From making a vision board for the year ahead to sampling a sandwich, here’s what to do this week
Christmas Day and the leadup to the New Year is always a busy time in the UAE, as the country goes into peak festive mode, with everything from meals and markets to fireworks and family-friendly events.
Here, The National rounds up things to do around the Emirates, from today until Sunday.
Today
Plant-based diners can head to Planet Terra in Dubai for a six-course meal. Christmas Day lunch starts with an amuse-bouche of truffle taco with mushrooms and cream, followed by a starter of (not) tuna tartare with beef tomato, haricots and creme fraiche. For mains, there is a choice between creamy butternut and pesto ravioli with basil, or pumpkin turkey roll with chestnut puree with rainbow carrots and jus. End with hazelnut and pecan millefeuille with cream, strawberries and ice cream.
▶ Monday; noon-3pm; from Dh220 per person, Dh60 per child; The Greens, Dubai; 054 306 6000
Tomorrow
Sign up the little ones for Mess Fest, which takes place in the outdoor area of edutainment play centre OliOli in Dubai. On offer are sensory-rich activities with sand, water and paint.
The pop-up, which runs until Saturday, features different play areas with activities such as paint palooza and mud madness. Children can also blow bubbles and witness fun and educational experiments. ▶ Until Saturday; 10am-7pm; Dh139 for one child and one adult for three hours; Al Quoz, Dubai; 04 702 7300
Wednesday
Cityland Mall has launched a toy festival. The three-month event brings together the world’s leading toy makers such as Barbie and Hot Wheels.
Children can engage in arts and crafts workshops, plus activities such as jumbo games and cupcake decorating.
▶ Until March 22; noon-10pm; Dh60; Wadi Al Safa 4, beside Global Village; citylandmall.com
Thursday
Visit the new Graffiti Art House at Adrenark Adventure. Visitors can engage in fluid art, canvas and ceramic painting or face art under the guidance of in-house artists. ▶ Mondays to Wednesdays, 10am10pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 10ammidnight, Thursdays and Sundays, 10am-11pm; from Dh135; Al Qana, Abu Dhabi; adrenark.com
Friday
Head to Wise Guys to sample the Moist Maker, a sandwich inspired by Ross Geller’s stolen Thanksgiving sandwich. It is made of smoked turkey, truffled mashed potatoes, herb mayonnaise, melted provolone and Kashkaval cheeses packed between slices of brioche bread. ▶ Daily; 8.30am-11.30pm; DIFC; 052 686 3801
Saturday
Join a vision board workshop at Society Dubai. The session will be led by motivational speaker Ira Poladko.
“Vision boards, also known as dream boards or inspiration boards, are a visual tapestry of your goals and aspirations, a simple yet profound way to clarify your desires,” explains Poladko. “It’s more than just images; it’s a personalised road map to make your dreams tangible through consistent focus.”
▶ Saturday; 11am-2pm; Dh330 per person, inclusive of breakfast; Society, Jumeirah 1; 04 222 2811
Sunday
Numerous spots across the UAE are turning into viewing hubs for dazzling fireworks shows to ring in 2024. While Burj Khalifa spots can get a tad expensive, Global Village has not one but seven fireworks displays for a fraction of the cost.
Fireworks aside, visitors enjoy more than 250 dining options, head to the carnival area for rides and games, or shop at the various country pavilions.
▶ Sunday; from 8pm; Dh27 per person; Global Village, Dubai; globalvillage.ae