Meet mischievous wizards and dance with dragons this week as comic con and Chinese New Year arrive in style
Today
The 2024 UAE Swat Challenge continues at the Dubai Police training city in Al Ruwayyah.
Open to the public, the show includes exhilarating displays of military grandeur performed by various units of the city’s force – from dog shows to horse-mounted police demonstrations. Swat challenges prove to be the main event, where teams engage to test their tactical skills, precision and teamwork.
Until Wednesday; 8am onwards; free; Al Ruwayyah, Dubai; www.uaeswatchallenge.com
Tomorrow
If you’re craving jellyfish, head to award-winning Japanese-inspired restaurant 3 Fils to try some of the new items on the menu, including, yes, a jellyfish ceviche (Dh58).
The dish comprises cured moon jellyfish from China, marinated in a Peruvian dressing. It is topped with thin slices of rausu kombu, a seaweed from Hokkaido, as well as crispy sweet potato strings, drizzled with tomato and coriander oil.
Meat lovers can try the foiegyu (Dh99), sushi rice topped with two skewers of chargrilled Wagyu kebab and slices of torched foie gras, finished with tare and sudachi zest. Open daily, noon-11.30pm; Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Dubai; 04 333 4003
Wednesday
Lebanese-American comedian Nemr Abou Nassar, popularly known as Nemr, is performing on Wednesday at Festival Bay.
Known as one of the pioneers of stand-up comedy in the Middle East, the comic has travelled the world to share his wit and humour. Performing his material in English, Nemr has made eight full feature shows. He is known for his observational comedy, often making relatable jokes about his Arab heritage. Wednesday; 7.30pm; from Dh200; Festival Bay, Dubai; www.dubai.platinumlist.net
Thursday
Celebrate Chinese New Year early at Dragon Mart on Thursday, as activities are lined up to welcome the Year of the Dragon in the lunar calendar.
Visitors can join a dragon head lantern-making workshop that blends traditional crafting techniques with contemporary methods or be mesmerised by a 42-metre dragon dance – an important symbolic performance in Chinese culture. Until Sunday; 3pm-8pm; free of charge; Dubai International City; www.dragonmart.ae
Friday
Head to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on Friday as the star-studded Middle East Film and Comic Con begins.
An exciting line-up of celebrities are set to appear, including Oscar Isaac and Inaki Godoy,
who plays Monkey D Luffy in the live action Netflix production One Piece. Godoy’s co-star Taz Skylar, who plays Sanjim, will also be there, as well as James and Oliver Phelps, Harry
Potter’s popular Weasley twins. Until Sunday; Friday, 3pm11pm; Saturday and Sunday, noon-11pm; from Dh145; Adnec, Abu Dhabi; www.mefcc.com
Saturday
Flavours of modern Spanish cuisine await diners at Jaleo by Jose Andres for their new weekend brunch, La Feria. Guests will receive a welcome beverage before indulging in small tapas plates of semi-cured aged Spanish beef and charcoal-grilled octopus with potato and confit tomato. Mains include the restaurant’s signature paella and there are chocolate-dipped churros for dessert.
A live band will play throughout the brunch as well as flamenco performances. Every Saturday; 1pm-4pm; from Dh295; Atlantis The Royal, Dubai; 04 426 26 26
Sunday
The Abu Dhabi Flea Market is popping up at Fotouh Al Khair Mall on Sunday. The regular second-hand community event is the best place to browse through preloved bits and bobs, including books, toys, clothes, accessories and household items as well as sports equipment.
The one-day affair is free to attend, but those who want to declutter their own homes by selling old or unused items can book a table for Dh266.50. Sunday; 10am-5pm; free of charge; Fotouh Al Khair Mall, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi; www.abudhabi-fleamarket.com