Abu Dhabi

The Big Grill 2018

A three-day BBQ and grill festival featuring top local restaurants and steakhouses coming out to serve meat lovers; live entertainment features African artists tonight, tomorrow Abri and Big Mountain and Abba Mania on Saturday. At Yas Links on Yas Island. Gates open from 4-11pm today, tomorrow and Saturday from 12-11pm. A supervised children’s park will be available for harried parents. Free admission.

+ biggrillfestival.com

Cinematic Experience

Open-air waterpark cinema under the night sky. Sit back and relax in beach chairs or inflatable tubes and watch movies at the Amwaj Wave Pool, Yas Waterworld. At 6pm, every Thursday and Friday until December 28. Sundowner tickets from 4pm for Dh125, and movie screening tickets are available from 6pm for Dh55, children under three enter free. + yaswaterworld.com

Tree Lighting

The customary ceremony at Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi will start with the hotel’s own choir performing carols live in the lobby. Guests can enjoy canapes and juices, from 7.30pm. Free entry.

Shaikh Zayed Heritage Festival

The Festival celebrates the Spirit of the Union and features cultural activities, a dedicated area showcasing replicas of historic monuments. At Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, 4-10pm, until January 26, 2019. Free entry.