This long weekend is sure to be packed with activities, shopping, deals and loads of fun - not to mention all the Eid Al Adha celebrations. Let's get planning!
If you're a last-minute traveller, here are 5 budget travel destinations from the UAE
Free Eid fireworks across UAE
Residents and visitors are in for a treat during Eid Al Adha, with four different UAE venues featuring fireworks.
Read our fireworks guide for details of venues and times.
Onasadhya at Address Dubai Marina
Mazina is celebrating Onam with a wide spread of south Indian dishes, served on silver platters. The buffet style spread will offer 105 types of dishes from starters to desserts. The menu includes delectable traditional Onam dishes such as Kalan (raw banana cubes cooked with curd, coconut paste tempered with curry leaves and south Indian spices), Erissery (raw banana/ yam cooked with coconut jeera paste and dal), and Ela Ada (rice flour cake spread on banana leaf steamed with banana, jaggery and grated coconut stuffing).
Location Mazina, Address Dubai Marina Dates Until September 6 Cost Dh175 per person (includes soft beverages) Dh88 per child (6 to 12 years of age; kids younger than 6 dine free) Contact +971 4 888 3444
Get paid to eat
Yes, get paid to eat and no, we aren't going crazy from the thrill of this being the last day of this short work week. Brunch at Bice and you get paid Dh250 in redeemable vouchers for every Dh500 you spend. These you can use on a la carte items seven days a week. The vouchers are valid only until September 30.
Location Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Dates Vouchers available with brunches until September 20 Contact +971 4 318 2520
Never too early for road safety
City Centre Fujairah's driving workshops will give children an opportunity to get behind the wheel for a fun lesson on how to become safe drivers. The workshops will run for eight hours daily with children being taught theory and practical lessons followed by a test, just like a driving school for adults. At the end of it, the kids will receive a City Centre Fujairah driving licence.
Location City Centre Fujairah Dates Until September 8
Drum n Bass Night at Black Lion
East-London inspired pub, The Black Lion, will be holding its first ever drum and bass night, Bass Invaders, on Saturday September 2. With free entry, the music starts at 8pm going on till 3am. There is also an all-night happy hour offer.
Location The Black Lion, H Hotel Dates September 2, 8pm to 3am Contact 04 359 2366
Neon Fridays at Yas Waterworld
The water theme park will extend its operating hours to 10pm to offer its guests a glowing experience. The new Yas Waterworld Neon Nights bring together a mix of music, performances and light shows with neon vibes spreading throughout the park, while glow in the dark drinks and snacks are served during the night.
The lit nights will feature a live DJ set, playing at Amwaj Wave Pool and a unique LED hydro jet show for the entire family to enjoy. Day-pass holders can enjoy the additional night experience at no extra cost.
Location Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Cost Regular day-pass ticket rates (includes nights) Dates Every Friday Timings 6pm to 10pm
Free beverage with every red card
Enjoy the Premiere League matches and celebrate the red cards given out to players with a free bottle of hops each time at Perry & Blackwelder’s every Saturday. They will also be serving beverages at Dh29 apiece during the screening and opens at 12pm daily.
Location Perry & Blackwelder’s, Souk Madinat Jumeirah Cost Dh29 per beverage; free beverages on red cards Contact 04 432 3232 or at restaurants@jumeirah.com
Understanding Emirati Culture
The ‘Lest We Forget – Emirati Adornment: Tangible & Intangible’ exhibition presents personal objects of adornment shared by Emirati contributors along with memories, reflections and works of art that these objects inspire. Bridging the gap between past and current generations, the exhibition features both historical and contemporary examples and practices.
Location Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi Dates Until September 24
Try Sean Connolly's new restaurant in Dubai Opera
Set to open on September 1, Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera is located on the top floor of the iconic dhow-shaped Dubai Opera, which has the capacity to host up to 350 guests.
Designed with versatility in mind, the brasserie offers pockets of dining experiences with four main areas to choose from; the Raw Bar, the Fire Bar, the central Pearl Bar and the outdoor rooftop terrace, which boasts spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa. The restaurant features a steak and seafood brasserie menu, and old-school music promising a one of a kind dining experience.
Location Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai Date Launches on September 1 Contact +971 4 362 7312
Movies
The Hitman's Bodyguard
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman and Salma Hayek
Captain Underpants
Cast: Kevin Hart, Ed Helms, Nick Roll, Thomas Middleditch, Jordan Peele and Kristen Schaal
The Beguiled
Cast: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning
Eid Al Adha celebrations across UAE
City Walk
From September 1 to 4, there will be pop-ups at the indoor courtyard that will include experiences such as live animal showcases, trivia quizzes, craft sessions, face painting booths, old school arcade gaming stations such as Asteroid, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders and more from The Green Planet, Hub Zero and Mattel Play! Town.
City Walk has also collaborated with Dubai Festival and Retail Establishment (DFRE) to offer some roaming entertainment and performances between September 1 to 8 to enrich the Eid festivities. There will be dance performances from America’s Got Talent and Australia’s Got Talent semi-finalists, Malevo and Superhoodz, among others.
Venue City Walk, Dubai Dates The Green Planet, Hub Zero and Mattel Play! Town activities: September 1 to 4 ; partnership with DFRE: September 1 to 8 Timings The Green Planet, Hub Zero and Mattel Play! Town: 10am to 10pm; DFRE: 4pm to 10pm
Cascade Dining
Guests can celebrate the spirit of Eid with daily Arabic performances taking place indoors at Cascade Dining.
Venue Cascade Dining, Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Date September 1, 2 and 3 Performance Timings Daily on the hour, every hour from 2pm to 8pm Contact 04 2406843
Grooming deals
This Eid weekend Chaps & Co. are offering a list of treatments such as a skin fade haircut and traditional hot towel shave, and extras of a nose wax, ear wax and eyebrow threading. This is in addition to packages and combos including the ‘Balinese Massage and Detox Facial’, ‘Sportsman’s Massage, Sportsman Pedicure and Express Facial’ as well as the ‘In N Out Massage and Express Facial’ amongst others.
Venue Dubai Design District (D3) Date Beginning September 1 Timings 9am to 9pm from Sunday to Thursday Contact 04 2406843
Live events and workshops
Throughout the three days of Eid, Dubai Properties will feature festive activities at its flagship destinations - Bay Avenue, Bay Square in Business Bay and JBR - through a range of live events. In addition, Dubai Properties’ other communities, including Mudon, Shorooq and Al Khail Gate, will host kids’ workshops and fun-filled activities catering to families at their community centres.
Venue JBR, Bay Avenue, Bay Square, Mudon, Shrooq and Al Khail Gate Date 1st to 3rd of September 2017 Timings JBR from 7pm to 12am; Bay Avenue from 7pm to 11.30pm; Bay Square from 7pm to 10pm; Mudon from 7pm to 11.30pm; Shorooq from 7pm to 11.30pm; and Al Khail Gate from 11.30am to 3pm Contact 04 3613596
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Aside from the heart-pounding rides, there will be festive activities such as traditional henna design, arts and crafts, face painting, and an interactive corner for kids. All of these give emphasis to the Emirati traditions as well, as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi fuses its own story with the customs of Eid. They will still be offering the 'Friends & Family Pass' until September 9 and special rate applies for a minimum of 4 tickets purchased.
Venue Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Date Between September 1 and 9, 2017 Timings 11am to 10pm Cost Dh220 per Bronze ticket online or Dh254 at the park's ticketing counters
Hamada Helal performs at The Mall at WTCAD
The famous Arabic singer and actor will perform on the first day of The Mall Eid Carnival followed by a meet and greet with his fans.
Venue The Mall at World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi Date September 1, 2017 Timings 7pm onwards Cost Free Contact 02 5082400
Free Play at Dubai Sports World
Just Play organises sports open day at Dubai Sports World on Eid weekend for children, aged 3 to 16, and fitness sessions for adults.
Children can try a range of fun sports and activities with Just Play’s team of experienced coaches including football, basketball, badminton, gymnastics, tennis, yoga, tag rugby, ballet and more while there will be free fitness sessions at the challenging Ninja Warrior course for adults.
Venue Dubai Sports World at World Trade Centre, Dubai Date Saturday, September 2 Timings 9am to 12pm Cost Free Contact 04 3086124
La Perle
Legendary artistic director, Franco Dragone, produces a live masterpiece on August 31. It will be a combination of artistic performances, imagery and technology.
Venue Al Habtoor City Date August 31 Timings Tuesdays to Fridays at 7pm and 9.30pm and Saturdays at 4pm and 7pm Buy Tickets here
Modhesh World extended till September 3
The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment has announced that the indoor edutainment destination will be on until September 3 for the Eid Al Adha holidays.
Venue World Trade Centre Halls 1 to 6 Date August 31 Timings 11am to midnight Cost Free entry
Mohammad Abdo performs at the Dubai World Trade Centre
The legendary Saudi singer called the ‘Artist of the Arabs’ will sing old songs and traditional Arabic melodies for four hours.
Venue Dubai World Trade Centre Date From September 5 Timings 9.30pm onwards Cost Tickets start at Dh350 Contact 04 3321000
Pure Sky Lounge
Stand on the highest outdoor terrace in JBR to watch the Eid fireworks and enjoy the carnival experience planned at the Beach.
Venue 35 floor of Hilton Dubai, The Walk, JBR Date August 31 to September 3 Contact 04 3747888
Shamma performs at Dragon Mart 2
Emirati singer Shamma will up the tempo of Eid celebrations at Dragon Mart 2 on September 2. The Arabs Got Talent singer will perform on the ground floor of the mall.
Venue Dragon Mart 2, Dubai Date September 2 Timings 6.30pm to 8pm Cost Free Contact 04 3909999
Splash ‘n Party
Children’s waterpark Splash ‘n Party, at Jumeirah, is organising an Eid Al Adha Carnival. Families can dive into activities and splash around with water guns and balloons. Entry fee also includes kids’ meal.
Venue Jumeirah, Dubai Date From September 1 to 3 Timings 3pm to 9pm Cost Dh100 per child and accompanying adult Contact 04 3883008
The Outlet Village's 3-day mega sale
Save up to 90 per cent on favourite brands between 1 and 3 this September 2017 - including Emperor, AX, Mama’s & Papa’s, Gizia Gap, Banana Republic, Loriblu, Fabi, Ferre, DKNY, New Balance, BCBG, Tommy Hilfiger, Pinko, Hugo Boss, Galeries Lafayette, Al Jaber Opticals, Rodeo Drive, Lanvin, Elisabetta Franchi, Rocco Barocco, Under Armour, Michael Kors, Lacoste, Tumi, Montblanc, Diesel, Diesel Kids, Sacoor Brother, Oui/Eden Park, Coach, Zegna and many more.
Venue Located adjacent to Dubai Parks and Resorts Date September 1 to 3 Timings 10am to 1am Contact 04 3173999
Yas Marina Circuit
Yas Marina Circuit has announced that they will extend their ‘Summer at the Circuit’ offers so that they can be enjoyed during Eid Al Adha. You can get behind the wheel of an Aston Martin GT4, Mercedes- AMG GT, Jaguar F-type S Coupe or Formula Yas 3000 on the Grand Prix circuit or slide on down their custom build drag strip.
Venue Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island Cost Dh325 for the Chevrolet Camaro Drag Experience and 25 per cent discount off all DriveYAS Experiences Contact 800 927
Staying in?
Not up to braving the crowds in Dubai?
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