For those of you in the private sector, you are most probably getting a 5-day long weekend or at least 3 consecutive days off. Here are our top picks on things to do.
But first check out our guide on amazing staycations to have in the UAE this Eid.
1. Watch the Manchester Derby 2016
Manchester United plays against Manchester City on September 10, don't miss the game for lack of a great venue and good food.
In Dubai – Catch the game from every possible angle with five large projector screens and 11 TV’s at Kicker’s Sports Bar in Dubai. You also get 33 per cent off the entire bill during the Kickers happy hour.
LocationKickers Sports Bar, Sports Village, Dubai Sports City Cost A la carte (33 per cent off during happy hour) Dates Available daily (Derby on September 10) Timing Noon till late; Happy Hour 3pm to 7pm Contact +971 4 448 1001 Email kickers@dsc.se
In Abu Dhabi - José Mourinho and Pep Guardiola are going head-to-head for the first time since joining their clubs and spending millions in the transfer market. Catch up on all the excitement over the derby at Hemingway’s at Hilton Abu Dhabi by the Corniche.
Location Hemingway’s, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road W, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi Cost A la carte (50 per cent off on selected drinks during happy hours Dates Daily (Derby September 10) Timing Noon till late; Happy Hour 12pm to 8pm Contact +971 2 681 1900
Location Hemingway’s, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road W, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi Cost A la carte (50 per cent off on selected drinks during happy hours Dates Daily (Derby September 10) Timing Noon till late; Happy Hour 12pm to 8pm Contact +971 2 681 1900
2. Drive a Jaguar on a race circuit
Experience driving a Jaguar F-type or a Mercedes AMG on the renowned Yas Marina race circuit in Abu Dhabi. Get a passenger experience on SST Radical, Jaguar F-type or a drift taxi passenger experience – all on the circuit that hosts the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. You also get 50 per cent off on the next experience you buy.
Location Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Dates September 4 to 17 Cost Jaguar F-type Driving Dh1,300 ;Jaguar F-type Passenger Dh500; SST Radical Passenger Dh440; Mercedes AMG Driving Dh1,500; Drift Taxi Passenger Experience Dh330 Offers Get 50 per cent off on Jaguar F-type passenger experience when you buy a driving experience; Get 50 per cent off on the second SST Radical Passenger experience; Get 50 per cent off on drift taxi passenger experience when you buy Mercedes AMG Driving Experience Contact 800 927 Website www.yasmarinacircuit.com
3. Eid in Dubai
Dubai Tourism has organised activities across the weekend and after in celebration of Eid Al Adha and there are activities suitable to people of all ages and interests.
See the complete calendar of events here.
4. Cinderella Theatrical Musical at Al Qasba, Sharjah
Over Eid, Al Qasba will bring to life the much-loved fairy tale of Cinderella on stage. Backed by singers, dancers and other performers, the cast will keep you enthralled in the story, but only until the clock strikes midnight.
Location Al Qasba, Sharjah Cost Dh50 per ticket Dates September 12 to 14 Timings 40-minute shows at 5.30pm, 7.30pm and 9.30pm Tickets sold on Platinum List
5. Godiva at The Outlet Village
The Outlet Village in Dubai was inaugurated recently and if the architectural style reminiscent of historical Europe is not enough, what better excuse to go than chocolate? Godiva has opened their 13th outlet in the UAE at The Outlet Village and you can watch as chocolatiers create masterpieces you ordered using fresh fruits and delicious chocolate. This is also the best place to go to buy last-minute gifts that are well worth their price.
Location The Outlet Village, Jebel Ali, Dubai Cost A la carte Timings Sunday to Wednesday 10am to10pm; Thursday to Saturday 10am to midnight
6. Concept Big Brands Carnival 2016
Dubai is the ultimate shopping destination and this weekend, you can shop without breaking the bank at CBBC, the annual shopping festival in Dubai World Trade centre with discounts on leading international brands ranging from 25 per cent to 75 per cent.
Location Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai Dates September 6 to 10 Timing 10am to 10pm Cost Free entry
7. Watch the Eid Al Adha fireworks
One of the best parts about Eid in the UAE is getting the chance to watch the impressive fireworks shows.
Check our guide to know where you can watch fireworks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
8. Family fun at Cascade Dining
Have the perfect family day out at one of the 23 food outlets in Cascade Dining with free family-friendly entertainment at regular intervals during Eid. While the fun starts with Magic Max, the resident magician, roaming jugglers and Titan the Robot add to the excitement. It’s not all about the performers as the outlets gear up to serve up their very best with some special Eid promotions.
Location Cascade Dining, Yas Mall Dates September 12, 13 and 14 Timings Restaurant timings as usual; Entertainment Half-hour performances 3.30 onwards on September 12 and 12.30 onwards on September 13 and 14 Contact for details
9. Badke at New York University
The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi will host a dance performance – Badke which combines diverse dance forms. The underlying theme is about accepting where we are from but yearning to be part of the wider world and the theme also touches upon how underneath the light and celebration, we are all haunted by life’s darker moments.
Location New York University Abu Dhabi Cost Free (register in advance) Dates September 7, 8 and 9 Timings September 8 8pm; September 9 5pm Website
10. Titan the Robot visits Yas Island
World-famous android, Titan the Robot, will visit iconic attractions on Yas Island over Eid. Titan’s celebrity fans include Hugh Jackman and Jackie Chan. Meeting Titan is completely free for visitors to Yas Island and he will be making stops at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (September 9 and 10), Cascade Dining (September 13, 14, 16 and 18), Yas Mall (September 15) and The District at Du Forum (September 17). Get ready to chat and take photos with this celeb as he impresses you with his dance moves.
11. Family day out at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort Fujairah
Fujairah’s famed family destination Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, spreads the warmth of Eid Al Adha with its special festive offers. For families looking to get away just for the day, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort offers an ‘Eid Day Out’ package. The Eid Day Out offer includes pool and beach access and a Dh50 voucher that can be redeemed at any of the restaurants or bars in the resort during the days of Eid.
Location Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort Fujeirah, Al Aqah Cost Dh200 per person Dates September 11, 12 and 13 Phone +971 9 2449000
12. Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan live concert
Pakistani Sufi maestro, Ustad Fateh Ali Khan will perform live in Dubai this Eid. The singer started performing when he was just 7, joining his uncle’s Qawwali group at 15. It is his only live performance in 2016 and the night promises to be one of a kind featuring a live acoustic segment. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will perform all his Bollywood and Qawwali hits in this 3-hour concert.
LocationDubai World Trade Centre Cost From Dh250 onwards Dates September 16 Timing 8pm onwards Tickets sold on Platinum List
13. Nickelodeon Playpark in Dubai Festival City
Inspired by the Nickelodeon HD and Nick Jr. TV Channels, Dubai Festival City has created a Nickelodeon Playpark where children can take part in many interactive experiences and enjoy their favourite shows. Kids can tour play forts inspired by Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles, visit jewellery crafting sessions and use the ‘iPad’ station to explore the Nickelodeon app. Visitors will also get to watch a live street theatre show, The Spark!, for free. The show combines high impact drumming, dynamic choreography and beautiful lighting designs.
Location Dubai Festival City Mall Cost Free Dates The Spark! September 8 to 17; OSN Nickelodeon Playpark September 8 to 26 Timings The Spark! 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm; OSN Nickelodeon Playpark As per mall timings
14. Al Cappone Jazz Band
A roaming music act from Italy, this band features a unique combination of classic jazz and danceable swing music. You can participate in it too as it involves the entire audience singing and clapping.
When and whereSeptember 8 and 9 at Ibn Battuta Mall; September 11 and 12 at City Centre Deira; September 13 and 14 at Mall of the Emirates; September 15, 16 and 17 at Dragon Mart 2
15. Family Fun at The Galleria
Shoppers at The Galleria in Al Maryah Island can enjoy Eid-special activities including a live henna station created traditional designs and a falconry stand to showcase the national bird as well as the importance of the region’s culture. Kids can participate in the arts and craft activities and visitors can get individual craft pieces created by the resident calligrapher.
LocationThe Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi Dates September 9 to 13 Timing 5pm to 10pm
16. Eid celebrations at Mercato Mall
Mercato Mall has quite a few Eid-special events going on for visitors and shoppers. The Quick Change Show will feature performers changing into different dresses in split seconds in front of the audience is one of them. Other entertainment events include breath-taking acrobatic performances on rollerblades, roaming acts, and a kids’ workshop conducted by the performers, which will include painting, themed arts and crafts activities.
LocationMercato Mall, Jumeirah, Dubai Dates September 11 to 17
17. Comedy Illusion Show at City Centre Mirdif
These comedy illusionists combine stunning illusions, mind blowing magic and hilarious comedy into one action packed show. They won the British Idol 2012 and were voted the best illusion act in the UK National Magic Championships.
LocationCity Centre Mirdif, Dubai Dates September 11 to 17
18. Al Qasba, Sharjah
Al Qasba in Sharjah is quickly becoming the go-to-spot for leisure and entertainment in Sharjah. A musical fountain, kids fun zone, Eye of Emirates Ferris wheel, boats tours other attractions can take most of two days to explore in the fullest. The venue also has dining outlets. Add this to your go-to list this Eid.
Location Al Qasba, Sharjah Website
19. Dubai Opera
Going to the opera should definitely be on your to-do list this Eid with some of the most renowned classical shows in opera and ballet such as Coppelia and Giselle. Here are 10 things you need to know about Dubai Opera and 5 major opera houses in the Mena region.
Location Downtown Dubai Cost Dh300 onwards per ticket Website
20. Eid Al Adha celebrations at Wafi Mall
With a traditional Majlis area, local dance performers, henna booth and other traditional activities, Wafi Mall is embracing Eid in a very culturally significant way. Visitors can also take pictures to keep as mementos at the falcon corner or have their pictures printed instantly at the mall photo-booth with options of dressing in the local attires. Children will be greeted by cartoon characters Khosa and Boosa who will be roaming around the mall from 3.30pm during Eid.
Location Wafi Mall Dates Majlis (September 8 to 14) Entertainment September 12 to 14
Movie Time
Check into Gulf News to learn which movies are running every day along with timings and cinemas across the UAE. Click here for more details.
Staying in?
Not up to braving the crowds in Dubai? Gulf News has you covered live sport blogs, movie reviews, health and fitness pages, television news and much more. Check out our most popular sections to find what catches your fancy this weekend in Sport and Leisure.
