10 amazing things to do this weekend in the UAE

                         

10 amazing things to do this long weekend in the UAE

December is the month of long weekends. Here are our top-picks for this weekend!

1. Dubai International Film Fest

The most important thing happening in the UAE right now is this 6-day long festival that kicks off today. International and local actors grace Dubai, the crème de la crème of movies will be screened and you can be a part of all of that.

Location Madinat Jumeirah, Mall of the Emirates and other locations Dates December 8 to 14

 www.dubaifilmfest.com

2. Wrap a Wish!

Help under-privileged kids get their festive dream gifts. Go on and be a Santa to these children by donating stuffed toys, LEGO, books and sporting goods. Once a donation has been made, you can visit witness the impact of the donation on the children who receive them on the official website. This initiative is by Majid Al Futtaim in partnership with charitable organisations such as the Islamic Association in Bahrain, Life Makers in Egypt, Bassma in Lebanon, Dar Al-Atta in Oman, and Red Crescent in the UAE.

3. Dubai Winter Festival

Activities at the Dubai Winter Festival in Dubai Media City Amphitheatre will include Santa’s Grotto, shopping, Christmas tree lighting ceremony and special concerts. During Thursday’s opening night, everyone’s favourite West End show ‘The Rat Pack’ are set to perform their greatest hits with special evening magical entertainment to get everyone in the festive spirit from 8pm.

Location Dubai Media City Amphitheatre Cost Advance tickets from Dh40 Dates December 8 to 10 Timings 4pm to10pm on Thursday; 3pm to10pm on Friday and Saturday.get your tickets at www.dubaiwinterfestival.com/tickets

4. Christmas splashing party for kids

Take your kids to Splash and Party for some festive fun with their special Christmas experience. Set to take place from December 8 to 15, your bundle of joy will experience a Christmas party filled with splash pads, gingerbread house decorating, live mermaid shows, magic shows, dancing, special dinners and of course, some quality time with Santa.

Location Villa no. 1, Street 8A, Al Safa 2, Jumeirah, Dubai Cost Dh140 per kid (entry free for one adult per child; Dh50 for additional adult entry Dates December 8 to 15 Timings 3.30pm to 6.30pm Contact +971 4388 3008

5. Ladies on the loose

Take Friday nights to a whole new level with the amazing music and vibe at VIP Room. At their weekly ‘Wicked Girls Out’ Fridays, ladies can put on the best dancing shoes and party away to genres that include RnB, hip-hop and commercial music.

Location VIP Room, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, Business Bay, Dubai Cost Reserve in advance (Free beverages for ladies all night) Dates December 9 Timings Doors open at 11pm Contact +971 52 881 8888

6. Healthy pizza?

Possible. One definite thing we intend on repeating this weekend at ZPizza is their apple-walnut-goat cheese salad. Try their incredible, natural and healthy menu options. Don’t hesitate to place that order, trust us – we have sampled it. Zpizza has recently relaunched in the UAE with a redesigned look at Eros House, in Al Barsha.

Location Eros House, Al Barsha Cost Various Timings Weekdays from 1am to 12pm and weekends from 11am to 2am Contact +971 4 3449800

7. Holiday story time

Get into the spirit of the season with enchanted stories, arts & crafts, interactive games and a magic show by Magic Phil. Enjoy the festive tunes and snacks at a very special Christmas event this Friday. The books being read at this upcoming event are The Nutcracker by Jane Ray and Sproutzilla Vs. Christmas by Tom Jamieson & Mike Byrne.

Location Virgin Megastore, City Centre Deira Cost Free Timings Friday from 10am to 11.30am

8. The Orange Movement

Join the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children to support them on the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women, at Kite Beach. Move your body for a great cause this weekend!

Location Kite Beach, Jumeirah Cost free Timings Friday and Saturday from10am to10pm

9 Retro Fridays

Do you miss the '80s, '90s and the 2000s? INDIE DIFC sure do, and their Retro Fridays event is guaranteed to make you “jump around” to anthems from Elton, Bowie, Prince and Britney.

Location Indie DIFC Dates December 9 Timings 9:00pm to 3:00am Contact +971554556106 or reserve@indiedifc.com

10. Go pet pets at the Dubai Pet Festival

The UAE’s favourite Pet Show is back this weekend. The event will feature a Dog Show, a Cat beauty competition and Dog agility competitions. There will also be demonstrations by Police K9 Dogs, a petting zoo, pony rides and a kids play area.

Location Dubai Sport City, Rugby Ground Dates December 9 Timings 10:00am to 8:00pm Contact 050 585 1394 or info@petfestival.ae9. Watch a classic show

 Written by Dona Cherian

Dona Cherian is the writer/researcher for Gulf News Guides. She writes guides on lifestyle, events and life in the UAE, travel, health, parenting, new laws, career, leisure and sports.