TOP 10 Your essential guide to what's on in the Emirates
DUBAI STEP UP
Feeling active during the holiday weekend? Head down to Al Mamzar Beach for a laid-back threekilometre group walk. The family-friendly event will offer entertainment, such as a raffle draw, refreshments and a photo service, and is a great way to show your patriotism. You’ll get a certificate for finishing.
▶ Today, 8am; Dh72; Al Mamzar Beach, Dubai; 054 456 6283, www.premieronline.com
ABU DHABI STORIED PAST
To mark the UAE’s 48th National Day, a huge celebration will take place at Zayed Sport City. Called ‘The Legacy of our Ancestors,’ the celebration will tell stories of the UAE’s past, using special effects, sounds and visuals to bring the show to life. There will also be a series of live performances in the evening.
▶ Today, 4pm-9pm; Dh60; Zayed Sport City, Abu Dhabi; www. uaenationalday.ae
AJMAN A NEW RUN
Sign up for the Ajman half marathon, which also features 10km, 5km and 2.5km races. Scheduled to take place on Friday, December 27, it will be a great way to work off all the excesses of the festive season. It’s the first time the emirate will host a half marathon event, so it’s a great way to check out a brand-new course and see more of Ajman.
▶ Friday, December 27, 7am; from Dh63; Ajman Tourism Development Department; 050 529 9221; www. premieronline.com
ABU DHABI TREAT YOURSELF
Escape the festive madness with a visit to Zen the Spa at Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi to try one of three new Forest Therapy treatments. Inspired by the Japanese art of forest bathing, the Aromatherapy Associates treatments aim to bring serenity to the mind, body and skin using ingredients such as pink pepper, cypress and juniper berry. You can also get 15 per cent off until the end of December.
▶ Daily, 10am-10pm; from Dh260; Zen the Spa, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Al Miyani Street, Al Zahiyah; 02 697 9333; www.rotanatimes.com
DUBAI PEOPLE OF THE UAE
The Imagine water and light show at Dubai Festival City will be different on National Day. Tonight, there will be a one-night-only display of Faces of the Nation. Visitors are welcome to take photos in a special booth, which will then be displayed in lights above the dancing water. There will be two shows tonight.
▶ Today, 8pm and 10pm; free; Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City mall; www.dubaifestivalcity.com
DUBAI DAZZLING DISPLAY
Set against the backdrop of the Palm Jumeirah, The Pointe will be hosting its first National Day celebrations. At 8pm today, there will be great views from The Pointe’s many restaurants of a stunning free fireworks display. The waterside promenade offers numerous dining options including Argentina Grill, fresh seafood at Hook & Cook, French and British cuisine at Fitzroy, Mongolian fare at Mongol Ger, as well as a number of fast food offerings from KFC, Pizza Hut and McDonald’s.
▶ Today, 8pm; free; The Pointe, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai; www.thepointe.ae
ABU DHABI FAMILY DAY OUT
Khalifa Park will host a National Day carnival and food festival from today until Saturday. There will also be music and fashion shows, comedy shows and cultural exhibitions, which will be all about the UAE.
▶ Daily until Saturday, from 8am; free; Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi; www.48flags.com
DUBAI SEE SANTA
The Santa Grotto at Maison Mathis in Arabian Ranches will be open from 3pm to 6pm every Monday, and this week is the big guy in red’s first appearance.
▶ Today, 3pm-6pm; Maison Mathis, Arabian Ranches; www.mm-argc.com
ABU DHABI FEELING FESTIVE
Book your spot to help little ones get in the festive mood at The RitzCarlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, which is offering gingerbread-decorating classes in its Dolce Cafe. Children will be encouraged to fashion their own versions of the traditional sweet treat, using marshmallows, candy sticks, candy floss and cookies as decoration.
▶ Daily from Sunday, December 15, to Sunday, January 5, excluding Fridays, Wednesday, December 25, and Tuesday, December 31, 4pm-5pm; Dh175 per gingerbread house; The RitzCarlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal; www.ritzcarlton.com
ABU DHABI SLICE OF JAPAN
For a mid-week Japanese culinary experience, head to Matsu Abu Dhabi at Yas Links Golf Club, to sample treats as part of the new Sakazuki Nights. For Dh99, guests can tuck into a multicourse Kaiseki menu created by Japanese chefs Yuji Abe and Yasu Takemoto. Servers wear traditional Japanese attire in this ryotei-style eatery that has amazing mangrove views. On Tuesdays, ladies can enjoy three free beverages.
▶ Tuesdays, 6.30pm-11.30pm; Dh99; Matsu Abu Dhabi, Yas Links Golf Club, Yas Island; 02 556 0096; www.matsu.ae