discussing the theme of the day, which will be life and death. Children are invited to give their opinion, to listen to each other and share. After the hour, children will enjoy a snack together at Cafe Odeon.
3.30pm to 5pm, from Dh35 for Alliance Francaise members; from Dh45 for non-members, price includes snack at Cafe Odeon, Alliance Francaise Dubai, Oud Metha, Dubai, reservations at 04 335 8712, mediatheque@afdubai.org
Madame Hyde film screening
Tuesday, December 4; Saturday, December 8; Tuesday, December 11; Saturday, December 15
Alliance Francaise Dubai presents screenings of the 2017 film Madame Hyde by Serge Bozon this month in the newly renovated theatre. Mrs Gequil (Isabelle Huppert) is a teacher despised by her colleagues and students. One night, during a storm, she is struck by lightning and faints. When she wakes up, she feels very different.
8pm on Tuesdays; 5pm on Saturdays, from Dh35 for Alliance Francaise members; from Dh45, Alliance Francaise Dubai Theatre, Oud Metha, Dubai, 04 335 8712, book online at www.afdubai.org
French Winter Camp with Alliance Francaise Abu Dhabi
Sunday, December 16 to Thursday, December 20; Sunday, December 23 to Thursday, December 27; Sunday, December 30 to Thursday, January 3
Alliance Francaise Abu Dhabi hosts a winter camp that takes children aged 5 to 10 on a journey of Christmas traditions from around the world, including Lapland, Russia and Africa. They will discover customs of the holidays in this French-language programme.
9am to 2pm, from Dh719 per week for Alliance Francaise members; from Dh799 per week for non-members, Alliance Francaise Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, 02 612 2900, info@afabudhabi.org
Wild Wadi Waterpark National Day Residents Offer
Offer valid until Saturday, December 15
Wild Wadi Waterpark is offering UAE residents a special discount on tickets this National Day, and it comes with a luxury National Day towel and meal. Enjoy all the excitement of a wide selection from more than 30 rides and attractions, including 13 that are interconnected for a seamless experience. Highlights include the lazy river, wave pool; an aquatic roller-coaster ride, and the famous Jumeirah Sceirah slide that propels brave visitors from a height of 32 metres at 80 kilometres per hour.
Open 10am to 6pm, from Dh141 for general admission for 1.1 metres and taller; from Dh69 for below 1.1m, Wild Wadi Waterpark, Jumeirah, Dubai, www.jumeirah.com
Wild Wadi Waterpark Residents Offer
Offer valid throughout the winter
Wild Wadi Waterpark is offering UAE residents a special discount on tickets this winter. Enjoy all the excitement of a wide selection from more than 30 rides and attractions, including 13 that are interconnected for a seamless experience. Highlights include the lazy river, wave pool; an aquatic roller-coaster ride, and the famous Jumeirah Sceirah slide that propels brave visitors from a height of 32 metres at 80 kilometres per hour.
Open 10am to 6pm, from Dh149 for general admission for 1.1 metres and taller; from Dh69 for below 1.1m, Wild Wadi Waterpark, Jumeirah, Dubai, www.jumeirah.com
Groove on the Grass
Friday, December 7
Book tickets for Groove on the Grass, the electronic music and art festival, and see top regional and international performers including TikTok, David August, Danny Daze, Sebastian Kramer, Gigi Masin and Chloe. The outdoor event also includes Acro-yoga, hula-hoop dancing, food trucks, cultural activities, art installations and pop-up stalls.
from 5pm to 3am, from Dh215, ages 21+, Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, www.platinumlist.net
Robin Hood Winter Pantomime
Friday, December 14 and Friday, December 21
Improvised Kids’ Storytime at The Courtyard Playhouse presents Robin Hood Winter Pantomime, a fun, interactive take on the classic tale that goes wherever the audience decides to take it. Children aged 4 to 11 can help Robin Hood rescue his parents from the Sheriff of Nottingham in an entertaining experience for them and their parents.
11.30am and 3pm, from Dh75 for a temporary membership, The Courtyard Playhouse, Al Quoz, Dubai, courtyardplayhouse.com
Storytelling Theatre Winter Camp
Sunday, December 16 to Thursday, December 20
Children aged 4 to 7 can take part in the Storytelling Theatre Winter Camp at The Courtyard Playhouse and explore five picture books: Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers, Winnie and Wilbur in the Winter by Valerie Thomas, Camels Don’t Ski by Francesca Simon, The Snowman and the Snow Dog by Raymond Briggs and How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss. Each day there will be games, mime, role play, arts and crafts and more.
9am to noon, from Dh1,155, The Courtyard Playhouse, Al Quoz, Dubai, 050 781 2269, juliana@courtyardplayhouse.com
Junior Improvisors’ Theatre Winter Camp
Sunday, December 16 to Thursday, December 20
Children aged 8 to 11 can take part in the Junior Improvisors’ Theatre Winter Camp at The Courtyard Playhouse and explore the world of improvisation in a fast-paced week of theatre. Learn about different styles of improv and learn performance skills through drama games, scene work, improv exercises and more. Children will be able to unleash their creativity, express themselves and become lbetrer listeners and storytellers.
9am to noon, from Dh1,155, The Courtyard Playhouse, Al Quoz, Dubai, 050 781 2269, juliana@courtyardplayhouse.com